Does Head and Shoulders Cause Hair Loss

on October 29, 2022

Does Head and Shoulders Cause Hair Loss? The question of whether or not Head and Shoulders cause hair loss has been debated for decades.

Some people say that it can, while others believe that it cannot. To find out if this is true, we must look at the evidence from both sides.

There are many reasons someone may experience hair loss, such as genetics, stress, medications, and hormones. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support the claim that Head and Shoulders shampoo causes hair loss in most people who use it.

Does Head And Shoulders Cause Hair Loss
Does Head And Shoulders Cause Hair Loss?

The scientific studies on this issue show mixed results: some demonstrate a decrease in hair density after using Head and Shoulders.

Others do not see any change. Still, others show an increase in hair growth rates when used with other treatments like minoxidil.

Whether or not Head and Shoulders can cause hair loss may simply be a matter of genetics.There are some people whose genes make them more sensitive to the ingredients in the Head and Shoulders. But this does not decrease their effectiveness for most users. [toc]

What Are Heads And Shoulders?

Head and Shoulders is a brand of anti-dandruff shampoo made by Proctor & Gamble. It was first sold in 1961, originally under the name ‘Drene.’

It had experienced increased sales since 1980 when P&G introduced its line of shampoos for different types of hair.These include Head and Shoulders Classic Clean, Head and Shoulders Extra Volume Collagen, Head and Shoulders 2 in 1 Clairol Herbal Essences, Head and Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care, etc.

Today, the brand is one of P&G’s largest sellers, with an estimated US$1 billion in sales per year.

Head and Shoulders contains zinc pyrithione as an active ingredient in its shampoos. It is used to treat the symptoms of dandruff, oily scalp, and other types of scalp conditions.

Head and Shoulders claims that their product does not contain ingredients harmful to hair in the concentrations present in the shampoo.

How Does It Work?

Head and Shoulders use zinc pyrithione as an active ingredient to treat dandruff. It is a white, odorless powder that appears naturally in small amounts in water from some mineral springs.https://assets.vlitag.com/plugins/safeframe/src/html/r.html

The exact mechanism of action of the product is unknown; however, it seems to reduce scaling by slowing down how keratinocytes produce and shed from the outer layer of skin.

Doing so slows down how fast these cells accumulate on the scalp, therefore reducing flaking.

Does Head And Shoulders Cause Hair Loss
Does Head And Shoulders Cause Hair Loss

Zinc pyrithione effectively fights dandruff and treats other conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis that cause scaly patches to grow on the scalp.

For best results, you should continue using your Head and Shoulders regularly. This will minimize the recurrence of these conditions that cause flakes to accumulate on your scalp.

Does Head and Shoulders Shampoo cause Hair Loss? Although there are some anecdotal reports of people experiencing hair loss after using Head and Shoulders shampoo, it is difficult to tell a causal relationship between the two.

There are many other reasons why hair loss can occur in adults, including genetics, stress, hormones, and medications.

7 Benefits Of Using Head And Shoulders Shampoo

Head and Shoulders Shampoo has been around for decades, first introduced in 1924. It is one of the most well-recognized shampoos on the market today, with a reputation for quality.

Despite its long history of success, there are a few myths surrounding this popular product.

  1. Reduces Dandruff
  2. Clears Scalp Odor
  3. Controls Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss
  4. Soothes itchy scalp and relieves itching
  5. Gets to the root of scalp issues by removing buildup on the scalp
  6. Provides relief from dry, itchy, crusty dandruff
  7. It is formulated to remove dandruff and calm the scalp
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Is The Shampoo Safe To Use Every Day?

Some individual factors may make the use of Head and Shoulders shampoo more likely to cause hair loss. Though there is no conclusive evidence to support its claim, it may be best to avoid using Head and Shoulders every day.

Generally speaking, most adults can use their favorite drugstore shampoo without experiencing problems with hair loss. However, some people may be more sensitive to the active ingredients in a particular product.

As stated earlier, the Head and Shoulders contain zinc pyrithione as an active ingredient.

This chemical has been associated with hair loss for some people due to their genetic make-up. If you have a family history of male or female pattern baldness, you may want to take special care in choosing a shampoo.

Does Head And Shoulders Cause Hair Loss?

Head and Shoulders shampoo is primarily used to treat dandruff. It contains zinc pyrithione as an active ingredient that has been associated with hair loss for some people.

However, it is difficult to tell if there is a direct causal relationship between Head and Shoulders shampoo and hair loss.

If you are concerned about how Head and Shoulders shampoo may affect your hair, you should avoid using it every day. As with any other drugstore shampoo, most adults can use Head and Shoulders regularly without experiencing problems.

However, some people may be more sensitive to the active ingredients in the product, which may cause them to lose their hair. Head and Shoulders is a brand of shampoo that comes in many varieties for different hair types.

The primary purpose of most formulations is to counter dandruff, though some can be used as regular shampoos. All Head and Shoulder formulations contain Zinc Pyrithione, which reduces inflammation on the scalp and helps prevent dandruff from forming.

Why Do People Use Head And Shoulders Shampoo?

Most people use Head and Shoulders shampoos because they help reduce or prevent dandruff. The active ingredient in the shampoo, Zinc Pyrithione, reduces inflammation on the scalp, which can cause dandruff.

Head and shoulders are available in many types for different hair types: dry, oily, or sensitive scalp. The formulation should be chosen depending on the condition of your hair.

How Does It Work To Stop Hair Loss?

Head and Shoulders works by targeting the root of the problem, which is dandruff. It does not promote hair growth or target certain areas of your scalp.

However, Head and Shoulders shampoo contains chemicals known to cause hair loss in individuals who are sensitive to them. These include Zinc Pyrithione, which has been associated with male and female pattern baldness.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Using This Product?

Most people can use Head and Shoulders shampoos regularly without experiencing any problems. However, individuals sensitive to Zinc Pyrithione may experience hair loss after using the product for prolonged periods.

Head and Shoulders are also known to cause skin irritation in some people, leading to an acne breakout. Head and Shoulders is a brand of anti-dandruff shampoo manufactured by Procter & Gamble.

The active ingredients in the Head and Shoulders include Zinc Pyrithione, which reduces inflammation on the scalp that can cause dandruff to form. There have been some reports that Head and Shoulders can cause hair loss when used for prolonged periods.

The Bottom Line

Do Head and Shoulders cause hair loss? It’s a question that many people have, but the answer is not black and white. The truth of the matter is that there are so many factors to consider when determining whether or not this shampoo can cause hair loss.

From what we know from research, if you don’t use any other products with harsh chemicals in them on your scalp, then Head and Shoulder will most likely not be responsible for hair loss.

That being said, using this product and others could certainly contribute to thinning hair, which seems more common these days thanks to pollution, stress levels, etc.

In conclusion, if you want healthy locks, avoid over-washing your head too often and heavy chemical products.

Furthermore, avoid over-using Head and Shoulders shampoo or any other harmful products on your hair/scalp, for that matter. On the other hand, if you are looking for a good quality product, try our Hair Loss Blocker Shampoo with DHT Blocking Vitamin B5.

Hair Loss Causes & Treatment

on October 25, 2022

Overview

Hair loss is a common issue that affects all people, male or female. It may be caused by genetics, an underlying condition, stress, medications, or different types of alopecia. There are many treatments available to help with the symptoms of hair loss including medications and surgery. Many different factors can lead to hair loss, but there are three main causes.

For some people, an overproduction of testosterone leads to a large number of hairs being shed. For others, stress or childbirth can leave the scalp with less blood flow, so hair is not getting enough nutrients. Lastly, there are those who lose their hair due to genetic factors or heredity.

Hair Loss Symptoms

Your hair is your crowning glory so it’s important to be able to spot the symptoms of hair loss. Here are some common symptoms.

  • Abrupt changes in hair texture will often precede hair loss, so if you notice that your normally straight locks suddenly become wavy or curly or that your mane has gone lank and limp, this could be a sign that your strands are thinning out.
  • A patchy, silvery sheen on the scalp. This can be caused by the hair shedding out of the scalp because the hair shafts have split.
  • Hair loss, particularly on the top of your scalp, is a sign of male pattern baldness.
  • Itchy scalp. If you notice a rash or itchy scalp, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction to a medication you are taking.
  • Hair loss in a specific spot or pattern. The hair that is lost may be shed in a straight line or be pulled out of the scalp in a circular pattern. This is called a scutum.
  • Hair loss is often the result of a medical condition, such as thyroid problems, birth control, or medications.
  • Traction alopecia (hair loss caused by hair pulling) is a condition that can occur on the scalp and on the rest of the body.

