Displaying items by tag: Scalp Care

Can Dry Shampooing Cause Hair Loss?

Many individuals look at dry shampoo as a godsend. Literally, all you have to do is shower a few sprays over your hair, fluff it a bit, and the fine powder contained in the spray absorbs the excess oil in your hair and refreshes it almost immediately.

With its ease of use and effective “cleansing” power, it’s no wonder that this convenience product has been making a vast comeback in recent years. But, is there a downside to this seeming “wonder product”? 

According to recent research and the shared experience of several individuals, it’s possible that dry shampoo isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, some individuals are even experiencing hair loss that may be related to dry shampoo use.

As early as last April, doctors and dry shampoo users alike began spreading word that the product may be the cause of hair and scalp issues. One user in particular Nicole Baxter of Belfast shared a post on Facebook warning her friends that regular use of a popular brand of dry shampoo had led to her own hair loss, giving her a bald patch and developing a sore, itchy, flaky scalp. News traveled fast, and the post was shared more than 30,000 times. According to the post, the young woman’s doctor suggested that the dry shampoo she had been using regularly was to blame for her hair and scalp concerns. 

The use of powder to “clean” the hair is no new concept. The Victorians used arrowroot to sprinkle on their hair and absorb grease. Likewise, powders such as cornstarch and even ground oatmeal have been used in the past. Today, dry shampoos are composed of ingredients such tapioca starch, powdered rice protein, and even clay. Each of which is dispensed the form of an aerosol.

The real issue, though, is that dry shampoo is really not shampoo at all. While shampoo is in the name of the product, it’s really a misnomer. Typical shampoos clean the scalp and hair with detergent-like ingredients, effectively breaking down and removing dirt. Dry shampoo doesn’t actually cleanse the scalp or hair at all. All that dry shampoo does is absorb the oil on the scalp so that the hair looks and feels fresher.

With that effect, dry shampoo does not clean the hair or scalp and is really just a cosmetic product that needs washed out regularly. If it isn’t, then it can cause issues such as blocked pores, skin irritation, and scaling. The product can even lead to seborrheic dermatitis, involving such issues as red, flaky, itch, inflamed skin and even hair loss.

So, is dry shampoo safe to use? It is when used for its intended purpose – buying your hairstyle an extra day. But, it’s really not a safe alternative for regular hair washing and shouldn’t be used as one.

There is nothing quite like a massage to relax sore and tired muscles. There is just something about it that makes you feel rejuvenated. The whole body benefits from a massage.

One area that is often overlooked is the scalp. The scalp and forehead have a complicated network of blood vessels and nerves. When they are stressed, you can suffer from stress headaches and even hair loss.

A scalp massage feels great and is easy to do. Just rub and add gentle pressure with your fingertips, avoiding using your nails. Another great aspect of scalp massage is that you can do it on yourself and get the same benefits.

Increases Scalp Circulation
When you gently massage your scalp, you improve blood circulation in your face and head. Your hair will benefit from more circulation to its roots. You can also use carrier oils such as olive or almond oil in your scalp massage. These moisturizing oils will fight dandruff and may prevent it from coming back to your scalp.

Relieves Headaches
There are many headaches that are caused by tension. Scalp massage may help relieve the tension and alleviate a headache. If you are doing it for yourself, concentrate on massaging near the hairline at the base of the skull. This is often the place that builds up the most tension. You can also massage your temples and forehead to relieve some of the stress. If you suffer from migraine headaches, scalp massage may be a form of relief.

Relaxes Your Whole Body
When you massage your scalp, you get the feeling of contentment and relaxation. Consider massaging your face, also. A relaxed face also diminishes the looks of fine line and wrinkles. The more often you practice it, the more it will help you.

No matter if you do a scalp massage on yourself or someone else, it is a relaxing way to melt away stress and soothe aching headaches. You can double your pleasure if you add a little carrier oil that has been scented with an essential oil such as lavender. Not only will massage do you good, but it will double as an aromatherapy session.