Many people are aware of the fact that hair is basically protein – actually, a very specific type of protein known as keratin. In order to have healthy hair, you need to have ample protein in your diet, which will get relayed to the hair. If hair is looking dull, is damaged or constantly breaking, protein deficiency may be the cause. For such people, the best way to proceed would be to opt for protein treatments. Such treatments are all the more important for people who have split ends or extremely damaged hair. When such hair receives protein treatments, each strand receives a new lease of life – the protein fills in the gaps that have emerged in the hair, making the hair stronger and more resilient to breakage and further damage.

hair
However, there is a limit to how much protein hair can take, because too much of a good thing is also not good. While hair does need protein, it also requires moisture, which is why it is essential to maintain a balance between the two. Many a times, people use hot styling tools, such as curling or straightening irons, too frequently. The extreme heat evaporates the natural moisture of the hair, making them dry, frizzy, unmanageable and also weak. This again plays around with the basic structure of the hair.
The growth of each hair starts in the base of hair follicles – it is here that each hair receives nourishment via keratin and oil. While keratin is the main part of the hair structure, the oil is relayed via the sebaceous gland. The gland, which sits at the base of the hair follicles, ensures that the hair remains moisturised and healthy. As the hair grows in length, it slowly starts to lose the moisture, and as a result its strength. This is why, as a rule thumb, the longer your hair, greater the chances for damage. So, longer hair needs more moisture and more protein, as compared to shorter hair.

There are also other factors that play an important role in depriving hair of protein, and weather is one of the biggest. Whether it is winters or summers, the extreme temperatures can play havoc with your hair. This is why it is important that you take extra care of your hair during such times. Both in the winters and summer, sun can snatch the essential hydration from hair. If there are strong winds, your hair can feel parched and this often leads to split ends. This is why it is crucial that during such extreme climates, you provide your hair with extra moisture and increase protein in your diet.
If you are someone who constantly gets several chemical treatments done on your hair, you need to ensure that you cleanse your hair on a regular basis. The chemicals that are used for such cosmetic procedures might make your hair look good, but the fact of the matter is that these do more damage than benefit. Hair becomes weak and hence becomes more prone to breakage. This is why it is important that hair is cleansed and stripped off of all these chemicals on a regular basis.
Protein treatments help with the rebuilding and restructuring of hair that has been damaged due to such processes. While extensive damage is difficult to combat, there can certainly be improvement with regular treatments. It is important to understand that hair damage cannot be repaired overnight; it will take time. So, undergoing treatments every other day, will not help; rather it will cause greater damage and more hair fall. As a matter of fact, if you undergo protein treatments at frequent intervals, your hair will lose the essential hydration and lubrication. Your hair will start to feel really hard and unpliable, which means that you will have to work harder to tame them.
Protein and keratin treatments should be done as per a schedule set out by someone qualified. So, talk to your doctor or the owner of a good salon, because they will be able to advise you about the correct frequency of such treatments. Sage advice would be to follow up each protein treatment with proper hydrating conditioning as well.
Such professional will also tell you that when you are getting a protein treatment, it would be wise to cover your head with a cap, preferably a heating cap. The heat will assist with the opening up of the cuticles, which means that the treatment will be able to reach deeper within and work from inside. This way, the actual structure of the hair will be repaired and hence, you will once again find yourself on your way to healthy hair.
There are several homemade protein treatments, which are normally created using natural ingredients, such as eggs, mayonnaise, avocado and oils. However, these might not work as quickly as certain store bought. If you are using store bought protein treatments, it is important that you follow the instructions carefully. You could also opt to head to your local salon and ask them to carry out the protein treatments, where there is less chance of anything going wrong.
While protein treatment for the hair is an essential part of bringing hair back to life, it is also important that you increase protein in your diet, along with essential fats. Taking care of your hair is the first and most important step to ensuring that you have a full head of hair for a really long time.


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While the term SLS might not be one that we use in our daily lives, the product itself is something that is a part of our lives. This articles aims at looking at SLS, how it is a part of our lives and why we might want to consider living without it!

What is SLS?

The most basic question would be what is SLS? By definition, SLS is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a foaming agent and emulsifier, which is most commonly used in products such as hair shampoos, shower gels, bubble baths,cosmetic cleansers, toothpastes and even laundry detergents. It is interesting to note that the same SLS is also used in engine degreasers, garage floor cleaners and car-wash soaps!

SLS is known to be highly corrosive and is best used to clean extremely greasy surfaces. Even though the original elements of SLS are extracted from coconuts, when certain by products are added, the final result is one that is quite toxic.

There are certain other variations of SLS and these include:

  • Sodium salt
  • Sulphuric acid
  • Sodium dodecyl sulphate
  • Monododecyl ester
  • Aquarex methyl

Then there is also sodium laureth sulphate, or SLES, which even though has a higher foaming capacity, is slightly less irritating as compared to SLS. However, Ammonium lauryl sulphate or ALS is as dangerous as SLS.

Why is it used?

