1- Physical causes of poor hair health:
- Circulatory disorders;
- Intestinal disorders;
- Nervous disorders;
- Heredity.
2- The psychological causes of poor hair health:
- Fatigue;
- Overwork;
- Depression;
- Moral and material concerns.
3- Abuses of all kinds can be involved:
- Exposure to the sun;
- Contact with chlorine in swimming pools;
- The use of hair styling products;
- Coloring-bleaching;
- A diet too rich in fat;
- Overstimulation of the scalp by shampooing, massaging or brushing.
All these factors are detrimental to hair health and promote the appearance of split ends, hair that is too thin, very oily or simply dull and lifeless.
The scalp can also suffer from our bad habits or abuse. This can result in the formation of dry or oily dandruff, irritation, itching, or even baldness.
4- Alopecia
What concerns us all, both men and women, is hair loss, called alopecia.
There are different types, some being temporary while others are permanent.
5- The most common types of alopecia:
1- Hereditary or androgenetic alopecia
This is the most common type of alopecia in both men and women. To find out if you will be prone to this form of alopecia, you will have to look at your paternal and maternal side, and even go back quite far in your ancestry.
In my experience, several years ago, this form of alopecia could only appear in women from their thirties, whereas nowadays the problem is observed from the twenties.
2- Scarring alopecia
Scarring alopecia results from trauma to the scalp caused by a fungus, virus, bacteria, or certain diseases.
It is characterized by shiny, pink, or white hairless areas that lack the small holes that reveal hair follicles to the naked eye. Unfortunately, this hair loss is permanent.
3- Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata, the causes of which are not really known, can also be hereditary; it can affect different areas of the head and last from 3 to 18 months before the appearance of regrowth of fine, downy hair.
There are many treatments available. Cortisone-based medications can be used to treat alopecia areata. Phototherapy (treatment with ultraviolet rays) is also a solution. Consult your doctor.
4- Psychosomatic alopecia
This form of alopecia is caused by shocks or nervous disorders such as depression. It resolves as the condition resolves.
5- Endocrine alopecia
This is a scattered hair loss all over the head, resulting in thinning hair. This phenomenon is often the result of childbirth.
It then occurs approximately 2 months after childbirth (or abortion) and, in the case of breastfeeding, 70 days after weaning.
Here are some other causes of this particular form of alopecia:
- Taking certain medications;
- Hormonal disorders (especially thyroid disorders);
- Menopause;
- Ovarian problems;
- A surgical intervention;
- Anesthesia.
Endocrine alopecia is curable in most cases.
1- Alopecia caused by chemotherapy
Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to shave your head before undergoing chemotherapy treatments. The results will be the same.
However, for some women, making the decision to shave their heads gives them courage and a sense of control over what happens to them.
2- Trichotillomania
This hair health problem, which stems from nervous or psychological disorders, involves taking a strand of hair and twisting it until it completely falls out. In some people, hairs are pulled out one by one.
If left untreated, this hair health disorder can lead to permanent hair loss in the most frequently affected areas. Only psychological treatment can overcome it.
Trichotillomania often occurs temporarily in children and adolescents. It is something to watch out for.
Hairs are thus pulled out one by one. If left untreated, this disorder can lead to permanent hair loss in the areas that are frequently affected. Only psychological treatment can overcome it.
Trichotillomania often occurs temporarily in children and adolescents. It is something to watch out for.
Hair loss is not generally contagious, but certain diseases or infections related to hair loss can be. Consult your doctor. Depending on the case, they will recommend a dermatologist or a specialized clinic recognized by the Collège des médecins.
Beware of miracle solutions and overly promising shampoo treatments. There are some excellent hair clinics in Montreal that are internationally recognized.
There, you can find solutions such as minoxidil and hair micrografting. Research in this area is constantly progressing, as hair loss affects more than 66% of men and millions of women. If you're a victim, stay positive!
Please exercise caution and follow the advice provided in this book for a healthy scalp and attractive hair.
3- Canities (white hair)
Gray hair is unavoidable! It appears when melanocytes, which produce the pigment responsible for hair color, stop functioning.
The first gray hairs usually appear around the age of 30, but some people have gray hair as early as their twenties.
Major stress, such as the loss of a loved one or an accident, can also cause partial whitening of hair in just a few weeks.
This spectacular phenomenon is fortunately quite rare, but it can mark the beginning of premature whitening. This is certainly where the expression "You're giving me white hair" comes from!
4- Leukotrichia
Leukotrichia is a partial or total discoloration of the hair. Actress Glenn Close is remembered as Cruella de Ville in Disney's 101 Dalmatians. The distinctive white streak that distinguishes her is an example.
5- The monilethrix
Monilethrix, or moniliform aplasia, is a rare hair dystrophy, congenital and most often familial.
It is recognized by the fact that the hair breaks a few centimeters from the scalp. It can appear in small sections or on the entire scalp.
6- Seborrhea
This condition is characterized by excessive sebum secretion that gives hair a greasy appearance. It is most commonly seen in adolescents. However, children can also be affected.
Some men suffer from this problem well into their thirties, after which sebum production tends to decrease. This imbalance, sometimes hereditary, is easily treated clinically.
7- Dry dandruff (pityriasis capitis)
As the name suggests, dry dandruff is a small patch of dry skin. It often appears with the changing seasons or following a change in shampoo or diet, for example.
When flakes are abundant, avoid repeated shampooing. Contrary to popular belief, this isn't the best way to eliminate them. Frequent washing dries out the scalp, promoting the formation of flakes.
The solution: Apply lotions containing sulfur, alcohol, and iodine, as well as zinc-based products and shampoos. Dry dandruff generally does not lead to hair loss.
Hair becomes oily again very quickly after shampooing and can give off odors.
In some cases, this phenomenon can be a sign of hair loss. This is a situation that should be taken seriously. Consult your dermatologist or healthcare specialist.
8- Oily dandruff
Oily dandruff is common in cases of seborrheic imbalance. It is most often accompanied by itching, is abundant and often rounder than dry dandruff.
9- Lice (Pediculus humanucapitis)
Head lice often attack children, but adults are just as likely to contract them. Each year in Canada, nearly two million children are infested with lice. These parasites are transmitted through direct contact with hair or through objects such as hats, toques, etc.
Lice are not a sign of uncleanliness or poor hygiene. Because they need blood and warmth, they naturally prefer the scalp.
Fortunately, these creatures pose no danger to human health. There are several treatments that your doctor or pharmacist can prescribe. Avoid home remedies!
Because lice multiply at a phenomenal rate, an epidemic could occur in your environment if treatment proves ineffective. Once treatment is successful, be sure to wash all clothing, hats, bedding, and other items thoroughly in very hot water and dry them in the dryer on a hot cycle.
Dry cleaning is also effective against lice. All combs and brushes should be disinfected with soap and very hot water. Let them soak for a few minutes.
7- Finally, let us point out three other common hair health problems:
- Psoriasis: dry, scaly patches on the scalp.
- Benign tumors: small lumps of fat and sebum on the scalp that must be removed by a surgeon.
- Malignant tumors: small cancerous lumps that can cause complications.
If any of these symptoms occur, consult your doctor.
Key points to remember to promote hair health
A good diet will protect you from many hair problems.
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