Search Results: Sophia Emmanuel
I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.
From hairstylists to natural hair innovators these women have turned their frustration to fruition with a variety of solutions and resources for natural hair. There are numerous women to thank for their contributions, but as a licensed cosmetologist and certified IAT trichologist these are women I feel blazed a trail for women to embrace their natural beauty.
Madam C.J Walker
Madam C.J Walker is one of the first pioneers in the beauty business. In 1905, she designed her own line of hair products that addressed issues such as dandruff and scalp infections. She invented a shampoo called The Vegetable Shampoo, that had natural ingredients and was not as drying as the common lye based soaps used to cleanse the hair during her time. Madam C.J Walker also created a product called The Wonderful Hair Grower. It was a petroleum based ointment that contained sulphur. Madam C.J Walker was an educator, philanthropist and activist. She was named one of the first American women to become a self-made millionaire.
Anu Prestonia
Anu Prestonia is the founder of Khamit Kinks, a natural hair care salon founded in 1988, whose creative and precise hairstyles are admired worldwide. Anu has been instrumental in popularizing natural styling and hair care throughout the United States and other countries around the world. Decades ago, she created various braiding techniques and named many styles still worn proudly today, including, Single Braids, Swing Braids, Goddess Braids, Senegalese Twists, and Baby Curl Twists, just to name a few. She is an educator, author and visionary who has now launched a natural care line that includes perfume, body and hair care products, you can find more at Anu Essentials.
Gloria “GiGi” Ford
Gloria “GiGi” Ford is a hair replacement specialist. One of her talents is teaching cosmetologists everything they need to know about hair prosthetics. A hair prosthesis is not a wig. It is customized hair piece designed to add hair in areas where you are experiencing hair loss. A hair prosthesis should be undetectable and is attached using clips, adhesive, tape or sewn on to surrounding hair. Gloria Gigi Ford travels the world, teaching cosmetologists techniques to achieve natural looking results for their hair replacement clients. She also teaches them how to run their hair replacement business, and how to conduct a proper consultation.
Tomeka James
Tomeka James invents custom hair pieces so that there is no need to order the unit from a factory. She teaches cosmetologists how to make additional profit by creating the unit themselves. She teaches hairstylists wig making, or how to create customized hair pieces for women experiencing hair loss. Tomeka James creates techniques that help stylists attach hair extensions in less time. She invented the Detachable Sewn Weave, which allows hair stylists to do their clients who have sewn extensions a lot more quickly.
Deshawn Bullard
Deshawn Bullard founded NouriTress Perfect Hair Products in 1998. She is a licensed cosmetologist, and created this line of products to address hair loss and thinning. What set Deshawn apart from her competitors when her hair care products came out was that she had a supplement called The Perfect Hair Vitamins. Deshawn Bullard understood that healthy hair starts within the body. Her products are such a success that they are sold globally and can be found in popular retail stores.
Jane Carter
Jane Carter Solution products differentiated themselves from other brands because they had products made with natural ingredients. In 1992, Jane Carter created Hair Nourishing Serum. Formulated with essential oils, and vitamins, the goal was to create a product that would not cause allergic reactions like the ingredients found in typical beauty products. Another staple product of Jane Carter Solution is the Nourish & Shine. It is a product that can be used on the hair, but is gentle enough to use on the skin. Nourish & Shine is infused with several butters, one of which is Shea butter which evaporates into the skin, moisturizes the hair, and adds plenty of shine.
Lisa Akbari
Lisa Akbari is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician. She is also a board certified trichologist who has a passion for helping women achieve healthy hair and scalps on their own, or by educating hair stylists. Through her own research, she discovered two scalp disorders. One of the disorders is called Short Hair Syndrome. According to Mrs. Akbari, Short Hair Syndrome limits the hair from reaching full growth potential or fullness. This disorder presents itself by continuous hair growth, followed by hair breakage. It causes little elasticity, split ends, difference in texture, and sometimes, hair color change.
Hadiiya Barbel
Hadiiya Barbel is an Emmy Award winning celebrity stylist, and creative director. She is the founder of ARAYA NYC STYLE STUDIO, a place that offers women high quality, fashion forward wigs with a variety of textures and styles to choose from. Hadiiya Barbel has extraordinary hair cutting and styling skills, which sets her wigs apart from the average store bought wig. Hadiiya Barbel calls her wigs “crowns” because it takes away the negative feeling that there is something wrong with wearing a wig. ARAYA NYC STYLE STUDIO can revive new or existing wigs, and teach other cosmetologists the art and business of wig making.
These are just some of the icons who have influenced the beauty industry. Which women inspire you?
If you notice excessive hair loss all over the scalp, it may be a sign of a nutrient deficiency.
Hair is a fast-growing tissue that grows one centimeter per month inside pockets called hair follicles. At the base of the follicle is the hair bulb, where cells divide and push their way up to form a single strand of hair. Under the hair bulb lies the dermal papilla, which is responsible for taking nourishment from the body’s blood to keep hair growing and healthy. Other things such as waste, hormones, and drugs are also carried to and from the dermal papilla, which can affect hair growth when there is a big or slight change in the body. This type of hair loss is called diffuse hair loss. It takes place when there is an imbalance within the body. This change in the body can be temporary and the body either corrects it or needs help correcting it.
This type of hair loss is not permanent. The anagen phase is the hair growth phase is suspended by the internal problem. As a result, more of your hair dives into the resting phase (i.e. the telogen phase”> and your hair sheds more than it grows. The hair loss or breakage stops once the problem is addressed and fixed. You may need nutritional supplements or medications to remedy the problem.
The most common nutritional deficiency that causes diffuse hair loss and hair breakage is iron-deficiency anemia.
The most common nutritional deficiency that causes diffuse hair loss and hair breakage is iron-deficiency anemia. Low iron can take place after you have a baby, bleeding heavily during menstruation and excessive blood loss. You may feel tired even though you get enough sleep or out of breath doing simple tasks.Even if you are not anemic, you may have low iron levels that can still cause diffuse hair loss. Signs to look out for with your hair include dry, brittle hair that brakes off easily and a lighter hair color.
Here are other mineral deficiencies, such as zinc, calcium, and magnesium, that contribute to hurting your hair as well.
- Zinc helps us to have a healthy immune system, producing energy, and protein synthesis. Zinc deficiency causes hair to break off and feel dry. You may notice white spots on your fingernails and scaly, acne-prone skin.
- Calcium is responsible for us having healthy bones and teeth and aids with the secretion of hormones. Hormones, like androgens, influence hair growth and hair loss by the amounts of androgens present in the hair follicle. Each person’s sensitivity to them.
- Magnesium helps with energy production, and help nerves operate at their best, but a magnesium deficiency can cause hormone imbalance. For women, it can increase testosterone, which leads to excessive facial hair, diffuse hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
How do vitamin deficiencies affect hair growth?
- Vitamin A plays an important role in helping the skin function properly. If you are deficient, you may have scaly skin and dry hair that is prone to breakage.
