Top Hair Tips for Sportsmen and Women

Exercise is good for you – but is it good for your hair? Although regular sessions down the gym might keep the weight and the waistline down, it doesn’t necessarily follow that your hair is benefiting as well.

At the London Centre of Trichology, we are experts in diagnosing and treating both male and female hair loss. As leading London trichologists, we are also committed to promoting better hair health in both men and women. Here are our top tips for keeping your hair fit as well as your body.

Try a Different Hairstyle
Perspiration and sweat, and the salt contained within it, are at the heart of the problem. A hard workout at the gym means they can dry out your hair and damage it. One solution is to use a hairstyle, not necessarily your usual one, which stops the sweat running into your hair. Styles you could use to solve this problem will depend on the length of your hair but women particularly consider ponytails, French braids or double looped topknots. Another alternative is the chignon such as the one sported by Manchester United footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Wear a Headband
Wearing a headband, or, if you would prefer to be accessory-free, fashioning your hair into a braid, also helps stop the sweat from running into it in the first place.  Alice bands, which can hold hair away from the face but let it flow out freely at the back, are another possibility.

Swimming
Indoor pools have high levels of chemicals in them for public health reasons. However chlorine, the most widely used, can cause hair to dry out and break off. You should rinse your hair with non-chlorinated water, and use conditioner on it, before you even get in the pool. This will help prevent your hair from absorbing all the chlorine once you are in the water. Wearing a swim cap, in the sea as well as the pool, will help to avoid the problem in the first place.

Sun Protection

If you like playing summer sports like tennis then you should look for a shampoo and conditioner that contains sunflower. This is because it contains natural UV ingredients which can protect you from the sun. It is advisable not to shampoo your hair too often, though, because this means your scalp and hair get too dry. Cutting back on the washes will allow your hair’s oil levels the chance to rebalance themselves. Again, wearing a protective hat or cap is a sensible idea.

Wind and Rain Protection
A wintry, cold wind can cause a problem, both on the pitch and afterwards. Hair can easily be damaged by winds, which can leave it dehydrated and unable to lock in moisture. This problem is made worse by coming into a centrally-heated home or changing room. The best solution is to treat your hair to a heavier conditioner, and when you do use a shampoo make sure it is one that’s suitable for your hair type.

Rain can create different problems, and protective headgear may not always be the answer as it might affect your ability to play the sport or see the ball. Wet hair is more prone to damage and breakage, so should initially be gently towel-dried then combed rather than brushed.

If you have noticed that your hair is starting to thin and want treatment, it is best to seek an expert diagnosis as soon as possible. As leading trichologists in the London area, we have decades of experience in the fields of both female and male hair loss, and you can rely on our expertise when considering treatment. Click on the link to find out more about the services we offer.

Hairstyles for Men Aged Over 40

Many men over 40 would like to change their hair style, but are unsure about which type of cut to choose, especially if their hair is starting to thin or their hairline is beginning to recede. However, there are a range of styles you can choose from which are particularly suitable for the over-40s. Some of them are particularly effective at disguising male hair loss.

If you are concerned about men’s hair loss and want to seek treatment, the best way forward is to get expert advice  as early as possible. The London Centre of Trichology has decades of experience, and can offer expert diagnosis and treatment. 

Classic Caesar Cut: This is named after Roman emperor Julius Caesar, who styled his hair forward, creating a short fringe. It is believed he did this to hide his early-onset baldness. True or not, the Caesar haircut is a good choice for men who are either noticing hair loss or who just want short, fashionable hair.

Short Textured Cut: This is another hairstyle favoured by men who want to disguise a receding hairline. It keeps the texture on the top, so providing a distraction to the position of the hairline. For an added effect, use a close cut on the sides. This type of style is also suitable for men with greying or thinning hair.

Short Layered Cut: This is a sensible style which can help to make your hair look thicker. Often with this type of cut, your hair will be swept away from your face, giving texture and volume. It works well on men with grey hair. This type of hairstyle works well for women over 40 as well.