Hair Loss Causes

The most common form of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, is caused by changes in the hair-growth cycle that result in shorter and finer hair. Women are more likely to experience this type of hair loss than men.

There are also two types of hormone-related baldness: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may find it difficult to grow hair on their scalp or lose hair along the hairline at temples or above ears.

Androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is caused by a buildup of male hormone androgens in the hair follicles. Men with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop androgenic alopecia. Androgenic alopecia affects about 80 percent of men over the age of 50.

In women, several factors may contribute to hair loss. Around puberty, the female body stops producing estrogen, a hormone known for its role in regulating the growth of hair follicles. For women with PCOS, high levels of androgens, the male hormones, may also cause hair loss. People with PCOS may have hormonal imbalances, it’s important to have blood tests to check for hormone levels.

Hair Loss Risk factors

Hair is a key component of the human body, as it helps cover the top of the head and aid in thermoregulation. Hair loss can come from a number of different reasons, from genetics to stress to health conditions. In some cases, hair can be lost gradually over time, but it can also occur in larger clumps at a time.

While hair loss is not fatal, it can have a negative impact on self-esteem and confidence levels. While genetics is the primary cause of hair loss, environmental factors also play a part. With the increase in technology and gadgets, stress has become a more common cause of hair loss. Environmental factors like sun exposure and pollution have also been found to contribute to hair loss.

Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss is a very common issue for many people. It can be caused by many things, including illness, stress, hormonal changes, medications, and aging. The simplest solution to hair loss is to stop using the products that are causing you to lose your hair. There are also over-the-counter treatments available if you only need them on occasion. If the problem persists or worsens with these remedies, speak with your doctor about what can be done.

Hair Loss Products

There are many different methods and products for the treatment of hair loss. The most common cause of hair loss is a reaction to a disease or disorder. There are 3 types of hair loss: male-type, female-type, and androgenic alopecia. Products used for treating hair loss vary depending on the cause and type of hair loss. Ion Therapy

Hair loss can be treated using an ion therapy product. This type of treatment involves a device that is placed on the scalp. When the device is applied, it emits a positive, negative, or neutral charge. The charge is then absorbed by the hair follicles and stimulates growth. This type of product can be placed in various areas of the scalp.

5 Top Hair Loss Products

1. Nioxin

Nioxin is a homeopathic remedy that was designed to help prevent hair loss. It is produced in a liquid, gel, or salve form. Nioxin contains a blend of herbs like Saw Palmetto and Pro-Vitamin B5.

2. Micellar Water

Micellar water is a product that was produced to help with scalp care. The product is designed to maintain the health of the scalp. It is also meant to treat the scalp’s natural oils.

3. Hair-Go

Hair-Go is a homeopathic remedy that was designed to help with hair loss. It is made up of herbs such as Saw Palmetto, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B5. This product is safe for both men and women to use.

4. All in One Scalp and Hair Treatment

All in One Scalp and Hair Treatment is a product that was created to prevent hair loss and promote the growth of healthy hair. This product contains a blend of vitamins and amino acids that can stimulate hair growth.

5. Hair-Grow

Hair-Grow is a homeopathic product that was designed to stimulate hair growth. It contains a blend of herbs such as Ginseng, Saw Palmetto, and Vitamin B5.

Laser hair growth

Laser hair growth is an emerging, non-invasive cosmetic procedure that can be used to stimulate the body’s natural hair growth cycle.

Laser treatments are administered using a laser device that emits wavelengths of light tailored to activate hair follicles.

This can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with oral prescriptions for hair loss, such as minoxidil.

Unlike traditional hair transplants, laser treatments are very safe and require minimal recovery time.

iRestore Laser Hair Growth
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Scalp Pain & Tenderness: Causes, Diagnosis & Relief

on November 17, 2021

I have had my hair braided my whole life. I am familiar with not knowing how to place my head to sleep, having a hairdresser pull my hair so tight, it hurts to laugh, and slowly backing away when someone came to touch my hair. But that was a brief pain, happening once every a month or two and with an obvious culprit.

If your scalp is sensitive to being touched, combed or pressed more persistently, it may be something to be concerned about.

Why is my scalp painful and tender?
Why is it painful and tender?

Symptoms

Most people complain about the following on their scalp:

  • Dryness and itchiness
  • Itchy bumps
  • A tender or sensitive scalp
  • Sore head
  • Presence of scabs/ sores
  • Spots appearance

Let’s explore the possible causes, but remember that excessively painful and severe tenderness should be discussed with a doctor.

Causes of a painful & sensitive scalp

Sunburn

The scalp can also suffer sunburn. This makes sense especially because the top of your head is almost directly underneath the sun. This is more likely where the hair is thinning out in some areas.

Other elements such as cold and wind, can also cause sensitivity.

While rare, the tenderness can be a sign of more severe health conditions such as skin cell cancers and melanomas. These conditions normally present themselves as new or changed moles or stubborn sores.

Dandruff

Dandruff can be caused by many things- some of which we discuss in this article. Depending on how severe, dandruff can cause scaly red patches on the scalp. This may make it sensitive to touch.

Dandruff can cause pain or tenderness
Dandruff

Excessive chemical exposure:

These are chemicals we willingly put into our hair and environmental chemicals as well. Although they fall outside the scope of products used regularly (shampoo, conditioner) they can sometimes be overused.

These chemicals include hair dyes, chemical treatments, and curling kits. Prolonged use of these and other potentially dangerous chemicals could lead to scalp sensitivity.

Headaches

Tension headaches and migraines are the main types that cause this tenderness. Tension headaches are worsened by stress, anxiety or depression. Allergies and asthma are also known to cause headaches or scalp tenderness from coughing too much.

Temporal arteritis is where the blood cells are inflamed and usually leads to temple headaches and sensitivity of the scalp.

Trauma and hair loss

Any type of trauma to the head is likely to cause bruising. The tenderness in that area may cause scalp pain. Trauma may also lead to a headache.

The same proves true for hair loss, where the areas where loss of hair occurs are found to be rather sensitive. This symptom is known as trichodynia.

Medium risk causes

Besides the above, here are medium risk triggers for this problem:

Skin disorders

Certain skin disorders like seborrheic dermatitis can cause tenderness. Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that is chronically inflammatory. Symptoms besides pain include itchy patches, red in color and dry and flaky.

Another common skin disorder is psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis presents itself in the same red and itchy patches. These develop when the rate of skin cell growth increases.

Scratching worsens both conditions.

Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis on a baby

Infections and invasions

Hair follicle infections and fungal scalp infections can cause pain and sensitivity.

Examples of hair follicle infections include Folliculitis, Furunculosis, and Carbunculosis.  Scalp folliculitis shows itself in pimples or small bumps along the hairline.

Tinea Capitis and Tinea Versicolor are examples of fungal infection that can trigger this problem. They result in hair loss.

Lice also cause itching and scratching leading to a sore head. They can live in your head for almost 30 days and longer if they lay eggs. Which they will.

Bacterial skin infections, ringworm, and even shingles may all cause or result in, scalp tenderness.

Doctors diagnosis

The doctor will examine your scalp, ask for a medical history, and collect hair follicles for testing depending on the severity of the condition.

Doctors will ask general questions too with the aim of narrowing down the problem. The questions include diet, previous injuries, exercise, daily routine, recent changes, etc.

After diagnosis, the doctor will usually provide medicine depending on his discovery,

Treatments

There are some basic things you can do at home to help alleviate the pain:

Use a special shampoo

Although regular shampoo may not necessarily cause scalp tenderness, using a special shampoo designed for dryness, itchiness, or flakiness.

Head & Shoulders is a good shampoo and easily accessible in most places.

Use essential oils

Some oils such as lavender or rosemary are particularly useful in helping with sores or scabs on the scalp.

Mix 1 glass of warm water with ½ tsp of the oil of your choice. After thoroughly mixing it, apply the mixture to and massage it for a while. Wait 15-20 minutes and then wash it off.

Make sure to perform a skin test on the mixture to prevent a negative reaction.

Relieve scalp pain

Sometimes, especially the pain is caused by a tension headache, a scalp massage may work wonders in relieving pain. Using your fingertip, massage in circular motions.

If it is incredibly itchy, ice application every 10 minutes may help. fair warning though, it will be very cold.

