Weak hair can take on many forms and is often noticeable to others. That said, weak hair can be a detriment to our fashion sense and self image. In some cases, it can even be an indicator of a medical concern. Not sure about your hair’s health and what to do about it? The pros at Matrix are here to give you a few tips on how to make weak hair stronger.Diagnosing Weak Hair

Weak hair can be defined as limp, droopy, thin or falling out. Split ends, extreme dryness or excessive oiliness can all be signs of weak hair. It is often genetic, handed down from a parent, or it can be caused by hormonal factors such as menopause or childbirth, birth control pills or other medications, disease or illness, poor diet, stress, a fungal infection of the scalp or cancer treatments. Environmental impact from sun exposure, chlorine or salt water, air conditioning or heating and pollution can weaken hair.

It is normal to lose 100 to 150 hairs each day, but since most people have about 100,000 hairs on the head, this loss is not significant. When a hair is lost, a new one grows back in its place. This process continues until middle age, when hair re-growth slows down or stops.

Hair that is lost from breakage is not the same as normal loss. Hair that falls out naturally comes from the scalp, typically with the bulb attached. Breakage from weakness is when the hair breaks off below the scalp. While some breakage is normal, excessive breakage indicates weakened hair. Weak hair often shows itself as split ends, which can travel up the hair shaft and break off.

1. Use the Right Products to Avoid Further Damage to Weak Hair

A good stylist can help you detect and diagnose weak hair, and make recommendations on appropriate product usage. Using the best products for weak hair is essential to restoring troubled tresses. For weak, delicate hair, use a shampoo, conditioner and styling products that will reinforce the hair by infusing protein, amino acids and other strengthening properties.

Don’t use a shampoo that will dry out hair, and when using a reinforcing conditioner, start at the roots and work the conditioner through to the ends. You can enhance conditioning by wrapping a hot towel or shower cap over your head to allow it to penetrate deeply into the hair follicles and shafts. A protein mask or deep conditioning treatment can also be beneficial to locks that have lost their strength.

Keep in mind, however, that the products we use on our hair can be overdone. You can have too much of a good thing, and excessive product usage over time causes damaged and weak hair. When hair is already damaged, compensating with more product can weigh it down, making weak hair look dull and rough. Avoid styling products that contain alcohol, for example, which can be drying to hair; and try to limit shampooing to every other day or even less frequently if your scalp doesn’t produce too much oil.

2. Take Care of Weak Hair by Limiting Chemical Use

Abusing and over-processing hair can lead to weak tresses. Ongoing use of strong chemicals through coloring, bleaching, straightening or permanents can damage hair fiber and make hair weak. When used too frequently or in too strong a dose, these chemicals can cause permanent damage, making weak hair dry and frizzy, with split ends and breakage the result. Counteract chemical warfare by using a shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair and intensive conditioning treatments. Look for styling products containing stearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that helps strengthen and soften weak hair.

For severely weakened hair, use a deep-conditioning protein treatment once a week or so. Apply the treatment all over hair that has been cleansed with a hydrating shampoo and leave it on overnight (wrap hair into a bun and sleep with a towel on your pillow). Rinse the treatment out in the morning.  When you do opt for haircolor, ask your stylist about conditioner-rich and ammonia-free professional formulas.

3. Weak Hair Hates Heat: Don’t Play With Fire

Excessive heat from blow-dryers, hot curlers, curling irons and flat irons can cause weak hair and breakage. Using a too-hot blow-dryer on wet hair heats the water remaining under the hair’s cuticle and causes it to expand inside the hair, leaving spaces--or blisters --inside fibers, which weakens hair. These parched strands soak up moisture from the air, causing frizz.

Rather than fighting your natural texture, work with what you’ve got. For straight hair, enhance its health and shine by using cleansing and conditioning products specifically designed to create shine. For curly hair, use products created for wavy texture and scrunch the hair with your fingers to reduce frizz.

To nurse fried strands back to optimum health, use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, then fortify with a strengthening product prior to styling. Keep styling tools set on low temps, apply heat protection products before styling with dryers or irons to protect from thermal damage and follow with finishing products that are infused with protective oils.