Faux Hawk: Sometimes simply called the fohawk, this is a cut for the more adventurous and has been popularised by David Beckham among others. The sides are usually clipped short, and the hair left longer at the top where it can be spiked or formed into a point, depending on what works best with the texture. It is usually cut and styled with scissors rather than a razor. The faux hawk can also be adapted for work or social occasions, depending on how you brush it. 

Mohawk: This is similar in style to the faux hawk and works well on those men want to disguise a receding hairline. The hair should be cut close around the temples and forehead where the receding lines are most often seen. The top portion can then be styled into a mohawk, which need not be as extreme as those seen in the punk era, to provide a distraction. 

Classic Short Back and Sides: A versatile and timeless haircut, as it can look either casual or formal, depending on how you treat it. Treating it with a clay-based hair product may help achieve the former look, while styling in into a side parting could give you the latter.

Buzz Cut: Some men choose the option of being completely clean shaven, including the face and head. No lines are visible if the hair is shaved away. Many men choose this method once their hairline has started to recede noticeably, or their hair is thinning out a great deal.

If you are worried about male hair loss, contact the London Centre of Trichology for a consultation. After more than half a century of offering advice, diagnosis and treatments, we have gained an excellent reputation in the field of hair loss. We can explain the type of hair loss you have, including male pattern baldness and the best way to treat it. Follow the link to arrange a free initial consultation and find out more about our services. We offer a whole range of expert treatments, including hair replacement. 

5 Natural Treatments for Healthy Hair

What are the best products for your hair?  There are many natural ingredients which can improve its condition, and which you can find in your kitchen cupboard or at the local supermarket. Here is a guide to 5 boosts for hair which are all readily available and inexpensive.

Meanwhile, if you need a hair loss diagnosis, you can contact us at the London Centre of Trichology for a free first consultation. One of our expert trichologists will help you discover the reasons behind your hair loss and explain the treatments that are available to you.

To help in the maintenance of healthy hair, here are 5 easily-accessible treatments that could contribute to better condition and shine for both men and women.

1 Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise may not be the first thing you think of to use when conditioning your hair, but mixing this egg-based food into your hair will give it a really deep shine. Once you have left the mix on for 15 minutes to an hour, you can then wash it out with a mild shampoo. You will be amazed at how glossy and shiny it is.

2 Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are popular in dishes in southern Asia, and can be purchased from health food shops or supermarkets. These special little seeds have lots of health benefits, but here is how to use them on your head. Firstly, put 2 tablespoons of seeds in a bowl of water and leave in the fridge overnight. In the morning, when the seeds have softened, grind them into a paste and add the mixture to your scalp, leaving it for about an hour. Wash it out thoroughly and this will help to stop dandruff, as well as potentially helping to promote hair growth.

3 Beer

Beer isn’t just for drinking, but can also work as a hair treatment. You can add a shine to your hair by putting beer in a bottle with a spraying nozzle, and then spraying lightly onto shampooed hair which has been towel dried. Once you have done this you will notice the shine coming through immediately.

4 Amla

Amla powder is made from dried Indian gooseberries, and mixed with a little lemon juice can make your hair stronger and give it a fuller appearance. Just massage the fine mixture into your roots and right to the tips of the hair, and leave for 20 minutes before washing out. If you use this a few times, you will notice how much softer and bouncier your hair will become.

5 Apple Cider Vinegar

If you want to put life back into your limp locks, then why not try this well-known remedy? Start by combining a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 3 egg whites and a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Rub this mixture into your hair and cover for about half an hour, using a plastic wrap or shower cap to keep your hair warm. Once you have done this, rinse and shampoo and you will see how much bouncier and springier your tresses really are.

Any type of hair loss can be very distressing for both women and men. If you are concerned about this, and seeking a diagnosis, you can contact London Centre of Trichology to speak to one of our professional trichologists. Our central London clinic offers the most advanced techniques and we are leaders in treating both male and female hair loss.     

6 Steps to Help Keep Men’s Hair Healthy

A really good men’s haircare routine can be simple and effective. We have come up with 6 easy-to-manage steps to help bring back the condition and shine and keep your hair and scalp healthy.