Eating a better diet and engaging in stretching exercise can help relax the body and release tension. This can be just the thing you need to ease your pain.

References
  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313791.php

Ingrown Hair Scars: Causes, Treatments, Remedies & More

on November 15, 2021

Have you ever been a victim of ingrown hairs? If the answer is yes, then you might be familiar with ingrown hair scars.

Generally, this problem is a real bother to some people. Everyone wishes if the ingrown hair would be effectively removed without leaving scarring behind. However, is this possible?

In most cases, it leaves behind scars in the process of healing. They are common on legs, pubic area, thighs, face, stomach and bikini area, among other body parts.

Expect scarring once it heals
Scarring is expected once it heals

What are these ingrown hair scars?

Both men and women fall, victims following various practices such as:

  • Shaving
  • Waxing
  • Excess hormones
  • Having curly hair

Generally, we say hair is ingrown when part of it curls or coils back into the skin. This is common among people who have curly and course or lot of hair on their skin. In these two instances, some hairs coil back into the skin during shaving or waxing.

Normally, it should rise up instead of curling back. When it coils back to the skin, causes a lot of irritation on the skin. According to Wikipedia on ingrown hair scars, the coiling back comes along with:

  • Numerous scars on the affected skin region
  • Skin infections
  • Extreme itching
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Bumpy skin (red bumps all over the affected region)
  • Keloid scars
  • Sores that resemble boils
  • Hyperpigmentation

As noted above, scars are the first on the list of effects. They are resilient and hard to remove. However, this article deeply examines how you can manage them that can be on legs, thighs, bikini area, pubic area, face, and stomach.

Why scars emerge

When a section of your hair coils back into the skin, it continues growing. While discussing ways to remove ingrown hair scars, skincareguide.com notes that the continuous growth of the coiled hair causes the skin to be inflamed. Initially, a pimple will occur.

This pimple is pus-filled. The temptation to pop it out is irresistible. This is where the scarring starts. The picked pimple dries, but a scar is left behind. This is evident on the skin many days after the ingrown hair heals.

Where do people go wrong?

Generally, bumps resulting shouldn’t be messed with. On how to remove dark spots from razor bumps and ingrown hair, scarsandspots.com highlights that they will heal on their own if they are not tampered with.

However, people cannot resist the temptation of picking and popping off the resulting bumps. When this happens, the affected region heals but leaves behind permanent scars, that won’t heal for long.

Scar causes

According to NHS.uk, ingrown hair scar causes are related to the causes hair coiling back into the skin. In fact, the scars are just a result.  Factors that attribute to them as well as affect how serious they will include:

  • Genetic- Some people from certain regions are known to have more curly and coarse hair than others. This will tend to coil back after shaving, which will intern cause scarring the resultant ingrown hair bump is popped.
  • Hair Type- If it is curly and coarse, then you are likely to have this problem at one time in your life. Consequently, you may not miss them resulting from these hairs.
  • Clogged Hair Follicle– The follicles can be clogged with sweat, sebum or dead skin cells. The clogging causes an infection in the affected region.
  • Shaving– When you frequently shave and using wrong technique or equipment, some of your hairs grow inwards instead of outwards. This will, in the long run, lead to some scars.
  • Waxing- Just like shaving, it can curl into the skin after waxing as it begins to grow. Continuous growth makes the skin get inflamed.
  • Just like shaving and waxing, tweezing be a trigger. This is common in people with curly coarse hair.
  • Some people have excess hair on the chest. Cheek, thighs and pubic region. Having too much hair is a risk factor.

Who and where they occur?

You may have heard people talk about ingrown hair scars male or female. Are they dependent on gender? The answer is no. Both men and women are at a risk of getting them.

On ingrown hair complications, Mayo Clinic identifies that they are commonly noted in specific body parts. These include:

  1. Pubic area
  2. Inner thigh
  3. Bikini region
  4. Face
  5. Legs
  6. Chin
  7. Cheek
  8. Neck region
  9. Stomach
  10. Buttocks
  11. Armpits

How serious are they?

Generally, this shouldn’t cause a lot of alarm. However, the severity of the problem differs from one person to the other. To some people, especially men, this is just a passing cloud.

However, this may not be the case among women. To women, developing red or brown scars, especially pubic areas, legs, thighs, etc is a big issue. To some extent, they lower the victim’s self-esteem.

If left untouched, the pimples disappear naturally within a few days. However, the problem gets worse as many people try to dig out the pimples, use some creams, oils, etc., this only worsens the condition.

However, you shouldn’t worry yourself too much as there are numerous ways how you can get rid these scars.

How to get rid these scars

Like earlier noted in this article, these scars may tan your skin, making it look bad. Those that are either red or pink, also interfere with the normal skin tone. In this regard, it is advisable to understand the existing ingrown hair scar removal options.

Below are some of the options that are available for removing them:

Try exfoliation

Have you ever heard of exfoliation? This method works by removing dead skin cells on the skin. The method may apply chemical or physical mechanisms. Some of the common methods applied during exfoliation are chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

However, exfoliation alone may not completely remove them. It can, however, be combined with other options such as creams.

Creams can also help

Creams area known to be the most effective and affordable way to give a try. There are numerous lotions and creams that effectively remove scars on any body part within a few weeks if not days.

However, you should research on the best cream or lotion for your skin type. A lotion that works for one person may not work for the other.

Chemical peeling

Although this comes along with exfoliation, chemical peeling can be used on its own. This involves the application of certain acid chemicals that eat off all the unwanted scars on your skin. These chemicals, however, focus on the outer skin alone.

The amount of chemical applied depends on their severity. This method, nevertheless, does not guarantee permanent removal. In some instances, new scars from after the old ones are removed.

Use of laser beams

Many dermatologists make use of pulsed dye laser to remove resultant scars. Being hypertrophic in nature, this type of laser treatment can effectively remove them, especially on the outer skin.

This method uses modern technology and it is the surest way of getting rid of scars. Additionally, the side effects associated with the method are insignificant.

Use cocoa butter oil

Some oils, especially cocoa or cacao butter can provide a reliable relief and reduce scar appearance. How does this oil work? Being a moisturizer, cocoa butter oils prevents the skin from developing them when ingrown hair heals.

Did you know that oils extracted from cocoa seeds contain cocoa mass polyphenol? This chemical component inhibits IgE immunoglobulin, the chemical substance that forms scars on the skin.

Use some existing gels

Some gels are also known to provide relief. One of such gels is silicone gel. When regularly used as ointment oil, it completely removes them from the skin.

However, such oils should only be prescribed by a qualified physician. Using the wrong type of gel would worsen the situation.

Use microdermabrasion

Just like chemical peeling, microdermabrasion is a form of exfoliation. The method works by sanding the skin while removing them or any other dead skin cells. Generally, microdermabrasion is effective in:

  • Reducing ingrown hair scars
  • Reducing wrinkles and existing fine lines on the face
  • Treating all types of acne scars
  • Completely exfoliating your skin
  • Completely removing hyperpigmentation scars
  • Completely removing age spots and blackheads

Home remedies

In some cases, you don’t need to see a dermatologist in order to get rid these scars. You can get rid of them at the comfort of your home. How do you do this?

Some ingredients that are within your reach can provide an effective home remedy for ingrown hair scars fast. These ingredients include but not limited to the following:

  • Honey- This is a natural ointment that is known to heal diverse skin complications, including those resulting from from hair coiling back into the skin. Regularly applying honey on the affected part to makes them fade away within days.
  • Baking soda– being a base, its basic properties provides a fast relief to any a pimple or resilient scar.
  • Aspirin- Just like baking soda, aspirin fades them when applied and left on them for a while.
  • Pawpaw- This sounds crazy but it works. Smearing pawpaw juice fades the scars faster than you can imagine.

Ingrown Hair Bump Causes, Razor Bumps, Removal Remedies & Treatments

on November 13, 2021

You will experience ingrown hair when the hair grows sideways under the skin, or curl and grows back into your skin. This can result in a bump ranging from the minor spot a bigger cyst. This bump can emerge on the chin, face, thigh, pubic area, scalp, neck, legs among other areas. This insightful article will explore in-depth details about ingrown hair bump.

Overview

Have you ended bumps on your face, chin, neck, thigh, and armpit etc. which is not acne, a hive or an insect bite? Maybe, this could be an ingrown hair bump. It would result due to some factors.

Formation of an ingrown hair
Formation 

The good thing is that this is not a serious issue. It can be dealt with efficiently, but in some cases when infections strike it, it can have severe symptoms as well as cause effects such as skin darkening and scars after it heals.

