“19 Hair Care Tips”

 

BOOST THIN HAIR WITH SILICONE: Thin, lifeless hair is a common complaint, yet few women know the best remedy. Heavy conditioners will just leave your hair limp. A better bet is to use products with silicone, such as dimethicone or cyclomethicone. These coat the strands with a thin film, creating fuller hair that doesn't look greasy. The silicone stays put even after you rinse.

EAT FISH AND NUTS FOR HEALTHY HAIR: The same nutritious foods that are good for your body promote stronger, healthier hair. Load up on salmon and nuts! Their protein and omega-3 fats help create a healthier scalp. Leafy vegetables, beans, and carrots are also good for your tresses. Beware of fad diets aimed at quick weight loss. They can starve your body of important nutrients, which can lead to brittle hair or hair loss.

PROTECT SHINE WITH LUKEWARM WATER: Hot water can strip the protective oils that act as a natural conditioner. And your hair's natural shine can disappear. This doesn't mean you have to suffer through cold showers to avoid dull hair. Instead, use lukewarm water to wash your hair. Pamper the scalp by massaging it while you shampoo.

MEND SPLIT ENDS WITH PROTEIN: If you often style your hair with hot tools -- or you color, bleach, or perm a lot -- you can damage hair's protective outer layer. The result is "split ends." Thankfully, there are hair products to help mend the damage. Look for conditioners with protein. They sink into the hair shaft and repair split ends. The fix only lasts until the next shampoo, so you'll need to use them regularly.

GET THAT 'REDHEAD BOUNCE': The fullness of your hair is in your genes -- and your styling technique. Natural redheads have thicker hair, while blondes have the thinnest but greatest number of hairs. Luckily, you can plump up the volume whatever its color. Use a leave-in conditioner or mousse and dry the root area first. Flip your hair upside down as you dry, for an extra volume boost. If your hair is very fine, use low heat with any hot tool.

DON'T TREAT DANDRUFF WITH OILS: Dandruff is not a type of dry skin at all -- despite the white flakes that float down to your shoulders. A minor skin disorder of the scalp is to blame. Rubbing oil into the scalp can just make it worse. Shampoos with medicine are the best fix -- from a drugstore or a dermatologist. Leave the shampoo on for 5 minutes to soak into your scalp. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.

SKIP HIGH-POWERED BLOW DRYERS: You might expect a powerful blow dryer to slice a few precious minutes off your styling routine. But in a comparison of blow dryers, Consumer Reports found they all dried hair in about the same amount of time. Some are much noisier than others, though. The group found the more expensive dryers were the quietest, and the noisiest were as loud as a lawn mower.

BRUSH LESS TO LIMIT HAIR LOSS: Don't believe that myth about 100 brush strokes a day. Too much brushing will snap off hairs. Some hair loss is normal – most people lose 50 to 100 hairs every day. These have stopped growing and have reached a resting stage. To keep from losing any more hair than normal, use a brush with ball-tipped bristles. And never brush wet hair; use a comb instead.

TAKE CARE WITH TIGHTLY WOUND HAIR: Ponytails and braids are great ways to showcase your personal style. But when they're too tight, they can break off hair and damage the roots. Wearing a tight style around the clock can even make your hair fall out. Set your hair free every night! For braided styles meant to last months, leave hair a little loose at the scalp. If you wear heavy extensions, give your hair a break after three months.

DON'T LET BRANDS CLEAN YOUR WALLET: What are you really getting for extra money spent on specialty products? Consumer Reports tested products on 1,700 ponytail samples and found that pricy shampoos were no better than cheaper ones. What should you buy? Choose shampoos and conditioners designed for your hair type, such as those for oily, fine, or color-treated hair.

USE GENTLE COLOR TO COVER GRAYS: Hair doesn't just change color as we get older – it also becomes weaker and grows more slowly. That means damaged hair won't be snipped off as quickly by haircuts. Chemicals used on "mature" hair should be weaker to avoid damage.

CALM FRIZZ IN WINTER, TOO: Humidity gets the rap for causing frizzy hair days. But there's more static electricity when the air is dry. This means frizz also flies in winter months and in the desert climates of the Southwest. Use conditioner to stop static electricity. Shampoos that are pH-balanced also can calm the frizz for hair that's colored or relaxed with chemicals.

KEEP BRUSHES AWAY FROM YOUR CURLS: Curly hair is more likely to break and become dry and brittle. Gently using a pick keeps curls looking better than combing or brushing. Conditioners with polymers can smooth hair and make it more manageable. Look for polyvinylpyrrolidone on the label. Don't overdo the use of flat-irons and relaxers, which can damage hair.

