Wednesday, December 31, 2008

What Causes Excessive Hair Loss In Women?


Excessive hair loss isn’t only a male pattern – it can affect women, teenagers and even babies. Although a certain amount of hair loss is normal sometimes it can suggest that something is wrong somewhere in your body.We normally shed somewhere about 50 to 12 hairs everyday but if the number is increasing it may indicate serious health problems. The causes of this condition can be different – seasonal changes, hormonal imbalance / pregnancy, abortion, improper diet, birth control pills/, surgical interventions, food poisoning. The cause of excessive hair loss in both men and women is multi-variable but the most common causes are hormonal changes and heredity. Rapid weight loss or weight gain, dandruff, iron deficiency, a low protein and vitamin intake, pregnancy or menopause, even some medicines can speed up the normal rate of hair loss.
What causes excessive hair loss in women:
illness
a major surgery
hormonal problems often cause excessive hair loss in women
pregnancy 65 percent of the pregnant women experience hair loss
menopause
some medicines may cause hair loss
improper hair care – using too harsh hair products and some chemicals may seriously damage your hair
heredity – in 70 percent of the cases the hair loss is due to genetics.
disruption of the hair growth cycle
infections
rapid weight loss or weight gain
iron deficiency
poor diet
food poisoning
emotional stress
radiation therapy
improper hair treatment
Hormonal problems are among the most common causes of excessive hair loss especially in women – androgens and estrogens don’t function normally. This imbalance of hormones is usually a genetic trait and can be helped by treatment thyroid disease.As I said some medicines may cause excessive hair loss, these include taking birth control pills, antidepressants, anticoagulants, medicines used when treating cancer, diet pills. Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also cause excessive hair loss but the hair will begin to re-grow when the treatment end.65 percent of the women experience excessive hair loss during pregnancy but it’s something normal. During pregnancy the hair is shifted into an active growth state but the body keeps the hairs that would normally fall out and a few months after delivery these hairs fall out and the normal cycle of growth starts again.Excessive hair loss in women is often caused by improper hair care – using too harsh hair products, daily usage of straightening irons, using curling iron, heated rollers, blow drying everyday, hair dyeing, washing your hair daily. Pulling your hair too tightly, bleaching, straightening, curling always damage and break the hair off. If you misuse any chemicals the chance of hair loss is almost 99 percent guaranteed. Once these chemicals are put in the hair the changes they make in the hair texture and structure cannot be reversed.Poor nutrition is also to be blamed for excessive hair loss – if your body isn’t getting enough vitamins, minerals, proteins it won’t be able to sustain hair growth. A proper diet that includes fresh vegetables and fruits, chicken meat, fish, whole grains will help prevent thinning of the hair in both men and women. Stop dieting and start eating foods containing vitamin C, B5, B6, PP, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.The cause of excessive hair loss in 70 percent of the people experiencing hair loss is heredity. This condition is called androgenetic alopecia. It usually affects men, especially if there is a history of alopecia in the family.The medical term of excessive hair loss is “alopecia“. It’s autoimmune disease and occurs in small, round patches. Unfortunately no one knows for sure what the cause of alopecia is but some medicines are known to help treat the disease.
Androgenic alopecia – thinning of the hair. It’s caused by heredity and usually affects mostly men.
Areata alopecia – begins with bald spots and gradually spread all ovet the head. A family history of areata alopecia makes you more likely to develop it also.
Totalis alopecia – it causes full hair loss
Alopecia universalis – it causes hair loss all over the entire body including eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic hair, leg hair.
How long hair loss will last depends mainly on the cause – if the cause is due to pregnancy it will stop after 3/ 4 months / until your hormonal levels become normal, if it’s due to illness the hair loss will stop when the disease is over, if the hair loss is a side effect of a medicines the normal hair growth will return once the drug is stopped. If you have alopecia areata your hair will grow back naturally in 5 to 10 months.