- B 12 vitamins are necessary for red blood cell production. If a deficiency is present, it can lead to anemia, which can lead to excessive hair loss.
- Vitamin C deficiency can lead to excessive hair loss all over the scalp, and dry brittle hair that grows slow. Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron, and a deficiency can lead to anemia.
If you feel that you have a mineral or vitamin deficiency that is causing hair loss, breakage, or brittle hair, go to your primary care physician immediately to find out for sure. They will run appropriate test to diagnose and treat you.
What’s next?
Learn the truth about natural hair products.
Read 3 Reasons Why 4c Hair Is Different Than Other Texture Types.
If you are pregnant or thinking of having a baby, you may have questions about what you should not do to your hair. Some common concerns women have is whether or not they can apply chemical treatments, such as texturizers, smoothing treatments, permanent color, or bleach, to their hair. Other people are concerned about excessive hair fall or shedding after pregnancy, and if there is anything that they can use on their hair to prevent the hair loss.
Is it safe to use permanent color on your hair while pregnant?
Research shows that applying chemicals to the hair will not affect the fetus, because the amount of chemical absorbed by the skin is a small amount. It is recommended that you ask your doctor whether or not it is safe to use any type of chemical treatment while pregnant to ensure the health of you and the baby is not compromised. When it comes to permanent color services, I recommend asking your hairstylist to use an off the scalp technique that does not require any bleach or artificial color touching the scalp; this way none of the product is absorbed into the skin. If you have to cover gray, try using a color with low or no ammonia. If you are going to color your hair at home, you can use a semi-permanent color, which only deposits color and doesn’t lift. Semi- permanent color is ammonia free and blends gray hair so that it is less noticeable. It only deposits color and doesn’t lift your permanent color, making it great to darken or enhance the color of your current strands. You can try Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Advanced Gray Solution.
Ask your hairstylist about no ammonia, demi-permanent options to cover grays and enhance your natural hair color without extreme lifting. I like using Paul Mitchell Shines XG demi- permanent color, because it does not have a strong odor and has no ammonia. It is creamy and easy to apply, unlike liquid formulas that can be messy and drip. It also covers gray hair well and gives the hair nice shine.
Can I use smoothing treatments while I am pregnant?
There is not a lot of research about smoothing treatments and the effects they have on pregnant women or the unborn child. I recommend staying away from smoothing treatments that have formaldehyde, because of the limited research. Instead, try a smoothing system like the Design Essentials STS treatment that is formaldehyde free and will not burn the eyes or skin. It is an amino acid based treatment that gently softens the hair and hardly has a smell. During pregnancy, some women are more sensitive to certain smells, and you should not take the risk being around chemicals with strong odors that may make you feel sick.
Is it ok to use Rogaine or other products with minoxidil while I am pregnant?
During pregnancy, it is not necessary to use products that help regrow hair. The high levels of estrogen help the hair to grow more than usual while pregnant. Your hair stays in the hair growth phase and sheds less while pregnant. Three months after your baby is born, you will notice excessive hair shedding, also known as diffuse hair loss. The shedding is caused by hormonal changes in your body, and the hair that is falling out is what would have shed during the nine months you were pregnant.
Minoxidil should not be used during pregnancy, because it may cause birth defects. Although it has not been tested on humans, minoxidil has been proven to cause birth defects in animals and should not be used if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Consider asking your doctor if there is a specific trimester where it is safe to use artificial color or other chemicals on your hair. When you receive a chemical treatment, make sure the salon or your home is well ventilated or open the window. It is important to follow the manufacture’s instructions when applying the chemical to your hair and make sure you pay attention to the processing time to prevent leaving the product on longer than instructed.
What products did you shy away from or use on your hair while pregnant?
How Scalp Injections Are Being Used to Reverse Hair Loss?
Cicatricial alopecia, also known as, scarring alopecia, represents various types of hair loss disorders that cause permanent hair loss. Scarring alopecia causes destruction of hair follicles and replaces the follicles with scar tissue. Once hair follicles are destroyed, hair growth is not possible. Although there are different types of scarring alopecia, the common cause is inflammation of the hair follicle.
The hair follicle is located underneath the skin. Near the upper part of the follicle lives the stem cells and sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum. Once the stem cells and the sebaceous glands are destroyed, there is no way for cells to regenerate, which results in permanent hair loss. There are three common types of scarring alopecia.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA”>
Frontal fibrosing alopecia looks like a straight narrow band of hair loss right at the front of the head. It happens around the temples and hairline. It affects postmenopausal women over the age of 50. Some people also lose eyebrow hair when they have frontal fibrosing alopecia.
The signs of frontal fibrosing alopecia
Frontal fibrosing alopecia is noticeably different under a microscope. The scalp will look shiny, discolored, red in some areas, and follicle openings will be closed. This type of hair loss can also be found in women with genetic hair loss.
What is the cause of FFA?
The cause of FFA is unknown, but it’s speculated that hormonal fluctuations could be a result since the scalp disorder affects women after menopause.
What treatments are available?
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia as of yet. Doctors may prescribe oral steroids and anti-inflammatory antibiotics. According to Dr. Singh, the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride have been reported to stop further hair loss in some women.
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA”>
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is the most common form of scarring alopecia. It causes destruction of hair follicles, because inflammatory cells attack hair follicle cells. It can affect both men and women of any race, but research shows it affects African American women greater. Pressing combs, hair extensions, braids, and the length of time relaxer is left on the scalp may influence central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.
How can you tell if you have CCCA?
Diagnosis of CCCA has to be done with the help of a biopsy from a doctor, because it can resemble other types of hair loss, such as genetic hair loss, diffuse hair loss, or alopecia areata.
Are there any signs of CCCA?
Some people may feel burning, tingling, or tenderness of the scalp. Central centrifugal alopecia may start off with a small unnoticeable bald spot on the scalp that slowly expands over time. The scalp may look shiny and feel smooth. In other cases, CCCA can take place rapidly and lead to a lot of hair loss in a shorter period of time.
Is there any treatment CCCA?
For best treatment options, I recommend going to a dermatologist who specializes in hair and scalp disorders, because it is challenging to diagnose and treat scarring alopecia. Anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed by doctors to stop or reduce lymphocytic cells from destroying the hair follicle.
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP”>
Lichen planopilaris is different from other types of scarring alopecias, because it is an inflammatory autoimmune skin condition. If someone has lichen planopilaris, their immune system mistakenly attacks cells of hair follicles, replacing them with scar tissue.
What does lichen planopilaris look like?
You may notice a small patch of alopecia or multiple small areas of white hair loss. If you rub your finger against the area where you see the hair loss, the scalp feels rough. Lichen planopilaris can increase in size and be as large as the palm of your hand.
There are many types of hair loss that resemble patchy hair loss, so a biopsy is the best way to diagnose it. A person might feel pain due to the inflammation or itchy purplish bumps on the scalp.
