BellaSugar

Here's How to Rid Your Scalp of an Embarrassing Problem

BellaSugar — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:00:07 PDT

Recently, I tried out a new and "improved" glazing treatment. Unfortunately, I was left with hair that looked no different than when I originally started and a head full of pimples. Blond Bella noted a similar experience after she used a glossing product, too. Lucky us. There are many reasons beyond irritation from glossing that can cause bumps to develop. So to get my tips on the how and why, just keep reading.

BellaTV: A Soothed Scalp Is Just a Shampoo Away

BellaSugar — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:00:00 PDT

For sensitive skin, using eco-friendly shampoos can be one way to cure dry, itchy scalp. Here are some tips on what to look for and what to avoid when visiting the hair care aisle. Watch now!

5 Beauty Body Parts You Don't Want to Forget

BellaSugar — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:00:19 PDT

It's just not feasible to tend to every single body part all the time. But there are certain beauty body parts, the neck included, that are frequently neglected in the grooming routine. Here are a few other areas you might overlook - along with some easy tips on maintaining them, too.

How to Give Yourself a Scalp Treatment

BellaSugar — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:20:32 PDT

Scalp treatments are so underrated. In many other countries, they're a routine part of haircare regimens, but here in the US, they just haven't caught on - yet. Shiny hair begins from the roots, which means it's important to hydrate your scalp, too. Taking care of your scalp is inexpensive and easy, so to get a few tips on getting your head back to a good place, just keep reading.

Feeling Itchy? An Appliance Could Be the Culprit

BellaSugar — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:23 PST

Itchy head? Yes, it could be dandruff, eczema, or even head lice. (Let's hope it's not that last one.) Chances are, the solution to your scalp woes could be simple. All you have to do is just turn down your water temperature - or you'll end up like itchy old me. A few weeks ago, a repairman tinkered with our water heater to make it a little more effective. He succeeded, and I was pretty pumped about being able to take scalding hot showers. However, my scalp paid the price. You see, hot water takes moisture out of the skin, stripping the hair and skin of natural oils. Couple this with frequent shampooing, possibly harsh ingredients, and dry air, and you'd be scratching your noggin, too. Here are some tips to prevent an itchy scalp:

Cut back: Obviously, the easiest solution is to turn down the heat, whether it's the temperature of your water or the setting of your blow-dryer. If you absolutely have to have warm temps while you bathe, consider either wearing a shower cap or turning the cold nob up while you wash your hair.
Add moisture: In lieu of a daily shampoo, try using a clarifying shampoo weekly instead. I'm not saying to only wash your hair once a week, but by using a clarifier, you might actually feel as if you need to shampoo less. Speaking of washing, look for mild, scalp-friendly formulations with naturally soothing ingredients like burdock root or tea tree oil.

Is Dandruff Hereditary?

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:00:00 PDT

While many hair issues such as graying, thinning, or balding can be caused by your genetic makeup and are out of our control, thankfully dandruff isn't one of them. This flaky skin on your scalp is the result of malassezia, a yeast-like fungus that happens to be found on the scalps of many healthy individuals. Dandruff happens when these yeasty beasties multiply out of control. They irritate your scalp and cause skin cells to die so they flake off your scalp, making your head itch, and making it impossible for you to wear your favorite black shirt.

Some people's scalps may be susceptible to dandruff from lack of washing, illness, stress, hormonal fluctuations, or extra sensitivity to this fungus. Whatever the cause, the good news is that this embarrassing problem isn't something you have to live with. To find out how to control dandruff

Since the malassezia fungus feeds on the oils produced by your hair follicles, try washing your hair more often to decrease the oily build-up. If there isn't enough oil to eat, then the yeast can't multiply.
Shampoo with an over the counter anti-dandruff shampoo such as Head and Shoulders. Make sure to leave this shampoo on for at least five minutes so the active ingredient, zinc pyrithione, can do its job. Use this shampoo every day until your dandruff is controlled, and then you can cut back to a couple times a week.
Avoid using styling products, or cut down on your use. These just add to the oily build-up.
Your diet can affect your hair and scalp health too, so be sure to consume foods that contain zinc, omega-3s, and B vitamins.
Take advantage of the sunshine this Summer because a little exposure can help prevent dandruff. Of course, make sure to lube up with sunscreen to protect your skin.

