We may aspire to having thin bodies, but when it comes to hair, “thin” is not the adjective we want to hear at all. Hair loss is not, of course, purely an age issue; women can suffer hair loss at many points throughout their lives and for many different reasons – through illness – either directly, as a result of conditions such as alopaecia, or indirectly, as a result of chemotherapy – through stress, nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy and childbirth, hereditary factors and hormonal imbalances. Because hair is so important to our appearance and self-esteem, when our hair starts to go, the experience can be devastating. If you are losing hair excessively, 60&Sensational’s first piece of advice is to see your GP to exclude any medical conditions. After you have seen your doctor and excluded any conditions which may need medical intervention, there are lots of ways of tackling hair loss and making the most of your hair. NUTRITION The B-group vitamins, particularly Biotin, Inositol and Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA), as well as folic acid, are all vital to hair health, while PABA has also been shown to help prevent hair going grey. A deficiency in any of these is likely to exacerbate hair loss caused by any other factors. The B-group vitamins are found, naturally, in egg yolks, liver, milk, whole grains and yeast. A good quality B-complex tablet, containing Biotin, Inositol and PABA, taken daily (unless medical advice prevents it) should be every woman’s first line of defence in keeping her hair healthy. Other useful nutrients for hair health include zinc (found in nuts, pulses and oats); iodine (found in salmon, seaweed, molasses, watercress, garlic); and the trace mineral silica, which is found in soil. Theoretically, a 21st-century diet should be rich in silica, but the depleted soil used for non-organic farming means that silica is found in only low levels, even in so-called “fresh” foods. Excellent sources for silica include rice, oats, lettuce, parsnips, asparagus, onions and garlic, leek, cucumber, cauliflower, chard and strawberries. But these foods should be organically grown in order to provide the trace element. |
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You may, therefore, find it quicker and simpler to take a supplement of Silica, available in good health food shops.We advise you to consult a doctor before starting on any course of vitamin or mineral supplements.
There are lots on the market, which work by leaving a residue on the hair shaft that either gives hair more body by making it look thicker, or by making hair coarser, so it is less likely to fall flat. Philip Kingsley Body Building shampoo, which gently and effectively cleanses whilst adding body and strength, and conditioner, which controls hair behaviour, reduces static and adds volume and shine without weight. Ojon Hydrating Thickening Spray is a daily leave-in treatment that plumps and improves the condition of fine, thin, limp hair. Formulated with Ojon oil, plus Creatine, Babassu, Macadamia and Jojoba oils, the spray can be applied to damp hair, from roots to hair ends, before blow-drying to add volume. Sea Salt Spray, used to make hair look tousled and sexy, also adds body to fine hair. Use in place of conditioner after shampooing, and then style as usual. Recommended brands include KMS, John Frieda, Lee Stafford and John Masters. Do not use regular conditioner on very fine hair, as it will make it go flatter and reduce “body”. SCALP MAKE-UP Scalp make-up can be used to gently tint the scalp to reduce the visual effect of thin hair. It is particularly effective with dark hair, where there is greater contrast between the scalp and hair colour. Generally, they work best with small areas of thinning hair or small areas of patchy hair loss, rather than all over. Fullmore colored hair thickener claims to instantly make your hair look naturally thicker and fuller. This easy spray application covers bald spots and thinning areas while adding texture while it covers. It stays on until you wash it out. www.thickerhair.com/fullmore.html. Shabo’s Scalp Makeup for Thin Hair – Another American product – is a powder formula cosmetic that is applied to the scalp with a specially designed and shaped brush to mask, or hide the appearance of thin hair and hair loss www.shabocosmetics.com WIGS, HAIRPIECES, WEAVING AND THREADING Where hair loss has become so dramatic that more drastic measures are called for, do not despair. Advances in technology (and aesthetics) mean that there are fabulous, utterly natural looking wigs available, though expect to pay at least £300 for a passably good wig, and upwards of £850 for something so fabulous that no-one would ever know. Trendco wigs, which are available at www.internetwigs.com/trendco-wigs offer a big selection of styles and colours, from under £300. Keep in mind that the fitting and styling of a wig are vital if it is to look truly sensational. A flourishing wig industry has grown up to cater for strictly-religious Jewish women, who are required to cover their heads at all times. Many of the suppliers are a brilliant source of really natural looking wigs that have been gorgeously styled for a very demanding clientele, but expect to pay £1,000. Lucinda Ellery (www.lucindaellery.com) offers some innovative solutions to hair loss, including Medi Connections™, which are very fine hair extensions designed to add volume and density. The method can double or triple hair volume resulting in healthier looking hair and a real confidence boost. If your hair loss is as a result of cancer, take a look at the superb new website, www.cancerhaircare.com, for encouragement, advice and options. [su_button url=”http://www.sosensational.co.uk/hair-and-beauty/” target=”blank” background=”#6c20b1″ size=”7″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: arrow-right”]Click Here For More Beauty Advice and Hair Care[/su_button] |
2 Comments
Please beware – I had a really bad experience with Lucinda Ellery. Astronomical costs for the system and maintenance, bullying behaviour from management, poor quality hair which fell out in clumps and no real hairdresser training or expertise. It is really just an overpriced weave. Clients are given discounts for media interviews. Preying on vulnerable people
Gosh, poor you. That sounds a most unhappy experience. We know of people who have had really good experiences, so it’s sad that you had such a bad one, especially with something as traumatic as hair-loss. Thanks for getting in touch and we wish you well for the future.