Wellness Blog
Healthy hair tips: Dealing with slow hair growth
Bad hair days—we've all had them at some point in our lives. Being unable to tame unwieldy hair can be bad enough to sour our mood and make us feel self-conscious for the rest of the day.For some individuals, bad hair days are passing misfortunes. However, for others, bad hair days may be more than just a matter of missteps in hairstyling and could signal issues relating to hair and scalp health. Most commonly, adults can one day discover that the problem of thinning hair or hair loss is what is causing their hair woes. They may also be dealing with slow hair growth, a related issue that emphasizes the appearance of unhealthy hair. Both men and women are affected by this problem and have searched for ways to slow hair loss. Although this issue is mostly associated with the inevitable process of ageing, slow hair growth or hair loss can become a concern for anyone at any age. More so, there is not one singular cause for slow hair growth or hair loss; it can be attributed to genetics, environmental stressors, one's current lifestyle or a mix of these factors and more. With hair being one of the ways in which we express ourselves, project confidence, and exude an overall state of healthiness, it's natural for people dealing with slow hair growth to want to find and test ways to slow hair loss. Many individuals, perhaps yourself, may have attempted to address this issue with a myriad of home and salon-based services and a slew of products, but found that few or none have provided adequate changes. The frustration from this can be palpable, which is why we're here to help. As you read on to better understand the issue of slow hair growth, it's best to approach it as a legitimate health concern, rather than an aesthetic or beauty-related issue. This article hopes to provide the best solution among the many ways to slow hair loss that can finally work for you, offering both relief from your worries as well as lasting, health-anchored results. Understanding slow hair growth and hair lossAll of the hair in our body is made from a protein called keratin. The strands of our hair are connected to our skin or scalp through hair follicles. Our hair follicles supply oxygen and nutrients to the roots and also lubricate our hair with a natural oil called sebum. On our scalps, there are approximately 100,000 hair follicles and as time passes, scalp follicles produce hair that grows, falls out, and regrows (2). If you suffer from slow hair growth, you may have made it your goal to lose as little hair as possible. You might have done this by shampooing less frequently or skipping hair brushing and other means of styling, but in truth, our scalp naturally sheds 50 to 100 strands of hair on a daily basis regardless of what you do or don't do to your hair (7). Hair loss in itself is not a cause for panic. It is a completely normal biological process and your scalp's way of replacing old, brittle strands with fresher, healthier hair. Hair loss becomes a problem when it turns into slow hair growth; when the scalp does not replace the hair it sheds quickly enough, you may notice that your hair has become either or both fragile and sparse, and perhaps more susceptible to breakage (7). If you find that your hair has reached this point, it's important that you take more care to understand the potential causes behind it. Potential causes of slow hair growth or hair lossThere are many things that could cause slow hair growth or hair loss. To name a few things, it may be a side effect of medication or other treatments including chemical treatments such as straightening, perming, or dyeing, illness, hereditary factors, or chronic stress (7). Even wearing certain hairstyles (such as tight ponytails or braids) too often may cause physical stress to the scalp or hair follicle, speeding up the process of hair fall and making it more difficult for fresh hair to grow (8).Changes in weather may also be a culprit. Overexposure to UV rays during sunnier days in the summer can cause hair to become dry and brittle, and at the same time, the hydrogen bonds in our hair are easily broken by water, so high humidity during summers can contribute to increased hair loss. Regardless of season, slow hair growth can be a problem for those who spend a lot of time outdoors where they're constantly exposed to the sun (2). Groups affected by slow hair growth It's inaccurate to think that slow hair growth or hair loss affects only, or mostly, men. Though the problem may be more noticeable in men, it is estimated that more than 50% of women experience notable hair loss as well. The most significant cause of hair loss in women is female-pattern hair loss (FPHL), and this condition similarly causes hairless spots or noticeable thin hair in women the same way genetic male-pattern baldness can in men (1). Solutions for slow hair growthNow that we've covered the basics of slow hair growth and hair loss, we can now move on to the next step: ways to slow hair loss that you can try today. Below, we list down some of these methods. Gentle washing is keySlow hair growth can be combated in the shower. You may not realise it but incorrect hair washing practices can contribute to slow hair growth or hair loss, as hair is especially sensitive to breakage when wet (3). With this in mind, dermatologists recommend the following steps: use a gentle shampoo, apply a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing, use a leave-in conditioner after applying your moisturizing conditioner, and wrap your hair in a microfiber towel after you shower. As you're rinsing or soaking your hair, use your fingertips to massage your scalp to clean hair of excessive oils and perspiration for a gentle wash (3).Take