Wednesday, August 15, 2007

TIPS FOR DANDRUFF TO AVOID HAIR LOSS...


Treat dandruff to avoid hair loss:


Studies have shown that more than 50% of people with hair loss problem also have dandruff and itchy scalp problem. Dandruff does not necessarily lead to hair loss, but can contribute to it and is a warning sign from the body to inform us that the scalp is not going well. You should therefore try to check your lifestyle, diet and hair care products you are using. Treating dandruff early, means preventing hair loss.

Formation of dandruff:

The scalp continually sheds dead cells which are replaced by new ones. This natural process which consists of migration of cells from deeper layers to the scalp occurs about once a month. For a healthy scalp, the process goes on normally without us noticing that the scalp is being replaced.

However, dandruff arises when the process is speeded and cells migrate to the scalp at a faster rate and are unable to shed normally. From a medical point of view, dandruff occurs due to an increase in male hormone (testosterone), which triggers sebaceous glands making them produce more sebum.

There are two types of dandruff, dry and greasy (seborrhea).Dry dandruff sheds off easily when you shake the hair while greasy dandruff is humid and sticky and have a tendency to stick to the hair.

Causes of dandruff:

There may be various causes of dandruff and problems of the scalp are closely related to one’s state of health. Dandruff tends to set when you feel tired, stressed, nervous or when you do not use hair care products that suit you.

If you do not have too much dandruff, you need not worry. However if you find that dandruff is increasing, scalp is itchy and you are experiencing hair loss, you have to seek treatment before the condition worsens. Below are some tips which will help you.

Useful tips to reduce dandruff:

1. You should have shampoo regularly but take care to use a shampoo that will suit you. You should always rinse properly and do not leave any product. While having a shampoo, try to massage the scalp with finger tips.

2. If you are prone to dry dandruff, you should include more vitamin A in your diet. Sources of Vitamin A are: cod liver oil, red, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits, egg yolks and deep green leafy vegetables. And if you have seborrhea, you should include more vitamin B in your diet and avoid foods with a high fat content like chocolates, butter, fried foods. Sources of Vitamin B are: lean beef, poultry, egg yolks, liver, milk, brewer’s yeast, whole grains, nuts and seeds, soy products, deep green leafy vegetables, peas and beans.

3. Have enough sleep and relaxing yourself will greatly help to reduce dandruff. Going for a balanced diet also will greatly help.

4. Avoid alcoholic drinks, smoking and hot foods, since they tend to dilate capillaries and constrict blood vessels of the scalp affecting blood circulation of the scalp and worsening the condition. Your overall health will also be improved when you reduce or stop consumption of alcoholic drinks, cigarettes and hot foods.

5. Never use a comb to scratch the scalp to remove dandruff. This may hurt the scalp and cause inflammation.

6. Avoid using hot water and oily shampoo to wash hair as this can cause overactive sebaceous glands to secrete even more sebum.

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