Treatment options for lichen planopilaris
As of now, there is no treatment for lichen planopilaris. Dermatologists can recommend antihistamines to relieve itching, topical treatments, such as corticosteroid creams, to bring down the swelling, and treat bumps with prednisone shots. Lichen planopilaris goes away by itself and any treatment prescribed will help alleviate the symptoms.
The first step in diagnosing scarring alopecia is to get a scalp biopsy. It advises the doctor on the type of inflammation present, as well as how much inflammation is affecting the follicles and where the inflammation is in the hair follicle. A biopsy also helps the dermatologist determine the best therapy to use for the scarring alopecia.
What’s next:
Learn more about oils that soothe the scalp, read about anti-inflammatory oils.
Are you a coconut oil lover? Find out more about Shea Moisture’s 100% Coconut Oil Collection.
Like this? For more informative articles, sign up for our newsletter!
What are the ingredients in these products that restore the hair?
Toscano says, “Capixly is powered with red clover extract, a gentle emollient that reduces scalp inflammation, strengthens and thickens hair, and hydrates the scalp to stimulate natural, noticeable hair growth. Capixyl combines both biochanin A and acetyl tetrapeptide-3.”
“Biochanin A is a powerful isoflavone and an effective inhibitor of 5-α-reductase (type I & II”> activity, thus modulating the conversion of testosterone to DHT in androgenic alopecia.”
Dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT, is responsible for follicle shrinkage, which causes hairs to look thinner over time.
“Acetyl tetrapeptide-3 is biomimetic peptides, which stimulate tissue remodeling and have a direct effect on the hair follicle. The remodeling signal will increase the size of hair follicle for better hair anchoring and vitality.”
The second ingredient is called procataline, which has pea extract, a rich source of secondary metabolites, which deliver healthy nutrients to promote hair growth, and also reduces the production of dihydrotestosterone.”
Independent clinical studies are used for the active ingredients in the Let It Grow system.
How is this system different from Minoxidil?
The Intense Repair Treatment can be easily applied to the scalp and is less messy than using foams or liquids with dropper applicator. You can spray the product directly where you need it on the scalp with no worries of clogging your scalp. Like abyssinica seed oil, which mimics sebum, locks in moisture, and protects the scalp from dryness.
The scalp treatment contains a butylene glycol, an organic alcohol and humectant used to help other ingredients dissolve in water to thin the product for better spreadability. This oil traps water from the air and prevents the product from drying out the skin. It is the least irritating glycol found in beauty products.
How are these products different from hair vitamins?
You could use your hair vitamins in conjunction with topical treatments. This way, you work on nourishing the hair cells on the inside and use the Let It Grow system for scalp health. Theresa adds, “The formulas are unique in that they have a small molecular structure which allows the ingredients to penetrate deep down to the follicle and in to the cuticle, nourishing all three layers of the hair.”
How should Monat be used?
Theresa advises, “To achieve the best results, it is recommended to use the Intensive Repair Treatment two times every day. Once optimal results are achieved, someone could switch to a maintenance schedule. The shampoo is to be used as often as you cleanse.”
Remember, any scalp treatment you use to promote hair growth in a case of androgenetic alopecia has to be used forever otherwise your hair will start thinning again.
Can Monat be purchased in stores?
Monat can only be purchased through a Monat market partner. Give the product at least three to six months of consistent use before you decide if it’s working.
If you suffer with hair loss and want to try a topical treatment with gentle ingredients that are efficient, I recommend Monat Global Let It Grow treatment system, but you should always schedule a consultation with a dermatologist or trichologist if you are experiencing hair loss before you try a treatment. More information can be found at www.HealthyHairCoach.com.
What products have you tried for reversing hair loss?
Find out more about androgenetic alopecia.
This stem cell product, called Vitalize can help reverse hair loss.
Learn how to properly care for your thinning hair.
Like what you see? For more articles like this, sign up for our newsletter!
Carmel Reconstructing Treatment
One product to highlight is the E’TAE Natural Products Carmel Reconstructing Treatment. I used it on my client who has type 4a hair with about 5 inches of relaxer left on the hair shaft. Initially, I was a little skeptical using it because honey is the first ingredient. I thought it would cause my client’s hair stick together, making it difficult to detangle, but this did not happen. I followed the instructions on the back of the bottle, and made sure the client’s hair was damp before I applied it. Because her hair was wet, it allowed the product to spread on easily, leaving it soft to the touch. This treatment is also made with real bananas, which helps to strengthen the hair from the high amounts of potassium found in the fruit.
You should wear gloves before you apply this product to your hair, because it is sticky, but the treatment will not run down your face or cause a mess because the consistency is thick. Allow the Carmel Reconstructor to sit on your hair for 20 minutes with a plastic processing cap. If you need deeper conditioning, it is advised to leave the treatment on for 1 hour. Heat is not necessary. This treatment rinses out the hair well and does not leave behind any type of buildup.
Carmelux Deep Penetrating Treatment Shampoo
After thoroughly rinsing it out, I applied the sulfate-free E’TAE Natural Products Carmelux Deep Penetrating Treatment Shampoo. If you avoid shampoo because of its drying effects, you will like this shampoo because it removes dirt and products from the hair without leaving the hair dehydrated. My client’s hair was left with a nice shine after rinsing the shampoo.
Carmelux Silk Protein Conditioner
After cleansing, I applied the E’TAE Natural Product’s Carmelux Silk Protein Conditioner. I put her under the steamer for deeper penetration and her hair was a little softer. This conditioner is too light and did not provide enough moisture to my client’s hair. It also lacked enough slip to detangle. It did however provide high shine to my client’s hair, which the client was happy with after the blow-dry and flat iron service.
A thick conditioner with great slip and moisture was needed for my client’s high density texture. Normally for clients that fit her hair description, I look for conditioners with behentrimonium methosulfate. This mild surfactant helps provide a lot of slip without leaving buildup on the hair or irritating the scalp.
Buttershine Hair Crème
The E’TAE Natural Products Buttershine Hair Crème is a light cream made with Shea butter that I applied to my client’s hair before flat ironing. A small amount helped lay down coarser areas of hair and control the flyaways. To decrease the risk of heat damage, don’t forget to use a heat protectant serum, like Joico K- PAK Protect and Shine Serum, before thermal styling.
For my clients with type 4 hair, I would use the E’TAE Natural Products Carmel Reconstructing Treatment and the E’TAE Natural Products Carmelux Deep Penetrating Treatment Shampoo followed by Jane Carter Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner for more slip, and added softness.
I recommend using the Carmelux Silk Protein Deep Conditioner if you have low density hair or have a hair texture that does not require extra moisture. Sometimes you have to tweak what products you use in a particular hair care line to get the results you need for your hair.
Have you tried E’TAE Natural Products? How did the products work for your hair?
*Editor’s note: This article is not sponsored.
Do you need to learn how to detangle your hair while transitioning? Read 5 ways To Detangle While You Transition.
Find out how to detangle without causing breakage.
See what five conditioners can help you get rid of tangles.
Like adults, babies can have scalp conditions that cause scaling like dandruff, eczema, and ringworm. One of the most common types of scalp conditions an infant can get is cradle cap.
