Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow?
Our columnist, Gina Conway, an environmental advocate and founder of Gina Conway Wimbledon, is known for pioneering sustainability in the beauty industry. As UK Brand Ambassador for bio-organic brand Philip Martin’s, she educates and inspires salon owners to adopt eco-friendly practices through initiatives like carbon footprint reduction, water conservation, and responsible sourcing of materials. Her salons are committed to minimising environmental impact by using green energy, reducing waste, and eliminating single-use plastics, positioning Gina as a leader in driving sustainable transformations within the beauty sector.
You’ve probably heard it said before, but your hair is the crown you wear every day. It reflects who we are, boosts our confidence (hello, good hair days!), and can even be a window into our overall health. I always say that “the hair on your head tells the story of you.” Some of us were born with a healthy, happy head of hair, while others… not so lucky. Worse yet, many of us battle pesky hair and scalp issues that can lead to thinning, bald patches or, worse, total hair loss. Sadly, worrying and stressing about it can make matters worse, which is why you need to learn how to give your hair the best chance of survival.
In this guide, we’ll break down common culprits behind your mane mischief, their root causes (pun intended), and how to reignite that luscious glow you once had.
Common Hair and Scalp Issues
Dandruff:
The dreaded dandruff appears when dead skin cells build up. It often brings along itching and irritation for an unwanted bonus.
Causes: Dry skin is usually to blame, but seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to products, or fungal infections (Malassezia) can also be factors.
Prevention & Treatment: Choose a gentle anti-dandruff shampoo with zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole, but beware of harsh, cheap cleansers. Some over-the-counter products overstrip your acid mantle, creating even more problems. Think gentle cleansing.
Scalp Psoriasis:
You may have noticed red patches topped with silvery scales, often appearing on other parts of the body too.
Causes: Often genetics and immune system-related, but stress and seasonal changes can trigger flare-ups.
Prevention & Treatment: While there may not be a magic cure, topical corticosteroids can help calm symptoms, while vitamin D might also assist. Keep your scalp exfoliated and moisturised. Salon-prescribed products can be helpful during mild flare-ups.
Alopecia Areata:
This one can be quite scary when you notice patches of hair falling out. These patches can grow and spread. Blame your overactive immune system mistaking hair follicles for intruders.
Causes: Often stress triggers an immune system malfunction, affecting hair and skin.
Prevention & Treatment: Unfortunately, no foolproof prevention exists yet. However, treatments like corticosteroids or minoxidil may encourage regrowth. A three-prong approach—hair supplements, steroid creams, and stress management—works well.
Telogen Effluvium:
A fancy term for stress-related hair loss. Stressful events can trigger a shedding episode. I can often pinpoint when a client has experienced a major life event by observing their hair loss pattern.
Causes: Major life changes, hormonal shifts, medications, dietary changes, bereavement, or even moving house can trigger this.
Prevention & Treatment: Stress management techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, and mindfulness can significantly help. A diet rich in fish oils and vitamin B complex also supports healthy hair regrowth.
Androgenetic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Baldness):
Sadly, as time marches on, our hair often thins out. Hormonal changes can lead to heartbreaking bald spots for both men and women.
Causes: Genetics and hormones, particularly testosterone and its byproduct DHT (dihydrotestosterone), are the primary culprits.
Prevention & Treatment: Minoxidil helps promote faster, fuller hair growth, while Finasteride blocks DHT production. Proper nutrition and stress management can also help slow hair loss progression.
Traction Alopecia:
Excessive tension from tight ponytails, braids, or improper hair extensions can strain the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Causes: Constant tension fatigues hair follicles, causing inflammation and eventual hair loss.
Prevention & Treatment: Avoid styles that feel painful or uncomfortable. Give your hair breaks between extreme looks. Topical treatments like rosemary oil or soothing aloe gels can assist scalp recovery.
Caring for Your Scalp
A healthy scalp means healthy hair! Think of your hair as the plant and your scalp as the soil—it needs proper nourishment.
Cleanse Regularly: Choose shampoos based on your scalp type, not hair type. Then, pick conditioners and masks suited for your hair type.
Exfoliate Wisely: Use gentle scalp exfoliators to remove buildup and promote follicle health.
Hydrate Consistently: Light oils like argan, jojoba, and olive oil nourish the scalp without clogging pores.
Avoid Heat/Chemicals Where Possible: Minimise heat styling and harsh chemicals to reduce irritation and damage.
Nutritional Support for Healthy Growth
What should everyone prioritise for healthier hair?
Proteins: Essential for keratin production. Eat meats, fish, eggs, nuts.
Iron-Rich Foods: Boosts oxygen supply to hair follicles. Try spinach, red meat, lentils, and fortified cereals.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports scalp circulation. Found in fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts, and supplements.
