Taking the extra time to give your hair the special attention it needs can help keep your locks healthy, moisturized and vibrant – even if the temperature outside is in the single digits.

Winter Hair Care Routine Dos & DON’Ts

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Winter air is very drying, and when your hair is dry it’s more prone to breakage, which is why keeping your hair hydrated at all times is so important. This means always using a high-quality conditioner after shampooing your hair. On top of that, you can also apply a moisturizing, leave-in conditioner once you’re out of the shower. Pamper your hair (and yourself) with a weekly deep conditioning hair mask. If you’re in between washes, keep those thirsty ends happy with a hydrating hair oil. 

2. Just keep trimming

Keep up with your regular trims during winter to prevent split ends. Your stylist can even offer a deep conditioning treatment to help give your hair added moisture and softness.

3. Cover up

It makes sense to wear a coat, boots and scarf when heading outside, but don’t forget to cover your head too. Not only will wearing a hat keep you warmer, it will also help keep your hair in place, reduce tangles, and protect your tresses from the harsh winter air, blustery winds and falling snow. For further protection, use a silk- or satin-lined hat under your headgear to reduce static and further damage.

4. Air dry for the win

As tempting as it may be to bring out the hair dryer after you’ve washed your hair, it’s best to allow your hair to air dry, unless you’re going out (see dont #2). The heat can make hair even dryer and cause serious damage if used on a regular basis. Cut down on the use of heated appliances, or use the lowest heat setting possible. 

5. Eat right and hydrate (on the inside)

A winter hair care routine wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t nourish your body. A healthy diet full of nutritious food can do wonders for – inside and out. Be sure to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Opt for water instead of sugary drinks to help keep you glowing and hydrated from the inside out.

6. Don’t overwash

You may think that washing your hair every day is a good idea, but it’s not. Overwashing can lead to dryness and dullness. Shampooing every day can cause an itchy scalp, split ends, breakage and also strip the natural oils that help keep hair healthy and moisturized. Depending on your hair type, washing 2-3 times a week should be plenty. On the flip side, not washing your hair enough can lead to an overproduction of oils and odor.

7. Avoid hot water

As soothing as a hot shower may be when it’s really cold, aim for a lukewarm shower instead. Very hot water can dry hair (and skin) even more by stripping it of its natural oils. This can lead to an irritated scalp and flakiness, and no one needs that.

8. Don’t go outside with wet hair

Wet hair is very vulnerable, and going outside into the cold winter air after you’ve washed it is an absolute don’t. Extremely low temperatures can cause wet hair to freeze and break. If you must go out, be sure to dry your hair on the lowest heat setting possible.

A winter hair care routine is crucial if you want to keep your hair healthy and looking its best. Some of these tips may already be a part of your beauty regimen, and if they’re not, try incorporating a few here and there. A few minutes each day can make a big difference. Your hair will thank you!

Check Out This Article on 10 Winter Hair Care Tips

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Millions of Americans are dealing with hair loss every day, so you are not alone. As we age, our hair growth rate slows, which is a natural condition called involutional alopecia. In addition, there are genetic factors that cause male and female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. This common condition can start as early as your late teens and twenties—and it’s progressive. Without intervention, your hair loss will worsen over time.

If you see any of these early signs of hair loss, it’s time to act. The sooner you do, the more solution options you may have.

Widening Part

A widening of your part is often the first sign of hair loss, especially for women. When your hair is thinning, you may notice more scalp showing around your part.

Excess Shedding

The average person sheds 50 to 100 individual hairs per day. If you are shedding more than 100 hairs a day, your hair may be starting to thin. Keep in mind, if you don’t wash your hair every day, you may see more shedding on the days you shampoo versus the days you don’t. But, if you’re noticing more and more hair in your drain, on your brush or pillow, you may be starting to lose your hair.

Receding at the Hairline and Temples

Men may first notice recession at their hairline, while women may see it around their temples. The hair around your hairline or temples may also be shorter and wispier where the thinning is occurring. This is called hair miniaturization. Generally, when a hair follicle is starting to become inactive, the hair it produces becomes thinner and shorter until eventually the follicle stops producing new hair.

The Ponytail Test

Do you need to wrap the rubber band around your hair an extra time to hold your ponytail in place? For women, and for those men who love the man bun, if you see the circumference of your hair decrease when pulled back into pony tail, your hair probably is thinning.

Discover How HairClub Can Help

What should you do if you’re noticing one or more of these early signs of hair loss? Talk to your doctor to ensure there isn’t an underlying medical condition causing your thinning. Then, schedule your free hair loss analysis with one of our hair loss experts. Don’t wait. You don’t have to accept hair loss and the earlier you act, the more options you may have. Learn more about our proven solutions that will help you love your hair again!

