Hair here, Hair there , Hair everywhere ! Your ultimate guide on hairfall

Imagine this. You are in the shower and you see several strands of hair all over the place - your soap/loofah , the drain and all over your body. You see another year of life drift away in front of your eyes . Is this it? Are you going bald ?

Hello my lovelies !
Anyone suffering from hair loss or thinning would most likely pass through these fleeting gripping thoughts. What exactly is behind hair loss ? Is hair loss in men different from that seen in women ? Though the easiest , are our genes the only thing to blame ?
However hard it may be , DO NOT STRESS. Stress over hairfall has an almost wicked association with hairfall itself
The more you worry , the more you lose.
  
This post will not discuss thin hair that has always been so. This is not  going to be my tips or pointers to stop your hairfall. I am not going to be suggesting wonder products that will take care of it all whilst you slouch against a sofa watching the telly. What i aim to do , however , is not make you feel so lost regarding what you suffer from and how you can be your own guide in getting to the root of your issue. 

Let me walk you through the hair cycle in as simple terms as is possible.

Our main point of interest here is the third stage-the telogen phase. As you can see in the image , telogen phase lasts 2-4 months. It is in this phase that hair is ejected out of its root , either in normal amounts or in excess. Why am i throwing this  boring piece of science at your face ? To help you see that any change in hair loss , any sudden bursts of increase traces back to a source 2-4 months back . Which means if you notice hair fall in abundance in the month of june , something has been going on inside since february or so. It is almost NEVER due to immediate changes like changing your shampoo or washing your hair in a particular way since a week or any of those myths. 

So now, you are freaking out. Hair is all over the place and everywhere except your head. What do you do ?

1-Calm down. Let me reiterate-stress will only worsen it. 

2- About 100 strands of hair loss is very much normal. To avoid being paranoid , you may start with collecting most of the hair you see around in a day and counting it at the end of day . Yes, extremely boring but MOST of the times, what we feel is much may actually be normal.

3-A sudden increase in hair loss or thinning seen in a head previously quite healthy needs to be traced for any stressing events. Most common events that would have occurred 2-4 months ago that is NOW causing hair loss are:-

• Low hemoglobin in blood or iron deficiency
• Over or under active thyroid
• Childbirth/pregnancy
• Stress
• Any type of major surgery
• High fever 
• Variety of medications including common ones like Brufen and contraceptives.

4-You may want to understand that dandruff is on its own a very important trigger in hair loss. If you are riddled with dandruff, you may want to read this .

For any new mothers out there experiencing severe hair loss , let me tell you , physiological chages with estrogen is usually seen for upto a year or a bit more after childbirth , so you may notice horrible fall anytime soon after delivery upto about 18 months post. However , that does not mean you do not need to rule out other medical causes.

Once medical or hormonal causes of hair loss are ruled out , a major chunk of the workup is done and correcting the underlying cause almost always corrects the symptom. Now , what happens if after seeing a dermatologist , you come clean in terms of medical causes?

If a cause cannot be pinpointed or atleast traced, hair loss must be treated holistically. There calls for a need to retrospect what you eat , how you treat your hair and even how you may /may not be combing it.

Natural remedies:-

Effective but impractical for most. Requires consistency and perseverance. Results can only be practically expected within a three month time frame ( remember our telogen phase ) but when they do come , they are indeed satisfying. 

I will not be bombarding this post with natural remedies but will encourage you to read an article I had written a few years ago. Here it is.

Biotin as a supplement and in your diet:-

Biotin is a B complex vitamin , also known as Vitamin H. This is my wonder vitamin. I recommend this to everyone I know , despite of hair loss or thinning . It stimulates hair growth and makes it more healthy, shiny and what not. You need to wait 2 months or so and a daily meticulous intake to see an effect though. My recommended dose for an adult will be Biotin 5000mcg. Though seen together conjunct  with vitamins for hair , nails and skin , the biotin in these cocktails are almost always lesser than the optimal dose. These are a few good brands that I recommend but any well heard brand will do and this does not require prescription.

The rest of the jazz I need not be singing again as you would have definitely seen / heard or read about them . The common ones being don't brush your hair wet, don't tie harsh ponytails etc. 

So in a small gist- 

Do not stress

Visit a dermatologist for a detailed work up

Include Biotin in your diet 

And let me know in some months if anything has been of  benefit to you !

Much love ,

xoxo.

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Quick review- The Body Shop Facial Brush with lid and Exfoliating bath gloves !

Hello lovelies !
A quick post on two exfoliating equipment thats been with me for quite some time now.
The first one is The Body Shop's facial brush with lid .