While our top tips could be helpful for everyday hair care, if you are concerned about your hair thinning, you need to arrange a men’s hair loss consultation with an expert trichologist. Our team at the London Centre of Trichology will quickly diagnose the causes of your hair loss and recommend the best treatment for you.

Here are our tips to help care for men’s hair better.

1 – Shampoo Less Often

Only using shampoo 2-4 times a week can actually be better than washing your locks every day. This is because many shampoos, especially some cheaper products, contain harsh chemicals which can make hair dry and brittle, and also make your scalp itchy. However, if you choose a good, gentle shampoo that suits your hair type, and use it sparingly, you can stop the damage that abrasive haircare products do.

2 – Use Conditioner Daily

Believe it or not, you don’t always have to shampoo hair to be able to condition it! By using a conditioner more frequently than shampoo, you can help to protect your hair and follicles. Some experts say that we have been washing our hair back to front for years, but now we know that using a good conditioner suited to you can really improve its health and texture.

3 -  Spot Dry Hair

When you dry your hair, don’t rub it too roughly. Why not try spot drying it instead? Spot drying is when you pat wet hair dry instead of rubbing, which will stop it being pulled and damaged. When hair is wet, it is weak. Water makes the keratin stretch, which can cause breakages, so it is best to be careful in drying and styling men’s hair.

4 – Egg Wash

This step might sound a bit strange, but we all know that eggs are full of protein. So by having an egg wash once a month, you can put back a lot of the protein that has been removed by regular washing and drying. This will make your hair stronger and shinier.

5 - Balanced Diet

It’s a tip that is fairly obvious, but is definitely worth a mention. By eating a balanced diet, you can benefit not just your body, but your hair too. A well-rounded diet includes many nutrients which are essential to healthy hair all year round, such as vitamin C from fruit and vegetables and iron from vegetables such as spinach. Omega-3 from oily fish is another important element to help provide you with a healthy scalp.

 6 Massage Scalp

A wonderful massage can really make you feel relaxed and ready to unwind, and massaging the scalp can have a similar effect! Massaging your head will help to circulate blood, which could stimulate hair growth. Gently rub your head in small circular motions with your fingers, especially where there is hair thinning. You may also want to try massaging with an oil, such as coconut or tea-tree.

These simple steps can help to keep your hair healthy and looking good. But, if you have noticed men’s hair loss and want to address the problem, it is best to act quickly, as early treatment is most effective.

Your starting-point is to book a  free initial consultation with one of our experts at the London Centre of Trichology. We will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have and provide a diagnosis, leading to an individual treatment plan. To contact us and find out more, follow the link.

How Good Nutrition Benefits Hair Condition

Good nutrition is something we all strive to attain for a healthy body and mind, but did you know that what you eat affects your hair as much as it does other parts of the body? At the London Centre of Trichology, we are here to help you achieve better hair health,and we provide expert information and advice at our women’s and men’s hair loss clinic in London.

Top Foods for Healthier Hair

Protein – Human hair is predominantly made up of protein, so it is important to make sure that there is sufficient protein in the body. If there is a lack of protein in your diet, then your locks are likely to become brittle, dry and weak. With a low-protein diet, there is also a strong possibility that there will be some hair loss. Including such foods as chicken, turkey, fish, dairy products, and eggs will add protein to your daily meals. If you are a vegetarian then as an alternative you could choose legumes, which include kidney beans and lentils. You can also add nuts, as they are a good source of protein and can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle.

Iron –  This is an extremely important mineral, and is essential for healthy-looking hair. To include iron in your diet, eat foods such as red meat, fish, and chicken. Vegetarians can get their iron from lentils, spinach or green leafy vegetables. If your diet is iron-deficient, then you may suffer from anaemia. This can contribute to hair loss, since the hair follicle and root will not get enough nutrients from the bloodstream.

Vitamin C – This essential vitamin helps the body to absorb iron, so it is best consumed in conjunction with iron-rich foods. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is used continuously in the body, helping to produce collagen which strengthens the capillaries in the hair shaft. Eating colourful fruits such as oranges, apples, lemons and red peppers will keep your vitamin C levels high, or you could try kale and tomatoes as they are also good sources.