AVOID EXTREME COLOR CHANGES: Perhaps you're a brunette who always wanted to be a blonde, or a blonde who wants to go darker. Be aware that you're risking damage to your hair with more extreme color changes. Some dermatologists recommend staying within three shades of your natural color.

GIVE THE BLOW DRYER A REST: Frequent blow-drying is hard on your hair and can actually lead to hair loss. When you do blow dry, turn down the heat. Finer hair is especially sensitive to damage from heat, but even thick manes need some tender care. Protect your hair before styling by using a conditioner or a heat styling product.

PROTECT HAIR FROM THE SUN: The sun is no kinder to your hair than it is to your skin. Sun exposure can dry out hair, especially if it's color-treated. Use a light hair spray with broad spectrum sun protection -- or wear a hat when the sun is strongest. Frequent summer trims can keep your ends looking healthy.

SHOWER BEFORE YOU SWIM: Avoid chlorine damage by rinsing your hair before entering the pool or wearing a swim cap. If your hair is already saturated with water, it won't absorb as much from the chemical-laden pool. Use a pH-balancing hair product to further protect your hair.

TAKE A TIME OUT FROM STYLING: For better hair days, the best thing you can do is -- nothing. All the tugging, combing, brushing, drying, and chemically treating of hair damages the shafts. Even vigorous towel-drying can damage hair. Gently blot wet hair with a towel. If you have damaged hair, take a break from styling. As the damaged hair grows out, the new growth will be healthy.

BE AWARE OF CHANGES IN YOUR HAIR: Sudden changes in your hair, such as brittle hair or losing much more hair than usual can in rare cases be a sign of a health problem. Some medicines can cause hair loss, too. If you notice dramatic changes in your hair, see a dermatologist.

REVIEWED BY: Stephanie S. Gardner, MD, WebMD on February 10, 2021

REFERENCES:

American Academy of Dermatology

American Cancer Society

Consumer Reports

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Zoe Draelos, MD, dermatologist, High Point, NC.

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

 

“Create a Healthier Bedroom”

Bedroom Check: In 2018, Americans spent an average of 8.82 hours per day sleeping. That doesn’t include other bedroom pursuits. So, chances are your bedroom is due for a checkup. Bedroom health requires more than taking its temperature -- but that's a good place to start. Lighting, fabric choices, floor clean-ability, and air quality are just a few hot spots to visit.

Has Your Mattress Aged Out? A good-quality mattress should last 9-10 years. When it’s time for a new one, look for:

• One made of 95% or more certified organic materials, certified by the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).
• A chemical-free model. Harmful stuff includes polyurethane foam, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), flame retardants, PVC, and vinyl.  
• They may sound -- and smell -- good, but stay away from scented and antimicrobial-treated mattresses.

Cool It Down: Most bedrooms’ happy place is about 60 to 67 F. Your body naturally lowers its temp to get you ready for sleep. Slightly chilly air can help the process. If you’re still restless, wear socks or nestle a hot water bottle at your feet. This will help your blood vessels dilate and balance out your body temp. Also, a 2014 study showed that lower temps spark your body to make energy-burning brown fat. This ramps up metabolism.

Dust in Your Room: With all its bedding, linens, curtains, and rugs, your bedroom is a major dust collector. And in this dust live mites: tiny insect-like organisms that thrive in your mattress and soft furniture. They feed on dead skin flecks -- aka dander -- from people and pets. Not only are they gross, they’re also a main trigger for asthma and allergies. And it gets worse: You often whip their droppings into the air when you dust and vacuum.

Muzzle the Mites: Alas, no amount of cleaning will get rid of these little buggers. But you can cut down on them:

• Wash all bedding once a week in hot water.
• Keep humidity levels at 50% or lower with a dehumidifier or AC.
• Dust with a damp rag or mop.
• Ditch dust-loving fabric curtains and cushioned fabric furniture.
• Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter or double-layered microfilter bag in your vacuum cleaner. Wear a mask for good measure.

Roll Up the Carpet: Go with bare bedroom floors instead of mite-harboring carpet. They not only cut down allergens, but are easier to keep clean. Set your sights on these healthy floor choices:

• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified solid wood
• U.S.-made natural linoleum or tile. Stay away from laminate and vinyl.
• Low-VOC sealants and finishes
• No-glue installation
• Look for NSF certification.

Ban Electronics: Your body responds to light and darkness to follow the natural rhythms of night and day. Even small bits of light from your phone, TV, or computer can throw you off. Not only that: A 2019 study found that women who sleep with a TV or artificial light on are more likely to gain weight. And a 2014 pediatric study mapped a direct link between TVs in children’s rooms and shorter sleep spans.

