Hair Care, Treatments

Ginseng and the scalp

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Natural ingredients are always better when it comes to a nourishing hair routine. Besides being a sign of purity, it also evolves your regime in a wholesome manner. A good example of a natural ingredient used in hair products is the ginseng. Ginseng is beneficial to your scalp health and hair growth as it improves blood circulation while boosting the immune system and fighting hair loss. The improved blood flow to the scalp also results in reduced stress level that benefits overall health.

Ginseng is classed as any one of the eleven different species of slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, found in North America and eastern Asia. Although the fleshy root has witnessed a recent rise in popularity, it has been used by the Chinese for centuries as an important part of Chinese traditional medicine as they realised the amazing health benefits that ginseng can bring to the body, mind and spirit.

Ranging from acting as an energy stimulant to treatment for cold and flu, ginseng’s powerful properties are a force to be reckoned with and can help with a number of ailments, including hair problems. Research has shown that ginseng could be beneficial for the growth of hair follicles. It is often used in many shampoos and conditioners as is known to stimulate the scalp and encourage hair growth.

Ginseng can help to prevent the death of cells, which leads to an increased number of dermal papilla cells in the scalp, strengthening and nurturing your hair follicles simultaneously. The ginsenoside found in ginseng fortifies your hair roots and prevents any viral or fungal infections on the scalp. The natural spice found in Ginseng also cleanses your scalp by eliminating dryness and dandruff. Its powerful properties also work to relieve stress, which can be a common cause of hair fall.

We share with you more about the benefits that ginseng has for the hair and scalp.

1. Prevents hair loss

Hair loss problem is very common. Ginseng is believed to increase the dermal cells on the scalp which, in turn, strengthens the follicles and roots of the hair. Moreover, the ginsenoside in ginseng helps to nourish the roots. These not only encourage new hair growth but also prevents hair thinning and breakage.

2. Stops dandruff in its tracks

Dandruff is a “nightmare” and If it is those unsightly white flakes that are getting you down, ginseng might just be the answer to your hair problem. Ginseng is high in Saponin, an anti-bacterial compound, which will sweep away dandruff from the scalp and prevent it from reoccurring. This ensures that your follicles stay clean and flake-free.

3. Prevents grey hair

Ginseng contains volatile oil and other substances which are very useful to prevent erosion of naturally beautiful hair colour or grey hair. These serve as an antidote to free radicals that we have to face in this urban city, which in turn causes grey hair. With the help of ginseng, grey hair can be prevented as early as possible.

4. Restores nourishment from within

Thanks to its nourishing capabilities, ginseng is a herbal plant that helps both, the roots and lengths of the hair. It cleanses the scalp of build-up and restores cuticles from the brink of damage to get manageable, nourished tresses.

5. Improves scalp condition

Ginseng is said to be able to help stimulate circulation in the scalp, and as a result, increases the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the hairfollicles there. It is also supposed to help remove build-up and unclog the follicles, allowing hairstrands to plump up and grow in more thickly. A good news for those with thinning hairor irritated scalps: you may benefit from using a shampoo that contains ginseng.

To complement your hair care efforts, Oriental Hair Solutions’s Ginseng Scalp Detox treatment can help you improve your hair and scalp health further. What’s even better is that you can now enjoy a session of the treatment for only $18 (U.P. $298)! In addition, you get a $100 Service Voucher and a bottle of 240ml Herbal Shampoo for free.

Arrange your appointment with us today!

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Hair Care

Changes that the hair undergoes with age

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As we get older, our body undergoes many different changes, some of which will happen to our hair too. Our hair is in for a lot of changes as we age and signs of aging in hair can span from greying locks to a head of thinning mane. Here are some main changes that we should expect and how we can work around them to achieve the shiny, vibrant hair regardless of our age.

1. The hair turns grey

Hair turning grey is the obvious change that we will see as we age. Though there are a couple of reasons that this could happen, the most common reason we hear is that it is actually genetic. People who have grey prematurely or have different patterns of grey hair can ask their parents if theirs were the same. Nonetheless, some other reasons for greying could be stress, an unhealthy diet, extreme lifestyle, lack of sleep and serious illness. Hair goes grey because of the lack of melanin production after a certain age, which is what gives hair its colour. When we go grey, we have hair without colour and without protein. Of course, you can dye your hair to make it the colour you want. However, grey hair takes colour differently than pigmented hair. It is also important to use an anti-aging shampoo, conditioner and support products that will help to keep the hair as healthy and nourished as possible. Those with ingredients like omega fatty acids and colour safe formulas are great options.

