Scientists say they may have discovered why stress makes hair turn white, and a potential way of stopping it happening without reaching for the dye.

In experiments on mice, stem cells that control skin and hair colour became damaged after intense stress.

In a chance finding, dark-furred mice turned completely white within weeks.
The US and Brazilian researchers said this avenue was worth exploring further to develop a drug that prevents hair colour loss from ageing.

Men and women can go grey any time from their mid-30s, with the timing of parental hair colour change giving most of the clues on when.

Although it's mostly down to the natural ageing process and genes, stress can also play a role.

But scientists were not clear exactly how stress affected the hairs on our heads.

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• ‘My hair is a symbol of pride’

Researchers behind the study, published in Nature, from the Universities of Sao Paulo and Harvard, believed the effects were linked to melanocyte stem cells, which produce melanin and are responsible for hair and skin colour.

And while carrying out experiments on mice, they stumbled across evidence this was the case.

"We now know for sure that stress is responsible for this specific change to your skin and hair, and how it works," says Prof Ya-Cieh Hsu, research author from Harvard University.

'Damage is permanent'

Pain in mice triggered the release of adrenaline and cortisol, making their hearts beat faster and blood pressure rise, affecting the nervous system and causing acute stress.

This process then sped up the depletion of stem cells that produced melanin in hair follicles.

"I expected stress was bad for the body," said Prof Hsu.

"But the detrimental impact of stress that we discovered was beyond what I imagined.

"After just a few days, all of the pigment-regenerating stem cells were lost.
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"Once they're gone, you can't regenerate pigment any more - the damage is permanent."

In another experiment, the researchers found they could block the changes by giving the mice an anti-hypertensive, which treats high blood pressure.

And by comparing the genes of mice in pain with other mice, they could identify the protein involved in causing damage to stem cells from stress.

When this protein - cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) - was suppressed, the treatment also prevented a change in the colour of their fur.

This leaves the door open for scientists to help delay the onset of grey hair by targeting CDK with a drug.

"These findings are not a cure or treatment for grey hair," Prof Hsu told the BBC.

"Our discovery, made in mice, is only the beginning of a long journey to finding an intervention for people.

"It also gives us an idea of how stress might affect many other parts of the body," she said.

From BBC News

Scientists Think They Know How Stress Causes Gray Hair

• Researchers say they now think they know how stress causes gray hair.
• The hair color change may be linked to nerves in the “fight or flight” response system.
• Experts say stress is only one factor that can cause gray hair. Genetics also plays a major role.

​
Read More Here >>>

You know you don't have to wait to see me for a scalp massage, right.  Massaging your scalp not only feels great, it also gets the blood flowing which helps keep your scalp healthy and stimulates hair growth. 

This article tells how do give yourself a head massage. ​

How to massage your scalp

Here on Hair Romance, I show lots of tips for different products and styling your hair, but there’s a fundamental technique I want to show you. It’s my number one tip for growing a beautiful healthy hair and also for using products like hair oil more effectively.

I’m talking about giving yourself a head massage.
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Not only does it encourage blood-flow to your scalp and hair follicles, which stimulates hair growth, it also helps with follicle health, sebaceous oil production and healthier hair. It also feels great and helps you relax and destress – and who doesn’t need that?

Your head is the easiest part of your body for you to massage yourself so there are no excuses. Alternatively, this is something that you can do with a friend or your kids and it’s a great way to connect with your partner.
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But whether you’re doing this alone or with someone else, head massages should be a part of your daily hair routine. I like to massage my scalp at the end of the day, so it doubles up as a bit of stress relief too.

Working with oil or without, divide you head roughly into quarters and gently massage each section. You can massage your scalp either with one hand or both. Then finally finish by massaging the base of your neck.

If you’re finding your hair gets tangled as you massage, don’t try and drag your fingers through your hair. You’re likely to cause breakage and knots – and ultimately undo all the relaxing feels from the massage too! Working in small sections in key.

