Dandruff is embarrassing and annoying, but can it be cured? Does it lead to baldness? Dandruff may be a sign that something’s haywire with your hair follicles, and that can lead to thinning hair. Here’s what’s really causing that itchy, flaky scalp.
Your skin, including your scalp, naturally sheds dead skin all the time, usually once a month. But your scalp can get out of control, shedding every few days. That’s most often caused by the hyperactivity of a one-celled organism called Pityrosporum ovale or Malassezia ovalis.
Here’s how it works: Hair grows out of a tiny shaft in the skin called the follicle. Each follicle is nourished by a sebaceous gland that produces a waxy oil called sebum. Malassezia feeds on those sebaceous glands and multiplies, causing the skin to shed faster. So if you have an oily scalp, you’re more susceptible to dandruff. It can’t be cured, but the shedding can be controlled.
What Else Can Cause Dandruff?
Saturated fats and trans-fatty oils: These age-old enemies in your diet stimulate scalp sebum, making a feast for Malassezia and other organisms.
Cold weather: This is chapped-hands weather, but your scalp can suffer too. When you’re outside, wear a warm hat and gloves.
Dry heat: In indoor dry heat, your skin and scalp will benefit from the use of a humidifier. If you have to blow-dry your hair, keep the drying time short. Better yet, let your hair dry naturally.
Sun and tanning: Yes, your scalp can get sunburn from UVA, which can damage the follicles. Tanning salons use UVA and UVB. Wear a cap outdoors or a towel around your hair in the salon.
Harsh shampoos and conditioners: Ammonium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate create a foaming lather, but it’s tough on the skin. Pick a shampoo that either doesn’t contain these or that substitutes them with sodium lauryl sulfosuccinate or sodium lauryl sulfoacetate. Sounds the same, we know, but the effects are different. For conditioners, pick one that’s dimethicone-free and preferably one with 18-MEA, a natural substance.
Not enough rinsing: You’d be surprised how much shampoo or conditioner can get left in your hair. Rinse more than you think you need.
Contact dermatitis: We use a lot of chemical-laden products on our hair and scalp — dyes, gel, spray, mousse, and various shampoos and conditioners. You could be allergic to any one or a combination of these.
But Can Dandruff Cause Baldness?
Probably not. But eczema, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis can damage hair follicles, which means that new hair isn’t going to be produced from those follicles. Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by yeast growing on the skin, causing red, itchy, scaly patches. Plain, ordinary dandruff isn’t going to cause hair loss, but if your scalp gets red or swollen, see a specialist.
If you’re experiencing signs of an unhealthy scalp or hair loss it’s important to immediately see a hair restoration specialist. At Van Scoy Hair Clinics we specialize in hair loss treatment solutions for men and women of all hair types. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: Andy Rennie Via Flickr Creative Commons
Sources:
http://www.hairloss-reversible.com/dandruff/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dandruff/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.expertrain.com/blog/health/is-your-shampoo-irritating-your-scalp.htm
Laser Hair Regrowth Therapy
hair loss treatmentLaser Hair Regrowth Treatment
The advancements of laser for hair regrowth have grown a lot and in 2011 the FDA approved them for low-level laser therapy as a hair loss treatment for men and women of all ages. The lasers have been found to be effective by stimulating anagen, the growing phase which lasts two to six years and determines the length of your hair. Over time, the length of the anagen phase decreases. Therefore, the hair may become weaker and thinner after each cycle. The anagen stimulates the follicles re-entry in telogen, the resting phase which lasts around five to six weeks. Around 10 – 15 percent of the hairs on your head are in this phase at any given time. While the old hair is resting, your new hair starts its growth phase. This helps to prevent the catagen phase that lasts one to two weeks. The hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla.
Laser hair therapy is often used along with other professional products like DHT inhibitors and Minoxidil to help enhance the results that can be achieved. Only through a digital scalp analysis by a hair loss expert can tell you if you are a good candidate for low-level laser hair therapy. This type of hair therapy to stimulate hair regrowth is showing a lot of promise for those suffering from hair loss. It is used to treat the genetic form of hair loss that includes pattern baldness and androgenetic alopecia. If the treatment schedule is followed an individual can see results in as little as 12 weeks. When combined with professional products, the success rate could be up to 80%.
Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatment
Hair loss is a serious problem that plagues a large portion of the human population. With all the hair loss solutions being advertised in the market today, it is crucial to know and understand your treatment options to avoid wasting money and time. Although laser hair loss treatment therapy has been around for a number of decades, the results have been shown to be clinically effective for both men and women of all hair types who are suffering from hereditary pattern hair loss.
Questions? We’ve got answers. Call us today to schedule a free, private, no-obligation hair and scalp consultation.
Medication and Treatment Products for Hair Restoration
hair loss treatment, Men's Hair Restoration, Women's Hair RestorationThere are a number of solutions available for specific types of hair loss and styling needs, and speaking with a specialist is the best way to decide which hair restoration avenue is the best for you. Today, Van Scoy takes a look at medication and other products for thinning hair.
Medications and products created to support the hair restoration process come in a wide variety of forms and types from pills to foams, prescriptions to over-the-counters, and with roles from preventing hair loss to promoting hair growth. Heavily advertised brands such as Rogaine and Propecia, for example, operate quite differently despite both being approved by the FDA to halt the thinning process and stimulate growth. Rogaine (Minoxidil) comes in foam or liquid form, is applied twice daily to the scalp, and is available for purchase over-the-counter. It can be used by both men and women. Propecia (Finasteride), on the other hand, comes in pill form, requires a prescription for purchase, and can be used only by men. Additionally, these two products have differing indications, side effects, and success rates.
Some product-based hair loss prevention programs use a variety of product types within a single line and treatment. dhtSensor, for example, uses a number of product types in conjunction that prove especially effective when used with laser therapy. Though dhtSensor does not instigate hair growth in all patients, it is a widely beneficial tool for minimizing and preventing hair loss and improving scalp condition, as well as producing impressive results in enhancing the appearance of thin hair. For this reason, dhtSensor is often suggested for those with thin, fine, or problem hair.
MEDIceuticals also offers a line of therapeutic hair loss products, and these too are often recommended by licensed specialists who can prescribe the correct products for each individual’s needs allowing for a more customized treatment. The MEDIceuticals Hair Recovery Program treats the scalp, treats, cleanses, and conditions the hair, energizes the hair follicles, provides nutritional therapy, and provides healthy hair styling, all integral needs for healthy hair growth.
For all of the above discussed medications and product lines, their use produces the most positive results when applied in conjunction with other treatments, such as laser therapy or another medication or product, and this can be most safely and successfully implemented when monitored and adjusted by a hair care professional.
VIDEO: Genetic Underpinnings of Alopecia Areata
Hair Loss, Understanding hair lossThe below video shared by the National Institute of Health gives a brief introduction to Alopecia Areata, the autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles leading to hair loss. As the video mentions, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) supported the establishment of a national registry in which five academic research centers compiled information on those with Alopecia Areata and their families as one of many tools now being used to further research the causes and genetic underpinnings of the disease. Ongoing investigation has been and continues to be an important factor in understanding the causes of hair loss and expanding our potential for hair restoration solutions.
My Hair Is Thinning What should I Do
Female Hair LossQUESTION:
Hello Todd,
I came across your website and decided to write to you about a problem that has been plaguing me for about 6 to 8 months now. I do hope you can help guide me in the right direction.
I used to have very very thick black hair till 2 years ago. However, it was a problem I effectively ignored till 6 months ago. Now, I do not have bald patches anywhere, but there has been such thinning that I fear that I soon will be bald!! You can actually see my scalp from between my hairs now, which was out of question before. I lose about 70 strands everyday, and this has been the case for at least 6 months now.
I had hypothyroidism, but the condition has long been rectified by thyroxin, and my levels are normal now. I do not take any kind of external medication apart from thyroxin. No contraceptive pills either. All blood tests have been done, and I do not seem to suffer from anything serious.
I was told it could be telogen effluvium, but surely that cannot last this long?? I have no other apparent symptoms apart from hair loss, to give me a pointer in a definite direction. Please can you help me?
This condition has affected my sleep, and my life in general, making it difficult for me to even work at times.
I look forward to hearing from you, when you may find time.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
C.G.
ANSWER:
Dear C.G.,
Thank you for writing. Keep in mind, I am not a Doctor and I only can respond with what I know.
70 hairs per day is actually a normal hair loss. And, being able to see your scalp between your hairs is also normal. But I think you are alarmed because you recognize increase thinning of your hair density.