A very tiny , compact brush that is accompanied with a lid. Promises to help scrub away all those dead cells when used alone or in conjunction with a face scrub. Initially I was quite in awe of this tiny thing and much happy with its affordable price tag of Aed 15 only , but gradually it started to feel more rough on the skin and I felt it was a bit too abrasive as well less effective on my blackheads. Though I look reach for it  less nowadays , I do think its extremely handy for travel.


The other one is The Body Shop Exfoliating glove .
Now this is such a cutie. It fits snug into your hand and is very useful in the shower to scrub yourself away . Does not require much technique and is pretty much hassle-free. It was not until recently that I also discovered how amazing it is on blackheads. I scrub my nose gently with a bit of face scrub on with this glove and I really feel extremely clean afterwards ! I use it in the shower almost every other day and cleaning it is very easy as well.I find it much more convenient and useful than a loofah . Totally recommend this !

Do comment below if you have either come across these or any other exfoliating accessories that were useful !
Until next time
xoxo

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Dandruff woes- How to treat persistent and stubborn dandruff.

Hello my lovelies!

Nothing more embarrassing and frustrating than a flaky scalp and white flakes all over your hair and shoulders .They seem to be a part of every household , especially us poor mortals living in the middle east . Before we get on to talking in depth on dandruff, there are a few things we need to sort first . ( This post is going to long , so grab your cuppa before you begin !)

Do u really have dandruff or is it just dry flaky scalp ?
Test 1

 Place a dark coloured cloth / paper/ mat on the floor and comb your hair downwards , flipping your hair upside down -If what you see are small and dry white flakes-you mostly have dry scalp and maybe residue buildup with products you may be using for your hair
-If what you get are large,slightly greasy flakes -you most likely have dandruff.

Test 2

Apply some body lotion over areas of itching scalp overnight and wash off the next day with regular shampoo , remember to condition. If dry scalp was the culprit, you will find a lot of relief in what you just did. That will also help rule out if there is dandruff in real or no .

Test 3
Look out for scaling around the eyebrows and eyelashes , sides of the nose , behind the ears or even the "v" of the neck and beard for men. Scaling and dry patches over these areas along with itchy , flaky scalp is most likely seborrhoea/dandruff .

Ok ! So now we know what we have . What next ?

If dry scalp is your issue -

-Brush regularly twice a day with a mixed bristle brush-a  brush with two different bristles will help distribute scalp oils throughout while exfoliating dry flakes at the same time .
-Use two- three drops of peppermint oil or tea tree oil in your regular shampoo .
-Limit use of  artificial hair products or direct heat.

Now, if you are convinced what you suffer from is indeed dandruff, then what you would need is a comprehensive , holistic approach involving medicated as well as non medicated treatments.

My picks under available medicated options-

1-Antifungal agents -fungus being a common cause of dandruff,treatment with a good antifungal usually puts the issue at bay.
Eg-Nizoral
2-Coal tar-The most effective yet the most difficult to use with extremely dry hair as a common complaint. This particular one has coal tar but not the offensive side effects.
Eg- Neutrogena T-Gel Anti dandruff shampoo
3-Selenium sulfide- Works in ways similar to the coal tar sans the odour or aesthetic issues.
Eg-Selsun Blue

My picks under non-medicated treatments available:-

1-Zinc pyrithione- Both antibacterial and antifungal efficiency    Eg-Head and Shoulders Anti Dandruff Shampoo

         The Body Shop Ginger Anti-dandruff Shampoo
         Matrix Biolage Scalp Therapie Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

          LUSH Soak and Float solid shampoo

Why do people give up half way before seeing any results?

• Strong odour of the shampoos
• Extreme dryness of hair as an aftermath
• No immediate results.

Now, how do we come around this ?

An anti-dandruff shampoo must NEVER be used as a regular shampoo all over the hair. It is a spot medication. The issue is only with the scalp and the rest of hair need not be covered. The ideal way to use a medicated anti dandruff shampoo (Selsun , Nizoral , Coal tar etc ) is 

• -Apply a bit on a cotton pad and rub that in to the scalp
• -Keep that on for five mins 
• -Wash rest of the hair with your regular shampoo
• -Alternate a medicated shampoo with a non medicated one through the week-use the medicated one only once or twice a week and rest of the days the non one.
• -Alternate one medicated shampoo with another within two weeks to prevent resistance.

Another killer ingredient when used in right proportions that bring about good changes is Apple cider vinegar (ACV) .   1/3 ACV and 2/3 water in a spray bottle and sprayed all over scalp fifteen minutes before a hair wash at least once a week , literally keeps dandruff away for days and the scalp squeaky clean. 

