Dandruff Treatment and Cure Dandruff Home Remedies

Dandruff Treatment and Cure Dandruff Home Remedies

Dandruff is a common problem. You can fall victim to excessive dandruff at any age. 97% of Americans suffer from dandruff at some time. One out of every two persons in the world have problem with dandruff.

Historically termed as pityriasis capitis, dandruff is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is quite normal and occurs in almost all of us but, at times, in some people it results in a large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation. Excessive flaking can also be a symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infection or excoriation associated with infestation of head lice.

Herbal home remedies for dandruff cure have found a remarkable confidence amongst the users affected with dandruff. These are natural and generally safe with absolutely no side effects and have been found to be effective in curing dandruff. Treatment with herbs has proved to be very effective as they help in stimulating the hair growth. There are a number of herbs that have appropriate medical properties that can curb and control the infection. These herbs are mild in nature and they do not damage the delicate tresses.

Homemade Dandruff Remedy

Soak two tablespoonfuls of Fenugreek seeds overnight in water. In the morning the softened seeds are ground into fine paste and applied on the scalp, left on for 1/2 hr

Infuse 2 tbsp. of fresh or dried rosemary and sage in 1 gallon of water for 24 hours. Use daily as a hair rinse.

Henna has also been found to be controlling dandruff in addition to promoting hair growth and conditioning the hair thus making them soft and shiny. It also helps in restoring the health of the hair. It is a natural product but care should be taken while choosing the quality of henna. Specially prepared henna powder mixed with other ingredients, is very effective in controlling dandruff and improving the hair texture.

Dandruff treatment via Green Gram Powder

A valuable prescription for elimination of dandruff is the use of green gram powder. The hair must be washed two times in a week with two tablespoons of this powder mixed with half a cup of curd.

The use of fenugreek seeds is one of the most essential remedies in the treatment of dandruff. Two tablespoons of these seeds must be soaked overnight in water and ground into a fine paste in the morning. This paste should be applied all over the scalp and left for about partially an hour. The hair must then be washed thoroughly with soap-nut (ritha) solution or shikakai.

Lemon has also been found to be very fruitful against dandruff. It helps in restoring the pH balance of the scalp. A few drops of lemon juice may be used with 15-20 ml of coconut oil and massage into the hair. Leave it for the night and wash off the next day to find hair shining and clean. It will help in restoring the scalp pH balance and reduce dandruff

Eucalyptus oil has also been found to be working wonders in case of dandruff. A few drops of Eucalyptus oil when mixed with coconut oil and massage into the scalp removes the flakes and eliminates dandruff. This process repeated twice a week for a couple of weeks will show improvement in dandruff conditions. The massage of the hair is an important part of the treatment as it stimulates blood flow to the scalp and helps in removing dead cells.

The juice of snake gourd has been found useful in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. The juice should be rubbed over the scalp for this function. One of the useful home remedies for dandruff.

Prevention of Dandruff

* Washing your hair at least three times a week.
* Avoiding the use of chemicals on the scalp, such as those used in hair colouring.
* Making sure that you have enough vitamins such as zinc, beta-carotene, B6, B12 and selenium in your diet.
* Regular daily brushing.

How to Choose Natural Oils for Your Hair

How to Choose Natural Oils for Your Hair

There are two types of oils that can be beneficial for your hair. These two types of oils are essential oils and carrier oils. Essential oils are fragrant oils that are actually the concentrated essence of the plant. Essential oils are light and do not feel like an oil, but they also evaporate quickly. Essential oils are usually added to a carrier oil to be applied to the hair. Carrier oils are oily in texture and can be oil from a seed, fruit, vegetable or nut. Different oils present different opportunities for the hair to be nourished with the unique nutrients present in each.



Essential Oils

Choose the highest grade essential oil available. Try to purchase complete oils or genuine Grade A oils for the most natural oil with the least amount of chemicals and additives. Lavender, chamomile, and rose oil are all essential oils used in hair treatments. Some other essential oils for the hair include:



Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is beneficial for the hair because it can treat the symptoms of a dry scalp as well as problematic oily hair. The oil has been used to treat dandruff, and has a unique astringent smell that is suitable for male or female use.



Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood has many properties that make it good for the hair and scalp. The oil is an astringent, an anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic. Use sandalwood oil to soothe a dry and irritated scalp.



Orange Oil

This invigorating and vibrant smelling essential oil aids the hair by regulated the production of sebum, the hair’s natural oil.



Carrier Oils

Choose high grade carrier oils with essential oils for conditioner combinations that will help moisturize dry hair. Carrier oils can be used in conjunction with essential oils or on their own to treat the hair. Olive oil, almond oil, and castor oil are all carrier oils suitable for hair care. Other carrier oils for the hair include:



Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is useful for the hair because it closely resembles the hair’s natural oil called sebum. This oil can be used by itself as a hot oil treatment, or mixed with a different carrier oil for a specialized conditioning treatment.



Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is full of vitamins your hair needs like vitamins A, E, D and potassium. Avocado oil is not heavy even though that avocado has the heaviest amount of protein in any fruit.



Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is popular because it is odorless and full of minerals and vitamins that help strengthen your hair. It is an odorless oil, and can help add shine and moisture to your hair. Grapeseed oil is known for having a high content of linoleic acid, an important fatty acid that supports cell health.



How to Use Natural Oils to Treat Your Hair

You can purchase your own essential and carrier oils and mix oil recipes for yourself that will combine your hair health needs with your personal fragrance preferences. When making your own oil conditioning treatment use 4 tablespoons of carrier oil per drop of essential oil for a strongly aromatic blend when mixing your own oil conditioner recipe. To make a hot oil treatment, mix your oils and place them in a plastic container or bag. Place in hot tap water for one minute. After normal shampooing, coat your hair with the oil and let it set for 5 – 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then cool water. Repeat to treat severely damaged hair.

Hair Loss Prevention and Help

Hair Loss Prevention and Help


Hair is continuously growing and is being shed simultaneously. At any time, hair is growing and replacing shed hair. When this process gets disrupted, hair loss may occur. Hair loss can be psychologically a big put down, because every one is to some extent, worried about baldness and looks. Hair loss can be a major blow to a person's self esteem and if it can be checked, it can certainly add value to external beauty and looks and give a boost to self confidence and self worth.

Some common causes of hair loss are as follows.



Hormonal changes in the body related to medication, pregnancy, thyroid problems can cause hair loss. Normally if the hormonal balance is restored, hair loss can be checked to some extent.

Some diseases like, diabetes etc can result in hair loss. This kind of hair loss problem is normally difficult to control but with proper care and treatment, it may be possible to reduce the hair loss.

There are some life saving drugs and other strong antibiotics which can result in hair loss. If it is possible to find the exact medicine causing the problem, it may be possible to change the medication and prevent hair loss.

Fungal infections and bacterial infections can also cause hair loss. This kind of hair loss can normally be treated well, by correct medication given by a skin specialist.

Improper hair care, especially regular perming ( resulting in scarring of the scalp), continuously blow drying hair and continued use of chemicals for hair coloring purposes can cause permanent hair damage and loss.

Some people have a hereditary tendency to baldness. This may be termed male pattern baldness, leading to hair loss with a receding hairline, thinning hair and baldness at the top of the scalp.



I will give below some herbal home remedies for hair loss. It is suggested that you may try them for a month or so to find some change in your hair loss problem. Incase, one home remedy does not seem to work, do try a different remedy to find relief. Not all remedies work on all kind of problems.



Take 50 ml of coconut hair, heat it and add three flakes of garlic (squeeze the garlic juice into the oil) and four peppercorns (crush them into the oil). Let the oil cool by itself and then massage this oil into the hair. Regular application, will stimulate hair growth and result in healthy voluminous hair over time.

An excellent hair tonic can be prepared by mixing almond oil, olive oil and castor oil in equal proportion. Massage this daily into the hair to stimulate hair growth and improve hair texture.

Another herbal remedy that works to reduce hair loss is prepared with olive oil. Take 20 ml olive oil and add one teaspoon honey and one teaspoon cinnamon powder to the mixture. Mix well to create a smooth paste. Apply this paste to the scalp and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Repeat every three days for a month to find reduced hair loss and better thicker hair.

Many people suffer from minor infections in the scalp, which may be causing hair loss. A simple herbal remedy to check this kind of hair loss is easy to prepare. Mix two tablespoons (around 20 ml ) of ginger juice with one tablespoon (10ml) of lime juice in a bowl. Apply this to your hair, by massaging the same into your scalp. This will help prevent minor infections, reduce itching and stimulate hair growth. Leave on for 30 minutes and then wash off with warm water. Create this mixture, fresh every time, and use it once a week for 4 weeks to find significant improvement.

A quick and simple remedy for hair loss is simply crushing some garlic cloves and massaging the same into your scalp. This will improve blood circulation and it is recommended once every two weeks as a good way to stimulate hair follicles.

Good diet is also essential for improving the condition of the hair. It is important to drink plenty of water, raw salads, yoghurt, leafy vegetables and whole grain cereals. Cutting down on fried snacks, salt, sugar and aerated drinks helps in general skin and hair care.

Try shifting to herbal shampoos containing, herbs such as henna, Lemon grass, Mint, Hibiscus, Neem. These shampoos are any day better then detergent based shampoos which can contribute to hair loss.



In case, hair loss is permanent and irreversible, then the only recourse is hair grafting or a wig. However many males look stunning with a bald head also so all is not lost if hair loss does not stop. The above remedies will normally work well in cases of minor hair loss if started well in time. It is best to treat conditions of severe hair loss through medical intervention.

Herbal Hair Care

Herbal Hair Care

Hair care is important in summers and especially so when you have to brave the sun outdoors whether for recreation or work. Our hair needs special care when the sun is out and sizzling. This is the time when the hair turns brittle, dry and loses shine.

Hair cannot technically 'burn' in the sun because it is not 'alive' but the exposure to the sun can and will damage the natural protective film on the hair strands. This will make the hair dry, dull, fragile, brittle and almost 'dead'. Dyed and highlighted hair , exposed to the sun is especially prone to damage. The UV rays destroy the cells and film covering the hair strands and the hair becomes fragile and dried out.

