5 Essential Oils to Strengthen and Grow Your Hair

Essential oils have been used for many years for health and medicinal purposes within various cultures. These are natural oils acquired typically by distillation, which hold the distinctive scent of the plant or source from which they were obtained. Some types have been found to stimulate hair growth when rubbed into the scalp regularly, including rosemary, thyme and lavender oils. Here, The London Centre of Trichology explains some of the uses of essential oils and the best ones to use for boosting hair growth.

Argan Oil
This nourishing oil will benefit your hair because it is enriched with vitamin E, a natural anti-oxidant. Often referred to as liquid gold, argan oil is an organic product extracted from the kernels of the argan tree. It can be used as a natural sunscreen, heat protectant and as an intensive repair treatment for your hair, and is full of fatty acids to give hair a replenishing boost.
This can help to improve the elasticity of dry, brittle hair, giving it natural bounce and shine. Argan oil can also reduce frizzy and fine hair to make your locks softer and more manageable. Just rub a few drops between your palms and distribute evenly through wet hair before drying for noticeably thicker and glossier tresses.

Lavender Oil
Lavender is a popular oil, known for its strong smell and relaxing properties. Used commonly as an aromatherapy oil, lavender is known to help with stress, anxiety, healing, acne and respiratory problems. This can be used as both a strong antiseptic and also as a stimulant, and can help to improve blood circulation in the scalp to encourage faster hair growth.
This also can free your hair follicles from any germs that block them and can reduce the amount of hair fall which is ideal for those suffering from hair loss. A study by a group of dermatologists in Scotland even found that many alopecia patients found it helpful to massage their scalp with lavender and other essential oils.

Frankincense
Produced from the bark of boswellia trees, frankincense has been used for centuries to treat wounds, stop bleeding and to heal scars. It even has anti-aging properties, and is said to help with reducing sun spots, wrinkles and fine lines. This has a fresh, woody and spicy aroma which is often used as incense to perfume clothes and the home.
Frankincense can be used to help prevent hair loss by strengthening hair follicles, balancing hormones, increasing blood circulation and cleansing the scalp. The inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of frankincense can also help to stop scalp infections and inflammatory skin conditions which can sometimes lead to hair loss.

Ylang Ylang Oil
This oil has only recently become popular, but already has become a favourite oil for aroma therapists. Ylang Ylang oil is extracted by steam distillation of fresh flowers from the ylang ylang tree, which is commonly found in the rainforests of Asian and South Pacific Islands such as Indonesia, Java and Polynesia.
Ylang ylang oil can be used to stimulate the skin that controls sebum secretion, which is a waxy substance that waterproofs and moisturises your hair. To reap the benefits of ylang ylang oil, try adding several drops of the oil to your shampoo for a healthy addition to your daily hair routine.

Rosemary Oil
Rosemary, often used for cooking, belongs to the mint family which includes basil, lavender, myrtle and sage. This has various health benefits, and can help to encourage hair growth if used consistently over a long period of time. Rosemary can prevent excess oiliness in the scalp,  helping to stop grease and dirt from blocking the hair follicles. This allows you to have a clean and healthy scalp, which will naturally then be able to form new hairs.
Rosemary is also full of antioxidants which can help to combat damage that people often face due to pollution and the use of harsh chemical products such as hair dyes and sprays. The high levels of antioxidants in rosemary can help to restore the health of your hair for faster hair growth and softer hair.

Hair Loss London – Click here to find out more about how we can help you with your hair loss and to arrange an initial free consultation.

Female Hair Loss – Choosing a Bob or Lob

The bob is a classic hairstyle which has been fashionable for years, but now the lob is taking over. The lob is a long version of the bob, which reaches to the collarbones and which can be styled in a variety of ways. These two styles can be used with most hair types, and it can often be hard to choose between the two. Here The London Centre of Trichology explains the things you should consider before deciding.

The London Centre of Trichology specialises in natural remedies for female hair loss, and can help you through treatment with our expert advice and knowledge.

Length

Before choosing a style, consider the normal up dos you like to put your hair into. A bob tends to be too short to put into a ponytail or bun, and can sometimes be difficult to curl. Lobs tend to reach down to the collarbones, and are much more versatile than the bob. These can be curled, straightened and tied into a low ponytail for a quick everyday up do. Think about your daily routine, and make sure you can keep your hair out of your way if you lead an active lifestyle. 