Typically, it occurs if the follicles are blocked, and the hair instead grows sideways. It can also happen when naturally curling hair is cut short and thus the sharp edges pierce back into the skin. Many reasons can make it emerge but before we proceed further, how does it look like or what are some of its symptoms?

Symptoms

Once you develop an ingrown hair, it would irritate the skin leading to the formation of the raised red bump. The red bumps can also occur in the cluster or alone.  At times, you can end up with a painful sore resembling a boil.

Pus filled ingrown hair bump
Pus-filled and infected

These bumps can also be very itchy and thus very distressing. The bumps may be filled with pus or surrounded with red skin. They can sometimes bleed if irritated. Usually, they begin as small pimple like bumps that later grow too much larger bumps called ingrown hair cyst. According to healthline.com, “The resulting cyst can be red, white, or yellow in color. It may also be painful to the touch.”

Again, we should get this all together. Ingrown hair cyst is far apart from acne cysts. Though they may look alike, their formation is very different.

Anyone can have these bump. In men, they tend to be common on chin, cheeks, and neck. On the other hand, women commonly develop them in pubic area and armpits.

More importantly, you should note that this usually occurs majorly after poor shaving techniques. In summary, here is how ti can manifest itself:

  • Bump or a lump on skin
  • Swollen or tender skin
  • Inflamed lumps
  • Abscess or pustules
  • Cluster of itchy smaller bumps

Causes

The bump is formed when one has an ingrown hair, right? I guess whatever causes the latter can lead to a bump and it can affect any part of the body that has hair follicles.

Although anyone can have this problem, some people are more vulnerable than others. Let us now focus on why some people are more vulnerable than others or otherwise the various causes.

1. Curly or coarse hair

If you have very curly hair, then you are at higher risk of getting an ingrown hair. According to webmd.com, “Curly hair is more likely to bend back and re-enter the skin, especially after it’s been shaved or cut.” We, therefore, advise you to adapt to proper shaving techniques, this would at least limit chances of having this problem if you have naturally curly hair.

2. Hormonal changes

The body biology of various people does vary. Certain people tend to have a higher amount of some sex hormones. Medical studies reveal that, if the levels of certain sex hormones rise, one may experience excessive hair growth. This would increase the chances of getting this problem more than ever after shaving.

3. Clogged hair follicles

When the hair follicles are blocked by dead skin cells and sebum, it will grow sideways. So in this case, the bump will be an acne one. In short, various forms of acne can lead this problem.

Things are thus complicated now! You see there is a wide range of acne triggers. So one of the ways to prevent it is also to avoid the occurrence of acne. These could include hormonal acne treatments, dietary changes, antibiotics, steroid injections and many other treatments. The treatments can be oral, topical or via injections.

4. Genes

Do genes play any role? Of course yes. Myhealthyfeeling.com confirms that “Genes also play a role in the occurrence of ingrown hair.” If parents or very close relative had natural curly or coarse hair. You can also have the same and thus equally vulnerable to this problem.

5. Improper grooming or shaving techniques

Improper shaving techniques also greatly contribute ingrown hairs that later develop into bumps. Shaving too short or in the wrong direction can result in this problem Again, improper tweezing, waxing or application of depilatory products can also trigger it.

Shave the right direction and not too short. You should as well seek advice from your dermatologist about the best ways to wax or tweeze.

6. Skin injuries

Any injury to the skin can trigger this problem i.e. certain injuries that lead to the formation of scabs or crusts can make it hard for growing hair to penetrate through and hence it will be ingrown.

Skin injuries can be traumatic or result from skin rashes or blemishes. Again certain levels of friction can also make straight hairs to be curly and thus increasing the vulnerability of developing this problem.

Now, we have learned that numerous conditions that can trigger this problem. Although it is not a serious skin condition,  severe cases could result especially when cases of infected ingrown hair emerge. Treating the earlier symptoms is hence very crucial.

Razor bumps or ingrown hair after shaving

In various circumstances, ingrown hair is usually referred to as razor bump. It is not clear why the two are deemed the same, but to us, the two terms mean different things. The former can result from various causes including shaving. However, razor bumps usually result in poor shaving techniques. When the hair is cut too short or in the wrong direction, razor bump will emerge. So to be more clear, razor bumps are the common type of ingrown hair bump.

Razor bumps are commonly seen on the chin, armpit, and pubic area and even in buttocks after shaving using a razor, and thus the name ‘razor bump.’ Symptoms of the two are the same.

Now, what helps razor bump? There are many remedies that can treat razor, read about to explore them.

Removal technique

It is true; we’ve all experienced them. Those itchy, painful minor or huge red bumps that ruin your complexion is not strange. Now, what is the best treatment? The treatment procedures include home remedies, over the counter products and prescribed treatments.

Let us go through the top home remedies.

Natural remedies

This is is not that serious, simply DIY home remedies can easily remove them. So, before you proceed to those expensive commercial treatments, try the home remedies below:

Baking soda

Baking soda is among the best home products you can try. It has anti-inflammatory property, soothing effect and also relieves itchiness occurring alongside this problem. It also helps to exfoliate the skin and thus reduce chances of hair growing back into the skin that would consequently lead to a bump.

  • To a cup of water, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda
  • Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and massage it on the ingrown hair bump
  • Let it sit for 10 minutes then rinse using cold water
  • Repeat the remedy thrice daily for a few weeks
Baking soda for ingrown hair bumps
Baking soda

Sugar scrub

Sugar is known as a wonderful remedy too. It gets rid of dead skin cells and also exfoliate the skin gently and hence enabling the ingrown hair to come out. It will also make your skin to be very smooth.

  • To 1 cup of white sugar, add ½ cup of jojoba oil
  • Add 9 drops of lavender oil
  • Apply the scrub on the affected skin
  • Massage the scrub in circular motion
  • Rinse off using lukewarm water
  • Apply the remedy twice in a week
Sugar scrub
Sugar scrub

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has great properties essential in dealing with this problem. It is antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory natural product. It helps to heal the skin and would also prevent the infections that might strike in.

  • Prepare a mixture of 3 drops of tea tree oil and one tablespoon of olive oil
  • Apply the solution to the affected skin
  • Let it sit for about 10 minutes and then wash off lukewarm water
  • Repeat the remedy twice daily as the condition would demand
Tea tree oil for ingrown hair bumps
Try tea tree oil

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another great remedy for ingrown hair. It relieves the itchiness and the discomfort linked to this problem. It also keeps infections at bay. Though it can be harsh for very sensitive skin, it is worth to be given trial after being diluted.

  • To a cup of water, add five tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
  • Apply the solution to the affected skin
  • Repeat this remedy twice a day for some weeks
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar

There are many natural home products that can removal ingrown hair bumps and deal with related symptoms and effects such as scarring and skin pigmentation. In severe cases, the treatment would leap beyond home remedies. You may need to see your dermatologist.

OTC products for bump removal

Over the counter products, can also work well. OTC products include creams, lotions, gels, and soaps. Many of the counter products are applied topically. Some of the vital ingredients in these products can include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and even the natural remedies discussed above.

The major downside with OTC products is that some of them are not genuine and may even contain toxins. You should, therefore, consult experts to have good selection during purchase.

When to a dermatologist help?

This problem is usually not a persistent skin condition. More often, it heals on its own without any treatment. In rare cases, it can be severe to the extent that, home remedies and OTC products may be ineffective. Such scenarios need the intervention of your dermatologist.

Stronger medications would be required. You see, the bump may be infected leading to ingrown hair cyst. Stronger medications such as oral antibiotics, steroids, etc. can be applied. Even laser therapies would be prescribed for extremely severe conditions.

Conclusion

This bump can be treated with simple home remedies or even OTC products. The treatments are focused on unclogging the pores, relieving itching and inflammation as well as healing the damaged skin. To be safer, you should employ good grooming techniques such as proper shaving, waxing, and tweezing techniques.

You should exfoliate your skin regularly but gentle. This would make sure the dead skin cells are cleared, and thus the pores are not blocked. Also, avoid the triggers of acne that would lead to skin injuries and thus resulting in ingrown hair.