4. Strengthen Weak Hair by Switching Up Your Style

Change how you wear your hair every day: Wearing your hair down day after day can result in tangles and split ends. But ponytails, tight braids and dreadlocks can also stress tresses and cause weakening. Switch styles every day to avoid strain on weak hair and give your look a pick-me-up. When wearing hair down, use a strengthening shampoo, conditioner and styling products to protect weak hair. When wearing it up, use fortifying gel or mousse and hair-protecting elastics with no metal on them.

The friction of over brushing and wearing tight-fitting hats can also cause hair to weaken. Don’t get too zealous when brushing, and never brush wet hair. It’s best to use padded brushes and those with animal hair bristles on delicate locks. A good detangling spray will help defend weak hair while brushing. Spritz it on before combing through wet hair to ease strand stress.

5. The Frizz Factor, and How To Prevent Frizz

When frizziness is apparent, keeping hair trimmed can help prevent further damage and stop the splits from traveling up the hair shaft.

Using a keratin shampoo and conditioner can help restore protein to weak, damaged hair and help bring it back to good health. But remember, this won’t happen overnight; you’ll need to use it regularly to notice a difference.

After shampooing, there are a variety of weak hair serums and leave-in conditioners available to help tame frizz. When using oil-based serums, avoid putting them directly on your scalp, as it can become greasy and make the roots look oily.

When styling, choose finishing products that enhance smoothness and shine.

6. How To Treat Split-Ends: A Hair Divided is Not Happy and Healthy

There is no total cure for split ends, but as mentioned above, you can keep them at bay with a trim every six to eight weeks. For more temporary remedies, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and apply a treatment oil to just the tips of tresses. When styling, reinforcing products are best, as they help bond the ends together.

7. How To Care For Your Scalp: Hair Health Starts at the Top

When working to heal weak hair, the first line of defense is to start with the scalp. If your scalp is healthy, your hair will follow suit. Scalps can be dry and flaky or oily, but there are products designed to work with each type.

For dry scalps that feel tight or itchy, a moisturizing oil can be massaged into the scalp for five minutes before showering. A hair mask or deep conditioning treatment will help provide moisture to dry scalps and weak hair.

If your head is itchy and you are regularly finding flakes on your shoulders, you may have dandruff. Nothing kills a good look quicker than a shoulder covered in scalp snow, so if dandruff is a problem, research the variety of dandruff shampoos, conditioners and treatments on the market, or get a recommendation from your stylist or medical provider.

8. A Healthy Diet Helps Restore Weak Hair

Weak and thinning hair can be caused by what you do to your hair, but it can also be brought on by what you do to your body. An unhealthy diet, or too-low of a caloric intake (crash diet), can lead to hair falling out, as can endocrine disorders.

What you eat has an effect on the health of your hair and scalp. The nutrients from healthy food provide the energy that fuels hair growth. A diet that includes iron-rich protein feeds your scalp and hair by building strong keratin, the protein that strengthens hair, improves texture and stimulates growth. Consume lean meat, fish, low-fat cheeses, egg whites, spinach and soy to keep your head happy in more ways than one.  In between meals, snack on fruits, vegetables and grains.

Vitamins are also key to hair health. Vitamin C, or collagen, keeps blood vessels in the scalp healthy by supporting hair follicles. Vitamin C also helps you absorb iron from plant proteins. Biotin, an essential B vitamin, strengthens weak hair and improves its texture. Biotin is found in salmon, carrots, egg yolks and sardines. Vitamin supplements can help weak hair as well. Silica, a nutrient found in oats, rice, cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage and sunflower seeds, supports growth of hair and nails, as does calcium, found in dairy products, fish and leafy greens.

Water is another essential for your body and your hair. Adequate hydration helps keep your body functioning like a well-oiled machine, and helps strengthen weak hair. It’s best to drink plenty of water throughout the day and evening.

If the hair care tips listed in this article don’t help make your weak hair stronger and thicker, pay a visit to your doctor or dermatologist to rule out a medical condition.

