Having trouble with your hair? As a certified trichologist (a hair and scalp specialist ) Nigel Russell is an expert at knowing what’s causing our hair problems.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and hair issues tend to come hand in hand, some of the most common hair issues can be treated with the right diet and hair treatment.
Nigel has three hot tips to cure the biggest pregnancy hair woes:
Why does my hair feel so different during pregnancy?
During pregnancy the hair cycle is disrupted and several things may occur. The hair continues to grow but the natural falling cycle will cease. With the changes to the body at this time the texture of the hair may also change due to hormonal influence and it can become less manageable.
What can I do about this?
If your hair is dry, wash it less frequently, your natural oils are good for your hair and scalp and washing it 3 to 4 times a week is more than enough. To target those dry brittle ends use a hair oil, olive oil is a great natural treatment. Apply 4 to 6 drops into the palms of the hand then gently work into the ends and leave on.
Hair loss
Why is my hair falling out?
Hair loss after child birth often occurs 3 to 5 months after giving birth as the natural hair cycle returns to normal and a lot of the hair that has been in the resting stages begins to fall. This is quite normal but if it continues this may be the result of iron, iodine or protein deficiencies, which can also cause your hair to become dry and brittle.
What can I do about this?
To combat these issues try a sensitive scalp shampoo and conditioner, baby shampoo is fantastic for this.
To combat low iron levels, try an iron supplement or a general multi-vitamin. Colloidal Silica also targets brittle hair, weak nails and will help to restore the strength of your hair.
A blood test will also measure your iron levels and give you an overview of your general health status.
Hair care woes for babies and children
Cradle cap
Cradle cap is a generally harmless but uncomfortable scalp condition that strikes babies and young children up to age 3. Signs of cradle cap include a greasy scalp, dry patches which appear waxy in the area of the crown.
Solution
Cradle cap is caused by a build up of sebum/sweat from the crown as babies sleep for long periods in the same position. In order to keep the scalp clean do not allow the scale to build up, it can be gently removed my massaging in an oil. I suggest 50 ml of olive oil, gently massage over the crown then use a sensitive baby shampoo applied straight over the oil after 10 minutes to remove the scale. Then gently rinse and repeat with shampoo to cleanse the scalp.
