Yahoo Lifestyle How To Get Healthy, Shiny Hair
The diagnosis: hair loss or thinning
Expert opinion
The trichologist says: "A sudden increase in hair loss is usually due to something that occurred three months prior; like extreme stress, illness or changes in your use of the pill. In such cases, hair loss should slow after three months, before making a full recovery. Long-term loss can be caused by a number of issues, such as thyroid imbalances, diabetes and hypoglycaemia. A trichologist will try to pinpoint the problem and, once it's addressed, your strands should start to thicken up in a few months."
The hairdresser says: "Stress causes the scalp to tighten and this slows the blood and nutrient supply to the hair follicle, leading to thinning. Massage your scalp to stimulate blood flow, or, to create volume, invest in a lightweight conditioner and body-building styling products."
The nutritionist says: "Loss can occur if you have a deficiency in core nutrients. Consider what you eat and ensure your diet is balanced with plenty of protein. Or if your lifestyle is healthy, you need to look at your digestive health, as your body may not be absorbing nutrients properly. Modern agriculture has removed vital minerals from our fruit and vegetables, so supplements, such as silica or a good quality protein powder, may also help."
Your prescription: Redken Hair Advance Scalp Revive Shampoo for Thinning Hair; Schwarzkopf Extra Care Hair Repair Q10 Recharge Conditioner; Kérastase Resistance Bain Volumactive Volumising Reinforcing Shampoo; Sunsilk Co-Creations Plumped Up Volume Nourishing Conditioner; Garnier Fructis Style Thermo-Active Spray Volume Restructure XXL.
The diagnosis: breakage and brittleness
Expert opinion
The trichologist says: "Weakened hair is generally caused by poor nutrition, or the overuse of chemical treatments and heat-styling tools. Hot tongs and blow-drying weaken the hair's structure, leading to split ends and, eventually, breakage. While the damage cannot be undone, regular use of a hair treatment, such as Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Treatment Mask will help boost the inner strength of strands and build resilience to future damage."
The hairdresser says: "Use a repairing care range at home and follow-up with in-salon treatments to help restore your hair. If you use hot irons, always apply a protective lotion before styling and then limit the damage by setting them to the correct temperature for your hair type. If it's thick or coarse, use a high heat or, for thin or fine hair, choose a low setting."
The nutritionist says: "If you have dry and brittle strands, eat more essential fatty acids to give your hair that lovely lustre. Find them in foods rich in omega fatty acids, like avocado, salmon and sardines, or take a supplement, such as flaxseed oil or fish oil capsules."
Your prescription: ghd Rescue Drops Weekly Leave-In Treatment, $45 for seven applications; L'Oréal Paris Elvive Re-Nutrition Night Elixir; Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry/Damaged Hair; Kiehl's Extra-Strength Conditioning Rinse For Dry or Damaged Hair; Herron Natural Essentials Fish Oil 1000.
The diagnosis: scalp sensitivity
Expert opinion
The trichologist says: "Flaking and redness can be characteristics of seborrhoeic dermatitis. A medicated shampoo or a prescription cream is likely to bring this under control. This condition can also be associated with essential fatty acid deficiency, in which case, supplements of evening primrose and fish oils can be of benefit. If itchiness is your main irritation, it’s due to excessive oiliness, which can be simply managed by washing your hair more regularly."
The hairdresser says: "Some people are more susceptible to irritation from certain chemicals, seasonal changes or pollutants, but this can usually be managed by using a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Also, ensure you thoroughly rinse your hair after washing and avoid styling products that are not water-soluble as they can easily build up, which can lead to inflammation. When visiting the salon, protect against any discomfort from colouring or other chemical treatments with L'Oréal Professionnel Stillcap Protective Care for Scalps, from $15, which works to create a 'second skin', while also helping to rebalance and soothe."
The nutritionist says: "All skin conditions, such as redness or flaking, are from an internal reaction to an allergen. For immediate relief, I would apply a good quality topical lotion. Aloe vera is great on skin that is acutely inflamed, but that will only soothe in the short-term and won't give you a lasting solution. You really need to address your diet and lifestyle to help manage the allergy."