2. The hair loses thickness

Given that hair grows on average a little less than half an inch per month, hair that is 12 inches in length has seen almost three years of ultraviolet light, friction from brushing, heat from blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons, and chemical exposure through colouring, perming, or straightening. Over time, the cuticle cells become raised and softened, making the hair appear rougher and more prone to breakage. Over time, hair follicles gradually produce thinner, smaller hairs, or none at all. This is referred to as senescent alopecia, although it may simply be a part of the natural aging process. Research also shows that around the age of 40, a woman’s hair also starts to grow finer as time passes, which makes the hair look and feel thinner. For a start, we should avoid excessive use of heat on the hair, such as limiting the use of hot tools like curling irons and flat irons.

3. The hair breaks easily

When the hair lacks protein, it does not only affect the hair colour but also affects the strength of the hair. A drop in the keratin protein levels will make the hair weaker and less elastic, which results in more breakage when the hair is tugged or pulled. This is also due to the cells on the outer protective cuticle will become more fragile as we age, making hair breakage seemingly inevitable. Especially for fine hair. We can look at using products that contain the protein, which can help fill in the tears and gaps and build hair’s strength back.

4. The hair changes texture

After a certain age, many women note that their hair becomes drier, and the texture seems to be coarser and more brittle than before. This is the result when the body’s production of sebum, a naturally-created lubricant of the skin and hair, slows down. The hair may also become more porous and lose its elasticity. A good news is that dealing with this problem is easy. We can start by evaluating our eating habits, such as getting a healthy diet, rich in anti-oxidant foods and try to focus on calcium-rich foods and foods containing vitamins A, E and C, as well as Omega-3 Fatty Acids. It is also crucial that we drink at least two litres of water a day.

5. The hair grows slower

Hair growth is controlled by several factors and is highly variable from person to person. Your age, gender and overall health all play an important role in determining how fast your hair will grow. The hair will grow slower as we age and spend less time in the growth phase and more in the resting phase. This means that it will grow more slowly, and will not be able to grow as long as it once did.

Take the above tips and steps to preserve your strands as you age gracefully.

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Hair Care, Treatments

How does deep cleansing benefit the scalp?

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Caring for the hair never goes out of season. Of course, most women are on top of their personal care and hair game, constantly reminding themselves this universal truth: Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. However, the scalp is often an overlooked zone, resulting it to be a prime spot for build-up. From styling products, natural oils to sweat, these sources of build-up can block the follicle and lead to dull, flat hair and breakage. You may also have damaged the hair when you are trying different hair care products, styles, and colours. The extreme weathers can dry the hair out, and make it more vulnerable to breakage and split ends. A solution advocated by many experts is the scalp detox.

Detoxing the scalp is pretty much like cleansing the body, only it’s not an internal cleanse. When you do a deep cleanse, you detox the hair and scalp. In other words, you are removing all the build-up, dead skin cells and oils from the roots and hair.

A deep clean should be done periodically — but not daily or you will end up with scalp irritation. If you apply styling products regularly or have oily hair, you should try a weekly detox. If your hair is prone to dryness, do it every two weeks. For textured hair, you might need to detox only once every few months. Let us share with you how a deep cleanse will benefit the scalp.

1. Stimulate hair follicles
Exposure to toxic chemicals found in hair products can damage and even close hair follicles. As such, the hair growing out of these follicles may be fickle and dry, as well as break easily. Sometimes, the hair follicle may no longer produce hair, which leads to thinning hair and bald spots. If you detox your scalp, these damaged and closed hair follicles get stimulated. This can help new hair to begin growing, fill out bald spots and increase hair thickness and volume.

2. Boost hair growth
A clogged and unhealthy scalp can considerably slow down hair growth. By detoxing the scalp, you can reach deep within the pores and cleanse them, while getting rid of impurities and dirt that may slow down hair growth at the same time. Scalp detoxing can help get rid of build-up from shampoo and other products so as to refresh, rejuvenate and stimulate your scalp to boost hair growth.