The hair that will be exposed to sun has to be protected. Products that contain Shea butter and sunscreens and which moisturize the hair are recommended.

Phytoplage oils contain Acron extract oil which shields the hair from the harmful UV rays. Look for hair care products that contain this product. They will benefit the hair especially when it is exposed to the sun.

In the newer hair care products, sunflower oil is used as a sun filter. These products also contain jojoba wax which give a protective coating to the hair and protect it.

Instead of going in for synthetic hair dyes, to give color to your hair, you may like to try these herbal natural products. These herbal products protect the hair strands against sun damage and also add color and shine.

Some recommended herbal natural alternatives are given below:



To get dark brown colored hair, Soak a mixture of Henna powder and Indian Gooseberry powder ( Amla / Phyllanthus Emblica ) overnight in a metal container. The thick mixture may be applied to the hair strands with a brush. Cover with a plastic cap and leave on for at least 2 hours. Wash with soft water to find dark brown, soft and silky hair. This natural color will stay on for at least a month and will protect the hair. This is a good conditioner and natural moisturizer for the hair and will thus protect against sun damage also. The ratio of the Indian Gooseberry powder and henna will determine the degree of the color. More the berry powder, darker the hair.

To get dark copper color, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the henna mixture before applying it on the hair. Avoid the Indian Gooseberry powder. The dark copper color will add luster and shine and moisturize and protect the hair the natural way.

To get reddish hair , simply add nothing to the henna-water mixture prepared overnight. Apply the thick paste directly to the hair strands with a brush, wait for two - three hours, wash the hair and find a beautiful reddish color on the hair.



A natural hair tonic providing much needed moisturizing and nutrients to the hair follicles is relatively easy to prepare at home. Simply mix , almond oil, olive oil and castor oil in equal proportions and apply to the hair once a week. Massage and wash off with a mild herbal shampoo to find new life in the hair. This will also protect the hair against sun damage in summers and damage due to extreme cold in winters. This is an all the year tonic for the hair.



If you find it cumbersome to prepare these mixtures at home, you may take the help of a hair care specialist, specifying what you want. Many products available in the market also contain these natural ingredients and provide much needed protection. Go ahead and choose with care. After all your hair is worth the effort.

How To Make Liniment and Herbal Laxative

How To Make Liniment and Herbal Laxative?

Liniment and laxative are used to relieved us from pain to help ease our body and get relax somehow. I came to know how these two are made. It is good to share this simple preparation so that everybody will benefit and help you save from your expenses.

Take the following steps how to make them.

How To Make Herbal Liniment?

Combine two ounces powdered myrrh, one ounce powdered golden seal, one-half ounce cayenne pepper, one quart rubbing alcohol (70 percent). Mix together and let stand seven days, shake well everyday, decant off, and bottle in corked bottles. If you do not have golden seal, make it without.

How To Make Herbal Laxative?

To make herbal laxative, combine equal parts buckthorn bark, rhubarb root, cascara sagrada bark, calamus root, fennel seed. Mix thoroughly. These herbs are non-poisonous and are soothing to the stomach and will help to prevent gas and fermentation.

How to take the dosage?

Take one small fourth teaspoonful in a fourth glass of water. Follow with a glass of hot water. Take after each meal if the digestion is slow, or you can take a half teaspoonful in the same manner upon retiring. Increase or decrease the amount taken to suit your personal need, but take enough so that you have three good eliminations every day. Children are proportionately less according to age.

This laxative should be made of the powdered herbs then it can also be used in the gelatin capsules. Two No. 00 are the usual dose for an adult. If making a tea of granulated herbs, you would steep a teaspoonful to a cup of boiling water for thirty minutes, and drink.

Hope these post helps a little from your tight budget by making your own liniment and laxative.

How To Prepare High Herb Enemas

How To Prepare High Herb Enemas?

There are several different kinds of enemas, such as ordinary enemas taken to relieve the rectum and lower colon; astringent enemas, taken in diarrhea, dysentery, etc.; and nourishing enemas, given in wasting diseases, unconsciousness and other conditions where it becomes necessary to administer food by rectum.

But high enemas are taken to thoroughly cleanse the entire length of the colon. All you need to take a high enema that thoroughly cleanse the colon, is a four-quart enema can with an ordinary rectal tip.

It is best to take it lying down. Lie on the floor, or in the bath tub. Use four quarts of water, or herb teas. It is not usually possible for a person to take the entire four quarts at one time, at first. When beginning, take a small amount of water, expel, and then take more, and so on until you have used the entire four quarts, retaining as much each time as is possible.

As soon as the colon is clean, you will be able to retain the full four quarts. You must try again and again until this is possible. When taking the high enema, assume different positions, also roll from side to side, so that the water is allowed to pass in, as sometimes there is a kink in the colon, and many times just a change in position allows a great deal more water to flow in.

There are some cases where there has been a diseased condition of the colon for some time, or some other difficulties which might make it impossible to ever retain this amount of water. In those cases, take as much as possible.

The Use Of Cinnamon And Spices: Are They Healthful

The Use Of Cinnamon And Spices: Are They Healthful?

If you feel like eating cinnamon powder, eat some, but eat it alone. Since it is a bark and a natural product, it will then be a natural food. If your tastebuds crave the pepper flavor, eat some of the pepper from the can as it comes to you, or get one of the vegetable peppers found in the markets. Your craving will soon be gratified, and may not recur.

You can use cinnamon for influenza. Use it then, on fruit if you like. But it is not necessary to season live foods.

With regards to seasoning value, the addition of flavor to food, the same applies to other spices and aromatic herbs such as nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice, mustard, pepper, paprika, sage, and thyme. When your taste buds have become normalized, you will not need to add any seasoning to your food.

The combinations you will make will become simpler and simpler as time goes on and your taste buds develop their original vigor. In the end, you will enjoy a meal of a single type of food, or a simple combination of two, more than any complex mixtures for which your mouth now waters.

A transition period is often found necessary, but constant effort should be made to work toward the true, natural diet.

Simple Treatment For Sinusitis

Simple Treatment For Sinusitis

The symptoms of sinus trouble are: pain in the sinuses, sometimes becoming very severe, eyes ache, a watery discharge from the nose in the acute stage. Symptoms are akin to hay fever which is brought on by the same causes.

Accumulations of waste matter in the sinus region are the primary cause. All kinds of infection come only because of waste matter present. No bacteria will ever remain active in your body unless there is something for them to eat and to breathe in. All are scavengers, Nature’s broom. When you are living on natural foods, the waste matter is removed and the trouble is automatically dispelled.

For instant relief, use hot applications, alternating with cold, over the sinus area, and you will be much relieved immediately. Spray the nose with finely strained lemon juice several times daily if there is too much soreness. The lemon juice will destroy the pus in that region.

You can also try the salt rinse which is becoming popular as decongestant and reliever of sinusitis.

To cleanse the heal the nose, make a tea of bayberry bark, use a teaspoon to a cup of boiling water, let it simmer for thirty minutes, strain, when cool, or just warm, snuff it up the nose, getting it up both sides, one side at a time thoroughly; this will cleanse and heal at the same time.
The causes of sinusitis must be removed; bowel eliminations must also be regulated to have three good eliminations a day.

Take a fruit juice diet for four or five days, drinking all the juice you can of oranges, grapefruit, lemon, pineapple, and grape all unsweetened. Do not mix the juices drink one at a time, alternating them.
Then go on a vegetable diet, using all kinds of greens, red cabbage, and eggplant being especially useful as they are very rich in potassium, but use all kinds of vegetables.

Continue the fruit juices but drink them between meals. Never use fruits and vegetable at the same meal.
Beware to use drug store preparations or antiseptics. They are not good in every instance and are only temporary palliatives at best. Often the membranes are weakened by their use and become less resistant to germ infection than they were before. Operations are of no value, of course because this may lead to even more serious infections.

Uric Acid Serves As An Antioxidant

Uric Acid Serves As An Antioxidant?

Uric acid is a potent antioxidant and thus can protect cells from DNA damage. In our blood, uric acid serves as an antioxidant and helps prevent damage to our blood vessel linings, so a continual supply of uric acid is important for protecting our blood vessels.

People who suffer with gout usually either overproduce uric acid or under excrete it.

A test for uric acid in the blood will not show the amount of uric acid that is crystallized in connective tissue waiting to cause the next Acute Attack.

In spite of the agony and havoc it can cause, uric acid is a normal constituent of the human body.

Ordinarily about one-third of the uric acid in our system comes from food, especially foods like those noted earlier that are rich in purines. The body converts purines to uric acid.

The level of uric acid in the blood fluctuates in response to: Men normally have somewhat more uric acid than women do (although the difference begins to narrow after menopause), and in both sexes it tends to increase with advancing age. Higher than normal amounts of uric acid in the blood, a condition called hyperuricemia, is quite common and only rarely warrants medical treatment.

At normal and even somewhat elevated levels, uric acid stays in solution in the blood. When, however, blood uric acid levels rise above a certain concentration (which varies with temperature and blood acidity), it forms needle-like crystals that lodge in or around a joint.

In response to irritation caused by uric acid crystals, the skin covering the affected area rapidly becomes tight, inflamed, swollen, and red or purplish.

The diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory finding of uric acid crystals in fluid taken from the affected joint. Perhaps because first, the extremities are a bit cooler than other parts of the body, and uric acid crystals form more readily at lower temperatures; and second, normal walking and standing subject the feet to considerable stress.

Proper Hair Care and Dandruff Solution

Proper Hair Care and Dandruff Solution

Ill maintained scalp are one of the probable cause of dandruff. Natural herbs are very good solution for itchy dandruff.

Natural remedy for the treatment of severe dandruff includes Lemon. It is very good to fight dandruff, cut lemon into small pieces and rub the lemon or its juice all over your scalp and gently message with finger tips, wait for an hour and rinse it with water you can also use shampoo.

