When I was younger, I had jet-black, thick hair. I wore it down to my shoulder blades, and I was good to go with just a light combing. I am old-school, so a lot of my hair washing was done in the kitchen sink, and I washed it about three times a week.
Once I graduated to washing it in the shower, the process was a lot easier. Now, you can buy shower heads that pulsate, mimic rainwater, or anything in between. There’s nothing like the squeaky-clean feeling after a shampoo.
Now, I have arthritis in my hands and I get pain when I lift my arms to shampoo my hair. A scalp massage is incredibly relaxing, but I can only endure it for a few minutes before the pain becomes too much.
Maybe you have the same problem. Do you just put up with the pain, or explore ways hair care with arthritis can be a much easier process?
How to Take Care of Hair with Arthritis
Use a Dry Shampoo Between Washings
Yes, washing your hair less often will certainly reduce pain, and using dry shampoo can extend the time between washes by several days. One benefit of using dry shampoo is that it can give extra body to thinning hair.
“Dry shampoo is a godsend for my clients with disabilities. I tell them all to get a can and don’t be afraid to use a good amount,” said LaBelle Franklin, a hairstylist from Houston, Texas. She recommends the Batiste brand because it works for light or dark hair, doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and smells good.
Purchase a Drying Bonnet
In the fifties, a lot of salons had hair-dryer bonnets that you sat under to dry your hair. Now they are available in a smaller, portable size, making them perfect for drying hair without experiencing arthritis pain. You can try a super-large size, or if you’re on a strict budget, opt for a smaller size. There are various heat/speed options, and it’s perfect to tuck into a suitcase for travel.
Wear a Low-Maintenance Hairstyle
Some hairstyles are flattering, but if you have to use a blow dryer and curling iron to style, your hand arthritis may be a lot more painful.
I prefer a short hairstyle. It’s easier to wash, easier to comb, and easier on your hands. A bob or pixie cut turns under and is easy to style. If you prefer longer hair, try using dry shampoo as a substitute for washing, and save fancier styles for special occasions.
Schedule Home Visits with a Stylist
You may have arthritis pain that flares up so badly that you can’t leave the house. This is where a home visit with a stylist can work in your favor. If you can get a touch-up or trim it, it not only makes you look better, but you also feel better.
If you live in the southeast part of the United States, Dash Stylists make house calls and offer a wide variety of services. I was surprised by the extensive range of services provided. In addition to cuts, optional services include hairstyling, braiding, hair coloring, and extensions.
It’s certainly preferable to leaning over one of those uncomfortable shampoo bowls at the beauty salon and feeling like you have a broken neck.
Summary
There is no doubt about it, it sucks to have arthritis pain, but you can still have beautiful hair. Schedule an appointment with your hairstylist to determine which products work best for you.
