Archive for October, 2009

Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss – Remedies For Itchy Scalp Hair Loss

Tim Faber
asked:

Itchy scalp hair loss problems often are the result of excessive oil secretion form the scalp – sebum. Sebum acts to help coat and protect the follicle shaft and provide nutrients and minerals while adding smoothing lubrication.

Associated with all follicle pores, the sebaceous glands can become overactive and lead to oily hair and scalp. Considered a primary cause of dermatitis, excess sebum can lead to inflammation, itching and flaking. Itchiness is often caused by bacterial build-up and be accelerated by styling, dirt and styling product residue.

Allergic or sensitive reactions to shampoo, conditioners, chemical treatments and environmental factors can increase itchiness and localized redness and irritation. Dandruff, flakiness, scalp bumps and even sores can develop – eventually leading to thinning or hair loss.

More severe signs of loss may be the result of scalp psoriasis, ringworm or may be the result of physical tension as a result of tight braiding and “traction alopecia” – keeping the hair bound or styled tightly. Extended tension can cause irritation resulting in itchy scalp hair loss problems.

Remedies for itchy scalp hair loss problems focus on two primary concerns. One, reducing or regulating sebum production (oil), and two, soothing and healing the scalp.

A shampoo for itchy scalp is recommended to slow or regulate oil. Zinc is known to help slow and temper oil secretion and help cleanse oily scalp. Combined with botanical extracts that are less irritating to the scalp, you can deep clean dirt and product residue accumulation while increasing blood flow, circulation and nutrient delivery to the follicle root and cuticle.

Common herbs used in hair loss products include Sage, Thyme and Fenugreek and have been shown to help in the regrowth process while avoiding irritation and inflammation. When used with Zinc or Zinc PCA, sebaceous glands can be regulated and oil production reduced.

To soothe itching and help heal the scalp, Panthenol, Jojoba Oil and Emu Oil are used to penetrate the scalp and act as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial compound. Emu Oil has been used extensively in hair loss products and skin care for its ability to penetrate the dermal layers and help soothe itchiness, flaking, redness and irritation.

Used in conditioners for itchy scalp, these ingredients help promote healthy hair, while adding fullness and body to thin or thinning hair. Used in conjunction with an oil regulating shampoo, you can get viable remedies for itchy scalp hair loss.

Itching, flaking and scalp bumps may be the sign of something more severe and might require the care of either a dermatologist or trichologist. However, many itchy scalp hair loss issues can be effectively addressed by shampoos and conditioners formulated to clean the hair, regulate sebum, and soothe and condition the follicles and scalp.

Easy Homemade Herbal Dandruff Remedies That Anyone Can Make

Obediah Marsh asked:

If you suffer from dandruff, many times you will avoid wearing that black or dark piece of clothing, with fear that you will have the embarrassing white flakes showing up on your clothing for the whole world to see. There is no need to have that added stress on your shoulders, worrying about dandruff. With homemade herbal dandruff remedies, it can solve your dandruff dilemma, resulting in wearing that black outfit, with no worries.

The following are some homemade herbal dandruff remedies that have worked for millions of sufferers.

Aloe Vera gel has been known to help in curing dandruff. Lime juice or lemon juice applied directly to the scalp will eliminate dandruff. Apple juice mixed with warm water and massaged into the scalp is a great treatment for dandruff. Doing this three times a week will end the dandruff. Rosemary and borax. Mix 5 tablespoons of rosemary and add a pinch of borax. Massage the mixture into the scalp on a daily basis. This is great for removing dandruff. Mixing apple cider vinegar and warm water and rinsing your scalp with this, will help in removing dandruff. Using hot steam in the bath or shower. Massage hot oil into the scalp, and then wrap the head with a hot moist towel for the duration of your bath or shower. This is quite effective when it comes to dandruff. Using vinegar and warm water rinse and adding either, parsley, marjoram, sage, stinging nettles, burdock root or raspberry leaves. Rinsing the scalp after shampooing every other day with this infusion will eventually rid the dandruff.

Using any of these homemade herbal dandruff remedies will help to eliminate inflammation, itchiness, and white flakes. Dandruff is a chronic condition, so following any of these tips, and being consistent, will give you freedom from embarrassing dandruff.

Itchy Scalp and Hair Dyes – Why Your Hair Dye is Burning Your Scalp

Anne Cresacre asked:




What’s The Link Between Itchy Scalp and Hair Dyes?

Hair dyes can cause allergic reactions, typically resulting in a red, burning itchy scalp. This problem can usually be dealt with fairly easily if action is taken early on, when you first notice some irritation or something simply not quite right with your scalp.

Unfortunately many folks don’t always know the link between their itchy scalp and hair dyes, or they will buy special shampoos and conditioners to treat their condition without realising that many of these big name products contain very harsh chemicals that can aggravate and even worsen your tender itchy scalp condition.

So What’s In A Hair Dye?