Thin or Thick Hair

For women with thinning hair, shorter styles tend to look better as they give the appearance of the hair being thicker than it actually is. This can help you to achieve a full look, and hair will be lifted from the roots without the extra weight of long hair. Thicker hair suits the lob well – due to the body and weight of it – and cutting it too short can often leave the hair looking frizzy.

Maintenance

Short hair sometimes requires more maintenance than long hair, and for busy people this can be a problem. Before you commit to a short style, think about how much time you can spend styling it in the morning, as well as how often you can visit the salon. To give your hair a full bodied and thick appearance you will need to blow dry your hair from the roots. And, for extra style many people will use straighteners or curlers as well. Bobs require regular trims to keep them looking perfectly maintained, so for a lower maintenance look, choose a lob which can be left to grow out. 

Makeup 

If you have gone from long to short, you’ll need to adapt your makeup to suit your new do. Bobs look stunning when paired with minimal beauty looks, but can also look lovely with retro inspired makeup when on a night out. Think about your current makeup routine, and whether it will fit with a shorter style. Choose a lob first if you are unsure, and you can always have it cut shorter if you decide you like how it looks with your personal style.

Regrowth Time

Getting your hair cut short is a big decision, so consider the speed at which your hair grows. If you decide you don’t like the style, you’ll have to wait several months for it to reach the length it was, if not longer. Women experiencing hair loss may find that their hair takes longer to grow than most, and this is a serious point to consider when choosing a cut. The lob is often a safer option which can be grown out much quicker, whereas the bob can take up to a year to get back to the length it used to be. 

Think It Through

If you’ve had the same hairstyle for years, it can sometimes be a shock to change to something dramatically different, especially if you’re changing from long to short. Think about it for at least a month, and make sure the bob or the lob is really what you want to try. Ask the opinion of friends and family, and find a picture of the style you like so you can show the hairdresser exactly how you want it to look. 

If you have experienced female hair loss, visit The London Centre of Trichology for more information on how we can help.

Female Hair Loss – Hair & Makeup Trends for Spring 2016

Spring 2016 is set to be full of dramatic hair and makeup looks, with recent fashion shows highlighting the trends that we can expect to see this spring and summer. Designers showed off bright and bold makeup and stunning hairstyles throughout London Fashion Week, which can be effortlessly achieved using high street products and accessories for day to day styles.

The London Centre of Trichology specialises in female hair loss, and our expert knowledge and hair systems have helped thousands of women to recover their hair. If you have noticed the onset of female hair loss, visit The London Centre of Trichology to receive a free consultation and advice.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton used exaggeratedly long and thick fake eyelashes, along with long braided hair to create a bohemian and doll-like effect on his catwalk models.  To recreate this look, leave hair straight, and simply braid a few small sections into miniature plaits. Use a full coverage foundation to achieve flawless skin, add a small amount of blusher to the apples of your cheeks, before using thick false eyelashes to give your eyes definition. Nude lips and thick, defined eyebrows will complete this look perfectly.

Yves Saint Laurent

For women battling extreme hair loss, this daring trend will be well received: buzz cuts are back in fashion. Yves Saint Laurent was the first to showcase this bold style, which was soon adopted by other big name fashion companies such as Gucci, Lanvin and Versace. Gucci paired this with oversized glasses and buttoned up shirts to give the models a quirky edge. The buzz cut looks great on all hair colours, and for women experiencing female hair loss it can often be a low maintenance and easy look to pull off, while still looking fashionable.

Prada
Girls on the Prada catwalk showed off futuristic gold lips, with skin clear of any other makeup except for a touch of mascara. Hair was made to look wet, and short fringes were slicked down onto the models’ foreheads. For an easy, everyday look this can be refashioned at home using hair gel to get the wet look yourself. Gold lipsticks are available at most beauty shops for a low price, and these can also be used on the eyelids for a versatile and quick dash of colour before you leave the house.

Bottega Veneta
Puns have become a new fashion statement, which combines a ponytail and bun to create a gorgeous hybrid of the two. This messy style is easy to achieve, just begin to pull your hair into a low ponytail, and then on the last loop of the hair tie do not pull the hair all the way through. This will create a small loop, with a long bit of hair hanging down. This is ideal for women with hair loss at the base of the scalp as it can very easily cover any balding patches in seconds.

