Hair loss is a common concern for both men and women. In some cases, it can be a natural process, but it can also indicate underlying health issues.
Your hair is constantly falling out and you don't know why? Get to know the main causes and symptoms of hair loss in this article.
5 main causes of hair loss
1. Genetics: Androgenetic alopecia is one of the main causes of hair loss, affecting both men and women. In these cases, genetic predisposition makes the hair follicles more sensitive to the action of hormones, such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to a reduction in the life cycle of the hair and progressive thinning of the strands.
2. Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (POS) can cause hair loss. In these situations, it is important to see a doctor to diagnose and treat the hormonal imbalance.
3. StressPhysical or emotional stress can lead to temporary hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, as we explained in a previous article.Stress can cause hair to prematurely enter the resting phase of its growth cycle, resulting in more severe shedding after a few months.
4. Diseases: Some diseases, such as anaemia, lupus and scalp infections, can cause hair loss. Proper treatment of the underlying disease is critical to reversing this condition.
5. Medication: Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants and anticoagulants. Consult your doctor if you suspect that your medication may be contributing to severe hair loss, in order to adjust the dose or suggest a therapeutic alternative.
Hair loss symptoms
Symptoms of hair loss can vary depending on its cause and type. The main symptoms are:
- Diffuse thinning: When hair loss occurs in a generalized way throughout the head. It may indicate telogen effluvium, anaemia or hormonal imbalance.
- Localized hair loss: When hair loss occurs in specific areas, such as the forehead, middle or top of the head. This symptom may be related to androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata.
- Strand thinning: When the hair strands become thinner and more fragile over time. This symptom is quite common in androgenetic alopecia.
- Hair loss patches: When there are certain completely hairless areas of the head, with a “bald” appearance. It could indicate alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that attacks hair follicles.
- Itching, redness or flaking: The presence of irritation, inflammation or flaking on the scalp can be a sign of conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis or fungal infections, which contribute to hair loss.
Hair loss is a condition that affects many people and can have a variety of causes and symptoms. Identifying the cause is essential to finding the right treatment and preventing the problem from developing.
Discover also our Advancis® Capilar line,where you can find products aimed at giving new vigour and vitality to your hair.
Possibly, the process of washing your hair is not something you have paid much attention to over the years. Are you really washing your hair properly? Besides washing and drying, a correct routine includes additional steps, especially if you want more effective results.
Have you ever wondered why your hair looks better when you leave the hairdresser than when you wash and style it at home? For some professionals, the answer is quite simple: the secret lies in a well-executed wash.
We have put together 4 practical tips on how to wash your hair properly, for you to use and share with your friends:
Tip 1: Choose a shampoo that suits your hair type
We are often influenced by the products we see on social media. Furthermore, we tend to focus on how they look and smell, which means that we don't always buy what best suits our hair.
Before choosing your hair care, consider your hair type and its texture and porosity. Select only those products that meet your real needs.
Tip 2: Wash twice and gently massage your scalp
Beautiful hair starts with the care and hygiene of the scalp.
We advise you to gently massage your scalp with the shampoo while washing, without using your nails or aggressively.
You can also wash your hair twice: first to remove dirt, oil and product build-up on the scalp, and then to completely remove any impurities. Washing your hair twice can help it stay clean longer.
Tip 3: Rinse carefully
Removing the product well is as important as applying it well. One of the most common mistakes is to rinse your hair too quickly without paying much attention. We advise you to rinse your hair for for 1-2 minutes, in order to completely eliminate the residues of the products you used.
For this, go for lukewarm instead of hot water, so as not to damage the hair fibre.
Tip 4: Dry your hair without rubbing it
The last step of a grooming routine is drying your hair. How you treat it after washing is also important for both its look and the condition of the hair fibre.
After getting out of the shower, use a towel to gently remove excess water from your hair, without rubbing it. If you intend to use a hairdryer, do not forget to apply a heat protectant to the whole length of your hair.
A daily hair care routine can contribute to beautiful, well-groomed hair. Different types of hair may need specific hydration, nutrition and reconstruction care, so it's important to know how to adjust the right care to your hair type and needs.
In this article, we teach you how to create a care schedule according to your hair's needs.
What is a hair schedule?
A hair schedule is a hair care routine based on three distinct stages – hydration, nutrition and reconstruction. This care routine is done at home and follows a four-week schedule, so that the hair is able to recover nutrients and vitamins.
What are the three stages of the hair schedule?
Hydration - Stage responsible for restoring water levels in the hair fibre. This phase involves a Hydration Mask, generally composed of an Aloe vera base and Vitamins.
Nutrition - Nutrition restores to the hair strands the oils and nutrients that act as a barrier against external aggressions. In this stage, a Nutrition Mask with oils and butters is recommended.
