From straightforward styling to elaborate perms, from a temporary tint to a platinum bleach, all these processes depend on changing part of the structure of hair. The stylists and technicians who have to apply them are expected to have a thorough understanding of hair (the stuff that grows on the top of your head) structure, the hair growth cycle and the continuing care of hair. They need a working knowledge of the disorders of the hair and scalp, the chemistry of hair care products and the ways in which they protect the hair, and the science that underlies the various cosmetic procedures.

Softer, looser styles can be created by brushing and blow drying only, without using rollers. The principle is exactly the same as that of the setting process. The only difference is that the hydrogen bonds re-connect to form the style that has been shaped by the brush.

All hair gradually absorbs moisture from the air, and as the hydrogen bonds break it will in time lose its style - especially in damp weather!

The Perm
The strong disulphide linkages in hair are formed when the hair cells harden into keratin in the hair follicle. These are the bonds that keep the hair shaft in shape. In order to change its shape, the disulphide bonds have to be broken down and re-formed into a different pattern. We saw that changes to hydrogen bonds in the setting process are only temporary. Chemical changes to the disulphide bonds are permanent (hence, the PERM).

Styling hair means temporarily or permanently altering its shape. Setting is different from perming in that there is no chemical reaction in the hair. All that happens is that some of the weak hydrogen bonds are broken by water and then re-form in the newly positioned hair as the water evaporates.

A curl can be produced by setting hair on a former such as a curler or roller - that is, allowing wet hair to dry while twisted round the former. (Fixing wet hair into pin curls has a similar effect.) After the curlers or rollers have been removed the hiar holds its shape until it gets wet again.

In a perfect world, the hair could be left to dry naturally on the curlers or rollers and then combed out with a broad-toothed comb. But the pace and hurry of modern life makes this a luxury that we cannot afford, and the hair dryer has to be used to speed the process up. Heat is a great enemy to hair, however, and that means that dryers must always be used with great care and on a moderate setting.

The first truly permanent waves became available in 1920. The waving lotion was activated by heat from an electrical device. The early models did not have thermostats, and it was difficult to control their temperature.

Early in the 1940s the 'cold wave' was introduced. This was basically the perming process that we use today. The cold wave had many advantages: the unpleasant heat and weight of the old appliances were completely eliminated, and the hair could be waved closer to the scalp.

Stress and mental anguish often is the cause for temporary hair loss (or excessive hair fall) in women, both adults and teens. Social pressures, family crisis, other health conditions, etc may cause psychological stress that could manifest itself in hair loss.

If you are dealing with unusual hair loss, it may a good idea to talk to your physician. It may be something simple like the lack of a vitamin or using the wrong shampoo. It may also be something else that needs treatment. A doctor will be able to run the appropriate tests for hair loss to find out what is going on.

When anyone looses his or her hair, this is going to be stressful. This is certainly stressful and can cause anyone to become depressed. This is the main reason why it is important to find out everything there is to know about hair loss so that it can be taken care of. The first thing to do is find out what is causing the problem so that the hair can start to grow back.

Hair loss creates baldness. A bald person looks older than his real age. This abnormal hair loss is technically called alopecia. It does not affect our health directly but indirectly it creates problems, such as low self esteem. When alopecia occurs at a young age, it creates an inferiority complex that leads to other health problems.

There are many treatments; some are medications and some are surgeries. You need to find the best hair loss treatment by consulting a specialist. If the condition is not severe, then, you can stop the hair loss with medication or natural supplements such as whey protein or vitamins.

Whey protein is not something new and has been available for hundreds of years to individuals who valued the role of a nutritious diet in achieving optimal health. During the last 15-20 years the value of whey protein has become more widely known, especially in the area of sports nutrition. More recently, whey protein has been singled out as a super-star ingredient for other types of products including ones formulated for weight loss, infant nutrition and immune support.

Whey protein is a high quality protein powder from cow's milk. Milk has two proteins: Casein (approximately 80%) and Whey Protein (approximately 20%). Whey protein is more soluble than casein and also has a higher quality rating. It is often referred to as the "Gold Standard" of protein as it is the most nutritious protein available.

There may be a large difference between whey protein concentrate and isolate. Whey protein isolate is the most pure and concentrated form of whey protein available. It contains 90% or more protein and very little (if any) fat and lactose. Whey protein concentrate has anywhere between 29% and 89% protein depending upon the product. As the protein level in whey protein concentrate decreases the amounts of fat and/or lactose usually increase.

Adding whey protein to the diet is a great way to jump-start a weight loss program. Whey protein is a key ingredient in numerous weight loss and meal replacement products and whey protein isolate (with no fat or carbohydrates) is often the preferred choice. Studies have found that individuals who combine diets with leucine rich protein foods, like whey protein, and exercise have more lean muscle tissue and they lose more body fat. As they lose fat their metabolic rate increases and they naturally burn more calories each day. Another way that whey protein helps manage weight is by promoting satiety, or a feeling of fullness. One recent study showed that whey protein was superior to casein, the other protein in cow's milk, in promoting satiety.

• Repair body cells
• Build and repair muscles and bones
• Provide a source of energy
• Control many of the important processes in the body related to metabolism

The body is able to make non-essential amino acids from other amino acids in the body. However, the body is not able to make essential amino acids and the only way to get them is by eating high quality protein foods. Protein sources that contain all of the essential amino acids are called complete proteins. Whey protein is a naturally complete protein.

Protein needs vary by person depending upon age, weight, sex, activity level and overall health. Athletes and individuals with special medical needs often need more protein than the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA.

Milk is a highly nutritious beverage however, it only contains about 1% of whey protein. In order to get all the benefits of whey protein, you need to take a concentrated whey protein powder like whey protein isolate.

Whey protein is a soluble, very easy to digest protein. It quickly enters the body to provide the important essential amino acids needed to nourish muscles and other body tissues. This is one of the reasons it is a common ingredient in infant formula and protein supplements for medical use.