Cradle cap is another name for seborrheic dermatitis. Dr. Kim and Dr. Pope say, “Cradle cap is an oily, yellow scaling or crusting on a baby’s scalp. It is common in babies and is easily treated. Cradle cap is not a part of any illness and does not imply that a baby is not being well cared for.”
What causes cradle cap?
The exact cause of cradle cap is unknown, but Dr. Gupta says, “Seborrhea happens most often in babies and teenagers. In both of these times in a person’s life, hormone levels are high, which also might play a role in the condition.”
Since seborrheic dermatitis and cradle cap are the same, the sex hormones and thyroxine could be the trigger. When androgens or thyroxine increase, sebum increases as well. This over production of the skins natural lubricant may be the cause of cradle cap.
According to Dr. Gupta, “A type of yeast (fungus”> called malassezia can grow in the sebum along with bacteria, and this may be another factor in the development of cradle cap.”
What are the signs of cradle cap?
Talk to your pediatrician instead of diagnosing your infant with cradle cap yourself, because it can look different for every baby. Common signs are patches on the skin that look oily or greasy covered with white or yellow scales. Some babies get temporary hair loss because of cradle cap and their skin may itch and look red.
Cradle cap is not limited to the scalp and can be found on other parts of the body where there are sebaceous glands like corners of the nose, back, eyebrows, neck, eyelids, and forehead.
How do you remove cradle cap?
Much like dandruff, cradle cap can be easily treated at home once you get the proper diagnosis from your doctor. You can use mineral oil or glycerin to soften the flakes before you remove them.
Because oil can make the condition worse, it is important to remove the oil with a mild baby shampoo. Try a pre-shampoo treatment. Apply the oil to your scalp and gently massage it in to help lift scales. You can use a soft bristle brush made for babies to help remove flakes from the scalp while the oil is on your baby’s scalp. Be careful not to aggravate the scalp by rubbing too hard or scratching flakes with your nails or combs.
Massage and brush flakes away from the scalp for 3-5 min. Add shampoo to the hair and scalp before you wet the infant’s head with water. This will help remove all the oil from the hair and scalp.
Lather the shampoo and let it sit for 1-2 min. before you rinse it. You can shampoo once more if needed. Follow with a baby conditioner.
What are natural, at-home treatments?
There is no cure for cradle cap. It usually goes away by itself. You can treat cradle cap at home once you get approval from your doctor. Try to shampoo your infant’s scalp regularly. Some babies, depending on the level of the condition, may need their scalp cleansed every day until the buildup minimizes. Other infants may need their hair cleansed 2-3 times a week.
You can use Gentle Naturals Baby Therapeutics Cradle Cap Treatment Kit. It is a cream formulated with the first ingredient being caprylic/capric triglyceride, which is derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It helps retain moisture to the skin’s surface and replenishes the scalp. The second ingredient helps exfoliate and smooth out the skin. The canola oil helps to moisturize and soothe the scalp.
You can apply this product on the scalp before you shampoo your infant’s hair. Thoroughly massage the product into the scalp and use a soft brush to help remove scalp buildup from the skin.
Cradle cap is a condition that you can control at home with the proper guidance. It affects many babies and there is nothing you are doing wrong as a parent. With a few exfoliating techniques, you will be able to control the scales and dryness.
How did you help your baby with cradle cap? Share you tips with us?
[quote cite=”ncbi.nlm.nih.gov” citeurl=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126803/” align=”aligncenter”]low-level laser light therapy is a fast-growing technology used to treat a multitude of conditions that require stimulation of healing, relief of pain and inflammation, and restoration of function. Although the skin is the organ that is naturally exposed to light more than any other organ, it still responds well to red and near-infrared wavelengths.[/quote]
How does the HairMax LaserComb work?
The HairMax® LaserComb uses low level laser light therapy to reverse hair loss for people with androgenetic alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia causes hair loss of the front, temples and crown areas of the scalp. This type of hair loss is triggered by how sensitive your hair follicles are to androgens, the sex hormone found in male and females responsible for the development of male reproductive system and traits. It can also be caused by genetics.
Even though the laser comb is designed to reverse hair loss associated with androgenetic alopecia, I have noticed that the low level laser light technology also helps clients who have problems with sore scalp, flaky scalp and retaining hair left over from permanent hair loss.
The HairMax LaserComb uses laser phototherapy to stimulate hair growth, a process similar to photosynthesis which causes the growth of plants. The light from the HairMax LaserComb is supposed to reverse miniaturization. When your follicles go through miniaturization, terminal hairs, which are thick normal strands of hair, turn to fine peach fuzz hairs. Laser phototherapy helps extend the follicles hair growth cycle and help increase hair density.
How effective is the treatment?
The treatment is effective depending on the problem you are experiencing. First, you need to seek help from a dermatologist or trichologist who can diagnose and recommend if laser therapy is the right treatment for you.
Who should use the HairMax?
You do not want to spend money purchasing a laser comb if your hair loss or scalp problem is related to a nutritional or medical problem. In a case like this, your doctor or specialist will order blood work and explain to you the next steps to treat the bodily imbalance, which should help stop the hair loss.
If you have traction alopecia or any other scarring alopecia that causes permanent loss of hair on specific areas on the scalp, I recommend using a laser to reduce the hair loss from growing in size. It is very important to seek medical advice if you notice hair loss because it can be a warning that there is something going on internally that needs the help of a doctor.
In the salon, once my clients have been diagnosed with a scarring alopecia, I recommend the HairMax LaserComb and for them to take orally the amino acid Tyrosine because together they help reverse inflammation of the skin. This treatment also helps to reduce pain of the scalp as well. Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
I have noticed, that low level laser therapy helps clients who suffer with flaking of the scalp. It helps by slowing down skin cells turn over, especially in cases of psoriasis.
How to use it
The HairMax LaserComb works best when you use the teeth of the comb to part your hair so that the light shines directly on the skin where the follicles are affected.
Always use the laser comb on a clean scalp. Be sure to cleanse your hair at least one to two times a week especially if you are using topical treatments like minoxidil in conjunction with the laser comb.
It is important to be consistent with the use of the laser comb. For the best results use the laser two to three times a week, in every other day sequence.
If you notice hair growth or other positive changes, it is important that you continue to use the device. Once you stop using it, your problem could start back again. You will need to use the laser forever if you notice results.
Is it necessary to use the HairMax LaserComb products with the laser comb?
HairMax LaserComb has products that you can use in conjunction with the laser comb. They work well for overall scalp health and are not necessary to enhance how the HairMax LaserComb works. Some clients have used minoxidil and the laser comb for increased hair growth. The results vary based on the individual so it is best to try using the laser comb alone for six months. If you are not happy with the results, you can try using minoxidil and the laser comb for more hair growth.
Have you used the HairMax LaserComb before? What results did you notice?
What is trichology?