Now it is obvious that you would think that when SLS is so toxic, why it is still being used so extensively. The simplest answer is that it is the most cost effective solution. SLS can dissolve and remove the toughest of grease and that is why it is used to clean garages and engines. However, while the same SLS can also clean oils found on the body and scalp, it is bound to dry out the skin too. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that SLS can denature the proteins that are found in the skin and scalp. This eventually leads to irritation and can even facilitate the faster movement of environmental contaminants into the skin.

Why is it dangerous?

Here are just some of the reasons why SLS is dangerous:

  • SLS gets absorbed into the skin and once it gets into the skin, it starts imitating the activities that are normally in the nature of oestrogen. This in turn leads to several other problems, which can vary from symptoms of menopause, a decline in male fertility and even breast cancer!
  • The dangers of SLS are even higher when it comes to children, because in them, the chemical is known to create harsher conditions. For instance, studies have shown that constant usage of SLS can lead to damage in the eyes or hinder proper eye development. In most cases, the damage caused is so severe that there is no treatment for the same.
  • Even in adults, SLS can penetrate into the eyes, liver, heart and even the brain. The bigger problem is that the SLS gets retained in the tissues for a really long time. in adults, this very retention can also lead to cataract.
  • SLS does have a clinical use, which is to create skin irritation for studies and researches. However, imagine if this same irritation continues for a long time!
  • SLS can also attack the hair follicles, which means that it can lead to hair loss as well.
  • It is a common ingredient found in bubble baths, but not everyone knows that it can actually wash away the protective layer of the skin, and eventually cause rashes and other infections.
  • When you use SLS, it strips away all the natural moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and leading to further irritation.

However, the biggest problem with SLS is that when it reacts with certain other chemicals, it leads to the formation of nitrates, and nitrates can lead to cancer.

Why you might want to stay away from SLS?

  • As per a study conducted by the American College of Toxicity, SLS corrodes the fats and proteins that are essential for the creation and maintenance of the human skin and scalp. The SLS that you find in your shampoo and bubble bath can also be found in floor cleaners and car wash soaps!
  • In many cases, it has been noticed that people who struggle with issues such dermatitis, dandruff and canker sores have been using products with SLS since a long time.
  • SLS can also lead to major problems with eyes, brain, liver and heart. While eyes can develop cataract, children who are exposed to SLS can have deformed eyes.
  • In order to manufacture SLS, toxic solvents are used, and these include nitrates. These are the very nitrates that are known to cause cancer.
  • The biggest reason for you to stop using SLS is the fact that it can enhance the power of penetration. This means that tiny molecules will be able to penetrate the membranes of your body and enter the cells. Eventually, your body will become more vulnerable and other dangerous toxins will be able to affect your body.

There are also other reasons why SLS should not be used and some of the more prominent ones are mentioned here:

The actual process of manufacturing SLS is one that leads to high levels of pollution. Factories that produce SLS emit organic compounds that are highly volatile and carcinogenic. In addition, the waste from such factories is known to pollute groundwater and also harm aquatic life. The same water can then seep into the water table, leading to the pollution of drinking water as well.

There are plenty of shampoos, bubble baths and shower gels being produced these days, which have no SLS and are completely natural. So, when you head to the supermarket the next time, make sure you pick a product that does not have SLS.

 


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It does not matter which part of the world you live in, and what season of the year it is, frizz can trouble you any time and if you have frizzy hair, you would be well aware of how harrowing it can get. For most women, their hair is their true crowning glory and they will take great care to ensure that it looks perfect, all the time. However, for most women, frizz is a big time enemy and they will go to any lengths to ensure that it stays away.

Let’s first look at the major reasons that you might have to face frizz:

When your hair is wet, it expands and the bonds that are created within each hair by protein, changes. The same condition also arises when there is a change in the weather or your hair has to face different conditions. When you style your hair, your hair behaves, but only till the time that it is not affectefizzy haird by the environmental conditions. The minute your hair reacts with humidity and the static electricity present naturally, frizz will start to appear. Generally, we abuse our hair, without even knowing that we are doing so – we step in and out of air few conditioning, use harsh chemicals and extreme heat and often take little time on a daily basis to care for it. In addition, during winters as well as summers, we wear hats of different types and these are taken off when we step indoors and put back on, when we step out. Not only do we squash our hair, but also accumulate sweat, giving it no space to dehydrate. All this wreaks havoc on your hair, making them frizzy and uncontrollable.

 

 

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most important do’s and don’t for frizzy hair:

  • Water is your best friend, which is why you need to make sure that you drink lots of it.
  • Instead of massaging your hair with shampoo, do it with the conditioner, because this will allow the natural oils of the hair to remain.
  • You could also invest in a water filter that fits on your shower head, because then you can be sure that the water you are using to wash your hair is free from chlorine and other dangerous minerals.
  • Try to use your hair dryer a little lesser than usual and allow your hair to dry naturally. If you do have to use the dryer, use it on the cooler setting and do the same in a downward motion, because this will allow lesser tangling.

