Hair Dyeing Not Safe When Seborrheic Dermatitis is Suspected

Barb Responds

You’re on the right track asking questions, as you could considerably worsen your problem by having any chemical service done to your hair.  Any licensed professional will tell you not to use hair dye as long as long as any scalp condition is present.  Was it your primary doctor who diagnosed seborrheic dermatitis?  Most likely, he will advise you the same, or he may suggest a dermatologist to consult.

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis (aka: eczema or cradle cap) is a condition doctors still don’t have a definitive. They do know it’s not a contagious disease and that (this will make you feel better about shampooing less often) it’s not a sign of poor hygiene. The Mayo Clinic reports that although causes are not yet known, they may include symptoms as normal as stress, fatigue or even a change of season (of which winter tends to be the most common time of year for the onset of this condition.)

Shampoos for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Dandruff shampoos and other medicated shampoos containing ingredients like, coal-tar and zinc can be very effective. There are a number of over-the-counter products as well as prescription strength products (shampoos and lotions) that can be used, but your doctor should be the one to prescribe the right product for you. Different skin types and conditions respond differently and you could possibly make matters worse by using a wrong product.  Call your doctor for a prescription or over-the-counter recommendation. Seeing that he already diagnosed your condition, you shouldn’t need another appointment for the recommendation.

Be sure to use the shampoo as directed, leaving it on for the full recommended time. If it doesn’t seem to have positive effects shortly, get on the phone with your doctor again and have him prescribe another type of shampoo. Also be mindful to avoid scratching your scalp which could break the skin and cause an infection.

Barb Quinn on Google+  

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

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How To Get Healthy Hair

by Elizabeth Passarelia Real Simple Magazine

A little extra effort pays off when painting a living room or baking a birthday cake. But when it comes to getting healthy hair, it’s better to do some strategic slacking. Experts refreshingly suggest: Stop trying so hard. In turn, you’ll have hair that’s in top condition (not to men­tion extra time in the morning and money in your pocket-book). Here, six no-nonsense tips for cutting back.“How to Get Healthy Hair”

COMB EARLY, BUT NOT OFTEN

Prevent post-shower snarls before you step under the water by using a wide-tooth comb on dry hair. (Wet hair is more fragile and prone to damage.) Then don’t pick up a comb or a brush again until your hair is partially dry.

SHAMPOO STRATEGICALLY

“People who have dry hair can easily go four to five days between shampoos,” says Harry Josh, a New York City hair stylist. Oilier hair may need lathering every other day. Consider subbing in a dry product, such as Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray, to break a daily-shampoo habit. If you develop greasy bangs or a limp-looking hairline, pull your hair into a shower cap but leave out the hair around your face. Then wash just that area, suggests Mandie Joslin, a hairdresser at the A Line Salon, in Corte Madera, California. Otherwise simply restyle between shampoos by wetting hair and drying it.

SKIMP ON HAIR CONDITIONER

If your conditioner bottle is empty before the shampoo bottle, chances are you’re using too much. A dime-size dab of conditioner suffices for most people, says Michael Jacobson, a co-owner of the Michael & Michael salon, in Chicago. Applying more than you need not only costs more but also creates a dirt-attracting residue that necessitates more shampoo­ing (and the vicious cycle begins again). Use conditioner from midshaft to the ends only, and rely on your scalp’s nourishing oils to keep the hair closer to the roots healthy. (Occasional strokes from a natural-bristle brush will help distribute these oils.)

TOWEL DRY BEFORE BLOW-DRYING

Trying to dry sopping-wet hair can take forever and invites heat damage. Speed things up by blotting hair with an absorbent towel (no rubbing, which roughs up strands). Next, gently wrap your hair turban-style until it’s 80 percent dry and move on to other tasks, like apply­ing makeup or getting dressed, while your hair dries naturally. Then enlist a dryer.

