How Your Health Affects Your Hair

Crystal Styles‘ passion for helping our community embrace healthy hair and overall wellness, drove her into the study of Trichology.  In 2016, Crystal received her certification in the field of Trichology, graduating as Valedictorian and Summa Cum Laude from the National Trichology Training Institute (NTTI) in Stockbridge, Ga.

Crystal is a certified hair coach by Dr. Alan Bauman of Bauman Medical Center in Boco Raton FL, and a Brand Ambassador for haircare lines like Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils, Originals by Africa’s Best and more.  She is an expert consumer advisor with features in publications such as Sophisticate’s Black Hair Magazine, Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide, S-Mag South Africa, and Black College Today Magazine.

She is the owner of CrystalKnowsBeauty.com and HALO Hair & Scalp Consultancy of Atlanta with a new Youtube channel CKB TV. As a former news reporter & anchor, with media experience launched from working at WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia USA and other news markets, Crystal is a phenomenal speaker, host, and spokesperson. Her passion includes being the co-founder of a community non-profit ProactiveChange.org.  She is also a former Advisory Board member for NTTI.

WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE THINGS BLACK WOMEN IN PARTICULAR CAN DO TO PRESERVE THE HEALTH OF THEIR HAIR?

A: Among the top 3 would be: #1) Minimize heat damage, #2) For ladies who are wearing relaxed hair, stop putting relaxer on your scalp (this is another detailed topic for a later discussion), and #3) Eat healthy; consume plenty of dark and colorful vegetables that are full of vitamins and minerals, along with great sources of protein rich foods.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON HAIR AND SCALP PROBLEMS YOU SEE?

\The most common hair and scalp problems, probably worldwide, are various forms of alopecia. Traction alopecia in the black community is very common due to tight braiding, wearing heavy braids, tight weaving and wearing wigs without protecting your edges. Male pattern and female pattern baldness are also quite common. Alopecia is a very broad term so I encourage you to get a consultation in order to pinpoint the true cause of your hair loss.

 HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A HAIR VITAMIN OR TOPICAL HAIR SOLUTION IS GOING TO BE BENEFICIAL FOR GROWTH?

You definitely want to read the label to make sure your hair vitamins include B-complex vitamins, zinc, protein, iron, vitamin D, C, and E to support hair growth and hair retention; folic acid is important to support healthy cell development.  For general maintenance products, look for ingredients like flaxseed oil, grapeseed & avocado oils, coconut oils. These among other ingredients help minimize breakage, and strengthen hair strands for continued growth.

CAN YOU TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT TO BUY TO STOP MY HAIR FROM THINNING?

Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all when it comes to thinning hair.  I want to be clear that supporting hair growth (as we just discussed) and dealing with hair loss, are two totally different issues. Hair loss can be caused by lots of reasons including high blood pressure, hormonal issues, stress, nutritional deficiencies, medication, genetics, aggressive manipulation and list goes on, so be sure to get a consultation first to assess the root cause, and find the right solution for you.

WHY IS GRAY HAIR SO DRY AND STUBBORN?

Gray hair is dry and stubborn because the hair follicles have stopped excreting natural hair color. Melanin in our hair is what helps with strand flexibility, it gives the hair sheen and makes it easier to style. When the natural color is gone, you know it, because those gray hairs are not going to cooperate like the rest. They will need more attention including steam and deep conditioning treatments which will help soften the hair for better manageability.

WHAT’S YOUR RECOMMENDATION WHEN IT COMES TO HAIR COLOR?
I recommend that you have a professional cosmetologist apply your color, or at least someone who really knows what they’re doing. After all, it is a chemical, so you want to make sure the pH balance of your hair is reset properly. HOWEVER, if you prefer to be color-free and just wear your natural gray hair, I do have a tip to share: use only white or clear haircare products. Why? Because gray hair absorbs colorful dyes in products that can make your hair look dingy over time. I gave my mom the Coconut Crème collection by Originals by Africa’s Best. They are white in color, and her gray does not have the dingy look.

CAN THE LACK OF CERTAIN VITAMINS AND MINERALS CAUSE MY HAIR TO FALL OUT?
Indeed. Most people are not aware that low vitamin D and/or low iron, for instance, can cause your hair to fall out. When I speak to people dealing with hair loss, one of the main questions I ask is if they know what their vitamin and mineral levels are? People will say their doctor recommended for them to take supplements or eat foods rich in vitamin D and iron, but for whatever reason, they ignore the advice, not really understanding the association between hair loss and nutritional deficiencies.