3. Remove toxins
Toxins have so many invisible side effects that can show up years after exposure and may even show up on other areas of your body instead, such as joint pain, fatigue and insomnia. Detoxing your scalp is a great way to remove toxins from your body, contributing to your overall health.

4. Treat dandruff, acne and scabbing
Dandruff is very common these days. Acne and scabbing on the scalp is also a big sign that you need a scalp detox. These conditions all contribute to hair loss. In this case, all you need is a good scalp detox to get rid of the root cause of dandruff, acne and scabbing so that you can have a clean, fresh and healthy scalp.

5. Boost the immune system
A weak immune system will mean that your body cannot fight off foreign invaders and you will be subjected to frequent colds, coughs and other diseases. This can affect your productivity and cause you to miss school or work. Cleansing your scalp can help you reduce the burden on your immune system and make it stronger.

Whether your scalp is oily, dry or normal, it will benefit from an occasional deep cleansing treatment. You can think of it like an exfoliating facial. The typical shampoo may be able to clean your hair sufficiently but there is always that stubborn bit of dead skin or hair products that clog your pores which can take some effort to clean off. It is therefore helpful to get a professional to clear up all the gunk from your scalp once in a while!

Oriental Hair Solutions offers an Advance Deep Pore Cleansing Scalp Therapy as a deep cleansing treatment for the scalp to help you get rid of those stubborn build-up. We are happy to share that a session of the treatment now only costs $18! You also get a $100 Service Voucher, as well as a 240ml Herbal Shampoo for free. This is definitely well worth it, given that the usual price is $298.

Wait no more. Contact us for an appointment today!

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Hair Care

Protect your hair while exercising

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Going to the gym can lead to some serious strand damage. Every time your hair is tugged, rubbed, or even styled, it gets a little more frayed. However, that is not a reason to ditch your workout. All you need is to rethink how we treat our hair while exercising and understand how friction damage to the hair starts.

Each strand’s outer layer, or cuticle, is made up of scales on the surface of the hair and a lipid protection barrier that keeps the scales soft and flat. When friction damages that natural shield, it causes the scales to flex upward and can even pull them off, leaving holes in the cuticle. This exposes the inner structure of the hair (cortex) which is comprised of bundles of a tough protein (keratin). When these bundles fray, you get split ends, and when you tug to comb or pony up, it causes the weakened hair to break.

Here’s what you need to do to protect your hair while you are working out.

1. Do not shampoo after every workout

Remember, this is a big no-no. Shampooing the hair too much — even after a gym session — can cause your hair to dry out. It also strips away the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair healthy. Instead, you can keep a travel size dry shampoo in your gym bag. Dry shampoos help to soak up all the unwanted sweat and oil while absorbing all the impurities. Otherwise, you can try using a cleansing conditioner that will do the cleaning trick and keep the hair’s natural oils or a hair refresher to hydrate the hair.

2. Do a pre-workout for your hair

It may seem silly to spend time beautifying the hair before getting all sweaty. But it is important that you spend a few seconds on your hair for better strands after exercising. You should ideally spray some dry shampoo on your roots before your workout. This helps to prevent excess moisture from saturating your whole head with sweat.

3. Be gentle to your (especially wet) hair

Hair stretches up to 30 percent when it’s wet, making it more susceptible to breakage. Yank any old brush through those post-gym tangles, and you will end up cringing when you see all the broken pieces frizzing up. The detangling tool you use is also the key. If you use the wrong one, it will be ineffective and destructive like cutting a tomato with a dull knife. Furthermore, rather than aggressively rubbing it with a towel to dry it, wrap the towel around your head and squeeze out the excess moisture.

4. Loosen that ponytail

The ponytail keeps the hair out of your eyes. But, it is time to avoid pulling your hair into a tight ponytail if you can help it. Instead, you can opt for clips or snag free elastics that are easier on your hair.

5. Think out of the pony

Strands are more prone to breakage when you put stress on the same section every day. You definitely have other hairstyle options besides the ponytail. For example, a loose, high bun will give you tons of volume after a workout. While you work out, you can also try a fishtail or a knotted braid. If extra control is needed, braid your bangs back and to the side to keep off your face. Tie the rest into a low bun and secure with a spin pin rather than an elastic.