Recommended Shampoos For Dry Hair:
















How To Choose The Right Shampoo For Your Hair Type


Selecting the best shampoo for your hair is essential in order to maintain and achieve healthy and beautiful hair. It’s crucial to use a shampoo
that is appropriate for your hair type, otherwise it won’t be effective enough. For example if your hair is oily you should never use shampoo or conditioner designed for dry hair, because it won’t remove the excess oil from your scalp and it can cause other hair problems such as dandruff, frizzy hair or even split ends.Shampoos are designed to remove dirt and oil from the hair as well as to nourish the hair in deep. There is a variety of shampoos designed for the different hair types and for different purposes – there are clarifying shampoos, nourishing shampoos, shampoos specially designed for color treated hair or permed hair. Many shampoos contain proteins, vitamins, minerals, essential oils and other natural ingredients that nourish, condition and repair damaged hair.Common ingredients in shampoos are: Ammonium Lauril Sulphate, Ammonium Laureth Sulphate, Sulfosuccinate, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Aqua, Sodium Chloride, Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Salicylate.
Choose your shampoo according to your hair typeIt’s essential to identify your hair type in order to choose the best hair products for you. If you cannot determine what your hair type is you may consult your hairdresser or a specialist to see what it is. Nowadays there are even specially designed tools that determine hair types and skin types but they are very expensive. For example oily hair often looks greasy and dull, it becomes oily too quick, attracts dirt easily and needs frequent washing. Dry hair is characterized by split ends, frizziness, it feels tough to the touch and is difficult to comb or brush.
If your hair is oily:If your hair is oily you should look for products designed for oily hair. The shampoo should be strong enough to cleanse your hair from the impurities and at the same time it should be appropriate for a daily usage. This doesn’t mean that it should be harsh, because if the product contains harsh chemicals it can easily strip your scalp of its natural oils and your sebaceous glands may begin to produce even more oil. Your conditioner should be appropriate for oily hair and it should contain the least amount of oils in order to prevent further oiliness. Your best choice will be a clarifying shampoo and a light conditioner specially designed for oily hair. Clarifying shampoos remove the buildup of hair care products that can weigh down your hair and causing it to be dull and greasy in appearance. If you have oily hair you can wash your hair two/ three times a week but make sure the shampoo isn’t too harsh or you can dilute your shampoo with a few tablespoons of water. A cleansing shampoo with mint extracts is ideal for oily hair.
If you hair is dry:If your hair is dry you should look for a shampoo that is specially designed for dry hair. The shampoos for dry hair contain more nourishing and moisturizing ingredients (a higher level of essential fatty acids). Choose a hydrating shampoo that is mild and contains more natural ingredients such as olive oil, almond oil, honey, chamomile, essential oils. A moisturizing conditioner is a must for those with dry hair. Thick conditioners are excellent for dry and damaged hair as they nourish the hair deeply.
If your hair is colored or chemically treated:If your hair is colored or chemically treated you should choose your hair care products very carefully. The products should be able to retain the color of your hair and to repair the damage caused during the coloring treatment. Your shampoo should be specially designed for colored hair with UV filters to protect the color from fading. It should contain many nourishing ingredients in order to repair any damage caused by the coloring ingredients.The shampoos and the conditioners for color treated hair contain many nourishing ingredients that not only condition and repair the hair, but they also help prevent the color from fading due to sun exposure, exposure to heat etc. Choose a shampoo that is made for color-treated hair.
If your hair is prone to dandruff:If your hair is prone to dandruff you should choose an antidandruff shampoo and antidandruff conditioner or serum. These shampoos cleanse the scalp very well and keep the dandruff flakes out of sight for a few days. Other antidandruff shampoos contain special ingredients (like ketoconazole) that act directly to inhibit the growth of the fungus (dandruff bacteria) and normalize the pH level of the scalp. You should be very careful when selecting antidandruff products as some of them may be too harsh for your scalp and hair – causing itching, dryness and scalp irritation.
Useful Tips:
Make sure you are using the best shampoo for your hair type.
Choose a shampoo that has a low pH
Always check out the ingredients listed on the shampoo bottle.
select hair care products that are specifically designed as daily or light formula shampoos.
Some shampoos can be too aggressive and may not only sweep away dirt, but also your hair’s protective sebum.
If you have oily hair choose a shampoo that does not have strong detergent base.
Don’t wash your hair every day.
Give your hair an extra dose of moisture with leave-in conditioners.
Change your shampoo every three months because your hair will get used to the same shampoo and it will no longer remains as effective.

