“What Your Hair and Scalp Say About Your Health?”

Does Bad Hair Mean Bad Health? Is your hair trying to tell you something about your health? Maybe. Some conditions and medications affect your body as well as your hair. In other cases, you may just need to take better care of your hair or scalp. Use this guide to see what separates myth from fact when it comes to your health and your hair.

White Flakes Pose No Health Risk: Dandruff isn't contagious. So how do you get it? Doctors aren't sure, but one theory is that it may be due to an overgrowth of a fungus. Other possible risk factors include oily skin, stress, obesity, cold, dry weather, and having eczema or psoriasis. Although it's embarrassing -- and the itching can be bothersome -- dandruff isn't harmful.

 Tips for Dandruff Treatment: To decrease the buildup of dandruff's dead skin cells, try using an antidandruff shampoo daily. Leave shampoo on for 5 minutes, then rinse well. You may need to try several dandruff shampoos to find one that works best for you. If one stops working, try another. If that doesn't help, call your doctor.

Yellow Dandruff? If the dandruff flakes you see are greasy and yellow, you may have seborrheic dermatitis. It's an inflammatory skin condition that can occur where there are lots of oil glands, like the scalp and face. Though seborrheic dermatitis is related to hormones, fungus and even some neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or HIV, these conditions are all treated the same as dandruff: with antidandruff shampoos.

You May Shed More Than You Think: It's not a perfect measure, but some experts estimate that we may shed up to 100 or more hairs a day. That's not cause for alarm, nor does it mean you're going bald. About 90% of your 100,000 hair follicles are producing hair at any given time. The other 10% are in a resting (telogen) phase, and the hair falls out after about 2 to 3 months. It's replaced by new hair, and the growth cycle starts over again.

What Causes Telogen Effluvium? A shock to your system -- surgery, vaccinations, giving birth, some medications, crash diets, severe stress, thyroid problems -- can push hair into its resting, or telogen, state. About two months later, you may see hair falling out and thinning -- a condition called telogen effluvium, sometimes described as hair "coming out in handfuls." In most cases, new hair starts growing right away.

An Attack on Hair Follicles: In alopecia areata, your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out -- often suddenly. Most people will have one or two bald patches, which can be treated easily with injections but in some cases all body hair falls out. Alopecia areata isn't harmful or contagious, but it can be tough psychologically. Hair may grow back on its own, and treatment may help it grow back more quickly. Unfortunately, some people may experience alopecia areata repeatedly.

Genes Cause 90% of Male Hair Loss: Though hereditary, the trait may be more influenced by your mother's family than your father's. So, a look at your maternal grandfather's locks may give you a better clue about the future of yours. Male pattern baldness often starts with receding hair at the temples, then on the crown, leaving a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair around the sides of the head. Medications to slow hair loss include finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine).

Female-Pattern Baldness: Age-related thinning may mean hair thinning all over the head, but pattern hair loss is usually most common on top of the head. Unlike men, women rarely go bald, and they tend to lose hair more slowly than men do. Contrary to popular belief, longer hair won't put a strain on the roots, causing more to fall out. Nor will shampooing pull hair out -- it just gets the ones that were falling out already. Minoxidil 5% applied once daily may help hair growth and prevent thinning. Spironolactone and Flutamide (oral medications) can also be used in women.

Avoid Sun Damage to Hair: Too much sun can turn your hair into a brittle, dry mop that breaks and splits easily. This is especially true in those with blonde or grey hair. And if you already have thinning hair, you risk a sunburn on your scalp. Choosing hair care products with sunscreen provides some protection, although it can be hard to coat your hair evenly. That's why it's a good idea to wear a hat when you're out in the sun -- especially if your scalp is exposed. Choose a hat made of sun-protective fabric with UPF 30 (ultraviolet protection factor).

Luscious Locks Need Nutrients: Could a crash diet cost you your hair? In extreme cases, it could. Your hair needs protein and iron to stay healthy, along with omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A, but not too much -- which can promote hair loss. Very low-calorie diets are often lacking in sufficient nutrients and can stunt hair growth or leave hair dull and limp. If the nutritional deficiency is big enough -- like for someone with an eating disorder -- hair can fall out.

A Hair- and Heart-Healthy Diet: Help keep hair shiny by eating salmon and walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids; spinach and carrots for vitamin A; brazil nuts for selenium; and oysters and cashews for zinc. All help maintain scalp and hair health, as do low-fat dairy, whole grains, and vegetables. Double the results: Foods good for your hair are also good for your heart.