Trichology is the scientific study of the structure, function, and diseases of the human hair and scalp. A trichologist can help you if you are experiencing hair breakage, an excessive amount of hair loss, a sudden bald patch, or an uncontrollable amount of itching or flaking of the scalp.
Trichology.edu.au says, a “trichologist will carefully question each new client and examine the scalp thoroughly to assess the problem and its cause. A microscopic examination of the hair might be required to aid in the diagnosis of the problem.”
If you are thinking of going to a trichologist for a consultation, here is how you can prepare.
Be ready to thoroughly answer questions about your health
During your first consultation, family and personal medical history will be evaluated. The trichologist will ask you to fill out a form which ask you questions about family genetics, diet, nutrition, and medications. This information is essential to help the trichologist find out cause of the problem. When answering these questions, you need to be as honest as possible so that you get a proper diagnosis.
Go to the consultation with your hair and scalp easy to access
Have your hair in a loose style, bun, or ponytail. It also needs to be detangled. If you are going in for a consultation concerning excessive hair loss, the trichologist may want to gently remove hair from your scalp by running their hands through your hair. The trichologist may want to look at the shape of the hair bulb attached to the fallen strands of hair or to see the percentage of hair loss.
Schedule enough time for the consultation
It is important to schedule enough time for a trichology consultation. It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours for a consultation depending on the problem and if you decide to get a treatment on the same day. Find out in advance how long the first consultation will be from the trichologist. In order to get your money’s worth and receive accurate answers, it is important to not rush your consultation.
Minimize how often you shampoo your hair
It is recommended that you do not shampoo your hair three days before your consultation. When you shampoo your hair to close to the trichology consultation, you wash away evidence that may help the trichologist diagnose your problem, for example, excessive flakes and shedding hair.
Do not use scalp oils
Stay away from using oils on your scalp unless you are going to do a pre-poo treatment in which the oil will be shampooed out. Oils create a barrier on the scalp and it can be difficult to see what is happening on the skin and can also cause the trichologist to give you incorrect information about your problem.
Get your pH tested
Sometimes hair loss can be an indication of an imbalance in the body. A trichologist may ask you to test your pH with the use of your saliva or urine. pH testing allows the trichologist to get insights on whether the body is maintaining proper pH balances. The trichologist will advise you if you should use the test first thing in the morning or several times throughout the day for 24 hours. This test can indicate to trichologist if you have a diet high in foods and drinks that are too acidic or alkaline and what to do about it. When the body does not maintain proper pH balances, health problems may occur, which can trigger hair loss.
Bring in a copy of your blood work results
Your trichologist may want to see blood test results, which should be 3 to 6 months old. Trichologists can use this information about your health to see if there are any abnormalities that may be triggering the problem you are concerned with.
According to philipkingsley.com, “Your doctor may well say that everything is normal and not to worry, chances are that you will still be concerned because you know that something is amiss. Also, there is always an underlying cause for hair loss. The reason for confusion is frequently this: your GP will read your blood test results differently than a trichologist will. He or she is looking for levels that might affect your general health, but not your hair – a non-vital tissue.”
Be prepared to learn about treatments
Trichology.edu.au notes that a “trichologist must decide if treatment is necessary and whether the problem is within his or her realm to treat, or should be dealt with by another specialist. Treatment by the trichologist might consist of the application of a particular cream or lotion to the scalp or the use of nutritional therapy.”
Trichology consultations vary depending on the type of training and experience of the trichologist. Do your research by reading reviews or ask people if they can recommend a trichologist to you.
Have you ever had to see a trichologist? What was your experience during the consultation?
Writer Sophia Emmanuel is a licensed cosmetologist and certified IAT trichologist.
As hairstylists, we need to be educated in trichology, so that we feel knowledgeable and confident addressing scalp problems that arise in our clients. When clients ask about hair loss and scalp irritation, you want to correctly answer their questions instead of covering up the problem with a nice style. While deciding whether a trichology certification is worth the investment, consider these three benefits.
You will learn how to diagnose different types of hair loss
When a client has a bald patch, you can now diagnose the problem. The first question patients usually ask is whether the condition is permanent. Through the trichology certification program, you will be trained to examine the scalp and learn how the skin looks when follicles are present. If you see follicles, you know the hair can grow back. When follicles are not present and destroyed, the skin will look shiny and feel smooth. Then, you will have to gently explain to the client that the hair loss in the area in question is permanent or refer her to a dermatologist for medical treatment not within your scope.
This process sounds easy, but there are various types of hair loss that look the same on the scalp, especially scarring alopecia. Being a trichologist enables you to learn the signs and symptoms of each one, so that you can give your client a proper diagnosis. Giving your client more accurate answers will help them leave the salon with dignity instead of feeling hopeless.
You will be trusted as a hair and scalp expert in the industry
Your certification will encourage people to listen to your recommendations and seek you for qualified advice about hair care. Dr. Kari Williams says, “Trichology distinguishes you from your peers and opens up more doors of career opportunities that will take you beyond the chair.”
Because hair loss is so specific, other hairstylists or medical professionals will send their customers to you for help, because they know trichologists have a deeper understanding of scalp problems and when possible can offer treatments to restore hair. You can be featured on TV, magazines, or blogs for your valued information.
Offer alternative treatments based on the needs of the client
According to Dr. Williams, “You can offer effective in-salon treatments that will address concerns of hair loss and scalp discomfort through homeopathic techniques enhancing who you are as a professional hairstylist.” You cannot treat hair loss based on a one-size-fits-all method. You have to create treatment programs that meet the different needs of each client. Some of these treatments may include aromatherapy topical treatments, laser therapy, a massage, and supplements.
How can you get started obtaining a trichology certificate?
First, you need to research the trichology programs that interest you. Dr. Kari William recommends contacting the head of the program or one of the lead instructors: “It’s always nice to be able to talk to someone and ask questions about the program, its objectives, and what you will gain from taking their course. There are so many new programs being developed as well, so take your time to compare what the courses are offering. The most important thing you want to get from a program is the ability to take what you’ve learned and apply it in the salon setting. Another option you have is to check to see if the program has some form of accreditation through a school or medical association.” Dr. Williams currently offers an online trichology certification course for salon professionals. You can learn more about the program by visiting www.trichologycertification.com.
What is a closure?
A closure is a small hairpiece or top unit that you can purchase ready to wear or customize. Closures can be anchored on to the skin using liquid adhesive or double-sided tape for people with hair loss. They can also be attached to hair using clips or sewn onto cornrows. Other weaving techniques such as fusion, bonding, or micro links can be used to hold closures on to the hair as well.
What are the benefits of using a closure?
Using closures while wearing extensions gives you the option of installing hair that is a different texture or color from your natural hair. It will prevent heat damage you can get from flat ironing too often to blend it in with the extensions. You can try a new haircut or style without having to make extreme changes to your natural hair, because all your hair is protected and cornrowed underneath the install.
You can decide what closure to use based on the base material, which is what the hair on the unit is attached to. The most popular base materials to choose from are lace and silk.