long breaks between or completely stop chemical treatmentsIf you can help it, withhold from colouring, perming, straightening, or other chemical processes. These treatments stress hair and weaken strands, most especially if they're done by untrained individuals or at home without proper post-treatment products to follow up the process. If you find yourself needing to get any of the aforementioned done to your hair, it's best to leave it to the care of the experts at salons as they'll know what products to use for your scalp (3).Refrain from heat styling Like chemical treatments, heat styling compromises hair and is a common cause for slow hair growth and hair loss. Avoid regular use of hair dryers, curling wands, flat irons, and hot combs as one of the ways to slow hair loss. You might want to turn to heat styling only for special occasions rather than make it an everyday practise (3).Live a healthy lifestyleYes, just like most problems in life, slow hair growth and hair loss can be dealt by making improvements to your lifestyle. Eating healthy and getting nutrients can help combat hair loss while avoiding excessive alcohol intake and smoking that causes inflammation, can also protect you from the problems of slow hair growth and hair loss. Treating slow hair growth with supplementation By treating slow hair growth and hair loss as health conditions, it makes sense to explore the benefits of mineral and vitamin supplementation to address these concerns. Aside from the practical ways to slow hair loss down mentioned above, you can also try our vitamin packs to help promote hair health. Hair-focused supplements are available through Vitable Australia's vitamin subscription, the best of which we list here.CranberryVitable's cranberry supplement formula contains both Vitamin C and silica that, together, repair connective tissues in hair. Additionally, cranberry supplements also support the body's collagen production, a process essential in the growth of healthy hair (4).CollagenCollagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it makes up much of healthy hair. Though it's mostly associated with maintaining skin's suppleness, it also contributes to solving the problem of slow hair growth and reducing hair loss (5).BiotinRemember that hair is made up of the protein keratin, so with this in mind, biotin is definitely something you'd want in your vitamin packs as it is closely linked to the production of keratin. There are studies that suggest the use of biotin supplementation to improve hair health and growth, as well as hair thickness and strength (6).In the end, one of the best ways to combat slow hair growth and hair loss is to treat it as a health issue that is best addressed by medically-backed solutions, such as proper supplementation. Vitable Australia's vitamin subscription makes sure that anyone in Australia can get their personalised vitamin packs delivered to their doorstep to make caring for your health even more convenient and achievable. Reach your hair health and other health goals with the vitamins and minerals you need from Vitable!*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and/or mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.References:1. Cleveland Clinic. “Hair loss in women”. Cleveland Clinic.Published (n.d.) on https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women. Accessed January 14, 2021.2. Better Health Channel. “Patterned Hair Loss”. Better Health Channel. Published (n.d.) on https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/patterned-hair-loss#how-hair-grows. Accessed January 14, 2021.3. American Academy of Dermatology Association. “HAIR LOSS: TIPS FOR MANAGING”. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Published (n.d.) on https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/tips. Accessed January 14, 2021.4. Vitable.”Cranberry”. Vitable. Published (n.d.) on https://research.get.vitable.com.au/cranberry. Accessed January 14, 2021.5. Vitable. “Collagen”. Vitable. Published (n.d.) on https://research.get.vitable.com.au/collagen. Accessed January 14, 2021.6. Vitable. “Biotin”. Vitable. Published (n.d.) on https://research.get.vitable.com.au/biotin. Accessed January 14, 2021.7. National Health Services UK. “Hair loss.” Published (n.d.) on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/. Accessed January 17, 2022. 8. Family Doctor. “Hair Loss.” Published (n.d.) on https://familydoctor.org/condition/hair-loss/. Accessed January 17, 2022
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What is dandruff and what to do
A dry and flaky scalp can be uncomfortable and sometimes cause insecurity but there may be a deeper reason for why you're experiencing it.The occurrence of dandruff specifically can indicate if we have hormonal imbalance, low nutrient intake, too much stress or even poor hygiene practices.You may have researched how to get rid of dandruff and dandruff causes. This scalp condition can manifest in several ways, all of which can cause embarrassment and distress among those unable to successfully treat it.Despite the desire for affected individuals to get rid of dandruff, doing so can be incredibly challenging. The beauty and personal care market is saturated with products and services supposedly effective in targeting this concern, but what people may not realize is that the best way to get rid of dandruff is through improving health from within. Aside from topical solutions, there are vitamin and mineral supplements worth exploring that are specially formulated to combat dandruff causes. Given the distress dandruff can cause for many individuals, let's explore this health issue, the possible causes and how to get rid of dandruff through healthy, sustainable and achievable means. What is