Miu Miu 
Miu Miu gave models low pigtails using ornate headbands to create a fierce but gorgeous style. Models were given a centre parting, and side bangs were loosely stuck to the forehead and side of the face to soften the look. Lips were painted in tones of blue and berry red to finish off the look. Get this look at home using small hairbands to secure the low ponytails, and hairspray to keep bangs in place. Ombre lips can be achieved using a dark red lipstick as a base colour all over the lips, and then by applying a blue lipstick to the inner part of the lips and blending this outwards.

Alexis Mabille
At Alexis Mabille they recreated a 70s look on their models using tropical colours on the eyes in stripes, while blusher was applied heavily on the cheekbones. This look can be toned down for everyday use, and pale blues and yellows can be applied in stripes across the eyelids, while blusher can be applied gently to the cheeks over the top of a light coverage foundation.

Dolce & Gabbana
Elegant makeup was used to give models a soft and luminous look on the catwalk this year, with lined eyes and plump lips. Messy up dos were wrapped with headbands, crowns and headscarves for a stylish and carefree style. To get this look, apply a light coverage foundation to your face, and then dab a highlighter on the high parts of your face such as your cheekbones, nose, cupids bow and brow bones. Apply black eyeliner above your eyes and finish with a small, feline flick at the end. Lips can be lined with a pale pink liner, and then filled in with a neutral lipstick or lip gloss. To complete the look, hair can be thrown up in a messy bun and finished with a sparkly headband.

Male Hair Loss – The Genes Behind Grey Hair

Each year in the UK alone we spend about £350 million on hair dye to try cover our greying locks. Grey hair has gone widely unexplained for years, however there have been recent breakthroughs in research which has found that genes are to blame. Following this development, scientists are set to quickly find a preventative method to solve the issue of turning grey.

By the age of 50 half of the hairs on the head of an average British person will be grey, and many turn to dye as a result. If you suffer from male hair loss, and your hair is also turning grey, resist the temptation to dye your hair. Hair dyes are full of harsh chemicals which will cause further damage to your hair. Many celebrities now embrace their grey hair, and wear it with confidence and style, and you too can pull off this fashionable look.

For help and advice with male hair loss, visit The London Centre of Trichology

Causes 

Turning grey can be accelerated by your lifestyle and overall health, and problems such as stress, smoking, drug abuse, vitamin and mineral deficiencies can all add to how quickly you turn grey.

The common cause of grey hair has now been found to be down to genes, thanks to a study which analysed over 6,000 people to find out exactly what was producing their grey tresses. The gene, called IRF4, has links to grey hair, and is known to regulate the production and storage of melanin. Melanin determines hair, skin and eye colour, and can turn hair grey as you get older.

This new discovery could quickly lead to the development of new cosmetics to prevent grey hair, or to slow down the greying process. In the meantime, try to avoid too much sunlight, and live a healthy life to prevent your hair turning grey prematurely.

Celebrities Who Embrace Their Grey Hair

Both male and female celebrities are embracing grey hair as they grow older, and have been praised by the media for ditching the dyes. Jamie Lee Curtis has had a full head of grey hair since 2004, and keeps it in a short and edgy style to keep her looking trendy and young. Grey hair can catch people’s attention in the same way as platinum blonde, so for a more subtle approach a short hair do looks elegant and chic.

George Clooney, known by many as a silver fox, has used his grey hair to land himself several roles in films such as Three Kings and Ocean’s Eleven, where his hair added to his character perfectly. Sales of grey hair dye rocketed after the reveal of his salt and pepper hair, with Amazon reporting sales to have risen by 80%.

Blondes often have a gradual, less noticeable transition into grey, such as Helen Mirren who slowly let her natural hair colour show. She keeps her look fresh with blond highlights and current hairstyles, which are tailored to suit her face shape and age. Short styles look beautiful as you age, and will frame your face to highlight your natural beauty.

Mark Foster, a retired Olympic swimmer, rocks the grey hair and pulls it off with his masculine charm. With thick grey hair he is able to pull off a variety of hairstyles, however he is most commonly seen with a short quiff, styled with wax.

Blythe Danner, a famous actress, has aged gracefully with her pale grey hair, which is often styled with a natural wave to give her hair texture and volume. This style allows her to look youthful while pulling off her grey hair with ease.

Best known for his role in the Spider-Man trilogy, Joe Manganiello went grey a few years ago and has effortlessly pulled off the look since. Going from long to short styles, Manganiello has transitioned to grey with confidence and ease. His salt and pepper beard adds to his stylish appearance, and is always kept in top condition.

