Trichology / Hair Loss

Trichology is the science of hair and scalp. This section of derma cosmetology, which deals with the structure and functions of the scalp and hair, hair growth phases, as well as the development of methods for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of head and hair diseases.

Life cycle of hair:

The life cycle of the hair consists of three stages, its duration varies from 2 to 5 years. Each hair follicle is genetically programmed to produce approximately 25 to 27 hair.

Each hair lives according to its “individual plan”, and therefore different hair at the same time are at different stages of their life cycle: 85% of the hair is in the active growth phase (anagen), 1% in the rest phase (catagen) and 14 % – in the stage of deposition (telogen). On the scalp of each person there is an average of 100 to 150 thousand hair follicles in which the hair is formed, grow and then drop out. Knowing the percentage of hair in different phases, you can calculate the value characterizing the normal hair loss. Normally, we lose about 100 hair a day on average.

Myths about hair:

Is it true that a frequent haircut stimulates hair growth?

Not true. The rate of hair growth is about 0.35 mm per day, it practically does not change during the year (although it is noted that in summer the hair grows a little faster). Rather, it can be noted a visual increase in volume and a decrease in hair loss. In addition, after cutting hair becomes shorter and lighter, their volume visually increases.

Do not wash your hair every day?

Previously, cosmetologists advised washing greasy hair no more often than once in 5-7 days, and dry – after 10 days. Now these rules have been revised somewhat, although there is still no single point of view. However, here, as in any case, it is still more useful to stick to the golden mean: to wash your hair as it gets dirty.

Frequent drying with a hair dryer destroys the hair?

It is necessary to clarify, first, the temperature of the air jet, and secondly, the time of its impact. Of course, frequent drying with hot air can negatively affect the hair: they become dry, brittle, lose luster and elasticity. If the hair is stretched, it does even more harm to them. If you can not refuse the daily use of a hair dryer, use special air conditioners or sprays containing so-called thermal protection factors.

Can I dye my hair during pregnancy?

It is possible, but not by any dye. It is better to use preparations of vegetable origin – henna, basma, etc. If chemical agents are used, the result of staining, unfortunately, can not be predicted (besides, the dye is often very quickly washed out). In addition, during pregnancy, the skin, as a rule, becomes very sensitive to external influences, so its contacts with dyes can provoke dermatitis. If you, in spite of everything, remain an incorrigible admirer of chemical dye, use not permanent, but a toning dye (it contains a very small percentage of peroxide).

Can I use a shampoo that does not match the type of hair?

Extremely undesirable, because each of us has a certain type and texture of hair. To ensure that hair care was full and effective, you need to choose those professional and home remedies that are right for your type of hair. If at hand was an unsuitable shampoo or conditioner, and nothing else, you can, of course, take advantage of a random drug, but it is not a habit to turn it into a habit.

Sliced ends can be cured with special means for the tips of hair, if you use them regularly?

Unfortunately, it is not. Some preparations do allow temporarily splicing the split ends, since they contain high viscosity silicones. However, as soon as you comb or wash your hair, the tips again will disperse. Sliced tips are best cut off regularly. This can be done both with the help of conventional and “curative” haircuts. One of the types of healing haircut involves the use of hot scissors. The shear blade heats up to a certain temperature, at which denaturation of the protein takes place – the ends of the hair seem to be “sealed” and do not split for a longer time.

The sun, salt and chlorinated water are harmful to the hair?

This is indeed so. Ultraviolet and partially infrared rays reduce the strength of the structural protein of the hair shaft – keratin, dry the hair, which can lead to their breakdown. If the hair is also painted, then their color may change. In the summer, you just need to use preparations with sunscreen filters. Unfortunately, shampoos and conditioners containing sunscreen filters are not very effective – they are simply washed away with these filters by water (although today more and more manufacturers are proposing new formulas for UV filters that are fixed on the surface of the hair shafts to a greater extent).