dandruff?You might have mistaken dandruff as the flakes of dry skin that unflatteringly stick to clothes or make it to the surface of your hair. More accurately, dandruff is the term given to the scalp condition that causes this kind of skin flaking as well as other related skin symptoms.When thinking of how to get rid of dandruff, most people will want to address things like skin flaking, greasy hairline, limp hair, scalp itchiness or redness, or even a burning sensation that accompanies all of these things. In more severe cases, dandruff may also cause the skin behind the ears and the nape to exhibit these symptoms. Whether experienced singly or collectively, these symptoms of dandruff often encourage scratching or rubbing, leading to secondary issues like wounds, sores, or scabs on affected areas of the scalp.Australians wanting to learn more about the causes of dandruff and how to treat it may be surprised to learn that it is, in fact, a common skin condition that affects 50 percent of the Australian population (1). People of all ages can experience dandruff-related issues and while dandruff is inconvenient and uncomfortable, it is not life-threatening nor contagious. Dandruff can however be a long-term health concern or a one-time occurrence.It is also important to note the difference between dandruff and the skin's normal shedding of its outermost layers from time to time. For instance, skin-flaking is not automatically indicative of dandruff; it can happen as a reaction to beauty products such as shampoos or hair dyes, or even when skin becomes excessively dry or irritated from sunburn or extreme changes in the environmental such as humid weather conditions, the heat and winters (1). The best way to know whether one needs to learn how to get rid of dandruff or is simply dealing with a passing scalp irritation is to see a dermatologist.Common causes of dandruffBefore diving into how to get rid of dandruff, it's best to know what causes the common scalp condition. Different causes require different courses of treatment, so it's crucial that those with this health concern receive an accurate diagnosis.Most often, skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and cradle cap are the causes of dandruff (2). Hence, how to get rid of dandruff actually requires one to deal with these underlying skin conditions first.Seborrheic dermatitisDandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis which occurs with the overgrowth of malassezia, a yeast naturally found on the skin's surface. Too much of this yeast triggers the body's immune response as the body can mistake the overgrowth as the presence of bacteria. Therefore, the body reacts by shedding layers of skin, the process of which makes the scalp itchy and the skin on the head and sometimes the face, flake and fall (2). Seborrheic dermatitis appears on the head most frequently, but can also affect the eyebrows, ears, and chest area (1).The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are not completely known, but enough research has shown that it can be triggered by stress or fatigue and is more commonplace in cold weather (1). It is not linked to other illnesses but it may become more difficult to treat because of the presence of other health issues (1). Additionally, seborrheic dermatitis has not been found to be caused by poor hygiene or diet, nor is it hereditary (3).Contact dermatitisContact dermatitis may also be a potential culprit behind dandruff. This a condition that causes the skin to become excessively dry, making it prone to other complications (4). Causes of dandruff related to contact dermatitis are accompanied by skin appearing red, itchy, and blistered, and these symptoms can last for just minutes or days. Often, contact dermatitis is a result of exposure to irritants that damage the top layer of the skin, or to allergens that awaken the immune response of the body (4).Cradle capCradle cap is a skin condition that occurs in newborns and is a form of seborrheic dermatitis. Telltale signs include the crusting of skin on a baby's scalp, eyebrows, and nappy area. It's not harmful to the baby and is not contagious despite appearing painful (5), and can sometimes clear up on its own. The yeast malassezia may also cause cradle cap in babies, but its exact causes are more varied than that.Understanding these potential causes are essential in the search for how to get rid of dandruff. Though this article does not provide an extensive discussion on these skin conditions, the goal is to equip concerned individuals with what they should understand about dandruff, first and foremost. It can be frustrating to find a good starting point for dandruff treatment, so learning about their causes marks a good springboard.The following sections of this article focus on how to get rid of dandruff as well as manageable steps that can be taken in order to prevent a recurrence of the condition after successful treatment.Topical dandruff treatment Once you've learned about the causes of dandruff, the next step is to of course figure out how to get rid of dandruff. The best way to do so is to use products that have specific ingredients to improve the scalp's condition. These products come in specially formulated shampoos, oils, or balms and often come with a label indicating that they are medicated hair or scalp products (6). Medicated products are prescribed by dermatologists and instructions for use are indicated by the product label or in your prescription. Remember never to self-medicate. When specifically looking for anti-dandruff products, the most common form of which is shampoo, these are some of the ingredients that you need to look out for, however it's important to be mindful that they are chemical based (6): Fluocinolone: A corticosteroid that lessens itching, flaking, and irritation. Zinc pyrithione: An anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredient Salicylic acid: A substance that minimizes scaling Selenium sulfide and ketoconazole: Anti-fungal ingredients Coal tar: An ingredient that slows down the scalp's shedding of skin Aside from using the right product to get rid of dandruff, there are several more tips you can follow, as suggested by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (7).For instance, they recommend different ways of using shampoos depending on hair type. For Caucasian and Asian hair types, it's best to use dandruff shampoo twice a week and a normal shampoo daily (7). Switching dandruff shampoo with different ingredients also helps if one product is not working as it should (7). African-American hair types may benefit from a milder formula, as their hair may be more sensitive to regular washing and medicated shampoos (7). Consult dermatologists during your next visit to raise these concerns. Avoiding a dandruff recurrence An equally important part of dandruff treatment is learning how to avoid a recurrence after one has successfully treated the tricky condition.One thing to do is to always have an arsenal of anti-dandruff products. Always having a stock of shampoos and similar products you were prescribed, can help as addressing any new flare-ups can be attended to immediately before they worsen.Secondly, recall the link between the common causes of dandruff and stress. It can be said that combatting stress is an indirect yet effective path to managing dandruff. Therefore, having regular stress-busting practices in your life can have unexpected yet useful benefits in one's mission of how to get rid of dandruff. Simple things such as getting into the habit of exercise, decompressing your mind via activities like meditation and finding a hobby, sleeping properly, balancing work and play might be the solutions to dealing with dandruff that many people realize they should have considered. In addition to setting appointments with dermatologists, using the right products, and keeping stress at bay, there is another alternative for how to get rid of dandruff effectively. Dandruff, as discussed above, can be an offshoot of skin issues, therefore, treating the skin to minerals and vitamins it needs to function more healthily can be yet another pathway to dealing with dandruff.Skin can get the vitamins and minerals it needs when individuals employ a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of wholesome foods. However, the reality is that well-rounded diets can be challenging to maintain, so most people turn to supplements to fill in the gaps. Mineral and vitamin supplements for skin are available to all Australians, especially those provided by Vitable Australia. The brand boasts of three supplements that are especially made to strengthen hair and skin from within, becoming an effective way for how to treat dandruff once and for all.This article takes a closer look at the roles of Biotin, Collagen, and cranberry supplements in the process of how to get rid of dandruff (6).Supplements to take as part of dandruff treatment The following nutrients support and maintain skin and hair health which is crucial in holistic dandruff treatment. These nutrients can be sourced from foods that we eat or through supplements.BiotinWhen it comes to hair health, biotin is one of the nutrients frequently mentioned. Also known as vitamin B7, it's used in breaking down amino acids, fat, and protein (8), all of which maintain hair health evidenced by healthier growth, strength, and thickness in addition to promoting overall skin health (8). There are several studies that show how biotin helps in hair health. Patients who experience thinning hair have seen improvements after taking supplements with biotin (9). In a different study, patients with poor hair growth have seen better hair health after taking biotin supplements (10). In terms of how to get rid of dandruff, a study has shown that improving the synthesis of biotin and other vitamins is linked to the lessening of fungus-caused dandruff flare-ups (11).For you to consume more Biotin in food, eat more meats like beef and pork, some organ meat like liver, fish, eggs, and milk. Fruits and veggies such spinach, avocado, broccoli, seeds, and nuts also have traces of Biotin. It's recommended to have at least 25 micrograms of Biotin per day in order to reap its benefits.CranberryCranberry is not a nutrient in itself, but this super fruit is known to contain a hefty dose of vitamin C which essentially helps in maintaining and supporting hair health and growth. Additionally, vitamin C also supports the production of collagen, a protein that naturally occurs in the body and is responsible for keeping skin supple and resistant to stress and illnesses.Here, it's noted that Vitamin C supports the body in fighting free radicals which may cause premature hair loss (12) while also minimizing iron deficiency-related hair loss (13), both of which potentially exacerbate dandruff-related concerns.The recommended daily intake for vitamin C is at least 45 mg per day (14). Whether you get your daily dose from fresh or processed cranberries, or from supplements, those looking for how to get rid of dandruff would do well by having any of these forms of cranberries at home. CollagenAnother nutrient known to be critical in maintaining skin and hair health is collagen. It's the body's most abundant protein for a good reason; it gives structure to hair and skin (15) and for women especially, it plays a role in skin integrity, elasticity, and hydration. Skin that has enough collagen is less likely to feel taut, flake, or get itchy as what commonly happens