Gently extract your fingers from your hair and go in again fingertips first. Of course, head massages are likely to mess up any styling you have, which is why I like to do this at the end of the day.

Head massages with hair oils

If you are using hair oil, remember you only need a couple of drops for your whole head. One of the most common mistakes people make with products like oils is to use too much. This will make your hair look and feel oily and limp.

I recommend using Darshana hair oil. The important thing to remember is hair oil is more a ‘scalp oil’, and is full of nutrients that are good for your scalp rather than your hair.

So with a couple of drops on the ends of your fingers, massage the oil into your scalp in small circular motions. At the end of each of the four sections of your head, gently run your fingers through the mid-lengths of your hair to distribute some of the oil.
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I know we don’t have much free time, but you can even do this while you’re watching TV or as you are settling into bed. Even if you’ve only got a minute to spare, just take as much time as you can.
​

Can it cause hair loss and how?

Although seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp does not tend to cause hair loss, the American Hair Loss Association note that it can sometimes lead to temporary hair loss.

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs as a result of a particular yeast on the skin. The sebaceous glands produce a type of oil called sebum, which the yeast thrives on.

Several factors may give rise to an overgrowth of this yeast, such as excess sebum on the scalp. The result is inflammation, which manifests as flaking, itching, and some redness on the skin.

Hair loss is not common in seborrheic dermatitis. If it does occur, it is likely from scratching and rubbing the scalp, as it can be very itchy.

In very rare cases, inflammation may also affect the hair follicles and cause temporary hair loss. In these situations, the hair loss is not permanent and will eventually grow back if the person takes steps to control the inflammation.

Causes of seborrheic dermatitis

Researchers are still unsure as to the full underlying cause of seborrheic dermatitis, as well as why some people tend it have it while others do not. Some experts believe that it may be due to changes in hormone levels.

Researchers have also identified a potential link between seborrheic dermatitis and health conditions including Parkinson's disease and HIV.

Certain factors can trigger a flare-up. These include:

• sun
• heat
• aggressive topical therapy

Seborrheic dermatitis is not infectious, so people cannot catch it from another person.

Is hair loss permanent?
Any hair loss that occurs as a result of seborrheic dermatitis is usually reversible.

Typically, the hair will grow back once a person has received treatment for the inflammation that triggered the hair loss and stopped scratching or rubbing the scalp.

When there is significant or scarring hair loss, it may not be due to the seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can co-exist with other scalp conditions, many of which — such as androgenic alopecia — can cause hair loss.

In infants, seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up by itself without treatment. In adults, it tends to be a chronic condition. This means that people may have flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis throughout their life.

However, there are certain treatments that can help reduce symptoms during a flare-up. The sections below discuss the treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis.

Treatment

Although treatment will not completely cure seborrheic dermatitis, it can help alleviate some of the symptoms.

People may be able to treat mild cases of seborrheic dermatitis using natural home remedies, such as aloe vera and tea tree oil. However, these options should not replace conventional treatments, many of which are over available over the counter.

A person who experiences frequent or severe flare-ups may require prescription treatments from their doctor.

Natural treatments

One older study from 1999 used a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the effects of aloe vera on seborrheic dermatitis.

Over the course of 4–6 weeks, 44 adults with seborrheic dermatitis applied one of two treatments to their scalp twice per day. One group applied an aloe vera ointment, while the other applied a placebo.

Those applying the aloe vera ointment reported a 62% improvement in symptoms, whereas those in the placebo group reported a 25% improvement. The researchers concluded that aloe vera extract is successful in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.

The following natural treatments may also help alleviate dandruff and other symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis:

• tea tree oil
• folate
• vitamin B-6

Over-the-counter treatments

The following over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may help alleviate seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups as well as keep the condition under control. Some of the treatments outlined below are suitable for infants, while others are suitable for adolescents and adults.

