Undercut Hairstyles Are Back in Fashion in 2016

Men’s hairstyles have transformed dramatically over the years, from the shaggy mop in the sixties to the man bun last year. This year the fashion has changed once again, and countless men are adopting the classy and sophisticated undercut style, which can be adapted to suit your hair type and face shape. This looks perfect on wavy, straight and curly hair, and will can help to define the shape of your face to give you a younger, fresher look.
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Classic Undercut 
The classic undercut leaves the top longer and the sides neatly trimmed at a shorter length for a modern and smart look. This is a simple haircut which looks good on all types of hair, and can give the impression of thicker hair in men with thinning hair. The longer hair on top can also be styled to cover any balding patches using clever partings and hair products to keep the hair in place. To style your classic undercut hairstyle, use a gel or mousse to give the longer hair on top of your head volume and to keep it in place throughout the day.

Side Swept Undercut
To achieve this style, hair at the sides must be cut very short while hair at the top of your head must be kept long enough to part to one side. Hair should be slicked to the side that your hair naturally falls to as this will give it a thicker appearance. For added impact use pompadour type styling, where the fringe is swept up off the face and worn high over the forehead. For quick styling in the morning, push your hair up and to the side, and secure with a long lasting gel or hairspray.

Curly Undercut
For those with curly or wavy hair, the curly undercut will make hair look thicker and healthier by adding texture. The sides of your hair will again be kept very short, with long curls on top which can be styled with matt hair products for a more natural look. This style is boyish, and can be used by men upwards of 40 to give their look a fresh but polished touch. If you have straight hair and wish to achieve this, ask your hairdresser to cut layers into your hair, but bear in mind that you may have to use curlers or lots of products to achieve the same look as those with natural curls, which can be detrimental for the health of your hair.

Layered Undercut
Best suited to straight or wavy hair, the layered undercut adds fullness to the hair by adding layers to visually enhance the look of your hair. Ask your hairdresser to take small bits off in layers to start with, until you feel happy with the look you have achieved. Different lengths of hair will suit different facial shapes, so take it slow to make sure you acquire the look you really want.

Disconnected Undercut
One of the most popular styles of undercut is the disconnected undercut, where the sides of the hair are kept very short and all at one length, while the top is kept longer to create a noticeable contrast between the two. This looks good with a side part and glossy locks, which can be achieved using high shine gels and mousses.
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Is Green Tea Good For Your Hair?

Green tea has been used for centuries to cure a variety of health problems, from minor headaches to depression. Full of antioxidants, green tea contains vitamin B, folate, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and caffeine. This is said to make it ideal for those who are experiencing hair loss, and here The London Centre of Trichology explains the full benefits of green tea.

Green Tea Traditions

Green tea leaves are richer in antioxidants than other types of teas, due to the different way that they are processed. The traditional Chinese way of producing green tea involves steaming and then drying the leaves for preservation. This is much healthier than other methods used for teas such as black tea and oolong, which involve fermentation of the plant leaves.

It was originally believed that the catechins, a type of natural phenol and antioxidant found in green tea, could reduce hair loss due to their inhibiting properties of 5-alpha-reductase. However further studies have found this link to be weak, and have stated that it is the anti-inflammatory properties of green tea which are responsible for preventing hair loss.

A later study found that mice suffering from hair loss who were given green tea in their drinking water stopped losing as much hair, and some even began to grow hair once again. Once again this was proved inaccurate due to the vast differences between mice and humans. The green tea given to the mice also held high levels of polyphenols in it, and to get a similar result we would need to be drinking green tea throughout the day and night.

Relaxing Properties

Green tea does, nonetheless, have relaxing properties and can reduce stress in both men and women. Stress is a known contributor to hair loss, so drinking a few cups of green tea a day could help reduce your stress levels. Another benefit of this tea is its strong antiseptic properties, which can reduce both dandruff and scalp flaking to alleviate hair loss which has occurred as a result of a dry scalp. 

It has also been found that green tea contains high levels of vitamin B, which is commonly found in hair products, especially conditioners, to nourish and strengthen hair. This is often used to prevent split ends, soften the hair and strengthen the hair follicle to leave you with silky and smooth hair. To apply this to the hair, create a green tea rinse using freshly brewed tea which, when cooled, can then be applied directly onto the scalp. This is said to stimulate your hair follicles and help to prevent problems such as dandruff.

Health Benefits

If you find the tea too bitter to drink, it is worth knowing the best temperatures to brew it at. Tea brewed at a lower temperature and for less time will be sweeter, while tea that is steeped for longer or at higher temperatures can often turn out bitter. A benefit of brewing the tea at lower temperatures is that this will release more theanine, a chemical that is responsible for increasing the production of dopamine in the brain, which in turn will (hopefully) give you a happy and alert sensation.

Although the effects of green tea on hair loss are not yet certain, it’s worth drinking for its other benefits, such as boosting weight loss educing cholesterol and possibly even helping to guard against cancer.

At the London Centre of Trichology, we offer a variety of natural treatments for hair loss. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

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.

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