Reconstruction - This stage helps fill the capillary fibre, replenishing proteins and essential amino acids. At this stage, a Reconstruction Mask is recommended, with ingredients such as keratin, collagen, and creatine.
How to create’ a capillary schedule?
Each hair schedule is customized to the particular needs of each hair, so it is essential to know your hair type. If you have any doubts, check out our article “Do you know what your hair type is?”
In addition, it is important to assess the present state of your hair:
Very damaged hair - Weak hair, with split ends and no elasticity. Typically, hair that has been exposed to colouring and/or straightening.
Damaged hair – Porous, dry and frizzy hair. Typically, hair that is frequently exposed to heat sources such as hair dryers or straightening irons.
Healthy hair – Opaque, dull hair that has not undergone chemical changes.
Once you know your hair type and needs, create a schedule similar to the one below. Wash your hair 3 times a week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday and Friday).
Tip:It is important to leave at least 48 hours between each mask.
Caption
H – Hydration
N – Nutrition
R – Reconstruction
After completing the four weeks’ hair schedule, if you feel the need, you can repeat the process. You can also choose to repeat the cycle only when your hair is becoming more damaged.
The end of summer and the arrival of autumn can promote hair loss – more noticeable at this time than during the rest of the year.
Seasonal hair loss takes place annually in a cyclical way that follows the natural phenomenon of leaves and fruits falling from trees. Both the decrease in temperature and the lower incidence of sunlight hinder vitamins and minerals absorption.
Although you cannot prevent hair loss in autumn, there are some tips that can help mitigate its effects.
5 Tips to reduce hair loss in autumn
1. Introduce food supplementation into your routine
After breakfast or lunch, develop the habit of strengthening your body via oral supplementation, providing it with proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Food supplements with formulas enriched with proteins, vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and biotin, help maintain a normal hair.
2. Don’t go for hairstyles that put too much pressure on your scalp
Updo hairstyles can promote faster hair loss. If you are in the habit of wearing hairstyles that put pressure on your scalp on a daily basis, try to progressively switch to lose ones.
If you cannot do it professionally, massage your scalp at the end of the day to relieve the tension caused by wearing your hair tied for long periods of time.
3. Avoid washing your hair with very hot water
In the cold months, it is only natural to increase the temperature of the bath water.
Too hot water can damage the hair fibre and scalp, thus weakening the hair. Try to counter this by always rinsing your hair with lukewarm water.
4. Massage your scalp
The act of massaging the scalp allows you to reactivate blood circulation at the massage site, playing a beneficial role in reducing hair loss.
With your fingertips, but not using your nails, and also with the palms of your hands, apply moderate pressure in circular motions over the entire scalp, especially in those areas with less hair density.
5. Cut your hair
After summer, it is vital to get rid of damaged ends. A haircut will help give more strength and vitality to the hair fibre.
There are several causes that can be at the source of hair loss lifestyle, a diet poor in essential nutrients, excessive alcohol consumption, taking certain medications, sleep deprivation, among others. In addition, everyday stress can also accelerate the hair loss process..
Cortisol, the stress hormone, plays a role in hair loss, as high levels of cortisol can reduce the synthesis and accelerate the breakdown of hair follicle constituents.
Emotional stress hair loss: how to recognize it
Caused by stress and anxiety, emotional hair loss can be accompanied by tiredness, muscle tension and even difficulty sleeping. It is essential to be aware of all the signs, in order to mitigate the effects caused by stress.
Whether you are washing or combing your hair, make sure you are not shedding too much of it. On average, losing up to 100 strands per day is considered normal, so if you notice more hair falling out, and if you have been through stress or anxiety situations, you may be experiencing hair loss caused by emotional stress.
What is telogen effluvium?
The most common type of stress-induced hair loss is called telogen effluvium. It is an increased hair loss that is not permanent, being easily noticed by a greater amount of hair strands in your hairbrush or in the bathtub drain, for example.
This type of shedding usually occurs up to 3 months after its triggering factor and can last 6-9 months.
5 tips to control stress hair loss
Fortunately, stress hair loss is reversible. Nevertheless, you can develop some habits to minimize its effects:
1. Improve your diet, making it is nutritionally richer;
2. Avoid tying your hair while still damp, so as not to create tension at the roots;
3. Try to avoid dyeing and straightening your hair during a hair loss period;
4. Exercise regularly, in order to release endorphins, known as the «feel-good hormones»;
5. Seek expert help, not only from a dermatologist, but also from a psychologist to help you manage everyday stress and anxiety levels.