Lemon is a very good natural conditioner also. It will soften your hair and get them shiny. Lemon might irritate your scalp so you can do this every other day until you are completely rid of your dandruff.

Others are using the vinegar dandruff treatment as an alternative natural treatment for dandruff and scalp. They do this by soaking the hair and scalp with vinegar and wrapping up the hair overnight, then the next morning washed it as usual.

* Do not scratch or brush the scalp too hard.
* Applying hair oil acts as a best conditioner for your hair.
* You can alternately use Lemon for scalp maintenance and dandruff solution.
* Brush hair gently before washing scalp and hair with hair oil.
* Avoid hair style accessories like blow dryers, gels, sprays and harsh colors.
* Then simply wash your hair with baby shampoos.
* Apply it all onto the hair and massage into the scalp.
* Leave it on for about 10 minutes then wash and condition your hair as normal.

Just make sure you completely wash all the shampoo and conditioner out of your hair. You will know when it's all out when your hair squeaks if you run it through your hands.

dandruff solutions

Many people suffer from persistent or recurring dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis. In some cases, a temporary flare-up will occur with changes in climate, stress level, medications, diet and a variety of other reasons. In other cases, the dandruff seems to stick around for extended periods and be the cause of much embarrassment. Either way, these tips and tricks are sure to have you wearing black without hesitation again in very little time.

Most people turn to shampoos for relief. There has long been a stigma associated with these types of shampoos, as they often would have a harsh, unpleasant odor and leave hair looking dull. But recently, shampoo manufacturers have been paying much more attention to the scent of such products, and they can now be found in a variety of scents, with many even having conditioner to help add sheen to your locks. The key to the shampoos is to make sure they have ZPT (zinc pyrithione) in them. This is the active ingredient that will ensure treatment of your scalp.

Since a change in diet can trigger a case of dandruff, what you eat can help cure the itchiness as well. Sugar is one of the biggest diet culprits that can make your scalp flake. But it’s not just sugar from the places you would expect, like candy, sodas or the molasses and syrups you put on your pancakes. Sugar can be masked under a variety of names and in products you wouldn’t even think of. Check labels for the following names which signal sugar content: corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose and sorghum. Also, lessening up the yeast content of your diet helps, since most cases of dandruff is a result of a yeast imbalance on your scalp. This means limiting baked goods, beer, wine and alcohol.

Your beauty regimen may be what is causing your flaking, as well. Changes in climate can set a case of dandruff off. Something as simple and common as blow-drying your hair is a change in climate, albeit a temporary one. But it can still dry out your scalp and make you itch. To avoid this, keep your blow dryer as far away from the scalp as possible, preferably 8-10 inches. Another problem is the hot water you use in the shower. The water can strip your scalp of natural oils needed to protect it from flaking. Using a conditioner and rinsing it out with cold water can help avoid this. The added benefit is that this closes hair shafts, adding extra shine to your mane. Avoiding gels and hair sprays that contain alcohol will also help, since alcohol can also dry out your scalp.

Natural and homemade remedies abound for a pesky case of dandruff. One of the cheapest and most common is to mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with two cups of hot water and massaging it into your scalp, or using it to rinse out your dandruff shampoo. The smell of the vinegar fades quite quickly, if you are worried about odors. Vitamin E oil rubbed into the scalp then rinsed with cool water can help with the itching. Instead of buying a bottle of oil, you can squeeze some out of the caplets you may already have at home in your medicine chest. Speaking of oils, aloe Vera oil left on the scalp overnight is a great way to get rid of flaking. A spray bottle with one tablespoon of Australian tea tree oil (found in health food stores and many supermarkets now) and one cup of water can be spritzed right onto the scalp and left in until you shower. A strongly-brewed cup of black tea used to rinse out your shampoo will help, too. But beware! This can temporarily tint your hair, so blondes and red heads would not be advised to try this treatment.

If any of these treatments do not give you a noticeable improvement within a week to ten days, then you may have more than a simple case of dandruff. If the flakes on your scalp are oilier and/or resemble scales, then you could very well have a case of seborrhea or psoriasis. Though some of the stronger, tar shampoos claim to help with this, in these cases, it is advisable to see a doctor. A dermatologist can prescribe certain shampoos or medicines that can clear up these conditions better than anything sold over-the-counter.

Treatment of Hair Problems

Greying of Hair

Grey hair can sometimes appear earlier too.Premature greying runs in certain families.Rapid greying of hair may occur after severe emotional stress.In certain internal diseases like diseases of the Thyroid Gland,certain anaemias, hair may grey early.

Treatment

The usual and the most effective way of dealing with greying of hair is dyeing it.There are several dyes available.The oxidative dyes are the most versatile and the most frequently used, despite the fact that they can cause reactions.Henna is also used because apart from its safety it is a superb conditioner.

Hair Baldness

Hair loss and baldness, which doctors call alopecia, is a common problem for both men and women and has many causes. People's reaction to hair loss is a very personal issue - different people react differently. Some people become very distressed as they believe it makes them look older and less attractive, affecting their body image and self-esteem. Others are not as concerned. However, treatments are available for many of the different types of hair loss.

Treatment

The easiest and the cheapest solution is to grow the remaining hair, and to restyle it to cover the bald areas.Conditioning the hair would give body to the hair, but these methods can be resorted to only in mild cases of baldness. Promote the blood circulation in the scalp and the regrowth of hair by massaging sage, cedarwood, and rosemary oils firmly into the scalp. Rinse with an infusion of nettle.

Dandruff

A dry, itchy, and flaky scalp is often the result of seborrheic eczema, and, more rarely, psoriasis or a fungal infection. Dandruff is common and usually not serious. Dandruff is a common scalp condition marked by white flakes on the scalp and itching.

Treatment

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It is sold in supplement form and is also found naturally in foods.

Food sources of biotin are egg yolk, liver, milk, soy, barley, brewer's yeast, and royal jelly. Biotin is also produced naturally by bacteria in the intestines.

Eating raw egg whites and prolonged use of antibiotics are thought to be causes of biotin deficiency.

dandruff tips

* A light massage with hot oil helps remove scales. Pure coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil should be used and left overnight. Next morning one hour before shampooing, the juice of one lemon should be applied to the scalp.
* Henna is also known to control dandruff and promote healthy hair growth. Henna powder mixed with lemon, curd or egg is good for curing dandruff.
* Apply curd on your hair leave it for about half an hour and then wash it with shampoo.
* Pour apple cider vinegar on the scalp, massage, let dry for a few minutes then wash hair as normal. Repeat this process every day until dandruff disappears (usually within a week).
* Add baking soda to your shampoo. Mix Well. Leave it on till it starts burning. If it doesn't start to burn its not working. Healthy Hair
* Crush two aspirin and add to your normal amount of shampoo you use to wash your hair. Apply the mixture on hair and leave it on for one to two minutes. Rinse well and ensure all the aspirin has been washed away.
* 10-15 minutes before you wash your hair, rub a lot of aloe vera gel into your scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and shampoo your hair like you regularly do. Doing this everyday will keep your dandruff away.
* A cure for Dandruff is Witch Hazel. Soak cotton ball with the hazel and dab it on your head. Or you can wash your hair with witch hazel. Either way works just fine. Do this for about a week and you'll be dandruff free. Do it once every 3 days.

Dandruff is a bothersome

Dandruff is a bothersome trouble sometimes associated with inefficient hair care. But nothing could be further from the truth - anyone who has dandruff knows that! If you're troubled by dandruff, that snowy, dust-like stuff that falls from scalp to shoulders, you're not alone: Nearly everyone has dandruff to some degree.

Dandruff occurs when the scalp sheds dead epidermal (skin) cells in large clumps. Dandruff scales appear dry, white or grayish, appearing as small, unsightly patches, especially on top of the head. It is caused by poor diet, sluggish metabolism, hormonal imbalance and sometimes infection. Dandruff produces increased cell renewal on the scalp that is often associated with increase in sebum. The scales normally absorb the excess oil but if the problem is left untreated, it will become worse.

Try some of these remedies...

* A light massage with hot oil helps remove scales. Pure coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil should be used and left overnight. Next morning one hour before shampooing, the juice of one lemon should be applied to the scalp.
* Henna is also known to control dandruff and promote healthy hair growth. Henna powder mixed with lemon, curd or egg is good for curing dandruff.
* Apply curd on your hair leave it for about half an hour and then wash it with shampoo.
* Pour apple cider vinegar on the scalp, massage, let dry for a few minutes then wash hair as normal. Repeat this process every day until dandruff disappears (usually within a week).
* Add baking soda to your shampoo. Mix Well. Leave it on till it starts burning. If it doesn't start to burn its not working. Healthy Hair
* Crush two aspirin and add to your normal amount of shampoo you use to wash your hair. Apply the mixture on hair and leave it on for one to two minutes. Rinse well and ensure all the aspirin has been washed away.
* 10-15 minutes before you wash your hair, rub a lot of aloe vera gel into your scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and shampoo your hair like you regularly do. Doing this everyday will keep your dandruff away.
* A cure for Dandruff is Witch Hazel. Soak cotton ball with the hazel and dab it on your head. Or you can wash your hair with witch hazel. Either way works just fine. Do this for about a week and you'll be dandruff free. Do it once every 3 days.

Scrupulously wash all your combs and brushes regularly to keep dandruff from relapsing. Use a mild shampoo with an anti-dandruff action that gently loosens scales and prevents new ones. Avoid excessive use of hair dryers. Rethink your diet and lifestyle. Learn relaxation techniques if your problem is caused by stress. If the problem still persists consult your doctor.

Hair gel

Hair gel

Hair gel is a hairstyling product that is used to stiffen hair into a particular hairstyle. The results it produces are usually similar to but stronger than those of hair spray and weaker than those of hair glue or hair wax. A version of gel, known as "Mousse", was patented in the mid-1980's by Michael J. Hoover.[citation needed]

Types

Many brands of hair gel in North America and the UK come in numbered variants. Higher numbered gels maintain a greater "hold" on hair, while lower numbers do not make the hair as stiff and in some products give the hair a wet look. A category typically referred to as "ethnic" gels are designed and manufactured specifically for sculpting the hair texture common to African Americans. Ampro Industries is a common example of this category.

