PROBLEM HAIR
Greasy Hair
Greasy hair is a very common complaint. Teenagers suffer the most when the body is going through changes in the hormone balance. Some women find their hair becomes greasy for about a week during their period or just before. It's generally accepted that over activity of the sebaceous glands in the scalp cause greasy hair. These glands can be affected by what you eat too, so it's unwise to indulge in greasy foods and chocolates etc.
Even though greasy hair is often a teenage problem, sadly many never grow out of it. Treatment is pretty simple though. Don't believe the old wives' tale that the more you shampoo the greasier the hair becomes. In fact, if you let the oil build up you'll have to use a strong shampoo to remove it and that just isn't the answer.
Following the rule of using the mildest possible, preferably a luxury shampoo, that gets the result, simply wash your hair whenever it needs it. lf that means every day, don't worry. Your author sometimes washes his hair up to ten times a week and never less than seven, but do make sure that you have the right hair cosmetics. Never use water which is too hot, it encourages the oil to flow more freely. Try not to rub the scalp too much either. If you wash very frequently, remember you'll find that one application of shampoo can be enough.
If your hair is long and tends to tangle, use the right conditioner for greasy hair.
If you ever run out of your special rinse, add a teaspoonful of vinegar for dark hair or pure lemon juice for fair hair, dissolve in one pint of water for a final rinse and comb through. But for the sake of your hair, do return to your favourite products.
Dandruff
Dandruff is not a new problem. Even the ancient Egyptians had it! It's not uncommon either. Almost half the adult population of this country suffer from it at some time in their lives. Sadly, no real cure has yet been found for it. If you are a sufferer, the best you can hope for is to control it. - We have a guaranteed answer!
Normally, your skin is constantly shedding its top layer without you noticing. In the case of dandruff, the shedding process is accelerated up and the flakes of skin are larger and therefore more noticeable. As yet, it's not fully known why this happens. The most widely accepted opinion is that it's due to micro-organism activity on the scalp and it's sometimes associated with tension or an emotional upset.
Although dandruff can sometimes be kept at bay by normal brushing and washing with the right medicated shampoos, this is often only a very temporary measure. What the problem really needs is a Shampoo which rids the scalp of the existing dandruff and helps to prevent the growth of the micro-organisms. It's preferable to do this without the unpleasant odour or colour of some of the prescription type products. We find that the most effective products for doing the job are those that contain ZINC PYRITHIONE. Some brands appear to clear dandruff - but can also damage your hair!. Remember, always follow the instructions carefully. If one particular brand really doesn't work, try another until you've found one that suits you.
Always keep your brushes and combs clean as it's quite easy to re-infect the scalp. Also watch out for allergies. Some types of anti-dandruff shampoos can cause a reaction - if in doubt or worried in any way, stop using the product immediately and consult your doctor.