Sources of Reference
  1. http://www.menscience.com/A-Definitive-Therapy-for-Ingrown-Hairs-or-Razor-Bumps_ep_48.html
  2. http://www.blackenterprise.com/eliminating-razor-bumps-guide-black-men-skin/
  3. https://www.healthline.com/health/treating-preventing-ingrown-vaginal-hair#modal-close
  4. https://www.medicinenet.com/ingrown_hair/article.htm
  5. https://www.menshealth.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-ingrown-hair

 

Eyelash Falling Out Causes, Treatments & Remedies to Stop or Regrow them

on October 16, 2021

Why are my eyelashes falling off? How do I stop this loss and how can makeup make the loss appear less visible? 

Overview

Long lush eyelashes can enhance your eye’s beauty as well as your face in general. It is every girl’s dream to have long lashes since “dark, defined lashes make you look more awake, attractive, and even younger” [paulaschoice.com].

However, to some ladies, growing them long is a nightmare because they keep falling out. We will explore what causes this loss causes as well as ways to stop it from happening or how to regrow them.

Meaning

Eyelash loss, technically known as madarosis refers to the abnormal or excessive falling out of these hairs other than the normal or natural hair replacement process that happens to every hair on the body.

Although the condition is not life-threatening, it is very distressing, and it could indicate you are suffering from another more serious problem. In severe cases, one might end up without lash hairs at all.

Symptoms

The obvious symptoms will include them becoming very few or completely absent, thinning, having gaps, becoming brittle and/or easily coming out as you are applying mascara. Let us now uncover why they do fall out.

Why they falling out or causes

There are many reasons that vary from one individual to another. These causes range from diseases and conditions, diet, some treatments and general care given to your lashes.  We are going to cover the most common eyelash loss causes and from this list, you will be able to know what could be causing this problem in your case. So, what makes them fall out?

1. Trichotillomania tangle or pulling them out 

This is a physiological condition where the affected person involuntary pulls off their body hairs, including the various facial hairs. Being an impulse control disorder, the “affected people commonly pull hair from their scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes” [healthunlocked.com] and this can lead them being very few.

Trichotillomania Tangle often begins at different stages, especially during childhood or at puberty. Some pull a single hair out from its root while others might pull many hairs at once. This conditions might persist into adulthood in some people while in others,  it stops.

2. Hyperactive and underactive thyroid problems

Having an underactive (hypothyroidism) or hyperactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid glands is another common cause including for eyebrows falling out. It can affect other body hairs.

The common symptoms of underactive thyroids glands include dry skin, weight gain and inability to tolerate cold.

On the other hand, having overactive thyroid glands causes intolerance to heat, weight loss, headaches, a swollen lower neck, and amnesia.

Thyroid problems will cause your hairs to thin as well as make them dry and brittle. When this occurs, your scalp, eyebrow and eyelashes hairs will be falling out. They will be sparse.

3. Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that makes some immune cells to begin attacking your hair roots or follicles. It causes hair loss both on your scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes and other body hairs.

Although it does not have a cure, if alopecia areata is the reason, you can opt for the various topical creams to help reduce its effect. You will know you have this problem if you have a patchy loss of hair.

4. Allergic reaction to makeup & mascara

To some, the cause is nothing other than the chemicals present in the various products that are used on eyelashes that include mascaras,  primers as well as dyes.

These various chemicals that might be contained in these products often trigger allergic reactions that result in the loss. If you often react to other allergens such as pet dander, dust, smoke, etc., then the makeup you use could also affect your lashes making them fall out.

Furthermore, allergens in mascara, lash primes and dyes have been associated with contact dermatitis as well as conjunctivitis.  It is rare but possible to have them falling out due to mascara use when used aggressively.

5. Dermatological or eyelid skin problems

Some skin infections such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can result in the itchy sensation that makes people rub their eyes and thus leading to madarosis.

6. Eyelid inflammation or blepharitis

Excessive growth of the normal bacteria found on the skin, including the one on your eyelids, could also cause eyelid inflammation, a condition known as blepharitis. Furthermore, eyelid inflammation can also be as a result of blocked eyelid oil glands or allergies.

When your eyelid is inflamed, it becomes red and itchy. This can cause eyelash loss as the inflammation damages lash follicles if it is repeated for a long time.

Furthermore, the rubbing of your eyelids due to the inflammation can also have an effect on your lash hairs. This could be what causes them to fall out in our special case if you are suffering from blepharitis.

7. Chemotherapy treatment of cancer

If you are a cancer patient, chemo often causes hair loss i.e. you will have scalp, brow hair and lashes falling out as well as other body hairs. This will be a short-term problem since chemotherapy affects hair follicles. When you stop it, your hairs will begin growing again.

8. Some medications

Besides chemotherapy, there are some medications which have been found to cause general body hair loss. “Research shows that oral anti-acne drugs such as isotretinoin, some anti-clotting medications, anti-cholesterol drugs, thyroid balancing drugs, and blood pressure medications have all been connected to madarosis” [paulaschoice.com]. However, the moment you stop using them, your lashes will start growing back again.

9. Normal loss

If you notice a few of your eyelashes falling off, this is a normal process where once they have grown fully, they fall off as they age to give way to new ones to grow. This happens to all body hairs and it is a normal replacement process that happens unnoticed.

10. Menopause

If you are experiencing this loss during menopause, it is normal due to the dwindling levels of estrogen. The reducing estrogen levels often slow the growth of hair and it can cause hair follicle destruction and thus you will be having fewer and thinner lashes and hairs.

11. Hypotrichosis

This is a condition where long thick hair strands are replaced by “vellus hair, which is the very short, thin, fine, brittle hair that can be seen on close examination of areas of the body we tend to think of as hairless, such as our lashes, brows, cheeks, nose, etc.” [eyehealthweb.com]. It might be inherited or caused by other medical conditions. Latisse can be of help in dealing with it.

12. Other reasons 

Other than the above reasons, there are other causes which include the following:

  • Some harsh environmental conditions
  • Touching them with dirty hands or exposing them to much dirt
  • Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, can cause them to fall off i.e. research has shown some connection between eyelashes falling out and pregnancy.
  • Pulling them as you try to remove mascara, especially waterproof mascara is known to also cause some loss.
  • Trauma to your eyes can affect their growth.
  • The normal aging process does affect general hair growth.

These are not the only causes, there are many others that could be unique to you as an individual. It is advisable to consult your doctor for further advice in case you cannot figure out what causes the loss in your case.

How to stop the loss – treatment & remedies

If you are one of the people who has been complaining that your eyelashes are falling out on your eyes, you now must be knowing what could be causing that problem. Let us not look at some of the ways on to stop the loss i.e. treatments, remedies and how to grow eyelashes back.

1. Careful mascara choice

The first way to stop from falling out is to carefully select the mascara brand you are using. There have been cases of some brands causing this problem. Covergirl bombshell volume was once mentioned to be an eyelash loss reasons [thefrisky.com].

2. Treat any infections

In case of a chronic or severe eye infection, ensure you get treated or take go for the right antibiotics. Treating any skin problem around your eyes will ensure you do not rub them as this might not only affect eyelashes grow back or regrowth but also affect your eyes too.

3. Increase protein and fatty acids in your diet

Ensure you have enough protein and fatty acids in your diet as lack of these two affects hair growth including one of your lashes. “Try eating more protein-rich food and foods containing essential fatty acids like nuts, soybeans, and cold-water fish such as tuna or salmon” [goodhousekeeping.com].

4. Stop using mascara

If your case is severe, you can stop using mascara until you get well. Furthermore, when applying mascara, do not do it aggressively. Alternatively, use lash conditioning mascara brands such as Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die for Mascara.

5. Avoid old makeup

Avoid using old makeup as these products tends to host bacteria once they stay for long. Even if there is still a lot remaining, throw them away after 3 months or as instructed by the manufacturer. You also need to handle them carefully to avoid contamination.

6. Remove makeup before you go to bed

Ensure you always remove your eye makeup before you go to bed because it “prevents the follicle from breathing and can eventually stop hair growth altogether over time.” [makeup.com]. It is also advisable you wash your face before going to bed.

When removing your makeup, ensure you do not tug, rub or pull your eyelashes. You can stop wearing waterproof mascaras as they are harder to remove as mentioned earlier.

7. Stop using fake eyelashes & extensions

False eyelashes and extension could be a cause of this problem. “Stop using false eyelashes or  extensions, or if you do, use a dab of oil on a cotton bud to loosen the adhesive before removal.” [lizearlewellbeing.com].

8. Use eyelash enhancers and growth products

Using some of them over the counter topical products and lash serums such as Latisse, RapidLash, RevitaLash or Talika Lipocils Conditioning Gel might also help your them to grow back. These products will improve them but they need to be used religiously and they might take time.

