 Common Habits That Could Be Causing Irreversible Damage To Your Hair Like your car, your hair needs regular maintenance to stay fighting fit. Jared Leto. David Beckham. Zayn Malik. Harry Styles. Brad Pitt. Patrick Dempsey. Zac Efron. Simon Baker. Conan O’Brien. Steve from Stranger Things. These and other celebrity hair gods have given us major mane envy over the years. Whether it’s good genes or superstar stylists behind their strands, we yearn to follow in their impeccably groomed footsteps. So we clean, condition, blow dry, brush, comb, trim, dye, bleach, style, and pray for the perfect locks of our hair heroes… and in the process, we do more harm than good. Your grooming habits may be putting your hair through the ringer, causing problems ranging from split ends to dry scalp to uncontrollable frizz. It may even be accelerating the natural signs of aging. If your regular routine includes any of these 10 things, your cluelessness may be causing hair damage that could turn permanent with no intervention. Overwashing While clean hair is a plus in anyone’s book, washing too often strips your scalp of the natural oils that protect it and keep your hair shiny and healthy. Wet hair is also more prone to breakage, and if you dye it, frequent shampoos will fade your colour quickly. Experts recommend washing your hair every two to three days, rather than daily. Invest in dry shampoo to extend the time between washes, and if you regularly work up the kind of sweat that requires a rinse, try skipping shampoo on some days in favour of plain H20, a good scrub to the scalp, and a small dash of conditioner on the ends only. Ultra Hot Showers  James Bond is a fan of cold showers and you should be too. There’s scientific evidence that turning down the heat leads to a number of physical and mental benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and increased energy. Also on that list is healthier skin and hair – because hot water is especially prone to stripping your body’s natural oils, it can cause dandruff and encourages your scalp to overproduce oil to compensate. Greaseball is no one’s best look.
Not Getting Necessary Nutrients What you put in your body has a huge effect on what your body is able to put out. Deprive it of essential vitamins and nutrients and it’s impossible to feel, function, or look your best. Your hair is made of a protein called keratin, so make sure sufficient protein is part of your diet. Omega-3s, iron, zinc, biotin, and plenty of water are also vital for hair health. Nuts, fish, legumes, fruits, and greens should be on regular rotation in your kitchen. Wet Styling When you’re caught up in the morning rush, it’s tempting to hop out of the shower, run a comb and some product through your hair, and dart out the door at record speeds. Resist the temptation. Wet hair is weaker than dry hair, so when you assault your sopping strands with a brush or comb, you risk breakage or tearing them out altogether. If you must detangle, use a wide-toothed comb and work from the ends to your roots to minimise damage. Smoking The negative effects of smoking go far beyond your lungs. Smoking allows free radicals to accumulate in the body and damage cells, including the follicles that produce hair. Lighting up also constricts your blood vessels, restricting oxygen flow to the scalp and depriving your hair of the nourishment it needs. Studies have even linked smoking to premature thinning and greying. Toss the tobacco unless you like having dull, brittle tresses that are prone to breakage and smell like a stale ashtray. Product Overload Less is more when it comes to your mane. There’s no need to use an excessive amount of shampoo or conditioner, nor should you layer product upon product when you get out of the shower. Using too many at once only weighs down your hair, prevents moisture from reaching the hair shaft, and turns your scalp into a greasy, dirty mess. At most, choose one styling product and one finishing product. Use them sparingly, and only apply from the mid-shaft to the ends. Vicious Towel Drying There are better ways to take out your stress than to treat your head like Buddha’s belly. All that rubbing as you towel dry may feel like an effective way to soak up the wet, but in the process you’re roughing up the cuticle and causing frizz. Air drying or gently blotting with a towel is healthier for your hair. Some experts even recommend blotting with paper towels for maximum gentleness. Infrequent Cuts The only real way to remove damaged hair is to cut the section in question. Visiting your barber for regular trims keeps split ends at bay, and prevents any damage from spreading up your strands. Even if you’re growing your hair out, have it snipped about every six weeks (just tell your stylist that you only want the bare minimum removed). Exposure To Environmental Hazards Like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun to maintain optimal health. Ongoing exposure can damage or dry it out, so wear a hat or look for products with UV protection if you know you’ll be spending time outdoors. Chlorine can also wreak havoc on your locks, so try to limit pool time and when you do go swimming, shower first and leave your hair wet (or apply a leave-in conditioner) to prevent it from absorbing the offending chemicals. Man Bun Addiction The modern era’s most controversial hairstyle may be causing premature balding. A man bun – or a ponytail, or any other tight style – could trigger ‘traction alopecia’, a gradual hair loss caused by a continuous pulling force on the hairline. Hair ties can also irritate hair strands and cause breakage. An effortlessly cool loose look is safest if you want your locks to last. This article first appeared on D'MARGE  You’ve probably been tipped before: Shampoo your hair every other day because doing so on a daily basis will strip the scalp of its natural oils.