 

  • While you might think that shampooing your hair every day is the best way to keep it clean, it is also the best way to dry and damage it. Ideally, you should shampoo twice a week and you can use your conditioner, every alternate day, after simply rinsing your hair with water.
  • Hot water might feel heavenly on your body, but it is not meant for your hair, because hot water will strip your hair of natural oils, leaving them dry and prone to frizz.
  • Towel drying might seem the way to go, but it is better that you leave your hair loosely tied in your towel for ten minutes.
  • You might feel that a fine toothed comb will allow you to comb your hair minutely, it will also lead to higher levels of breakage and frizz.
  • When you choose hair care products which have alcohol, you might think that your hair will look nice, but the fact of the matter is that you will end up burning and damaging them. Hot styling tools combined with alcohol are a sure way to singe your hair and damage them permanently.
  • It is also crucial not to skip your regular hair trims, because these help avoid split ends, which are a major reason for frizz.

There are several easy remedies, which can help control frizz and some of them include:

  • If you are truly concerned about the frizz in your hair, then you need to keep olive oil or coconut oil handy at all times. Simply warm a small amount of either of these oils and apply generously to the length of your hair. Take the time to gently massage the oil into your scalp and leave for at least half an hour a few hours. Then you can wash off most of the oil, with your regular shampoo, but make sure that you do not repeat the shampoo. You can use your normal conditioner and gently dry your hair.
  • Fruits such as avocados, bananas and apples have a great way of handling frizz, however, the method of using each is a little different. For instance, if you are using avocado, mash a ripe one with a little olive oil or yogurt and apply all over your hair, before washing it off after a while. Similarly, ripe or even over ripe bananas can be used to create hair masks, by combining the same with yogurt or honey and use it to nourish your hair. Apple works best when used in the form of apple cider vinegar, which combined with water, can be used as the last rinse, after regular shampooing and conditioning.

Frizz might not be completely avoidable, but it certainly is tamable, provided you are willing to make a few changes in your daily routine and are willing to try a few easy home remedies.

 


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There are numerous reasons that could lead to hair loss, however, the best method of curing the same would be by firstly understanding the underlying cause. One reason that has led to serious hair loss related problems include thyroid playing truant. In order to treat hair loss caused by thyroid, it is essential that we understand what thyroid is and why it is that it creates such situations.

What is thyroid?

The thyroid gland is perhaps one of the largest glands in the body’s endocrinal system and sits in the neck. The main functions include regulation of metabolism of the body and also helps in the synthesis of various proteins.

When there is an imbalance in the hormones, there are bound to be visible changes in the body, and one of them happens to be hair loss. While hair loss and growth of new hair is an ongoing process, hormonal imbalances can lead to serious issues in the hair growth cycle.

hair loss thyroid

How are thyroid and hair loss connected?

When there is an imbalance in the thyroid gland, there can be mainly two conditions – hypothyroidism (a drastic decrease in the activity of the gland) or hyperthyroidism (a drastic increase in the activity of the gland). And it has been shown that either one of these conditions can lead to hair loss. As a matter of fact, when there is hair loss due to either one of these conditions, it will be spread over the entire scalp, and not limited. In most cases, regrowth does happen with proper treatment, but the same could take a long time.

Each hair goes through a cycle – when it grows, when it rests and when it falls off, giving place to a new hair. At any given point of time, each hair on your head is going through one of these phases, but when there are changes in your thyroid gland, the entire cycle is thrown off balance. It is this situation that leads to the hair loss, thinning of hair, and in the most extreme cases, baldness.

While many people might not be aware of this, the thyroid gland is essential for the proper growth of hair, and any changes in the same will lead to changes in the manner in which hair grows. If not detected and treated in time, the condition can worsen quite quickly. As a matter of fact, if there is an excess of thyroid, the hair on the head can become quite thin, all over the scalp and if there is deficiency, the hair becomes coarse and sparse all over the body.

In most cases, where there is hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, chances are that it is an autoimmune condition, and if there is one autoimmune condition present in the body, there is always the possibility of another one emerging soon after. Studies have shown that alopecia areata arises in such people, more than others and can lead to hair loss in certain areas. Yet another condition that is often associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases and can manifest itself in the form of hair loss is polycystic ovarian syndrome.

What are the symptoms of thyroid diseases?

As is the case with any disease, the manner in which it presents itself, might vary in a subtle way, from person to person. However, some of the most common symptoms of thyroid diseases include:

  • Drastic changes in weight – there can either be a sudden gain in weight or sudden loss of weight
  • Dryness in the skin as well as hair
  • Loss of hair, from head or even other parts of the body
  • Pigmentation over face and body
  • Nail changes
  • Mood swings or even sudden changes in mood, ranging from irritation, nervousness or anxiety
  • Sleeping too much or suffering from insomnia (lack of sleep)
  • Weakness in muscles or pain in the same
  • An inability to tolerate extreme temperatures
  • Impairment in cognition, including trouble focusing or concentrating on things or even remembering
  • In women, there could be the problem of abnormal menstruation

Which are the common tests and investigative methods to detect thyroid problems?

Some of the most commonly conducted tests to detect whether the person is suffering from thyroid disorders include:

  • Serum TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
  • T3,T4 levels, free T3, free T4
  • Thyroid stimulating antibodies
  • TRH

How are thyroid diseases treated?

