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3/4/2018

6 Reasons Why You Might Be Losing Your Hair Fast

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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

3/3/2018 0 Comments

Everything You Need to KnowAbout Using Argan Oil for Your Hair

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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
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2/13/2018 0 Comments

Time for the truth:  Just how damaged is your hair?

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Look at your hair. No, go on – really look at it. Grab a small handful and squint at it, pick out a few individual strands and really peer down at them. Looking a little bit worse for wear? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. Lucky we’ve got this handy guide to finding out just how damaged your hair is – and more importantly, how you can nurse it back to health.
 
Stage One

What your hair is like:  When you run your hands through your hair, you can feel that the ends are feeling a little bit dry and rough.

How it got like this: General wear and tear plays a part – tying it up, taking it down, brushing and even the weather can leave your ends a little parched. Using heat on your hair this can speed up this process.

What you can do about it: Try to cut down on the heat, and let your hair air dry sometimes – put it in plaits overnight for beachy waves that are ready by morning. Pick a good conditioner to use on your ends, and let it soak in for a few minutes every time you wash your hair.
 
Stage Two

What your hair is like: Look at the ends – are some of the strands split into two, and feeling really quite dry? Yep, you’re hit stage two.

How it got like this: You’ve been at the straighteners, haven’t you? Add some haphazard brushing, putting off booking your trim and you’ve got a recipe for hair that isn’t too happy.

What you can do about it: Get into the routine of using a hydrating mask to keep your hair moisturised and prevent further breakage. Make sure you schedule regular trips to the salon to keep on top of your ends too.
 
Stage Three

What your hair is like: A lot of your ends are split, some more than once, meaning they fan outwards. Some damage has crept up to the mid lengths of your hair.

How it got like this: It’s quite likely your hair is coloured or has been a bit fried by heat, leaving it weakened and prone to splitting.

What you can do about it: Swap your usual conditioner for a hydrating mask each time – you should start to notice your hair getting stronger within a week or two. Try to air-dry it as much as possible, get split ends treatment in salon, or use a serum to smooth them at home.
 
Stage Four
​

What your hair is like:  Each strand looks like a tree, split numerous times in numerous places right up the shaft. It’s feeling very dry and frizzy, and you’re struggling to style it. This hair is not happy at all.

How it got like this: We’re guessing you’ve been neglecting your hair – the combination of heat, heavy bleaching or colouring and rigorously styling will destroy the cuticles, making it coarse and untameable.

What you can do about it: Speak to your hairdresser and see how much they can salvage, before going for the chop – and remember, it will grow back quicker than you think. Then, learn from your mistakes! Of course we’re not telling you to ditch the colour or never straightener your hair, but try to avoid heat every other day, and make sure you use plenty of conditioning masks to keep it in tip-top condition.

 
This article first appeared on Layered
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2/12/2018

10 Ways You May Be Causing Hair Damage Without Realizing It

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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
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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

2/7/2018 1 Comment

Is shampooing every day bad for my hair?

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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
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