6. Protect your hair from the sun

Your scalp is just as sensitive to the sun as the rest of your skin. Of course, it is not comfortable when it burns. And the itching is going to be a nightmare. If you are a regular runner or do any kind of outdoor exercises, do use heat protection hair products before starting your workout to help prevent any sun damage, as well as preserving your hair colour and preventing colour fading.

7. Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate after a workout

You should wash, or at least rinse, your hair before you dry it after a workout. All that salt in your sweat will dry out your hair, so if you skip the washing or rinsing and go straight into blow drying your sweaty hair is going to be very dehydrating for the mane. If you are on the go and need to quickly leave, you can save some time by dabbing the sweat from your hair with a towel, then mist your hair with water filled in an empty spray bottle to dilute any remaining sweat before you blow dry it.

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Hair Care

How to maintain healthy hair?

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The hair is a sacred asset, especially for women. How you take care of your hair, such as how it is being washed and what products are used on it, can go a long way towards maintaining shiny and smooth hair. The process of growing and maintaining a healthy mane can be really daunting, especially if you are clueless about what to do.

Of course, nobody wants to harm or hinder their hair growth or health deliberately. But some of our habits which we keep following out of our comfort become all the wrong reasons for unhealthy hair. Therefore, a haircare regimen is what we must adapt so as to help our hair grow longer and stronger. We share some tips to help you maintain a head of healthy hair.

1. Trim your hair frequently

Some people may deny this approach, but past experiences show that trimming does help with the growth of your hair. Untrimmed hair can lead to split ends which further break your hair and thin them down, thereby, decreasing the volume of your hair. You can notice the length of your hair between your trims and not having your hair trimmed at all. Furthermore, trimmed hair is way shinier, smoother and voluminous.

2. Use natural oil

The scalp releases oil, and if utilized well, this oil can make our hair look shinier from its root to tip. Going to sleep without brushing your hair might seem like a tempting practice, but a few strokes can go a long way for a healthy mane. A boar bristle brush is preferred for distributing the oil off your scalp unto the tips so that your hair remains naturally moisturised.

3. Keep to a good diet

The external care of your hair sure does guarantee some success with better hair growth, but the root gets nourishment from what you eat, just like how the rest of your body does. A diet high in protein is usually ideal for the growth of your hair. Foods like meat, fish, whole grains, nuts, and beans are enriched with protein, so make sure to take at least a serving of each as part of your diet.

4. Avoid using the shampoo too much

Shampoo helps the natural oils in the scalp to penetrate the hair, enabling it to repair and hydrate, but too much build-up can lead to too much oil in the scalp. Therefore, you should avoid shampooing on a regular basis. A better practice is to use shampoo 3 to 4 times a week.

5. Take the necessary vitamins

If your lifestyle is mostly hectic and you are unable to take care of your diet, make sure you take multivitamins that are available for your skin, hair, and nails. Our hair, skin, and nails can greatly benefit from vitamins. This is going to act as a three in one and might give you better nails and skin as well during the process of getting healthier hair.

6. Cold water is helpful

Most people will want to enjoy a steamy shower after a hectic day. However, when it comes to skin health, it is not considered as a good option. Moreover, some experts say that it is not good for the hair either. Lukewarm water, on the other hand, can help retain the moisture your hair needs without stripping off the natural oil on your scalp like hot water does. Cold water helps to strengthen your hair before you style them, as well as sealing the cuticles.

7. Monitor your scalp condition

Your scalp speaks volumes. Do not be tricked by the products you use whenever you see how good or shiny your hair looks all the time when you use them. Most people tend to believe that the products they use are the ultimate cure, but in actuality, the products may lead to more damage over time. A product showing quick results also has more harmful chemicals added to it. The question remains how you are going to identify whether or not the product is healthy for your hair. The answer is simple. If a product makes your scalp feel hydrated, silky, smooth and supple, it is the product for you. Congested and clogged hair is not going to help in efficient hair growth, thus it is important to pay attention to the scalp of your hair like you would attend to your skin.