If you have been losing hair because of thyroid related problems, you should meet a doctor immediately, because many a times, quick diagnosis and treatment could lead to faster recovery. Once the hormones are back to normal, your hair too should return to being healthy.

Determining the precise dosage might take a little time, and during this time period, things could go slightly bad for your hair. At such a time, you could ask your doctor to prescribe certain growth stimulants, which will help keep a tab on the hair loss.

If the body has a disease, it will take time to treat the same, and if you are suffering from hair loss because of a thyroid imbalance, you will have to be prepared for the same. It is best that you give the treatment the time to take effect and in the meantime, you could read up on the condition you are suffering from. If someone tells you about miracle cures, do not fall for them. It is also important that you take sufficient care in washing and combing your hair, and at times like these, it is best that you stay away from over styling the same.


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The “hair” industry is abuzz with a lot of new and somewhat unproven treatments. While going through the internet, I have come across the use of placental extracts which are being tried by some people although I do not have any personal experience with this type of treatment.

When a woman becomes pregnant, she develops a brand new organ, the placenta, which is present only till the time her baby is inside her womb. It’s main function is supply nutrition to the feotus in mother’s womb. And once the baby is out in the world, the job of the placenta is done, which is why it is pulled out of the body and disposed off. However, since the placenta is packed with nutrients, several animals actually eat the placenta after their little ones are born.

There is new research which shows that certain placentas are exceptionally good for your hair too! The particular animal placenta in question here happens to be that of sheep. While there are obvious benefits to using sheep placenta, the usage of the same is still not accepted worldwide. However, the fact of the matter is that it is a rich source of protein, which can assist in the rebuilding of your hair as well as restructuring it. Using it regularly could actually make your hair a lot shinier and certainly much more manageable. And given that you need to apply it to your hair and not consume it, using it should not be much of a problem.

Once a lamb is born, the placenta of the sheep is used to create this protein treatment, and this means that there is no harm done to the lamb or to the sheep. This all natural product is a rich source of protein and can work wonders for hair that is dry, damaged or frizzy and difficult to maintain. Hair is mainly made of keratin, which is a kind of protein, and while it is easy enough to include protein in the daily diet, quite often the same is not enough. In such conditions, using sheep hair placenta would be the best bet.

Sheep hair placenta is actually a special protein treatment that has been designed to treat, nurture and nourish hair that has been damaged due to colouring, bleaching or other chemical treatments. Most people who have used the product have testified that they have been able to see results from the very first time. They have said that their hair has felt smooth, silky and more manageable.

Let us now look at why hair placenta is being used:

  • To fill in the gaps that appear due to damage in the hair caused by chemical or heat based treatments.
  • To increase the tensile strength of hair, which means that it will not break easily. And when hair does not break easily, a better volume is easy to observe.
  • Regular usage of sheep placenta is known to increase the shine in hair, all the while making them more manageable.
  • While hair does become silkier, it is also easy to notice a drastic reduction in frizz.
  • There is also a smoothening of hair cuticles, which further strengthens hair.
  • In comparison to other protein treatments, sheep placenta is more cost effective.

This treatment is ideal for people who have hair that is fragile and extremely brittle. Excessive usage of hair irons, curling tongs and regular colouring also lead to damaged hair.

Moving onto the types of sheep placenta treatments that are available:

There are mainly two types of treatment available at the moment – wash off and leave in.

Wash off placenta treatment – There are two ways of using this treatment – the first one is by shampooing and conditioning hair in a normal manner. Once you have towelled your hair properly, you can apply the protein treatment and cover your hair with a cap. It is best that the treatment is left in hair for forty to sixty minutes and then hair can be rinsed with normal water.

The second manner of using wash off treatments is to apply the same to dry hair and leave it in for the entire day or overnight. Then simply wash the treatment with a moisturising shampoo and conditioner.

Leave-in placenta treatment – This kind of treatment works in somewhat the same manner as any other leave in conditioner. Once the hair has been washed and conditioned, you can apply the leave-in placenta; however, such treatments are not meant to be used on a daily basis.

These days, there are pills available, which contain extracts of sheep placenta, and these are certainly a better choice for people who are not comfortable with the idea of applying animal placenta on their heads.

However, there are still studies being conducted into the possible side effects of using sheep placenta on a regular basis. There were certain studies that showed that young girls, who used such products on a prolonged basis, were developing breasts earlier than what would be considered natural. In addition, there was also abnormal hair growth in the pubic areas of several girls. The moment the treatments were stopped, so did the abnormalities.

For people struggling with constant bad hair days and those who are beyond puberty, this might be the answer. It is advisable that you talk to your doctor or trusted salon owner before starting on a course of sheep placenta. In case, there are any side effects, it is best that you stop the treatment immediately.


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There are so many people, all over the world, who struggle with their dry hair each day and constantly feel that there is no way they can look stunning. But the fact of the matter is that looking stunning is easy, even for people with dry hair. There are numerous hair masks, which are not only easy to make, but will ensure that your hair receives the moisture it deserves. These hair masks should most certainly be used at times when there is a major dip or hike in the temperatures.

Hot as well as cold temperature can affect your hair and make them even more unmanageable. In addition, the hair can react to the extreme temperatures becoming brittle and weak from the roots. However, hair masks, when properly used can improve your hair, making them healthy and strong.