If you would like more advice on keeping thin hair in good condition, visit The London Centre of Trichology

6 Reasons to Go Back to Basics with Your Hair

Although it may initially seem dull, your hair can benefit massively from being kept its normal colour. Not only can dying your hair be expensive and time consuming, it can also put great strain on your hair, which is why returning to your natural hair colour can be the perfect way for women with thinning hair to let their hair grow stronger while taking a breather from all the chemicals that dyes often involve.

The London Centre of Trichology is able to help give expert advice and treatment for thinning hair in London with over 50 years of experience and comprehensive knowledge of types and causes of alopecia.

The London Centre of Trichology – Click here to book a free consultation today.

Hair Regrowth

Frequent use of dyes and chemicals can cause a whole host of problems for your hair including split ends, breakage, and dry or brittle strands of hair. Split ends will need to be chopped off regularly, putting a firm halt to your plans to have long, luxurious hair for the summer. By choosing to return to your natural hair colour, you can give your hair a chance to breathe as it grows to become stronger and glossier in the long run.

Love Your Natural Self

Your natural hair colour may initially appear as dull to you, especially if you have experimented with a multitude of colours over the years, however many people grow to love their natural colour once they make the brave change back to it. Bear in mind that with summer will come lighter hues of your natural colour, for free and healthy highlights that won’t cause any damage to your hair.

Cut Costs

Regular trips to the salon for highlights and dye can quickly add up, not to mention after care products and conditioners. Your natural hair colour requires little to no maintenance, allowing you to splash your cash on other things. Regular trims are especially important for women with thinning hair as they can keep your hair looking thick and healthy.

Improve the Health of Your Hair

Without the damage of multiple chemicals, your hair can begin to grow back thicker and shinier than ever, with added bounce and gloss. This is ideal for women with thinning hair as it can give your hair a chance to grow back, while also looking less flat and lifeless. Your natural colour can also balance your skin tone, giving you a healthy glow.

Less Maintenance

Dyeing your hair takes great amounts of time and effort, with regular trips to the salon necessary to keep your roots at bay. By sticking to your natural colour you can relax in the knowledge that your roots aren’t showing, and your colour still looks beautiful. Regular trims are always a positive idea to keep the ends of your hair healthy, but this short trip takes just minutes rather than hours to complete.

No One Wants Over Processed Hair

If you currently style your hair using straighteners, curlers or even just a hair dryer then you are already putting a substantial amount of strain on your hair. Dyeing your hair causes even further damage to your hair, and can lead to your hair becoming over processed and dry or brittle. This can cause your hair to fall out or break off, leading to thin or balding hair in the long run. Give your hair a break by choosing to go back to your natural colour and you’ll soon see and feel the changes in your hairs’ appearance and texture. 

What to Look For In a Hairdresser

Going to the hairdressers with thin, frail hair can be daunting, but with the right hairdresser you can relax in the knowledge that you are in safe hands. Finding a talented stylist who really cares and wants to help with female hair loss can be tricky, so here at The London Centre of Trichology we have come up with some simple ways to find the perfect hairstylist for you.

Female hair loss is common and affects many women of all ages. If you have recently experienced hair loss or thinning hair, The London Centre of Trichology is able to offer you expert hair loss diagnosis and treatment to help boost your confidence again.

Female Hair Loss – Click here to book your free consultation today.

Consultation

Ask for a consultation before booking an appointment. Most salons offer these free of charge, and it can help you to get a feel of the place and the stylists. Ask lots of questions about the stylist and take a look at their hair and the clients around them. If you don’t feel that it is right for you there is no pressure to go back, and you can try having another consultation elsewhere. If this all feels too time consuming, ask about a salon's experience with thinning hair over the phone before booking a consultation. With so many women experiencing this problem you are bound to find somewhere that has the experience you are looking for.

Find a Truthful Stylist

Thinning hair must be cut in a much different way to thick hair, so it is essential to find a hair stylist who not only enjoys cutting and styling thin hair, but who also will tell you the truth about your hair. Hairdressers who explain more about your thinning hair and help you to understand how to best deal with it will not only give you a better end result, but also will connect and bond with you much faster. Building a rapport with the stylist is important, and will help them to understand your requirements much better.