Some forms of hair gel include temporary Hair coloring for the hair, including variants in unnatural colors associated with various subcultures, and is popular within the goth and raver subcultures.[citation needed]

Cationic polymers

Cationic polymers are a main functional component of hair gel. The positive charges in polymer cause it to stretch, making the gel more viscous. Hair gel witholds procedures that allow men and women to make their hair styled ant textured in ways they desire.This is because the stretched-out polymer takes up more space than a coiled polymer and thus resists the flow of solvent molecules around it. The positive charges also bind the gel to the negatively charged amino acids on the surface of the keratin molecules in the hair. More complicated polymer formulas exist, e.g. a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone, methacrylamide, and N-vinylimidazole.

Scalp Skin

Scalp Skin

There are a number of disorders that are particular to the scalp. Symptoms may include:

* bumps,
* lumps,
* chafes,
* weeping or bleeding,
* clumpy flakes that do not easily slough off the scalp skin,
* caking skin buildup that appears white or another color than one's natural skin tone,
* excessive itchiness that doesn't go away with a few hair wash, redness of scalp skin,
* patches of thinning,
* clumps of hair falling out,
* shedding,
* pus-like drainage,
* abnormal odor,
* dandruff

Any of these symptoms may indicate a need for professional assistance from a dermatologist or trichologist for diagnosis.

Scalp skin can suffer from infestations of mites, lice, infections of the follicles or fungus. There could be allergic reactions to ingredients in chemical preparations applied to the hair, even ingredients from shampoo or conditioners. Common concerns surrounding dandruff (often associated with excessive sebum); psoriasis, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitus.

An odor that persists for a few weeks despite regular hair washing may be an indication of a health problem on the scalp skin.

Photographs over the internet can be difficult to diagnose. Not all flakes are dandruff. For example, some can merely be product buildup on the scalp skin. This could result from the common practice of applying conditioner to scalp skin without washing. This would dry upon the scalp skin and flake off, appearing like dandruff and even causing itchiness, but have no health effects whatsoever.

Although rapid detection and treatment of scalp disease can prevent permanent conditions such as thinning, hair loss, shedding, or death of hair follicles, regular hygiene is still the most effective method of preventing scalp disease.

Thyroid disease

Particularly among women, thyroid disease is one of the more under-diagnosed health concerns. It's very important to see a medical professional when hair falls out in clumps. This is one symptom of a set of symptoms that may indicate a thyroid concern. The good news is that in many gynecological exams a blood screen for thyroid is now a common protocol. Although this entry regarding hair care is not about thyroid, it is worth mentioning since it's not as commonly known by the general population that thyroid often shows up first in the behavior of the hair.

Effects of Well Water/Hard Water

Effects of Well Water/Hard Water

Domestic well water is ground water. The source of ground water is from rain passing through aquifers, which are layers of minerals. The acidity (pH below 7) of the rain increases the dissolving effect of minerals. These dissolved solids are found in the water when pumped above the ground and used to bathe.

The majority of ground (well) water is hard. The level of calcium that is found naturally from the ground determines the hardness of water. While calcium is the element that determines hardness of water, there are many other elements in well water that affect hair, scalp and skin.

While well water is fine for drinking, it can cause many problems for your hair, scalp and skin including:

Hair feels dry or damaged. It is resistant to color/highlighting, perming or relaxing/straightening. It's discolored by iron build-up (orange or rust color) or by copper build-up (blondes tint green, dark hair darkens). Hair lacks body and shine, is thinning or breaking, or color fades too quickly. Highlights turn "ruddy" or discolored. Perms fall out. Scalp is flaking, itching or inflamed. Scalp is dry. Symptoms of Dandruff/Eczema on scalp. Skin feels dry, skin flakes, and/or symptoms of eczema on skin.

What are the well water minerals that affect hair?

Calcium, Iron, Copper, Magnesium, Silica and Lead

How do minerals found in well water affect hair?

How calcium affects hair:

Calcium causes hair to feel dry and lack shine and volume. It can prevent the proper processing of color, highlights, perms or relaxer/straighteners and can cause a perm to appear relaxed. Calcium builds up on the scalp causing flaking of the scalp, giving the appearance of dandruff. Calcium can choke the hair at the mouth of the follicle causing the hair to break off, then coating the scalp, blocking further new hair growth.

How iron affects hair:

Iron leaves hair feeling dry, brittle and weighted down. It causes lack of shine and can cause dark hair to tint darker and blonde hair to turn orange. Iron can inhibit the proper processing of perms, color, highlights, and relaxers/straighteners

How copper affects hair:

Copper discolors hair causing blonde hair to turn green and dark hair to tint darker. Copper can weigh hair down and cause dryness, and can inhibit the proper processing of perms, color, highlights, and relaxers/straighteners.

How magnesium affects hair:

Magnesium causes hair to lack shine, feel dry, appear weighted down therefore lacking volume, and can inhibit the proper processing of perms, color, highlights, and relaxers/straighteners.

How silica affects hair:

Silica causes many of the same effects on the hair as calcium. It causes hair to feel dry, lack volume, and can cause dandruff-like symptoms of flaking. Build-up of silica can choke the hair follicle causing hair to fall out.

How lead affects hair:

Lead can cause the hair to feel dry. Lead can prevent the proper processing of perms, color, highlights, and relaxers/straighteners.

Treatment for well water and hard water conditions are available in a variety of products, such as demineralizing shampoos and conditionersand from products such as Malibu 2000’s Crystal Gel Treatment. Visiting a local salon and speaking with a stylist can help identify corrective treatment for well water users.

Hair sprays

Applied properly, most hair sprays will not harm the hair. Excessive use or failure to shampoo, however, can cause hair to become dull. Hair sprays that contain alcohol may dry the hair excessively.

Wigs

Normal wig wearing, with the wig cap, is not injurious to the hair provided the wig is not too tight, but more shampooing may become necessary because wigs increase scalp perspiration. Wigs are a fun option for quickly changing one's look without actually re-shaping hair with cutting and in this way become a viable alternate expression. Additionally, when considering changing to a new hair style, wigs that are already in that shape may help an individual decide to change the form of their hair design as one can see how they will actually look in that form before actually re-shaping the hair with permanent cutting. Waiting for an undesirable look to grow out can be a painful process emotionally and psychologically.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy and breast feeding, the normal and natural shedding process is typically suspended (starting around month three because it takes a while for the body to recognize and reset for the hormonal shifts the body goes through) for the period of gestation and extended longer if one breast feeds (this includes pumping for breast milk). Upon cessation of either of these, it typically takes around two months for the hormones to shift again to the normal hormonal settings, and hair shedding can increase exponentially, for approximately 3-6 months until hair returns to its normal volume. It is commonly noticed that hair seems thicker and shinier, even, during pregnancy and breast feeding in response to the influx of shifting hormones. If excess shedding continues for much longer than six months, seek the counsel of a qualified physician. It is not unusual also for hair color to change, or hair structure to change (e.g., straighter hair, curlier hair). These changes can occur more often than people may realize yet isn't often reported.

Despite popular opinion, there is no medical evidence that permanents are ineffective during pregnancy.

Permanents

Whenever hair is chemically altered, as in a permanent or coloring, or anything similar, it is vital to use the proper products to maintain hair health and prevent excessive breakdown of the cuticle and cortex. Before a hair color or permanent, or similar chemical alteration of the cortex is applied, it is wise to conduct a strand test. Professional salons should offer this service as part of the counseling session of what will be done that day to the hair, and/or as part of the process of chemical procedures. It should be conducted before the application of a chemical process. Some salons require a waiver be signed if a client refuses this procedure.

Hair loss

Some choose to shave their hair off entirely, while still others may have an illness (such as a form of cancer--note that not every form of cancer or cancer treatment necessarily means one will lose their hair. A qualified physician should be able to advise on this point.) that caused hair loss or lead to a decision to shave the head. In this instance care of the scalp skin must be attended to and may include protection when exposing the skin to the sun (such as wearing a soft hat or scarf, and applying sunscreen), and proper maintenance of a shaved head with moisturizing products and better quality shaving tools.

Those who suffer from hair loss in instances of cancer care will need to consult with their medical provider to examine the idea of a purchase of a wig. There are many outlets now that provide options of human hair and synthetic hair wigs. Synthetic wigs tend to be easier to maintain for a longer duration. Often, though, the hair, in time, will grow back so soft hats and scarves are often preferred for delicate skin that has been through so much. Those who note excessive shedding inexplicably, or especially falling out in clumps, should seek the counsel of a physician to rule out any issues with hormones and thyroid, among other possibilities. Hair thinning can be experienced even in instances of eczema, psoriasis, and when dandruff has advanced and may be coupled with a bacterial infection of the hair follicles.

There are various reasons for hair loss, most commonly hormonal issues. Fluctuations in hormones will often show in the hair. Not all hair loss is related to what is known as male pattern baldness, and indeed, women can suffer from baldness just as men do. This includes women experiencing what's referred to as male pattern baldness. There exist on the markets formulas for addressing this specific cause of lack of hair growth yet typically they require around three months of consistence use for results to begin to appear. Cessation may also mean that gained growth may dissipate.

Drying

When using hair dryers select lowered temperatures to keep from splitting or otherwise damaging hair. Hair that has been subjected to the use of a permanent is weaker due to the application of chemicals, and should be treated gently and with greater care than hair that isn't chemically altered.

Blow drying hair can be done in a healthier way by using a diffuser so the air flow is not focused in a stream. This will also help prevent excessive tangling. Also, consider setting the blow dryer on a cooler setting versus high. Further, take care when using a blow dryer, or any hot appliance such as irons to not get the heat too close to scalp skin as a burn of the skin is possible. For those with thick hair, half drying can work if one has the time to also allow for some air drying (letting nature finish the drying process). These ideas can still allow one to style their hair yet preserve the health, beauty and luster of the organic fiber that hair is.

