Displaying items by tag: Hair Health

How Nutrition, Hormones, and Prescription Drugs Affect Hair Health
Unless you are dealing with premature balding, you probably don’t spend too much time thinking about hair on a daily basis. Most of us devote a couple of minutes to styling our hair in the morning, and then spend a few minutes in the shower every evening washing and conditioning our locks. When we are at work or school, though, our hair generally becomes an afterthought.

New medical studies have begun exploring how our daily routines affect hair health. More specifically, these studies have examined how our diets and drug intake affect the strength and resiliency of our hair shafts.

Daily Routines and Hair Health
According to medical experts, there are a number of elements in our day-to-day lives that determine the long-term health of our hair. For example, diet, stress, hormonal changes, and various health disorders can all create unhealthy hair.

The nutrients you ingest on a daily basis contribute to keeping your body healthy. Naturally, these nutrients also nourish your hair, too. Doctors suggest that diets deficient in protein are linked to hair loss and unhealthy hair shafts. This is because hair is made out of protein. Eating protein enables your hair to regrow. To ensure that you are eating enough protein in your diet, opt for protein-rich foods like eggs, dairy products, and legumes.

Prescription Medication, Medical Treatments, and Hair Loss
Although most of us are aware of how chemotherapy causes tremendous hair loss, most people are unaware of the effects that prescription medication can have on the health of our hair. Drugs that treat gout, depression, arthritis, and high blood pressure have all been linked to premature hair loss. Many Americans take prescription medication on a daily basis, making them more vulnerable to hair issues.

People who take high doses of supplements and vitamins also report suffering from hair loss.

How Hormones and Stress Affect Our Hair
One of the most important day-to-day factors for hair health is stress. Stress can directly affect how hormones interact with our bodies. These hormonal interactions regulate how our hair grows. Certain hormones limit our hair growth, while other hormones promote richer, fuller hair.

One hormone that has been linked to hair loss is DHT. DHT, which is a type of testosterone, kills the hair follicle. When a follicle is killed, it doesn’t grow back. Progesterone and estrogen, on the other hand, are two hormones that encourage shiny and luxurious hair for women.

While we do not have control over the presence of certain hormones in our system, finding ways to manage stress in our day-to-day lives is a great way to promote healthy hair growth.

Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair

Better-looking hair can start at your next meal. "Just like every other part of your body, the cells and processes that support strong, vibrant hair depend on a balanced diet," says New York nutritionist Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, author of The Beauty Diet. It can take longer to notice changes (both good or bad!) in your hair than in your skin. For example, "just one week with a poor diet can yield acne flare-ups or dry, sallow skin within days," says New York City dermatologist Cybele Fishman, MD, "but with hair, it can take a few months for a nutritional deficiency or the effects of a crash diet to show up." The nutrients you eat today help fortify the hair follicle -- from which each strand is born -- and the scalp that surrounds it. "Healthier follicles? Healthier hair. Healthier scalp? Healthier hair!" Drayer says. Of course, there's more to your hair than what you eat. Smoking, hormonal imbalances, and not enough sleep can also affect how your hair looks and feels. No magic nutrient can make up for those concerns. Still, you have a lot more leverage than you might think. If you eat a balanced, varied, protein-rich diet that focuses on the following 10 foods, you'll be giving your hair the TLC it needs and deserves.

1. Salmon

Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both are key to strong hair) the omega-3 fatty acids found in this tasty cold-water fish are the true superstar. Your body can't make those fatty acids, which your body needs to grow hair. About 3% of the hair shaft is make up of these fatty acids, Drayer says. Omega-3s are also found in cell membranes in the skin of your scalp, and in the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated. Other options: essential fatty acids from fish like herring, sardines, trout, and mackerel, as well as avocado, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts (see below for more wonderful things about walnuts.)

2. Walnuts

These are the only type of nut that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They're also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Since your hair rarely gets much shielding from the sun, this is especially great, Drayer says. Too little biotin can lead to hair loss. Walnuts also have copper, a mineral that helps keep your natural hair color rich and lustrous, Fishman says. Other options: Try using walnut oil in your salad dressing or stir-fry instead of canola or safflower, Fishman says.