Monday, December 29, 2008

The Perfect Hair Mask For Dry - Winter Damaged Hair


The perfect Hair mask for dry/winter damaged hair is easily at your finger tips.Combine 2.5 oz Extra Virgin Olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons Browns sugar or Rawsugar
1/2 teaspoon Vanillia Extract.
Mix Oil and sugar until sugar is seporated. gently beat in vanilla extract. Massage into hair starting from root. Wrap into a shower cap to lock in heat for 30-45 mins. Shampoo hair and style as desired. For best results apply and complete mask at night. Leave hair dry naturally and don’t add product or style until morning.
This post was from KandIce,

Home Mask For Weak And Dry Hair


A good remedy for weak and dry hair is the hair mask with lemon juice. You will need: 2 tbsp. castor oil /or almond oil/, 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp. honey. Add the honey and the castor oil to the lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients well and apply the mixture generously first to the roots and then to the entire length of the hair. Wrap your hair with a towel. Leave the mask on for approximately one and a half hour. Use gentle shampoo and wash your beautiful hair. Do the mask twice to achieve best results - the mask will nourish and hydrate your hair deeply, while making it appear healthier and more shining.
window.google_render_ad();

The best hair style


What is the best hairstyle for you? The one that is easy to maintain?Or the trendy one? Neither. The perfect hairstyle, above all, works with your particular face shape and appearance as a whole.
In the connection hair style - appearance, harmony takes toll over contrast. A sports chick with an intricate bun or an elegant lady with daringly wild hair - both extremes, which have a more repulsing rather than extravagant effect. But while the solution to these two is rather simple (whether it involves a change of clothing or the hairstyle itself), a hair cut is far more permanent. When choosing a hair style you should always consider whether or not it will suit your face shape. The basic rule that applies is: The sharp and angular features of the face should be covered and not emphasized.
Round face - short hair
The characteristic of this type is that the face is as wide as it is long. The features are soft with no sharp edges. The short and voluminous hair styles fit best as they slim the face and the cheeks appear smaller.Two good choices would be: the chin length straight hair with a fringe and face framing tendrils or the one-length curly hair without a fringe.If you insist on keeping your hair long, again, there are two possible hair styles - with side parting or an asymmetrical fringe.
Oval face - more volume
Oval face shapes perfectly in proportion with features nicely balanced: with a narrow forehead, wide cheekbones and a small chin. Volume is the most important element of a hair style with this face type.Women with natural curls are truly lucky. Simply apply some hair gel to the ends and put a hair-clasp on the top to finish your hair-style.
The straight chin-length hair looks best if parted on the side with ends flipped out. As for the long straight hair - it will look perfect sleeked back.
Square face - asymmetrical hair style
This face type has a broad forehead and a strong square jaw line with visible edges.In this case you should opt for an asymmetrical hair style with a soft look that will slim down the widest points of the face and help rebalance it. Hair with big waves will look gorgeous.The fringe can be long and thick and the ears should be left visible. Another good alternative would be to pull back the hair into a high pony tail.
Triangle face - no fringe
The small chin and wide forehead are typical features of the triangle face type. Many hair styles go with this type and most of them are quite easy to be done. To help balance the difference between the narrow chin and the wide forehead, opt for a hair style with chin length then sleek back your hair and use hair-clasps to hold it behind the ears.Flip out the edges, using hair gel. The triangle face looks best if there is no fringe. The side parting also looks nice, as well as wavy hair, which narrows around the neck.
Don’t forget that the hair style reflects your personality. Why shouldn’t it be perfect?
window.google_render_ad();