Omega 3 – These essential fatty acids are necessary for your body to function properly and need to be incorporated into your diet. Omega 3 helps the cells that line the scalp, giving them the natural oils which keep our hair and scalp hydrated.  For an excellent source of Omega 3, eat oily fish like sardines, trout and mackerel. Vegetarians can source Omega 3 from pumpkin seeds and walnuts.

Vitamin A –  This is another vitamin which is essential for health. It aids in the production of sebum, an oily substance made from our hair’s sebaceous glands which is a natural conditioner, vital for a healthy scalp. Without enough sebum, our scalps can start to become itchy and dry. To incorporate vitamin A into your diet, eat orange and yellow-coloured vegetables and fruits such as carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. These are high in beta-carotene, which makes the vitamin in the body.

This list of hair-nourishing foods is not complete, and there are plenty more that can help to keep your hair in good condition. However, if you are worried about bald patches or thinning hair, you can discuss this with one of our friendly experts at our women’s and men’s hair loss clinic.  To contact the London Centre for Trichology, click here to arrange a free consultation and get an expert diagnosis.

5 Top Care Tips for Afro-Caribbean Hair

Afro-Caribbean hair, beautiful as it is, can be prone to damage and hair loss, just like any other type of hair. At the London Centre of Trichology, we provide expert hair loss treatment, and will be happy to discuss any thinning hair problems with you. Due to its structure, Afro-Caribbean hair can be delicate, and more prone to breakage through lack of moisture. So, here are our top 5 tips to help you care for your hair and keep it in top condition.

Caring for Braids and Weaves – If you keep wearing braids or weaves too tight, this can begin to pull the hair from the scalp, leaving permanent damage around the hairline and the temples. This is known as traction alopecia and can be avoided by braiding and weaving your hair a little looser around these areas of the head. This may not be ideal, but it will help to avoid leading to women’s hair loss problems in the future.

Avoid Chemical Relaxing -  When a treatment to relax or straighten Afro-Caribbean hair is used, this includes certain chemicals which can cause skin irritation, due to the scalp producing less sebum than is needed. Relaxing can also damage your hair, so, if you want to wear your hair straight, it may be worth trying to find a product that is less harmful. It’s best to use milder products and it is also advisable to avoid combining relaxer with hair colouring.

Prevent Over Styling/Drying – Styling and the use of hair styling products, including straighteners, as well as permanent hair dyes, can cause hair loss issues over time if care is not taken. The over-use of a hair dryer can also cause damage to the hair, and it is advisable to use a diffuser to make the heat less intense. If you are suffering from hair loss, then we advise you to stop using these products.

Keep a Healthy Scalp – There are lots of scalp conditions which cause soreness, itching and flakiness. Some of these may often affect people with Afro hair, including psoriasis, eczema and folliculitis. It is best to seek medical advice if these conditions persist. They can lead to chronic irritation which then causes damage to the hair follicles and may potentially result in hair falling out. If you are concerned about hair loss, for whatever reason, it is advisable to consult our expert trichologists at the London Centre of Trichology as early as possible for a diagnosis and hair loss treatment.

Gentle Types of Shampoo/Conditioner – When using a shampoo or conditioner for Afro hair, you are likely to get the best results if you make sure it does not contain alcohol, is ph balanced and includes natural oils such as jojoba, tea tree or olive oil. These shampoos help to add much needed moisture to your hair condition. If you decide to switch from straightening to leaving your hair curly, there are conditioners which can help during the transition, including natural oils and butters. 

These hair care tips are not just aimed at females, because men with Afro-Caribbean hair can suffer from the same difficulties and issues as women. Men are also prone to male pattern baldness, which can affect self-esteem and confidence.

Whether you are female or male, if you are concerned about hair loss, the best way forward is to arrange a free initial consultation with one of our team at the LondonCentre of Trichology. We can advise on the best treatment for all hair types, including Afro-Caribbean hair.