Trimming

Although trimming may beautify hair by removing damaged or split ends, cutting does not promote faster growth. Nor does trimming remove all damage throughout the hair (remember, damage can occur anywhere in any length of hair depending on overall care it is given and various processes that are applied.) Trimming can help with tangles if one trims a slight amount off the ends of overall length when it's noticed that tangles seem to be more of a problem. Trimming at regular intervals is only necessary for maintaining formed shapes, usually. Hair grows at the same rate regardless, and the rate is largely a matter of heredity and hormones. If one is interested in gaining length, trimming a small amount that represents a mere percent of overall gained length will help maintain a healthy hemline yet also always working towards gained length. There exist ways to trim hair oneself as outlined in places on the internet and hair care reading materials.

To trim hair, it is best to do so when dry. This is especially true of those who possess any body to their hair. It’s important to visualize the line as it will actually be worn—-that is dry. Wet hair stretches rather significantly in length. Curly hair will unfurl a fair amount when fully wet such that once dried, it will appear that a lot has been taken off since dry curly hair will coil back up even if factually very little was removed. Further, curly hair, in particular, once dry, might appear visually to have an uneven line depending on how the curl coils back up. If the furl is to the inside, it may appear shorter in that spot, versus the furl end exposed to the outside, this will likely appear longer. This concerns appearance and perception rather than actual trim line. A stylist may have trimmed a straight line in some form (such as V, U, or straight across) along the ends of any length, but once dry, curly hair in particular can appear crooked. Trimming hair dry prevents these possibilities as the stylist can work with how the hair actually appears, even being detailed in curl to ensure cutting is done at a certain area along the coil of curled hair so it furls in an optimum manner and does not disrupt the pattern of curl. Lorraine Massey, author of Curly Girl, specializes in the care of curly hair types, and has designed a specific method for trimming curly hair to avoid these problems. The reason stylists like working with wet hair may again be related to weight. Wet hair, being that it’s heavier, tends to be easier to manage in a cut/style situation since the hair remains in place thus holding a line and making it easier for the stylist to create a form. During any cutting, a person should sit or stand tall and straight, and avoid moving, especially any tilting of the head in any direction as this affects the stylists visualization of line, form and structure. Of course, if a chemical process is being applied to the hair, it must be wetted. If one is interested in "just a trim" it is best to be specific with exactly how many inches one desires to have removed to prevent misunderstandings between a stylist and client. If necessary, use a tape measure to further define and agree on the amount to be removed.

Whenever choosing to visit a new stylist for any reason, be sure to disclose all procedures previously done on the hair within the last two years. Disclosing how recently any procedure was done is vital. This is especially so in instances of color and chemical processes such as permanents. If the timeframe and name of procedure is not disclosed, or the incorrect information is disclosed (for example, claiming ammonia wasn’t used when in fact it was six days ago), this can lay the path for a hair disaster. It’s best, if at all possible, to bring in the card from one’s former stylist to the new stylist so they know what process was applied, what color choices were made and degrees of color lift were applied. This is also true in instances when one’s stylist is on vacation or otherwise unavailable. Matching a color can be very difficult, so bringing along the information of what has been used previously can be very helpful to maintaining healthy hair and preventing any disasters. A professional stylist does maintain notes on their regular clients as to history of processes, styles of cuts, and color values applied, and should be willing to divulge this information to their client. This is done in order to maintain consistency of care and to prevent any hair disasters. When visiting a new stylist, that stylist should conduct a strand test to help prevent any potential disasters (to determine any issues with porosity), especially when it’s readily discernible that hair is colored and/or chemically altered in structure. Further in instances of chemical processes or color, often a hair sample can be taken to pre-test the process and determine how the hair might react. This is unusual for a stylist to proceed in this manner, but in some situations, it may prove beneficial for preventing a hair disaster. Hair disasters include heavy breaking off of hair, lots of hair falling out, or any issues with hair taking up color, or becoming overly dry or brittle from a procedure.

Braiding

Tight or frequent braiding may pull at the hair roots and cause traction alopecia. Rubber bands with metal clasps or tight clips should also be avoided. Braiding can be done on a regular basis if the braids are not too tight and the parting is varied so that the strain isn't on the same sections of hair all the time. The same holds true of placing hair in any forms of updos. Do not pull the hair, ever, too tightly from the hair root.

In placing longer lengths up, the same concern to avoid pulling hair overly tight should also be considered. Further, if one places hair up on a daily basis, varying the style is important since constantly binding the hair in the same location (such as a ponytail), using the same tool daily to hold the hair up, can, over time, lead to some thinning in certain areas, especially in instances where the tool is quite heavy (metal).

Headaches and hair

Headaches can occur when there is stress on the hair follicle. For example, hair drawn in a direction other than its natural growth pattern (hair types come out of the hair follicle in particular patterns for curly, body, straight; and also, hair grows in a pattern about the head so that it hangs or forms the way it does for humans). If hair, like braiding, is pinned too tightly, or the whole updo slips causing pulling on the hair in the follicle at the hair root are other scenarios that can cause aggravation to the hair follicle and result in headaches. This is because there is a system of capillaries and even veins that feed into the hair follicle, which is what nourishes the follicle to grow hair. If the hair follicle is aggravated, the capillaries are in turn aggravated and in this way a headache can arise. For those with heavy hair, consider dividing the weight of the hair or placing more of the hair in an updo on top of the head such that the skull supports the weight of the hair better. Also, consider using long bobby pins (what are technically named hair roller pins) to pin the hair in an interlocking network for better hold. Pin as one proceeds in creating the updo style for maximum staying in position. Do not wait until the end of forming the hair to pin into place.

Those who swim in chlorinated or salt sea water may benefit from first wetting the hair entirely and then applying conditioner to completely swell the entire hair shaft. The idea is that less uptake of chlorine or salt may result which in turn helps to preserve the beauty of hair. Those who swim a lot may also benefit from the products on the market that remove chlorine after swimming in pool water.

Safety Precautions

Whenever one works around anything that can make hair lengths fan (such as opening oven doors, any machine with a motor (whether the motor itself is exposed or not such as lathes, drill presses, grinders, car engines, household fans), anything with heat (such as torches, welding equipment, jeweler tools, lighting pilot lights, BBQs) or any recreational vehicle (such as go karts, and with unusually longer lengths, perhaps even bicycles), it is best to contain the hair in a reliable manner to prevent the hair being caught up in the equipment which could potentially result in major injury, including scalping. Hair should be drawn back in a reliable method to prevent falling or slipping such that any formerly contained hair could fall out in whole, or in part, and place one at risk. This may well mean that a ponytail for hair length is insufficient as hair fringe and bangs may remain vulnerable, and hair, during the course of a day can fall out. Ponytailed hair means it’s only bound at one point yet the remaining length is loose hair which has a wide circumference it can still fall. Ponytailed hair can still fall forward if one is leaning over, or for example, in a kitchen with an open gas flame, can still fan out when one turns and the air flow from body movement can cause a pulse in the flame to a higher level and singe some hair. Same holds true with oven doors: ponytailed hair can fall forward on to hot surfaces when leaning over and get singed. Care around any flame should be taken including proximity to tools for lighting cigarettes and cigars. Often it is best to not only bind the hair; but also, position the hair inside a cap or bandanna such that the full head of hair is completely covered. This scenario is good not only around machinery but may well be a good idea in instances of working outdoors all day long, or when working in areas where fine dust and particulate matter is swirling about (paint, spraying, powder coating, laying tar) to prevent the hair being caked with such particles. Many industries have requirements for hair being contained to prevent worker injury. This likely includes those working in food services, construction, utilities, and machine shops of various sorts. Anytime one works in an area that can move the air flow, hair should be bound for safety of the person as hair is a very light weight substance and responds to the slightest of breezes. Of course, many professions do require containing the hair for reasons of public health, and a prime example is the food industry. Many sports may require similar constraints for reasons of safety to keep hair out of eyes and blocking one's view, and to prevent being caught in sports equipment or trees and shrubs, or matted hair in severe weather conditions or water. This would include not allowing hair to fly loose on the backs of motorcycles and open-topped sports cars for longer tresses.

Dandruff Treatment

Dandruff Treatment

Commercial dandruff shampoos

There area several different active ingredients in standard anti-dandruff shampoos. These may or may not work for your dandruff problems. Read the labels, follow directions and try products with different ingredients when searching for the right solution for you.

Zinc pyrithione
This active ingredient is an anti-fungal and antibacterial for targeting yeast and fungi. It can be effective, but be warned that when you stop your dandruff may return worse than before.

Zinc pyrithione
This active ingredient is an anti-fungal and antibacterial for targeting yeast and fungi. It can be effective, but be warned that when you stop your dandruff may return worse than before.

Ketoconazole
This anti-fungal drug is also used to eliminate yeasts and fungi that cause dandruff. Discontinuing the product will most likely cause your problem to return, however.

Selenium sulfide
Another anti-fungal agent used to treat yeast and fungi induced dandruff. It can be purchased over the counter or in a slightly stronger prescriptive form. Dandruff often returns when treatment is stopped.

Coal tar
Coal tar is a harsh solution to dandruff, but this by-product of coal does work for some. Mainly it is used for lice and psoriasis. However, keep in mind that coal tar is considered a carcinogen, meaning it could potentially cause cancer.

Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid based shampoos are helpful for scalps that break-out due to flaking skin. The acid promotes skin shed, assisting in keeping pores from clogging.

Hair-care tips

Hair-care tips

Nutrition

As stated earlier, major factors for healthy hair of any type remains both genetics and health. A well understood factor to optimum health is nutrition, and this element remains true for hair health. The living part of hair is under the scalp skin where the hair root is housed in the hair follicle. The entire follicle and root are fed by a vein, and blood carries nutrients to the follicle/root. Any time an individual has any kind of health concern from stress, trauma, medications of various sorts, chronic medical conditions or medical conditions that come and then wane, heavy metals in waters and food, smoking etc. these and more can affect the hair, its growth, and its appearance.

