Cartoon Cuts is pleased to offer some tips that will help you keep your hair healthy and looking its best!

 

What is the best way to shampoo and condition?

Shampoo with cool or warm water, as hot water tends to dry the scalp. Apply a small amount (the size of a quarter) on the palm of your hand and rub together to evenly distribute the shampoo. You do not have to rinse and repeat unless your scalp is oily.

Once a month, you might want to use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of shampoo build-up. However, using this product too often will dry out your hair.

If you choose to condition, apply a small amount of conditioner in your hand, and evenly distribute from the middle of the hair shaft down to the ends. Do not massage into your scalp, unless it is dry. Comb the conditioner through your hair, leave it on for a few seconds, and rinse thoroughly.

   
What is the best way to brush and comb my hair?
Never brush hair when it is wet. Detangle your hair with your fingers or with a comb. Always comb your hair before brushing it. Comb from the bottom up, getting knows out a few inches at a time. Buy a good comb with wide teeth. Cheap plastic combs break the hair and cause static electricity. After combing your hair, run a brush through from the top down.

 

What are lice and how do I find them?

Lice are translucent parasites that cling to the hair shaft, predominantly around the ears and the nape of the neck. Nits, or lice eggs, look like grains of salt. Unlike dandruff, they cannot easily be brushed off.

   
How do I get rid of lice?

First, call your pediatrician. They might recommend an over-the-counter shampoo, like Nix or RID. Second, shampoo thoroughly. Then comb the hair with the special fine-toothed comb. Some lice may have a resistance to over-the-counter shampoos. Your doctor may prescribe Lindane, which is for children over the age of ten. Again, shampoo and comb the hair.

   
Are there oral medications my child can take to get rid of lice?
Some oral medications may be used to kill lice that have developed a resistance to shampoos. These include Ivermectin and Bactrim. Again, you must get these from your physician.
   
Are there any all-natural remedies I can use on my child's hair to get rid of lice?
There are some natural and home remedies such as margarine, petroleum jelly, olive oil, mayonnaise or baby oil, that when applied, may work. Before bedtime, coat your child's hair with any of these, wear a shower cap overnight and shampoo the next morning. This should kill the lice but not the newly hatched nits. You should repeat this treat again after one week.
   
How do I get chlorine out of my hair?
The best way to prevent chlorine damage is to do something about it before entering the pool. Wet your hair, and apply a leave-in conditioner before going into the water. When you are finished swimming, rinse out the conditioner in the shower. If you do this you won't need a clarifying shampoo to remove the chlorine. Clarifying shampoos, used daily, may dry out the hair.
   
How can I remove gum in my child's hair?
Peanut butter, rubbed in the affected spot, is a great way to remove gum. The oil from the peanut butter will slide the gum right out. Be sure to wash the hair afterward.
   
How can I get rid of static electricity?
After the hair is dry, spray some hairspray on your hairbrush and brush it through from the roots to the ends.
   
Are there any all-natural ways to get rid of dandruff?
Vitamin E capsules or vitamin E oil, rubbed into the scalp, may take away dandruff. Another option is to apply aloe vera gel all over the head and leave it on for five minutes. Then, the hair should be shampooed and rinsed.

 

Fine Hair?

A short, blunt haircut will keep fine hair looking full. You should use a normalizing shampoo, as fine hair lacks protein.

   
Coarse Hair?

Coarse hair is at its best when left at a medium to long length. Too short, and the hair will stand up. You should use a moisturizing shampoo to soften the hair.

   

Oily Hair?

Oily hair should be shampooed daily with a normalizing shampoo. Do not use a conditioner after you shampoo. If you must, you can use a spray-in conditioner or detangler.

   

Dry Hair?
Dry hair is caused by blow-drying, chemicals and poor maintenance, among other things. If possible, do not completely blow-dry your hair. If you need to dry your hair completely, use the dryer at a lower setting. Shampoo every other day, and use a conditioner. If you must color your hair, use a low ammonia, low peroxide color.