Archive for the ‘Hair Loss Problems’ Category

Is It Safe To Use Hair Relaxers?

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

A couple decades ago, voluminous curly hair was all the rage. However for the past few years, the trend has shifted to straight and sleek hair. In turn, many women (and men) are resorting to various techniques to straighten their hair. Some of them, like flat irons and blow dryers, are a relatively harmless approach to take. However others are using hair relaxers, which are often made out of highly corrosive chemicals. So that brings us to the question… is it safe to use a hair relaxer? Let’s find out…

What are hair relaxers?
Although there is no official definition, this term is typically used to describe hair care products which are designed to relax the hair. They work by using powerful chemicals that re-align the hair follicles so they lie straight. The most common active ingredient they used is known as lye; an alkaline sodium hydroxide substance. With a pH that typically ranges from 12 to 14, this acid can easily burn the scalp and destroy the hair follicles. Over the past several years, there have been some natural hair relaxers that have come onto the market that incorporate gentler ingredients. However lye hair relaxers still remains the most popular due to their low cost.

What are the dangers of using hair relaxers?
As we’ve already pointed out, they have the potential to cause chemical burns when they come in contact with the scalp. For some people, they also destroy the hair follicles, which can result in temporary hair loss. However there are many people who have reportedly experienced permanent areas of baldness over time from using hair relaxers. In addition to these aesthetic problems, some products may be dangerous if they are absorbed by the skin and make their way through your body (at least in theory). This is why it is definitely best to avoid using a hair relaxer during pregnancy.

Should hair relaxers be completely avoided?
It is a personal decision; one must weigh the pros and cons to determine whether or not it is right for them. That being said, many people are turning to the newer formulations of natural hair relaxers which are reportedly known to have fewer adverse side effects. Alternately, many women are cropping their hair short and turning to wigs and quick weaves instead. A quick weave is like a wig, but it is worn over one’s natural hair. It certainly is a safer way to have straight hair, but the drawback is that it may not look real if a low quality quick weave is used.

Hair Problems and Aging

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

Hair problem is not a serious problem in health but it can cause distress. For some people, hair problem is remediable but some live with it.

The hair is composed of the same type of cells as the skin which is known as the epidermis. Hair grows from a hair follicle that is rooted in the epidermis. The sebaceous glands of the hair scalp releases an oily substance called sebum to lubricates and protect the hair and the skin. The hair cannot be nourished externally but its nourishment must be derived from the bloodstream.

As a person grows older, the thinning of scalp hair occurs. Typically, baldness begins with thinning at the front temples and gradually to the bare scalp on top. Baldness may show early signs at the age of 20 or 30 years old and it will progress into his later years.

Women may experience loss of hair after the age of 50. Male baldness patterns usually occurred in women after menopause. Baldness in women depends greatly on the hereditary genes and the local effect of male hormones on the hair roots. The male hormones are produced by the adrenal glands and its symptoms are only apparent after it has stop functioning. Women rarely have complete baldness. Hairloss in women is usually unnoticeable compare to men and can be covered up by changing the hair style.

People who are advancing in age will have a tendency to develop grey hair. Greying of hair is caused by the diminished cell activity in the hair root. Some people dye their hair to prevent people from noticing their grey hairs. Dyeing of the hair will not causes hair loss unless the person is allergic to the chemicals in the dye. If the person is allergic to the chemicals in the dye, it will suffer from a rash and temporary loss of hair. Whatever that is done outside of the hair shaft, including dyeing, and straightening of the hair will not affect the hair root. The hair root is more vulnerable to changes in hormone levels, high fevers and side effects of drugs.

Sometimes, combing the hair will cause some hair to fall out. There are some of the 50 to 100 strands of hair that we losses each day. These hairs can be recognized with a white top at the end of the hair and they will be replaced by new growth of hair. Shampoos and conditioners can help to improve the quality of your hair if use appropriately. If you suffer from psoriasis or dandruff with reaction, medicated shampoo will promote regrowth of hair. Taking vitamins will not help to prevent genetically determined hair loss.

Women that have male hormones tend to hair dark facial hair. This usually happens during or after menopause. Women from the Mediterranean region frequently have lots of facial hair just like man. These hairs can be removed without harm unless the hair derived from a mole. If the hair grows out of a mole, you can use a scissor to trim the hair. Women that have unwanted hair on their body can have them bleached, plucked or trimmed with scissors. If you shave the hair, it will not encourage the hair to grow back faster but it does produce sharp, stubbly ends. Depilatory creams can be used but it should be used with mindfulness because it can cause skin irritation. Electrolysis can remove unwanted facial hair permanently without leaving scars but it must be done by a trained technician.

Older people tend to develop hair problem such as graying of hair and hair loss. The age at which hair problems occurs varies from person to person but it generally happens on everyone who is 60 years old and older. Men tend to suffer from hair problems at a younger age than women.