If one wants to improve their hair health, one thing to improve is what one eats. Generally, eating a full diet that contains protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, and even an appropriate amount of fat is important (several vitamins and minerals require fat in order to be delivered or absorbed by the body). Any deficiency will typically show first in the hair, perhaps even before it is diagnosed. For example, even a mild case of anemia can cause shedding and hair loss.

When the body is under strain, it reprioritizes its processes. For example, the vital organs will be attended to first, meaning that healthy, oxygenated blood may not feed into the hair follicle, resulting in less healthy hair or a decline in growth rate. While not all hair growth issues stem from malnutrition, it is a valuable symptom in diagnosis.

Shampooing

See Hair Shampooing

There are various ways to shampoo hair which is often established by one's hair type and available resources.

The first step in any shampooing methodology is to prepare the hair by detangling it to remove any hairs that are prepared to shed. This step also helps prevent excessive tangles for those possessing longer lengths.

It should be noted that hair shampooing daily is not necessarily the best idea as this can strip the scalp skin of its sebum. This decision will depend greatly on the style and products used to hold a given style, and age/hormones, degree of physical activity, and any issues with the health of the scalp skin. Allowing a day or so to pass and then washing is often helpful to the maintenance of the acid mantle as well as the hair since overwashing can also result in drier hair fiber. Sebum's role, in part, is to also provide a protective coat to the hair itself.

The most common method of hair washing is shampooing followed by conditioning. This means to apply shampoo in the palm of the hands, approximately the size of a quarter at maximum for most hair lengths, and not directly to the hair and scalp. Lather in the hands then apply to thoroughly wet hair. Wash the hair without piling the hair as this causes tangles and overly luffs the cuticle. For any length, simply squeeze the shampoo down the length of the hair. It will become sufficiently clean. If one is a daily hair washer, then a repeating of the hair shampoo application may not be necessary. However, if one waits a day or more between hair washings, then the first shampoo may only break up the surface tension of sebum (a waxy ester that is naturally produced from the sebacious glands that is part of most of the hair follicles about the human head). A second shampoo application to the scalp hair may be necessary to thoroughly cleanse the scalp skin. The second application is not necessary to apply to any hair length.

Never use fingernails to scrape the scalp skin. To help lift any scaly skin, detris, and sebum, especially for those who suffer from scalp skin ailments, very gently scratching the surface of the skin with a small fine toothed comb may help to loosen and lift grime and dead skin cells before a hair wash, helping to have a cleaner scalp skin after a hair wash. Follow with conditioner, allow conditioner to remain on the hair in a humid environment for around 10 minutes for full penetration. A long and thorough rinsing out of the conditioner with water is a good habit, even if one is in a hurry; failing to do so, the hair may well be dull and tacky to the touch because product may be remaining on the hair if a thorough rinsing with clean water is not conducted.

Always blot the hair dry; avoid rubbing the hair with a towel as this too luffs the cuticle. On the market there are microfiber towels to help with absorbing the water from hair faster. This is particularly helpful for those with very thick hair that may otherwise take a while to dry, especially if air drying.

Children's hair

Children’s hair is often a problem because it is supremely fine and may be difficult to care for because of its nearly downy softness and fluffiness. Up until the age of 7-10, this fine hair will remain about the head.

Children’s hair is different from adult hair in texture, density, and likely also color, body and so on. Hair's traits will change over time as humans physically develop, and even age. Like the rest of the human body, (example, teeth), hair has different stages of development spanning the full lifetime from birth to death.

It is best to detangle hair before washing, especially if there’s any length. Use a wide tooth comb and begin from the bottom of the length, and work one's way up the length of hair. This concept is excellent for adult hair as well.

Choose a mild shampoo, or dilute the shampoo in a bit of water to reduce the strength. Lather the shampoo in the palm of a hand before applying. A dime size of shampoo should be sufficient. Do not pile or overly agitate the hair in swirly circles about the head inciting tangles. Instead try to wash the hair in the direction the hair falls. Most children’s hair is not overly thick either so this is easier to follow. The head and hair can almost be patted with shampoo.

If the child is somewhat older, and possesses any length, do use a conditioner that is lightweight on the hair length only, not the scalp skin. A trick to aide with detangling, and this is particularly suitable for curly hair, is to coat the hair length in conditioner, use the power of the shower water to help with detangling, and then repetitively dip the wide tooth plastic comb in conditioner and detangle a bit this way. Such fine hair will be weighted down by an overly heavy and/or viscous substance. Avoid placing conditioner on the scalp skin, if at all possible.

To detangle delicate hair and hopefully stem the tide of tears from pulling, use a very wide tooth comb, not a brush. Consider the option of waiting for hair to partially dry by air such that the hair is merely damp and not sopping wet. Then there are on the market any variety of detangling sprays that parents can use that will help tremendously with the detangling process, making it more enjoyable for both parent and child. These often contain agents that greatly increase slip. Curly haired children will likely benefit from less detangling. The hair can be worked in the shower as suggested slightly above, and then lightly detangled, and any further conditioner can be applied to curly hair while still damp. Then simply scrunch the hair in the palms of the hand to help form the curl in grouped locks. (This is also true of detangling curly hair once dry: never use a brush on such hair and thus separate the strands. This will result in poof that most curlies despise. Allow the coiled curls to lock together in groups and lightly detangle with a wide tooth comb. Use a leave-in conditioner to impart moisture and avoid flatness to some degree. Those with more body/curl have a harder time holding on to moisture since the cuticle is normally somewhat open. So any assistance with imparting moisture that's appropriate for the curl level is helpful.) Also be sure to detangle, from the bottom, of any length working one’s way up toward the head. This practice is true both damp and dry. It can be sprayed not only on the hair, but the detangling tool as well. Do NOT start from the top and force the tool down through the hair. This is a sure fire way to have a screaming session as this method literally pulls hair harshly at the hair follicle which is quite painful. Interestingly, one strand being pulled is supremely more painful than a tug on a whole chunk of hair. When the hair is merely damp, simply separating the strands and not aiming for complete tangle-free hair will help speed up the drying time. Whenever possible, consider gentle braiding or ponytailing, or somehow organizing the hair in a contained format to prevent hurtful detangling needs later on in the day. The same holds true of sleeping. Consider slippery fabrics for the pillowcase. Any length can be bound in pigtail braids that are not tightly pulled from the head. Position the start point of such braids such that the child will not be sleeping on a lump. This is a possible option at later ages for both sleep and playground. While they will become loosened, at least detangling needs and matting are minimized. Always blot hair dry; do not rub the hair and again incite tangles this way. There exist on the market microfiber towels that really absorb wetness quickly. Many concepts for adult hair care still apply with children’s hair.

Many children are afraid of dunking their head in water and this can make it difficult for parents to teach their children to wash their own hair. Never force a child’s head under the water entirely. Instead, consider installing a hand held shower in the bathing area so that water can be specifically directed. (This is not usually expensive or difficult, even for single parents. All that’s required is a diverter piece on the shower head arm. This can be installed in dwellings such as apartments with ease and removed just as easily when one ceases tenancy.) Some children that are younger will really appreciate having a hand towel handy to wipe their eyes as it helps them feel in control. Leaning forward may be more frightening to the child, so instead, work so the child tilts their head back with parental hand support. Use cups of water, if a hand held shower is impossible, to aim the flow of water on the hair and away from the face. Some children will be comfortable with the idea of leaning back in a bathtub. If a parent has the time, setting up a mock salon situation at a sink can be an alternative: a chair that’s high enough and maybe some pillows so the child’s head leans back comfortably.

Babies and elderly scalp skin are similar in that the sebaceous gland production is less because of less hormones in the body. As part of most hair follicles, there is a sebaceous gland that secretes sebum, a waxy ester, which helps to maintain the acid mantle (scalp skin health/balance) and provide a coating on the skin that keeps it supple and moist. It is not oil, even though we refer to the look of this when it builds too much as oily or greasy. When the sebum builds overly, it is time to wash the hair, generally somewhere between every other day to every third day for average adults. Very elderly may be able to wait closer to depending on sebum production and volume of hair. Teenagers, because of hormones, often require daily washing of the hair. However most adults can wait a day or so between washing since some sebum is necessary to maintain health of the scalp skin. Sebum also imparts a protective coating to hair strands. Daily washing will remove the sebum daily and incite, potentially, an increase in sebum production since the skin has mechanisms for discerning the scalp skin is lacking sufficient moisture. However, in forms of scalp disorders, this may not be the case. For babies and elderly, the sebaceous gland production is not at peak and so daily washing is not typically necessary. If daily washing is conducted this can actually lead to dry, itchy scalp skin scenarios that are irritating. Note that not all itchy scalps are related to overly dry scalp skin. In point of fact, the opposite can be true: too much sebum (for example a response to an infection of the hair follicles). Babies and elderly should use shampoos that are quite mild to the skin. In instances of cradle cap, a type of dermatitis distantly related to dandruff, follow the doctor’s instructions for care. Hair texture changes every seven years, with the changing levels of hormones produced.

Very curly hair

Very curly hair requires unique care of its own (such as African hair). In particular, one should usually not brush this hair type since it can break easily. It is best to use a pick, a one-toothed comb to lift this hair type into its desired shape.

It is best to really moisturize this hair type. This likely includes sleeping in a cap that helps to hold on to moisture and prevent any breakage.

Those who relax this hair type should follow recommended care especially in the arena of applying color (not in the same session or in close proximity to this procedure), and also particularly with moisturizing products. Indeed, many other hair types will benefit from some of the practices that this very curly hair type follows. Leave in conditioners are highly beneficial for this hair type, and often oils are used as well, such as Jojoba oil which is a carrier oil and most closely mimics sebum. (Do not use essential oils -- that is, oils that have an aroma.)

