Article Surfing Archive

The two most common scalp diseases are dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, which is characterized by both redness and scaling. People often view products that treat these conditions as harsh and medicinal, but they are not.

It is common that most people think that prescription shampoos not only treat scalp diseases, but also damages hair. This misconception have led many people to choose to live with the scalp itching rather than treat it with what they fear are harmful chemicals. In the long run, more damage will be done to the untreated scalp. Technological advances now allow prescription shampoos to have the necessary medication to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis while also containing the same mild cleansers found in cosmetic shampoos.

Another very common myth is that as a person gets older, and as hair turns gray, permanent wavers and color treatment should be stronger. As people age, they lose melanin, the pigment that gives the hair color. In order to retain a youthful appearance, many people dye their hair. Hair dye interacts with the melanin already present in hair to produce the final hair color, but gray hair is less likely to dye as dark as hair that contains more melanin. Also, as hair ages, the hair shaft becomes finer, and thinner hair shafts are more susceptible to chemical damage from permanent waves and coloring.

Hair growth slows with age, meaning the same hair is often chemically treated multiple times. The more the hair is treated, the more damage is done and the more chance for hair breakage. As hair ages, perming and coloring solutions should be weaker and be left in contact with the hair for as short a period as possible. Thus, don't perm or color your hair several times just because they are grey!

It is very common that many people believe that blow drying hair with heat gives the hair body. Blow drying hair is a common morning ritual for many people. While it is a quick, convenient way to dry and style hair, blow drying damages hair as the high heat from a blow dryer can actually boil the water in the hair shaft leaving it brittle. In addition, vigorous towel rubbing or combing of wet hair also can cause hair loss, since wet hair is more elastic and more vulnerable to breakage than dry hair. Instead of blow drying, it is much better to allow your hair to 'air dry'. This will provide excellent body with less opportunity for hair shaft damage.

Keep your hair healthy by eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding over-processing with chemicals and using styling tools that are flexible and easily slip through hair. If you are experiencing itching or hair loss, visit your dermatologist to explore a treatment that will work best for you.