Your prescription: Goldwell Scalp Regulation Sensitive Shampoo Healthy Hair & Soothed Scalp; Nature's Own Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg.
The diagnosis: dullness
Expert opinion
The trichologist says: "Poor nutrition and hair abuse can damage the cuticle [the small scales on the outside of each hair strand], resulting in poor reflection of light and, therefore, dullness. Conditioning treatments, such as Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Overnight Treatment, fill in the small chips in the cuticle, leaving strands smooth and shiny."
The hairdresser says: "From excess blow-drying to the overuse of chemical treatments and some medications, there are many factors leading to a lack of shine. Adopt a care regimen that moisturises and enhances lustre. Also, apply Kérastase Elixir Ultime, $48.50, before blow-drying. It will help to nurture and smooth your strands.
The nutritionist says: "Over-cleansing can also be a factor because sometimes we shampoo to the point of removing all the good oils and proteins. Choose a nourishing care range that won't strip away all the goodness, or leave you with that squeaky-clean feeling. There are certain foods that you should eat to feed your hair. Try to have a diet that's high in protein and essential fatty acids, with lots of vegetables and fruit. A shot of wheatgrass or spirulina each morning is a great way start to the day, as they're full of nutrients and high in protein."
Your prescription: Dermalogica Shine Therapy Shampoo; REF.551 Treatment; label.m Daily Shine Conditioner; John Frieda Collection Frizz-Ease Style 100% Shine Glossing Mist.
The diagnosis: dandruff
Expert opinion
The trichologist says: "Dandruff can be from poor nutrition or as a response to the use of a hair product that irritates the scalp. A medicated shampoo will help to control the condition by killing off the yeast associated with it. If you’re prone to dandruff, it's also important to wash your hair daily, and after exercise, with an everyday shampoo."
The hairdresser says: "The exact cause of dandruff is unknown, yet two of the most common associations are stress or lifestyle issues, like diet and hygiene; and exposure to extreme environmental elements. It can be managed by using the correct treatment regimen and avoiding styling products that contain alcohol, as it can be drying."
The nutritionist says: "This issue can also be related to allergies, so you need to get to the origin of what's triggering it. The most common intolerances are to gluten and dairy. Try eliminating these from your diet to see if they're the culprit; otherwise you might need to get an allergy test. Beating allergens is all about having a strong immune system, so your body can cope with it. So, taking supplements, like vitamins C and D, as well as probiotics, may also help."
Your prescription: Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Care Scalp Massage Cream; Pantene Pro-V Anti Dandruff Shampoo; Neutrogena T/Gel Anti-Dandruff Conditioner.
The diagnosis: oiliness
Expert opinion
The trichologist says: "Oiliness of the skin is mainly influenced by hormones or a zinc deficiency. Daily shampooing will obviously help to manage the problem and also try taking zinc supplements. If these don't work you may need a blood test to see if you have a hormonal imbalance. Depending on the cause, the pill might be used to correct it. The drug Roaccutane is also sometimes used by doctors to treat oily skin but there are possible side effects, including hair loss."
The hairdresser says: "Over stimulating the scalp, by washing too frequently or through too much massage, can cause the sebaceous glands to become hyperactive. Relieve symptoms by being gentle when shampooing: use the palms of your hands, not your fingertips. Look for styling products that are not greasy, and never apply serums or conditioners near your roots."
The nutritionist says: "Excess oil can occur from having a poor diet, as your liver is not able to process fat fast enough. You may need a cleaner approach to your eating habits and to make sure you're getting the right balance of essential fats. Try to limit the trans and saturated fats in your food and opt for lots of alkaline foods, like vegetables and lean protein."
Your prescription: USPA Supernatural Tahitian Lime Balancing Shampoo; The Body Shop Rainforest Balance Conditioner for Oily Hair; Blackmores Bio Zinc.
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