9. Go for Surgical eyelash grafts

If they are pathetic and you have tried all other ways without seeing any good results, you can opt for surgical grafts as well as eyelash transplant procedures.

10. Good choice a curler

Aggressive use of a bad eyelash curler could also be what makes them fall out. It needs to have rubber tabs that are why a “strip was created to preserve your lashes…. a bare curler can chop your lashes at the base” [makeup.com].

11. Try hot eye compresses

Try hot eye compresses to help encourage regrowth. You can do this for about 5 minutes twice daily.

How to use makeup when they are falling off

Walking around without eyelashes or with very few one might make some ladies feel uncomfortable. However, good makeup use can help hide your missing ones. Some of the great ways you can use makeup include:

  • Use mascara: Use of mascara is a great way of ensuring you look great as you are still waiting for them regrowth. Go for darkest shades of good brands of lengthening and volumizing mascaras as they improve the appearance of your lashes.
  • Wear bold eyeliners: Get a good long-wearing eyeliner brand and apply it boldly on your lash line. This will create the illusion of fuller lashes. The best eyeliners to go for will be gel although liquid and pencil eyeliners can also work well.
  • Wear false eyelashes: After verifying with a doctor that you do not have any skin condition that might get irritated, you can wear them. They will increase the volume of your eyelashes.
  • Highlight other facial features: Careful face makeup application such as highlighting your lips, cheekbones can draw attention from your sparse or few eyelashes.

I hope this discussion now answers any of your question such as ‘why are my eyelashes falling out’ or ‘how can this problem’ or ‘what causes their loss’. Sharing is loving. Thank you.

Dry Brittle Hair Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments 

on October 6, 2021

Is your hair so dry and brittle that there is more of it in the shower drain than on your actual scalp? Is it lackluster, frizzy, shedding and full of split ends? These are all symptoms of dry hair.

If it is dry, you understand the struggle of trying everything you can and not succeeding. Firstly, trying everything you can is probably the problem. Overuse of products and neglect can cause this problem. Sometimes, however, there are other causes for the drying and breaking. These can be medical conditions beyond your control.

Dry brittle hair
Why is my hair dry and brittle?

However, remember this problem can be dealt with or can be treated. Discovering the cause is the first step to recovery.

Causes of dry brittle hair

Lack of moisture

This is the core cause. It is literally a lack of moisture.

“Your scalp isn’t making enough moisture. Hair has no natural lubrication. It relies on oils made in the hair root to keep your hair moisturized and looking lustrous.” Web MD

When the roots are unable to make enough oil to maintain, then it becomes dry and brittle and vice versa if it makes too much, then it becomes oily

“Each strand of healthy hair has a protective layer called the cuticle…. In a healthy cuticle, the layers lie tightly together and keep moisture in.”

When this doesn’t happen, the moisture escapes leaving the hair dry and frizzy as “cotton candy.”

Weather

Yes, this is a factor too. Obviously one would expect that as the sun dries out the entire earth, so will it dry our skin and our hair. There’s more to it, however;

“Summer includes overexposure to the sun, swimming, and products with alcohol, which can all dehydrate hair,” Remington celebrity stylist Richard Marin

Not just summer, winter comes with its own drying agents caused by the extreme cold. Any harsh exposure to the elements works against it and keeps it without moisture.

Shampoo

Using the wrong shampoo or shampooing it too often is detrimental. It strips off its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.

Heating agents

Using heat treatments consistently is disastrous. Flatirons, curling irons, dryers, and other heating tools may be great for styling it, but it also strips it of all the moisture, leaving it parched and withered with split ends.

Brushing and toweling it

Brushing it when it’s wet makes it more open to breakage.

“This won’t necessarily dry the hair but it will leave the ends brittle and lead to breakage down the entire strand.” Sylvia Vaught

Toweling it vigorously after washing can also cause friction which dries it out making it more brittle and breakable.

Treatments and bleaching

Treatments are great for the hair but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Constantly treating causes a buildup of protein which then makes it become brittle. This especially happens when treatments are done too close together without giving it time to recover.

Bleach is a strong chemical with properties that destroy it, if overused. We all know someone who bleached their hair and it went horribly wrong. Consistent coloring and bleaching it to feel, look and be dry.

Treatments

Add Moisture

To add moisture to your hair, you need to first soften the strands. You can do this by using a deep conditioner once a week at the very least.

Apply the deep conditioning mask and comb through to ensure that it is evenly distributed. Hold it up for 20-30 minutes and then rinse and style. This type of conditioning keeps the cuticles flat and allows them to lock in more moisture.

To prevent even further drying, use cold water instead of hot water as it helps to seal in all the nutrients.

Weather

Although you can’t change the weather, you can protect it while in harsh weather conditions. In the summer, avoid swimming and sunbathing right after. Or rather, wear a swimming cap to protect it.

“If you do go swimming without a cap, wash the chlorine out right away with a gentle shampoo.” Matrix Blog

After shampooing, you may happily sit and sunbathe knowing there will be minimal damage to your hair. Use treatments that are hydrating, especially during the summer months.

In winter, cover it to protect it from the harsh wind. Also, use hydrating treatments to prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.

Shampoo

Avoid shampooing it every day. The longer you can make it, the better- but only up to about a week. We don’t want you walking around with grimy hair. Dry powder and shampoo can be used in the interim to keep it clean.

If you feel you really must wash it a little more often than that then limit it to every two days or so. Even then, try washing it with conditioner instead, to protect it from the harshness of the shampoo.

Also, choose a mild shampoo for regular use. Avoid shampoos with too many drying elements and opt for a gentler one. These are usually the ones created for daily cleansing.
After shampooing, add conditioner to restore some moisture.

Heating

If you can, avoid heating materials altogether. If you cannot, keep it to a minimum and reduce the heat. Very little damages hair the way excessive heat does.

Should you need to style it, let it naturally dry first. Use a heat protection serum prior to straightening it to minimize risk. And use the cold setting for your dryer.

Brushing, toweling dry

Over detangling promotes breakage. Try not to brush it more than two times in a single day.

“It is recommended to use a boar bristles brush, and only brush when the hair has fully dried. On wet hair, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle” Kerastase Paris

When toweling it, be gentle and try to pat it dry to prevent causing too much friction. Also, change your towel to less abrasive material.

Extra tip; Use silk pillowcases instead of regular ones for the same reason.

References
  • http://www.doctoroz.com/article/bummed-out-brittle-hair
  • https://www.matrix.com/blog/9-ways-to-repair-treat-and-fix-damaged-hair

Dry Hair Treatments: 9 Simple DIY Dry Hair Treatments

on September 18, 2021

Dealing with dry hair is inevitable, between using products with harmful chemical ingredients, too hot styling tools, to coloring or exposure to extreme temperature.

Our hair goes through a lot! And all these ultimately strip it off of its essential natural oils and nutrients.

Dry hair
Why the dryness

So, exactly what is dry hair? We say it is the type that is dull, brittle and usually difficult to manage.

Causes

1. Overdoing it

Dry hair can be a result of overdoing something ‘good’; from heat styling to over-shampooing to chemical treatments (dyeing, straightening, perming). Reducing the use of heat styling tools, shampooing at least two to three times in a week and possibly ditching the chemical-based products for organic or natural-based ingredients may alleviate this dryness.

2. Extreme temperatures

Cold, hot or windy weather causes our hair and scalp to lose moisture quickly, leaving it dry, brittle and lifeless.

3. Diet and nutrition

Healthy hair is a reflection of healthy nutrition. Eating the right diet composed of foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B5 and A are essential to make your tresses healthy and shiny.

4. Medications

Anti-depressants, antibiotics, acne medications, weight loss drugs among other medications are associated with not only dryness ness but brittleness it being unhealthy.

5. Health issues and dryness 

In some cases, this problem is associated with other underlying health problem as noted in Health line, if you are concerned about the causes kindly seek medical advice from your doctor. The health conditions associated with hair dryness include;

  • Malnutrition: This is a condition that results from not eating adequate amounts of food, healthy food. This condition is one of the symptoms of malnutrition.
  • Anorexia nervosa: an eating disorder that leads people to lose excess weight to unhealthy degrees. This is one of the common symptoms of anorexia nervosa.
  • Hyperparathyroidism: an endocrine disorder that results from inadequate secretion of parathyroid hormones that are responsible for controlling the use and the release of calcium, usually characterized by dry hair.
  • Hypothyroidism: insufficient production of hormones from the thyroid gland responsible for body functions related to protein and energy.
  • Menkes kinky syndrome: This syndrome is a severe genetic disease. This disease causes irregular absorption of copper leading to irregularities in the structure of bones, hair, blood vessels and the nerve function.
  • Genetics and age: genes are hereditary, similar to dryness including the scalp. As we age, the natural ability of our body to release natural and essential oils.

