Archive for the ‘Hair Problems’ Category

How to Prevent Hair Loss After Pregnancy?

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

Hair Loss After Pregnancy

If you suffer from the problem of hair loss after pregnancy, you are not alone; there are many women all over the globe, who go through the same experience. In fact studies indicate the hair loss after pregnancy can be seen in almost 40% to 50% of all women who have been pregnant within the last six months. Fortunately, the hair loss problem is a temporary one and should get resolved on its own, within a few months after delivery. In spite of the fact that this problem is so common, it could probably add to all the concerns and anxieties that you are already facing after pregnancy and childbirth.

Hair loss after pregnancy is a lot more common, in the first three months or so. This is because during this period the levels of hormones in a woman’s body fall quite rapidly, in order to reach the normal levels. During pregnancy, the rise in the levels of hormones in your body keeps you from losing hair. However, after childbirth, the hormones return to a normal level, which could once again cause significant hair loss problems. Once the hormones reach the normal level and get stabilized, the volume of hair should increase once again. However, since it could take between 6 and 12 months for the hair loss problems to stop, there are many women who take the necessary steps to prevent the problem of hair fall after pregnancy.

Remedy for Hair Loss After Pregnancy

It is definitely possible to prevent hair loss after pregnancy by making simple dietary and lifestyle changes. Of course, there may also be a few alterations that need to be made, in the hair care department. For example, hairstyles like braids, pigtails and cornrows add extra pressure to the hair and therefore should be avoided, as the hair could fall out excessively. Also, it is essential to eat a higher variety of fruits and vegetables, after pregnancy. While there are several benefits of doing so, one of them is that fresh fruits and veggies are high in flavonoids and antioxidants that prevent hair loss after pregnancy. In fact, they protect the hair follicle, promoting hair growth instead. It is believed that Vitamins A, B and E are very effective in promoting hair growth. Therefore, following a diet that is high in foods like spinach, eggs, fish, beans and yogurt is an excellent remedy for hair loss after pregnancy. It is also important to drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water each day, to add moisture to the hair and to prevent it from falling out, thereby reducing hair loss after pregnancy.

While most of the tips on how to prevent hair loss after pregnancy given above a quite safe and can be used by most people, it is best to consult a doctor, before using any of them.

Frizzy Hair Tips

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

Causes of Frizzy Hair

Dryness leads to frizzy hair. Curly or wavy hair is more prone to frizz. The causes of frizzy hair include rigorous brushing or combing of the hair, excessive sun exposure, hot and humid climate and excessive use of heat styling appliances. Frizz also leads to damage and breakage of the hair and therefore it is important to take the proper measures to get rid of frizzy hair.

Simple Tips for Curly and Frizzy Hair

There are many simple tips for curly and frizzy hair. Firstly, it is advisable to opt for a hairstyle that does not require too much maintenance. Those who are prone to excessive frizz will benefit from a short hairstyle as this requires minimum styling and brushing. It is also important to use shampoos and conditioners that are specially formulated for frizzy hair. Avoid those hair products which contain too many chemicals. Herbal shampoos and conditioners are preferable as these are gentle on the hair and also make the hair very manageable. Curly or frizzy hair must not be washed frequently as this strips away the natural moisture from the scalp and hair. Oil massages are beneficial for dry and frizzy hair as they nourish and hydrate the hair. Oils such as olive or coconut oil may be used on the scalp. Many people attempt to get rid of frizz by straightening the hair with hot irons or blow dryers. This is very damaging to the hair and also leads to more frizz due to the heat and moisture. Environmental factors such as rain, pollution and sun exposure can also cause frizzy hair and hence it is advisable to protect the hair with a scarf or hat when going outdoors. Today there are also many shampoos and conditioners that serve as sunscreens as well and it is advisable to make use of them. Here are some more frizzy hair tips. These frizzy hair tips are known to help in giving the hair the right type of nutrients to make it more presentable. Most of the frizzy hair tips could be used without much concern of major side effects.

Hair masks made with nourishing natural ingredients are extremely beneficial for the hair and are effective in preventing frizz. One such hydrating hair mask can be made with egg yolk, olive oil and honey. After mixing the ingredients, apply the paste on the scalp and hair and leave it on for half an hour. A hair pack made with avocado and ripe banana is also known to be helpful in treating frizzy hair. An herbal hair mask can be made with almond oil, sage, rosemary and jojoba oil. Allow the mixture to remain on the scalp for about thirty minutes and then wash with a gentle shampoo. You may also speak to your hair stylist for some essential frizzy hair tips.

What Causes Baldness?

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Baldness occurs due to excessive loss of hair. Alopecia is the term used to describe hair loss. Baldness can occur due to various factors and can occur in both men and women. But what causes baldness? The most common cause of baldness is androgenic alopecia which is also referred to as male pattern baldness. The hormone dihydrotestosterone or DHT is responsible for the thinning of hair. The effect of this hormone leads to shrinking and weakening of the hair follicles. This type of baldness is hereditary.