The post When You See These Early Signs of Hair Loss, Act Fast appeared first on HairClub.

• Common skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
• Allergic reactions
• Fungal infections

Even though the causes are varied and not 100% known, all dandruff is associated with an increase in oil production and an overreaction to the yeast naturally found on the scalp. It’s common to see dandruff run in families so a genetic predisposition is likely.  

Although hair loss and dandruff do not share similar causes, many people with hair loss also have dandruff. Often, people mistakenly think the hair they see in the shower drain is partially due to frequent shampooing, so they wash their hair less. Unfortunately, washing hair less only makes the dandruff condition worse and can result in clogged follicles, which can slow down hair regrowth. If dandruff is left untreated, the scalp can become so itchy and inflamed it may actually cause temporary hair loss, creating a vicious circle. Bottom line? Don’t skip the shampoo.

Dandruff is not a serious or contagious condition. Although chronic, the majority of cases may be managed with over the counter anti-dandruff shampoos. Some shampoos use anti-inflammatory ingredients to combat allergic reactions. Others have ingredients that reduce flaking by increasing cell turnover or decreasing oil production, while some other cleansers work to reduce fungal infections by decreasing yeast on the scalp. Alternating the use of two or three shampoos that treat different aspects of dandruff can help reduce flaking and itching. Try using a different anti-dandruff shampoo two to three times a week to see which type works best for you.

If anti-dandruff shampoos aren’t giving you the results you want, consider talking to your doctor. It’s important to take care of your scalp because a healthy scalp is critical to healthy hair.

Want to know more about the causes of hair loss and what you can do about it? Check out our proven hair loss solutions and get the hair you’ve always wanted!

The post What You Can Do About Dandruff and Hair Loss appeared first on HairClub.

Split ends can be caused by overuse of hot styling tools and chemical processing, or just brushing your hair incorrectly. Unfortunately, once the damage is done, there is no way to repair your hair. What’s worse, the ends will continue to split up to the root unless you intervene. To fix split ends, you have to cut them off, which can be daunting, especially if you love your length.

Professional stylists recommend a technique called dusting, which involves trimming less than half an inch off the ends of your hair. This helps preserve your length while snipping off the split end to prevent further fraying. The good news is that dusting works for all hair types and helps keep your hair healthy.

If you’re looking for a quick fix before your next salon visit, there are hair care products that will temporarily mask your split ends by sealing and coating the hair. You can try anti-breakage and strengthening products like shampoos, deep conditioners, serums and oils. Using these daily will give your hair a healthier appearance, but they only last until your next shampoo. The best way to avoid split ends is to prevent them in the first place.

5 Ways to Prevent Split Ends

1. Trim Your Hair Regularly to Eliminate Split Ends

If you’re trying to grow your hair out, you may be tempted to skip a trim. But, the key to long, healthy hair is getting regular haircuts. This keeps your ends healthy and it’s the best way to prevent split ends from traveling up your strands. Experts recommend trimming every 6-8 weeks.

2. Shampoo Correctly

The worst thing you can do while shampooing your hair is piling all of it on top of your head and rubbing vigorously. Instead, try washing just your scalp and let the suds slide gently down the rest of your hair. Don’t forget to use sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner, because they’re less drying.

3. Brush with Care to Prevent Breakage

Be kind to your hair when brushing. Start at the ends and work your way up. Gently comb through tangles rather than roughly brushing your hair from root to end. Try using a paddle brush with flexible bristles nestled in a soft cushion base.

4. Use a Wide-tooth Comb

Wet hair is particularly vulnerable to breakage. Instead of using a brush, which can damage your hair, try a wide-tooth comb after applying a leave-in conditioner to work out any knots.

5. Avoid Heat Styling Tools That Can Damage Hair

Blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons can damage your hair and contribute to split ends. It’s best to avoid them whenever possible. Add a little mousse to damp hair for texture and let it dry naturally. If you can’t live without your favorite hot tools, try using them only twice a week and always apply a protectant spray before you turn up the heat.

If you suspect your thinning hair is more than just split ends, you may be experiencing female pattern hair loss. Talk to a hair loss expert and find out why you are experiencing hair thinning.

Schedule your complimentary consultation today.

The post 5 Smart Tips to Prevent Split Ends & the Appearance of Thinning Hair appeared first on HairClub.