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Hair Care, Treatments

How does oxygen help with hair growth?

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Man needs food, air and water to survive. Oxygen is present in the air we breathe and water we drink, thus supports life. It is also the basis of our body’s metabolism processes, allowing the human body to transform carbohydrates, fats and proteins from food into energy.

Many of us suffer from a lack of oxygen due to air pollution, lack of exercise, shallow breathingand bad diets, which cause a decrease in the body’s ability for oxygen absorption. On the other hand, factors such as stress also increase the body’s need for oxygen, resulting in bodily tiredness and premature ageing. As our cells are deprived of this vital element, our immune systems are weakened and cells become more susceptible to stress and infections.

Oxygen provides the fuel that is needed to build hair. Without enough oxygen, it can make us sluggish and irritable, and our skin absorbs oxygen like a sponge, even on our heads. Therefore, inhaling oxygen-enriched air is important because oxygen energises and revitalises body and mind, preventing cell degeneration and helps with cell regeneration, as well as improving how your skin and hair look. Of course, it helps with hair growth through the following ways.

1. Reduces hair loss

Hair is the second fastest growing tissue in the body. The dermal papilla cell in hairis responsible for hair growth and is therefore the most important part of the hair follicle. Dermal papilla cells must be in direct contact with the blood capillaries because the papillais where the new hair follicles cellsare made and in turn, these cells will need an abundant amount of nutrients and oxygen from the blood. With good amounts of oxygen reaching the hair, the chances of having hair loss can be reduced while having new hair growing.

2. Revitalises damaged and weak hair

Since hair contains cells, and every single cell requires oxygen for life, therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the hair receives sufficient oxygen so that cells leading to hair growth can be renewed. With that, oxygen helps to treat the hair inside out, rejuvenating and revitalising dead and worn out cells can be rejuvenated and revitalised and treating the damages from the cortex to the cuticle. This, in turn, helps damaged and weak hair to improve over time.

3. Helps to improve chemically treated hair

Oxygen helps to clean the scalp, nourishes and deeply oxygenates the hair. It aids natural hair rebirth by stimulating the growth of healthy hair, as well as revitalising weak hair damaged from bleaching, perms, dyes while creating the conditions for brighter, stronger and thicker hair.

4. Clears dandruff from hair

Dandruff is a harmless but chronic condition that occurs when the scalp becomes dry or greasy and produces white flakes of dead skin appearing in the hair or on the shoulders. It can be embarrassing for those who have it. However, it can be successfully treated and managed. By ensuring sufficient oxygen to the hair, it helps to normalize the sebaceous secretion in the scalp, which is helpful to clear hair from dandruff.

When oxygen intake is reduced, the body’s oxygen transport system can be disrupted and less oxygen is available for transportation to the cells in our body. Oriental Hair Solutions’s Oxygen Scalp Therapy is the perfect solution for natural hair growth. By infusing oxygen directly to hair cells, this exclusive treatment gives the scalp the oxygen it needs to regenerate, helping to boost the body’s natural hair growth for a healthier scalp and hair. The treatment also helps to restore the scalp and hair to a balanced healthier state.

We are happy to share that in conjunction with the upcoming National Day, you get to enjoy two sessions of Oxygen Scalp Therapy and get a complimentary $100 Service Voucher, as well as a Hair Care Kit, all just for a very pocket-friendly $10 (U.P. $808)! Promotion ongoing from now to 9thAugust 2018.

Contact us for an appointment today!

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Hair Care, Treatments

Reasons why your hair turns grey early

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Many people consider their hair and its colour one of their greatest beauty assets. As we age, our hair turns grey or white, which is an expected part of aging. However, the greying phenomenon is gradually becoming common in younger people, some as young as in their teens, which makes such premature greying an unwelcomed change.

According to a June 2017 review in Pigment International, premature greying is defined as loss of hair pigment that occurs before the age of 25 in Asians. The pigment Melanin, found in hair follicles, is an ingredient in the hair formation process. Over time, less melanin is available during hair growth, and this loss of pigment causes the hair to turn grey, silver and eventually white.

Although the underlying mechanisms are still not clearly defined, here are some possible reasons why your hair is turning grey earlier than expected.

