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Salon 113

Hair and Nail Salon

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We’re happy to answer this question here on the web, since many of our clients are a bit uncomfortable asking this question at the salon.  Menopause may affect the condition of your hair, and it’s a good idea to be aware of potential changes so that you are not alarmed should you observe them.

As women (and men) grow older, the hair tends to thin, and the rate of growth slows.  Some women may even begin to be able to see the scalp through the hair in areas where the hair was thick enough to cover the scalp.  Not only does the hair thin and grow more slowly, but the body produces less oil to coat the hair.  This may cause the hair to look and feel more brittle and less shiny.  Many women experience excessive sweating during menopause, especially at night.  This is not only uncomfortable, but of course it ruins almost any hairstyle.

If you are experiencing any of these changes, there are things you can do to help counter the effects of menopause:

· Check with your doctor to make sure the thinning hair is not due to thyroid deficiency.  There are therapies available if this is the case.

· Ask your hair stylist about options.  Sometimes, different cuts—such as a shorter, layered cut—can make the hair appear thicker.  Highlights and lowlights can often have the same effect.

· If you’re not yet using higher quality products, now would be the time to invest in them.  There are many products that can help to retain the natural moisture and oils of the hair.

· Now is not the time to neglect proper nutrition.  Review information about the connection between nutrition and hair health by reading our Question of the Week from January 8, 2007.

· Using less heat in styling the hair works for some women.  Try blow drying or using a heated styling instrument (such as a flat iron or curling iron) less.

· Excessive sweating may simply need to be endured during the “hot flashes” stages of menopause, although lifting the hair off the neck may ease the discomfort somewhat.  However, given that the hair may be more brittle and prone to breaking, it is possible that a shorter, more comfortable hairstyle may be the best option during this period.

Women may notice only some or all of these symptoms.  The important thing is to communicate these changes with your doctor and your stylist.

Your answer lies in what type of hair you have (e.g., thick, thin, curly, straight, long, short), so without knowing, it’s hard to say.  Your best bet is to come in and ask one of our stylists.  However, what might be useful is a basic rundown of what these products do, so here it is:

Hairspray
Hairspray is very easy to use, but of limited use in styling the hair.  It’s usually used as a last step after the styling is complete to keep everything intact, although when used on wet hair, it can be of some use in shaping the hair.  It’s best used in small quantities if you want to avoid “helmet head” or especially crunchy hair texture.  Hairsprays frequently have strong odors that can interfere with your expensive perfumes and colognes.  Hairsprays and mousses are excellent products for long and/or thin hair.

Mousse
Mousse is an excellent all-purpose product, and can be used for virtually any hair length or texture.  On dry hair, it can give the hair shape, provide added volume (which is especially useful for thinning hair), and gives a more natural appearance.  On wet hair, it can be used to create a sleek, shiny look.  Mousse can be applied again and again throughout the day, but a good quality mousse can be expensive, since many styles would require quite a bit of reapplication.  Some hair types, such as especially thick or curly hair, would require more holding power than mousse can provide.

Gel
Gels are extremely versatile, and function much in the same way as mousse, only with better staying power.  The hair would need much less gel than mousse for the same style, and gel products are widely available.  Using a lot of gel can make the hair sticky.  However, beware of cheaper products that may contain inferior ingredients, and which have a higher amount of alcohol.  Gels, as well as pomades, below, work especially well with short to medium length hair.

Pomade
Pomades have become increasingly popular, since they are perfect for the pseudo-messy, trendy look of the day.  Pomades hold the shape of the hair very well, without giving it the shiny or crunchy look that the products above can produce.  Additionally, pomades provide the ability to easily reshape the hair throughout the day without the troublesome reapplication of a lot of product.  Very small amounts of this product are needed to achieve desired results, making the product surprisingly economical.  This product is perfect for thick and curly hair, but those with thin hair may find that using too much of this product creates a waxy or greasy look.

There is no research that indicates a direct link between smoking and hair damage.  However, there is much research to indicate that smoking does add stress to the body, and that it contributes to premature aging.

Graying hair is a function of growing older.  At some point, in all people, the body stops producing the pigment necessary to keep your hair its natural color, and at this point, the hair turns gray.  We all know that some people are naturally disposed to gray earlier.

Inasmuch as smoking speeds the aging process (which we know it does), smoking can indirectly cause the hair to gray earlier.

Is it summer already?  With the warm weather comes an increase in requests about safe hair removal techniques.

Waxing is a safe and reliable hair removal treatment for all sorts of skin.  Many clients prefer waxing because it leaves the skin smoother than shaving, and prevents razor burn.  Waxing is also much more economical and less time-consuming than expensive laser removal techniques.  Still, some people experience some pimpling and rashing from wax treatments.  There are ways to prevent this.

First, while there are home waxing kits that you can use, you are always better off having someone perform the waxing treatment for you.  Our stylists at Salon 113 are experts at waxing, and can recognize your type of skin and take special precautions to prevent unsightly rashes or pimples.

Second, there are things you can do at home to prevent rashes or pimples after the treatment.  Gently exfoliating the skin where the treatment was performed can help.  Use a gentle exfoliating rub or cream for best results.  Some clients swear by using an anti-pimpling cream such as Neosporin right after your treatment, even before pimples show.

The reason you’re probably having trouble finding out about this nail condition is because it’s spelled Paronychia.  Paronychia is the most frequent hand infection in the United States, and occurs in women about three times as much as men.  It is usually caused by a staph bacteria. 

Often when the nail folds are exposed to water repeatedly over a prolonged period of time, they become susceptible to infection and exhibit inflammation, usually accompanied by pain.  If untreated, the nail fold can become permanently damaged, resulting in deformation of the nails.  Secondary bacterial or fungal infections can occur, as well, meaning more inflammation and more pain.

Paronychia is usually treated by one or more of three methods.  Oral antibiotics are one treatment, as are topical antifungal lotions and antiseptics.  The nail fold can be drained before treatment with one of these methods.  While treating your Paronychia, it’s best to avoid washing dishes or other sources of prolonged exposure to water.