Best treatments: Simple DIY remedies and masks

There are numerous treatments that you can simply make from your kitchen, the best part is these treatments are cost-effective, made of natural ingredients and have the potential to give you the best results compared to high-end dry hair treatments. Livestrong and style craze highlight the following dry hair treatments to be the best for restoring, luster and life.

Hot oil scalp massages

Hot oils massages are the best for giving it a deep conditioning treatment as well as moisturize it. This type of treatment has existed for ages and is popular for preventing further damage and restoring already dried up hair.

Hot oil treatments are the best and most effective treatments and best of all, it’s cost-effective. An added advantage of hot oil treatments is the fact that you can custom blend essential oils to suit your preferences as well as hair type.

Hot oil dry hair treatment.

Essential oils: almond, olive, jojoba, coconut(you don’t necessarily need to use these specific oils you can substitute and personalize with other essential oils such as sandalwood, lavender, rosemary, geranium oils which are specifically perfect.

Hot oil treatments
Hot oil treatment

Take two tablespoons of each essential oil and mix them up, Heat the mixture to lukewarm (using a water bath) then gently massage into hair and scalp. Wrap it in a towel for 30minutes then wash it as usual.

Egg and water

Egg yolk is another amazing treatment and all you need is just two egg yolks

Separate the yolks from the whites, add some water at least three tablespoons and beat the mixture

Apply it and leave it for 30 minutes before rinsing. Use cool water to wash off the treatment to prevent the egg from cooking and also control the smell.

Egg and water
Egg and water

Avocado and egg hair mask

Mash avocado and mix it up with the egg, apply to wet hair, let it stay for 20 min.

This mask is perfect for restoring nutrients and vitamins.

In addition, it is rich in essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids which are guaranteed to make your hair lustrous.

Avocado + egg mask
Avocado + egg mask

Avocado and banana mask

Avocado and banana mask can’t go unnoticed for their ability to seal moisture and improve elasticity making its stands stronger and softer.

All you need for this mask is one avocado and banana, mash them up, apply them and let it stay for 30 minutes before washing it off.

The best part about this mask treatment is the fact that avocado and banana are rich in natural oils that condition and nourishes the scalp and dry hair.

Avocado and banana mask
Avocado and banana mask 

Honey mask

Honey based masks are perfect for sealing and binding moisture to your hair as well as conditioning it.

All you need is honey and some essential oils such as jojoba, coconut or olive oil.

Mix up the ingredients until you get a consistent formula, apply from hair roots, working your way to the ends or tips which are the driest and fragile part.  Leave the hair mask for 20-30 minutes then rinse it off.

Honey mask + essential oil
Honey mask + essential oil 

Yogurt, egg and honey mask

Yogurt strengthens and adds shine to dry, brittle hair; while eggs are responsible for restoring fats and proteins as well as moisturize and remove unwanted oils without interfering with hair’s natural moisture.

All you need is two eggs a tablespoon of honey and two for yogurt

Mix the ingredients in a bowl, start by beating the egg then add yogurt and honey until they form a creamy, smooth paste. Apply the mixture and leave it for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off with cool or cold water to avoid the egg from ‘cooking’.

Egg, Yoghurt and honey mask
Egg, Yoghurt, and honey mask
Mayonnaise mask
Mayonnaise mask

According to Herbal Treatments for Healthy Hair by Greta Breed love as noted in Live strong, this mask is best for deep conditioning dry hair. It leaves manageable, smooth and soft:  this is due to the anti-oxidant in mayonnaise notes style craze.

All you need is a cup full of mayonnaise.  Wet it then apply it along with your strand, focusing more on the very or extremely sections. Let it stay while covered with a shower cap for 20-30 minutes then rinse it off with water and shampoo.

Apple cider vinegar(ACV)

An ACV treatment is perfect for removing product buildups.

All you need is two cups of water and two tablespoons of ACV. Mix them up, wash and condition your hair as usual and use the ACV and water solution as the final rinse.

An ACV rinse keeps it looking lustrous, smooth and clean.

Apple cider vinegar for dry hair
Apple cider vinegar for hair dryness

What to do with dry hair

  1. Dry hair shampoo is the way to go: chose formulas that are packed with nourishing agents, when washing it start from the root and work your way up to the ends of your shaft while lathering up the shampoo using your fingertips.
  2. The magic of using cold water: instead of using hot or lukewarm, wash it using cold water -or at least do the final rinsing with cold water. Coldwater ensures that the ‘scales’ on the cuticles lay flat and tighten together along the hair shaft thus sealing in nutrition and moisture to give you the perfect shine, smoothness and healthy manes.
  3. Deep conditioning: deep conditioning at least a week is very important; it tames the tangles and repairs your tresses. Conditioning is also perfect for rehydrating it and enriching it with optimum nutrients to make it look livelier.
  4. Avoid over-detangling: detangle or brush it at most twice a day and after it is completely dry using a boar bristle brush but when wet, gentle detangle using a wide-toothed comb.
  5. Over or under shampooing: refrain from shampooing it more than thrice on a weekly basis, over-shampooing strips off sebum which is essential for protecting and nourishing it
  6. Your hair is a reflection of your health: Nourish the health of your hair inside out, consider your eating habits, concentrate on eating a balanced meal enriched with vitamins, proteins, mineral salts, and fatty acids and watch it gaining vibrancy.
  7. If you must use heat styling tools, use a texturizing cream to protect from the heat, preferably use cold air and wild boar brush for styling.
  8. Trim your split ends: the ends are the most sensitive part of your hair, trim them at two to three times in a month.

Dry Hair Shampoo: Meaning & 8 Tips for Best Results

on September 16, 2021

Bad hair days, we all have them. If dry hair has been your major concern since like forever, they don’t have to be anymore. We have all been at a point where restoring your natural shine and its suppleness seems like an impossible task!

If this is the case, am pretty sure you are concerned about the beauty products you use, especially shampoos and their potential to strip your hair off all the natural oils and nutrients.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
 Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

If this is the case reducing your shampoo washes and looking for alternatively mild shampoo options may be the best way to go.

Causes of hair dryness

First things first, you need to understand the causes this dryness in order to prevent exacerbation of the problem. According to WebMD, it is a result of:

  • Constant use of heat-styling tools and chemical treatments
  • Overexposure to harsh temperatures
  • Poor diet and nutrition causing it to lack essential vitamins and nutrients.
  • Age: as people become old the ability to produce sufficient vitamins and nutrients to moisturize and keep it looking supple decreasing dryness.
  • Some antibiotics, acne, weight loss, antifungal, and chemotherapy medications are also associated with this problem.
  • This is also a primary symptom for other health problems such as malnutrition, Anorexia nervosa, hyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism and Menkes syndrome as noted health line.

However, if you are concerned that the dryness is a result of an underlying health problem, seek medical advice from your doctor.

No matter what the culprit of your dry is, dry shampoos are best, since they help you reduce your regular washes and exposing it to harsh stripping ingredients; and instead use powder-based dry hair shampoos: to absorb extra product build-up and oil, cleanse, nourish and give it a shiny look.

What is a dry shampoo

To keep your hair healthy and supple, it is inadvisable to constantly shampoo it, okay fine, washing it gets rid of all the dust and gunk but also strips off the essential vitamins and nutrients that make it healthy and lustrous.

Basically, dry shampoo is an oil-absorbing powder sprayed from an aerosol can notes more beauty. The shampoo works by soaking up extra product build-up and grime without the requirement of water.

The waterless shampoo cleanses offered by this type is great especially after fixing your hair up and getting that gorgeous blowout. Waterless brands enable you to retain the mint condition of your blowout and cleanse it at the same it.

This shampoo is sprayed or sprinkled onto the hair scalp, distributed by evenly working the powder on the scalp for a minute or more so that it effectively absorbs excess oils and product build-up leaving it clean and fresh.