WHAT SHOULD WE AVOID IN OUR DIETS TO HELP SUPPORT HEALTHY HAIR, SCALP AND SKIN? 

Do your best to greatly minimize the consumption of foods high in cholesterol, sodium, saturated fats and refined sugars…you know, all of the junk food that we love so much. I never tell people to go cold turkey, to throw out all of the bad foods in your pantry at once, but I do encourage you to start replacing bad foods with nutritional choices, one at a time.  Before you know it, you’re eating healthy and looking younger.

DO YOU RECOMMEND ANY NATURAL REMEDIES FOR THINNING HAIR 

I’m always pushing the InsideOut way of thinking when it comes to combatting thinning hair. Eating natural ingredients that are good for your hair, and using hair products with the same natural ingredients that you consume in food form is like a double attack on thinning hair. One of my go-to super foods is flaxseed. It’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. And it is really good in helping minimize dry scalp, eczema and helps with hair elasticity to minimize breakage.

You can sprinkle cold-pressed milled flaxseed over any meal or blend it in your favorite morning smoothies. And, I also use the Flaxseed Recipes hair products by the Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils brand to help support the same benefits for my hair topically. There are lots of natural remedies and treatments being used for hair growth, like rice water rinsing to strengthen hair strands, people are making flaxseed solutions at home as well.

CAN DAMAGE FROM BRAIDS AND WEAVES BE REVERSED?
That depends if the condition is not too far gone. Meaning, if you still have hair follicles when you decide to stop the tight braiding and tight weaving, then there may be a fighting chance to regrow hair in those affected areas on the scalp. Once scarring alopecia occurs, meaning the follicles are permanently closed, you will need to look at different alternatives for hair replacement.

HOW CAN SOMEONE FIND YOU TO GET MORE INFORMATION?
If you would like to schedule a consultation with me, go to CrystalKnowsBeauty.com, and Click on the HALO button. For speaking engagements, same website, CrystalKnowsBeauty.com, click on the Contact tab to make your request.  You can also follow me @CrystalKnowsBeauty on Instagram & Facebook. I’ll have some local workshops coming soon, so look out for details.

 @CrystalKnowsBeauty  Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

@CrystalKnows Twitter

Crystal answers your “Text Tom” questions on the next page:

 How should you care for hair after chemotherapy and radiation?

Void chemical treatments like relaxer or color. Use mild haircare products to wash and moisturize your hair (no sulfates, no parabens, no mineral oils, no petrolatum). Do not comb and brush aggressively. Sleep on a satin pillow case or use a satin bonnet. Cotton pillow cases can cause hair friction and additional hair loss, especially when the hair is delicate.

 What is the best vitamin for Black women to take?

There are lots of vitamin brands to choose from. Women should take vitamins with as few fillers as possible.  Focusing on B-complex, Zinc, Protein, Iron, Vitamin D, C and E, plus folic acid, and other essential nutrients.

 How do you come back from hair loss caused by taking certain medications like diabetes and high blood pressure medications?

The first line of defense is eating healthy, exercising and drinking plenty of water.  Internal nutrition is super important to combatting the illnesses that are causing you to take the medication, which in turn can cause hair loss. Attack the cause by making lifestyle changes. In addition, do scalp massages 2-3 times per week, for 10-15 minute intervals to help stimulate blood flow to your scalp follicles.

 As a cancer survivor, my hair never fully grew back. Is there anything I can do to stimulate growth?

Scalp massaging greatly improves blood flow to your scalp and hair follicles. This will not necessarily guarantee a full head of hair, but it may help. Also, check with your doctor to see if it will be safe for you to use topical solutions like minoxidil to help stimulate hair growth.

What can you do for your hair going through menopause?

Eating nutritional meals will help support your overall health while going through menopause. I always stress implementing good scalp massaging several times a week. You may also want to take hair supplements to help support the strength of your tresses during menopause.  Research taking supplements like Viviscal to see if you think they are right for you.

 I’ve been natural for 21+ years. 1-3 gray hairs. I use essential oils for my scalp and hair but what would you suggest as a blend of oils I can use?

The great thing about essential oils is that you can be as creative as you want to be. Some of my favorites are flaxseed, grapeseed, avocado and coconut. These oils, among others, can help strengthen your hair strands and minimize breakage. You can mix and match. Check out the mini oil blends at: http://www.auntjackiescurlsandcoils.com.