Source

Tea Tree Oil Products, Part III: Hair Care

BellaSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:59:57 PDT

Welcome to my third and final post in this tea tree oil products series. Today I've picked out a few very special hair and scalp products containing tea tree oil that are designed to correct dry, itchy, flaky unbalanced scalps, as well as lackluster, brittle hair. If you have any favorites of your own, please leave a comment and let me know more about them!

Paul Mitchell has a whole range of tea tree products. One that I've specifically heard a great deal about is his Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment ($11.99). It has a great invigorating sensation and smell and is believed to soothe, calm and moisturize the texture of the skin on your scalp as well as condition, repair and protect your hair.

For two more tea tree oil products for your hair,

Kiehl's Tea Tree Oil Shampoo ($18) is recommended for those with normal to oily scalps. It helps soothe, stimulate, moisturize, nurture and condition the scalp. Simultaneously, it provides a gentle cleanse that won't strip your hair, so it's a good everyday shampoo.

Jason Natural Tea Tree Oil Hair & Scalp Normalizing Conditioner ($7.49) is a great product if you are looking to help cure an irritated scalp. Not only does it contain tea tree oil, but it's also got jojoba oil to lubricate and moisturize. Aloe vera gel and sea algae extract hydrate and plump up your hair fibers. For optimal results, use after shampooing with a tea tree oil shampoo, massage it into your hair and scalp, and leave it on anywhere from one to fifteen minutes.

Dandruff: How to Prevent the Flakes

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 14:30:00 PDT

Shoulder snow - it's not pretty or fun, but in order to treat dandruff, it'll help to know what's causing it in the first place. People used to think that those flakes were caused by dry or oily skin, shampooing too much or not often enough, poor diet, stress, or the use of too many styling products. While it's true that these can definitely not help your dandruff situation, the real cause has to do with malassezia.

This yeast-like fungus can be found on the scalps of many healthy heads, and you wouldn't even know it. The thing is, sometimes it can grow out of control, and since it feeds on the oils secreted by your follicles, it can cause your skin cells to die. These dead skin cells clump together with the oils in your hair, making them look whitish and flaky.

Why does this fungus multiply so much? Doctors aren't really sure, but it may have something to do with illness, hormonal fluctuations, not washing your hair enough, or extra sensitivity to the malassezia fungus.

OK, now my head is really itchy - is yours? What can you do to prevent dandruff? To find out

Since malassezia feeds on the oils produced by your hair follicles, daily shampooing may help to reduce the oily build-up on your scalp.
If this doesn't help, over the counter dandruff shampoos may be more effective. Head & Shoulders shampoo contains the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione, which can help reduce the growth of the malassezia fungus. Leave the shampoo on for at least 5 minutes so you can allow the medicine to work. Use this shampoo daily at first, and once your condition is controlled, you can cut back to 2 or 3 times a week. If these over the counter dandruff shampoos aren't doing the trick, you may need to get a stronger prescription dandruff shampoo from your doctor.
You may want to cut back on using tons of styling products as these can contribute to the oily build-up.
Make sure to get enough zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins - these can help prevent dandruff.
A little sunshine may also help. I'm not suggesting you lay out for hours and hours, since the ultraviolet rays aren't good for your skin. Cover yourself with sunscreen and take your dog (or just yourself) for a walk. The sunlight helps fight dandruff, and the fresh air, Vitamin D, and exercise are good for your body.

Source

3 (Nearly) Effortless Ways to Get Gorgeous Hair When It's Hot

Miriam Lacey — Tue, 22 May 2012 03:32:00 PDT

Summer is about to begin, and the thermometer has already reached new highs, so why spend hours fussing with your hair? There are easy ways to keep your mane in check when it's hot out, so we turned to celebrity hairstylist Marcus Francis to find out how. Read on to see his tips.

What to Do If You've Cut Your Bangs Too Short

Jaime Richards — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:00:00 PDT

There's a saying amongst hairstylists that goes something like this: "Don't come b*tching if you cut your hair in the kitchen." And as tempting as it is to snip just a tad off annoyingly long fringe, sometimes the at-home results are less-than-perfect. (As many hairstylists can attest.) So what can be done if you went a little too scissor happy? Read on for tips on setting your bangs right.