Recommended anti-dandruff products:




Nizoral Anti – Dandruff Shampoo ($11.50) - a prescription shampoo for dandruff causing conditions like seborrhea, as well as for the treatment of psoriasis for several years now. Controls the flaking, scaling, and itching associated with dandruff. Nizoral shampoo is available in an OTC 1% strength, ideal for allowing individuals to take control of their treatment, potentially circumventing the need for some prescription items. Use twice a week to control a leading cause of dandruff and be dandruff-free.
Rene Furterer Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ($24) - Melaleuca Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for greasy dandruff eliminates dandruff and reduces itchiness. Curbicia extract regulates sebum secretions. Helps the effects of the treatment gel to last longer
Rene Furterer Melaleuca Anti Dandruff Gel ($24.50) - cleanses the scalp and perfectly removes oily dandruff, thanks to the essential oil of Melaleuca and Pyrithione Zinc. It helps regulate oil production and calm itching.
Neutrogena T/Gel Dandruff Shampoo ($18) – this anti-dandruff shampoo provides everyday dandruff control. Clinically proven dandruff protection while gentle on hair. This fresh-scented shampoo is enriched with Vitamin E. Contains 1% pyrithione zinc to relieve itching and flaking, Vitamin E to moisturize hair and scalp, and wheat proteins to protect hair. Effectively fights dandruff and is gentle enough for daily use
Head & Shoulders Intensive Solutions Seborrheic Dermatitis & Dandruff Shampoo for Dry/Damaged Hair ($15) – this anti-dandruff shampoo helps prevent recurrence of flaking and itching associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Treats and helps prevent seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff and scalp-related problems: itching; flaking; dryness; irritation; redness. With conditioning technology protects hair against damage.
Ionil-T Therapeutic 1% Coal Tar Shampoo ($22.50) - Helps eliminate dandruff problems due to seborrhea and psoriasis. Tar helps reduce the production of skin cells, giving you a healthier looking scalp. Reduces itching and flaking. Contains the equivalent of 1% Coal Tar. For best results use at least twice a week or as directed by a physician.
Kenra Dandruff Shampoo ($12) - medicated anti-dandruff shampoo that relieves itching and flaking of the scalp associated with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. This ultra-gentle formula leaves hair silky and manageable, while helping to prevent further dandruff development. The shampoo treats seborrhea and other skin and scalp conditions and soothes dry, itchy and irritated scalp