Lace Closures
Lace is the most popular base material used for closures. Because the base of the unit is thin, it lays flat against the head giving your extensions a more realistic look. Because the lace is nude mesh, the color of your scalp peeks through to give the illusion of a natural part. Lace closures are available in different colors, which can help match the skin on your scalp.
There are two common types of lace closures.
- French lace closure- is a thin, closely woven together piece of lace. It is durable, but also more noticeable than Swiss lace closures.
- Swiss lace closure– looks more realistic than French lace, because the lace is thinner, but Swiss lace closures are delicate and easy to tear.
A disadvantage to lace closures is the alterations needed to conceal the way the hairs on the unit are attached to the lace. The hair is anchored on the lace with knots that you can see on the top of the unit. The knots create a grid-like appearance on the lace, making your extensions appear less natural.
To make the unit look more natural, you will have to bleach the knots of the lace closure to create a look as if the hair is growing out of the scalp. If you do not bleach the knots properly, you risk the chance of ruining your closure or the hair before you use it.
Silk Closures
With silk base closures the knots are not visible, because the hair is attached to a silk material that has a nude color resembling skin. When you look at the top of this unit, it will look like a natural part and you will not see a grid that is apparent with lace closures.
The silk material is supported with lace material. Silk closures are more durable than lace closures and can last longer depending on what type of hair is used. You can pay more money for a silk-based closure, but if the quality of the hair is poor, your silk-based closure will have shorter use to you.
One disadvantage of using the silk based closure is that the base is a little thicker, so it will not lay as flat on your head as a lace based closure. Because the color of the silk material is nude, it may not look as natural on darker scalps, so you may have to alter the closure after all.
Have you tried using a silk based or lace-based closure? What was your experience?
Hairstylists, it is important to show your clients you are thankful that they utilize your business.
Your clients have several options in choosing which salon they could go to for hair services, so showing your appreciation for them will build loyalty and value in the business relationship. Here are six ways to your client more gratitude.
Serve refreshments and snacks
Serve coffee, tea, water, juice or wine to your clients waiting to be serviced. If it’s the morning, pastries and granola bars are great options as well. Some services in a salon can take hours to finish–a light snack or refreshment can make the long processing time of the service a lot more relaxing for the customer.
Give gifts or samples of products
Keep a record of your client’s birthdays or anniversaries. That way, you can send them a gift certificate or discount that can be redeemed at your salon on special occasions. For major holidays like Mother’s Day or Christmas, give your clients samples of a favorite or new product. Distributors always have samples of products that they are willing to share with hairstylists, which you could regift to clients.
Create reward programs
Happy clients love to talk about their favorite and talented hair stylist. Create a program that rewards clients when they refer someone to your salon or write you a nice review on line. Make sure to tell them thank you for the customer referral. Customers like when you remember specific details about them. It makes them feel like they are unique to all the other customers you service.
Send out thank you cards
Have your customers email or home address on file so that you can keep in contact with them and find out how they are doing. Send a card to new clients thanking them for their business. Ask the new customer what they enjoyed–or didn’t enjoy–about their service. Clients like when a stylist goes the extra mile to make sure they are happy with their total experience. Considering their opinion helps them feel special and gives you necessary feedback as a business owner.
Keep in contact with clients
Send out an email to any clients you have not serviced in a while. Tell them you are thinking of them and their hair. Keeping in contact with clients this way lets them know that you care about them and took the time to reach out even with a busy schedule.
Have a customer appreciation event
Organize an event fully dedicated to thanking your customers. Invite other businesses in your area to participate. Businesses that offer different services from yours would be a great way to help pamper your customers. Collaborate with a local nail salon to offer mini manicures or pedicures, a spa to do quick neck and head massages or an eyebrow bar to do waxing or threading services. This will help your clients feel exclusive and relaxed getting one stop services in one location.
Stylists, what are some ways you show your clients gratitude?
Although you may not be able to do them all, pick which options are the most suitable for your business model. These simple steps are just a few ways you can say thank you to your clients.
What’s next?
Wondering why you might be losing clients? Read this.
Want influential clients? This is how to make every curly Instagrammer in NYC your client.
Like what you see? For more articles like this, sign up for our newsletter!
Writer Sophia Emmanuel is a licensed cosmetologist and certified IAT trichologist with a salon, Crown Worthy, based in New York City.
Genetics, stress, diet, nutrition, medical complications, and environmental problems can influence hair loss. Loss of hair may also be the result of improper use of chemicals or styling techniques. The only way to be sure about what is causing your hair loss is to see a dermatologist or trichologist who can examine your problem and diagnose it. Here are some common causes of hair loss.
Traction alopecia
The most common hair loss is traction alopecia. Traction alopecia can cause follicles to close permanently. Once the follicles are closed, your hair cannot grow back in that area on the scalp. The scalp will look shiny in a severe case of traction alopecia and if hair is present, the hair will be shorter than the rest of your hair and sometimes can be very fine in texture.
Common areas of the scalp affected by traction alopecia will be the hairline, nape and crown of the head. This type of hair loss is caused by wearing excessively tight hairstyles, such as braids, cornrows, extensions, twist and any other style with or without hair added that adds excessive weight or tension to the scalp.
Wearing these styles can be done without causing traction alopecia if you go to a licensed professional that is trained to do the service without causing damage to the scalp. The specialist will also give you pointers on best care practices for your scalp and the length of time the style can stay in your hair. The stylist will also be able to recommend the best technique for you based on your lifestyle or if you have a pre-existing scalp condition.
Medication
Can your medication trigger hair loss? The answer is yes, but according to philipkingsley.com, “If you are prescribed a drug that lists hair loss as a possible side effect, please don’t panic. It may only have a slight effect on hair fall, and also may only affect a small percentage of people in this way. The list of drugs that can impact your scalp are vast due to reports being received over a long period of time, and also the fact that all reported instances of hair loss need to be supplied to the consumer. If you are concerned that a prescription medication is causing hair loss, talk to your GP and a trichologist. The exceptions to this are medications given in very strong doses, or chemotherapy used in the treatment of cancer.”
Philipkingsley says, “Drugs used to treat cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, and to lipid (fats and cholesterol”> regulators can potentially cause extra hair shedding, they do not do so in everyone. Although the percentage of hair loss from many drugs is very small, it’s a factor to consider if you begin to lose your hair after starting a new medication. However, it’s important to realize that increased hair shedding usually occurs between 6 weeks and 3 months after starting a course of medication.”
Diffuse hair loss
When you start to notice that your hair is lot thinner in appearance all around the scalp, this could be a sign of an imbalance within the body. This type of hair loss is called diffuse hair loss or telogen effluvium. Your hair follicles do not close permanently and the hair loss can be corrected once the problem inside the body is treated or corrects itself. For example, some women experience excessive hair fall after pregnancy, known as post-partum hair loss. During pregnancy there are high levels of the hormone estrogen that promote hair growth. This happens because there are signals in the body that tell the hair follicles to stay in the anagen hair growth phase. About three months after pregnancy, in a result of the hormone levels going back to normal, the hair that grew in excess starts to shed. The hair loss takes about 3 to 4 months to stop by itself. The effects of pregnancy on hair vary based on the individual, because hormonal changes affect people in different ways.