Easy hair masks for dry hair:

In this article, we will look at some of the easy to make hair masks, which are also great methods of hydrating hair in all seasons:

dry hair

Nut oils: There are several nuts, which yield oils that are nothing less than elixir for dry hair, and once you start using them regularly, you will start noticing a drastic change in your hair. Oils in general are great for hydration of hair, and should be used on a regular basis. Most oils are easy to wash off with your normal shampoo, but you need to make sure that you oil your hair liberally, which will ensure that even after you wash it off, the hydration remains.

Some of the nuts that will work great for dry hair include macadamia, coconut and almond. While coconut and almond oils are easy enough to find, macadamia oil is a little harder to source at times. You could either apply these oils directly to your scalp or you could mix a small amount with your regular conditioner.

To make a hair mask – Warm some coconut oil and add a small spoonful of curry powder (which can be purchased from most speciality stores). Ensure that the mixture has been mixed really well. Apply this mix to hair that has been dampened slightly, cover your hair and allow the mixture to work its magic overnight. In the morning, you can wash it off with a gentle shampoo.

Aloe vera: Over the past few years, more and more people are recognising the benefits of aloe vera. The juicy looking plant has tremendous moisturising properties and can be used for dry hair as well. The easiest way of using it would be to break off a stem and apply the oozing liquid directly onto your hair. Alternately, you could mix the liquid to your regular conditioner and apply to the length of your hair, concentrating on the roots.

To make a mask –Mix four parts of aloe vera gel with two parts coconut oil and two parts of yoghurt. Ensure there are no lumps and apply generously to the entire length of hair. If you have longer hair, simply double the quantities. The mask works best when applied to slightly wet hair and left for twenty to thirty minutes.

Eggs: Eggs are great sources of protein, but not a lot of people are aware of the fact that it is great for hair as well. Eggs, especially the whites, contain numerous essential ingredients such as folate, selenium and of course proteins. These are known to assist the strengthening of weak hair.

To make a mask – Take one egg and beat it well with a few tablespoons of water. If you have really long hair, you can simply double the quantities. Apply the same to your hair and leave for a while, before washing it off with your normal shampoo.

You can also make a mask using only the whites – separate the white from the yolk and whisk till frothy. Now mix a few drops of water and whisk again, before applying to slightly wet hair and leaving for a minimum of thirty minutes. Rinse the same off with a small amount of shampoo.

Fruits: While consuming fruits is essential for a healthy body and hair, you can also use several fruits to create hair masks that will work magic. Some of the best fruits to create hydrating hair masks for dry hair include mangoes, bananas and avocadoes.

To make a mask– Take one ripe mango and mash it well. Mix the same with two egg yolks and two large spoons of either yoghurt or mashed strawberry. You can replace the strawberry with blueberry also.

For the avocado hair mask, you can blend together one ripe avocado, one large spoon of honey and two spoons of oil. Alternately, you could mix the avocado mash with one teaspoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of sea salt and the same quantity of aloe gel.

As for the banana mask, use one ripe banana and combine it with one egg, honey and milk in equal quantities. Blend in some oil (you can use coconut or olive oil) and use this mask on your hair. To make a simply version of this mask, simply combine mashed banana with a small amount of almond oil.

Tips for hair masks:

So you are ready with your hair masks, but there are a few things that you need to keep in mind before using it:

  • Before you apply a hair mask, make sure you have shampooed and conditioned your hair properly.
  • Ensure that you apply the mask in those parts of your hair, which are most dry.
  • Rather than using fancy tools to spread the mask through your hair, use your own two hands to do the same. You can wear gloves while doing so, to keep your hands clean. It is best that you not comb your hair, when the mask is in your hair.
  • Use a shower cap or towel to cover your hair, after applying the mask. If you have a heated cap, that would be the best option. Warmth actually helps the mask work better, so you can sit inside a sauna or crank up the heat in your room for a while.

These kinds of dry hair remedies are meant to nourish your hair from within, and make sure that your hair looks soft, conditioned and healthy.


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In the previous article, we looked at what hair porosity is all about and how you can gauge whether your hair has low porosity or not. We also looked at how low porosity of hair can cause trouble for your entire head of hair.
In this article, we will continue to look at the same topic, but here we will look into what can be done to correct the condition and how the porosity can be improved.
From the moment you start working towards the improvement of your hair porosity, you will notice that hair that had seemed dull and lifeless for so many days, will start looking and feeling healthy. Ensuring better hair porosity will become all the more important, when your hair does not respond to treatments and breaks off easily. When your hair has the right level of porosity, it will feel healthy, shiny and thick.

