Hair Care Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Hair Dye WARNING: Undeniable Link Between Hair Dye Chemicals & Cancer

The AHA! Team — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:04:18 +0000

Dena Schmidt via NaturalHealth365 – Surprisingly, 75 percent of people in the U.S., Japan, and Europe dye their hair regularly. Gray hair can make people look prematurely old, and hair color is used to preserve that more youthful appearance. Sometimes, people just want a change from their natural hair color, and dyeing it can help them make a ‘fashion statement.’ In truth, hair coloring is an ancient practice. However, in the past, people used natural substances such as henna and other pigments found in plants, soil, and clay. Today, most of the store-bought hair color options are made with harsh, toxic chemicals that can pose a serious health risk when used regularly over time. The dangers of hair color aren’t highly publicized Some of the risks and side effects of the chemicals found in hair dyes include cancers of the kidney, bladder, and breast, as well as blood-based cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. But don’t expect your local salon to post any warning signs soon – for obvious reasons. The “official word” on hair color products that contain harsh chemicals is far from cautionary. However, one of the common chemicals used, called P-phenylenediamine (PPD), is documented as causing side effects like asthma, gastritis, severe dermatitis, eye irritation, vertigo, tremors, convulsions, kidney failure, and coma in those who are exposed to it. Now, a new study adds to growing concerns by revealing that another synthetic hair dye pigment, 4-Chloro-orthophenylenediamine (4-Cl-OPD), can cause significant DNA damage when exposed to high nitric oxide levels. Researchers found that this damage leads to structural changes in DNA, triggering immune system reactions in those with prolonged hair dye use. The study even linked these immune responses to hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting that chronic hair dye exposure could contribute to a pro-inflammatory, cancer-promoting environment. Some hair color products contain thousands of chemical compounds However, PPD and 4-Cl-OPD aren’t the only risks. Some hair color products contain as many as 5,000 chemicals, including lead acetate and ammonia. The chemicals in hair color products also interact with the substances in human hair to produce harmful effects. Hair colors come in temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent solutions. However, 80 percent of the market comprises permanent colors containing agents like couplers and intermediates that react with hydrogen peroxide. While the worst hair color product ingredients were banned in the 1970s, many products still contain dangerous substances. Research confirms the health hazards of hair color products Numerous studies have substantiated these hair color risks. A 1994 National Cancer Institute report covered the dangers of dark hair dyes used over extended periods. They were found to raise the risk of cancers like multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Another study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found that hairdressers who worked regularly with these products had an increased risk of bladder cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. The scalp has a rich blood supply, making it easy for the toxic chemicals in hair dyes to soak into the skin. During the 30 minutes, hair dyes remain in contact with the scalp and can easily enter the blood supply. Fortunately, there is a better way. Avoid the cancer risk: Consider safer, non-toxic alternatives Fortunately, there are safer alternatives to these toxic products. Hairprint is a natural hair color brand developed by award-winning chemist John Warner. Instead of harsh chemicals, it contains non-toxic, plant-based, food-grade pigments and minerals. Best of all, Hairprint has a restorative effect on hair, enriching it and restoring the shine and luster that can be lost as hair ages. Hairprint products are also hypoallergenic and free of odor. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Beatcancer.org NIH.gov Oxfordjournals.org To read the original article click here.

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A Protein Copied from Insects Can Straighten Hair Safely