Once in a while,for severe resistant dandruff , a short course of a dermatologist prescribed topical corticosteroid helps in arresting the inflammation but make sure this step is taken only AFTER consulting a dermatologist .

Sometimes , what may seem as a very persistent dandruff may actually be a more troublesome condition called Scalp psoriasis. If you find your dandruff not receding within 2-3 months of the above mentioned protocol, you might want to consult a dermatologist and enquire what your condition actually is.

Dandruff is a persistent condition and requires you to be patient in its approach. If one treatment modality does not work , try another. Every individual has individual responses to dandruff treatment. With time , you will work out a formula that suits you  best. Feel free to always ask your dermatologist for further options . 

Whew ! That was long ! Do you ail from dandruff ? What have you used and has it helped/ not helped you ? Do comment below!

Until next time ,

xoxo

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Rimmel London Brow This Way kit -Reviews and comparisons !

Hello my lovelies !

It was not until about 3-4 years that I really started enjoying trying out various products but only about a year or so since I realised how such a seemingly trivial thing like eyebrows can frame a face so well !

I had always only known of an eyebrow pencil that came with a tiny brush on one end as the major eyebrow grooming kit . Later on , as part of extensive reading , I got to know of higher end brands that do wonderful stuff for brows , but I didn't think spending $$$ for an eyebrow kit would be very smart and was on the lookout for more affordable brands to come out with their versions.

Now there r two kinds of brows in the world. One that is sparse and have gaps , the other that is bushy and needs taming .

For people with bushy , thick brows a brow mascara really helps in keeping those tiny hairs in place through the day .

I don't pluck, tweeze or trim my eyebrows . They have a lot of gaps in between and I also carry a trophy of a stitch mark from childhood on one of them. It was a year ago that I laid my hands on the Rimmel London Brow This Way Kit in the shade dark brown.

The kit comes with two compartments- A dark brown compact powder and a dark brown wax. Two brushes included-a slanted lining brush and a mascara spoolie.

I apply the brown shadow first lining my brows and leaving the first initial bit , so it doesn't look too made up and then take the same brush for the wax and go thru the brows again . I brush the brows with the mascara wand to keep the brown on fleek and in shape . I really love how this  ups my brow game without making it look too artificial that a pencil would or too sticky that a brow mascara gel would .

I bought mine when there was sale at Centrepoint, so I got mine for about Dhs 30 about a year ago and there is still a ton of product left to last me forever .

Ive seen a lot of other affordable brands come out with brow products as well as high end ones like Bobbi brown or Anastasia Beverly hills . For me this worked at such an economical price and it fits the bill perfectly.

Shades available -002 (mid brown )
                             003 (dark brown ) - (suits us dark                                                                                haired women )

Availability:-

• Middle east - Carrefour, Boots,                                                                         Centrepoint,Max
• For readers in the Uk- Buy here !
• For readers in the US -Buy here !

Would I recommend you to try this ?
YES !

Is there a brow product that you use ? How do you like it ?

P.s There is also a Rimmel brow this way gel mascara ...Don't get that !!

Until next time ,
xoxo

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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 45: Review and comparisons !

Hello lovelies !

For most parts of the world, summer has passed and cooler climates have peeped in and with that , the very few of us who did (or try to ) use  a sunscreen sparingly ,have thrown them into the farthest nooks of our closets. Sun damage is all year through and the effects extend beyond just tanning.

Sunlight that hits us contain UVAs and UVBs.The damage they cause is different . 

UVAs:-                                                    UVBs

Remain throughout the year.       Mostly strong during summer
Penetrate glass and windows       Does not penetrate
Cause wrinkles and thick skin     Causes tanning
Even penetrates a cloudy day      Does not penetrate

Thus,a sunscreen becomes imperative to be used throughout the year and a must to have a broad spectrum coverage .The single most common reason a large number of people avoid sunscreens is because of the white greasy cast a typical sunscreen leaves us with.




For me , a sunscreen must be

• Affordable
• Have broad spectrum coverage 
• Have a transparent and dry finish 
• Absorb immediately
• Does not make me look greasy
• Have a decent SPF

Ive struck luck with the Neutrogena ultra sheer broad spectrum sunscreen . It ticks all what is required and provides the most sheer, matte finish for a sunscreen I have ever used. Use it alone or under your moisturiser/makeup and be at peace . They come in various SPF strengths and in reality , an SPF of 30 and 45 is not going to make the worlds difference,so either would suffice.

