Hair Care

The texture, pattern, density and natural colour of you hair depends on our inhereted genes.  However, the look and condition of your hair lies very much in your own hands since it is largely affected by your general health, hair hygiene, choice of hair products (shampoos, conditioners, mousses etc.) and grooming equipment (combs, brushes, curling irons, hair dryers, etc). Almost any illness or emotional stress can result in lifeless, dull hair.

On average, hair grows at a rate of about ½in (13mm) a month. Inexplicably, it grows more quickly at night than during the day and faster in summer than in winter. It is the hair’s thin coating of sebum (a natural oil secreted by the scalp’s sebaceous glands) that keeps it looking supple and shiny, so caring for your scalp is just as important as looking after the hair itself.

If you have no obvious hair problems such as dandruff or any form of alopecia, healthy hair can be maintained by washing hair and scalp regularly and eating an adequate, balanced diet. There are no hard and fast rules as to how frequently hair should be washed – if your hair is particularly greasy, it could be as often as every day, in which case a mild or “frequent use” shampoo should be used. Those with dry hair should avoid over-washing and could benefit from professional treatment.

In our attempts to improve one of our most striking assets, we can sometimes do our hair more harm than good. Dyeing, bleaching, relaxing, and perming can all damage the hair, but even using such apparently innocuous items as plastic brushes, metal combs, and rollers can have a detrimental effect. Similarly, strong sunshine, sea water and chlorinated swimming pools can all dry the hair and scalp, so take preventative measures such as wearing a swimming cap, and protecting your hair with a hat in the strong sunshine.

To prevent tearing the hair, which leads to split ends, avoid using sharp combs or brushes, and comb it gently when it’s wet. Wherever possible, towel dry; If you use a hair dryer, keep it at least 6in (15cm) from your head and on a medium rather than a high setting. In fact, hair loss is a process that continues unremarked throughout out lives when the old hair drops out to make way for new growth (a healthy adult normally sheds between 50 and 100 hairs each day). However, it can become more apparent at certain times – in the case of women due to hormonal changes after childbirth and during menopause, and, irrespective of sex, after taking some drugs for the treatment of cancer.

The Hale Approach

Orthodox treatment with regard to the care of the hair and scalp is negligible. Complementary approaches are far superior and can be used as first-line treatment. However, sudden hair loss may be associated with underlying medical conditions that are perhaps best dealt with by a physician. Ask the opinion of your complementary practitioner.

The Hale Clinic approach to hair care looks not only at the external care of the hair, but also at a person’s health inside the body, which can have a great bearing on the creation of a healthy head of hair. “Trichology treats both scalp and hair, cosmetically and at a deeper level. Nutrition plays a vital part in creating good-quality hair. Ayurveda and aromatherapy use treatments which treat the hair externally and internally. For specific hair problems such as hair loss, homeopathy can be effective. In certain cases, when a person’s mental state has resulted in problems with the hair (because of stress or shock, perhaps), hypnotherapy and healing can be of great assistance.

Biosthetic Aromatherapy - Natural Trichology

Biosthetic Aromatherapy has been developed and clinically proven to treat the skin, scalp and hair, with essential oils from plants and flowers. Specific oils are applied to acupressure points to correct and control the underlying cause of presenting conditions of the hair and scalp, and encourage self healing.

Ayurveda

The special oil drip shiro dhara, in which warm oil is dripped on to the forehead and massaged into the scalp, is part of scalp therapy. A session of consultation and treatment would probably also involve the application of herbal paste, advice on diet (e.g. avoid acidic food) and yoga exercise. After several of these sessions spread over a two to three month period, your hair should be back to its normal condition. One of the beauties of this holistic therapy is that it is said to be suitable for people of all ages and everyone can benefit.

Nutrition

Hair condition is a good indicator of the state of health as it is often an external reflection of the internal condition of the spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and hormones. Fortunately, many cases respond to improved nutrition.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is best suited to treating hair problems with a specific cause. For example, if a woman going through the menopause starts to lose her hair or it doesn’t look as good as usual, silica with evening primrose oil capsules may be suggested. For premature baldness or greying, lycopodium may be suitable. For hair loss due to shock, aconite works well.

Supportive Treatments

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be used successfully to treat hair and scalp problems. A diagnosis is made to ascertain whether the problem is caused by deficiencies or energy blockages, and insertion points are established, mainly on the head.

Healing and Hypnotherapy

Both healing and hypnotherapy are particularly appropriate in conjunction with other therapies when poor hair condition is a result of shock or stress.