Hope for Dry Hair Sufferers
Dry hair is characterized by a variety of symptoms and has several causes which, when dealing with health and beauty concerns, are always specific to the individual.
Those of us challenged by this annoying condition know the symptoms all too well: dullness, lack of elasticity, brittleness, dry ends, difficulty managing our cherished tresses—not to mention the affect on our self-image.
There are nearly fifty medically defined causes of dry hair, and as always genetics plays a crucial role, yet most dry hair can be narrowed down to a handful of causes: inordinate washing (including usage of harsh cleansers) and blow drying, low-humidity environments, hormonal changes, health conditions (ex. Anorexia nervosa) and nutritional deficiencies.
For many of us, a few simple changes in hair treatment regimen can alleviate this condition.
1. Shampoo less frequently (no more than twice a week), decreasing the level of oil leeched from the hair by this activity and use shampoos that are designed specifically for dry hair.
2. Use conditioners and hair products that don't contain hair and skin damaging products such as isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, petrolatum, FD & C color pigments and propylene glycol (an active chemical in antifreeze known to affect the cellular and protein structure of skin). Surprisingly, we must also be cautioned about the wonderful fragrances we find so appealing; these fabricated scents can contain upwards of 3000 elements, a majority of which are synthetic). If you perm or color your hair, it is best to use products that are for permed hair and color treated hair only. They do help minimize any damage to your hair and scalp.
3. Minimize blow drying and rough treatment. Hair is nearly ten times more sensitive when wet, therefore long-term hair drying by blow dryers and rubbing can contribute to hair and scalp damage. Be patient and gentle, ladies.
4. Choose stylists and products carefully. Patronize experienced and reputable professionals and products with proven track records, keeping in mind that one usually get what one pays for, i.e. those few extra dollars might be worth it.
5. Nutrition plays a crucial role in hair quality, therefore maintaining a balanced diet is the foundation of healthy hair.
6. For you swimmers and beach lovers, chlorinated water and salt enhance moisture loss; take extra care of your precious tresses when enjoying these activities.
If these treatments fail to improve your dry hair, if you're experiencing hair loss or have any other questionable symptoms, you should contact a medical professional for a more detailed analysis.
During an initial examination, expect questions about your hair care regimen (frequency of washing, manner of drying), product usage, style choices, nutritional habits, and if any other symptoms exist. Detailed (microscopic) examination of your hair and blood tests are frequently used to diagnose this condition.
If you're struggling with dry hair, take heart; a few simple and basic changes in your hair treatment habits can lead to healthier looking hair. With diligence and loving care, you too can step confidently into the world waving your (restored) luxurious, moist, full-bodied tresses, proud in your attractiveness and femininity.
Those of us challenged by this annoying condition know the symptoms all too well: dullness, lack of elasticity, brittleness, dry ends, difficulty managing our cherished tresses—not to mention the affect on our self-image.
There are nearly fifty medically defined causes of dry hair, and as always genetics plays a crucial role, yet most dry hair can be narrowed down to a handful of causes: inordinate washing (including usage of harsh cleansers) and blow drying, low-humidity environments, hormonal changes, health conditions (ex. Anorexia nervosa) and nutritional deficiencies.
For many of us, a few simple changes in hair treatment regimen can alleviate this condition.
1. Shampoo less frequently (no more than twice a week), decreasing the level of oil leeched from the hair by this activity and use shampoos that are designed specifically for dry hair.
2. Use conditioners and hair products that don't contain hair and skin damaging products such as isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, petrolatum, FD & C color pigments and propylene glycol (an active chemical in antifreeze known to affect the cellular and protein structure of skin). Surprisingly, we must also be cautioned about the wonderful fragrances we find so appealing; these fabricated scents can contain upwards of 3000 elements, a majority of which are synthetic). If you perm or color your hair, it is best to use products that are for permed hair and color treated hair only. They do help minimize any damage to your hair and scalp.
3. Minimize blow drying and rough treatment. Hair is nearly ten times more sensitive when wet, therefore long-term hair drying by blow dryers and rubbing can contribute to hair and scalp damage. Be patient and gentle, ladies.
4. Choose stylists and products carefully. Patronize experienced and reputable professionals and products with proven track records, keeping in mind that one usually get what one pays for, i.e. those few extra dollars might be worth it.
5. Nutrition plays a crucial role in hair quality, therefore maintaining a balanced diet is the foundation of healthy hair.
6. For you swimmers and beach lovers, chlorinated water and salt enhance moisture loss; take extra care of your precious tresses when enjoying these activities.
If these treatments fail to improve your dry hair, if you're experiencing hair loss or have any other questionable symptoms, you should contact a medical professional for a more detailed analysis.
During an initial examination, expect questions about your hair care regimen (frequency of washing, manner of drying), product usage, style choices, nutritional habits, and if any other symptoms exist. Detailed (microscopic) examination of your hair and blood tests are frequently used to diagnose this condition.
If you're struggling with dry hair, take heart; a few simple and basic changes in your hair treatment habits can lead to healthier looking hair. With diligence and loving care, you too can step confidently into the world waving your (restored) luxurious, moist, full-bodied tresses, proud in your attractiveness and femininity.
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