But experts say, it's not that simple. While it’s true that the natural oils are needed to moisturize the scalp, the number of times you shampoo in a week differs from person to person. The tropical climate of the Philippines is a major factor as to the reason on why most Filipinos must lather up every day, unlike our counterparts who live in cooler countries. Dr. Theresa Tan Pascual, a dermatologist from the Medical City in Ortigas, says, “In a tropical country like ours, the humidity and sweat make our scalp oilier. The sweat can smell bad because of bacteria that produce smell. Dr Pascual also notes the production of oil decreases as we get older. "So there are no clear-cut rules regarding how many times we should shampoo our hair. Shampooing our hair with mild shampoo and conditioner every other day should suffice, unless you perspire a lot, have oily hair, or are using anti-dandruff shampoo.” Dr. Kahlyl Anne Sanchez Guevarra, an Aesthetic Dermatologist and Age Management Specialist with Skin + Dermaesthetics, agrees. “Shampoo as often as necessary, but once every two to three days is okay. Those with oily hair and dandruff need to wash daily, and those with the latter need to use medicated shampoo that contains Ketoconazole, Selenium sulfide, and Zinc pyrithione. Active individuals should shampoo their hair every after work out or heavy activitiy. Christine Li, a partner at Lifestyle Salon in BGC, agrees with Dr. Pascual and Dr. Guevarra. “When you live in a place with winter or cooler climates, those are the times when the scalp tends to produce less natural oils. We need our natural oils to protect our hair and scalp, and to keep them moisturized to prevent them from drying. Those with oily hair should shampoo every day, the rest of the hair types can shampoo every other day.” Lourd Ramos, celebrity hair stylist with Creations Salon and Lourd High Chair, recommends shampooing daily. “We work and sweat everyday, meaning free radicals are out there and our hair and scalp catch those. Bacteria can build up in our hair and scalp, and if we don’t shampoo, it can create more complications, like an oily or dandruff-irritated scalp.” He’s a firm believer of the “rinse, lather, and repeat” mantra, stating that it’s best to shampoo twice before going to work, and once before sleeping. “Use moisturizing shampoo in the morning, and a cleansing shampoo at night, like keratin smooth by TRESemmé. Also, avoid using water that’s too hot when shampooing, to maintain the pH balance of both your hair and scalp.” Dr. Pascual suggests this shampooing routine to try, “To avoid drying the hair, it's better to use a good conditioner at the ends of the hair, and the shampoo to be concentrated on the scalp. Condition the hair strands, not the scalp.” It’s easy to forget that your scalp is skin, but when you think of the usual things that happen to a person’s skin—dryness, oiliness, dullness, sweat, among other things—it sounds a lot like what happens on person’s face or body. Shampoos promise not just healthy hair, but whatever you aspire your hair to look like—from salon straight hair to bouncy curls. When reaching for a shampoo bottle to purchase, Dr. Guevarra says to read the label and not get any products with the following: Sulfates, Isopropyl alcohol, Propylene glycol, Parabens, and Formaldehyde. These chemicals and substances are harmful and/or drying. Says Dr. Pascual, “the ideal shampoo would have these ingredients: Panethenol, Biotin, and aloe vera.” Panethenol is a substance commonly found in skin care that turns into a vitamin when you use it, while Biotin is better known as Vitamin H, which helps your hair stay healthy, too. “When it comes to what should be avoided in shampoos, it really depends on what you’re allergic to. Check with a dermatologist.” Lourd thinks that organic shampoos work better, saying "Yes, though it’s both healthy and expensive, due to the natural ingredients that work its magic on both hair and the scalp. The Davines line from Italy is a good example of that.” Christine agrees with Lourd, saying that going organic is a nice choice, especially if you have a sensitive scalp. “It actually depends on the needs of your scalp and hair, but generally it has been proven that organic shampoo is one of the safest products to use when it comes to hair care.” The verdict? Instead of switching your hair care routine just because the internet said so, get the hair care that you need to achieve healthy hair and scalp — and the shampoo and conditioner routine to match. — LA, GMA News 1/28/2018 How To Brush Your Hair CorrectlyUltimate Guide To Men’s Hairbrushes  How easy is brushing hair? Simple, right? You do it every morning… Same technique, same tool… But what if I told you… You’ve been doing it wrong your whole life? Sounds kind of silly? Hear me out… There might be a BETTER brush you’re unaware of… that could breed a hairstyle that gives you more confidence… It’s possible – with the right info. Below is everything you need to know about men’s hairbrushes.  The Right Hairbrush for Your Hair Type.  Straight Thin Hair When it comes to straight hair in general, there’s a 3-inch rule: if your hair doesn’t bend within the first 3 inches of length from the scalp, it’s straight. Here are some details that distinguish thin straight hair from its thick counterpart:
