Dull Hair and their Solution
In this article, 'hair care' is
taken to mean care of hair on the human head, but mention may be made of
processes and services which impact hair on other parts of the body. This
includes men's and women's facial, pubic, and other body hair, which may be
colored, trimmed, shaved, plucked, or otherwise removed with treatments such as
waxing, sugaring, and threading. These services are offered in salons,
barbershops, and day spas, and products are available commercially for home
use. Laser hair removal and electrolysis are also available, though these are
provided (in the US) by licensed professionals in medical offices or specialty
spas.
Hair care is an overall term for
parts of hygiene and cosmetology involving the hair on the human head. Hair
care will differ according to one's hair type and according to various
processes that can be applied to hair. All hair is not the same; hair is a manifestation
of human diversity.
Even though most women aren’t going
bald in the same numbers as men, their tresses can start to thin, dry out and
lack general oomph, especially after 40. But this cannot be treated, as
complexions can, with moisturizers and trips to the spa. For one thing, there
is the problem of styling.
“As hair ages, we tend to torture it
more, which makes matters worse,” said Dr. Alan J. Bauman, a physician in Boca
Raton, Fla., specializing in hair restoration. “It’s not addressing the root of
the problem.” The problem is what
encases the actual hair root: the follicle. “The follicle function diminishes with
age in proportion to hereditary risk,” Dr. Bauman said.
He performs hair transplants as a
last resort, when follicles, the organs that grow hair, cannot be resuscitated.
But he said he was mostly concerned with keeping follicles alive and healthy.
To nourish them, he recommends eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like
salmon and flaxseeds, as well as dark green vegetables, which are strong
sources of vitamins A and C, needed by the follicles to produce sebum, hair’s
natural conditioner. He also encourages eating eggs, beans and poultry. You
need protein for hair,” Dr. Bauman said. “If you’re starving yourself, your
hair will suffer.” Dr. Doris Day, a dermatologist in New York, agreed that the
right foods are necessary for healthy hair. “I believe that inflammation is
negative for the hair follicle, that it can accelerate stress shedding and
compromise growth,” she said. She suggests eating pomegranate, avocado, pumpkin
and olive oil, and herbs like turmeric, mint and rosemary.
Hair care also comes in pill form.
Biotin has been a go-to for hair and nails for years. The newer Norwegian
dietary supplement Viviscal includes biotin and other traditional hair
strengtheners like niacin and vitamin C. But its star ingredient is a
mysterious fish-derived protein based on the Inuit diet. Dr. Day said she had
seen published medical data on Viviscal and believed that the studies were
“well done and reliable.” Dr. Bauman said he had prescribed Viviscal for years
to his patients, many of whom rave about “shinier, fuller hair and stronger
nails.”
Dr. Day also endorses the LaserCap,
which costs $3,000 and is used 30 minutes a day. Dr. Day described the cap as
offering “specific wavelengths that produce very low heat to stimulate follicle
growth,” as opposed to hair removal laser treatments, which deliver stronger
amounts of energy, “like a hammer to a nail,” to the base of the follicle,
killing it.
But the LaserCap is no panacea, Dr.
Day said, so she encourages consulting a dermatologist who specializes in hair
to explore other options and to manage patient expectations. “The problem with
hair loss is that people want to go back to when they had a full head of hair,
and for most it’s really a battle to grow back some of it and prevent it from
getting worse,” she said. “When patients spend that amount at once on a
product, they can’t help but have bigger expectations, and even if it works,
they can still be disappointed.”
Cause #1: Inadequate Water Intake
Be honest: Are you getting your
eight glasses of water every day? If not, what are you waiting for? Drinking
water can work wonders on not just your body, but your hair, too. We all know
that our bodies are made mostly of water, so if you’re still not taking in what
you’re putting out through exercise and other daily activities, your hair isn’t
quenching its thirst.
The Cure: Drink. More. Water. Plain and
simple. If you’re one of those people who doesn’t like the taste of good old
H20, you’re not alone! There are plenty of other, tasty ways you can get your
eight a day. So, drink up and watch how much shinier and more hydrated your
hair will become.
Cause #2: Not Shampooing Smartly
Do you wash your hair every day? You
might want to rethink that routine. Knowing when to shampoo your hair, and what
shampoo to use is an important aspect of keeping your hair hydrated and
healthy. Allowing your hair’s natural oils to build up for a bit will protect
your hair from becoming too dry.
The Cure: Shampoo your hair every other day
with a gentle shampoo. If your hair gets oily between washes, try using a dry
shampoo. This type of shampoo is super easy to use and works quite well to soak
up excess oil. When looking for shampoo, don’t forget to check those ingredient
lists. Some moisturizing shampoos contain harsh sulfates and sodium chloride,
both will strip protective oils from your hair. And the next time you shower,
keep the water cool when rinsing. Water that’s too hot will result in frizz and
dryness.
Cause #3: Heavy Heat Styling
If you use a blow dryer, flat iron
or other heat styling tools every day, you’re doing more harm than good when it
comes to your dry hair. All of these beauty items can be convenient when it
comes to styling, but taking a break every now and then will result in
healthier tresses.