We often mistake our hair condition as being the result of the products we use, BUT could your hair condition actually be telling you something about your health?
Some conditions and medications affect your body as well as your hair. In other cases, you may just need to take better care of your hair or scalp.
Dandruff cannot be passed on, neither is it hereditary, so exactly how do you get it?
Doctors aren’t sure, but one theory is that it may be due to an overgrowth of a fungus. Other causes may include oily skin, stress, obesity, cold, dry weather, and having eczema or psoriasis.
Yes we know it’s embarrassing and scratching your head ever so often becomes quite bothersome, but you don’t have to worry about dandruff being harmful, because IT IS NOT!
HOWEVER, if the dandruff flakes you see are greasy and yellow, you may have seborrheic dermatitis. This is an inflammatory skin condition that can occur where there are lots of oil glands, like the scalp and face.
How do you treat this? All you need is an anti-dandruff shampoo. Severe cases may need a prescription steroid or antifungal medicine.
Ladies, yes we love summer and the sun, but too much sun can turn your hair into a brittle, dry mop that breaks and splits easily.
If your hair is thinning you are at high risk of sunburning your scalp. Choosing hair care products with sunscreen provides some protection, although it can be hard to coat your hair evenly. It would be a better idea to simply buy yourself a stylish summer hat to protect both your hair and your skin.
Thinking of going on a diet? In extreme cases, crash dieting could be detrimental to your hair.
Your hair needs protein and iron to stay healthy, along with omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A. Very low-calorie diets often lack nutrients and can stunt hair growth or leave hair dull and limp. Someone with an eating disorder will suffer from nutrients deficiency which is the cause of hair falling out.
You don’t need expensive hair products to promote healthy, shiny hair. Eating salmon and walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids, spinach and carrots for vitamin A, Brazil nuts for selenium, and oysters and cashews for zinc gives you all the hair health benefits you need for that hair shine! REMEMBER, foods good for your hair are also good for your heart.
Also when buying medication, take this into consideration: Among the medications that list hair loss as a side effect are anticlotting drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and drugs for menopause, birth control, and antibiotics. Usually, hair grows back when the medication is stopped, but may not in some cases.
Yes, those sleek pull-back ponies are a jaw dropper, but pulling hair too tight can damage hair follicles and cause hair to break or fall out. Changing your hairstyle usually lets hair grow back. If you pull your hair back tightly, ever so often, don’t be surprised when your hair no longer grows back!
Blow drying, using a flat iron, colouring, bleaching, even over-brushing can all damage the outer layer of your hair. Your locks become dull and dry when the inner core of your hair is exposed. Even though this does not cause any health conditions, over-styling your hair may result in the only option being to chop it all off and start over!