Understanding

Hairstylists who help you to understand what you can do with your hair are perfect for those of you who are unsure of what style to go for, and will help you to achieve a glamorous, thick and healthy looking head of hair by the end. Try to find a hairdresser who does not promise something that is not possible, and look for ones who help you to embrace your female hair loss with a thickening style or products. It is not always realistic to show your hairdresser a picture of a model from a magazine and expect to look like it by the end – let your stylist help to choose you a look using their expert knowledge.

Communication

Communication is key for any hairdresser and client, but especially so if you have thinner hair. A stylist who talks you through what they are doing and also shows you how they are doing it will make you feel much more relaxed and confident in their care. This will also help you to recreate the look later on at home. If you find that your stylist does not make you feel relaxed, don’t feel stuck with them, and instead shop around until you find a stylist who really understands you and your hair.

Gentle Tools

Thinning hair can be made much worse by rough pulling or brushing, so find a salon that uses gentle combs and brushes to ease tangles out of your hair. You don’t want to lose more hair than necessary with your stylist, and over tugging the hair will cause further (temporary) hair loss and breakage. If possible also avoid stylists that make excessive use of heated styling items such as straighteners or curlers, as these can break your hair and cause split ends.

Similar Hair

If possible, choose a stylist who has similar hair to you, as they will understand your problems and needs much better with someone with thick hair would. Those with long hair understand long hair better, whereas someone with short hair may be more likely to cut more off to create a shorter style. If you can find a hair stylist with thin hair, you’re much more likely to come out with a healthy and chic style at the end which will be tailored specifically to your hair loss. This can be a huge confidence booster, and will make you feel beautiful and special.

Although it's invaluable to find a good stylist, you should also take all possible steps to address the cause of your thinning hair, to prevent further loss. Your first step should be to arrange for an accurate female hair loss diagnosis – just contact us to book a free consultation today.

Types of Hair Loss

Thinning hair can cause you great upset and concern, so here The London Centre of Trichology we explain some of the variations of alopecia, to help you understand your condition better and to help put your mind at ease. Alopecia can be genetic, and is not always a sign of disease or ill health.

If you have recently experienced thinning hair, our experts at the London Centre of Trichology are able to diagnose and treat the cause of your hair loss. We have over 50 years of experience, and will try to make your treatment as comfortable and easy as possible.

Thinning Hair London – Click here to find out more about how we can diagnose and treat your hair loss.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss, is the scientific name for male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss. This condition is caused when enzymes in your body turn the hormone testosterone into its predecessor, a chemical that shrinks hair follicles and in turn causes hair loss. This type of alopecia is passed down through genes, and effects up to 50% of both men and women.

Cicatricial Alopecia

Cicatricial alopecia causes scarring on the scalp where hair follicles have been destroyed. This type of alopecia has two main types, primary and secondary. In the case of primary cicatricial alopecia, the hair follicles become inflamed which leads to hair loss, whereas in the secondary type scarring happens as a result of something unrelated to hair loss, such as a knock to the head or burn.

Alopecia Areata

This is caused by an autoimmune disorder, which causes your immune system to attack healthy hair follicles. This will result in patchy hair loss rather than total hair loss, as seen on many famous people such as Martin Roberts, from the popular TV show Homes Under the Hammer, who lost hair from the crown of his head only. Alopecia areata is thought to be triggered by stress and fatigue, though there is no strong understanding of the causes of this condition. In about 90% of people with this condition, hair will begin to grow back after a few years.

Traction Alopecia

Most commonly found in women, traction alopecia is caused by tight hairstyles which pull at the scalp and hair over time. Tight hairstyles can cause considerable damage to the hair follicles, which in time can thin the hair. Ponytails, braids, cornrows, extensions and weaves all contribute to traction alopecia, and should be worn loosely where possible.

Alopecia Totalis

Alopecia totalis does what its name suggests – it affects the whole scalp and causes total hair loss. This can also effect other parts of the body, including eyelashes and eyebrows at its worst. Celebrities such as Little Britain’s Matt Lucas suffer from this condition, also known as Alopecia Universalis.

Treating Alopecia

Some aspects of alopecia are not yet fully understood, but we are able to stop the progression of hair loss, as well as preventing any further loss. Conditions are treatable, and the first step is to get expert advice from professional trichologists. At The London Centre of Trichology we will give you impartial advice on your hair loss following a free consultation with us.

Hair Loss London – Click here to find out more about how we can help.