There are some different types of Hair Problems are –
- Hair loss (Alopecia)
- Grey hair
- Greasy hair
- Split ends
- Dry Hair
- Dandruff
1. Hair loss (Alopecia)
Alopecia (pronounced al-oh-PEA-sha) is a hair-loss disease that affects men, women and children. The onset is often sudden, random and frequently recurrent. Although not damaging to physical health, alopecia can have severe effects on quality of life and emotional health through its impact on confidence and self-esteem.
Cause of Alopecia
The exact cause of alopecia areata isn’t known, although it’s generally agreed it’s a disease of the immune system. There is believed to be a genetic component in some cases and a possible link with stress.
Prevention
Given below are some of the most commonly recommended alopecia areata foods:
- Non animal sources of protein, like whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds
- Foods that are high in calcium, such as tofu, soy products, nuts, nut milks, soymilk and certain leafy greens
- Healthy fats like olive oil, canola oil, walnuts, flax seed and hemp seed
- Omega-3 fatty acids, found in herring, mackerel, trout, sardines, tuna and salmon
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, as they are high in antioxidants
- Vitamin B rich foods, like nuts, carrots, chard, romaine lettuce and tomatoes
There are several different foods that aggravate the condition and therefore should be strictly avoided too. Given below are some of the common foods that should be reduced by people suffering from this condition:
- Animal fat, especially meat
- Acidic food and other substances that trigger off inflammation
- Milk and dairy products
- Sweets and other sugary foods
- Refined foods, like bakery items
- Fried, oily and greasy food
2. Grey Hair
Gray hair have to be looked at as a fact of life, only a small number of people can avoid it through their exceptional genetic inheritance.It is also true that more and more people, and mostly women are starting to show gray hair before the age of 30 – the culprit being a very stressful and active lifestyle, poor diet and extensive use of hair dye products.
Causes of Grey Hair
There are multiple causes that lead to hair turning gray: starting with poor diet, oxidative stress, genetic factors and aging.
Preventions
- Avoid Junk Food, Coffee and Alcohol
- People who work consistently under pressure, stress and tension should try yoga and other relaxing techniques so as to avoid premature aging and graying of hair.
- Exercising regularly can keep you fit and healthy and can improve blood flow to your scalp as well. This results in better hair growth and in prevention of graying of hair as well.
- A proper diet so as to prevent grey hair should incorporate food items that are rich in minerals and vitamin A along with iron. Yogurt and cereals are rich in these nutrients while green vegetables and yellow fruits are equally great sources too. Such a diet aided with regular water intake usually ensures that you don’t get premature grey hair.
3. Greasy Hair
The scalp contains a natural oil called sebum, which helps keep the skin lubricated. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands. Sometimes these glands work overtime and produce too much oil, leading to a greasy scalp. Greasy hair can look dull, limp, and lifeless, and it may be more difficult to manage.
Cause of Greasy hair
- Hormones can play a role in the production of sebum, as levels can alter depending on monthly cycle, menopause, pregnancy and during puberty. Hair and scalp can often need more attention during these times.
- Environmental factors can cause hair to look greasy, as everyday pollutants can increase the dull and lifeless appearance of hair.
- Over washing the hair can cause increase sebum production as frequent washing can strip the hair and scalp of all oils causing the glands to excrete more to combat this; touching the hair can also increase the glands to over-stimulate.
- The over use of hair styling products can make hair seem greasy as the products build-up at the roots and can cause hair to look flat and heavy.
- Those with fine hair often find they suffer from excessive greasiness as they have more hair and follicles therefore there are more glands on the scalp each producing sebum.
- A diet high in fatty foods and oils will add to the greasiness of the hair and scalp.
Prevention
- Always wash hair after exercising to remove a build-up of sweaty based oils on the scalp.
- Avoid playing with your hair as the glands will produce extra oils due to the stimulation.
- Do not wear hats all of the time as the sweat produced will lie on the scalp and not be able to evaporate.
- Limit the use of treatments and styling products to allow your hair to find its natural balance.
4. Split Ends
Split ends are most often seen in long hair but also found in shorter hair. Split ends are more likely to develop in dry or brittle hair, and typical causes of damage include excessive dying or vigorous brushing.
Causes of Split Ends
- As your hair grows, the natural oils from the scalp can fail to reach the ends, making the ends of the hair more vulnerable than the roots.