Generally, Doctors are not too concerned about hair loss because they perceive it as being “non-life threatening,” but you and I realize what stress it can cause.
I would strongly suggest a face-to-face discussion with one of our hair loss experts. We would be able to do a free scalp analysis to better offer you the right solution. You can schedule a consultation online here and see our various locations here.
Thank you for the response and we hope to see you soon!
Todd VanScoy
When Dandruff Becomes More Than Just an Annoyance
Healthy Hair and BeautyYour skin, including your scalp, naturally sheds dead skin all the time, usually once a month. But your scalp can get out of control, shedding every few days. That’s most often caused by the hyperactivity of a one-celled organism called Pityrosporum ovale or Malassezia ovalis.
Here’s how it works: Hair grows out of a tiny shaft in the skin called the follicle. Each follicle is nourished by a sebaceous gland that produces a waxy oil called sebum. Malassezia feeds on those sebaceous glands and multiplies, causing the skin to shed faster. So if you have an oily scalp, you’re more susceptible to dandruff. It can’t be cured, but the shedding can be controlled.
What Else Can Cause Dandruff?
Saturated fats and trans-fatty oils: These age-old enemies in your diet stimulate scalp sebum, making a feast for Malassezia and other organisms.
Cold weather: This is chapped-hands weather, but your scalp can suffer too. When you’re outside, wear a warm hat and gloves.
Dry heat: In indoor dry heat, your skin and scalp will benefit from the use of a humidifier. If you have to blow-dry your hair, keep the drying time short. Better yet, let your hair dry naturally.
Sun and tanning: Yes, your scalp can get sunburn from UVA, which can damage the follicles. Tanning salons use UVA and UVB. Wear a cap outdoors or a towel around your hair in the salon.
Harsh shampoos and conditioners: Ammonium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate create a foaming lather, but it’s tough on the skin. Pick a shampoo that either doesn’t contain these or that substitutes them with sodium lauryl sulfosuccinate or sodium lauryl sulfoacetate. Sounds the same, we know, but the effects are different. For conditioners, pick one that’s dimethicone-free and preferably one with 18-MEA, a natural substance.
Not enough rinsing: You’d be surprised how much shampoo or conditioner can get left in your hair. Rinse more than you think you need.
Contact dermatitis: We use a lot of chemical-laden products on our hair and scalp — dyes, gel, spray, mousse, and various shampoos and conditioners. You could be allergic to any one or a combination of these.
But Can Dandruff Cause Baldness?
Probably not. But eczema, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis can damage hair follicles, which means that new hair isn’t going to be produced from those follicles. Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by yeast growing on the skin, causing red, itchy, scaly patches. Plain, ordinary dandruff isn’t going to cause hair loss, but if your scalp gets red or swollen, see a specialist.
If you’re experiencing signs of an unhealthy scalp or hair loss it’s important to immediately see a hair restoration specialist. At Van Scoy Hair Clinics we specialize in hair loss treatment solutions for men and women of all hair types. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: Andy Rennie Via Flickr Creative Commons
Sources:
http://www.hairloss-reversible.com/dandruff/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dandruff/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.expertrain.com/blog/health/is-your-shampoo-irritating-your-scalp.htm
The Ways Humidity Affects Hair
Healthy Hair and BeautySummer does a number on your hair. The salt from swimming in the ocean and the chlorine from pools can do a lot to cause dryness to your hair. One element of summer that many don’t understand is the humidity and why it makes it so difficult for their hair. We are going to discuss several affects that humidity has on your hair so you can have a better understanding of why it is so difficult to have great looking hair in humid weather.
Curly Frizzy Hair
If your someone with curly hair then you know, when the weather is humid your hair can be your worst enemy. The humidity can cause your hair to be frizzy and unmanageable. This happens because curly hair has rough cuticles which can become exasperated with humid weather. To help avoid the frizzes, let your hair dry naturally and avoid brushing it. Simply just run your fingers through your hair after washing it to remove tangles. The less you brush your hair on humid day the less frizzy it will become.
Damages Dry Hair
When your hair is colored or permed, your hair follicles can become more porous. This porousness of the hair follicles can allow them to retain a lot of water on humid days. When this happens your follicles will look damaged at the ends creating a frizzy look. Use a leave-in conditioner on humid days. Also avoid styling your hair too much as it can cause more damage. Often many women with damaged hair will find that putting their hair up on humid days will allow them to get through the day without having to come into contact with their hair.