Straight Thick Hair These are the key points about thick straight hair that separate it from its thin equivalent:
Wavy Hair This category refers to the wave-like patterns created by slightly curving hair. The hair shafts do NOT coil up within the first 3 inches of length. Instead, they resemble loose and stretched out S-shapes. You can grow out wavy hair to resemble a mini lion’s mane and enjoy plenty of texture. However – this will require more maintenance. One advantage of this hair type is flexibility – it can be styled in several different ways. It’s also less likely to be tousled by the wind than straight hair is. But it also frizzes easily, so it’s important that you maintain the waves. Coiled Hair (Curly With Large Curls) Large curls require that the shafts create very distinct S-shapes (the more extreme ones being E-shapes) within the first 2 inches from the scalp. People with coiled hair are blessed with lots of coverage over the head. There are guys who get to grow their hair out and become a “white boy ‘fro.” They don’t have to resort to the same fancy styles that straight-haired men use to add volume. The actual hair strands here can either be coarse or fine (although it’s more often fine). Coarse strands are more prone to frizziness while with fine strands, it’s harder to create well-defined curls. Kinky Hair (Curly With Tight Curls) This is the most textured hair type. Its coiled intervals are so short that the shafts form sharp Z-shaped twists (hence “kinky”). These twists form within the first half-inch of length from the scalp. Kinky hair is most commonly found in men of African descent. The hair can be grown into a classic Afro and gain lots of volume. You can also choose to shave it off and make it a fade cut. The downside is these coils aren’t as well-defined as large curls, due to their naturally short state. They require much more maintenance since they can look fuzzy and unkempt after some time. Dryness and shrinkage may also be serious problems if you’re not careful. Understanding Men’s Hair Brushes Choosing the right hair brush can solve different problems your hair might face, or even prevent them from happening at all. That’s why you need to start by knowing the anatomy of a brush.  As shown above, each hair brush type is totally dependent on the 3 major parts.  Oval hairbrushes are usually the oval version of the Paddle brush, which does a fantastic job in massaging your scalp and redistributing hair oils. Rectangle hairbrushes range from the Denman brush or Vented brush to the thinner, rectangular kind of Paddle brush. All of these can create more volume at the roots, flip up the hair or curl it under. Square hairbrushes are basically the original Paddle brushes (as they resemble paddles). They’re useful in getting rid of frizz or tangles without putting much pressure on the hair. Round hairbrushes have either natural or synthetic bristles all over the head. When partnered with a blow dryer, they work great for shaping your hair into multiple styles. But they also come in various sizes – compatible for tight curls or even long waves – so choose the brush size carefully based on your hair length.  Each Type Of Men’s Hair Brush Below are the other men’s hairbrush types which are worth considering. Each one of them has its own set of advantages. Pocket Comb
Rectangle Brush
Vented Brush
Military Palm Brush
Wide-Tooth Comb
Oval Brush
Paddle Brush
Round Brush
Denman Brush
Hair Pick
Foldable Comb
Hair Brush Sponge
Hair Brush Bristle Types Here’s a breakdown of the different types of hairbrush bristles and the benefits of each one.  Nylon
Wooden
Comb Teeth
Boars Hair
Mixed Bristle
This article first appeared on RMRS - Real Men Real Style
(from Dr Axe - Food is Medicine)
Have you ever wondered, “what is a hair mask and do I need a hair mask?” First, let’s be clear that it isn’t something you wear on your head. But it is something you put on your hair, and it can help you have the locks you’ve longed for. A hair mask is an easy and simple way to improve shine and manageability while providing nourishment to the cuticle, and it can be done right at home. But who needs a hair mask? Well, it’s great for just about anyone, but can definitely offer hair health benefits for anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun, pool or adds color or other chemical products to their hair. How to Make a DIY Hair Mask for Dry or Curly Hair 1 application (double the recipe if you have very long hair) Total Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon coconut oil) ½ ripe avocado 2 eggs 1 tablespoon raw honey 5–10 drops rosemary essential oil 5–10 drops lavender essential oil Directions:
Precautions Most have no problem using any of these ingredients; however, if you notice any irritation, stop using immediately. One or more ingredients could cause an allergic reaction. Also, be careful avoid getting the mixture in your eyes. Make sure your essential oils are 100 percent certified organic for best results. This article first appeared on Dr. Axe - Food is Medicine  Your Ultimate Guide to What All Those Ingredients on Your Shampoo Bottle Mean
Considering it’s something we use every single day (or every eight days, depending on how serious your dry shampoo habit is), it’s kind of crazy that we don’t really know what’s in the shampoo we’re pouring all over our hair. Sure, it smells good, and there’s a kind that works best for every hair texture and need, but what’s actually doing the work? We did a little investigating. Consider this your glossary to all the weird and impossible-to-pronounce words commonly found on the back of your shampoo bottle. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: This molecule, which often goes by SLS, is a surfactant, a.k.a. a cleansing agent. Its most important use is to cleanse the hair and scalp—and, as a bonus, it produces that foamy lather that makes a good hair-washing seem so luxurious. However, this family of sulfates has also been the topic of controversy. “Though sulfate-based shampoos do effectively clean the hair, they can also strip the hair of essential oils as well as irritate the skin,” explains Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat. Think of how a too-strong face cleanser can strip skin and thus irritate it—same thing happens with sulfates. They can be harsh enough to fade hair color, so go for a sulfate-free formula to keep your color fresh and vibrant. Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Nope, not a typo. While sodium laureth sulfate (SLES, for short) is in the sulfate family, it’s not the same thing as SLS. “SLES has molecular attachments that make it bigger than SLS,” explains cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson. Because of that, SLES tends to cause less scalp irritation than its smaller sibling. Dimethicone: This silicone-based polymer is also common in complexion products like primers, since it gives skin that velvety slip. It serves pretty much the same purpose in your shampoo. “Dimethicone both conditions the hair and makes it feel smoother even before you add conditioner,” explains Robinson. Panthenol: Probably one of the better-known—and more crucial—shampoo ingredients, panthenol is a form of vitamin B5. It’s basically the moisturizer of your hair care regimen, says Robinson, and is used to hydrate and condition hair. Citric Acid: “Citric acid is an inexpensive yet highly effective ingredient to adjust the pH of the shampoo,” says Wilson. A low pH matters for skin, but what’s the big deal with your hair? Actually, the conditioning agents in both shampoos and conditioners work better under acidic conditions—so, in a low-pH environment. Parabens (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben): You’ve probably heard of parabens already, because, like sulfates, they’re a serious point of contention in beauty products. “Parabens are preservatives used to prevent bacteria from growing in the product,” says Wilson. And while that sounds like a good thing—because who wants moldy shampoo?—parabens aren’t exactly innocent. “Certain forms have been shown to have the estrogen-like effects,” explains Wilson. This is definitely an issue, since high estrogen levels have been linked to multiple forms of cancer. However, Wilson says that it’s still much weaker than the phyto-estrogen effect of soy—so if you’re comfortable ordering edamame, you’re probably fine using parabens. Zinc Pyrithione: The #1 dandruff destroyer, this additive is more about your scalp than hair. Since it slows the production of skin cells, explains Wilson, it also puts a stop to flakes (which are essentially clumps of those skin cells). A few hair care brands use it in their non-dandruff formulas just to ensure scalp health, but there’s really no need for it unless you actually have flakes. Cocamidopropyl Betaine: This molecule, derived from crowd-favorite coconut oil, is kind of like a gentler version of SLS and SLES. “It’s a mild cleansing agent with conditioning properties,” says Wilson. The benefit is that it cleanses and softens hair, but it can still cause slight irritation. This article first appeared on Glamour |
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