 I have noticed increased irritation and allergic reactions to hair dyes. What brands are safe and free from PPD so that I can continue to color my hair. Are there things that I can do to overcome the allergic reaction?

Unfortunately, to overcome the allergic reaction and irritation from hair dyes, you will have to just stop using them, especially the ones you know have PPD.  However, you can try botanical or natural coloring treatments that are not as harsh.  I do not recommend any particular brands, but I strongly suggest that you do your research online to find the products that will work best for you.

 If your spouse is taking chemo treatments through pills, is it possible for you to experience hair loss by sleeping in the same bed?

I have never heard of anyone losing their own hair from sleeping in bed with someone else who is taking treatments for cancer.

Can your hair grow back if you are in your 50’s?

There is no one answer for this question. You would need to know if you still have hair follicles in the affected area, how long have you been without hair growing in those areas, what caused your hair loss, etc.  It would be best for you to schedule a consultation first to assess your individual concerns. Feel free to request a virtual consultation by going to: CrystalKnowsBeauty.com, Click on the “HALO” button to schedule.

 I have very healthy thick hair but my scalp seems to be another thing. I washed my hair today and later the same day my scalp has scaly flakes. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

Try using shampoos designed to help manage dry scalp, eczema and psoriasis. Regular shampoo may not be the right solution for you. Also, try reducing gluten in your diet.  Eat more fresh vegetables, fruits, and drink more water.

If you enjoy wearing wigs what should you do to protect your hair to avoid thinning or breakage?

You should definitely have a regular wash and deep condition regimen. Be sure to moisturize and protect your tresses regularly. Originals by Africa’s Best or Africa’s Best Textures haircare products are good products to use for weekly maintenance without being too expensive. Do not wear wigs with rough inner linings that can rub against your edges. The edges of your hairline are most vulnerable to breakage. Do your best to keep your hair from drying out, moisture balance is important.

Can Sjogren’s syndrome affect your hair and if so, how?

Sjogren’s syndrome is sometimes associated with other autoimmune disorders like lupus.  In such cases, lupus could cause chronic dry scalp and brittle hair, which may lead to thinning and breakage.  Be sure to consult with your doctor and ask specific questions concerning any other illnesses that may affect your hair. Treating and controlling the root cause is key to healthier hair.

My grandmother, two of my older sisters and my niece had hair loss all after the age of 40, I only had a bad perm at the age of 20 but, did not start losing hair until 20 years later. Could this be hereditary?

Hereditary hair loss is possible, but there could be something else being passed down or repeated in your family that is not necessarily a genetic cause.  Be sure to get a consultation to narrow down the cause affecting you.

Crystal, are your services covered by insurance? Are there dermatologists certified in hair issues as a sub-specialty?

My trichology consultation services are not covered by insurance. And yes, there are dermatologists who also specialize in hair loss. Be sure to inquire about their specialties prior to making an appointment.

A little over a year ago I had a hysterectomy that awakened my lupus and my hair began to come out in clumps. I had to buy a wig. I cut off what was left. My hair began growing and it came back gray. A few months ago it started again. I am once again without hair as it started coming out again.

Reoccurring hair loss is not uncommon.  Alopecia areata, for instance, might be caused by autoimmune triggers stemming from lupus. When you start noticing hair fall, try scalp massaging a few times per week to help stimulate blood flow. Check with your doctor to see if it will be ok to use topical solutions like minoxidil to support hair retention.

I had fairly long hair and over time I noticed my hair was getting shorter and shorter to the point where I am no longer can put my hair in a ponytail it doesn’t shed at all but it has shrunken what could cause that?

First, all human hair sheds during the hair life cycle.  Normal hair sheds 50 to 100 strands per day. Without knowing more about your personal hair concerns, it sounds like either you are experiencing breakage that is causing your hair to appear shorter than usual, or when your hair grows back after normal shed, the growth phase has slowed down considerably, which is not uncommon, depending on age, diet, health, etc.

What is the safest natural process to soften the hair?

The safest way to soften your hair is by implementing a deep conditioning regimen, alternating with steam treatments. However, do not use hot steam on your hair. For best results, use warm steam, including your favorite essential oils for moisture.

 I’m being treated by a dermatologist for psoriasis of the scalp for almost 8 months now. But yet I’m losing hair! Not patches but thinning. Hair coming out as I comb it. Treatment is an antibiotic & fluocinolone acetonide topical oil every day

If you’re sensing that you have been misdiagnosed, please do not settle. Ask questions, get a second opinion.  Without knowing your exact symptoms, it will be difficult to help you come to a resolution.

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