Hair dandruff - how to control it



Dandruff is the most widespread hair problem especially among men. If you ever had dandruff, also known as scurf, you know what it’s like – irritated scalp and itches, flaky skin and constant wondering whether to wear black or not. Many people err to believe that dandruff is caused by dry skin, frequent head washing or poor hygiene. These popular myths can lead to ineffective and often – inappropriate treatment and even worsen the situation.Dandruff has a negative impact on one’s self esteem, and people suffering from that condition are usually more sensitive about their appearance than the rest.
What causes dandruff?
Dandruff is caused by a type of fungus – Pityrosporum ovale. Upon a normal organism state is does not cause any problems.However when the skin pH balance in the hairy part of the head is broken and the environment is alkalized, the fungus starts to breed faster and due to the more frequent change of skin cells it leads to peeling.The cause of the accelerated fungus growth has not been found, but the most probable causes are increased fat secretion by the organism, hormonal disbalance, stress, different ill-conditions of the nervous system, suppressed immune system, oversensitivity to the fungus itself or even inherited susceptibility to dandruff. In rare cases dandruff can be a manifestation of an allergic reaction to some of the chemicals in hair gels, hair sprays, hair oils or other hair products.Very few people know that there are two forms of dandruff – external and internal. External dandruff is caused by excessive use of hair products - sprays and gels, improper use of hair-coloring products, excessive use of hair curlers or hair straighteners, cold weather, dry indoor heating, stress, infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing of the scalp. Internal dandruff can be caused by hormonal imbalance, emotional stress, poor health, poor hygiene, allergy to some foods, lack of rest, excessive consumption of sugar, fat and starch and hereditary predisposition.Even though there is a lot more to be found about dandruff, what is unquestionably known about it is that it is a medical, rather than a cosmetic problem.
What are the symptoms of dandruff?
white, oily flakes of dead skin
itchy, scaling scalp
too dry or too oily hair
greasy skin covered with flaky white, or yellow scales.
How to treat dandruff?
In most cases it is not necessary to consult the presence of dandruff with a physician. Dandruff is a chronic condition which can almost always be controlled, even though it requires patience and persistence.It is always recommended to use a special medical shampoo which can be found in your local pharmacy.There are several types of commercially available shampoos, containing active dandruff fighting ingredients. However there are not enough convincing researches related to them so they are not registered as medical products, but as cosmetic shampoos.The most anti-dandruff products contain active ingredients such as: Sodium bicarbonate, Zinc pyrithione , Salicylic acid , Selenium sulfide, Tea tree oil , Tar.The most effective substance, and most recommended by dermatologists worldwide, is ketoconazole – also known as Nizoral (most often in 2% concentration) which is known in the area of medicine with its wide specter efficiency in treatment and prevention of seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, lichen planus and other fungus skin diseases.The effect of ketoconazole has been repeatedly and thoroughly researched. Researches of its efficiency against different types of fungus show that ketokonasol breaks the fungus cell wall, which leads to its extermination.
What should I use?
Ketosal could be the answer. It is a medical shampoo with 2% content of ketokonasol that can keep your dandruff under control, so you won’t be constantly checking on your shoulders. Ketosal can stop the fungus breeding cycle.Once the fungus is under control – so is your dandruff. Besides it has all the benefits of a “regular” luxurious shampoo – nice fragrance, silk sensation in your hand and washes your hair perfectly.Ketosal also has no negative impact on dyed, white or treated hair. Use it twice weekly to treat your hear and your hair will be shiny, easy to shape, vigorous and with volume. And of course – dandruff free!
What else do you need to know?
Remember: Dandruff is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp.Remember: sometimes dandruff may be a symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infection.Remember: When using anti-dandruff shampoo be sure to leave the shampoo on for at least five minutes — this allows the ingredients time to work.Remember: In general, mild scaling can often be helped by daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oiliness and cell buildup.Remember: Sometimes scaling can occur anywhere on the scalp, in the hair, on the eyebrows, the beard and can spread to the neck and shoulders.If your dandruff is mild, wash your hair regularly to remove the excess flakes.When you apply the shampoo, massage your scalp with your fingers to remove dead skin and improve blood circulation.Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially in mid-day – ultraviolet rays can damage your hair.Always wash your hair with clean water after you have been to the pool or in a natural basin with contaminated water, even the sea.A diet that provides enough zinc, vitamins and minerals, and essential fatty acid may help prevent dandruff.

Loose curls


Tender care for the wavy hair
Beautiful wavy hair attracts men’s attention, brings a certain charm to its owner and is disheveled and chaotically arranged at the same time…
Many women tend to overlook these specific characteristics of the curly hair and purposefully try to change and “tame” it until it is ruined.
Hair straighteners, wax, frequent re-coloring, and daily washing – all of these cause hair damage that is practically inevitable and can turn you into victim of your own vanity.
Women are inclined to undervalue their natural look and always strive for another aesthetic image, which most often proves to be destructive to the appearance.
“Hair-style and hair-color don’t depend on fashion trends, as they are a lifestyle”. “Dress down” and don’t be ashamed of your naturalness. Instead of following all vagaries of fashion, try and find the image that best suits your personality and doesn’t go against your “natural looks”.
In order to feel comfortable “in your own hair”, follow these simple tips: re-discover wavy hair, learn how to properly care for it and you will fall in love with your loose curls.
window.google_render_ad();