Because hair relaxers contain lye, they can damage your hair and scalp if used incorrectly, and even cause hair loss.

How Do Chemical Relaxers Work?

Hair relaxers straighten hair by penetrating the cuticle and the cortex layers of the hair shaft to loosen the natural curl pattern. This process leaves the hair weak, brittle and prone to breakage. It can even burn your skin, cause permanent damage to the scalp and lead to hair loss.

Hair relaxers have been in use since the early 1900s, and are one of the most popular styling products among African-American women. Even with harmful and prevalent side effects, chemical relaxers are an effective and efficient way to straighten hair, offering quick results that last for weeks.

If relaxed hair is your style of choice, there are a few things you can do to decrease the chance of hair loss and minimize damage to your hair and scalp.

Protect Your Scalp

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the side effects of hair relaxers are exacerbated by improper use. The best approach is to have an experienced professional apply the treatment. However, if you decide to do it yourself, you should never use relaxers on unhealthy hair or a damaged scalp. You also don’t want to leave a hair relaxer on for more than the recommended amount of time, and never leave a relaxer in your hair long enough to feel any tingling or burning. Do everything possible to keep the chemicals from touching your skin. Coating your scalp with a base of petroleum jelly before applying the relaxer can help protect the scalp from chemical burns.

Don’t Double Process Your Hair

Avoid coloring and relaxing your hair at the same time. The combination of lye in relaxers and peroxide in hair dye can cause severe damage to both your hair and scalp. If your hair is already brittle, breaking or bleached, avoid relaxing your hair altogether. Wait a few months to give your roots a chance to grow out before you relax again.

Handle Your Hair with Care

Once your hair is relaxed, it requires some TLC. Handle it delicately and give your strands extra hydration. Regularly moisturize your hair by deep conditioning it weekly. And, limit the use of heat styling tools like flat irons and blow dryers. Applying heat can further weaken chemically-treated hair and cause breakage. You’ll also want to stay away from tight braids and ponytails that pull at the hairline. In fact, continuously wearing tight styles that tug on your hairline can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia.

“No Lye” Relaxers Can Still Cause Damage

Many consumers falsely believe that relaxers without lye are safe. But, in place of lye, these relaxers rely on other powerful chemicals, namely calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate, to effectively break the chemical bonds of the hair shaft. Therefore, “no lye” relaxers should be used with as much care as other chemical relaxers. It’s recommended that all relaxers be applied by a trained professional.

The post Get the Facts About Chemical Relaxers & Hair Loss appeared first on HairClub.

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According to a number of scientific studies, there are several surprising ways cigarette smoke can trigger hair loss.

3 Ways Cigarette Smoke Affects Hair Loss

Poor Blood Circulation

Hair follicles need oxygen, nutrients and minerals to produce healthy hair. The toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke can take a toll on your circulation, shrinking blood vessels and impeding blood flow. When your follicles don’t receive the blood they need for nourishment, the hair growth cycle is interrupted. The hair growth cycle consists of four phases: the growth (anagen) phase, the transitional (catagen) phase, the resting (telogen) phase and the shedding (exogen) phase. Any interruptions to this cycle can lead to noticeable hair loss.

A Weakened Immune System

Cigarette smoking can damage your immune system, which can lead to diseases or illnesses that cause hair loss. A poor immune system may also increase your chances of a bacterial or fungal infection on the scalp, both of which can prevent your follicles from producing healthy hair.

Environmental Pollution

It’s not just inhaling cigarette smoke that can harm your hair follicles. If you regularly smoke at home or in a car with the windows rolled up, you could be creating environmental pollution. While most hair loss is genetic, research links thinning hair to environmental factors. Polluted air can exacerbate genetic hair loss and the carcinogens in smoke-filled air can obstruct the mechanisms that produce the protein of which hair is made.

Reversing the Effects of Cigarette Smoke and Hair Loss

The best way to combat the effects of cigarette smoke and hair loss, and improve your overall health, is to quit smoking. Once you stop exposing your hair and skin to the toxins in cigarettes, your hair should start growing again. However, quitting smoking can be very difficult as it’s highly addictive. Often, it can take several tries to give up the habit for good.

The good news is there are hair loss solutions that can help you right now. Explore your options at a free, one-on-one consultation with a hair loss expert at Hair Club. It’s a chance for you to explore your options in a safe, judgment-free space. You’ll receive an evaluation of your hair and scalp, and take home a personalized report with details about which customized solution will help you achieve the results you want. Schedule your appointment today and discover for yourself how getting your hair back can change your life.

For informational purposes only. The exact cause of hair loss can only be determined by a medical professional.

