Your hair says a lot about you
Remember when Britney Spears had the nervous breakdown and shaved all her hair off? One of the possible reasons that she did this, was because your hair, as it grows is like a timeline of you. So, if she had been taking drugs, it would have come out in her hair.
Back in the days of Sherlock Holmes, if someone had died in a suspicious circumstance, it was common practice to cut out a section of the hair and burn it to test for the presence of poisons, the poison of choice was cyanide, with the first notable case reported being Grigori Rasputin in 1914.
Your diet is also shown in your hair, after all you are what you eat, and it is believed by the vast majority that if you eat a lot of greasy foods, you are going to have oily skin and hair. There are exceptions to the rule, as some people eat very healthily and still have oily hair. It should also be noted that changes in you hair could be your body telling you that somethings wrong, as when the body is fighting to stay alive, the first thing to go is the hair. It is a common indicator of anorexia when someone has lifeless, dull, fine hair and not a great deal of it, as the body is being starved of nutrients and it is fighting to keep the body going.
Hair can also be used to determine the mother of a child, this is due to something called mitochondrial DNA. This is basically DNA which is inherited solely from your mother, so for example, if there was a missing person and a hair was found in the suspects car, the mtDNA would help determine who's hair it is.
Back in the days of Sherlock Holmes, if someone had died in a suspicious circumstance, it was common practice to cut out a section of the hair and burn it to test for the presence of poisons, the poison of choice was cyanide, with the first notable case reported being Grigori Rasputin in 1914.
Your diet is also shown in your hair, after all you are what you eat, and it is believed by the vast majority that if you eat a lot of greasy foods, you are going to have oily skin and hair. There are exceptions to the rule, as some people eat very healthily and still have oily hair. It should also be noted that changes in you hair could be your body telling you that somethings wrong, as when the body is fighting to stay alive, the first thing to go is the hair. It is a common indicator of anorexia when someone has lifeless, dull, fine hair and not a great deal of it, as the body is being starved of nutrients and it is fighting to keep the body going.
Hair can also be used to determine the mother of a child, this is due to something called mitochondrial DNA. This is basically DNA which is inherited solely from your mother, so for example, if there was a missing person and a hair was found in the suspects car, the mtDNA would help determine who's hair it is.
Alopecia - What it is
Cross Section Of The Hair And Scalp
Alopecia, from Classical Greek meaning loss of hair from the head or body, is categorised in several categories and is brought on through multiple causes including ill health, invasive treatments, shock, mechanical damage, chemical damage and in some cases, the cause is just unknown. Throughout this page, we will take a look, and explain what each of these are, how they are caused, how to prevent them, and if they can be remedied. We will also take a look at various other skin and scalp disorders which are of relevance.
Traction Alopecia
Traction Alopecia Around The Hairline
Traction Alopecia is essentially a mechanical form of the disease, and by mechanical we mean through pulling and tugging the hair. This includes brushing to rigorously, over backcombing and excessive pressure being applied to the hair from things like safety helmets worn when motorcycling, snowboarding etc. It is generally found in people who wear their hair back, but tie it back with such tension that the finer hairs around the hairline are pulled out. This can also happen when extensions are worn which are too long and heavy for the natural hair to cope. Trichotillomania is also a big cause of traction alopecia and this is basically the compulsive pulling of the hair. The latter 2 can actually cause full patches of hair anywhere on the head to fall out.
In a lot of cases where Traction Alopecia is visible, there unfortunately isn't a cure as the follicle is damaged beyond repair. However, it has been noted that stopping the cycle and allowing the hair to rejuvenate with regular scalp massages and restorative treatments, some of the hair may return in time. There are also some preventative treatments on the market.
In a lot of cases where Traction Alopecia is visible, there unfortunately isn't a cure as the follicle is damaged beyond repair. However, it has been noted that stopping the cycle and allowing the hair to rejuvenate with regular scalp massages and restorative treatments, some of the hair may return in time. There are also some preventative treatments on the market.