Premature Gray Hair Is Genetic: Going gray isn't always related to aging. If you're not yet 40 and see more than a few gray hairs, chances are it runs in your family. Gray usually isn't a sign of poor health, though anemia, thyroid issues, vitamin B12 deficiency, and vitiligo can cause premature graying. You can highlight or color hair to cover the gray, but beware: Some people are sensitive to the chemicals in dyes. The result could be an itchy, burning scalp.

Traction Alopecia Damages Follicles: Pulling hair too tight -- as can happen with ponytails, braids, and cornrows -- can damage hair follicles and cause hair to break or fall out. Hair extensions and hairpieces can sometimes cause traction alopecia, too, because their extra weight pulls on existing hair. Changing your hairstyle usually lets hair grow back. Pulling hair back tightly for a long time, though, can lead to permanent hair loss.

Over-Styling Weakens Your Hair: Blow drying, using a flat iron, coloring, bleaching, even over-brushing -- all can damage the outer layer (cuticle) of your hair. When the inner core of hair is exposed, your locks become dry and dull. Although it doesn't cause any permanent health damage, you can over-style to the point that your only option for healthy hair is to cut it off and start over. When it comes to your hair, doing less leads to healthier tresses.

A Surprising Side Effect: Among the medications that list hair loss as a side effect are anticlotting drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and drugs for menopause, birth control, and antibiotics. Usually, hair grows back when the medication is stopped, but may not in some cases.

Scalp Massage Feels So Good: There's no evidence that massaging your scalp will slow hair loss or improve any scalp conditions -- but it can do wonders to relieve stress. Your scalp is covered with nerve endings that make it super-sensitive to touch. Rubbing your scalp may help release tension. Massage may also trigger the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin.

Hair Analysis Not Reliable: Some companies claim they can analyze hair clippings to see if you are deficient in vitamins or have health problems. Although hair analysis can detect some poisons like lead or arsenic, findings can be inconsistent and varied. Everything from air pollution to shampoo may affect test results. The American Medical Association is against hair analysis to determine treatment.

Reviewed by: Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on November 17, 2018

Sources:

Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry: "Hair Analysis Panel Discussion: Executive Summary."
American Academy of Dermatology: "Alopecia Areata," "Hair loss: Diagnosis, treatment, and outcome."
American Hair Loss Association: "Diagnosis," "Drug Induced Hair Loss," "Effluviums," "Hair Shaft Defects."
American Medical Association, "Archives of Dermatology."
American Family Physician, "Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis."
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, "Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss."
EczemaNet, American Academy of Dermatology: "Seborrheic Dermatitis."
Harrison, S. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 2009.
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery: "Other Hair Loss Causes."
KidsHealth: "Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis)," "Why Does Hair Turn Gray?"
Medscape Reference: "Telogen Effluvium."

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.

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

"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. 

“A Few Facts About Gray Hair”

All the Shades of Gray: It’s said a woman’s hair is her crowning glory. Sooner or later, that crown will start to gray. You now face a decision. Banish gray hair with dye, or rock a silver mane? Whichever you pick, know the facts about your gray strands to keep your hair looking and feeling its best.

Science of Grays: Your hair follicles have pigment cells that make melanin, a chemical that gives your hair its color. As you age, these cells start to die. Without pigment, new hair strands grow in lighter and take on various shades of gray, silver, and eventually white. Once a follicle stops making melanin, it won’t make colored strands again.

When and Why It Happens: You might blame your stressful job or your unruly teens for your grays. But it’s mostly your genes that dictate how early and how quickly it happens. So if either of your parents had a full head of gray hair in their 30s, there’s a good chance you will, too.

How Race Plays a Role: On average, white people start to gray in their mid-30s. Asians start in their late 30s. And African-Americans usually don’t see color changes until their mid-40s.

What’s Premature Gray? Some people go gray 10 or more years earlier than the average person does. It’s premature if you’re gray before:

• 20 if you’re white
• 25 if you’re Asian
• 30 if you’re African-American

Do Health Problems Turn Hair Gray? They could. These conditions include:

• Lack of vitamin B₁₂ 
• Certain rare, inherited tumor conditions
• Thyroid disease
• Vitiligo, a condition that destroys pigment-making cells in the scalp

Alopecia areata causes patches of hair (usually ones with color) to fall out. This can look like sudden graying because the hair that’s left is gray or white. When your hair regrows, it could be gray, white, or your normal color.

Does Stress Make You Go Gray? Not directly. But it can cause a condition that causes your hair to shed about 3 times faster than normal. It’s possible that when your hair grows back, it’s gray instead of your original color.

