There are several conditions that can affect the hair and hair follicles. This can result in a change in texture, quality, thickness and shine of the head hair. Because our hair is often an excellent sign of our long-term health, problems in this area can give us signals to look into other imbalances in the body. Discover the most common hair disorders, their symptoms and ways to support your hair and scalp health. 

What Are Common Hair Disorders & Natural Ways To Support Them?

Hair Loss

This is a common condition that affects both men and women at various points throughout their lives. Some cases of hair loss are temporary and will resolve on their own when the body stabilizes itself, as in the cases of sudden hormone shifts like those experienced with postpartum, menopause, and puberty. Some cases are more permanent and require intervention.

Frizzy Dry Hair

The body naturally produces an oily secretion called sebum that moisturizes and nourishes the hair as it grows. This is the familiar oil that builds up on your hair between washings. It acts as a protective barrier to keep moisture in the hair and helps to prevent frizzing and breakage. When there isn’t enough sebum present, the hair can become frizzy and dry, which eventually leads to increased breakage. Low sebum production can result from Hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, or hair care practices that strip away protective oils. Normal shampooing removes only a part of the sebum surrounding the hair shaft, leaving some behind to protect the hair and produce shine. Excessively shampooing or using harsh chemicals on the hair for cleansing or processing (straightening, perms, or dying) can strip the sebum layer and damage the hair shaft itself.

Oily Hair

Oily-looking hair that falls heavily could be due to an excess of sebum. Your body naturally produces the oil to protect the skin and hair, but when the body produces too much of it, it can leave your hair with a greasy feel. Not only that, but the extra sebum might clog the hair follicles and contribute to hair loss. 

Oily hair can be improved by increasing shampooing. You might have a hormonal imbalance if you are already shampooing every day and are still experiencing oily hair. Because it is hormonal influences that trigger our body to release more sebum, balancing sex hormones can particularly help to remedy oily hair. 

Polysorbate 80 is a common ingredient in shampoos that help remove excess sebum from the scalp. Additionally, hair powders absorb excess oil and keep hair looking fresh, light, and full between washes.

Dandruff

We are all familiar with the small white flakes that accumulate on our shoulders and, as commercials would have us believe, prevent us from wearing black. Although a dry scalp may occur in any of us at times, true dandruff is an inflammatory condition that causes increased shedding of the skin of the scalp. There are a number of potential causes of this condition, and because of this, there are also many different treatment options. 

Folliculitis

One of the most painful afflictions that can affect the hair is called folliculitis. When a hair follicle becomes infected, it can swell and form a painful or itchy pustule, much like a pimple. The most common causes of this condition are damage to the hair follicle from shaving, friction from clothing, or from blockage of the follicle by debris. This results in infection caused by either bacteria or fungi that are normally found on our skin. The two most common organisms involved are Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) and Tinea barbae (a type of yeast). Treatment involves removing the source of irritation and treating the underlying infection. Your healthcare practitioner can help you determine what sort of infection you have using simple tests.