For infants

People can buy baby shampoos formulated to treat scalp conditions in infants. These may contain mineral oil.

To treat seborrheic dermatitis in infants, the American Academy of Dermatology suggest:

• using baby shampoo on the scalp daily
• gently brushing away scaly skin as it becomes softer
• applying OTC seborrheic dermatitis medication to the scalp

For adolescents and adults

Certain shampoos contain specific formulas to help treat seborrheic dermatitis in adolescents and adults. These include shampoos for treating dandruff, as well as shampoos containing the following ingredients:

• selenium sulfide
• pyrithione zinc
• salicylic acid
• sulfur
• coal tar

People can also buy OTC shampoos containing a class of antifungal drug called azoles. One example of this is ketoconazole (Nizoral). A person should ask their pharmacist for advice on how and when to use the shampoo.

In some cases, a pharmacist may advise a person to alternate between the treatment shampoo and their regular shampoo. People may eventually be able to reduce their use of the treatment shampoo to once or twice per week.

Prescription medications

Some people may experience severe or frequent flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis that do not respond to OTC treatments.

In such cases, a person should see their doctor or dermatologist. They may recommend a corticosteroid solution to help reduce scalp inflammation or a stronger, prescription-strength shampoo.
 
Recovery time

In infants, seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up by itself by the time they are 6–12 months old. In some cases, the condition may return in puberty. This may be due to hormonal changes.

Some adults may also find that their seborrheic dermatitis clears up without treatment. However, most adults with the condition will experience flare-ups for many years. Using preventive treatments such as antidandruff shampoos can help prevent and treat flare-ups.

Summary

In very rare and severe cases, seborrheic dermatitis may result in some hair loss. This tends to be reversible.

However, hair loss is not common in seborrheic dermatitis. If there is significant hair loss, it may be due to another cause that might require medical treatment.

There are many effective treatment options that can relieve the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and treat the inflammation it causes.

Using OTC antidandruff or medicated shampoos can help treat the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. People with severe or persistent seborrheic dermatitis should see their doctor to discuss other treatment options.
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​Chinese Tradition says that you should not wash or cut your hair on the first day of the New Year.  The Chinese character for hair is the same first character in the word for prosper. This means washing or cutting it off is seen as washing your fortune away and dramatically reduces chances of prosperity in the year ahead.

That said, I wondered when is a good time to cut your hair.  A stylist I used to work with once said if you are wanting to grow your hair you should cut it when the moon is rising.  Hair grows an average of 1/2 an inch a month.  A little more in the months when you're more active.  When you cut your hair, according to the moon, might have an affect on that, too.

Wonder for the best days for haircut? The answer to this question depends on your goal, the result that you want to get. Cutting the tips you are surely hoping that the hair will grow quickly and become healthier. But creating a new look with the help of a cardinal haircut, you expect that it will retain its shape and length for long. And here the simple lunar rules works – I described them in the post Lunar cycle phases.

Haircuts lunar calendar – best days depending on Moon phases
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​As you know, the waxing moon (1st-15th lunar days), at lunar spring and summer, provokes the growth and development of everything on Earth. The same, of course, applies to our hair. Cutted on the waxing moon hair grow quickly, and this is the best time to cut the sick ends. The waning moon (16th-30th lunar days), gradually disappearing from the night sky, is constantly thinning and decreasing, contributing to slowing the growth and getting rid of everything that is superfluous. Lunar autumn and winter are the best periods for a haircut, which you hope to keep in a pristine condition for a long time.

Worst days for haircut by lunar calendar

However, not all so simple. In addition to the speed of hair growth, there are other factors that influence the choice of the best lunar day for a haircut. Do not forget that every lunar day corresponds to a certain part of the human body, activates certain organs. Astrologers advise to avoid direct exposure to the organ on that lunar day, which activates it. Therefore, the haircuts lunar calendar excludes days corresponding to the organs of the head and skin. So, 5 and 22 days of the lunar cycle are unfavorable for hair cutting.