 
This article first appeared on Matrix.com

LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO PROMOTE GROWTH AND THE BEST HAIRSTYLES FOR THINNING HAIR

If you’re trying to grow your hair out or are starting to notice your hair thinning and want to avoid further hair loss, you may be curious about proper hair care. In fact, you may be asking yourself if there are ways to grow your hair faster and thicker. This is a question many men ask themselves regularly when looking in the mirror, wishing for longer and thicker hair. The truth is that the average rate of hair growth is about 1/2 inch per month – some guys can grow hair a little faster or slower. The fastest your hair can grow is determine by a person’s genetics. While there really is nothing that will make hair grow faster overnight, there are factors that can make it grow at your body’s optimal rate, allowing you to realise your hair’s full genetic potential. Below, we will discuss changes to your daily lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, sleep, and a good hair care regiment, that can maximise the rate of hair growth for most men.

Diet and Supplements 
A balanced diet can help provide your body’s cells with the nutrition, vitamins and minerals for healthy growth. Because hair grows from the root in the follicle made up of protein cells, a high-protein diet will give your cells the nutrition to reproduce, divide, and grow. Hair shafts are created when dead cells in hair follicles are pushed out through the scalp by newly formed cells. Providing the body with quality protein, vitamins A, B, C, E, and F, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, silica and selenium can encourage cell reproduction and faster hair growth. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that good nutrition can improve the quality of your skin.

Foods that contain these essential vitamins, especially B vitamins, include the following: Vegetables (spinach, broccoli, beans, green bell peppers, cabbage, lettuce, avocadoes, tomatoes, and carrots), Fruits (Strawberries, bananas, apricots, kiwis, cantaloupes, pineapples, peaches), Protein (Eggs, fish, chicken, turkey, steak, nuts, flaxseeds, raisins, lentils, soy products and dairy like yogurt, milk and cheese). A proper diet and the right supplement (e.g. a multivitamin), can help you ensure your hair grows as fast as it can. However, don’t bother buying any of these magic formulas that promise good hair growth on your head or face. These so-called “beard supplements” provide all the same vitamins and minerals your ordinary multivitamin does. And don’t forget – your body can only process and absorb so much of these vitamins, so buying a supplement with 500% of your daily need of biotin or vitamin E isn’t going to give you nicer facial hair.
 
Exercise, Stress and Hair Loss
Men should know that blood circulation is essential to stimulate hair growth. Regular aerobic exercise and weight-lifting can improve and maintain healthy blood flow to the scalp, carrying essential oxygen and nutrients. Even a scalp massage for 3 to 5 minutes a day, a few times a week can benefit you. Exercise and deep breathing can also relieve stress to prevent hair loss or slow hair growth, especially since stress, depression, and sleep deprivation are known to contribute to thinning hair. In addition to making your hair grow faster and longer, proper exercise will undoubtedly help you lose weight and ultimately make you look and feel better as well. 

Sleep 
Sleep deprivation is associated with serious health problems, including hair loss. During sleep, circulation to the skin and scalp is increased and the body secretes extra growth hormones that accelerate cell reproduction. Since cell reproduction makes hair grow, getting enough sleep and rest can literally make hair grow faster at night. With cell growth peaking at about 2AM in most people, getting to bed early and sleeping for 7 to 8 hours is essential.

Shampoos and Conditioners 
Do not shampoo your hair too often or every day, especially when using shampoos or conditioners that contain harsh chemicals that may leave your hair extra dry. And because dry, brittle hair is vulnerable to breakage, over-washing could be preventing your locks from reaching their maximum length. By using mild, organic shampoos and conditioners, it is possible to maintain at least some of your hair’s natural moisture and oils, and at least once a week, consider a leave-in conditioner to help retain moisture. Similarly, avoid washing our hair with very hot water, and instead finish your shower with warm or colder water to increase shine and health. 

Proper Hair Care 
Although the time it takes to grow hair longer is determined by genetics, hair that is damaged can break or fall out without reaching its full potential. Since hair is comprised of dead cells, it cannot repair itself. Guys can limit damage to their hair by avoiding the use of heated styling tools such as blow dryers or straighteners (if you have long curly or wavy hair), which can burn hair. Furthermore, when brushing or combing your hair to remove tangles, men should brush hair gently using a boar bristle brush without pulling or tugging that may damage roots. And if you already have long hair, we recommend you not strain the roots with tight ponytails or braids (cornrows).

Trim Your Hair 
While this may seem counterproductive, trimming your hair once every couple of months allows you to remove split ends and rejuvenate growth. Damaged ends basically stop growing so cutting off the tips to stimulate growth again makes sense. Just remember not to ask your barber to cut off too much – a quarter inch of hair is all that’s needed. 

