Hair reacts to what it has been through. Heat styling, colour, sun, salt water, hard water, tight hairstyles, illness and stressful periods all leave their mark. Here are five signs people notice most often, what they usually point to, and when it is worth asking a professional.
1. More hair on the brush
Shedding some hair every day is normal, and most people lose in the region of 50 to 100 hairs. Hair sheds in cycles, so the amount varies through the year and often rises a few months after a fever, an operation, childbirth or a demanding period at work.
If the shedding comes on suddenly, leaves bare patches, or carries on for months, do not try to work it out alone. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist, who can look at whether something else is going on.
2. A higher hairline
Hairlines move over the years, and how much is largely down to genetics and hormones. Everyday habits play a part too: tight ponytails, buns, braids and extensions pull on the hairline, and constant tension can wear it over time. If you wear your hair up most days, loosening it and varying where the tension sits takes some of the strain off.
3. Shorter strands and baby hairs
Short, fine hairs around the hairline are usually one of two things: new hairs coming through as part of the normal cycle, or longer hairs that have snapped. Breakage tends to feel dry and rough, and often follows bleach, straighteners, or brushing hard when the hair is wet. Wet hair stretches, so a wide-toothed comb and a bit of patience save a surprising number of strands.
4. Split ends
Split ends are mechanical damage. The outer layer that protects each strand has been worn away by heat, friction, chemical treatment or simply time. Remember that the ends of long hair can be several years old and have been washed, dried and styled hundreds of times.
No product mends a split permanently. Conditioner and masks smooth the ends and make them easier to live with, but a regular trim is what actually removes them, and lowering the heat is what stops new ones forming as quickly.
5. Tired, dull hair
Shine is largely down to a smooth surface reflecting light. When that surface is roughened by heat, sun, chlorine, hard water or a build-up of styling product, hair looks flat however healthy it is underneath. A clarifying wash now and then, a conditioner suited to your hair, cooler water and fewer passes with the straighteners usually bring the light back.
What about diet?
Hair is made largely of protein, and like the rest of the body it depends on eating well. A varied and balanced diet is the sensible starting point. If you have cut out whole food groups, eaten very little for a while, or you have another reason to think something is missing, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can advise whether a blood test makes sense rather than leaving you to guess.
About Hair Luxious
Hair Luxious is a food supplement with vitamins, minerals and plant extracts, in separate versions for women and men. Among the nutrients it contains:
- Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
- Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails.
- Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and nails.
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
- Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
- Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Where you will find it
Hair Luxious is a bestseller online and in Norwegian pharmacies, and it is used and recommended by hairdressers across Norway, including salons in Oslo.
In short
Most of the signs above come down to wear and tear, and gentle everyday handling does more for them than any single product: less heat, less tension, a trim when the ends need it, and a conditioner that suits your hair. If your hair loss is sudden, patchy or will not settle, see your doctor or pharmacist.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