Hair that is very curly often does not require detangling. Indeed, the best way to lock in the beauty of such curl is to simply crunch the hair in the palms of the hands with a moisturizing conditioner and leave in conditioner so the curl pattern remains intact. Do nothing that separates hair strands from groupings of strands that are coiled as this can cause major problems commonly referred to as poof or frizz. (Brushing, for example, will separate the coiled curls from their grouped and locked together

Detangling

The point of detangling is to organize hair, usually, in the same direction, and eliminate knots, snarles and tangles, and to remove any hairs that have shed naturally (there are three phases to the cycle of hair growth: growth, loss/shed, rest, replace or growth). To get any kind of snarl out, it is often best to momentarily suspend use of a detangling tool. Even with proper detangling, from the bottom of length up, hair can be pushed down that can tighten a tangle or incite a tangle. In these instances, loosen the tangle with the fingers by delicately separating out the area of the tangle from all of the hair, then work gently to loosen by drawing hairs upward and out to the side yet away from the knot. Do not draw the hairs down. Once the tangle is loosened, resuming detangling with a tool is fine. Sometimes it helps to first align hairs on the outer layer of hair, and also work in to the depths or thickness of the hair once the outer layers are organized. This will help prevent pulling on hairs in a harmful manner to the scalp’s hair root and to the cuticle itself.

In general, it is best to avoid detangling wet hair. Wet hair is fully swelled and fully stretched already and in detangling, one can overly stress the hair. However, for many hair types, waiting until dry to detangle presents even more frustrations, especially those with a fair amount of curl. So many will benefit from at least waiting until the hair is merely damp, and not sopping wet. Curly haired people will benefit from applying any leave-ins while the hair is damp, instead of waiting until hair is dry, for better curl control and moisture. Some hair types might find a need to detangle hair when wet. An option is to use a plastic wide tooth comb in the shower, with water flowing down on the hair, using the power of shower water to help straighten hair. Coat the hair with conditioner, and dip the wide tooth comb in conditioner repetitively and gently glide through the hair. In such an instance, pristine detangling should not be sought; instead, aim to organize the hair a bit. Avoid stressing the hair. If you stress the hair, vlad and paul will come to your house and eat all the pancakes in your fridge.

Detangling tools include combs and brushes. For reasons of hygiene, never share detangling tools between people. This includes within a family (example, head lice). There are all manner of detangling tools from very fine toothed combs to very wide toothed combs and picks, and available in a wide variety of price ranges. There are also a variety of brushes in various paddle shapes. Most benefit from using some form of a wide tooth comb for detangling, whether wet or dry hair (at least 4 mm spacing, some have 8 or 10). If such a comb has mold seams on it (such as between the teeth a little edge of plastic), or excess plastic that wasn’t clipped off in the manufacturing process, using a piece of fine grade sand paper to sand these down to a smoother surface will additionally help to protect the hair. There exist on the market combs advertised to have no seams. If a comb’s teeth ends prove too sharp, either shopping for a somewhat more blunt tip will help, or again, fine grade sandpaper can be applied to round the teeth a bit more. Detangling with a wide tooth comb represents the most gentle way to detangle hair. It’s best to begin styling with detangled hair whenever possible. Combs come in all shapes and sizes and all manner of materials including plastics, wood and horn. It is imperative to ensure that the tool of choice has a smooth outer surface that generally glides through the hair, and any edges are removed. Mold seams, splintering wood, and peeling lacquers can all grasp hair and pull, or otherwise stress or cause harm to the outer protective layer of hair, the cuticle. Similarly, brushes also come in all sizes and shapes. One’s styling needs will determine the suitable tools, and one’s stylist should advise as to the proper choices and how to use them to create and maintain the style at home between visits.

Washing

To improve the hair health and further prevent issues with dryness and buildup, consider installing a shower head filter that will remove the minerals found in most city waters. Examine the packaging the filter comes in to determine that the filter also removes chlorine or chloramine (combination of chlorine and ammonia). One of these is often added to city water supplies for purposes of sanitation and is necessary for the health of the community. However hard water minerals and the sanitizing agent can also deposit on the hair and in time cause build up. Not all places in the world possess the same water quality. For example, many water supplies may contain too much sulphur which can be drying to the hair (clue is the aroma of the water); still others may have too much iron in the water (often noticeable if the water has a red hue to it although this can represent rust in any pipes). If using water from an unfiltered source, try to choose a water supply where the water has movement and flows, and does not possess any salt. Filtering water through very fine mesh cloth may help a trace amount to remove any larger deposits in the water. Many enjoy collecting rain water except in many parts of the world there now exists an issue with acid rain.

Using cold water as a final rinse does not necessarily make hair shinier. Cold water closes the scales, known as the cuticle (an overlapping structure), that the hair shaft has on its surface, which opens when washed with any form of warm temperatured water. Moreover, if the scalp tends to be greasy, cold water prevents dilation of sebaceous glands and may moderate sebum production. Greasy hair is caused by not washing it with shampoo or conditioner after perspiring during the day.

When choosing a shampoo, notice the pH rating, if provided. A more alkaline rated (meaning a high pH) shampoo is stronger and harsher to one's hair. This can mean that the hair will be left dry and brittle. Look for shampoos that fall between acidic and alkaline (or base) ratings, in the center. Shampoos containing citric, lactic or phosphoric acid are most likely balanced. Oily hair might require a more acid pH shampoo. If the pH is not listed, a quick way to make the shampoo less harsh is to dilute it slightly with water.

Human skin, including scalp skin, prefers to be in the middle of the pH scale, somewhere between 5 and 6.8 on the pH spectrum. This is considered balanced between alkali (base) and acidic. Most shampoos and conditioners leave the hair and scalp skin in an alkali state, so sometimes something acidic (in a very, very diluted form) may need to be applied (never ever apply an undiluted form of natural acid) to help move the pH of scalp skin back to the center point from alakali (or base). Viable natural ways to impart this is lemon juice or lime juice or a vinegar. All should be diluted well in a LOT of water and then applied as a rinse that is subsequently rinsed out either after shampooing or after conditioning (conditioning usually follows shampooing). It is recommended that Blondes use white vinegar to avoid hair being darkened over time although it's noted that apple cider vinegar contains malic acid which is friendly for acid mantle health. Do not use flavored or balsamic vinegars (balsamic has sugar in it). This practice may assist those who have itchy scalps, depending on the cause for the itchiness.

Buildup is when the hair has a tacky feel to it, a kind of gumminess, and the conditioner choice seems to work less well, and the hair may also be more tangly. Buildup is common over time and derives from minerals from water and/or products not being able to be washed off in a normal shampoo procedure, and to remove it one may need to conduct a Clarify hair wash, that is, a shampoo that clarifies. Be sure to condition well after any clarifying product is applied to the hair (it's just like shampooing) to replace what's been removed. Clarifying removes all things on the surface of the hair strands essentially leaving the hair without moisture. If one fails to condition as part of a clarify hair wash process, the hair will be a kind of delicate feeling, possibly fly away and dry or a kind of brittleness to the hair.

It is recommended to use anti-dandruff shampoos with care; they are more aggressive, can make hair less lively, irritate the scalp, and can actually increase the production of dandruff. Note the active ingredient in the dandruff shampoo as different active ingredients may address the problem better or less so. Nizoral shampoo is a product to consider for its active ingredient choice and also that it does not dry out the hair as other dandruff products might cause. (There are two versions of Nizoral: one is Over The Counter (OTC), and one is prescription strength. This shampoo is sometimes used in combination with any medication to remove bacterial infections off the scalp skin.) Dandruff, despite common belief, is more often related to too much, or an issue somehow with, sebum production and not dry scalp skin. Not all flakes are dandruff, so do consult with a qualified physician to determine not only that one indeed does have dandruff; but also, what type of dandruff one may have. If one is experiencing redness of the scalp skin, bumps on the scalp skin, and any weeping from sores and/or bleeding in addition to flakes, professional medical diagnosis should be sought.

There is something known as hair memory theory. If one only performs the operation of taking a shower once every other day, their hair follicles adapt to this hygenic cycle. Therefore only releasing the oil when it is due time for a shower again. In the same way if you shower everyday, the hair will release oil around the time of usual washing, in this case after 24 hours. When one changes their hygenic cycle, the hair will adapt to the change.

Split Ends Occurence

Split ends happen when the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair fibers.

Trichoptilosis is a longitudinal splitting of the hair fiber, better known as split ends. Any chemical or physical trauma that weathers the hair may eventually lead to split ends. Typically, the damaged hair fiber splits into two or three strands and the split may be two to three centimeters in length. Split ends are most often observed in long hair but also occurs in short hair that is not in good condition.

As hair grows, the natural protective oils of the scalp can fail to reach the ends of the hair. The ends are considered old once they reach about 10 centimeters since they have had long exposure to the sun, gone through many shampoos and may have been overheated by hair dryers and hot irons. This all results in dry, brittle ends which are prone to splitting. Infrequent trims and lack of hydrating treatments can intensify this condition.

The most immediate solution for split ends is to cut them off. However, this is not always acceptable due to the destructive nature of the treatment. However, if nothing is done about split ends, the hair will naturally get shorter and either drop off or continue to split backwards toward the scalp faster than the rate of growth.

Dyeing

See Hair colouring

Dyeing of the hair can cause breakage so be careful not to dye repeatedly in close proximity. If dyeing repeatedly cannot be avoided, make sure to use a conditioning treatment to repair possible breakage. Other options for applying color to hair besides chemical dyes include the use of such herbs as henna and indigo, or looking for ammonia-free solutions. There also exist color rinses and spray-in colors for changing color on a shorter term basis. The spray-in colors rinse out, typically, in the next hair wash. When considering henna there are forms that contain less salt or not iodized salt.

It is advised never to color and perm, or otherwise chemically alter the hair's structure (at the cortex), in the same session or within several days of each other as this can cause breakage of the hair. This includes procedures such as thermal reconditioning and straightening. Be sure to consult with a qualified stylist on this point and define when it's safe to do the second process.

