Banishing Bad Hair Days since 1997!™

Six Major Hair Problems

Actually, there are more than six major hair problems, but generally speaking the majority of people deal with the following sux at some point in their hair life:

1. Desert Dry Strands - Desert dry strands lack proper sebum (natural oils) on the scalp which slowly migrate through the tresses.  Scalp hair is essential for protecting delicate strands from weather, wear and tear and the environment.  Natural sebum will also keep scalp healthy and help guard against damage from hot styling tools (blow dryers, hot irons, electric rollers and general styling tools).

Why? If moisture layer is not present on hair and scalp the center cortex of the hair is damaged making strands susceptible to breakage and ongoing brittleness.  Damage may occur due to chemical processing, improper care, excessive cleansing, use of hot water, environment, weather or sun damage.

Cure? Stretch times between shampoo cycles or wash with Conditioner Only (CO) or Diluted Shampoo (DS).  Use moisturizing formulas for cleansing, rinse out and leave-in conditioner benefits.

Allow hair to air dry whenever possible.  If hair must be heat dried, consider applying heat protection before drying.  Also consider using a blow dryer with a low/cool setting to minimize heat damage.  Other options might include utilizing bonnet or hood style dryers and rollers sets for a more gentle and less damaging styling result.

Other Bets? Consider taking a break from regular chemical treatments or extending time in-between to allow natural normalization of moisture mantel.  Schedule ongoing salon trims and deep conditioning treatments to eliminate ripped tresses and restore moisture.  If budgetary constraints prevent salon visits, buy a professional quality scissors and trim at home to remove splits.  Apply at-home conditioning treatments.

2.  Oil Slick Strands - Whereas desert dry strands lack proper sebum (natural oils), oily hair has too much .  Oily strands may occur due to a number of causes but the root cause is overactive sebaceous glands which pump too much sebum out.  Sebum can weight down strands making them look oily and greasy.

Why? Certain foods will cause more sebum to be produced including diets high in fats and carbs.  Oily hair may also be linked to heredity as well as hormonal cycles.

Cure? Washing hair with harsh drying cleansers or washing too often may actually accelerate the oil production cycle since the sebaceous gland will attempt to replace sebum that is removed.  Try a mild frequent use shampoo rather than a harsh clarifying product.  Rene Fuerter's Oily Hair treatment program works wonders for many.

Other Bets? Highlights and lowlights added to hair may help to control excessive sebums.  Avoid more than once a day shampoo treatments.  Instead, spot treat oiliest areas with dry shampoo products such as Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo which will help remove excess grease and oil.  Cornstarch will also work for those on a budget although do not use baby powder which can be toxic to the lungs.  Keep hair off hairline by avoiding bangs or hair that nestles into face.

3.  Flake Drenched Scalps & Strands - When the scalp becomes overactive flaking can occur.  When this happens the turnover cycle for your scalps occurs every 12 to 15 days instead of 25 to 28.  When a flaky scalp occurs on a oily condition the result can be challenging due to the occurrence of fungus and bacteria.

Why? Billions of dead skin is lost daily, it's part of the natural hair and scalp cycles.

Cure? Keeping scalp moisturized and exfoliated through proper gentle scalp brushing or massage with a 100% boar bristle brush will minimize the appearance of flaking and shedding.  Utilizing a dandruff designed cleansing program focused on your type of dandruff ranging from plain flaking to oily fungus and flaking will help.

Other Bets? If off-the-shelf cleansing products don't work consider stepping your treatment up a notch with a more comprehensive program.  Other options include visiting a dermatologist who specializes in dandruff issues.  If the situation appears to worsen it's important to get a professional consultation to make sure the problem is not more severe or complicated or doesn't involve more complex conditions.

4.  Combo Strand Problem - It's common to have more than one type of hair texture (straight, wavy, curly, kinky) or growth pattern on your scalp at one time.  It's also to have both dry and oily scalp and hair.  Oily scalps may have patches of dryness while dry scalps may have oily tresses or vice versa.

Why? Mixed message may be occurring.  Ther middle to ends of the strands may be dry due to chemical treatments or hot strand styling (hot blow dryers, irons, curlers, etc.,).  The scalp may resume to overcleansing by producing even more sebum making the scalp and roots of the hair oily while the rest of the hair becomes even drier.

Cure? It's important to deal with all hair and scalp problems equally.  If you have dry strands but oily scalp, do a layered cleansing by applying products for oily scalp to the root area and applying a moisturizing product to the middle and end sections of the hair.  Start at the scalp and work down.

Other Bets? Highlights and lowlights added to hair may help to control excessive sebums at the roots but may dry out the middle to ends of the strands.  Avoid more than once a day shampoo treatments to avoid overdrying middle to ends of hair.  Spot treat oiliest areas with dry shampoo products such as Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo which will help remove excess grease and oil.  Keep oily sections of hair off hairline by avoiding bangs or hair that nestles into face.

5.  Losing It - Hair loss is common for most people, male and female at some point in their lives.  Hair loss is a complex topic that can involve a wide range of symptoms and causes.  If the hair loss cause is not simple to uncover from obvious reasons, it may require extensive testing with a professional to uncover the root cause and possible cures.

Why? Hair loss may occur due to hereditary or due to hormonal fluctuations. Hormone induced hair loss is especially true for women during puberty, pregnancy or menopause.  Hair loss for men is also hereditary but can occur due to other causes.  Minimal hair loss of up to 10% is usually temporary.  Other known causes of hair loss include thyroid malfunction, traction alopecia (too tight hair accessories, styles or weaves), some forms of prescription drugs, extreme stress or simple aging.

Cure? If hair loss is severe see a hair loss expert for proper diagnosis and treatment advice.

Other Bets? Nutrition can play a part in triggering some types of hair loss.  Extreme dieting may cause hair shedding which can last for a short to an extended period after extreme dieting.  Surgical weight loss solutions may also cause temporary shedding.

Chemotherapy or other intensive drug therapy programs may also be a cause of temporary or permanent hair loss.  Some common drugs (blood thinners, sedatives, pain medication) may contribute to ongoing hair loss and can be substituted by a physican to options with less hair loss side effects.

6.  Sluggish Hair Growth - Under idle conditions human hair will grow an average of 6 to 12 inches per year with the most common amount in the 6 inch range.  Hair growth is tied directly to genetics but maximum growth cycle can be realized with diligent awareness of nutrition and other health care options such as minimized use of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and certain food groups.

Why? Certain food groups will help to slow down natural growth cycles.  Hair which is damaged from excessive chemical applications such as hair color, straighteners, texturizers or similar may stop growing completely.  High stress or other environmental conditions may also completely slow down the natural growth cycles.

Cure? There is not miracle cure for hair loss and there is no miracle cure for sluggish hair growth.  At times sluggish hair growth may be a sign of potential hair loss cycles in the future.  Nutritional supplements and vitamins designed to assist the strengthening of the hair will help to trigger renewed hair growth and optimal hair lengths.

Other Bets? Diet and exercise are important elements to active hair growth.  Proper consumption of daily liquids and water are also key along with adequate sleep and rest.   Besides the consumption of herbs, nutrients and vitamins a secret Hollywood hair regeneration and growth secret is utilization of head massages with essential oils, acupuncture and acupressure.  Other techniques known to be helpful is some forms of yoga, Reiki and alternative healing techniques.

Summary

Although there are other hair problems that people experience at times, the six major hair problems I hear about from the most hair consumers have been listed in this blog.  If you have hair problems you would like me to cover, please email me at [email protected].

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