The post 3 Surprising Ways Cigarette Smoke Can Cause Hair Loss appeared first on HairClub.

Most people sleep on cotton pillowcases, but they can contribute to ongoing hair problems.

How Your Pillowcase Causes Hair Damage

1. Knots

Often the rough cotton fibers of your pillowcase prevent your hair from sliding around easily, resulting in a tangled mess when you wake up in the morning. Snarled hair takes longer to style and yanking on your roots with aggressive brushing can pull some of your hair out and lead to breakage.

2. Damaged Hair

As you’re tossing and turning at night, your hair is rubbing against the cotton fibers of your pillowcase,  causing hair damage and breakage. Repeated breakage can ultimately make your hair look thinner overall.

3. Frizzy Hair

To avoid frizz, it’s especially important to dry your hair before going to bed. Wet hair can create even more friction against your pillowcase while you sleep.

4. Dry Hair

Cotton pillowcases are known to absorb the oils from your hair and skin, which can leave them dry, brittle and prone to breakage.

How to Reverse Hair Damage Caused by Your Pillowcase

The good news is all these problems are easily addressed by switching to a silk pillowcase. Silk allows the hair to slide around on your pillow effortlessly, so you wake to smoother hair. This luxurious fabric also helps your hair retain its moisture, since it’s not as absorbent as cotton. If you really love your cotton pillowcase and aren’t ready to make the switch, just wrap your hair in a silk scarf to keep it protected when you’re sleeping.

You might be tempted to blame your pillowcase if you’re noticing hairs on your pillow in the morning. But, there is no evidence that pillowcases cause or contribute to hair loss. However, hairs on your pillow can be a sign that you’re starting to lose your hair.

When it comes to hair loss, the sooner you act, the more options you may have. Learn more about the causes of hair loss and what you can do about it by scheduling a complimentary consultation with one of our hair loss experts today.

The post 4 Reasons Your Pillowcase May Be Damaging Your Hair appeared first on HairClub.

The Bible framed the narrative that Delilah coaxed Samson’s to reveal the secret to his strength was his long hair. As the story goes, Delilah secretly cut Samson’s hair while he slept. With his new cropped do, the Philistine men could now gouge his eyes out and imprison him. Not nice, Delilah.

Julius Caesar sported a toupee before relying on his trademark wreath to obscure his diminishing hairline.

At the turn of the seventeenth century, the term bigwig was coined when King Louis XIV and his cousin, King Charles II commissioned dozens of wig makers to fashion their powdered perukes to conceal their thinning crowns. Well, that and to hide their syphilis related bald patches and lesions. This sparked a century-long trend among commoners who perceived these poufy wigs as a symbol of high status.

George Washington’s mop was indeed his own. Yet, the next four US presidents donned coiffed headdresses.

Cut to the twenty-first century. While many hair styles have come and (thankfully) gone, science has learned the root causes of hair loss. Similarly, we have made tremendous strides on our journey to regain full, healthy hair. There are now a variety of modern, hair systems people are proud to wear.

What is a hair system?

A hair system is created using human or synthetic hair hand-woven onto a particular base of material such as lace. The base is then adhered to the individual’s head with the preferred method of attachment (tape or adhesive), and cut and blended to make it undetectable.

What is a hair system made of?

The modern hair systems today use two materials to construct the bases: mesh fabric or polymers.

Mesh Fabric

Mesh is typically made of polyester or nylon and is usually used to build the hairline of a good product. They can be used throughout the entire system, providing a natural, life-like appearance. However, mesh fabric is not feasible for long-term use.

Pros:

• The hairline is natural and untraceable.
• Material is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.

Cons:

• More pricey
• Very delicate and less durable
• Needs to be replaced more frequently

Polymers

Polymers are made of silicone or polyurethane and are used to create a material that mimics the appearance of skin. Hair restoration systems that use polymers tend to be more robust.

Pros:

• Can be less costly than meshes
• Highly durable
• Easy attachment

Cons:

• Can be extremely hot and uncomfortable
• Has a less natural look, unless the hairline is made of lace

What is the hair in a hair system like?

The hair in a modern hair system is customized to match your precise hair color, texture, natural curl or wave, as well as, density.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDw5jNGNxxg&t=1s

What can you do while wearing a modern hair system?

There are very few limitations while wearing a modern hair system if they have the proper adhesive. In fact, you can shower, sleep, exercise, swim, cut, style, and color your hair as if it were your own naturally growing hair. In other words, you can essentially live your life as you would without it.

How long will your hair system last?