Fine Hair vs. Humidity
It’s not much of a fight for those with fine hair on humid days. Fine hair typically has hair follicles that absorb and retain moisture. This can cause your hair to become more lifeless and limp because it become so weighed down by the added moisture. To minimize the limpness you want to use very little hair product as possible when the weather is humid. It is also a good idea to limit how much your run your fingers through your hair as it can leave oils from your hands on your hair, and that oil can also weighdown your hair.
When the days become humid your best bet is to put your hair up in a ponytail. This allows you to know what your hair looks like throughout the day and it prevents you from causing additional damage to it by over-brushing it and styling it in your attempt to reduce the frizziness and limpness.
If you suffer from hair loss, humidity can make it appear more prevalent. We can offer affordable hair replacement solutions that are custom designed to your hair loss type and your lifestyle.
Is Stress The Cause Of Your Hair Loss?
Hair Loss, Men's Hair RestorationMen’s anguish from hair loss isn’t precisely newsworthy, yet finding the reason for
their hair loss can be groundbreaking. Heredity is typically the guilty party and most men credit it to terrible genes. What a few men don’t understand is that their male pattern baldness isn’t fundamentally foreordained by hereditary qualities and that push could be capable.
Telogen effluvium is a hair loss condition activated by stressful or traumatic affairs like an accident, a serious sickness, or a life-changing event. This condition can make hair essentially quit developing or drop out. At the end of the day the anxiety powers hair follicles to sit in the resting stage, which will stop hair development and inevitably the influenced hair could be lost months after the fact.
On the off chance that you’ve encountered an life-changing event and you’re experiencing male pattern baldness, do your best to minimize the source of anxiety. Concentrate on moving beyond the occasion and work towards mending. It is additionally essential to get enough rest and eat right amid this time. At long last, make sure to see a male pattern baldness proficient who can comfort your psyche and assist you with affirming the reason for male pattern baldness and give you genuine solutions.
Try not to let the anxiety of male pattern baldness add to your anxiety. The most ideal approach to figure out which balding solution is a good fit for you is to meet secretly with an expert at Van Scoy Hair Clinic. A typical conference takes around 60 minutes. We will get in touch with you to plan you’re private, no commitment conference during a time that is most advantageous for you.
Photo Credit: Michael Clesle via Flickr Creative Commons
FUE Hair Transplant: My Hair Is Back!
Hair TransplantationLike millions of men, my hair loss was gradual. It started out with just a few strands of hair on my pillow. As time went on, I would find more and more on my clothes as well. Then came a day when I looked at my hairbrush and noticed the amount of hair that had gathered on it. When you suddenly realize you’re losing your hair, it is hard to fully accept.
On the day of my hair transplant, I had already spoken with the surgeon and felt very confident and even excited. The surgeon was assisted by his staff as he began the process. They move individual follicular units that consist of 1 to 4 hairs each, one an area on my scalp, and it was strategically selected the placement of each individual follicular unit. The hairline was marked out in advance to re-create a look that would be impossible to detect that it wasn’t my original hairline.
I was awake during the procedure and I remember being surprised that I wasn’t in any pain. Even later that night I didn’t feel any discomfort and I was able to get back to doing the things I wanted. The whole procedure time took about a day. My donor area healed quickly and with the FUE transplant, I didn’t have the typical linear scar that would have with traditional hair transplant methods.
The FUE hair transplant method is like nothing done before. It is a much more pleasant experience for patients. A skilled surgeon can give you a hairline that is natural-looking and the end result of the transplant gives the ultimate success and patient satisfaction. Hair transplants today, through the FUE method are changing the way hair transplants are performed.
Are the Holidays Dulling Your Hair?
Healthy Hair and BeautyHow Does Stress Dull Hair?
When you’re operating at 100 percent, your body is constantly producing new hair growth. Stress shuts down unnecessary functions, and unfortunately the body doesn’t put hair first. Under extreme stress, hair will cease to regrow as natural shedding occurs. This can leave your locks dull and thinned out, not something you hope for during the holiday season.
What Contributes to Holiday Stress?
While the holiday period is generally seen as a fun-filled time of year, there are plenty of things that can cause stress.