when one has dandruff (16).Normally, the body can produce its own collagen when it has the nutrients needed for collagen production. When looking for foods rich in collagen, know that it is found in most meats, fish, chicken, and eggs, as well as all forms of broth where bones and cartilage or tendon are the main ingredients. There are other foods that have smaller traces of collagen like nuts, seeds, and several varieties of beans. If dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices prevent you from consuming these foods, collagen supplements are available. The recommended daily intake for collagen is at least 37 grams per day (17).There are other nutrients and other activities which can help improve hair health but the easiest step is to work on having these nutrients included in your diet. Vitable Australia can give you the health boost you need through daily vitamin packs, may support skin and hair health, but also suggests the best ways on how to get rid of dandruff, as well as other health concerns.Learning ways to get rid of dandruff can start by improving your hair health. Rid yourself of the skin condition for good by nurturing a healthy scalp and stronger hair through biotin, cranberry, and collagen supplements. Discover the supplements that help you achieve that through Vitable vitamins. They offer subscription vitamins that take care of your body's needs.Choose from a variety of supplements to create your own daily vitamin pack. Whether you need to have more sleep, get more energy, or improve your overall wellness, they can find you the right supplements for your needs. Pay only for the ones you've selected and save money and effort.Vitable offers a vitamin delivery service to ship your purchase directly to your home. Experience convenience and premium quality to help you start your healthy habit with Vitable.*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and/or mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.References: “Dandruff and itching scalp”. Better Health Channel. Published Jan 6, 2020 on https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dandruff-and-itching-scalp. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 “Dandruff”. National Health Service. Published Oct. 2, 2019 on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dandruff/. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 “Seborrhoeic Dermatitis”. British Association of Dermatologists. Published Apr. 2018 on https://www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/patient-information-leaflets/seborrhoeic-dermatitis. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 “Contact Dermatitis”. National Health Service. Published Nov. 12, 2019 on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 “Cradle Cap”. National Health Service. Published Jan. 24, 2019 on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cradle-cap/. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 “Dandruff”. Mayo Clinic. Published Sep. 21, 2021 on https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353854. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 “How to treat dandruff”. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Published on https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/scalp/treat-dandruff. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 “Biotin”, Ministry of Health: National Health and Medical Research Council. Published on https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/biotin. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 Glynis A., “A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Oral Supplement in Women with Self-perceived Thinning Hair”. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Published Nov. 2012 on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509882/. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 Patel, D., Swink, S, and Castelo-Soccio, L., “A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss”. Skin Appendage Disorders. Published Apr. 27, 2017 on https://doi.org/10.1159/000462981. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 Saxena, R., Mittal, P., Clavaud, C., Dhakan, D., et al. "Comparison of Healthy and Dandruff Scalp Microbiome Reveals the Role of Commensals in Scalp Health". Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology. Published Oct. 4, 2018 on https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2018.00346. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 Trüeb R., “Oxidative stress in ageing of hair”. International Journal of Trichology, Published Jan. 2009 on https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.51923. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 “Vitamin C”, National Institute of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Published on https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 “Vitamin C”, Ministry of Health: National Health and Medical Research Council. Published on https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/vitamin-c. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 “The beauty of collagen”. Green Dispensary. Published on https://greendispensary.com.au/the-beauty-of-collagen/. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 Kim, B., and Kim, H. “Successful hair regrowth in a Korean patient with alopecia universalis following tofacitinib treatment”. Singapore Medical Journal. Published May 2017 on https://doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2017039. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021 “Protein”, Ministry of Health: National Health and Medical Research Council. Published on https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/protein. Accessed on Dec. 19, 2021
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