Dim All the Lights: You can’t always help where you live. But if it's on a busy road near bright signs or street lamps, you might have a tougher time sleeping than your country cousins in darker places. Nighttime brightness confuses your body. It makes it put off the release of melatonin, which is its signal to rest. Your best bet is to hang blackout curtains or shades to block light from streaming in. A sleep mask can also help keep your body in the dark.

Try Feng Shui: Do you enjoy the spare, uncluttered feel of a hotel room? The way you arrange the furniture often also plays a part in its appeal. Many decorators use ancient Chinese feng shui principles to create peaceful energy in a room. You can DIY it, too:

• Place your bed far from the door, and face it away from windows that open onto a busy street.
• Lose furniture you don’t need.
• Ditto for extra mirrors and decor. Too much stuff crowds the room.

Pets in the Bed: More than half of dog and cat lovers share their beds with their fur babies. But if you have asthma or allergies, episodes triggered by animal dander and body fluids aren’t warm and fuzzy. Birds, and small rodents like hamsters and guinea pigs, appear on the allergy most-wanted list, too. If allergies get to you, keep pets out of your bedroom as much as possible, and off furniture. Be super-thorough when you clean.

Scents and Sleep: In a 2011 poll, 3 out of 4 of people claimed that having fresh-scented sheets made them look forward to going to bed. It follows that most clean-smell fans reported that they get a good night’s sleep, too. Certain scents have proven to help boost sleep. Light a fragrant candle for a while, or sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on your pillow. Try:

• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Valerian. If you don’t love the smell, try rose scent.
• Vanilla

 Shut Out Sound: A major cause of poor sleep lies outside your bedroom: environmental noise. This can be road or air traffic, or “ambient” (background) sounds, such as kids playing or the neighbors’ chats. Any disruption you hear can spark stress in your body and affect your health. Count sounds closer at hand -- such as your partner’s snoring -- and it might be time to buy a small fan, white noise machine, or a set of earplugs.

Bring In the Fresh: You might not think of houseplants as bedroom material, but green living things can purify air and bring calm to your room. Try fresh versions of your favorite scent, like jasmine or lavender. Or bring in natural toxin fighters. Snake plant, also called mother-in-law’s tongue, changes carbon dioxide to oxygen while you sleep. And NASA researchers found that English ivy gets rid of allergens in the air like formaldehyde and benzene.

Paint It Blue: People who sleep in blue bedrooms rest best. No, it’s not marketing from the National Blue Association. It’s in your eyes -- your ganglion cells. These receptors on your retina take in colors, and they respond best to blue. It brings on calm, which lowers your blood pressure and heart rate. Blue not your thing? Fellow cool colors like gray and silver and neutrals can do the trick, too. If you prefer warm tones, try a comfy pale yellow.

Sleep Single: A so-called sleep divorce might sound like juicy gossip fodder, or at least strange. But it can be very simple -- and healthy. Some 25% of couples who live together sleep in separate beds. And 10% go to different rooms at bedtime. Why? About 26% of people polled claimed they get better rest when they sleep alone -- especially women. This could be because more snorers are male.

Reviewed by: Carol DerSarkissian on August 11, 2019

Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics: “American Time Use Survey.”

National Sleep Foundation: “Healthy Sleep Tips,” “The Ideal Temperature For Sleep,” “Electronics in the Bedroom: Why it’s Necessary to Turn Off Before You Tuck In,” “Easy Ways to Create a Soothing Bedroom Environment,”  "Sleeping With Pets: Is It Healthy?” “2011 Bedroom Poll,” “The Best Scents for Relaxation and Sleep,” “The Best Plants for Your Bedroom,” “The Best Colors for Sleep,” “Sleeping Separately From Your Partner."

Environmental Working Group: “Home Guide: Mattresses,” “Home Guide: Flooring.”

National Institutes of Health: “Cool Temperature Alters Human Fat and Metabolism.”

EPA: “Text Version of the Indoor Air Quality House Tour.”

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: “Dust Mites and Cockroaches,” “Sleeping With Artificial Light at Night Associated With Weight Gain in Women.”

CDC: “Healthy Housing Reference Manual, Chapter 5: Indoor Air Pollutants and Toxic Materials."

Pediatrics: “Television Viewing, Bedroom Television, and Sleep Duration From Infancy to Mid-Childhood.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Why Light at Night Can Interfere with Your Sleep.”

Sleep Science: “Environmental Noise and Sleep Disturbances: A Threat to Health?”

Noise & Health: “The Effect of Room Acoustics on the Sleep Quality of Healthy Sleepers.”

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.