hair health

Regrets of Pressing Your Natural Hair
During the transition process and after, many women choose to press their natural hair in an attempt to achieve straight hairstyles. However, what many don’t know is that the process of pressing ones hair leads to permanent straightening. Have any of you noticed that when you wash your natural hair the ends are straighter than the hair closest to the root? The reason is that when you use pressing combs and flat irons made of ceramic materials on your natural hair, you are burning the hair cuticles, or outer layers, in the process, which causes permanent straightening. Pressing the hair may seem to be the path of least resistance, but if your goal is to go natural and you continue to press your hair, then unfortunately you will have to grow out that part of your hair all over again. Talk to your stylist for additional information.

Hair Health and Diseases
When the hair and scalp are not balanced, it is possible to experience a variety of reactions, from dryness and breakage to hair loss and scalp diseases. These adverse reactions can develop from a range of factors, including stress, hormonal and seasonal changes, allergies, lack of moisture, poor diet, use of certain medications, chemicals such as relaxers and dyes, poor hygiene, and improper use of hair instruments that have not been properly sterilized by stylists. At Afrodisiac, along with your desired service, we will provide you with the knowledge you need to avoid these unpleasant conditions and work with you to correct any problems you may already be experiencing.

Below is a list of scalp diseases and conditions. We recommend that in addition to seeing one of our stylists you see a dermatologist or herbalist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Alopecia – Also known as alopecia areata, this disease causes hair loss, characterized by round patches of complete baldness. The specific cause of alopecia areata is unknown. A family history of alopecia is present in about a fifth of all cases. Alopecia areata is occasionally associated with autoimmune diseases. Alopecia may also occur as alopecia totalis with complete loss of scalp hair or as alopecia universalis with total loss of all body hair.

Dandruff – Dandruff is characterized by itching and excessive flaking of the scalp. Dandruff can be caused by overproduction of yeast, dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp ringworm, and contact dermatitis.

The yeast that lives in the oil glands and on the scalp consumes the scalps natural oil, and therefore is unable to lubricate the hair and scalp. The decrease or absence of oil causes dryness and flaking. Dryness by itself can cause itching. The presence of the yeast in large numbers can also cause considerable inflammation, which is another cause of itching.

Dermatitis – Contact dermatitis, the most common form of the disease, is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating or allergy-causing substance. A history of any type of allergies increases the risk for this condition. Irritant dermatitis, the most common type of contact dermatitis, involves inflammation resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, solvents, or other chemicals. The reaction usually resembles a burn. The skin inflammation varies from mild irritation and redness to open sores, depending on the type of irritant, the body part affected, and the sensitivity of the individual.

Eczema – Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a chronic skin disorder categorized by scaly and itching rashes. People with eczema often have a family history of allergic conditions like asthma, hay fever, or dermatitis. Symptoms include intense itching, blisters with oozing or crusting, skin redness or inflammation, rash, skin lesions, dry leathery skin areas, raw areas and bleeding.

Psoriasis – Psoriasis is a common skin inflammation characterized by frequent episodes of redness, itching, and thick, dry, silvery scales on the skin. Psoriasis seems to be an inherited disorder, probably related to an inflammatory response in which the immune system accidentally targets the body's own cells. Evidence of the condition is most commonly seen on the trunk, elbows, knees, scalp, skin folds, or fingernails, but it may affect any or all parts of the skin.

Ringworm – Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) is a very common fungal infection among children throughout the world. Fungal organisms known as dermatophytes infect certain types of tissue found in hair, skin, and nails. The typical signs of scalp ringworm infection are reddening, crusting, and scaling of the scalp. Intense itching usually occurs as well.

Ringworm is contagious. It can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated items such as combs, unwashed clothing, and shower or pool surfaces. You can also catch ringworm from pets that carry the fungus, most commonly from cats. The fungi that cause ringworm thrive in warm, moist areas. Ringworm is more likely when you have frequent wetness (such as from sweating) and minor injuries to your skin, scalp, or nails.