Hair comes in different styles, lengths, textures and colours. Similarly, hair problems are many. This includes frizzy, unmanageable and breaking hair. No matter the type of hair you have, or how well you maintain your hair, you are more likely to experience one hair problem at some point in life. This does not mean that you should not be taking good care of your hair.
When caring for your hair, read Wahl Icon review, know some common problems and how to prevent them for healthy hair. Some of the most common hair problems include;
- Alopecia
Alopecia or hair loss is common amongst men and women. It comes in different forms including traction alopecia, total alopecia and banded alopecia. Alopecia areata is characterized by loss of hair in patches. It can lead to total alopecia and baldness.
Traction and banded alopecia are caused by intolerable strain on the hair. In women, this occurs when hair is pulled during plaiting or straightening. It is common on the hairline. To prevent traction alopecia, you need to avoid tight hairstyles. If you keep exerting the same pressure, permanent damage is likely to occur.
- Dandruff
Dandruff is a scaly condition that affects the scalp. It is caused by a dry scalp. In oily hair, it occurs when the sebaceous gland is overactive and overproducing. This results in blocked hair follicles. Dandruff can also occur as a result of
- Poor air circulation especially if you love wigs.
- Emotional strain and stress.
- Sudden change in diet and sudden weather changes.
To prevent dandruff, you need to;
- Clean your hair frequently using an anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Avoid harsh ingredients on hair care products.
- A mild shampoo is ideal in the treatment and prevention of dandruff.
- Most importantly, treat dandruff gently, avoid scrubbing too hard or using anything strong.
- Infections of the Scalp
Infections of the scalp are also common due to bacterial infection (folliculitis) and fungal infections (tinea capitis). Lice infestation can cause pediculosis capitis. Other infections include seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and dermatitis which is an inflammation of the scalp and skin near the head.
Eczema is also an infection which is characterized by a reddish inflammation of the skin. This includes damp, oozing and sometimes oozing lesions on the scalp. To prevent infections, proper hygiene is important. Clean your hair with gentle ingredients. Avoid sharing hair care products and see a dermatologist. Medical attention is important for severe eczema. Antibiotics and other topical creams may be given to treat the condition.
- Hair Damage
Hair damage is caused by many reasons including excessing hair straightening, too much blow-dry, unmanageable and broken split ends, tight hairstyles and improper diet among other causes. Excessive styling causes split ends while over-brushing can cause hair loss.
To prevent hair damage, you need to brush gently.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Do not towel dry.
- Use a deep hair conditioner.
- Clean and oil your hair regularly.
- Avoid excessive exposure to the sun, dry air, and wind.
- Limit the use of hot rollers, hot and curling irons.
- Greasy Scalp
The scalp has natural oil, the sebum that helps to lubricate the skin. When excess sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands, it causes greasy hair and scalp. A greasy scalp and hair look very dull, lifeless, limp and hard to manage.
To prevent greasy hair, you need to regularly clean your hair. Use a gentle shampoo that is specially designed to control sebum.
- Split Ends
Split ends occur due to hair abuse. This includes too much bleaching, colouring, too much exposure to the sun, water, wind and perming products. Once split ends occur, you must cut off the damaged ends.