Alopecia Areata
An Example OF Early Onset
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata begins with the hair loss in one or more patches around the scalp. It is believed to be hereditary as studies have found that having family members who have the disorder increase the chance of future generations developing it. Trichologists and scientists also believe that Alopecia Areata is a kind of Autoimmune disorder, where the body attacks its own hair follicles. This evidence comes from T-Cell Lymphocytes (red/purple inflamed bumps) appearing at the sight of loss. In rare cases 1 - 2%,the condition can progress to Alopecia Totalis, or to the whole Epidermis, Alopecia Universalis.
Again, with most known Alopecia’s, there is no known cause, and cures are still under scrutiny for how effective they are. However, if the affected area is small, it should be monitored as the condition can subside and the hair may be able to grow back with time and regular scalp treatments and massage.
Again, with most known Alopecia’s, there is no known cause, and cures are still under scrutiny for how effective they are. However, if the affected area is small, it should be monitored as the condition can subside and the hair may be able to grow back with time and regular scalp treatments and massage.
Alopecia Totalis
A Woman With Alopecia Totalis
Alopecia Totalis is the loss of all of the hair on the head. The causes are unknown, however, it was believed that stress or shock could be the trigger, however a recent study has found that most sufferers lead a relatively stress free life, leading scientists to believe it is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own hair follicles.
A study in 2006, conducted by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that the use of Methotrexate in small doses proved in some 64% of cases of Alopecia Totalis to be effective, and where some relapsed, upon retreatment, the hair returned again.
It is unclear whether further trials are being conducted, however, due to the nature of the drug itself, it is quite possible that trials are still being conducted.
*Source: http://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(05)03000-8/abstract
A study in 2006, conducted by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that the use of Methotrexate in small doses proved in some 64% of cases of Alopecia Totalis to be effective, and where some relapsed, upon retreatment, the hair returned again.
It is unclear whether further trials are being conducted, however, due to the nature of the drug itself, it is quite possible that trials are still being conducted.
*Source: http://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(05)03000-8/abstract
Hair and Scalp conditions
Have you ever straightened your hair and it’s got little "balls" at the tips? Overdone it with the lightening product and it's snapping? Even pinned it up and its now bending at a strange angle? In this section we'll take a look at the more common hair complaints and effective remedies to prevent, combat and hopefully cure your ailments.
Chemically Damaged Hair
A Single Chemically Damaged
Hair Under Microscope
Let's get one thing straight. Colour, Peroxide, Bleach, Perm and Chemical Relaxers will all damage your hair when not used correctly. Hence why going to a salon for all of your chemical needs is an absolute must. As professionals, we have trained and strive to ensure that we can provide you with the best service possible causing minimal discomfort balanced with the highest quality products.
Ask yourself this, do you see your stylist using a store bought colour? If you do, you may wish to change salons, because if these products were that good, we'd be using them ourselves!
The reason why a lot of these products cause so much damage is not due to the formulation itself as such, but more due to the application. But as a home consumer, those of you who put your own colours, relaxers etc. on are not to know, you've not trained in hairdressing in most instances.
However, the untold damage you are doing to your hair is catastrophic, from colour build up to breakage when lightening or relaxing/perming. For example, should you be colouring your hair black for a year, and taking it through to the ends each time you colour, you are not only damaging the cuticle further and further, you are also depositing more and more colour into the hair, and there is only so much as hairdressers we can do. If there is too much colour in the hair, then nothing will lift it out, meaning that your options are highly limited; either cut out the colour, grow it out, or start having a slightly lighter colour applied at the root until enough of the initial colour is cut out so the lightening process can be started. Don't ever think that we are trying to get out of a hard job, or think we're trying to milk you dry with a colour correction, we really do know what's best, and you going home and trying to do it yourself, it’s just going to cost you more money and a lot of embarrassment!