Let us first look at how an imbalance in porosity can cause trouble for your hair:

Porous hair might look like it is very dry, however, the fact is that it can still absorb a large amount of water. Studies have shown that hair can absorb almost 30 percent of its actual weight and if your hair is overly porous, it can absorb ten to twenty percent more! While many people might think that more the moisture absorption, the better it is, but the fact is far from it. If hair is absorbing that much moisture, it will lose the same with just as much ease. Let’s go back to the example of a sponge – a sponge can absorb large amount of water in one go, but the moment you wring it, all the water will be lost too.
When your hair absorbs too much water, the actual structure of the hair is compromised and makes it weak. The excess moisture stretches the hair by more than 30 percent, which is what makes it weak and prone to breakage. If the process continues over an elongated period of time, there can be irreversible damage to the first two layers of the hair. This is why you should not leave your hair wet for too long. Allow it to dry naturally or use a hair dryer with settings that are on the lower side.
If your hair is not absorbing as much moisture, it could possibly be because of the cuticles are raised and there is damage to the scales as well. When the cuticles are in a raised condition, the moisture is able to escape much more easily, which is why hair becomes dry. So, the easiest way of controlling hair porosity is to repair the cuticles.
When the hair absorbs moisture, quite obviously, it becomes longer and your hair feels heavier. However, it is important to remember that like any sponge, when there is constant absorption and removal of water, hair too will start to become saturated. Eventually, your hair too will start to wilt and lose the original structure. This is when you will need to take corrective measures for your hair.

Now, let’s look at methods by which the hair porosity can be improved:

  • Perhaps the best way to treat low hair porosity is to increase the amount of protein, both in hair as well as in your diet. The easiest way would be treat your hair to regular protein treatments. Hair is essentially made up of keratin, which is actually a type of protein and when there are gaps in the hair, protein can fill the same up, quite easily. Protein is able to bind with the gaps in the hair and offer the same a chance to heal on its own. When you use protein regularly, the hair will be able to hold the right amount of moisture and make its way to becoming healthier.

However, you need to take care of the amount of protein you use, because too much protein and you will end up with hair that is dry and ready to break. Just because protein is good for your hair does not mean that you should overdo the same. The protein treatments should be spaced over time and should be done with proper gaps. Alternately, you could follow up each protein treatment with proper moisturising or use hair reconstruction products. Such deep conditioning will assist greatly with the improvement of porosity of the hair.

  • If you have hair that is coloured or are planning to do so, it would be best that you follow up each protein treatment with a conditioner that is meant exclusively for coloured hair. It is also important your hair conditioner is one that suits your actual hair type. The conditioner will allow the hair cuticles to close and retain the moisture within. In addition, the conditioner will also help with the maintenance of the pH levels of your hair.
  • Yet another method of bringing hair porosity to normal would be to use hair glazes, at least once in a month. This should be done after you have completed your protein treatment, and you can decide whether you want a coloured glaze or a clear one. If you have coloured your hair, you can use a hair glaze that matches the same and this will also allow you to enhance the current hair colour. Glazes will not only protect your hair but also help with the recovery process.
  • It is also important to clarify your hair once in a while, and you could simply purchase a clarifying shampoo for your local stores. It is also easy to make a clarifying rinse at home – combine a small amount of apple cider vinegar with some tap water and use that as the second last rinse. Once you have shampooed and conditioned your hair, use this concoction and finally rinse with normal water.

When your hair is back to being properly porous, you will notice how healthy and shiny it looks and feels!


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Your hair is more than just your crowning glory – it is a part of your personality and for many, it is the foundation of their confidence. However, most people are of the opinion that as long as long as they oil, shampoo and condition their hair regularly, there is all that there is to it. The truth is actually much more than this, because there are several aspects to having healthy and beautiful looking hair. One such aspect related to hair is hair porosity and there are several people who have no idea what it means.

Let’s try to understand the concept of porosity – imagine a sponge, which is completely porous. While it can absorb a lot of water in one go, the moment you squeeze it, all the moisture is lost. Imagine the same condition in your hair – if your hair is porous it will absorb a lot of moisture, but the same moisture will be easy enough to lose as well. On the other hand, if your hair is not at all porous, then it will not absorb any moisture. So, hair needs to have the right amount of porosity to be healthy.

The porosity of hair is highly dependent on how much moisture your hair is able to absorb and take beyond the cuticle layer, into the cortex level. So, it is important to keep a close eye on the cuticles of the hair, in order to keep the porosity under check.

Studies have shown that darker hair are lesser porous, as compared to blonde hair; but all hair does have some amount of porosity. Almost all hair has three layers – the outer most layer being the cuticle and the next being cortex. People, who have really thick hair, will have another well developed inner layer, known as medulla. The outer most layer is either open or closed and in some cases, it is somewhere in between. Normally, this layer has tiny scales, which tend to stand out. When these scales stand up, your hair will look frizzy and dry, whereas their lying flat is what leads to smooth looking hair.

Generally, the lifted scales do not lie flat against each other leading to a condition of low porosity. When the same hair is subjected to chemical treatments regularly, the condition worsens and the porosity increases. Porous hair actually absorb more colour, which means that such hair will look better when they are coloured, but since they are already damaged, the extent of the same will be greater, when the hair colour starts to wear off. The ends of our hair are normally more porous, as compared to the roots, mainly because they are more exposed.

So, if you are constantly having bad hair days, even though you hydrate them regularly, maybe there is something wrong with the porosity!

    What causes poor porosity?