In addition, simple changes to your hair routine, such as using specific anti-hair loss products, can be complemented by the intake of food supplements rich in those vitamins and minerals linked to healthy hair maintenance.
Discover our Advancis® Capilar hair loss care line
There are specific ingredients that bring benefits to the hair fibre. These have very different functions, such as hydration, reconstruction or hair nutrition.
Do you usually check the ingredients of the products you buy? In this article, we will introduce you to some ingredients, namely to their characteristics and their benefits for the hair and scalp, so that you can make more informed purchase decisions.
1. Argan oil
Argan has taken the spotlight in several products designed to moisturize the hair. Naturally rich in omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, argan oil has highly nourishing properties when it comes to your hair.
2. L- Cystine
L-Cystine is an amino acid that is essential for the growth and repair of hair keratin, via the formation of chemical bonds in the hair fibre.
3. Selenium
Selenium has an antioxidant action and contributes to the growth of hair strands, playing an important role in products that target hair loss.
4. Keratin
Keratin is a protein naturally produced by the body and can be found in hair and nails. It is responsible for protecting and preserving the nutrients present within the hair strand.
5. B-complex vitamins
Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B7 (Biotin), B9 and B12 are essential for the well-being of the scalp, as they play a fundamental role both in the oxygenation and nutrient supply to the hair strands.
6. Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract has a powerful antioxidant effect due to its high vitamin E content, which protects the scalp and hair from damage caused by the sun and hair dryers. In hair products, it is commonly used as a moisturizer, shine enhancer and heat protectant.
7. Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid derived from cysteine and has an antioxidant action. Protecting the scalp, it counteracts deformations to which the hair is subjected and, as such, proves itself useful for hair growth.
8. Wheat germ oil
Rich in protein, wheat germ oil also contains zinc, folic acid and vitamin E. It has antioxidant properties that improve the look of dry hair.
9. Vitamin E
Vitamin E has an antioxidant effect that protects the hair from damage caused by UV radiation, and an anti-inflammatory action on the scalp affected by dandruff. In addition, it stabilizes hair follicles, reduces the hair loss rate and protects against dehydration.
10. Zinc
Zinc helps maintain normal hair, nails and skin. It has an antioxidant action and contributes to the normal synthesis of proteins such as keratin. Also, some vitamins and minerals depend on zinc for the hair growth and strengthening processes.
Now that you know the benefits these ingredients can bring to your hair, you can make decisions according to your hair's needs!
Do you have a night hair care routine? Taking advantage of your hours of sleep is crucial when it comes to taking good care of your hair.
First and foremost, getting a good night's sleep is essential for both a healthy skin and a healthy mind. Therefore, sleeping 7-9 hours a day is a part of any night-time routine you must ensure.
In addition, there are other nightly habits you can adopt to maintain a healthy and shiny hair.
Here are 5 nightly habits you should acquire to take good care of your hair:
5 night hair care habits you should have
1. Dry your hair before going to bed
It is essential to completely dry your hair before going to bed in order to avoid hair strand breakage due to friction with bed linen. From drying it naturally – the most recommended option – to using a heat source, the most important thing is to avoid any moisture that may favour the proliferation of fungi.
2. Avoid sleeping with your hair tied up
Sleep with your hair down, so as not to strain neither the hair strands nor the scalp.
3. Invest on hair strand nutrition
Depending on your hair type, intensive night care may be necessary. Apply a moisturising mask without rinsing, leaving it on to act while you sleep.
4. Brush your hair before bed
Gently brush your hair before going to bed; besides helping to eliminate residues that accumulate in your hair throughout the day, it allows you to detangle the strands, thus making them easier to brush the next day.
5. Massage your scalp
Don't forget the scalp! For a feeling of comfort, finish your night-time hair care routine with a 2-minute scalp massage.
Develop some night-time hair routine habits to ensure a more beautiful hair in your everyday life.
In summer, we lose count of the many dives we take in the sea and the pool. After all, this is what we mean with a summer well spent, right? But does contact with sea salt and swimming pool chlorine harm our hair? Let's find out!
Effects of sea water on hair
Seawater can have several benefits for the hair and scalp:
– It contains mineral salts that contribute to the maintenance of normal hair;
– Thanks to the presence of salt, it helps control excess oil in the hair;
– Salt crystals help remove residues from the scalp;
– Interaction with both salt and beach sand can have an exfoliating effect on the scalp.
If, on the one hand, sea water can be beneficial for the hair and scalp, on the other, it can make it drier, brittle and tangled due to the presence of salt, which leads to the opening of the hair cuticles, thus:
– Contributing to the loss of water necessary for capillary hydration;
– Enhancing the wear of hair fibres exposed to external damage, including friction between beach sand and hair strands;
– Making the hair more prone to frizz due to the chemical bonds that are established between sea water and the strands.