Causes of Baldness in Men and Women

The causes of baldness in men also include poor hair care. If the hair is washed excessively and frequently, damage and breakage may take place. Rough handling of the hair while oiling and shampooing could also contribute to hair fall. The type of hairstyle can also lead to baldness. Some individuals tend to pull back their hair tightly into a ponytail. This can strain the hair and scalp and lead to hair fall. Excessive use of harsh chemical-based hair care products and styling treatments are some of the causes of baldness in women. Certain illnesses can also be the cause of baldness. Hair loss may also occur due to treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy are known to result in hair fall in women. However, such hair loss is temporary and hair growth will occur normally after delivery. Diet also influences hair growth and nutritional deficiencies could result in excessive hair problems.

Baldness can be treated through various natural treatments. Many people obtain relief from hair problems through homeopathy. This is known to be a more holistic form of treatment. Aromatherapy is an alternative form of treatment wherein essential oils are used to promote hair growth. Oils such as grapefruit, lavender and jojoba may be massaged into the scalp. Some people also opt for oriental treatments such as acupuncture and acupressure to treat baldness. These therapies work by stimulating certain pressure points in the body. There are also some home remedies which help in preventing baldness and assist in proper hair growth. A paste of lime and ground black pepper seeds may be applied to the bald patches to stimulate hair growth. Onions are also commonly used to promote growth of hair. A piece of onion may be rubbed on the bald patches until the skin turns red. Scalp massages with warm coconut or olive oil also helps in preventing baldness.

Hair Loss Prevention for Women

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss in women can be classified into three types, androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and traumatic alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia is caused by hereditary factors and is most commonly responsible for hair loss in males and females. Alopecia areata is the result of a faulty immune response wherein the body’s defense mechanism attacks the hair follicles. Traumatic alopecia occurs when the hair is subjected to excessive styling or chemical products. The causes of hair loss may vary from woman to woman. Many women experience hair loss due to poor nutrition. The hair follicles require an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals in order to grow properly. Nutritional deficiencies could result in many hair problems including hair loss. The intake of certain medications may also be responsible for hair loss. Temporary hair loss is sometimes caused by scalp infections. Hair treatments that make use of heat and harsh chemicals can also contribute to hair loss. There are many ways to prevent hair problems. Here are some hair loss prevention tips that could help curb the problem. These hair loss prevention tips are known to be very successful and almost 100% safe to use.

Hair Loss Cure for Women

A beneficial hair loss cure for women is massage therapy. A scalp massage helps to enhance blood circulation and also ensures that the hair follicles receive a good supply of nutrients. Nourishing oils such as coconut oil, castor oil, olive oil and almond oil can be used. It is advisable to warm up the oil slightly before applying it to the scalp. Once the oil has been massaged into the scalp and hair, a warm towel may be a wrapped around the head to allow for deeper penetration of the oil. Essential oils such as rosemary, thyme and jojoba may also be used in a scalp massage. Some of these oils are also known to be beneficial when inhaled or added to bath water. Aloe vera is often used in hair loss prevention for women. Aloe assists in balancing the pH level of the scalp and promotes healing. The gel of aloe vera leaves may be mixed with some coconut milk and wheat germ oil to make an effective scalp cleanser.

Hair Loss Prevention Tips

Diet plays a very important role in the health of the hair. Therefore one of the essential hair loss prevention tips is to consume a balanced and healthy diet on a daily basis. Mineral rich foods which contain calcium, iron and silica, and antioxidant rich green vegetables are very beneficial for the hair. In some cases, nutritional supplements may also become necessary. Regular exercise helps to prevent hair loss as it improves blood flood and enhances the supply of oxygen to the hair follicles.

Best Treatment for Head Lice

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Head lice are parasitic insects that infest the scalp and feed on the blood extracted from the skin. They do not pose the risk of any fatal illness. However they can be quite bothersome as they cause a great deal of itching. They are also contagious and spread easily from one individual to another. Children are more prone to infestation by head lice. If left untreated, the continuous itching could result in inflammation and infection. Treatment should be done as soon as head lice are detected. One can make use of commercially available medicated shampoos for getting rid of head lice. Some people also prefer to use natural treatment for head lice. Most people also believe that the best treatment for head lice is by using natural remedies.

Natural Home Treatment for Head Lice

Home treatment for head lice can be done using fresh onion juice. The juice may be applied to the scalp and allowed to remain for about 3 hours. Following this, the scalp and hair may be washed with a gentle shampoo. Raw custard apple powder can be applied to the scalp at night and washed off the next morning. This is known to be effective in getting rid of head lice and nits. Essential oils are also beneficial in treating head lice. Oils such as tea tree oil or witch hazel may be diluted with some carrier oil and then massaged into the scalp on a regular basis. A solution of vinegar and water can also be used to get rid of head lice. Another effective natural remedy for head lice is a paste of garlic and lemon juice. The pungent nature of the mixture helps to kill the lice and destroy the nits. Some people also obtain relief from head lice by adding some peppermint oil to regular shampoo. A simple treatment for head lice is coconut oil. You can also add some camphor powder to the oil and massage the scalp with it. Allow the oil to stay on for the night and wash the hair with mild shampoo the next morning.

After washing the head or using any of these remedies, one must comb the hair with a lice comb. This helps to remove the lice and nits from the hair. Wet or oiled hair is easier to comb. The best treatment for head lice is to maintain good hygiene of the scalp and hair. The head must be washed on a regular basis, especially if you have visited any crowded place. It is also advisable to avoid sharing personal objects such as combs, hairbrushes and caps. The best treatment for head lice would also depend on the type of hair and the condition of your scalp.