There are several factors that can lead to poor porosity of the hair and these include:

  • Usage of harsh chemicals, such as bleach or colours
  • Other chemical treatments such as permanent straightening or perming
  • Constant use of heating tools such as curling or straightening irons
  • Pulling on wet hair
  • Regular use of shampoos and conditioners that have strong chemicals
  • Constant exposure to extreme temperatures

    How can the hair porosity be determined?

Checking the level of hair porosity is actually not all that difficult and there are numerous tests which can be done to determine the same. Some of the tests include:

Test 1: Take some hair from either your head or from your hairbrush and place them in a glass of water. If your hair is floating, then your hair does not suffer from poor porosity. However, there are some ifs and buts to this test:

  • Hair is normally light, which means that there is quite a strong chance that it will float in the water.
  • If you are someone who uses leave in conditioners or gentle oils after shampooing, your hair will float.
  • Naturally oily hair will also float.
  • Coarse hair is a little heavier, which means that it will sink.
  • The temperature of the water you are using for the test will also make a difference, because hot water will remove any and all oils on the hair, making them sink.

Test 2: Another method of checking the hair porosity is the fingernail test. For this test, you need to make sure that the glass you are using is clean and dry. There should be no residue in the glass, from conditioners, oils or any other hair care products. Pull out a single strand of hair and make sure that you retain the root of the hair as well. Now simply run your fingernail from the end of the hair to the root.

If your fingernail pulls or tugs at any part of the hair, then you might need to look to handling a poor hair porosity issue. When you wet your hair and the feeling is one of mushiness or your hair tends to overstretch when you run your comb through it, there is a problem of elasticity with your hair and this is a sure sign of hair lacking the porosity that it needs.

In the next article, we will take a look at how you can ensure that your hair is the right amount of porous. In addition, we will also look at the necessity of improving hair porosity for healthy hair.


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There are so many people who are bored with hair colour and are constantly looking at ways of changing the same. While colouring hair is no longer a major financial or time based investment, there are things that you will have to keep in mind to protect the colour. It does not matter whether you have coloured your hair at home or at an expensive salon, you need to make sure that you do everything to keep it safe and protected. Here are some best hair coloring ideas to make you hair color last longer.

The right shampoo will make all the difference:

When you step into the shampoo aisle of the supermarket, you will notice that there are plenty of bottles that claim to be colour safe or colour preserving, but the fact of the matter is that all these are the same. When shampoos are formulated, they are all basically the same, which is why it is important that you pick out a shampoo that suits your hair type. So, if you have dry or oil hair, pick out a shampoo that suits the same.

Hair Color Ideas

You might think that sulphate will harm the colour in your hair, but again, there is no real need for the same. The cleaning agents that are present in sulphate based shampoos are pretty much the same as those in the sulphate free ones. It would be a good idea to talk to your local salon staff, because they will be able to guide you to the most suited shampoos.

It is important that you understand that no matter how much care you take of your hair, your colour will start to fade after a few weeks. So, there is no point in investing in any high fangled products – stick to a good shampoo and wash your hair with gentle care. It would be a good idea to purchase a shampoo that has some amount of conditioner mixed in with it and then you can follow the washing procedure with a regular conditioner.

Stay away from water:

As odd as it might sound, not washing your hair every day is the best way to protect your colour for a really long time. It is important that you keep your hair clean, but washing and shampooing it every day is certainly not the way out. It might be a wise decision to purchase a dry shampoo, which will not only cleanse the hair and scalp, but ensure that the colour is retained.

If you are planning a holiday on the beach or hitting the pool for your regular laps, make sure that you keep your hair tied up and under a shower cap. In case you do want to flaunt your hair, make sure that you apply some leave in conditioner, before you step into the water. In addition, make sure that you wet your hair with tap water before and after your fun in the water.

The conditioner is just as important as the shampoo:

You realize that you need to pick out a shampoo that suits your hair type, but what you need to realize is that you need to choose the conditioner with just as much care. There are plenty of bottles in the stores today, to completely confuse you, but the rule is pretty much the same as is the case with shampoos – pick a conditioner that suits your hair type. However, a conditioner is essential, because when you colour your hair, you are actually treating it with chemicals, and the conditioner will provide it the much needed hydration and protection.

There are cleansing conditioners available in stores these days, but these are not the best bet, because they are simply skipping the shampoo part. When you do not cleanse your hair and scalp, you are creating a ground for germs and bacteria to grow. If you are looking into cleansing conditioners, use them with a gentle shampoo or use them on an alternating basis.

Then there are also colour depositing conditioners, which will not protect your hair colour, but will certainly make them look a little more vibrant. There is however a downside to these – colour depositing hair care products tends to build up on the hair, over time, which is not good for the general health of your hair. In addition, certain products are known to stain on fabrics too, which means that you could end up losing not only a few extra hair, but also a few clothes!

Sunscreen for your hair

While you might lather sunscreen on your face and body, you need to remember that your hair needs care too. So, if you are planning to spend a long time in the sun and have recently colored your hair, you need to make sure that you keep your hair protected. A hat or scarf would be the easiest way to protect your hair, because if there is extended exposure to ultraviolet rays, the molecules in the hair colour will start to oxidise.

