Wearing Ponytails without Problems

If you thought tying your hair back was only for sessions at the gym, think again! Ponytails are highly fashionable at the moment, because they are ideal for women with longer hair who are seeking a look that’s both practical and stylish. Celebrities have even been seen to sport variations of the style at red-carpet events. What’s more, many men are also deciding to tie back their hair.

However, this is a hairstyle that needs to be handled with care, because ponytails which are too tight can cause a range of problems, including hair loss. Every year, a number of women have to consult London clinics for trichology after suffering traction alopecia caused by hairstyling, including ponytails and “up-dos”.

Another problem which can be caused by hairstyling is persistent headaches. If you love to wear your hair up and you notice you are suffering from pains in your scalp, it could be worth considering whether your hairstyle might be to blame.

Advantages of Ponytails

One of the main reasons for tying hair back is that this is a simple style which fits in well with today’s busy lifestyles. Instead of spending ages with a hairdryer, straighteners or curling tongs, you can quickly sweep back your crowning glory and you are ready to go. Even if your hair really needs a wash, this will be less noticeable when it is tied back, and it won’t be blown around by the wind, either.

Ponytails are especially practical for various jobs, including cooking and working with machinery, keeping hair safely out of the way. They also mean you can keep your hair away from your face and neck during a workout, helping to keep your cool.

As well as the practicalities, ponytails are also very stylish, making long hair more manageable. Some of the most popular ways to wear hair tied up include a high ponytail or a ponytail worn slightly to one side, a look favoured by superstar singer Beyoncé. Another option is a loose style with some tendrils of hair left untied to frame your face.

You can also accessorise your hair with a whole range of different ties, from ribbons to scrunchies. For a more glamorous look, it’s even possible to divide a ponytail off into different sections, or to slick back your tresses with gel.

Disadvantages of Ponytails

Although ponytails may look good, they can cause problems, especially if the hair is drawn too tight. This type of style can put strain on hair and cause traction alopecia, through persistent pulling on your roots. The tension caused can lead to hair becoming broken and eventually to bald patches occurring.

This can affect both women and men who wear their hair in tight ponytails or buns. If you have hair tied back, or wear hair extensions, weaves or braids which pull your hair continuously, these styles can be causes of hair loss problems. Choosing an unduly harsh hair tie presents another risk factor. However, there are also many other possible causes, so you need to seek an expert diagnosis from a trichologist to find out what the right treatment is for you.

Headaches are another problem which could potentially be caused by your ponytail. As well as pulling your hair, a tight hairstyle also pulls on the nerves in your scalp, and this can cause pain. According to medical experts, those of us who suffer from migraines are especially prone to headaches triggered by tight hairstyles.

So, if you find yourself having to take headache pills more frequently than in the past, it could be worth trying out a looser hairstyle. You might well find that this is the answer. Keeping tight ponytails for special occasions rather than wearing your hair in this way everyday will avoid building up strain on both your hair and your nerves.

Are you looking for London clinics for trichology to provide a male or female alopecia consultation? If so, the team at the LondonCentre of Trichology  can give the guidance you need. Your initial consultation will be free of charge, enabling a quick diagnosis.

Can Argan Oil Help to Strengthen Your Hair?

There is a growing interest in the many benefits of essential oils, including their potential as hair conditioners and treatments. Argan oil is one of the natural products which has been coming into the spotlight recently, and it is increasingly being used in hair care products and as a moisturiser.

If you are concerned about either female or male hair loss, it can give your confidence a boost if you improve the condition of your hair and make it look its best. Choosing products rich in essential oils is one way to do this. However, the only real answer for anybody seeking hair loss solutions is to get an expert diagnosis of your specific problem. Our team at the London Centre of Trichology can advise you and help you to find the best way forward.

Where Does Argan Oil Come From?

Argan oil normally comes from Morocco, although the trees grow in smaller numbers in some other countries. The oil is a natural product derived from the hard-shelled nuts found within the fruit of the Argan tree, which is traditionally extracted by hand by Berber women. The usual method of production involves cracking the nuts to remove seeds, which are then roasted, ground together with water and squeezed to remove the oil. Each nut can contain up to 3 oil-rich seeds.

Argan oil has traditionally been used for combating skin diseases, including conditions such as dandruff and irritation of the scalp, and for giving protection against the drying effects of the sun. It is naturally rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant which protects the membranes surrounding cells and maintains skin health. The oil also contains carotenes and fatty acids.

As interest in natural cosmetics has grown over recent years, there has been a growing call for argan oil to be used in skin and hair products. The forests in Morocco where these trees are grown have shrunk in size over the past century. But they have now been designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and efforts are being made to conserve the trees. The government of Morocco is stepping up production of the oil to meet the demand, and this could help to preserve forests for the future.

What are the Benefits of Argan Oil?

When used as a conditioning treatment for hair, Argan oil can bring a number of different benefits. These include combating frizz, helping to keep the scalp healthy and balancing skin hormones, as well as replenishing lost oils in the hair to give it gloss and shine.

In general, the best way to apply the oil is to put a few drops on your hands and run them through damp hair after washing. Leave it on the hair for the time specified by the brand concerned, following the instructions, and then rinse it out to give your hair an intensive conditioning treatment. Rather than applying argan oil direct, you may prefer to buy a shampoo or conditioner containing the oil as a key ingredient and there are a number of these on the market.

However, despite the popularity of argan oil, there is no scientific evidence that it can actually be used as a treatment for hair loss. So if you are concerned about your hair becoming thinner or falling out, you will need to talk to trichologists in order to arrange a consultation, as a first step towards being given an expert diagnosis and arranging effective treatment.

Some brands suggest massaging your scalp with the oil. However, while this might be pleasurable and relaxing, there is no medical evidence that it will actually stimulate hair growth or help to stop hair loss.

At the London Centre of Trichology, we offer a wide range of hair loss solutions for both men and women. Our first consultation is free. We will talk to you at our premises in Blandford Street, central London, and look in detail at your problems to achieve an accurate diagnosis, before arranging a hair loss treatment geared to your specific condition.