Effects of swimming pool water on hair
With regard to swimming pool water, chlorine – a chemical component used to eliminate microorganisms present in the water – can damage the hair fibre.
This component increases the hair's pH level, promoting both the opening of the hair cuticles and capillary dehydration, which in turn contributes to the deposition of heavy metals in the hair and increases the strands’ propensity to external damage. So, like salt in seawater, chlorine can make hair drier and brittle. On dyed hair, it can even fade its colour.
Summer hair care
In short, sea salt and swimming pool chlorine can be aggressive to the hair fibre and, as such, in addition to the regular hair routine, extra care is recommended this season.
Discover our hair care tips for the summer in the article we prepared for you.
Take care of your hair all year round! 💆♀️
Who doesn't enjoy a day at the beach in the middle of summer? The beach gives us a unique feeling of happiness and tranquility, allowing us to reduce stress.
However, there are a few things you should do to take care of your hair after a day at the beach. Sun exposure and sea water cause dry, brittle, dull, and rough-textured on your hair.
Get to know our tips for taking care of your hair after the beach
To make sure your hair doesn't get brittle or lose its shine, here are 6 tips that will help you recover your hair from the negative effects of a trip to the beach:
1. Wash your hair with tepid water. Choose a shampoo that suits your hair type to remove all impurities, including sea salt and sand residue, that can build up on the strands and scalp. At the end of the wash, rinse your hair with cooler water for extra shine.
2. Make a good hair moisturizing. Use conditioner in every wash and mask once or twice a week, leaving it on for a few minutes to give your hair shine and softness.
3. Be careful detangling, especially damp hair. Gently detangle the hair with gentle movements so as not to break the strands.
4. Deixe secar o cabelo ao natural, sempre que possível. Evite usar secador ou alisador em cabelos sensibilizados pelo sol, para não os submeter a altas temperaturas. Quando não puder evitar o uso de aparelhos de calor, aplique um protetor térmico para criar uma barreira protetora nos fios de cabelo.
5. After showering, apply a leave-in product in the form of an oil or cream to help give your hair shine. You can opt for a photoprotective product, which protects your hair from continuous sun exposure, especially during the vacation season.
6. Take food supplements with vitamins and minerals. There are beneficial nutrients for hair with natural or artificial coloring.
Now that you know what to do after a day at the beach, all that's left is to enjoy the summer to the fullest with these tips in mind.
Summer is waiting for you! ☀
The importance of sun protection on the face and body is already known by everyone. But do you know the importance of hair sun protection?
In addition to the skin on the face and body, the hair and scalp also need care for protection from the sun's rays. Lack of hair sun protection can leave hair dry and dull and can subject the scalp to sunburn.
Learn about the effects of sun exposure on your scalp and how to protect yourself.
Effects of sun exposure on hair and scalp
Subjecting yourself to sun exposure without adequate hair protection can damage your hair and scalp, and can lead to:
– Dull hair - The sun opens the hair cuticle and, therefore, the hair surface does not reflect the light.
– Dry hair - The open cuticle favors water loss.
– Oxidized hair - The oxidation process of the hair as a result of sun exposure can alter the natural or artificial coloring of the hair, fading it.
– Red, itchy, flaky scalp - Sun exposure favors sunburn, which can lead to the proliferation of malignant cells.
People most vulnerable to sun exposure
Sun exposure, when too prolonged, can have detrimental effects on everyone. However, it has a greater impact on people with thin or thinning skin and light hair (blonde or red hair), with partial or total absence of hair. As sun exposure in these people is facilitated, redoubled hair care should be taken to protect the hair and scalp from the sun.
7 tips to protect your hair and scalp from the sun
There are several possible hair care products to protect your hair and scalp from the sun's rays, whether you are at the beach, at the pool, or simply on the terrace in the sun.
Here are 7 tips you should keep in mind to avoid damaging your hair and scalp:
1. Avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours;
2. Limit your exposure time to the sun;
3. Wear accessories such as a hat, cap or scarf to protect your hair and scalp from the direct rays of the sun;
4. Apply appropriate products with UVA and UVB sun protection factor, capable of coating and protecting the hair shaft;
5. Opt for leave-in photoprotective products, in the form of mist, spray, or dry oil for easy application on the hair;
6. Use a wide-tooth comb after applying the photoprotective product so that the product reaches the entire length of the hair.
7. Reapply the sunscreen product every 2 hours or after getting out of the water, especially during intense sun exposure.
Including this sun protection care in your hair routine is important to minimize the damage that results from sun exposure.
Always remember to protect your hair and scalp, especially when going to the beach or pool, by following these practical tips. Your hair will thank you!
