The correct way of washing hair for the elderly is related to their health condition. Some may say, what's there to pay attention to when washing hair? Just wash it clean, right? Well, I want to say that although it may not be too complicated, incorrect methods can directly affect the elderly's health. Here are some points to consider:
What should the elderly pay attention to when washing their hair?
1. Don't wash hair too frequently
Washing hair too frequently for middle-aged and elderly people can easily disrupt oil secretion.
The sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands can protect the hair, keeping it moisturized and showing natural luster and elasticity.
Recommendations:
(1) For middle-aged and elderly people with oily hair, wash every 2-3 days in spring and autumn, 1-2 days in summer, and 1-2 times a week in winter.
(2) For those with normal hair, wash twice a week in spring and summer, and once a week in autumn and winter.
2. Water temperature should be around 40 degrees Celsius
Many middle-aged and elderly people often do not pay much attention to water temperature when washing their hair. Some like to use cold water, while others prefer hot water.
In fact, both extremely cold and hot water are not good. The scalp of the elderly is sensitive to temperature stimulation.
(1) Extremely cold water can harden sebum, making it difficult to dissolve. It can also cause a rapid contraction of blood vessels in the scalp, leading to dry and brittle hair, hair loss, and premature aging.
Over time, it can also cause frequent headaches.
(2) Using very hot water may feel comfortable at the time of washing.
However, it can remove the necessary lipid layer on the scalp, and also make the hair lose its softness due to heat, becoming brittle and prone to breakage.
Recommendation:
The ideal water temperature for washing hair is around 40 degrees Celsius.
At this temperature, washing hair can expand the capillaries of the skin and the superficial capillaries of the dermis, open the sweat pores, and facilitate the excretion of waste products.
It can also promote blood circulation in the scalp, reduce fatigue, and invigorate the spirit.
3. Massage while washing
The head has rich blood vessels and many important meridians and acupoints. Proper scalp massage while washing hair can have a health-preserving effect.
Method:
After rinsing off the shampoo with clean water, use your fingertips to massage the scalp from the hairline on the forehead to the hairline at the back of the head, while combing and massaging the scalp for 10-15 minutes.
Long-term massage can prevent or alleviate age-related hair loss, but be careful not to scratch the hair and scalp with sharp nails.
4. Washing hair in an upright position is the healthiest
For middle-aged and elderly people, adopting the traditional bent-over position is relatively safe.
However, it is important to note:
If the head is bent too much or for too long, it can also have negative effects.
For example, it can cause facial laxity, deepen wrinkles, and instability in blood pressure.
5. Washing hair in the afternoon is most suitable
Many middle-aged and elderly people like to wash their hair in the morning before going out, especially in summer.
In fact, this habit is not good. Many functions have not fully recovered right after waking up, and washing hair at this time is most stimulating to the scalp and can easily catch a cold from the wind.
Therefore, it is best for middle-aged and elderly people to wash their hair in the afternoon when the temperature is higher.
If washing at night is necessary, try to towel dry or blow dry the hair completely before sleeping.