It’s difficult to predict how long your hair system will last. It depends on many factors, including the base material and how you care for your system. There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your hair system:

• Avoid hot water, blow-dryers, and shampoos with harsh ingredients
• Use a satin pillowcase to minimize friction
• Try not to overdo it on products
• Avoid hair care products that contain alcohol
• Use conditioner every time you shampoo.
• Similarly, there are several factors that can cause your hair system to decline more quickly
• Treating it roughly
• Brushing too hard or too often
• Brushing hair when wet
• Using harsh shampoos
• Shampooing too often
• Allowing products to build up
• Overly chlorinated pools

How do HairClub’s hair systems work?

HairClub’s advanced hair restoration solution, Xtrands+^®offers people with moderate to advanced hair loss the opportunity to significantly change their appearance. However, anyone can wear a hair system regardless of their age, hair type, or degree of hair loss. First, your hair will be examined to determine where additional hair needs to be placed to create a fuller appearance.

Hair that matches your precise color, texture, curl pattern and density is added into a virtually invisible base layer that breathes like skin. The hair is placed in the angle and direction of your own hair growth. The new hair is secured to the scalp using a medical-grade adhesive and seamlessly blended with your existing hair. Your hair is then cut, shaped, and styled to achieve your desired look. Hundreds of thousands of people across North America have taken advantage of this proven solution to restore their hair.

The post How Modern Hair Systems Work appeared first on HairClub.

1. Wear a hat.

When heading outside, it’s important to cover your hair to shield it from the moisture-robbing dry air, snow and wind. Exposing your hair to these harsh elements can make it more prone to breakage.

Wool, cotton and other fabrics can cause breakage as well, so make sure to line your hat with silk or satin to help prevent damage. Using a dry oil spray can help fight static electricity under your hat too while moisturizing hair. 

2. Buy a humidifier.

Want to know a surprising way to fight dry hair in the winter? Use a humidifier. Indoor heating causes the air in your home to become very dry, pulling moisture out of your hair. Humidifiers help rehydrate the air to keep your locks looking lustrous.

3. Get regular trims.

Trimming your hair every four to eight weeks is a good way to maintain hair health and keep your locks looking fresh. Taking a half inch off reduces the chances of developing dry, split ends.

4. Lower the water temperature when you shower.

Even though a steamy shower might hit the spot when the temperature is below freezing, hot water can zap moisture from your hair making it brittle and more vulnerable to breaking. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and follow with a cool rinse instead.

5. Avoid heat styling.

Since hair is already delicate during the colder months, it’s best to avoid heat styling as much as possible. Blow drying draws moisture out of your hair increasing the chance of breakage. Instead, air dry to help keep your hair shiny and healthy. Short on time? Try washing your hair in the evening so your tresses can dry naturally overnight. If possible, refrain from straightening or curling tools as well. Use this time to explore new styles like twists, braids and buns.

6. Don’t leave the house with wet hair.

Walking outside in winter with a wet head can cause hair to freeze and break, since wet hair is more vulnerable to damage. While air drying is best, it’s better to blow dry your hair on a low setting than go outdoors with a saturated mane.

7. Use an oil treatment.

When winter wreaks havoc on your hair, restore moisture with an oil-based hair treatment. Choose a lightweight, leave-in formula with argan oil to instantly revitalize dry, damaged hair. You can also apply a nourishing oil to the ends daily to help replenish moisture and protect your hair.

8. Hydrate as much as possible.

Moisturizing is the name of the game for winter hair care. Be sure to always use a high-quality conditioner after shampooing. Additionally, using a leave-in conditioner can replenish moisture and protect from the effects of hot styling tools, indoor heating and cold winter winds. To eliminate unwanted static, lightly wipe a dryer sheet over your hair to tame pesky fly-aways.

9. Commit to a weekly hair mask.

Just like weekly face masks are essential for healthy skin, weekly hair masks can make a significant difference when it comes to dry, damaged hair. These conditioning treatments can reverse the effects of dryness and keep your hair protected all year long. You can try homemade DIY hair masks using ingredients you already have on hand. In no time, you’ll reap the benefits of shiny, soft, hydrated hair.

10. Avoid frequent hair washes.

Overwashing will strip hair of its natural oils which help keep it moisturized and protected. Try extending the time between your washes by a few more days. If you typically wash your hair every day, switch to every other day or longer depending on your hair type. 

Making these winter hair care tips a part of your routine can help keep your hair hydrated and vibrant all season long. Check out some of our other blogs for more hair care advice. To learn more about hair loss, view our FAQs.

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