Ask yourself this, do you see your stylist using a store bought colour? If you do, you may wish to change salons, because if these products were that good, we'd be using them ourselves!
The reason why a lot of these products cause so much damage is not due to the formulation itself as such, but more due to the application. But as a home consumer, those of you who put your own colours, relaxers etc. on are not to know, you've not trained in hairdressing in most instances.
However, the untold damage you are doing to your hair is catastrophic, from colour build up to breakage when lightening or relaxing/perming. For example, should you be colouring your hair black for a year, and taking it through to the ends each time you colour, you are not only damaging the cuticle further and further, you are also depositing more and more colour into the hair, and there is only so much as hairdressers we can do. If there is too much colour in the hair, then nothing will lift it out, meaning that your options are highly limited; either cut out the colour, grow it out, or start having a slightly lighter colour applied at the root until enough of the initial colour is cut out so the lightening process can be started. Don't ever think that we are trying to get out of a hard job, or think we're trying to milk you dry with a colour correction, we really do know what's best, and you going home and trying to do it yourself, it’s just going to cost you more money and a lot of embarrassment!
The Effects Of Over lightening hair
Damage Caused By Over Lightening
As you can see in the image, the effects of over lightening hair can be really bad. From uneven tone and depth to the hair becoming brittle, dry and in some cases just snapping. This is due to the way in which all hair chemicals work, and that is they penetrate the cuticle, deep into the hair shaft where the cortex is (see Hair and Scalp Basics). It is here that colours and lighteners oxidise with the hairs natural colour to either lighten or darken it.
Now, tint doesn't really do any damage to the hair as such, as it is designed to only lift a certain amount of shades, and they will after around an hour, stop taking. However, home colour "bleaching kits" are a completely different thing. These kits promising salon results are about as professional to the hair care trade as a Ford Fiesta is to F1 racing! And repeated lightening of the hair using these kits (or any kind of bleaching product) is going to do some real damage to not only your hair, but your scalp as well if not applied properly be a professional. These side effects can include blistering, bleeding and severe irritation, change in hair texture, "woolly" hair, and breakage. Remember, your hair can only take so much, and if you damage the cortex of the hair, that hair is dead, no more, away with the fairies. Basically, it needs the chop! However, should you be reading this, and are now seriously contemplating finding yourself something to repair and reverse the damage that has been done, check out the ------- Page.
Now, tint doesn't really do any damage to the hair as such, as it is designed to only lift a certain amount of shades, and they will after around an hour, stop taking. However, home colour "bleaching kits" are a completely different thing. These kits promising salon results are about as professional to the hair care trade as a Ford Fiesta is to F1 racing! And repeated lightening of the hair using these kits (or any kind of bleaching product) is going to do some real damage to not only your hair, but your scalp as well if not applied properly be a professional. These side effects can include blistering, bleeding and severe irritation, change in hair texture, "woolly" hair, and breakage. Remember, your hair can only take so much, and if you damage the cortex of the hair, that hair is dead, no more, away with the fairies. Basically, it needs the chop! However, should you be reading this, and are now seriously contemplating finding yourself something to repair and reverse the damage that has been done, check out the ------- Page.
Super Dry
Singed Hair At The Front Hairline From Overheating
Over recent years, I have seen a sharp increase in what i call Super Dried hair, and this is basically where people have been using no heat protection and essentially frazzling the hair through blow drying, curling and straightening. The damage that is done when the hair is burnt or singed is unfortunately irreversible, and as such i recommend, recession or not, getting some heat protection!
It honestly is a small price to pay for healthy, flowing, unsigned locks, and that goes for the guys to! The makeup of hair means that it can only withstand just below 200 Centigrade, which is twice the boiling point of water, so anything more than that is just going to cripple your hair further and further without the use of heat protection. I personally recommend always using a heat protection for both blow drying and finishing off with the styling irons, heated rollers and curling tongs.