In addition, there are some days of the Moon phase’s change in the lunar cycle. Generally, such days are considered as unfavorable and even satanic in some esoteric schools. In fact, these days of the lunar cycle – 9, 15, 19, and 29 – are simply characterized by a very powerful flow of lunar energy, which not all people can cope with. Therefore, do not forget that the hairdresser is also a human. It is better not to visit him on unfavorable lunar days.

Best days for haircut by lunar calendar

Moreover, do not forget about the nature of each lunar day and its special influence on all spheres of human life. Of course, this influence extends to the manipulation with the hair. Best days for haircuts are not just days that promote their faster growth, or, on the contrary, slow it down, keeping the neatness of your haircut. A haircut on a certain lunar day can favorably affect your financial status or relations with the opposite sex – and it all depends on the current Moon’s mood.

For example, 3 lunar day, with its active energy and business acumen will contribute to increasing the income of a person who will make a haircut. A haircut on 13 lunar day will help a person dramatically change his life for the better, saturating its with creativity and innovative ideas that correspond to the spirit of the day.

Haircuts lunar calendar – general rules

Be attentive and remember that different manipulations with hair – haircut, coloring, perms, healing – often have a completely different essence in terms of lunar energy. Choosing when to cut hair by the lunar calendar, do not plan other procedures on these days. Remember that for coloring, for example, the waning moon is the bad choice. The color can quickly disappear from your hair (like the waning crescent, rolling to the new moon, from the sky). Well, and most important. When determining when to treat teeth by the lunar calendar, keep in mind that there are a few special days you can use to plan anything, including your visits to the barbershop.

So, 1 lunar day of the cycle is created for planning, defining goals and desires, thinking through strategies in any area of your life. If you determine your new style, future haircut type and the favorable date for it on the first lunar day, you will be probably pleased with the result.

7 lunar day activates the power of the word. Therefore, keep in mind that everything you say on this day will surely come true. Use the power of this day, saying aloud that your trip to the barbershop will be successful – this way you can turn any dates into best lunar days for a haircut 🙂

11 lunar day fills us with energy and confidence. Wishes conceived on this day will necessarily come true, if you really believe in it and clearly know what you want. It’s very good to work with the visualization of your desires on the 11 lunar day. It’s time to grab magazines on hairdressing and make a collage of fashionable images for your wishes map.
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This information is from Moon Organizer

Hair Transplant Market to Hit $31 Billion by 2025: Global Market Insights, Inc.

SELBYVILLE, Del., Nov. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Hair transplant market is expected to surpass USD 31 billion by 2025, according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. Rising number of people suffering from hair thinning problems will primarily drive the hair transplant industry growth over the projected timeframe.

Some major findings of the hair transplant market report include:

• Technological advancements in hair transplant procedure including development of Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique will act as a high impact rendering factor in the hair transplant industry growth
• Factors such as hormonal imbalance, stress, malnutrition and high dose medications, resulting in hair loss, will further propel the demand for hair transplant products over the coming years
• Major players operating in the hair transplant market include Bosley, Hair Club, Lumenis, Allergan, L'Oreal SA, Hair Transplant Center Turkey, Bernstein Medical and Restoration Robotics among others
• Market players are implementing various strategies such as new product launches, partnerships and collaborations to gain more revenue and strengthen market position

Read more about this here >>>

The hair wellness industry:
'Men said they would rather have a small penis than go bald'

Is the wave of new companies selling products for hair loss providing a much-needed service – or simply cashing in on men’s insecurities?

Now an industry built on fear, vanity and unspoken male vulnerability is undergoing a transformation. In rebranding hair loss as hair wellness as part of the broader rise of men’s wellness, treatments are being repackaged as aspirational products for millennials who are primed to talk about their problems.

Get the full article here >>>