What is SPF?  SPF = Sun Protection Factor.  The SPF number tells you how long you can stay in the sun without burning from UVB rays.   Example:  SPF 15.  If you normally start to burn at 15 minutes, SPF 15 lets you stay in the sun ~15x longer (3.5 hours) without burning.  )

To read more about sun protection or how to revert skin damage click here !

Price and availability :-
Middle east- All hypermarkets - Dhs 58
                      Boots pharmacy -  Dhs 62
India - Rs 440 , Buy here !.
UK- £10 approx , Buy here!

So, slap on some sunscreen and enjoy the weather while it lasts !

Until next time,
xoxo




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Q and A regarding sun protection and damage reversal !

What is an apt SPF for toddlers/children?
SPF 30-50 

Are spray-on sunscreens recommended for children ?
It is better to avoid.Although these products may contain protection from sunburn—they may also be damaging for infants and young children to breathe in these chemicals.

Is sunscreen only effective/ needed in the summers ?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you use a sunblock every day all year round.  Clouds, glass windows, and surfaces such as sand, pavement, sidewalks, water, snow and ice will also reflect UV radiation.  (i.e., these types of surfaces DO NOT BLOCK UV radiation.)

What do I look for in a sunscreen ?
Choose BROAD SPECTRUM products which offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays.  Make sure your sunscreen contains at least one of these ingredients: Zinc, Titanium dioxide, Avobenzene,  or Mexoryl SX.

Any particular time of the day I should be extra careful ?
Avoid 10 AM-3 PM sun exposure times.

What foods are rich in phytochemicals that help in reversing skin damage?
Prunes, raisins, red grapes, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, plums, cherries, kiwi fruit, citrus fruits, red and orange peppers, tomatoes, kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli florets, onions, eggplant,  avocados, carrots,  pumpkin seeds. 

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Mac Strobe cream- Review, ways to wear it and a possible dupe !

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Hello my lovelies !

I am a sucker for healthy, glowing, dewy skin ....now if your not born with it, you must definitely fake it !! For me, a healthy looking , moderately unitoned skin, with a few imperfections seeping thru is an ideal every day look. That and some mascara, some eyeliner and I'm good to go !

So..what is this strobe cream ?

"Strobing" literally means to highlight. Ive seen various liquid highlighters from across common brands like Revlon and higher end ones like Benefit. Most highlighting creams will just help illuminate ...most of the times making it look very obvious .Thats where the strobe cream is different .It is THE most subtle yet effective highlight I've laid my hands on.No glitters.No shine.Not evident at all.But at the same time, provides that "fresh" and "Awake" look. And it doesn't stop there.Its filled with botanical antioxidants and is an excellent moisturiser for tired, dull skin .

 MAC's claims :

"The ultimate quick fix for the skin. Super-powered with potent botanicals; de-snoozes, de-stresses, moistens, freshens and boosts the look of dull, flat or tired-looking skin with a fully loaded vitamin zap and a mega dose of green tea. Brightens and clarifies with iridescent particles and antioxidants. Enhances the effects of light on all skin and in all lighting conditions from sunlight to spotlight."

My take on the product:

It is an absolute win -win product. It does exactly what it claims.For me , its my moisturiser,my primer, my dose of antioxidants ,my instant pick-me-up all in one.

Ways to use :
-A tiny drop mixed in with moisturiser  (dry skin)
-A  little amount spotted all over face in place of moisturiser (normal skin)
-A tiny bit mixed in with foundations or BB creams 

-After BB cream / foundations , a tiny spot applied over                                                       the cheek bones 

Is there a dupe ?

For me a product is a dupe only when it:-

-Performs exactly the same for a fraction of the price of the original product.

-Last as long

-Must also be substantially cheaper.

"L'Oreal Magic lumi base  pure light primer" is an excellent dupe-when what you want out of the product is primarily only the highlighting benefit. It is more opaque , more greasy and has tiny bit shimmers-but will perform well if only used as a highlighter under cheekbones or mixed with foundations.

 What it will not do is:-
-Perform as a moisturiser  so cannot be worm alone

• -More opaque and on the  pearly side so darker  skin tones will not find it  too compatible
• -As you can see,the  strobe cream is more  pinkier and less opaque.

I'd suggest everyone to try the strobe cream at your nearest MAC stores...wear it alone...walk outside in the sun...see how it feels.You are sure to love how it looks and feels on you !

Price of the Mac Strobe cream- 140 Dhs / Rs.1950 for 50 ml
Price of the L'Oreal primer- 90 Dhs for 20 ml.

Do leave in a comment below !

Until next time 
xoxo.

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