Over-indulgence in rich treats and drinks can often leave people feeling full, bloated and ready for their New Year’s resolution. Thinking about the extra calories taken in during the holidays can cause major stress.
Too many obligations to family, friends and co-workers can put your body out of whack. The holidays often bring a fuller schedule, money woes and last-minute shopping trips that can all be huge contributors to end-of-the-year stress.
The holiday season can also lead to eating more carbs or consuming more alcohol. Studies show alcohol can be one of the causes of hair loss. If you’re already stressed, this can be a one-two punch to your follicles.
Tips to Combat Dull Holiday Hair
The holidays don’t have to be a stressful time. The number one thing you can do is schedule some self-care time. Whether it be relaxing with a hair mask, or using that deep conditioning treatment you’ve been waiting on all year, make sure to take some time away from the hustle and bustle to focus on yourself.
Shouldering all of that stress isn’t healthy. Reach out to friends or family and ask for help if you need it. With more people taking care of the hard parts of the holiday, you can ease stress and make sure your hair shines.
The Bottom Line
Hair health can often be overlooked, but holiday stress can have a real impact on how your hair looks, feels and grows. Try tactics to reduce stress and reap the benefits to your hair and overall health all season long.
Holiday stress can cause dull hair but if you’re suffering from hair loss that is a year round problem. Don’t let another year go by without doing something about it. At Van Scoy Hair Clinics we have helped thousands of Ohio area men, women, and children suffering from hair loss, regardless of the cause of it. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: quinntheislander Via Pixabay
The Top Six Reasons to Wear Human Hair Wigs
Custom Human HairWigsThey Don’t Look Like a Wig
Some synthetic wigs just shout “wig,” as they have a firm appearance and feel like plastic. A human hair wig, on the other hand, is more natural in touch and texture. Human hair is softer and finer than a synthetic wig. The hairline also looks more natural with a human hair wig, and the movement of the hair is very realistic. The color in a synthetic wig looks flat, but with a human hairpiece, the colors have far more dimension, enhancing that natural look.
Human Hair Wigs Are Easier to Style
While some synthetic wigs are rigid in appearance and feel firm to touch, a human hair wig is more versatile. The client will be able to get a human hair wig styled to their preference, and many are very easy to cut to shape. If they want more volume, they can get a layered style and a feminine look by having a shoulder-length wig. With a human hair wig, it can even be colored in a different shade. But wig wearers need to go easy on the color. Even with a wig, too much colorant can damage the hair.
They Have Good Heat Resistance
Some synthetic wigs are not very heat-resistant, and if they get too close to a heat source or open flame, they can melt or permanently frizz. With a human hair wig, heated rollers, curling tongs and blow dryers can be used with no problem. This makes a human hair wig more versatile.
They Tangle Less
A synthetic wig can tangle fairly easily, as the hairs are thicker than natural hair. When a human hair wig is made, the fineness of the hairs means it is less susceptible to tangling. Although this can and does occur at times, it is less frequent than with a synthetic wig.
They Last Longer
Human hair wigs are more durable than synthetic ones. Whereas a synthetic wig lasts around three to six months, wearers find a human hair wig looks good for several years. This makes human hair more cost-effective when buying wigs.
Wearers Are Worth It
One of the downsides of a human hair wig is the cost. They are more expensive than a synthetic wig, but the appearance and versatility more than makes up for the additional charge. These wigs are made from natural human hair, which is in shorter supply than synthetic products, and this adds to the charge. However, that natural feel and look is worth the extra money for the quality alone. The confidence boost that comes with wearing a human hair wig as it enhances their appearance is worth every cent.
Human hair wigs look the part and are natural in appearance, boosting self-esteem and making people look good when they need it the most. For those who want to treat themselves, the human hair wig is the best.
At Van Scoy Hair Clinics, we have the experience and caring sensitivity to help each of our clients who come to us looking for a personal, private, and confidential hair loss solution. Even some may simply wish to create a whole new look and style. Our custom wigs are made with unmistakable quality, from 100% natural, and beautiful human hair. To schedule a free consultation call us at (419) 289-6665 or to contact us via email click here.
Sources
http://www.getbestwigs.com/difference-between-human-hair-and-synthetic-hair-wigs/
https://www.headcovers.com/blog/top-10-expert-wig-styling-tips/