1. Genetic

The main reason for grey hair at an early age is genetic. The child is more prone to have grey hair earlier in life if his or her parents have the same problem. Genes will determine when you will get your first grey hair since they regulate the pigmentation potential of each hair follicle.However, if premature greying is not a trait that runs in your family, it is recommended to see a doctor to evaluate thyroid health, vitamin levels, and to rule out anaemia – a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood.

2. Autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune diseases can attack cells within the body, including hair follicles, making it possible for premature greying or whitening to occur. For example, the hair that regrows after the scalp is affected by alopecia areata, a condition which causes round patches of hair loss, can be depigmented, or white. Vitiligo is another autoimmune disorder which causes the pigment-making cells to be destroyed. While this condition often affects the skin, it can also lead to patches of white hair.

3. Smoking

Smoking produces free radicals in the smoker’s body and these will cause a decrease in melanin, resulting in greying of hair.Despite the potential effects of smoking on the aging process, it still does not have near as much of an impact as genetics.

4. Chronic stress

Stress can lead to many harmful consequences and one of them is hair loss and premature greying. Shock, sorrow and anxiety can reduce the number of melanin cells in the hair follicles, thus leading to premature greying. While there is a bit of a debate on this, some research has uncovered a correlation between stress and grey hair.

5. Vitamin deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin B12 has been linked to premature greying of hair. Together with vitamin B12, zinc and copper are also responsible for the nourishment of hair. In addition, if the body is suffering from lack of Vitamin C and E, then the hair turns grey. Their deficiency can decrease the amount of melanin-producing cells and thereby cause grey hair. Vegetarians and vegans, due to their dietary restrictions, may also have a higher risk for premature greying. Individuals who take birth control pills and those with gastrointestinal or digestive issues are at a higher risk for premature greying as well.

6. Dirty scalp

An unclean scalp due to insufficient hygiene may be another cause for premature hair greying. If you do not take good care of your hair, it will turn grey faster.

7. Environment

Pollutants and toxins can cause your hair to turn grey faster. Studies have suggested that these chemicals can generate free radicals or oxidative stress, which can cause damage to melanin cells and in turn speed up hair aging.

If you have premature, genetic & age-related grey hair issues, it’s no reason to panic, and certainly you’re not alone. Although having grey hair is an expected process that all of us will go through when getting older, losing your natural hair colour can really knock your confidence, and you may go also feel like you would do anything to find out how to stop grey hair. The Anti Grey Hair Therapy at Oriental Hair Solutions will be the solution to these problems. The best part is, you get to enjoy a session of the therapy with a complimentary $100 Service Voucher and a Herbal Hair Tonic, all for only $18 (U.P. $298).

Contact us for an appointment today to let us help you solve your hair problems!

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Hair Care

How your health affects your hair

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Your hair condition can give you important indications about your health. Hair is incredibly sensitive to internal changes. Though hair is the second fastest growing cell in your body, the fastest being intestinal cells. hair is a not as essential as your intestines. Your metabolism will only keep your essential tissues functioning first and foremost, which often means that the hair is usually the first to suffer, and also the last to benefit from any issues related to the body.

You probably, at one time or another, have connected the condition of your hair with the state of your health. A head of thick, shiny and bouncy hair is not just a show of how well you have taken care of your mane but also that your body is in very good health. On the other hand, thin, dry, brittle hair will reflect certain underlying health issues that you need to get treated first. Here are the ways in which your overall health affects your tresses.

1. Not getting enough nutrients

If you have dull or thin hair, it means that you have been eating too much processed food and have not enough protein, good fats and other nutrients in your diet. Do eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as at least two to three servings of good sources of protein such as chicken, eggs, fish, tofu and nuts. Remember to add good fats like oily fish, avocados, dark chocolate, and olive oil to your diet since fats improve the health of your hair and help your body to absorb vitamin D, which can cause hair loss in women if the body is lacking in it.

2. Dental issues

If you have tooth decay, beware. Research has shown that there is a link between hair disorders and tooth decay and gum disease. People who suffer from hair disorders like the Anagen hair syndrome, where hair can be pulled out easily, are easily prone to tooth cavities and a weaker enamel coating.

