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Hair and water--5 facts that you should know

Before you comb, style, or apply heat to your hair, here are 5 facts about hair and water that you should know:

1. Hair consists of 10 to 13 percent water, even when it is dry. 

2. Wet hair has 100 percent moisture level.

3. Hair can absorb 30 percent of its weight in water. 

4. Hair is more vulnerable when wet because the hydrogen bonds that reinforced it have been broken. 

5. Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Blow dryers, curling irons, and hot rollers can reach up to 390 degrees, flatirons around 450 degrees, and pressing combs nearly 500 degrees.  In other words, heated styling tools can boil the water inside of your hair shaft, so use with caution.

How to make your own leave-in conditioner

To make your own leave-in conditioner, mix 1 pint of distilled water with 1 tablespoon of your favorite conditioner and put it in a spray bottle.  For aromatherapy and other health benefits, also add 3 to 6 drops of an essential oil such as lavender, rosemary, or ylang ylang to the mixture.  Shake well before using.

Potato water can help your hair grow faster

Potatoes are rich in many vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B Complex, which are all very beneficial for your hair.  The following is a well-known natural remedy to accelerate hair growth:  Peel and then boil 3 to 4 potatoes for about 15 minutes.  Remove the potatoes and let the water cool.  Wash your hair and then rinse it with the potato water.  The potato water will strengthen your hair roots and energize your scalp.  For best results, use the water the same day.

Two options for moisturizing and sealing natural hair between washings

There are so many different ways to moisturize natural hair that one can get confused about which regimen to choose.  Unfortunately there is no exact answer, and the only way to find what works best for your hair type is by trial and error.  One option is to apply about a nickel-sized amount of a light lotion or cream leave-in conditioner.  These are usually labeled "daily conditioner" and list water as the first ingredient.  You could then seal your hair with a nickel-sized amount of grapeseed, almond, or jojoba oil--all which are very effective.  Another option is to mix 1 tablespoon of the conditioner with 1 pint of distilled water and put it in a spray bottle.  Spritz your hair to moisturize and then seal with the oil of your choice.  Remember to concentrate mostly on your ends and to wash your hair frequently to avoid product buildup.