Why is dry hair shampoo is the best

  1. It has been there for ages, but only gained popularity recently. It’s become the go-to product for people trying to revitalize their hair, restore moisture and sheen.
  2. This shampoo is an easy and cost-effective option for prolonging the duration of washing days, a break from shampoo days.
  3. Time-saving and effective way to freshen up your look after a workout session, long flights, within the day at work or at home and a perfect pick-me-up for an evening date for people whose hair has a tendency to become frizzy and greasy at the end of the day.
  4. It lightens colored hair a little, especially blonde since the powder can be used to conceal the dark roots increasing the time between color treatments.
  5. It is also best for making your just-styled hair last longer especially if it’s used as an alternative to washing it in between blowout sessions.
  6. Best for last, it gives hair that extra fullness and texture and works perfectly as a styling product.

But just like everything good, this shampoo has some shortcomings

  • It cannot be used on curly, coarse or extremely dry hair: the powder in the water-less shampoo requires oil to cling to so that it can easily and thoroughly be brushed out. Therefore, it doesn’t always have the same effect.
  • The powdery nature of dry shampoos may leave some gray residues on roots of darker hair, hence it’s advisable to be keen when buying a dry brand in order to select one that is specifically for darker types.

Tips for the best results

Thanks to this, we get to rock our just styled hair in mint condition and fresh for days.

  1. Dry shampoo only works on dry hair, so don’t waste your time using it if it is wet.
  2. When using an aerosol spray, spray from a distance of 6 inches from the scalp to avoid using excess product which will only lead to product build-up making it difficult to evenly massage it into your hair.
  3. When applying check to confirm if you got all the parts, if not you can either add more product or use a brush to evenly distribute what you had already sprayed.
  4. Powder dry shampoo and spray dry shampoo are really just one and the same thing: both get the job done but spray dry one is better at soaking up the oil.
  5. It is are perfect for adding volume and texture, amazing for transforming your looks from day to night when used properly.
  6. If your hair becomes white after you spray your dry shampoo its completely okay, let the product settle then proceed with styling, if it’s still chalky, just gently comb through it. Also apply underneath the top layer of your hair at the roots to minimize getting chalky residues and to add volume and texture.
  7. Don’t touch your hair, resist the urge especially if you have applied it as the natural oils on your fingertips will only make it oily again.
  8. Don’t overdo it, but in case you over apply it just, add some serum on the spot, blow-dry or just brush it until it is evenly distributed.

Best brands for all hair types

With different hair types, it might be difficult to figure out which dry shampoo is best your type, but there are some brands which are perfect for all types; from curly, dry, oily, frizzy to just normal hair notes in style and red book mag

  • For long and thick hair, it can be pretty tedious to constantly have to wash it and who wants to get rid of a just styled blow-out? Yes, no one! But thanks to Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo; you can skip some wash days, get freshness and still maintain your just hairstyle.
  • For frizzy type try out Suave Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo
  • To get extra volume and texture try Style Edit Invisible Shampoo, best for a mid-day pick-me-up shampoo.
  • For a fresh scent in the morning, Pantene Original Fresh Dry Shampoo is amazing to make you ride out the blow out for a couple more days: even if your hair picked up scents during the night.
  • Although a bit on the high-end, Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo is just the best since its formulated not to leave behind any white residues and the best part is, it comes in a variety of two colors for different hair types such as brunettes and another for lighter shades or colors.

Eyebrow Hair Loss Causes, Treatments and Transplant

on August 15, 2021

What causes eyebrow hair loss? What are some of the good treatment for this problem? Could transplant be a solution? Learn more about why you could be losing brow hair and what options there are for regrowth and restoration.

Losing eyebrows from time to time is pretty normal. Like all hairs on the body, they have a natural cycle that includes shedding at the last stage.

This process, however, should be barely noticeable and certainly not leave bald patches or even areas without hairs. If you notice the sudden and extreme loss, or your thick eyebrows thinning out of nowhere, you may have a cause to worry.

While we think of them as a cosmetic, for the most part, they are also important protection for the eye from particles and liquid. For this reason, preventing them from falling out is important whether you are male or female.

Eyebrow falling out could also be a symptom of an underlying more serious condition. It is therefore important to answer the question of why am I losing them?

Causes

Several things could lead to your their falling out. For one, you could be too enthusiastic with the tweezers leading to over-plucking. If you do not pluck them, your loss of eyebrows could be due to one of the reasons below.

1. Deficiency

Just like a poor diet may cause hair loss, lack of proteins, minerals, and vitamins may affect their them, consequently make to them falling out.

2. Medication

You can lose your eyebrows along with other hairs from your body if you are on medication that is known to cause hair loss as a side effect. An example is the drugs used for chemotherapy in cancer patients.

Hormonal contraception may also cause thinning in women especially if they were already genetically predisposed to hair loss. Other medication which may prove disruptive to normal hormone activity may also make you lose them.

3. Autoimmune disorders

Several autoimmune disorders may be behind this problem. In actual sense, hair loss is a common symptom of autoimmune illnesses. The most commonly associated with this problem are:

a). Alopecia Areata

In the case of Alopecia Areata, the body turns on itself attacking the hair follicle, making them fall off in various parts of the body. If it affects your brows, you could lose a section or all of them. The effect alopecia may be permanent but for most people the condition is temporary.

A section of people will have hair loss and regrowth from time to time while others may have a one-off occurrence.

b). Lupus

People suffering from this autoimmune disorder may experience hair loss as one of the symptoms and one of the places they will notice this it first is on the eyebrows.

4. Skin Conditions

Some people with eczema or atopic dermatitis as it is commonly known may experience itchy eyebrows and loss. Psoriasis, seborrhea could also lead cause this problem in the affected area. You can also be losing them due to contact dermatitis if it affects your brow.

Growths on the skin, even if they are not malignant like moles or skin tags could also lead to loss of patches of eyebrow hair if they are in this area.

5. Thyroid Problems

Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underperforming is often named as one of the hair thinning causes. This condition will cause one a host of symptoms like skin dryness, fatigue, and sudden weight gain.

Thinning hair including that on your brows will show up at the later stages of hypothyroidism. Hair falling off may be more noticeable than other parts as those on the brow are not as dense as other areas on the body.

However, not all thinning can be blamed on a malfunctioning thyroid gland, but when it is due to hypothyroidism, it has a very specific pattern. The falling or thinning is usually concentrated on the outer edge, or outer third of the eyebrow.

6. Scarring

Accidents and burns on the face could lead to scarring and permanent loss.

7. Age

Like everywhere else on the body, the loss can also happen due to age.

9. Hansen’s Disease

You may know it by the more common name, leprosy. If it affects the face, especially on the brow area, then it may cause the loss of eyebrows.

Cures and Treatments

Treatment will take several forms. There is some treatment that will stop further loss with others focus on regrowth. Treatments are available in a variety of forms, from topical medication to surgery.

Rogaine 

A common treatment is Rogaine.

It can be found in liquid or lotion form. Some reviews say it is great at preventing further loss along with helping you grow new ones in a couple of months of consistent use.

Latisse 

People looking to stop further brow loss can use Latisse which is the only known prescription medication for eyelash growth. A plus with Latisse as a treatment to regrow eyebrows is that it also darkens the skin under them making them appear darker and thus thicker.

See a doctor

If you are not sure on the cause on your case, is best that you get a qualified medical practitioner to look at them. He will recommend a good treatment will that address the hair loss causes first and any way to encourage regrowth.

It beats reason to jump on re-growing them when you are still losing them to say eczema. Treat eczema first.

If you prefer home remedies and have established that the loss is only temporary, you can try a home remedy to encourage growth.

In some unfortunate instances like, say scarring from burns or severe cases of alopecia, the brow loss is permanent, and no home remedy will help.  You could start looking at restoration surgery which is basically a hair transplant procedure.

Eyebrow Transplant

There are not too many options for those with permanent loss. Besides tattooing them in and using makeup to draw them in, a transplant is a sure option.

Let us face it, tattoos and makeup never give a natural-looking result, neither are they permanent. Sometimes they are downright scary. So, you are only left with an eyebrow hair transplant if you want to put the matter to bed once and for all.

The procedure involves removing some hair from some other area of your body with active follicle; typically, it is gotten from the back of the head, and putting it on the brow area.

It should give you satisfying results if you ensure to track down a hair restoration expert to carry out the replacement.

The transplantation should take in a couple of days when done correctly by an expert. It is important that you check out the previous work of the surgeon you select to ensure his designs and shape that is flattering. Men and women brow shapes are distinguishable, and this should be considered if they are to look as natural as possible.

This reconstruction procedure is ideal alopecia treatment as the transplant can be done for only a small area or the whole eyebrow if you lost all your hair.