Your hair should be your crowning glory, but everyday problems can get in the way. Here's how to deal with them..
Whether it's dry, brittle hair, greasy locks or thinning tresses, we all suffer from hair problems at some point in our lives.
But in most cases, these conditions are as treatable as they are common. Here's how to ensure your hair looks its very best, every day.
Problem: Thinning hair
It's natural for women to lose around 50-100 hairs every day. But if you start to notice more than the usual number of strands gathering in your brush or comb each day, it could be time to take action.
What causes it? There are any number of reasons why your hair could start to thin, but the most common causes are vitamin deficiencies (especially if your body is lacking iron or vitamin B12), or an underlying health issue, such as a thyroid problem or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Hair loss can also start suddenly due to stress, a change in hormone levels or as a side effect of some prescription medications. Some women find their hair gets thinner as they get older, too. This is female pattern thinning. It's genetic and affects a quarter of women aged over 40, but the hair loss tends to be restricted to the front and sides, and the degree of loss seldom reaches that seen in the male form of pattern hair loss.
Instant fix A good haircut and colour can make your hair look thicker. Ask your stylist about changing your parting, having a shorter, blunt cut and adding texture through a mixture of lowlights and highlights, all of which can create the illusion of more volume. And try experimenting with hair bands and scarves, which can help to disguise thinner areas.
Blow-drying can add a lot of body, too, particularly if you dry your hair upside down or in the opposite direction to how you wear it. Try using a thickening spray and dry hair on a low heat setting.
Long-term solutions Make sure you're eating a healthy balanced diet to rule out any nutritional deficiency. If excess shedding goes on for more than a few weeks, seeking professional help is advisable, not least to rule out possible underlying health issues. If you shed more hair than normal for more than three weeks, then get it investigated. Visit your doctor or a trichologist registered with the Institute of Trichology, who will help you get to the bottom of your hair loss - and should be able to help you reverse it. Hair restoration clinics like Crown Cosma Clinic (www.crownclinic.co.uk) and The Hair Clinic (www.the-hair-clinic.co.uk) offer a wide range of lasting solutions, both medicinal and surgical.
Problem: Dry, brittle hair
Hair has a natural elasticity, but sometimes it can lose this flexibility, becoming dry and prone to breakage, duller, coarser and harder to manage, too.
What causes it? Chemical processing such as colouring, heat styling and sun exposure can all damage the hair structure, making it dry and brittle. If you can rule out these culprits, you should visit your GP as it could be a sign of thyroid imbalance. 'Other symptoms are feeling lethargic, brittle nails and changes in your weight,' explains Jane, so if you're experiencing any of those problems too, it might be a good idea to see your doctor.
Instant fix If it's a simple case of over processing, have a cut to get rid of frizzy, damaged ends, then use an intensive conditioning product such as VO5 Deep Nourishing Mud Miracle Intense Masque, (£2.19 for 150ml).
Long-term solutions Avoid using heated appliances and switch to rich shampoos and conditioners. Applying a serum to damp hair after washing can seal split ends and prevent frizz. Visit www.philipkingsleyproducts.com, for DIY treatments which restore suppleness and flexibility to stressed out tresses.
Problem: Itchy, flaky scalp
Not only can this be uncomfortable, but fleks of skin on your clothes and in your hair can look unsightly, too.
What causes it? A flaky scalp may simply be a question of dry skin, but the condition known as dandruff is actually an infection. As Dr Sarah Wakelin, consultant dermatologist at St. Mary's hospital, Paddington, explains: 'In many cases, people mistake dandruff as being caused by dry skin, not washing hair enough or not rinsing shampoo out thoroughly, but it's actually caused by an overgrowth of yeast normally found on the scalp.'
Instant fix A dry, itchy scalp can be relieved by switching to gentle conditioning products. Before shampooing, try using a scalp serum once a week or whenever your scalp feels dry or 'tight'. You could also try Nioxin - a range of specially designed products developed to moisturise the scalp with antioxidants, essential oils and vitamins (visit www.nioxin.com).
Long-term solutions Dandruff can take longer to clear up than a dry scalp, but it can be treated with over-the-counter products that contain anti-fungal ingredients to fight dandruff and help prevent it recurring. But if your scalp doesn't improve - or if it's red, inflamed or painful - you should see your GP, who may prescribe a steroid lotion or mousse.
Restore your hair
You can find a huge range of supplements that promise thicker, healthier hair, but it's always best to ask your pharmacist, doctor or a trichologist for advice The nutritonal supplement Nourkrin (£49.95 for a month's supply, 0845 3990022) has been proven to slow down hair loss and promote the growth of dormant hair by an average of 45%. Minoxidil - a drug originally used to treat high blood pressure - has been proven an effective hair restorer in clinical trials. But results vary, and it may not be the answer for everyone. You can find it in topical treatments such as Regaine For Women (£24.95 for a month's supply, from Boots). For a higher-potency hair restorer, consult a qualified trichologist. To find one near you call the Institute of Trichologists on 08706 070602 or visit www.trichologists.org.uk.
Five top haircare tips
- Your hair needs a whole spectrum of nutrients for it to stay in tip-top condition, so eat a healthy balanced diet.
- Finish with a cold blast of water when you rinse out conditioner. 'It stimulates blood flow to the scalp encouraging healthy hair growth,' says Charles Worthington.
- Give your hair a holiday from heated appliances and styling products regularly - and use a protection spray when you do use them.
- 'When blow-drying, finish with a quick blast of cold air to seal the cuticle,' says Charles Worthington.
- Try taking Health Aid HairVit (£7.99 for 30 capsules, 0208 426 3400) - a supplement containing vitamins to improve overall hair condition.
words: ALANAH MARKS | photographs: istockphoto.com, getty