3. Oysters

Oysters are rich in zinc, a lack of which can lead to hair loss (even in your eyelashes), as well as a dry, flaky scalp. Three ounces has a whopping 493% of your daily value. You can get some zinc through fortified cereals and whole grain breads, but oysters can boast a good level of protein too. "Remember, hair is about 97% protein," Drayer says. Without enough protein, your body can't replace the hairs that you naturally shed every day and what you do make can be dry, brittle, or weak. Other options: Get your fill of zinc with nuts, beef, and eggs.

4. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. "Basically, every cell of the body cannot function without enough A," Fishman says. It also helps protect and produce the oils that sustain your scalp, and being low on vitamin A can even leave you with itchy, irksome dandruff. Other options: Carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, pumpkin, and apricots are all good sources of beta carotene.

5. Eggs

A great source of protein, eggs are loaded with four key minerals: zinc, selenium, sulfur, and iron. Iron is especially important, because it helps cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles, and too little iron (anemia) is a major cause of hair loss, particularly in women, Drayer says. Other options: You can also boost your iron stores with animal sources, including chicken, fish, pork, and beef.

6. Spinach

The iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C in spinach help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils circulating. Other options: Try similarly nutrient-rich dark, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and Swiss chard.

7. Lentils

Tiny but mighty, these legumes are teeming with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, says Fishman, making it a great staple for vegetarian, vegans, and meat eaters. Other options: Toss other beans such as soybeans (the young ones are called edamame) and kidney beans into your soup or salad.

8. Greek yogurt

Cruise the dairy aisle for low-fat options such as Greek yogurt, which is high in hair-friendly protein, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid -- an ingredient you'll often see on hair care product labels), and vitamin D. Emerging research links vitamin D and hair follicle health, but exactly how that works isn't clear, Fishman says. Other options: Cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, and skim milk also fit the bill.

9. Blueberries

Exotic super fruits may come and go but when it comes to vitamin C, "It's hard to top this nutrient superhero," Drayer says. C is critical for circulation to the scalp and supports the tiny blood vessels that feed the follicles. Too little C in your diet can lead to hair breakage. Other options: Kiwis, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and strawberries.

10. Poultry

This everyday entree is extraordinary when it comes to protein, as well as hair-healthy zinc, iron, and B vitamins to keep strands strong and plentiful. Because hair is nearly all protein, "foods rich in protein are literally giving you the building blocks for hair," Drayer says. Other options: Lean cuts of beef are another good source of lean protein.

Source: Webmd 10/12

Did you know that some of your hair issues can be solved with a change in your diet?

Here are some quick tips on some common hair issues and the foods that can help to tame them.

Lifeless Hair

Make sure you are eating enough fruit and vegetables to keep your body stocked up with the right vitamins and minerals. Aim for five portions every day.

Hair Loss

Hair is made up of protein so if you are not eating enough protein, this would cause an iron deficiency and subsequently hair loss. Add Vitamin C to your diet, also increase the amount of protein in your diet by eating red meat, oily fish - which is also good for promoting shiny hair - and green leafy vegetables.

Dry Scalp

A dry, flaky scalp is often a sign that you are not eating enough essential fatty acids. Good sources of essential fats include seafood such as:

• Halibut
• Herring
• Mackerel
• Oysters
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Trout

Dry Hair

Dry hair could be caused by a lack of iron or zinc. To boost the amount of iron in your diet, try these foods:

• Red meat
• Egg yolks
• Dark, leafy greens (spinach, collards)
• Dried fruit (prunes, raisins)
• Iron-enriched cereals and grains (check the labels)
• Mollusks (oysters, clams, scallops)
• Turkey or chicken giblets
• Beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans
• Liver
• Artichokes

Brittle Hair

May be a side-effect of smoking. This is because smoking restricts the blood vessels, severely limiting the amount of fresh nutrients that can reach the hair roots.

Split Ends

Split ends could a be caused by a lack of protein and essential fatty acids.

If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and are interested in designing your own hair loss solution, then contact the professionals at Apollo Hair Replacement today. Apollo hair Replacement is committed to offering the highest quality and most affordable hair replacement options available, and our skilled designers have the best technology at their disposal to give you exactly the look you want. Give us a call at 1-800- 339-4247

Want to look younger? It may be time for a new 'do. Try these tips to turn your damaged, old hairstyle into a fresh, new look.