Best Haircuts For Thin Hair 
Whether you have naturally fine hair or are experiencing the thinning process as you age, it’s important you learn how to pick the right hairstyle for your texture. But just because you’re losing hair doesn’t mean you can’t get a stylish hairstyle. The trick is fooling the eye. What makes people notice bald spots is contrast – having hair in one spot and then having none in close proximity. But what if you could make the transition gradual and avoid bringing attention to your bad hairline or thinning hair? For example, if you’re searching for trendy hairstyles for men with receding hairlines, don’t try to grow out your hair and cover it up with a comb over. Instead, get a high skin fade. This cool modern haircut starts blending your hair on the sides very high, thereby minimising the contrast. Another option would also be the faux hawk fade, where your barber would style your hair to meet in the middle of your head. As for the top, guys can get short or medium-length cuts depending on their personal preference, but we highly recommend they stick to a pomade or wax that is matte or low shine. Don’t use cheap gels because they tend to clump hair and show the scalp.

With so many different ways to combat slow hair growth or a thinning mane, guys don’t need to feel self-conscious about a bad hairdo. Between these subtle lifestyle changes to promote growth and hairstyles just for thin hair, you can feel confident about your sense of style again.


This article first appeared on Menswear Style

You can’t stop Mother Nature — but yes, you can slow down hair loss.  Here’s how.

To a degree, hair loss is totally normal. In fact, most men typically lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day, says Dr. Robert Glatter, MD, an attending emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital who has frequently consulted with men about hair loss.

By far the most common cause of hair loss is male pattern baldness, which is caused by increased sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). While “nearly 50% of men will experience some degree of hair loss by the time they turn 50, hair loss can also begin earlier in life,” says Glatter, particularly if you have a genetic predisposition to early hair loss.

But if you're younger than 50 and you're constantly seeing strands of hair on your pillow, in the shower, or on your favorite sweater, you might want to take note, particularly if your hairline isn't actually receding (the most common sign of male pattern baldness). It could mean you’re losing hair at an abnormally fast rate. You’ll need to speak to a physician to figure out what’s stressing out your head, but here are 6 surprising reasons why your hair might be falling out.

1) Dandruff
Up to 40% of men have dandruff, a.k.a. seborrheic dermatitis. “Dandruff occurs when the scalp sheds its skin, so whitish flakes or scales may appear on your back or shoulders,” says Glatter. “Causes stem from hormonal changes or fluctuations, excessive oil or sebum production in the skin."

The good news is, seborrheic dermatitis is highly treatable. If seborrheic dermatitis is contributing to your hair loss, and it’s treated right away, you’ll likely notice significant hair regrowth 8 months after starting treatment, says Glatter.

2) Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes excessive skin cell turnover, as well as a thick white scaly patch on the scalp that can potentially bleed if removed.
“Scalp psoriasis can result in hair loss, [because] you may scratch your head to relieve the itching caused by scaling. That could cause your hair to fall out,” Glatter says.

To reduce scalp itch and potential hair loss, limit use of blow dryers or styling irons, which heat the scalp. It may also help to apply an ice pack or cool wet towel against the irritated area of the scalp. There are also a number of shampoos on the market (like Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo Plus Conditioner, $6.67, buy it here) which can help treat the condition.

In more severe cases, a dermatologist can prescribe you "oral medications, topical creams, and ointments, along with use of ultraviolet light therapy to reduce and treat flare-ups,” Glatter says. “While you can’t completely prevent psoriasis breakouts, you can manage the condition. Talk with your doctor about ways to manage your stress, alcohol intake, medications, and other changes in your health."

3) Ringworm
Ringworm, a.k.a. tinea, is a fungal infection that produces scaly red patches on the skin. While you can get ringworm anywhere on your body, if you get it on your scalp or beard it can lead to patches of hair loss, says Glatter. “Once the area is treated with an oral anti-fungal medication, hair typically should regrow within 6-12 months. But it is still possible that some of the hair loss may be permanent,” he cautions.

4) Hypothyroidism
While it's much more common among women, hypothyroidism (or inadequate thyroid function) in men can cause fatigue, constipation, unexplained weight gain, difficulty concentrating, depression, and yup, you guessed it, hair loss.

