Could scalp sores this be an allergic reaction to hair care products?

Maryanne asks;

Hairdresser Jeffrey Cook answers;

“Scalp Sores Not Usually From Hair
Care Products”I am not a doctor of course, but in working with the public in such an intimate setting as the hair salon, I have seen many hair and skin diseases and disorders over the years.

This doesn’t sound like a typical allergic reaction from hair color or hair care products to me. Allergic reactions from hair color or hair products vary but are more often reactions such as; dermatitis, an itchy scalp, or rash of some sort. Some extreme cases can include other symptoms that are outlined in this article on hair color and allergic reactions.

However, your case sounds more like Psoriasis or possibly an even rarer form of Psoriatic Arthritis to me. Psoriasis is usually characterized by small red pockish scalp sores, or a white silvery scale where the skin simply sloughs off. Psoriasis sometimes will also mirror itself on the body in quite a miraculous manner. Many people misunderstand this condition and believe it should be treated topically, like dandruff and eczema. This is false.

Psoriasis is a systemic immune disorder, but don’t be freak out just yet. Although there are no cures for these conditions, there are treatments to alleviate the symptoms.
The first line of treatment you might consider, would be coal-tar, aniline derivative shampoos or external steroids, but their efficacy rates are low and sometimes are greasy, stinky, and quite time-consuming. Couple these with UVA and UVB treatments weekly and you might as well move in with your dermatologist.

The next treatment that might be considered is a mild form of chemotherapy drugs such as Clonesporin or Methotrexate. Usually these are more effective long-term solutions, however they have there side-effects. You do have to have periodic liver enzyme tests as well as tuberculosis test every 6 months or so.

Finally, there are a few of these pricy yet effective, injectable type treatments which include Humira, Amevive, Enbrel and Raptiva. They have proven to be most successful in the treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis but again have side-effects and certain tests that must be done to insure the proper response from the drug.

I hope that this has at least given you some food for thought about what could possibly be going on with you. Of course I am not a doctor, so a visit to your dermatologist for a diagnosis whenever scalp sores appear is really the best advice I can give to you.

For further discussion on itchy scalp or dry scalp you might want to check out these other articles:

• My Hair Remedy for Dandruff, Oily Hair & Head Lice
• Winter Beauty Hair Care Tip
• Dandruff and dry itchy scalp
• Hair Scalp Treatment
• Itchy Scalp or Dry Scalp Remedies
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: Are Hair Dyes Safe?

Barb Quinn on Google+  

Nioxin Product Line

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Thinning Hair Care Product Nioxin Bites the Dust

Hairdresser Michael Quick writes,
“Nioxin Hair
Thinning Product” Well it has happened once again. Another large professional hair care products company has been bought out by a large corporate entity. This time around it is Nioxin, that has been purchased by Proctor and Gamble. (Proctor and Gamble also own Wella.)

Nioxin is the recognized leader in thinning hair care products with its entire line catering to the thinning hair market. P&G has intentions of increasing product development and brand awareness worldwide, which is great for both the retail consumer and for the hair salon professional.

While this purchase should mean business as usual for the average thinning hair consumer, it may mean a supply disaster for the hair salon professionals.  Nioxin has always been known for its rapid packaging changes which immediately forces inventory liquidations to keep things current. Now the problem will become that quite a few distributors that carry Nioxin and sell to hair salons are owned by either L’Oreal or other direct competitors to P&G.

These distributors will naturally stop carrying Nioxin. This same thing happened when P&G purchased Wella not long ago. And judging by the past transition with Wella, this transition should be long and arduous one to say the least.

Despite this initial backslide, this merger should help Nioxin move to the next level as a professional thinning hair care company. This in turn will be a plus for all of us, both consumer and professional alike.

Barb Quinn on Google+  

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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Short curly hair style

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Long Curly Hair Style Delima

Natasha asks;

Curly hair style with layers

Sarah Hamilton answers;

“Curly Hair Style Options”If your natural curly hair is tight or in ringlets, it may be best to keep your hair cut about shoulder length. Adding some long layers to the hair will draw the curls down to make them appear looser and freer flowing. Make sure your hairdresser creates texture to break up your curls; this will create a more ‘airy’ look to the hair. Keeping the hair longer will avoid that triangular look that most curly haired women hate . . . you know the one that resembles a Christmas tree.

Meg Ryan with short curly hair style

Some curly hair women may think going short is out of the question for them if their hair has a tight curl pattern to it. This short curly hair style on Meg Ryan busts that myth! To me what makes this a stylish, cute look on Meg, is that it’s shaped well and her curls are defined, not frizzy looking. Although this hair style has a mussy, bed head look to it, don’t let that fool you. The haircut is great and it has been styled into shape with product.

Charlize Theron with a looser curly hair style

On the other hand, if your curly hair is on the loose side it would be best to go with a haircut a bit shorter, chin length or above, to allow the curls to spring up to create a fuller look to the hair. Ask your hairdresser about a short rounded layered look, this will also give the hair fullness and give you a complete makeover with a fun new hair style. A little side note for you, a side swept bang compliments a short layered haircut well!

Now that we covered the haircuts, styling the hair is just as important. Curly hair can be hard to tame so finding the correct short curly haircut to suite your style of curls is essential! It is also a good idea to research and test hair care products for your new do! Products are a curly hair girls (or boys) best friend! They help to make the curly hair more manageable and control that frizz that usually accompanies the curly hair. I would recommend buying a curl crème to put into the hair when wet, such as, TIGI’s Curls Rock, and also a defrizzer or smoother to apply when the hair is dry or nearly dry like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.

If your natural curly hair is a looser curl try blow drying with a diffuser. The key to making the hair look frizz free when using a diffuser is to place the hair into the diffuser and simply leave it alone. The more you move and manipulate the hair, the more frizz you will get.