Cholesterol is a fatty substance that plays an important role in the skin and hair, among other areas of the body.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty chemical found in humans and other animals. This chemical can also be used in exterior treatments for areas including the body and hair.
Cholesterol treatments can help seal the hair and preserve it from damage, as well as giving damaged, overprocessed hair a more natural appearance.
This page examines cholesterol, its possible hair advantages, homemade hair treatments, and certain cholesterol-containing products.
Introduction
Cholesterol is used by the body for a variety of internal processes, including the construction of cell walls and the production of hormones. Cholesterol is particularly important to tissues in the skin and hair to maintain these cells healthy, according to 2019 research.
Many people are aware of high cholesterol and its detrimental consequences. Because cholesterol can build up on the walls of blood vessels, it can put a person at risk for heart disease.
Because the body produces all of the cholesterol it requires, it is not required to consume any cholesterol-containing foods. External sources of cholesterol, on the other hand, may have several important applications, including for the hair.
Benefits
Cholesterol is used by the body to construct various parts of hair and skin cells. External and environmental influences affect these patches, which are known as keratinocyte membranes.
Cholesterol is one of three fatty lipids found in hair. Ceramides and 18-methyl eicosanoic acid are two more lipid types found in hair (MEA).
MEA is a lipid that acts as a barrier for the hair and helps to keep the hairs together naturally. To support their functions, some cholesterol products may additionally contain these or similar substances.
Cholesterol therapies can aid by regenerating hair and establishing a protective layer, which can be used for a variety of reasons.
Repairing overworked hair
People who have hair treatments that include heat, dyes, or chemicals on a regular basis may find that their hair is overworked or damaged as a result of these procedures.
According to certain studies, uncontrolled heat can alter the structure of hair cells and cause long-term damage to hair fibers. Certain grooming procedures can harm hair by removing its natural protection, weakening and eroding the hair cuticle, and making it more vulnerable to injury.
Damaged hair might feel dry and coarse and brittle. A cholesterol therapy may aid in hair repair and provide a more natural, healthy appearance.
Making the hair softer
Treatments for cholesterol soften their hair. By creating a protective coating to the hair strands, cholesterol may help mend damaged or overworked hair or soften dry hair types.
Adding moisture to the hair
People with dry hair may discover that cholesterol treatments assist, whether it’s because to overwashing, using too many products, or simply having a dry hair type.
These treatments add more lipids and fats to the hair, making it feel more moisturized.
Adding shine
Hair that has been damaged may appear drab and unhealthy. Cholesterol therapies may aid in the restoration of hair’s natural luster.
Helping the cuticle lie flat
In response to injury, the hair’s cuticle may begin to open or fray, giving the hair a frizzy appearance.
Adding lipids like cholesterol and 18-MEA to the hair can help rebuild the barrier and make the cuticle lay flat, giving it a more natural appearance.
Home made
Making one’s own remedy at home may also be beneficial. One possibility, for example, is to use mayonnaise as a remedy. The following part explains how to apply this treatment at home and how it can improve your hair.
What is the best way to try mayonnaise treatment?
Treatment with mayonnaise may aid in the addition of cholesterol to the hair. Mayonnaise is made with cholesterol-rich egg yolks, vinegar, and other acids to lower the pH.
To try this treatment, follow these steps:
- Work the mayonnaise into the hair from the scalp to the ends of the hair.
- Cover the hair with a cap, and allow it to sit for 20–30 minutes.
- Rinse the hair, then wash it as usual.
If mayonnaise is not available, using eggs alone may have a comparable effect. In the same way that beating two eggs and applying the mixture to the hair helps the cholesterol get into the hair, beating two eggs and applying the mixture to the hair may assist the cholesterol get into the hair.
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s hair reacts to treatments differently. The scent of mayonnaise treatments or eggs may also bother some people.
If the hair is overly moisturized, it may cause hygral exhaustion in some people. This happens when the hair cuticles swell and shrink too much as a result of prolonged exposure to water. Hair strands become fragile and eventually break as a result. To counteract this, people should make sure their hair has enough protein.
Cholesterol-containing products
Many commercially available drugs may have similar effects as cholesterol therapies. Individual hair rehydration or deep condition products or treatments may contain identical components.
Cholesterol is only one form of lipid that can be found in a product. Other options include:
- waxy ceramides
- 18-MEA
- plant extracts
- essential oils
To help promote hair health, products may contain any or all of these lipids and other substances.
Similar compounds can be found in some deep conditioning solutions, including as those used by professional stylists. Other components, such as proteins, may be added to help strengthen the hair.
Homemade vs. products
It may come down to personal preference and what works best for each person’s hair when deciding between a product and a DIY treatment.
Hair types and demands can differ based on genetics. People from Africa, for example, have thicker hair that holds more oil and absorbs less water than Asian or Caucasian people. These people can have an impact on how hair responds to treatment, and many products cater to specific hair types.
Other factors, such as the environment and different hair treatments, could also play a part.
Some people prefer the assurance that comes with a professional product and turn to their favorite brands instead of trying home remedies for cholesterol. For ethical reasons, folks who shun animal products may not wish to use cholesterol hair products.
Treatments for cholesterol are usually less expensive than professional products and deep conditioning treatments. Cholesterol supplements are less expensive, yet they may be just as effective.
Use any product according to the directions on the label. Although many similar goods may not interact, it’s a good idea to test them independently to see what works best in each situation.
Alternative treatments
There are a number of non-cholesterol alternatives available at home. They do, however, contain vitamins and minerals that are important to hair health. The sections that follow go into several alternative treatments in further depth.
Treatment with avocados
Avocados include vitamins A and E as well as a number of minerals that can be used to nourish, moisturize, and strengthen hair.
To attempt this treatment, mash one avocado well with some acidity, such as lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and apply it to the hair in the same way as the mayonnaise treatment.
Treatment with hot oil
Some people may benefit from hot oil treatments to repair and renew their hair. These are usually specialized items that heat up the oil before applying it to the hair.
People can also prepare their own hot oil treatment at home with common household oils like:
- coconut oil
- avocado oil
- jojoba oil
- olive oil
Although oil does not contain cholesterol, heated oil treatments may aid in the repair of damaged hair. The heat may be calming while also working to control the look of damage in the hair shaft.
To try this treatment, follow these steps:
- Apply the warmed oil to the hair right after washing it.
- Put a cap on the hair, and allow it to sit.
- Condition the hair as usual, then rinse.
For further conditioning, certain hot oil treatments may suggest leaving it on overnight. When applying a nighttime oil treatment, it’s still a good idea to use a towel or cloth on the pillow, even if you’re wearing a cap. This aids in the prevention of discoloration and damage.
Conclusion
Cholesterol hair treatments can help some people restore moisture and protection to damaged or overworked hair at a reasonable cost.
Finding a proper cholesterol treatment for a person’s hair, on the other hand, may require some trial and error, as well as determining how often they should use the medication.
If you have dry hair, you may benefit more from a cholesterol therapy. If your hair is healthy, you may not need to use this treatment as frequently.
People should utilize these treatments with prudence at all times. Hair can get overhydrated if there is too much moisture in it.
Sources:
- https://nyscc.org/blog/an-overview-on-hair-porosity/
- https://www.heartuk.org.uk/low-cholesterol-foods/can-i-eat-eggs
- https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/myths_facts.htm
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cholesterol-for-hair
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26171923/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/exd.13993
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7413427/
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/6/2/31