It honestly is a small price to pay for healthy, flowing, unsigned locks, and that goes for the guys to! The makeup of hair means that it can only withstand just below 200 Centigrade, which is twice the boiling point of water, so anything more than that is just going to cripple your hair further and further without the use of heat protection. I personally recommend always using a heat protection for both blow drying and finishing off with the styling irons, heated rollers and curling tongs.
Styling Irons
A Single Hair Damaged Through Over Heating
Check of the image to the right. It doesn't look pretty does it. This is what happens when you don't look after your hair and you're straightening it religiously without any form of heat protection.
The way in which styling irons work, is they flatten the hair and remove any moisture (the steam that comes off the hair). When you are doing this constantly, you are removing more and more moisture and flattening the hair further and further, doing much damage to the cortex. The "flatter" the hair gets, the more damaged it is, and the more fragile it is and eventually, something's got to give, and that is normally the cortex, causing the hair to fray and break.
Now heat protectors, and there are a fair few on the market, are designed and proven to work by absorbing the heat from the styling irons. This then greatly reduces the risk of the hair becoming damaged from the use of your trusty irons, tongs and heated rollers by adding active ingredients that will absorb the heat up to a whopping 230 centigrade! Also, a lot of these heat protectors will nourish the hair, and some of them even contain pigments to keep your colour looking fresh and vibrant.
The way in which styling irons work, is they flatten the hair and remove any moisture (the steam that comes off the hair). When you are doing this constantly, you are removing more and more moisture and flattening the hair further and further, doing much damage to the cortex. The "flatter" the hair gets, the more damaged it is, and the more fragile it is and eventually, something's got to give, and that is normally the cortex, causing the hair to fray and break.
Now heat protectors, and there are a fair few on the market, are designed and proven to work by absorbing the heat from the styling irons. This then greatly reduces the risk of the hair becoming damaged from the use of your trusty irons, tongs and heated rollers by adding active ingredients that will absorb the heat up to a whopping 230 centigrade! Also, a lot of these heat protectors will nourish the hair, and some of them even contain pigments to keep your colour looking fresh and vibrant.
TRICHORRHEXIS Nodosa
Trichorrhexis Nodosa is basically the appearance of bumps (or nodes) down the hair shaft, whitish discolouration at the tips, hair is thinned or split at the tips, or hair breaks easily. This is a condition that is predominantly caused by environmental factors, and improving grooming techniques can help sort the abnormalities.
To prevent Trichorrexis Nodosa, it is strongly reccomended that you use professional products for all 4 steps of your grooming routine, not backcombing, laying off the heat and regular cutting.
To prevent Trichorrexis Nodosa, it is strongly reccomended that you use professional products for all 4 steps of your grooming routine, not backcombing, laying off the heat and regular cutting.
Trichorrhexis Invaginata
Trichorrhexis Invaginata, or Bamboo Hair, is a genetic mutation, generally but not always an indicator of Netherton Syndrome (a condition associated with mutations in the SPINK5 gene). It isn't a curable condition, but is not contageous and is harmless when not associated with Netherton Syndrome or Ichthyosis.
The primary indicators are abnormal keratinisation down the hairshaft, and the hair looking like that of a bamboo stick. The hair is generally weaker than normal hair, but if proper care is taken when working with it, these issues can be quite easily worked with.
The only recommendation i can make with Trichorrhexis Invaginata is to take extra care, using wide toothed combs, heat protection and avoid straighteners unless you can turn them down to a maximum heat of around 80 degrees Centigrade.
The primary indicators are abnormal keratinisation down the hairshaft, and the hair looking like that of a bamboo stick. The hair is generally weaker than normal hair, but if proper care is taken when working with it, these issues can be quite easily worked with.
The only recommendation i can make with Trichorrhexis Invaginata is to take extra care, using wide toothed combs, heat protection and avoid straighteners unless you can turn them down to a maximum heat of around 80 degrees Centigrade.