3. Stress-related hair loss

If you have been shedding a lot of hair, it could be due to a major psychological or physical stress such as a death in the family, surgery or childbirth, which can have a powerful effect on your entire body, causing hair to fall out in clumps. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, is reversible once the source of stress is removed. You can also reduce the severity of the effects by practising stress management, eating a balanced diet and switching medication following the advice of a medical professional.

4. Side effects of birth control 

If you realise that your hair is getting thinner, drier and duller, and you are taking birth control pills, ask your doctor to recommend a non-hormonal form of birth control. The hormonal changes that come with stopping or starting birth control pills may cause shedding of the hair.

5. Thyroid dysfunction

If you have suddenly thinning hair, be warned that it is a sign of hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland is responsible for hair growth, and when it does not produce enough hormones, it can result in a sudden drastic hair fall and thinning on the scalp.

6. Mental health issues

If you have the habit of pulling out your hair, it may indicate that you have a mental health condition called trichotillomania. This is predominant in people who tend to be perfectionists, and they tend to pull at their hair to relieve their frustration when they do not get something done right. Do see your mental care provider for this, as it is a compulsive disorder that requires treatment.

7. Too much testosterone

If you notice hair loss from the crown area, it could be a result of the body producing too much testosterone. This may be accompanied by dark facial hair on the upper lip or thick hair on your arms and belly fat. Abdominal fat boosts production of testosterone, so losing weight will help to alleviate this problem.

8. Anaemia

If you have hair loss and feel tired most of the time, you may have an iron deficiency. It is relatively easy resolvable as it comes down to a lack of iron in the diet. Severely iron deficient anaemic people may also have pale skin as well. If this form of anaemia is the problem, you can help yourself by increasing your iron intake through sources like spinach, red meat, liver and nuts including almonds and walnuts.

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Hair Care, Treatments

The wonders of plants in nourishing the scalp

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Have you ever seen someone with that hair of your dreams that you couldn’t help but keep sneaking glances at? Chances are you have, and you may have also wondered how much work is spent to maintain that shiny mane. Healthy hair relies on a healthy scalp, and it’s no mean feat to get a healthy scalp instantly. To get those enviable tresses, you need to give your scalp what it needs.

We all have different hair types with different ideal growth situations. Understanding your hair type is important in maximizing your hair’s health and growth. Always remember, a healthy scalp is well stimulated.

Some of the key vitamins that you need to enrich your scalp for healthier and longer hair include:

  • Vitamin B2: promotes healthy cell growth
  • Vitamin B3: promotes healthy scalp circulation
  • Vitamin B12: essential in the formation of healthy red blood cells that transport oxygen to scalp and follicles, which is a crucial component of sustained hair growth
  • Vitamin B7: helps produce keratin and works to increase elasticity in the cortex, since elasticity is the first defence in the prevention of breakage and hair loss
  • Vitamin C: an antioxidant which helps to maintain hair and skin health by enhancing immune function at a cellular level
  • Vitamin D3: helps the body hold on to hair longer which is optimal for a voluminous head of hair

For hundreds of years, people have always used plants and herbs to nourish the scalp and promote hair growth. Ancient people knew the power of plants and regularly utilised plant extracts for their own remedies and beauty treatments. Plant extracts are parts of the plant that are removed, or extracted, for their desirable properties. When added to hair and skin products, they provide a whole host of beneficial results depending on the plant(s) used, such as the key vitamins that the scalp needs. These natural ingredients can provide the hair and scalp with necessary nutrients to build a solid foundation for healthy hair growth over the long term. You can enjoy the wonders of having strong and healthy locks without the side effects of harmful chemicals.

Benefits of using plant-based hair care products include:

  • Natural stimulation of hair follicles, promoting hair growth
  • Maintains moisture while improving overall hair health by infusing natural oils and incorporating vitamins and minerals
  • No risk of allergies because they contain only all-natural ingredients
  • Promotes fuller, thicker and healthier looking hair with nutrient infusion to promote thriving hair follicles

A healthy scalp is not impossible. Opting for plant-based hair products is a gentler approach to promoting healthy hair. Instead of being exposed to synthetic chemicals that will damage the hair and scalp, plant-based products are good for you, as well as for the environment. Additionally, synthetic and chemical ingredients increase the chances of hair loss, dandruff, allergies, and irritation. Plant-based hair products are much less likely to show any side effects since the contents are close to, or even match your body chemistry biogenetically.

