Beyond personal style, your hair can be a great indicator of your overall health. From common hair woes to more painful afflictions, the state of your strands and scalp deserves attention. Make the most of your next salon visit and ask your pro to do a thorough scalp and hair scan. The vital check could reveal telltale signs of underlying health conditions, says David Adams, celebrity colorist and co-owner of FOURTEENJAY.
“Unfortunately most people don’t think about their scalp until there is a problem,” adds Adams, who is training to be a trichologist (a specialist in hair and scalp care). Get to the root of it all using this symptom checker and solution chart supplied by the mane man himself. (Photo via onlymyhealth)
Symptom: Flaky Scalp or Dandruff
What it could indicate:
Irritated, oily skin (seborrheic dermatitis): This condition, one of the most frequent causes of dandruff, is marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.
A yeast-like fungus (malassezia): The fungus lives on the scalp of most adults but it can cause irritation and excessive skin cell growth. Those eventually die and fall off, appearing white and flaky.
Other possible causes: An allergy, not shampooing often enough, or dry skin
The treatment plan: Fix it with in-salon treatments such as Aveda Pramasana, as well as prescription or an over-the-counter shampoo like Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo Plus Conditioner for Normal Hair ($5). Remember, these are shampoos to treat the scalp. They may dry the hair a little, so it’s important to condition after you cleanse. That said, only apply conditioner at the mid lengths and ends of hair, not to the scalp! If the problem persists, be sure to check in with your doctor. (Photo via healthfoodsecret.com)
Symptom: Hair That’s Falling Out at Unusually High Rates
What it could indicate:
Ringworm: The fungal infection has been known to cause hair to jump ship.
Autoimmune disease: In alopecia areata, the immune system increases for unknown reasons and affects the hair follicles. In most people with the condition, the hair grows back, although it may temporarily be very fine and possibly a lighter color before normal coloration and thickness return.
Hypopituitarism: With this ailment, the pituitary gland does not produce normal amounts of some — or all — of its hormones. This causes hair loss.
Other possible causes: A side effect of drugs, childbirth, stress, genes, burns, injuries, x-rays, a low-protein diet, salon services like perms and bleaching, hormone imbalance, or a medical condition like thyroid disease, lupus, or diabetes.
The treatment plan: We lose on average 50 to 100 hairs day (if you don’t brush or shampoo for several days, then you’ll see 150 to 300 hairs come out when you do). However, if you feel the loss is more than usual, it’s important to make an appointment with a trichologist, dermatologist, or doctor to investigate further. (Photo via Prevention)
Symptom: Dull Hair That’s Prone to Breakage
What it could indicate:
Dehydration: The body requires lots of liquid, so if you’re not drinking enough, it can cause dull, brittle hair.
Exposing hair to harsh elements: Sun, wind, and dry air can all lead to muted color and brittle strands.
Other possible causes: Using a harsh shampoo that strips hair’s natural oils, using heat tools too often, and applying chemical treatments like perms and relaxers.
The treatment plan: For starters, drink more water. Shampoo with high-quality products like Aveda’s Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo ($30) and avoid versions with alcohol and silicones, which will strip hair of its hydration. (Photo via frolicious)
Symptom: Blisters or Hives
What it could indicate:
Pemphigus: The rare, autoimmune disease is characterized by blisters, which can appear on the face and scalp and later erupt. They tend to be crusty and itchy but usually aren’t painful.
Urticaria (or hives): They’re raised (often itchy) red welts on the surface of the skin and scalp. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine.
Atopic Dermatitis (AD): The chronic skin and scalp disorder involves scaly and itchy rashes. Atopic dermatitis is often due to an allergic reaction in the skin, which leads to long-term inflammation. There is often a family history of allergic conditions such as asthma or hay fever associated with AD.
The treatment plan: Get an allergy test to identify unknown triggers. And if you — or your stylist — spot blisters or hives, it’s time to consult a doctor. (Photo via thehomeremedies.net)
And as you would with any health consultation, be transparent about your full medical history, diet, and stress when meeting with a stylist, adds Adams.
What is your biggest hair woe? Let us know @BritandCo!
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(Featured photo via Getty)
