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I was never a fan of science class. Even today if someone starts spewing large scientific words, I mentally check out. However the further I delve into maintaining healthy hair, the more I realize that the science of my hair matters. Not only does the science of my hair matter towards keeping it healthy, it matters because it helps to save me money. Being a product junkie isn’t cheap. Nor is running to the store to try every new product because you can’t find the right product that works in your hair. Having a basic understanding of the science of your hair will help you save time, money and some peace of mind. So let’s minimize the hair frustration, get you back some valuable time in your schedule and help keep a few more dollars in your bank account by looking at the 4 basic science tips everyone needs to know about their hair.

1, Your hair and nails are the last part of your body to receive nutrients from your food intake.

Yes it is reaching the point of redundancy to constantly have to read that what you eat affects your hair. But it is of the utmost importance. Because your hair and nails are the last part of the body to receive nutrients, if you are shortchanging yourself by drinking sugary beverages while eating over processed foods, your body will stave off nutrients from your hair to ensure that the rest of your body gets what it needs. So all you ladies skipping out on the broccoli, spinach and water, while heading straight for the Doritos Locos taco and Grande Spice Pumpkin Latte, we’re talking to you.

2. Internal is greater than external.

You could be doing all the right things on the outside to your hair, but your internal well being trumps all of that. If you are experiencing severe stress, going through hormonal changes due to pregnancy of menopause and/or have blood flow problems due to medical issues or lack of exercise – your hair will be affected. We can apply any and all topical products, wear protective styles for 5 years and cease use of any heated products like flat irons. That still won’t trump the impact that your internal well being as on your hair.

3. Maintaining hair at a neutral pH balance is key for all hair types.

Whether relaxed or natural, the pH balance of your hair is important for all. pH balance affects how the cuticle of hair lays and is very integral in the relaxing process. If you want to minimize frizz or prevent your hair from being a poof ball, knowing how the pH level of your hair works is key.

4. The importance of detangling is a scientific fact. 

You have to detangle your hair, no way around it. It’s best to detangle hair prior to washing it and you will see a guaranteed change when styling your hair. Detangling your hair prevents excessive shedding, knots, more tangles and frizzy hair. You’re hair goes through three stages of growth on a continuous basis: anagen, catagen and telogen. The telogen stage is the shedding phase. You are continuously shedding hair on daily basis, just as you hair grows on a daily basis. If you have extra curly and/or kinky hair, your shed hairs are prone to get caught in the curls/kinks of the rest of your hair. Detangling your hair will loosen those shed hairs from your head and pull them out without catching them into tangles. Ever had a bunch of string or yarn that was in knots? You get it out of knots by taking strands out individually, same as detangling. Shed hair will tangle and you will shed because of the phases of your hair. Having a good detangling process that you start at the onset of your wash routine will help you out all the way down to styling your hair. Now think of it, all you ladies that fuss over your weaves that tangle and shed, guess how you can prevent that too? Yes girl, detangle it and brush it in a downward motion.

Jouelzy offers tutorials on all aspects of Black hair care via her YouTube channel, focusing on women with tight budgets. You can also find her daily hair tips and inspirations on Facebook.

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Shedding by most accounts is a normal bodily function. When the growth cycle of hair is completed, it naturally falls from your scalp. But how do you know when you’re dealing with an actual shed strand and not breakage? You can always tell if you see the root is still attached – the tiny white bulb at the end of the strand.

Most women shed an average of 50-100 hairs per day, but at some point you may start noticing more hair than normal amounts around the sink, drain, pillow and floor due to the birth of a child, stress, dieting, birth control or just plain ‘ol heredity. Before you start stocking up on Rogaine and pills, know that there is a natural and safe solution out there that works – the black tea rinse.

Now, some people might start thinking, why in the world would you pour tea on your head? Isn’t that strange? The answer is no. It actually makes a ton of sense. Black tea contains more caffeine than a cup of coffee and caffeine is known to block DHT, which is the hormone responsible for hair loss. Thus, dousing your hair with caffeine can help prevent excessive shedding. Plus, black tea can typically be found at cheaper prices than coffee and the smell isn’t as strong.

The preparation of the black tea rinse is pretty simple. Boil around two cups of water and add 4-10 packets of black tea. (I used the entire box of 20, which is completely not necessary, but hey, I’ve been shedding a whole lot lately). Let steep over night.

After washing, slowly pour the rinse over your hair and let it sit under a plastic cap for 30 minutes. Follow up with a good deep conditioner.

*Note – make sure to wear an old T-shirt and to clean the shower directly afterward as black tea will stain. On the bright side, the staining properties can also bring out natural highlights in your hair.

My rinse resulted in not only less shedding, but also bouncy, shiny, soft tresses. I think I may start doing this every week.

What about you? Have you tried the black tea rinse? What did you think?