- The ends of your hair have had a long exposure to the sun, gone through many shampoos and been overheated by hairdryers and straighteners, which results in dry and brittle ends which are prone to splitting.
- Not trimming your hair regularly is possibly the main cause of split ends. Prevention is better than a cure!
- Damage due to colouring when done to excess also causes dry brittle ends.
- Poor quality brushes and combs can also cause this problem.
Preventions
Have a Trim regularly.Avoid excess heat and too much brushing and combing.
- Dry hair
Chances are you will experience dry hair at some point in your life. You may even suffer from dry hair on a daily basis.The type of hair you have, your lifestyle, and how you style your hair all play a part in what causes dry hair.
Causes of Dry Hair
External Causes of dry hair
- Excessive Hair Care Habits –The overuse of heat through blow dryers, curling irons, and electric curlers only intensifies dry hair.
- Environmental Exposure – Extreme temperatures can affect the texture of your hair. If you live in an area with extreme heat or extreme cold then your hair might become brittle. Constant exposure to the sun and wind can cause dry hair. Chlorine is murder on your hair so be careful when swimming in chlorinated swimming pools. Plus be aware your local water supply may contain a high mineral content which is known to dry out hair.
Internal causes of dry hair
- Malnutrition – Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body doesn’t get enough nutrients. An inadequate diet, problems with digestion or absorption, and certain medical conditions can all play a factor. Many are surprised that malnutrition causes dry hair, but it ranks right up there with heat and chemical damage.
- Anorexia Nervosa – Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes people to lose more weight than is considered healthy, leading to nutritional deficiency. Dry hair and skin are early symptoms of anorexia.
- Menkes Syndrome – Menkes syndrome (also called Steely hair disease, Menkes kinky hair syndrome and Kinky hair disease) is an extremely serious disease caused by a gene defect. This defect prevents the cells in your body from properly absorbing copper. Low copper levels affect the structure of bone, skin, hair, blood vessels and nerve function. Dry hair is only one minor but notable symptom of Menkes.
- Hypoparathyroidism – The parathyroid glands help control calcium use and removal by the body. Hypoparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder in which the parathyroid glands in the neck do not produce enough parathyroid hormone. The disorder can occur due to injury to the parathyroid glands during head and neck surgery. Symptoms include dry hair and skin, cataracts, muscle cramps and muscle spasms.
- Hypothyroidism – The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, located in the front of your neck, produces a hormone that controls the way your body processes proteins and energy. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid fails to produce enough of the hormone. Dry hair is only one physical change that affects patients with this condition. Other symptoms include obesity, fatigue, depression, weakness, and joint or muscle pain.
Preventions
- Oil Massage – Combine coconut oil, crushed almond, and lemon juice. Warm the mixture and massage it on your scalp. Cover your head with a warm towel for about half an hour then wash your hair.
- Vinegar – Try this homemade conditioner to add moisture to your hair. Combine half a cup of vinegar and two cups of water. Apply it after shampooing then thoroughly rinse out after a few minutes.
- Eggs & Milk – Mix two eggs and a little milk with a squeeze of lemon juice and bit of coconut oil. Apply to your scalp and hair. Leave in for an hour to nourish your hair and give it vitamin support. Then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
- Avocado and Banana – Combine a small overripe banana with avocado and olive oil. Spread mixture into your hair and leave in for an hour to repair and restore hair effectively. Rinse out with warm water.
- Dandruff
Dandruff is a very common skin condition that nearly all people experience at one point in their lives regardless of age or ethnicity. It affects the not just the scalp, but also the ears, eyebrows, sides of the nose, beard, and less commonly the central (often hair-bearing) part of the chest. Dandruff can affect any hair-bearing area or an area with even very small hair follicles.
Common triggers (factors that may worsen) of dandruff include the following:
- Increased oil production
- Oily skin
- Oily scalp
- Sweating
- Poor hygiene
- Weather (hot and humid or cold and dry)
- Infrequent washing or shampooing
- Concurrent yeast or fungal skin infections or overgrowths
- Poor immune system
- Chronic illness
- Emotional or mental stress
Preventions
- Avoid exposing your scalp to excessive heat, such as through frequent use of a hair dryer.
- Practicing good skin and hair hygiene may help prevent flares of dandruff.
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