Hair & Scalp and Your Health
There are
many medical conditions and prescriptions that can affect our hair, but sometimes
what someone might think is a problem, could just be that they need a little
help taking care of their hair and/or scalp.
Shedding
Some experts estimate that we may shed a hundred or more
hairs a day. Usually this is nothing to be concerned about and it usually does not
mean that we are going bald. About 90% of our hair follicles are producing hair
at any given time, while the other 10% are in a resting phase. The hair falls
out after a few months but then it is normally replaced by new hair, and then the
cycle starts all over again. However, certain shocks to our system such as surgery,
childbirth, medications, diets, severe stress, and thyroid problems, can
push more hair into resting than normal. After a few months of this, people may
notice that their hair is falling out and thinning more than it should. This is
a condition called “Telogen Effluvium” which is sometimes described as hair
"coming out in handfuls." In most cases, new hair will start to grow
back to replace the hair that has been lost, but not always. This is when a person should seek a consultation
with a trained professional to see what can be done to get that hair to grow
back before it becomes a problem.
Dandruff
Dandruff appears to be messy and sometimes embarrassing and
bothersome to people, but it isn’t contagious and normally isn’t a cause for
alarm. There are many theories about how people get it including an overgrowth
of a fungus and from risk factors such as oily skin, stress, obesity, cold and
dry weather, and Eczema or Psoriasis. To help fight dandruff, try using an
anti-dandruff shampoo such as “Mint
BlueShampoo” from New England Associates®. If the dandruff flakes are
greasy and yellow, it may be from an inflammatory skin condition called “Seborrheic Dermatitis”, which can occur where there are lots of oil glands such as the
scalp and the face. Seborrheic Dermatitis can be indicative of a medical
condition but it is treated the same as dandruff, although more severe cases
may need HairStart®
Dexpanthenol™ or a prescription medication. If it seems that there may
be some hair loss or shedding occurring from dandruff, contact the hair
experts at New England Associates for a free hair and scalp examination to be
sure that there isn’t a problem.
Alopecia Areata
“Alopecia Areata” is when someone’s immune system mistakenly
attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. This sometimes happens suddenly.
Most sufferers will have one or two bald patches, but in some cases all of
their body hair falls out. Alopecia Areata isn't harmful or contagious, but it
can be very tough to deal with emotionally. Hair may grow back on its own and there
are treatments which may help it grow back more quickly. Some people may
experience Alopecia Areata more than just once.
Traction Alopecia
Pulling hair too tight with ponytails, braids, cornrows,
etc., can damage hair follicles and cause hair to break or fall out. This is
known as “Traction Alopecia”. Some hair extensions can also cause it because of
the extra weight pulling on existing hair. A different hairstyle can cause less
pulling and may let hair grow back, but pulling on hair for a long time can
lead to permanent hair loss which can lead to emotional concerns.The hair loss
professionals at New England Associates® can assess any damage and provide
options to overcome it.
Too Much Styling Hurts
Hair
Blow drying, using a flat iron, coloring, bleaching, and over-brushing
can all cause damage to the cuticle (the outer layer) of our hair. Although, it
doesn't cause any permanent health damage, when the inner core of hair is
exposed hair becomes dry and dull.
Premature Gray Hair
Gray hair isn't always related to aging. People under 40
years old who get gray hair probably have it running in their family, although
medical conditions such as Anemia, thyroid issues, certain vitamin deficiencies and Vitiligo can cause premature graying. A common solution is to highlight or
color hair to cover the gray, but some people are sensitive to such chemicals
leading to itching and burning on the scalp, and too much of the chemicals can
have the same effects as over styling hair.
Female Hair Loss
Hair loss in women may include thinning hair all over the
head, but is usually most common on top of the head. Contrary to some beliefs,
longer hair won't necessarily put a strain on the roots of the hair and cause more
to fall out. Shampooing shouldn’t pull hair out either, but people notice more of the
hair that was falling out already anyway. Minoxidil
and HairStart®
Essentials™ are among some of the things that can help hair growth and slow
the thinning. You can read more facts about women’s hair loss here.
Male Hair Loss
Most hair loss in men is caused through genetics but there
are many other causes as well. So-called “Male-Pattern Baldness” often starts
with receding hair at the temples, then on the crown leaving a
horseshoe-shaped ring of hair around the sides of the head. Medications to slow
typical hair loss in men include Minoxidil
and HairStart®
Essentials™, which is an herbal alternative to Propecia (finasteride). You
can read more facts about men’s hair loss here.
Sun Damage
Too much sun can cause hair to be brittle and split easily. When
a person has fine or thinning hair, there is more risk of a sunburn on the scalp
(and that can be quite painful!).Here are some tips to help
keep hair healthy in the sun and to help
minimize summer hair loss.
Hairand Heart-Healthy
Diet
Hair needs protein and iron to stay healthy.You can help keep
your hair shiny by eating things like salmon and walnuts for omega-3 fatty
acids, Brazil nuts for selenium, oysters and cashews for zinc, and spinach and
carrots for vitamin A (but not too much vitamin A because that can promote hair
loss in some cases). All of these foods help maintain good scalp and hair
health and they are also good for your heart. Very low-calorie diets can be bad
for hair because they lack sufficient nutrients and can leave hair dull and
limp, as well as stunt hair growth or even cause hair loss. HairStart®
Vitamin Plus Conditioning Treatment and HairStart®
vitamins can help restore nutrients to the hair, especially when used under
the direction of the professionals at
New England Associates®,who can help identify problems and offer solutions.
Scalp Massage
There's no medical proof that a scalp massage will affect hair
loss or improve any scalp conditions, but it can help to relieve stress and
tension because the scalp is covered with nerve endings that make it sensitive
to touch. Scalp massages may also trigger the release of “feel-good hormones”
like dopamine and serotonin.
If you are interested in discussing more with an expert, contact New England Associates® today. At New
England Associates®, how you feel about your hair loss and making the right
choice to solve it, matters. We encourage you to take the time and review the
possibilities and come in for a no cost, no obligation private hair loss
consultation.
Keep in
mind, if you’re experiencing symptoms associated hair loss, you should not
diagnose yourself. The best thing to do is contact an expert who has been
specifically trained in hair loss. The professionals at New England Associates® will provide a
physical examination of your hair and scalp to identify the cause of your
symptoms and help
you review your options and solutions.
Look as
Good as You Feel!™
Make New England Associates® Your First Step to a Better Looking Future!™
Make New England Associates® Your First Step to a Better Looking Future!™
Since 1982
New England Associates® has known hair loss is as individual as you are.
New England Associates® offers all of the procedures that work to repair,
replace, restore, and grow hair. We are members of the American Hair Loss
Council and the Better Business Bureau. Locations include Wakefield ,
MA and Manchester ,
NH
Research from WebMD