The Smoking Link: Lighting up affects your body from head to toe. That includes the hair on your head. One study showed that smokers are 2 1/2 times more likely to gray before age 30 than nonsmokers. It also can make silver gray look yellow.

To Pluck or Not to Pluck? There’s an old wives’ tale that says if you pluck a gray, three will grow back. That doesn’t happen. Still, don’t pluck. You’re just delaying the inevitable -- another gray strand will replace it. Besides, pulling hair out can damage follicles so much, they no longer grow hair. This can make your mane look thin over time.

Do Grays Feel Different? Gray hair is thinner than hair with natural color because its cuticle is thinner. Your hair needs that natural protection from water, ultraviolet rays from the sun, humidity, chemicals, and heat styling. Without that barrier, your hair loses water. So your gray will feel dry, fragile, and coarse.

Tame Those Tresses: Moisture treatment and hair oils can fight dull, dry grays. Anti-frizz products can help, too. Heat and light from lamps or the sun can “bleach” gray hair and make it look yellow. Ask your stylist how to prevent this. A purple-toned shampoo can help keep your tresses a vibrant silver.

No-Dye Camouflage: If you’re sporting just a few gray hairs, you can hide them if you get creative. Wear a pretty headband. Or switch up your hairstyle -- part it where there is less gray. If you have long hair, wear an up-do to hide gray roots.

Or, Just Dye It! You can do it yourself with a box from the drugstore. Look for products designed for gray hair. Permanent dye will better cover stubborn roots than semi-permanent color. If you can afford it, opt for a color treatment at your local salon. If some of your grays won’t take in the color, try using a lighter shade that will blend in with the grays.

Go Au Naturel: If you’re ready to ditch the dye, you can go gray gracefully while it grows out. Ask your stylist how much gray you actually have. If it’s a lot, you can go lighter through highlights to minimize grow-out. Or, you can switch from a permanent color to less opaque demi color, which can make your gray strands mimic highlights and blend in better with the rest of your hair.

Get the Right Cut: Rock a great cut with lots of style and texture, and get a trim every 6-8 weeks. Women who are 100% gray often wear their hair short. But consider long layers. They can be beautiful and add movement to healthy, bouncy hair.

Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on December 22, 2017

The Library of Congress “Everyday Mysteries: Why Does Hair Turn Gray?”

Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, dermatologist, Beverly Hills and Long Beach, CA; clinical instructor, University of Southern California.

Harvard Medical School: “Why Does Hair Turn Gray?”

Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology: “Premature Graying of Hair.”

Indian Dermatology Online Journal: “Smokers' hair: Does smoking cause premature hair graying?”

Diana Gallegos, editorial fashion hair expert, Twist, Cut, Extend, San Francisco.

Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity stylist, Los Angeles; Alterna Haircare brand ambassador.

Stephanie Johnson, hair stylist, Studio Fusion, Dallas.

Rochelle Graham-Campbell, hair expert, Fort Myers, FL; co-founder & CEO, Alikay Naturals hair care.

Richard Drews, expert colorist; co-owner, White Lodge Studios Salon, Seattle.

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2Live

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.

“A little gray hair is a small price to pay for all this accumulated wisdom.”

“You call it gray hair, say it makes you look old and cover it up. I call it God’s free highlights and thank Him that I’ve lived long enough to be blessed with it.”

“Grey hair is God’s graffiti”

“It’s great to have gray hair. Ask anyone who’s bald.” (Rodney Dangerfield)

“Wrinkles mean you laughed, grey hair means you cared, and scars mean you lived.”

“Those aren’t grey hairs, idiot, they are strands of glitter growing out of my head.”

“They are not grey hairs! They are my wisdom highlights! I just happen to be extremely wise!”

“I have absolutely no objection to growing older. I am a stroke survivor so I am extremely grateful to be ageing. I have nothing but gratitude for the passing years.” (Sharon Stone)

Proverbs 16:31, “The silver-haired head is a crown of splendor and glory; it is found in the way of righteousness.” (AMP)

Psalm 37:25, “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous (those in right standing with God) abandoned or his descendants pleading for bread.” (AMP)

Psalm 92:14, “[Growing in grace] they will still thrive and bear fruit and prosper in old age; they will flourish and be vital and fresh [rich in trust and love and contentment]” (AMP)

Leviticus 19:32, “You shall rise before the gray-headed and honor the aged, and you shall fear your God [with profound reverence]; I am the Lord.” (AMP)