“Hair, nails, and skin may become weaker and thus break more easily,” says Glatter. You might notice your hair thinning or difficulty growing facial hair.

If you suspect you might have reduced thyroid function, talk to your doctor.

5) Excessive Styling
If you have long hair, excessive tension from tight braids, man buns, and ponytails can lead to weakening of the hair follicle and subsequent hair loss and volume, Glatter says. That's why it's important not to keep your hair in a super tight up-do. You should also avoid using chemicals and hot tools as much as possible. (It's also worth noting that apparently, only 23% of women think man buns look good.)

If you do use hair products often, “gels and waxes don’t directly contribute to hair loss, but they can weaken the hair shaft with longer term use, leaving hair brittle and more prone to damage and breaks,” Glatter says. “Polyethylene glycol and alcohols may both dry your hair out and make it quite brittle, so products that are water-based [like this pomade for $12.99, buy it here] are much healthier for your hair."

6) Dyeing Your Hair
Approximately 7% of men color their hair, according to 2012 marketing research firm data. If you're one of them, your hair dyeing habit might be weakening your hair: many hair dyes contain paraphenylendiamine, which may raise the risk of hair loss. While this is relatively rare, Glatter suggests taking a break from dying your hair every few months to make sure you're not weakening your hair follicles.

This article first appeared on Men's Health

By Hana Hong

Argan oil is touted as everything from a scalp and strands moisturizer to a frizz tamer to a split end savior. Apparently, liquid gold does exist.

Argan oil works best on damp hair

Most stylists agree that the best time to apply argan oil is right after you step out of the shower on damp or towel-dried hair. “Use argan oil before blow drying for heat protection and shine and to tame frizz,” says Erin Zemet from Main Street Salon, However, do not go overboard with it prior to flat ironing, as it can “cook” the hair. All you need is a few drops. Rub the oil between your palms and comb your fingers between strands. Make sure to massage it into the scalp to reap maximum benefits; targeting the roots will help you attack split ends.

You shouldn’t overuse it

The cliched statement rings true in this case: too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Unless it’s already infused inside hair products (in which case you should follow its specific instructions), pure argan oil should only be used two times a week, max. Anymore could stimulate oil glands and make your hair look greasy.

It’s not ideal for all hair types

Generally speaking, argan oil is better suited for medium to coarse hair. If your hair is naturally super fine, argan oil could make the strands too oily. But don’t give up too quickly—you may find that argan oil shampoo or conditioner gives your hair just the boost you need. Play around with products to find what works best for you.

It soothes irritated scalps

Forget dumping buckets of Head & Shoulders on your scalp; you may find your solution in something more natural. “The natural properties of argan oil are a tremendous boon for a scalp plagued by dandruff and irritation,” Rupinder Mangat, founder and CEO of MEVEI, told Hold The Hairline. “Argan oil is a great moisturizer and rich in natural phenols, as well as extraordinarily high in vitamin E and antioxidants that are beneficial to hair follicles. Not only does this promote new hair growth, but it also helps grow healthy, thick looking hair.” One particular study out of South Korea found that 44 percent of participants experienced hair regrowth with argan oil treatment, which worked as well as the drug minoxidil, but without the potentially harmful side effects, according to Mangat. Don’t miss these other hair care tricks from around the world.

Not all argan oil is the same

The price of argan oil can range drastically, with a 1.7 ounce bottle costing up to $50. While there are cheaper oils available on the market, stylists advise that it’s a good idea to splurge. “Like with olive oil, quality makes a huge difference,” Zemet says. “The cheaper the product, the more fillers it contains. Also, you will need to use more of the cheaper product to get the same effect as a more pure, more expensive version.”

Argan oil prevents environmental damage

“Argan oil is a great hair and scalp moisturizer, because of its vitamin and antioxidant content,” says Raymond Anthony, Artistic Designer from Salon Eva Michelle. That’s also what creates a barrier for sun, chlorine, and saltwater damage. But this multi-tasking oil isn’t just for your hair. Check out the link below for other amazing uses for argan oil to improve your health and beauty.


11 Amazing Uses of Argan Oil for Health and Beauty


This article first appeared on Reader's digest