More and more chemicals and toxins are to be found in our surroundings than ever before. The skin is the largest organ of the body and the most absorbent. It absorbs whatever is in the surrounding air some of which can cause harm to our bodies after a while. With the hair follicles being dependent on healthy skin, some chemicals and toxins can have adverse effects on the hair. This can be seen by thinning, dry brittle hair and bald patches.
Constant exposure to toxins can cause cellular damage as the body to metabolize and destroy the toxins in the body. As hair is one of the outer extremities of the body it can be easily damaged. Bald patches can appear as the hair follicles shrink and become damaged. Hair can become limp and lifeless when the nutrients needed do not reach the hair follicles. The healthier the body, the less likely damage will occur.
Being out in all weathers can also have an effect on how healthy hair is. Exposure to the sun can cause the hair to become dry and brittle, the use of a good shampoo and conditioner can help to overcome this. Massaging the scalp will invigorate the scalp and help with circulation.
Chemicals in hair products can have a detrimental effect on the hair. Whilst we are busy keeping up with the latest hair fashions and colours the products used to establish these looks can damage the hair in the long term. Bleach used in some hair dyes can cause the hair to become dry and brittle making the hair break and fall out. Perms contain chemicals which can damage the hair if not used correctly. Once the damage occurs use of such products should be stopped and the hair will restore its natural balance.
There are shampoos and conditioners on the market that can actually damage the hair rather than keep it healthy. Ingredients in some shampoos can irritate the scalp causing itching, when the scalp is constantly scratched the hair follicles can become damaged and shrink leaving the hair to fall out. Some of the cheaper shampoos contain the surfactants sodium lauryl sulphate and ammonium lauryl sulphate as they make the shampoo have more foam. Unfortunately, the sulphates are irritants especially for those with sensitive skins. Research has found the sulphates can also damage hair follicles which can sometimes result in hair loss.
Pesticides are chemicals that can damage hair growth. Although not applied to the hair, the toxic can be absorbed by the skin if used in excess without protective clothing. Hair loss will not be noticeable straight away but care needs to be taken when using any type of chemical. Whilst the pesticides do their job of killing unwanted insects and the like they can also damage the health of the user.
Chemotherapy is one of the most common of chemicals that can cause hair damage. The chemicals in the drug are there to help kill growing cancer cells but they can also hit other cells in the body including the hair follicles. Hair loss under these circumstances may be a small price to pay and once the treatment finishes the hair will begin to grow back. There are other medications that contain chemicals which damage hair follicles and this will happen more with some people than with others.
With more chemicals in the air and in the products we use daily studies have shown that more people are looking toward natural products when dying and washing hair. Natural skin products are also becoming more popular. All hair and skin types are different and taking time to find suitable products will certainly benefit the hair condition.
Unfortunately in today’s progressive world chemicals cannot be avoided and they will affect people differently. They have had very positive results for many situations but with so many in the air, food, soaps, in fact nearly everything we use contains some form of chemical. The use of natural ingredients is becoming more popular to try and overcome some of the side effects chemicals can cause. The hair follicles are very sensitive on both the head and the body and care needs to be taken when washing and moisturising.
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