USE MEDIUM-HIGH HEAT

Try to give hair a break from heat styling at least three mornings a week. When you do wield a tool (be it a dryer or a curling or flat-iron), stick to a medium-high setting. “If your flat-iron has a temperature gauge, never turn it past 410 degrees,” says Chrystofer Benson, artistic director for Logics, a hair-care line. “Many irons go up to 450 degrees, but that setting is only for pros giving Japanese straight­ening treatments.” Before heat styling, apply a protec­tive spray, like John Frieda Frizz-Ease Heat Defeat. Then slowly run or roll the tool over each section of hair once or twice (instead of doing it quickly three or four times). “This is more effective, reduces damage, and lasts longer,” says Josh.

LAST TIP FOR HEALTHY HAIR . . . DON’T TOUCH!

Your fingers deposit debris and oil, so mindlessly stroking, tucking, or twirling your hair during the day is one of the quickest ways to dull it down and dirty it up. Always style hair with clean hands, then do your best to keep your paws off.

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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Summer hair can be wicked!

Summer hair texture can change in a flash from smooth and sleek, to a poofy, frizzy unmanageable mess and it happens in a flash! It’s like the famed ‘horse of a different color’ in the Land of Oz . . . you know what I mean, when you step out the door in the height of summer’s heat and humidity and your hair takes on the attributes of a whole different species.“Summer Hair
Tune Up Tips”

My summer hair, when left to its own demise, hardly resembles my normal hair type at all, at least that is for the remaining three seasons of the year. This appears to be true for the majority of people and the higher the humidity where you live, the more you can relate!

Ahhh . . . but all is not lost and you are not destined to tout the Rosanna Rosanna Danna do’ throughout summers end! Just because your summer hair has a mind of its own, doesn’t mean you can’t outsmart its mischievous ways! When summer’s heat and humidity get wicked and you feel like just burying your head in the sand . . . take a deep breath, regroup, take the path of least resistance and . . .

GET RID OF OLD GROWN OUT ENDS

Great looking summer hair starts with a fresh hair cut. We get out more in summer; it’s the time of year to’ see and be seen.’ There’s so much more to do in summer, more people to see and more places to go, so don’t delay getting a hair cut to clean up your ends. Damaged hair never looks pretty and trimming is the only way to get rid of those ragged, damaged ends.

CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION

This most important step will strengthen damaged hair and keep healthy hair from getting damaged. Condition your hair to add moisture and deep conditioning the hair to strengthen and add body and shine.

DIY HAIR COLOR? CONSIDER A PROFESSIONAL HAIR COLOR SERVICE

Think about it! In the sun’s brightest light, your hair color will either be your shinning crown of glory, or . . . not! Seriously, at garden parties, the tennis court, the golf course or the beach, your hair color is right up front with nowhere to hide, (except under a flirty summer hat, which by the way, should be part of your summer hair protection plan.)

Find a professional hair colorist, they are well worth their weight in gold. How many times have you seen it . . . lines of demarcation, the wrong hair color, hair color too light or dark, uneven or just a dull, dried out hair color? Now, in comparison picture great hair color like that of Jennifer Aniston, Kate Middleton, Kate Winslet, Jessica Alba, J.Lo, or Helen Mirren. If you’re going to color your hair, get it right and be lovely!

LET IT BE

Allow your summer hair type to be what it is and find ways to work with it, not against it. Consider the Buddhist philosophy of non-resistance and go with the flow, no fighting, no worries, be happy! If heat and humidity is in the air your hair will react and . . . it will prevail. So, why fight it?

For wavy and curly hair types – layer the hair for a wash-n-go shape that fits your face shape and your hair style. Wavy or curly hair whether long, medium or short, will look best when cut to let it air dry and styled into shape with fingers.

Wear more updo’s like, ponytails, braids, high buns, and twists. Summer is the perfect time to change your look with these fun, quick and easy hair styles. One or two hair care products are all you need to define your curl and keep it shiny and pretty. We like: Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner, Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam and Moroccan Oil Treatment.

For straight and fine hair types – shampoo to keep the hair squeaky clean. A daily shampooing with a product formulated for your hair type will allow for the most shine and fullness. Add a favorite dry shampoo for a quick hair refresher when unable to shampoo. Wear plenty of updo’s, braid it, wear a variety of ponytails, buns and chignons and don’t forget headbands, barrettes, scarves, hats and other hair accessories that allow for style options.

We like: PureOlogy Hydrate, TIGI Rockaholic Dirty Little Secret

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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