Nutrition and hair loss
Nutrition plays a major role in one of the causes of hair loss. Philipkingsley.com notes that, “Hair is incredibly sensitive to internal organs. Your hair is the second fastest growing cell in your body, the fastest being your intestinal cells. However, unlike your intestines, hair is a non-essential tissue. Psychologically it is very important, but physically, you could easily survive without it. Your metabolism doesn’t prioritize your hairs needs, but instead aims to keep your essential tissues functioning first and foremost. This means your hair is usually the first to suffer from any bodily upset, and also the last to benefit from an improvement.”
Simply put, your hair is not an important tissue, so your body will not place the hair’s nutritional needs at the top of the list to address or fix. Make sure you are getting a balance of minerals, vitamins, proteins and complex carbohydrates to help hair cells to work at their best.
Washing your hair while wearing protective styles is important, because it creates a healthy environment for hair growth and minimizes the chances of you getting a scalp disorder such as dandruff, dryness, and scalp infections.
Which protective style should you wear?
The best protective styles I recommend for allowing you to cleanse the scalp properly are styles that leave your scalp exposed. This includes
- cornrows
- two-strand twists
- flat twists
- box braids
- Senegalese twists
- Havana twists
Talk to your stylist
You should discuss all cleansing and maintenance needs of your protective style with the stylist who created it. If you created the style at home by yourself, you have to research the best cleansing practices based on your hair care needs, technique used, and the overall style.Which cleanser should you use?
Cleanse
If you are looking for a quick way to cleanse your scalp while it is in a protective style or if you are in between shampoos, you can use Moisture Clenz by Taliah Waajid. Moisture Clenz is formulated with peppermint oil to soothe and cool the skin when it feels tight, itchy, or irritated. Peppermint oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties, which aid in preventing bacterial and fungal infections. Think of Moisture Clenz as a dry shampoo you can use to easily cleanse your scalp. I recommend spraying the Moisture Clenz onto your scalp and using a cotton ball to gently remove oil, dirt, and dead skin cells off of the scalp.
Tone
Another way to keep your scalp clean with protective styles is to use Philip Kingsley’s Scalp Toner. This product is designed to gently remove oil and protect the scalp from harmful bacteria that encourages flaking. Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner has witch hazel, which acts as a very mild astringent. Menthol cools and invigorates the scalp while piroctone olamine combats yeast and bacteria. To use this toner, towel dry excess water from your hair and scalp and use the nozzle attached to the bottle to apply the toner to the scalp. Leave the product in and use it whenever your scalp feels irritated or dry.
Moisturize
If you are looking for a product that can moisturize your scalp and contains ingredients that invigorate and help the scalp feel clean, try Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier Therapeutic. The glycerin in this product helps moisturize the scalp, the eucalyptus oil helps reduces dandruff and itchiness, and aloe vera soothes and calms the skin. You can use Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier Therapeutic 2-3 times a week as a leave-in treatment for your scalp. Simply spray the mist on your scalp and protective hairstyle.What if you have dandruff or a scalp disorder?
If you suffer from severe dandruff or another scalp disorder, try a protective style that does not require adding hair or leaving a style in for more than one week. Wigs are a perfect option for people with chronic dandruff, because you can take the wig off and shampoo your hair and scalp thoroughly. Make sure to clean wigs and clip-in extensions regularly, so that bacteria and yeast are not being transferred back to your scalp when you put your wig back on.
Sometimes product buildup can be mistaken for dandruff, because when products flake off the hair and scalp, it looks similar to flakes that you get when you have a scalp disorder. There are some products that cause the scalp to flake and that is because there is an ingredient in the product that triggers dandruff.
Sensitivities to ingredients vary, and what will cause the scalp to flake for some people may not be the same for others. If your scalp has scales, itches, and feels tight, this is an indication of dandruff. Hot tools such as flatirons, hooded hair dryers, and blow-dryers can encourage dry scalp and peeling.
How can you tell the difference?
One way to tell that you have product buildup and not dandruff is to look closely at the color and size of the flakes.
When you have dandruff…
The color of the flakes may be yellow and the flakes are different shapes and irregular in size. If you have been scratching your scalp, you may see some dried blood attached to the fallen skin cells, which can cause the scalp to feel tender.
When you have product buildup…
The flakes tend to be a similar color to the product used and the flakes from the product stick to the hair instead of falling on the shoulders like dandruff.
How to deal with product buildup
Product buildup not only causes the scalp to itch and peel, but it can also stop your conditioners from moisturizing your hair properly. It is important to use a clarifying shampoo that is gentle on your curls and can remove excess product from the hair and scalp. If not, your hair will lack moisture, shine, and tangle easily.I recommend Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo, because it is sulfate free, safely removes dandruff buildup, and will not leave your feeling hair dry. This shampoo has no parabens, gluten, or sodium chloride (salt”> added. You can use a clarifying shampoo two times a month in between co-washing.
How to treat dandruff
If you suffer with dry scalp or dandruff, I suggest using a clarifying shampoo one to two times weekly and staying away from co-washing (cleansing with conditioner”>. You should always shampoo two times on wash day. Lather and rinse with the first shampoo application. The second shampoo needs to sit on the hair and scalp for two minutes, which helps to remove the remaining product off the hair and scalp.
Dry scalp, often confused with dandruff, is a common problem that affects many people. The terms are mistakenly used interchangeably to describe shared symptoms, but there’s a difference between these two scalp disorders.
What is dry scalp?
Dry scalp causes skin to feel tight. You’ll also notice that skin will have a white, silvery gray color, feel tender, and itch. When you scratch a dry scalp, you may see skin that has peeled or flaked off your scalp.
Dry scalp is caused when the pH of sebum, the scalp’s natural oil, is disrupted. Sebum is responsible for keeping proper moisture balance on the top layer of the scalp. It shields the skin from bacterial and fungal infections. This is why it is important to use shampoos that have a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5, the same pH range as sebum, and that cleanse without removing too much moisture from the scalp. I recommend Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Shampoo. It contains cocamidalpropyl betaine, a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your hair, and organic aloe barbadensis gel, which helps sooth the scalp and reduce inflammation.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff occurs when the skin flakes; this can be mild, moderate, or severe. Although the causes of dandruff are unknown, several theories suggest that dandruff may be caused by too much Malassezia globose, or yeast, living on the scalp. Malassezia globose lives on the scalp normally but may cause flakes for some people if it lives on the skin in abundance.
Dry scalp and dandruff can exist on the scalp together and it can be difficult to determine if you have one or both.
Don’t be alarmed if you see some dandruff when you shampoo, comb, or brush your hair. The scalp naturally sheds hardened layers of skin off the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. This process is called desquamation and is normal. However, diet, nutrition, hormones, stress, allergies and autoimmune issues can affect the normal process of desquamation, causing flakes to shed fast and in excess. Infrequent shampooing may also be a factor.
