People who want healthy hair tend to always look for new products and treatments available on the market and, in general, blame the products when they don’t get the desired results. However, dandruff and greasiness may actually be symptoms of various health problems. Dermatologists explain that small nutritional, hormonal or immunological deficiencies can affect the quality of your hair. That’s why we talked to experts to find out what your hair might be “saying” about you and your health:
Dry dandruff
The dandruff is an inflammatory disease associated with excess oil production and scaling of scalp cells. According to the professionals, some people are already born with the genetic predisposition to have dandruff, but diets rich in carbohydrates, spicy foods and alcohol may worsen the problem.
Also, hormonal disorders and emotional problems can also trigger bouts of this type of flaking. Therefore, it is common during and after pregnancy – due to hormonal changes and changes in the pH of the scalp.
How to treat:
If the problem is not that serious, anti-dandruff shampoos may be effective, but for more advanced cases, we recommend you to consult with a dermatologist who may prescribe medicines for oral and local use.
Did you know that you can have dandruff even on your lashes? Check this post to learn more.
Oily dandruff
Characterized by yellow scales adhering to the scalp and thick, difficult to be detached, oily dandruff is more common in children and adolescents. Like dry dandruff, it also has a genetic background and is exacerbated by the excessive production of seborrhea. Parkinson’s syndrome, Down syndrome and the HIV virus are some examples of aggravating dandruff.
If it is persistent and difficult to treat, a doctor should check if there are some immune problems. This seborrheic dermatitis may also manifest outside the scalp in areas of great oiliness such as the face, ears, and upper back. They appear as reddish and scaly spots and are commonly confused with dry skin.
How to treat:
The best is to seek a professional opinion and start treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs.
Baldness
We lose around 50-100 hairs every day, and they are gradually replaced according to each individual’s hair growth cycle. Some people, however, begin to notice an increase in hair loss or hair thinning. If the problem is genetic, then you are facing a pattern of baldness. Even so, there are some other factors to the problem.
People with anemia, for example, may have hair loss due to iron deficiency in the body, since there is a decrease in red blood cells responsible for bringing oxygen and nutrients to the hair bulbs. Also, a low in protein diet and thyroid disorders can aggravate the loss.
How to treat:
A specialist should advise on the treatment and he might try to stimulate the hair follicle, preventing hair loss and identify possible factors.
Hair Loss
Unlike baldness, hair loss can have as its principal causes stress, poor diet, hypothyroidism and even the use of certain medications. It can still be a stage of the baldness process. The problem is also common between the fourth and fifth month after pregnancy, as the body interprets the sudden drop in hormone levels as metabolic stress, altering the capillary cycle.
How to treat:
The treatment varies depending on the problem, so it is essential to consult a specialist as soon as you notice the excessive loss.
Dry and brittle hair
Although ignored by many people, untreated dry and brittle hair can evolve, causing a gradual loss of hair volume. The problem can be caused by thyroid disease, some medicines and unhealthy diets with low protein content. However, the most common causes are chemical treatments, such as straightening and dyeing.
Some people are genetically predisposed to this problem. Also, as we age, we notice our hair losing its quality.
How to treat:
Moisturizing treatments, especially keratin base, help soften the problem.
White hair
The phenomenon of losing hair color is a natural physiological process related to the evolution of age. There is no right time and date for this to happen, but in general, each family usually has a pattern. In some people, it appears very early, and this is determined by its genetic factors.
The appearance of white hair in children or young people may indicate more severe problems, such as Vitiligo that reaches the scalp, genetic diseases or deficiency of vitamin B12.
How to treat:
The best solution is to dye your hair.
Oiliness
Hair oiliness depends on the genetic inheritance of each individual, their diet and their daily habits. Whoever uses a hairdryer every day or even bathes with very hot water, for example, aggravates the problem.
Other factors that may stimulate oiliness are hormonal disorders, and even pituitary tumor, which increases the action of the male hormone in the body. Hyper or hypothyroidism also influences the production of sebum.
How to treat:
Choose an appropriate shampoo for your hair with the help of a professional. Avoid hot baths and let your hair away from the dryer for a few days.