Conditioners

Conditioners may sometimes add weight to hair, creating an adverse effect in the shampooing/conditioning process. Some conditioners, especially those containing a silicone compound, may coat the hair and lead to build up on the hair, making it dull, and lead to harsher shampoo use; in a sense, an endless cycle of shampooing and conditioning. When used correctly, however, conditioners are helpful in temporarily coating the hair to increase shine and ease tangles. If less build-up is desired, a switch to a silicone-free conditioner may be made. If buildup occurs, or a film that is undesirable is left behind, wash the hair again to get it out, and seek a different conditioner. Conditioner choice is greatly dependent upon hair type and hair status, such as colored, permed, dry, and the like.

Brushing

Good hair care involves regular brushing to remove tangles, loose dirt and dandruff. Hair should be brushed carefully: strength of hair comes from the root; brushing will not give them more strength yet can increase the creation of split ends and may uproot the hair. Therefore, for the purpose of detangling, many will find wide tooth combs (at least 4 mm spacing, some have 8 or 10) a better option. Also, exercise caution when working with wet hair. Never brush wet hair; if one must detangle, use a wide tooth comb on both sopping wet and damp hair. To detangle hair, whether damp or dry, begin from the bottom for the health of the hair. Comb only the bottom few centimeters, gently working out any tangles. Then move a few centimeters higher and repeat the process until the entire length of the hair has been combed. Never force a detangling tool through the length of the hair as this will definitely break down the protective sheath, the cuticle and this can lead to heavy damage such as various forms of splits. Not to mention it is painful to the scalp skin and can cause early breakage of otherwise healthy hairs that have not reached their full life span in the hair follicle.

Brushing: the old notion that 100 brush strokes a day produces beautiful hair is false. Too much brushing may injure the hair, especially with brushes that pull the hair or scratch the scalp. Detangle the hair and then leave it be. The 100 strokes may only be applicable, perhaps, if using a Boar Bristle Brush to polish the hair by distributing sebum and/or applied oils. It remains a possibility that the dictum of 100 strokes a day derives from the era when Boar Bristle Brushes were more commonly used, well before the invention of plastics and a time when more organic materials were used to create hair care tools. Usually in conjunction with the idea of 100 strokes a day was the suggestion that hair will 'shine' and be 'soft' to the touch. This is the usual result of Boar Bristle Brushing.

When hair is damaged, the only solution is to cut it and use a hydrating treatment to protect the new ends. This may be accomplished by cutting hair from the length, or by examining individual sections of hair and cutting off only the hairs that contain damage. The latter process is more time-consuming, but allows for the retention of length. Splits are not the only kinds of damage. There are white dots (where the cuticle has burst, and the hair bends at a 90 degree angle); there are splits that have yet to break apart in the traditional Y but if the hair is held between the two hands and pushed together from either end, the hole will reveal itself. Such damage can occur anywhere in the hair and in quality hair care activities will tend to be only on the tips of hairs or on the ends of length for the most part, it can also be on the youngest hair, close to the scalp -- in short, anywhere. Do not split the hair up the shaft while it's on the head and then leave the hair intact on the head. This can result in damaging other fellow hairs and further contributes to tangle issues as this is now a stressed hair (hair that has been stretched beyond its elasticity). Alternative medicine

Dandruff Causes

Dandruff Causes

Dandruff is an extremely common condition, mainly because there are so many causes of dandruff symptoms. In order to battle the symptoms, it is important to figure out what the cause of your dandruff is. You may even want to start with a trip to your doctor.

Seborrheic dermatitis
Malassezia furfur, a fungus commonly found on human skin is the cause of Seborrheic dermatitis. This condition of the upper-body, face and scalp presents symptoms of itchy, red skin that scales and flakes. Ketoconazole in the form of creams and shampoos is the standard treatment for this condition are creams. Oral fish oil supplements containing Omega-3 fatty acids are also frequently administered.

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause silvery, flaky patches of skin on different areas of the body. There are five different forms of psoriasis, but plaque psoriasis is the most common. This form presents as patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scales. Most frequently these patches appear on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. There are a variety of treatments for this condition, but your doctor will be able to diagnosis and suggest what will work best for you.

Dry scalp
The simplest and most easily cured dandruff is the result of a dry scalp. Often caused by overly dry environmental conditions or the overuse of cheap hair care products, this condition can be cured by moisturizing. Massage skin moisturizer or oil into your scalp 1/2 hour before bathing and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.

Oily scalp
It is not unusual for people with only skin to get dandruff. It has been speculated that the overproduction of oil may create an environment heavy with fungus that irritates the scalp. If you have oily skin and dandruff, try using a shampoo for oily hair and see if it helps clear up the problem.

Head lice
Head lice is often mistaken for dandruff because of the itchy symptoms and shedding of lice eggs. Treating lice requires entirely different solutions than dandruff. For more information and lice symptoms, see How to get rid of lice.

Other potential causes of dandruff

* The causes of dandruff can sometime be quite simple and easy to eliminate. Anything you use in your hair that can dry out your skin can a culprit. This includes hair products with strong chemicals or poor ingredients. Try switching to shampoos and conditioners recommended by your hairstylist.
* Consider what you’re eating as well. Allergies to food and nutritional deficiencies can cause dry sky and dandruff. Try adding zinc and omega 3 fatty acids to your diet.
* If you live in an extremely dry environment, consider using a humidifier if you are having overall dry skin problems.
* Get enough sleep and find ways to eliminate stress like exercise and meditation. These simple factors can be the cause of a multitude of ailments.

hair care

is an overall term for parts of hygiene and cosmetology involving the hair on the human head.

Care of the hair and the scalp skin are sometimes considered separate, but are often intertwined because hair grows from underneath the skin. The living part of hair is the hair follicle which contains the hair root, the sebaceous gland, the vessel for delivering nutrients (via the blood), and other parts. Hair itself is very living; however, much can be done to manage hair and ensure that the outer surface of hair, the cuticle, will remain intact and continue to protect the inner parts of the hair cell (the cortex and the medulla).

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; indeed, hair is a manifestation of human diversity.

When hair behaves in an unusual way, or a scalp skin disorder arises, it is often necessary to visit not only a qualified physician, but sometimes a dermatologist, or a trichologist. Conditions that require this type of professional help include, but are not limited to, forms of alopecia, hair pulling/picking, hair that sticks straight out, black dots on the hair, and rashes or burns resulting from chemical processes.

For many, hair care means a visit to a professional stylist. The discussion of hair is a major world industry, from the salon to products to advertising and even magazines on the subject. Indeed, the topic is displayed and discussed in various online discussion forums. Hair care can include hairdressing (or 'hair dressing'), where the hair is blown dry, combed and/or styled. Hair dressing may include perms, weaves, coloring, extensions, permanent relaxers, curling and any other form of styling or texturing.

Styling tools may include Hair irons (including flat and curling irons), hair dryers, Hairbrushes (both flat and round), hair rollers, diffusers and various types of scissors. Hair dressing might also include the use of product to add texture, shine, curl, volume or hold to a particular style.

In this article, 'Hair care' is taken to mean care of hair on the human head, but mention should be made of other services available in salons such as barber shops which include men's beard and skin care for the beard, and possibly also waxing services of other sites on the human body where hair may be removed. (Hair removal can also be done via laser applications, but often this is not offered in a salon and is conducted under physician care.) Hair dressing (and resulting care requirements) are in many ways more often associated with the female gender, but hair care and dressing is no longer just for females, if indeed it ever was. Many males benefit from improved care, especially considering that males also color (music industry, to cover gray) and enjoy alternative shapes and styles themselves.

Haircuts may also include services mentioned under hair dressing. Cutting hair often involves creating a specific shape and form, and maintaining such sculpture. Haircuts can also be used to define a hemline along the ends and edges of longer lengths and amongst longer lengths. Hair cutting may include shaving the head, in which case scalp skin care would be required. In some settings, hair cutting, creating forms and shapes are an expressive art form. Hair cutting often involves considerations of body proportions, hair density and hair type, face and head shape from all views (profile, 3/4 and 360 degree, from above and from below), overall bone structure, and pattern of how hair lies or falls.

Hair shapes and various lengths are often derived from concerns regarding personal expression and aesthetics (examples: dreadlocks, punk hair, the business haircut/style, very long hair), religion (for example, Pentecostal faith among others), social and cultural values. In short, hair is often a physical expression of one's sense of self, of a desire to present oneself to and amongst a community, of social status and roles, and of cultural values. Such expression often involves adding ornaments to the hair, or partial or full hair coverings (such as a Kippa, Hijab, or a Turban).

Hair care also includes hair washing. Scalp skin that is not cleansed regularly may become a prime breeding ground for bacteria, and scalp disorders may result. However, not all scalp disorders are a result of bacterial infections. Some arise inexplicably, and often only the symptoms can be treated for management of the condition (example: dandruff). There are also bacteria that can affect the hair itself, but in first world countries, this is much rarer. Head lice is probably the most common hair and scalp ailment world-wide, but can be rid of in time with great attention to detail, and studies show it is not necessarily associated with poor hygiene. (Indeed, even well-to-do households can experience head lice. More recent studies reveal that head lice actually thrive in clean hair.)

Hair washing as a term may be a bit misleading as what is really necessary is cleaning the surface of the scalp skin, the way the skin all over the body requires cleaning for good hygiene. Often hair is washed as part of a shower or bathing with a specialized soap called shampoo. Conditioner is recommended after rinsing out shampoo to replace moisture in the hair shaft, the cortex, as well as to protect the hair strands from breakage to moisten the hair and ease detangling and manageability.

Scalp hair grows, on average, at a rate of about half an inch per month, and shampoos or vitamins have not been shown to noticeably change this rate. Hair growth rate also depends upon what phase in the cycle of hair growth one is actually in; there are three phases. The speed of hair growth varies based upon genetics, gender, age, hormones, and may be reduced by nutrient deficiency (i.e., anorexia, anemia, zinc deficiency) and hormonal fluctuations (i.e., menopause, polycystic ovaries, thyroid disease)