So, what’s the difference?
Think of dry scalp as something you can feel occurring on the scalp, while dandruff is what you see because flakes are falling off the scalp. With dry scalp you may feel the need to scratch your scalp. Your scalp may feel sore from scratching and may bleed if you scratch your scalp excessively. If hair loss or bleeding takes place as a result of scratching, you may need to see a dermatologist or trichologist to help the problem.
If you feel that you are experiencing dry scalp, you can try to massage your scalp before you shampoo with this jojoba oil scalp treatment.
Jojoba oil is similar to the scalp’s sebum. It penetrates the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling on the scalp. It also helps loosen up flakes, which can then be removed once you shampoo your hair. You can add a few drops of chamomile essential oil to the jojoba oil, which will help relax the scalp, while soothing and healing dry, irritated skin. A few drops of tea tree oil can be added to the mix to combat itch and reduce fungal and bacterial infection.
What scalp treatment have you used for your dry scalp? How did these products work?
Ringworm of the scalp, also known as tinea capitis, is an infection caused by fungi. The type of fungi that causes tinea capitis is mold, which multiplies on keratin. Fungi that cause problems on the skin in animals and humans are called dermatophytes. The two types of dermatophytes that are of concern when dealing with tinea capitis are microsporum and trichophyton. Microsporum organisms can be passed on from animal to person while trichophyton organisms pass on person to person.
Who can get tinea capitis?
According to healthline.com, “anyone can develop ringworm. However, the infection is very common among children and people who own pet cats. You may be more likely to develop dermatophytosis (ringworm”> if you come into contact with the fungi while you’re wet or if you have minor skin injuries or abrasions. Using a public shower or public pool areas may also expose you to the infective fungi. If you’re often barefoot, you may develop ringworm of the feet. Those who often share items such as hairbrushes or unwashed clothing also have an increased risk of developing the infection.”
Types of infections that cause tinea capitis
- Endothrix infections are caused by microsporum fungi and invade the outer layer of the hair. With endothrix, you may experience itching, patches of scales on the scalp, and soreness of the scalp. When the infection escalates to the second stage, there may be patches of hair breakage with little black dotes inside the circular patch which is short stiff hair caused by the hair breakage.
- Ecotothrix infections attack the inner layer of the hair called the cortex. This causes hair breakage and damage and the type of fungi that causes ecotothrix infections are trichophyton. The hair breaks off easily with ecotothrix and leaves behind white stubble with in the ringworm patch. Within the patch they may be thin scales, they do not stick to the scalp. The scales might cover the short broken off hairs within the patch.
- Favus is a superficial dermatophyte infection usually caused by T schoenleinii and characterized by scutula. In most patients, favus is a severe form of tinea capitis, according to Medscape.
What does favus look like?
Derm Net says “Favus is characterised by yellow cup-shaped crusts (scutula”> that group together in patches like a piece of honeycomb, hence the name favus (Latin for “honeycomb””>. Each crust encircles a strand of hair, which pierces the centre and pokes out.”
“There appears to be 3 stages of the disease according to its severity.
- Stage 1: area around the hair follicles on the scalp becomes red and inflamed. Hair remains intact.
- Stage 2: yellow cup-shaped crusts (scutula”> form and hair starts to fall out.
- Stage 3: at least one third of the scalp is affected and there is extensive hair loss, atrophy and scarring.
The scutula form dense plaques that often harbor secondary bacterial infection. Removal of the plaques leaves a red, swollen moist base. A mousy odor is often present.”
How to treat tinea capitis
Ringworm can only be treated by a doctor. Extreme precaution should be taken when dealing with tinea capitis to make sure the infection does not spread to others. Healthline.com says, “Your doctor may prescribe various medications, depending on the severity of your ringworm infection. Ketoconazole is a prescription strength cream that is often used to treat fungal infections. Over-the-counter medications and skin creams may be recommended for use as well. Over-the-counter products may contain clotrimazole, miconazole, or other related ingredients.”
You can also use 2.5% selenium sulphide shampoo to help reduce the spore production period. Treatments are given for 4 to 8 weeks, sometimes longer, to make sure the problem is solved.
What you can do at home?
Healthline points out that “in addition to prescription and over-the-counter medication, your doctor may recommend that you care for your infection at home by practicing some of the following behaviors, including:
- avoiding clothing that irritates the infected area
- washing bedding and clothes daily during an infection
- cleaning and drying your skin regularly”
“If you have been scratching your skin frequently due to the infection, you may also develop a staph or strep infection of the skin. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat this bacterial infection as you continue your treatment for the ringworm.”
This article is written by Sophia Emmanuel, a certified IAT trichologist and licensed cosmetologist.
In cosmetology school, a hairstylist learns what they need to know to pass the state board exam to obtain a license. They learn to practice cosmetology services safely with proper sanitation methods.
Cosmetologists learn chemistry, which helps them understand how to avoid hair breakage or causing burns on the skin when they use chemicals such as color, relaxers, and perms. Chemistry also helps them understand product knowledge and what the end result will be once a chemical is applied and rinsed off of the hair. These are just some of the things cosmetologists learn in school.
There are also some things that hairstylist learn through experience once they leave school and work in a salon and these are the things that are not taught in all cosmetology schools.
Learning When to Say No
In school, cosmetologists are taught that the whole point of a consultation is to find out what service the client wants, but it is just as important for the stylist to tell the client if the service can be done based on the client’s hair type, lifestyle, and the overall health of the hair.
Cosmetologist need to be taught in school when to say no and that it is ok to tell a client that a particular service will not be beneficial and explain why. Yes, it is ok to want to make the customer happy, but as a licensed professional your number one goal should be to maintain the health and integrity of the client’s hair.
Time Management
Today, clients take fewer trips to the beauty salon and will learn how to do their own hair just to avoid waiting hours in the salon to get their hair done. If a stylist has a schedule that does not require you to make an appointment and to walk in, you can expect to wait. However, if you have a scheduled time to get your hair done, there is no reason you as the client should have to wait hours to be serviced.
Cosmetology schools should stress the importance of proper time management and the essentials of booking appointments that avoid long waits. It is a skill that is very helpful in maintaining loyal clients that will recommend friends and family and allow clients to know that their time is respected.
How to Address Hair Loss or Scalp Problems
In cosmetology school hair loss and scalp problems such as dandruff, ringworm, and seborrheic dermatitis are briefly addressed.
When cosmetologist start working in a salon some of them may be uncomfortable to start the conversation with a client concerning their scalp problem because they do not know what caused the condition and may not want to be blamed.
If a hairstylist is trained to address these problems in school, it can help the client get the help she needs quickly or the hairstylist can simply direct her to a dermatologist or another doctor that can help. Learning trichology in beauty school can help hairstylists prevent further damage to the hair and scalp.
Are you a licensed cosmetologist? What do you wish you learned in school?
Writer Sophia Emmanuel is a licensed cosmetologist and certified IAT trichologist.
