Common Hair Problems Solved

We all want shiny healthy hair but unfortunately we're not all lucky enough to be blessed with thick, lustrous tresses. Combining the right maintenance regime with the correct products to suit your hair type will ensure healthy-looking hair all year round. For those of you with hair in less than perfect condition, follow my simple steps to solve common hair-care problems. 





Dandruff
Often confused with a flaky scalp dandruff appears in thick greasy patches. Easily infected, the affected areas can result in scabbing and inflammation which is also known as seborrheic dermatitis. This condition is often linked with a food allergy or poor diet and can easily be aggravated by stress or an excessive intake of dairy products and junk food.

Problem solver: Hair should be washed daily with a shampoo specifically formulated for dandruff. For a simple DIY solution try blending ten drops of thyme essential oil with 100 ml of apple juice and massage into the scalp. After 5 minutes rinse hair prior to using a mild shampoo. 
It is also advisable to take 4 capsules of 500 mg of evening primrose oil a day. This will improve and clear the condition considerably.

Eczema
Itchy red patches on the scalp are often eczema or psoriasis and can be professionally diagnosed by consulting your hairdresser, doctor or a trichologist. 

Problem solver: Avoid medicated formulas as these tend to contain ingredients that can irritate the scalp. Instead, opt for a mild or moisturizing shampoo and wash hair daily.
Pure aloe vera juice or cold camomile tea can also be used to massage into the scalp and left prior to styling as normal. This treatment can weigh hair down making it hard to handle, if you have fine hair use this remedy as an overnight treatment and rinse thoroughly in the morning. 
I would also recommend cutting out dairy foods to see if your condition improves.

Dull Hair

This is a common and easily visible condition as a result of bad circulation, build-up of styling and product, the use of harsh shampoos and, poor diet.

Problem solver: Increase your intake of pantothenic acid found in foods such as peanuts and egg yolks. For a simple DIY solution rinse hair with lemon juice or a capful of vinegar diluted in a litre of cold water after shampooing. The acidity will flatten cuticles leaving hair lustrous and shiny.

You can also achieve a polished finish by adding a small amount of serum to the hair before running a large make-up brush down the hair shaft to smooth cuticles.

*Tip: If your curly hair is looking dull, use a leave in conditioner or conditioning spray. Dull hair is a common problem for people of this hair type as the cuticles don't lie flat.

Oily Hair

Your scalps oil producing glands can easily be thrown out of sync by stress, medication, poor diet and hormonal imbalances.

Problem solver: As hard as it may be one of the simplest and most effective solutions is to avoid washing your hair. Oil production will slow down and after three days you will notice your hair beginning to look healthy and shiny. 

If the urge to lather up the shampoo is too hard to resist or your hair is thick, curly, permed or coloured, instead of washing rinse the hair daily with warm water followed by a blast of cooler water. This works wonders and your colour will not fade as quick. You should however, avoid this treatment if your hair is fine as it can be disastrous and end up leaving you with lank, greasy looking locks.

Frizzy Hair

Atmospheric moisture can see even the sleekest locks turned into a frizzy mess making hair hard to handle and out of control.

Problem solver: Serums and pomades are great at repelling moisture and solving this unattractive problem. Alternatively you may want to opt for a leave-in conditioner after shampooing. This will help retain moisture and prevent frizz without overloading the hair. 

*Tip: When styling mix equal amounts of hair gel and serum then apply. This will repel moisture and fight frizz.