Once you get a hair care regimen that works for you, it should be relatively easier to maintain your scalp and hair, maintaining their optimal health. When your scalp is properly nourished with vitamins for hair growth, you can grow your hair to any length that you like.

To enhance your efforts to grow healthy hair, Oriental Hair Solutions has just the right treatment to transform the hair with a unique blend of vitamins and nutrients from plants. Enjoy a session of Oriental Plant-Based Scalp Spa Treatment and you also get a $100 service voucher, together with a complimentary Herbal Shampoo (240ml) all just for $18 (U.P. $298)! Enjoy being the centre of attention as your friends and family ask you what you have been doing to get such gorgeous tresses.

Your scalp is an extension of your face, and your hair is also an extension of your scalp, so start treating the scalp and hair by harnessingthe power of plants. Extend that same tender loving care to your scalp, just like how you would for your face. Provide your hair with the love and care that it needs with plant-based ingredients and let us help you take better care of your hair.

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Hair Care

Tips to clean your hair without washing

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Many hair gurus advocate not washing hair daily, for the good of your hair. However, in a country with a summer-round weather like Singapore, it can be a challenge trying not to wash the hair that often, especially if you have long, thick hair. Or sometimes, you’re in a rush and you just don’t have the time for even a quick shower, let alone washing your hair.

Of course, washing your hair correctly is no easy feat either, and it’s definitely an art to going days and days between shampoos. It may take you a while to get used to clean your hair without washing with shampoo, but it will definitely be worth it in the long run. Think healthy and shiny hair, without those chemicals that you subject the hair to when you wash with shampoo!

So, if you want to give the trend of cleaning your hair without having to wash it, try these hacks to get clean hair with no shampoo, or on those mornings when hair washing is out of the question.

1. Use dry shampoo and use it right

On those unwashed hair days, dry shampoo is definitely your best friend since it’s one of the main ways to prolong a regular shampoo. Nothing does the trick of making your hair look clean even when it’s not washed. Well, if you don’t use it the right way, it may not work the way you want it to. Make sure you do these: wait a few minutes before brushing and styling, hold and spray at least six inches away from your hair, and give your hair one to two days rest from dry shampoo. Spritz away and blow dry! You’ll be amazed at how fresh your hair looks after that.

2. Use an alternative if necessary

If you find that your scalp gets itchy from using the conventional dry shampoo, try using an alternative such as baby powder, or even a DIY version. For example, sprinkling baby powder on your hands and then running it through your hair, while paying special attention to the roots, the hairline and underneath, will make it instantly look and smell fresher. It will also soak up the grease accumulated and make it look freshly washed. Such alternatives contain less chemicals, so they won’t irritate your skin after use, and of course, you’ll save some money.

3. Use a shower cap when you shower

If you’re not washing your hair, putting on a shower cap when showering helps to keep your hair dry. Doing this also helps to prevent heat, humidity and stray water droplets from getting onto your hair, which may make it look frizzier.

4. Strategically using hair accessories

If you plan your hairstyle and use accessories strategically, you’ll be able to skip washing your hair for a week or even longer effectively. You can use a plain, sparkly or beaded headband to hide greasy hair while looking cute and perky, which is a style that suits almost everyone. Another suggestion can be twisting the front of your hair in goddess-style and use a pretty crystal hair clip to hold it back. These can help to mask the fact that you haven’t washed your hair for some time.

5. Gradually phase out daily washes over time

Washing your hair will always be a bit of a hassle. But what you can do to make life slightly easier for yourself is to make it such that you don’t have to wash your hair quite as often. If you’re already used to the habit of washing your hair every day, don’t try to get to a once-a-week wash straight away. Instead, you should try to wash your hair every other day for a month, then every third day, and so on until you’re finally used to only washing your hair once a week.

Bear in mind that not only does washing your hair take time, washing it too much can actually encourage moreoil production from the hair, leading it to get greasier faster. Washing your hair less means healthier hair in the long run, but no one wants to suffer during those greasy hair days. Try out these tips for clean, grease-free hair in between washes!

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