If you are not too keen on hiding your hair under a hat, you can look for hair care products which have a high sun protection factor or SPF. Certain spray-on sunscreens have high alcohol content too, which is why they need to be used with care. While they might not damage the hair, they will certainly dry them. In case you are stepping into water or planning to get your hair wet, you will have to keep reapplying the sunscreen.

For those of you who have coloured their hair recently, it would best that they stay away from other styling tools, including straighteners and curling tongs for a while, because heat is the biggest enemy of the colours.

Image Credit : www.garnierusa.com


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There are certain medications which might be in your medicine cabinet, but there is quite the chance that you might have no idea what it is truly does and how it can affect your crowning glory. In this article, we will look at the three most common medications that can have a severe effect on hair.

Aldactone (Spironolactone)

Normally, Aldactone is prescribed to those people who are suffering from high blood pressure. It is basically a diuretic that prevents the reabsorption of sodium from the kidneys and removes it through the urine.However, the levels of potassium in body are not decreased unlike other diuretics.medicines

In addition, Aldactone also has anti-androgenic affects, which spells good results for women who might be suffering from hair loss. As a matter of fact, this medicine has a chemical composition that works as a weak competing inhibitor of the binding of androgens to the cellular level receptors and also reduces the synthesis of the androgens.

It is thus useful in cases of hormonal and resistant acne, females with excess facial hair (hirsutism) and female androgenetic alopecia, as all these conditions are due to the excessive action of androgenic hormones.

However, this medicine is not the best course of treatment for men, because when the testosterone production is reduced, there is the chance of breasts getting enlarged and the sexual abilities getting hampered. Even with women, there is the chance of hyperkalemia (a condition in which the potassium levels are very high), cramps and even diarrhoea. This is why it is crucial that the medication be taken only after a consultation with a doctor.

Birth control pills

Oral contraceptive pills or birth control pills are usually given for contraceptive effect. These contain estrogens and sometimes progestins. There are newer pills like Diene-35 that contain estrogens plus cyproterone acetate, which is an effective anti-androgen

Oestrogens in the pill can stimulate the growth of hair, because it is able to elongate the anagen phase of the hair’s growth cycle. The anti-androgenic action make them effective in the treatment of hormonal acne, hirsutism and female androgenic alopecia where the excess androgens are always the culprit.

However, these pills should never be self-prescribed as they can produce side effects which can be quite harmful to your body. It is always best that you talk to your doctor first and ensure that the pills you are taking are rightly indicated and suits your body.

Avodart (Dutasteride)

In the year 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Avodart, which is actually Dutasteride 0.5mg. The medicine was originally meant to treat the enlargement of prostrate in men.

Like Finasteride, Dutasteride is also an inhibitor of enzyme 5 alpha-reductase, which is what converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone or DHT. However, while Finasteride inhibits only the Type II form of 5 alpha-reductase, Dutasteride blocks Type I as well as II. It is three times more potent than finasteride at inhibiting type II form of enzyme and 100 times more potent at inhibiting the type I form. So, while for many people, the medicine becomes doubly effective, for many others, it also presents greater side effects.

Studies have shown that the Type II version of the enzyme can be found mostly in the hair follicles, while the Type I form can be found in the scalp as well as the sebaceous glands. Dutasteride decrease the serumsebum DHT by more than 90% and the scalp DHT by almost 55%. However, Finasteride reduces the same factors by only 70 and 40 % respectively.

Dutasteride, however, has not had all positive reviews, because there have been a number of people who have noticed severe side effects. These have ranged from decreased libido, ejaculation disorders and even impotence in certain cases. In certain men, there was also noticed tenderness in breasts and enlargement of the same. The medicine also has an effect on Prostate-Specific Antigen or PSA, which is crucial for the detection of prostate cancer, however like finasteride it is also said to have an overall  preventive effect in the development of prostate cancer. So if you are planning to use Dutasteride, always get the opinion of an experienced dermatologist on when to start and the proper dosage.

Latisse (Bimatoprost)

Latisse is the very first medication that has been approved by FDA and is a topical solution for growing eyelashes. When applied properly, and at least once a day, the medication is known to assist growth of eyelashes. However, the medication can be obtained only through a doctor’s prescription. The initial purpose of prescribing Latisse was to treat eye conditions, especially those associated with glaucoma. Further studies showed that the chemical composition could also assist the darkening and growth of eyelashes.

The main ingredient in Latisse, Bimatoprost, is a compound that is resultant from fatty acids. These are designed with the intention of binding prostaglandin receptors, which are normally present in the outer root sheath as well as the dermal papilla of the hair follicle.

While the exact manner in which Bimatoprost works is still a little hazy, studies have shown that it might work because of its effect on the growth of hair follicles. This takes place because the percentage of hair that are still in the anagen phase are increased. Even the size of the dermal papilla or the hair bulb is known to increase in size, with regular usage of Bimatoprost; hence the thick and lustrous look of eyelashes.

There are however a few side effects, which have been noticed with constant usage of Bimatoprost. These include itchiness around the eyes, redness and sometimes, even pigmentation of the skin.

So, if you have any of these medications in your cabinet, make sure that you have spoken to a doctor beforehand and use them in the proper manner.


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