Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Hair Loss

Some choose to shave their hair off entirely, while still others may have an illness (such as a form of cancer--note that not every form of cancer or cancer treatment necessarily means one will lose their hair. A qualified physician should be able to advise on this point.) that caused hair loss or lead to a decision to shave the head. In this instance care of the scalp skin must be attended to and may include protection when exposing the skin to the sun (such as wearing a soft hat or scarf, and applying sunscreen), and proper maintenance of a shaved head with moisturizing products and better quality shaving tools.

Those who suffer from hair loss in instances of cancer care will need to consult with their medical provider to examine the idea of a purchase of a wig. There are many outlets now that provide options of human hair and synthetic hair wigs. Synthetic wigs tend to be easier to maintain for a longer duration. Often, though, the hair, in time, will grow back so soft hats and scarves are often preferred for delicate skin that has been through so much. Those who note excessive shedding inexplicably, or especially falling out in clumps, should seek the counsel of a physician to rule out any issues with hormones and thyroid, among other possibilities. Hair thinning can be experienced even in instances of eczema, psoriasis, and when dandruff has advanced and may be coupled with a bacterial infection of the hair follicles.

There are various reasons for hair loss, most commonly hormonal issues. Fluctuations in hormones will often show in the hair. Not all hair loss is related to what is known as male pattern baldness, and indeed, women can suffer from baldness just as men do. This includes women experiencing what's referred to as male pattern baldness. There exist on the markets formulas for addressing this specific cause of lack of hair growth yet typically they require around three months of consistence use for results to begin to appear. Cessation may also mean that gained growth may dissipate.

Hair Care

Hair care is an overall term for parts of hygiene and cosmetology involving the hair on the human head. For a discussion of stylistic aspects of hair care, see Hairstyle.

Care of the hair and the scalp skin are sometimes considered separate, but are often intertwined because hair grows from underneath the skin. The living part of hair is the hair follicle which contains the hair root, the sebaceous gland, the vessel for delivering nutrients (via the blood), and other parts. Hair itself is nonliving; however, much can be done to manage hair and ensure that the outer surface of hair, the cuticle, will remain intact and continue to protect the inner parts of the hair shaft (the cortex and the medulla).

The most important element of hair care is one's hair type. Hair care will differ according to one's hair type and according to various processes that can be applied to hair. All hair is not the same; indeed, hair is a manifestation of human diversity.

When hair behaves in an unusual way, or a scalp skin disorder arises, it is often necessary to visit not only a qualified physician, but sometimes a dermatologist, or a trichologist. Conditions that require this type of professional help include, but are not limited to, forms of alopecia, hair pulling/picking, hair that sticks straight out, black dots on the hair, and rashes or burns resulting from chemical processes.

For many, hair care means a visit to a professional stylist. The discussion of hair is a major world industry, from the salon to products to advertising and even magazines on the subject. Indeed, the topic is displayed and discussed in various online discussion forums. Hair care can include hairdressing (or 'hair dressing'), where the hair is blown dry, combed and/or styled. Hair dressing may include perms, weaves, coloring, extensions, permanent relaxers, curling and any other form of styling or texturing.

Styling tools may include Hair irons (including flat and curling irons), hair dryers, Hairbrushes (both flat and round), hair rollers, diffusers and various types of scissors. Hair dressing might also include the use of product to add texture, shine, curl, volume or hold to a particular style.
In this article, 'Hair care' is taken to mean care of hair on the human head, but mention should be made of other services available in salons such as barber shops which include men's beard and skin care for the beard, and possibly also waxing services of other sites on the human body where hair may be removed. (Hair removal can also be done via laser applications, but often this is not offered in a salon and is conducted under physician care.) Hair dressing (and resulting care requirements) are in many ways more often associated with the female gender, but hair care and dressing is no longer just for females, if indeed it ever was. Many males benefit from improved care, especially considering that males also color (music industry, to cover gray) and enjoy alternative shapes and styles themselves.

Haircuts may also include services mentioned under hair dressing. Cutting hair often involves creating a specific shape and form, and maintaining such sculpture. Haircuts can also be used to define a hemline along the ends and edges of longer lengths and amongst longer lengths. Hair cutting may include shaving the head, in which case scalp skin care would be required. In some settings, hair cutting, creating forms and shapes are an expressive art form. Hair cutting often involves considerations of body proportions, hair density and hair type, face and head shape from all views (profile, 3/4 and 360 degree, from above and from below), overall bone structure, and pattern of how hair lies or falls.

Hair shapes and various lengths are often derived from concerns regarding personal expression and aesthetics (examples: dreadlocks, punk hair, the business haircut/style, very long hair), religion (for example, Pentecostal faith among others), social and cultural values. In short, hair is often a physical expression of one's sense of self, of a desire to present oneself to and amongst a community, of social status and roles, and of cultural values. Such expression often involves adding ornaments to the hair, or partial or full hair coverings (such as a Kippa, Hijab, or a Turban).