1. Lose Some Length...
Über-long hair is a tough look for over-40 women. "I call it the '1661' — a woman's long hair makes her look 16 from the back, but from the front you see she is actually nearing retirement age," says Pantene celebrity hairstylist Danilo. A universally flattering length: to the collarbone. "A cut that grazes the collar and has face-framing layers also draws attention away from an aging neck," says Jet Rhys, a San Diego stylist.

2. ...But Don't Overdo It
How short is too short? There's no rule, but keep in mind that the end point of your cut emphasizes the facial feature next to it, says Rhys. So if you're concerned about a sagging jawline, don't ask for a chin-length bob. And remember that a short 'do isn't an excuse to hang up your blow dryer. "Too many women think a short cut is a free pass to forgo styling, but when hair has no polish, it can look matronly," she says. Cropped styles are modern and youthful when they're smooth and sleek; if those qualities don't come naturally to your hair, use a frizz-fighter.

3. Embrace Change
"If you have the same 'do you had 10 years ago, it's time for a new look," says Nick Arrojo, owner of Arrojo Studio, NYC. "You're not wearing the same clothes — why have the same hair?" If you're leery of drastic change, take baby steps. "Something as simple as moving your part can update your look," says Rhys.

4. Try New Ingredients
High-tech ones aren't limited to face lotions: A slew of anti-agers, like niacinamide and caffeine, are debuting in hair products. They offer cosmetic benefits, like smoothness, shine, and a generally more youthful appearance, says Jeni Thomas, Ph.D., of Proctor & Gamble R & D: "The hair cuticle is similar to the top layer of skin, so it makes sense that these ingredients will have beneficial effects on hair and skin."

5. Redo Your Hue
Whether you hit the salon or take the DIY route, subtle tweaks to your color can make a huge difference. "A woman's complexion lightens and becomes more translucent as she ages, so what looked great when she was 25 may not look so good when she's 50," explains Arrojo. Think about the hair you had as a child, suggests Brad Johns, color director at the Salon & Spa at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York. "Go back to that color family, whether it was blond, brunette, or red. Anything monotone looks severe and aging, so add highlights and multiple tones throughout." When in doubt, err on the lighter side — dark hues create too harsh a contrast with paling skin.

6. Get Fringe Benefits
Bangs can camouflage forehead lines (the "Bangtox" effect), but not all do it equally well. "A blunt bang that hangs straight across the forehead isn't for everyone. It can emphasize aging features and more mature skin," says Sarah Potempa, stylist for Aussie Haircare. "Opt for a side-swept fringe with layers that blend into the rest of your hair; it'll make your features look soft and youthful." Be sure that bangs are in proportion to your cut; they work best on shoulder-length styles (any shorter, and your fringe may not stand out from the rest of your hair).

7. Gray Gracefully
Before ditching the dye, determine if gray will be flattering. "When a brunette turns gray, it looks silvery and pretty. But blonds tend to go white, which can make them look pale," says Johns. Wait until hair is at least 75% gray before growing it out: "Otherwise, it will look like you forgot to color it." Then, use smoothing stylers. "Gray hair is wiry and frizzy. Smooth strands make the color look vibrant," says Rhys.

8. Upgrade Your Products
"As your hair texture changes with age, you need a different formula," explains Potempa. "Strands get drier and coarser, so switch to moisturizing products and avoid anything stripping, like clarifying shampoos." Plus, there are new ingredients and technology in stylers, so it's worth experimenting. Try shine enhancers, a newer category of products with reflective ingredients that add luster and smooth the cuticle. Apply on dry tresses as a final styling step.

9. Fake Fuller Locks
Whoever said "Thin is in" was not talking about hair. Create volume with the right cut and styling MO. "Thin hair should be mid-neck length or shorter and have layers throughout," says Rhys. Style with a root booster, then hold the top sections of your hair straight up as you blow-dry. Color is another route to lush locks: "Highlights and lowlights add dimension, making hair look thicker, and coloring also temporarily plumps the cuticle."

If you are experiencing hair loss - Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas/Ft. Worth is here to help. Give us a call at 1-800- 339-4247 or more information on our hair systems, hair regrowth options for women, or to join our hair club.

SOURCE: WebMD Commentary from "Good Housekeeping" Magazine By Melanie Rud Originally published on February 20, 2013