Typically the nastiest culprit of an itchy scalp and hair dyes problem is the chemical Phenylenediamine (PPD). This is known as a contact allergen, and can result in a nasty itchy scalp…or in doctor-speak, sensitisation dermatitis. It absorbs itself into the skin causing serious irritation. If inhaled it can cause throat irritation, and bronchial asthma, and in extreme cases has led to blindness from contact with the eyes.

It is often found in many hair dyes, as well as leather dyes, fur dyes, various printer inks and photographic products. Some manufacturers of these products have explicitly stated that PPD should not be used directly on the skin, however most manufacturers of PPD often do not do the same, and neglect to tell the consumer and end-user the dangers associated with this compound.

Other harmful chemicals found in hair dyes include Hydrogen Peroxideand Ammonia. Most off-the-shelf brands of hair dyes and even some gentler salon hair dyes contain one or more of these chemicals.

What Can We Do To Solve The Itchy Scalp and Hair Dyes Problem?

First of all, I would advise that the next time you go to a salon, ask for a “sensitive scalp” hair dye. There are many brands which are NOT harmful and can leave your hair in much healthier condition due to their gentler active ingredients and conditioning properties.

Second, make sure you’re using a natural pH-balanced shampoo, that doesn’t contain the harmful chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS) and Propylene Glycol. These will only serve to aggravate your itchy scalp problem.

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Itchy Flaky Scalp? Try This Simple Home Remedy

Anne Cresacre asked:

Itchy flaky scalp getting you down? If you’ll give me a couple of minutes of your time I’ll show you how a simple and little known herbal remedy can get rid of your itchy flaky scalp once and for all.

An itchy flaky scalp can be caused by any number of things but often has to do with lifestyle, nutrition, infection or even an allergic reaction to the products you normally put on your hair. You see, most off-the-shelf products these days are so loaded with chemicals that in some cases they actually do more harm than good. Many anti-dandruff shampoos contain strong chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulphate (the same ingredient used in engine degreasers), Propylene Glycol (found in antifreeze), and Silicone which is often found in leading brand conditioners and is used to add an artificial shine to your hair.

Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent little home remedy that has been used for many, many years to get rid of an itchy flaky scalp and dandruff.

Try the following recipe:

Wash hair with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo. There’s no need to use a dandruff shampoo because the apple cider vinegar will gradually disperse and get rid of the dandruff and itchy flaky scalp problem.

Mix together the apple cider vinegar with some warm water (2 parts vinegar to one part water). By adding a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or rosemary you will help to cleanse the scalp further and add a little fragrance to your hair. (Always remember to patch test oils in case of allergies, and always consult your doctor if you are pregnant).

Pour the mixture directly on to clean hair or alternatively put it in a bottle and spray onto your scalp. Massage it in and let the mixture dry on your hair. There’s no need to rinse it out (unless the smell bothers you).

In case of more stubborn dandruff and itchy flaky scalp you can try a stronger mixture of vinegar to water, such as a one-to-one ratio. You could even try using the vinegar undiluted and applying it directly to the scalp. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash the cider out with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo.

You’ll get the best results if you use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to treat your dandruff. If you don’t happen to have any apple cider vinegar, lemon juice can also be used instead.

Essential oils can be used to soothe the itching. Mixing together Lavender, German Chamomile and Eucalyptus Oils with water (4 parts water to 1 part oil), and applying locally to affected areas will help to relieve your itchy flaky scalp.

**Bonus Itchy Flaky Scalp Remedy**

Ok, I’m feeling kind today, so here’s an extra little home remedy for you.  :)

Fenugreek seeds are excellent for getting rid of dandruff:

Take 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and soak overnight in water In the morning grind the soft seeds into a fine paste Apply this paste all over scalp and leave for half an hour Rinse off thoroughly with soap nut solution A teaspoon of lime juice on the last rinse will work wonders

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Dandruff Remedies – A Guide to Dandruff Treatment & Home Made Remedies For an Itchy Scalp

Maxey Thomas asked:

Dandruff first arises to an individuals awareness with itching and flaking of the scalp. But its not just the scalp that can be affected, the eyebrows, forehead and ears can also experience signs of dandruff. But if your dandruff is constant and always comes with an itch and irritation then it could be possible you have another skin condition called seborrhea or psoriasis, so check with your doctor as soon as possible if you believe this to be you.

Before we get to dandruff remedies, lets look at the causes. Many people believe dandruff is caused by a dry scalp, but this is not true, in fact people with very oily scalps can develop dandruff. The main culprit for dandruff is thought to be yeast or over oily skin. Stress is also another major factor and a bad diet that consists of high levels of sugar intact can also contribute to the condition.

Dandruff remedies
usually come in the forms of shampoo like heads and shoulders but there are other more economic ways to battle the problem. First make sure your diet is up to scratch, this means eliminating excess sugar and reducing or eliminating food that contain yeast, examples of this are alcohol, cheese and breads.

There are also many home remedies that can be mixed up to fight dandruff, a lot of people use tea tree oil and vinegar because they both contain properties that help reduce the oils that cause dandruff. But theres many more home made remedies out there that can address your problem, so if you want to save a little cash for the holiday season, home remedies are the way to go.