The AHA! Team — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:23:46 +0000

Brian Blum via Israel21c – Resilin, combined with the strengthening power of cellulose, will power products ranging from hair straightener to flexible phone screens. Insects have a superpower: a protein called resilin. It enables fleas to jump 100 times their height — the equivalent of a human being reaching the top of the Empire State Building. In winged insects, resilin is what gives them greater flying endurance. A dragonfly can bat its wings approximately 1,800 times per minute. “Resilin is the most elastic material in nature,” explains Liron Nuttman Nesiel, CEO of Israeli startup Smart Resilin, which is commercializing the use of resilin for products from hair straighteners to flexible phone and TV screens. “Resilin is used to store energy and release it all at once very rapidly. Almost no energy is lost,” she tells ISRAEL21c. Moreover, this bio-based natural solution degrades into its original carbon source when put into the soil. That’s a significant improvement from fossil-fuel based elastic materials like plastic and rubber that take decades to degrade. Smart Resilin’s technology was developed by serial entrepreneur Prof. Oded Shoseyov of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. (Shoseyov has set up more than 17 companies.) Nesiel was a researcher in Shoseyov’s lab when he suggested that she head the startup. While plenty of other companies working with resilin, Shoseyov’s innovation was combining resilin with cellulose — a glucose-based polymer that adds strength — to generate a composite material with “synergistic qualities” for use in commercial products. Straight to straighteners Using resilin is part of a worldwide shift toward new materials, estimated at $41 billion a year. Smart Resilin aiming for similar markets and applications as several well-financed companies that are developing other types of super-performing natural materials such as spider silk. Companies in this space include Kraig Biocraft Laboratories and Bolt Threads (US), Spiber (Japan), AMSilk (Germany) and Seevix in Israel. “I see this as a source for collaboration. We all want better, more sustainable materials,” Nesiel tells ISRAEL21c. “Eventually, we believe that microorganisms will be the factory of tomorrow.” Smart Resilin is eyeing future products such as sustainable, flexible plastic alternatives. However, it is starting with a surprising use case: cosmetics. The reason is both for the benefit of consumers’ health and the company’s bottom line. The heath concerns are certainly alarming. The materials used in chemical hair straighteners have sent too many people to the hospital with severe reactions including kidney failure. (The chemical glyoxyloyl carbocysteine in some hair straighteners releases formaldehyde upon contact with heat.) Hair straighteners have been linked long-term to ovarian and breast cancer. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute estimates that about 4% of women who frequently use such hair-straightening products developed uterine cancer by age 70. And traditional hair straighteners do a real number on the hair itself, changing its actual structure, often irreversibly. “These products are really bad. There’s nothing good in this market,” Nesiel says. There are also economic reasons for starting this way. “Cosmetic products require much smaller amounts of resilin,” Nesiel notes. “We’re not yet at industrial-scale production. But a small amount of resilin can make a big impact.” To replace the rubber and plastic in a flexible sports shoe requires up to several grams of resilin. For cosmetics, just a few milligrams makes an impact. So, by starting with hair straighteners, Smart Resilin can start selling now, rather than waiting for potential partners to ramp up. The company’s go-to-market strategy is to start by selling around 10,000 units of its own hair straightening product, to be followed by “meaningful deals with conglomerates.” No insects were killed Smart Resilin’s development process does not involve any breeding, catching or killing insects for their resilin. The tech developed by Shoseyov involves “taking the DNA that codes for resilin, introducing it into bacteria, and then growing it using a fermentation process,” Nesiel explains. “It’s like brewing beer.” The resilin/cellulose combination has its challenges. For one, it’s sugar-based, so if it comes in contact with water, it will dissolve. That’s a problem for one future Smart Resilin use case: flexible electronics, which may become the next big thing if and when a foldable iPhone is released followed by copycat smartphones. Nesiel notes that the resilin will be used only in the inner layer of the screen. “In the future, we will make it more stable against water.” Smart Resilin is still small, with less than a half dozen people on the payroll and $1 million from private investors and collaborations. One of those partners, Acies Bio, a top European microbial biotech company, is working to establish a large-scale resilin production line. In Slovenia, Acies already has an in-house fermenter that can handle quantities of up to 10,000 liters. Smart Resilin and Acies Bio’s goal is to produce 3.5 tons of resilin by 2026 and 100 tons by 2030. – nor is Smart Resilin attempting to conquer the market alone. In the meantime, Nesiel and her team are speaking with major cosmetics companies to get their feedback. The cost for this hair-straightening technology would be less than what’s currently available in the market, although Nesiel says that, even if the price were double that, “We will still be able to sell these products since consumers are starting to understand the need for healthier products and are willing to pay more for them.” Has Nesiel used her own technology? No. She sports a mane of typically Israeli wavy hair – and has no plans to straighten it, even with the improved health benefits. For more information, click here. To read the original article click here.

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What an Itchy Scalp Means & How to Get Rid of It Naturally

The AHA! Team — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:25:19 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN via Dr. Axe – Do you have an itch? Some scratch their heads while giving something some serious thought in a “hmm, let me think about that” sort of moment. But for many others, a serious scratching is desired because there is a genuine and persistent itch on the head, specifically an itchy scalp. Often, we assume it must be dandruff, a common problem, but there are many conditions that can cause a dry, itchy scalp — or scalp pruritus — in addition to dandruff, such as ringworm or even a bacterial infection caused by an autoimmune condition. With itching being the most common symptom, skin infections, swelling, redness, balding and damaged hair may also result from an itchy scalp. Common treatments are usually in some form of antimicrobial or keratolytic therapy (overseen by a dermatologist), steroids and special diets. However, there is no doubt that one of the most effective treatments for itchy scalp is a good old shampoo scrub to help remove loose and scaly skin. And to really stop the itch long-term, you need to find out what’s causing it. Let’s look at some of the best natural treatments for an itchy scalp and the most common causes. 6 Natural Remedies for Itchy Scalp 1. Tea Tree Oil Tea tree oil is an amazing essential oil also known as melaleuca. What’s great about tea tree oil is that it provides antioxidant benefits and is antimicrobial, which means it has the ability to fight bacteria, viruses and fungus. According to research published in the International Journal of Dermatology, numerous studies have shown that tea tea oil is great for various inflammatory symptoms, including seborrheic dermatitis, ultimately helping with the healing process. Another study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology closely followed the results that tea tree oil had on subjects with dandruff using a shampoo that contained 5 percent tea tree oil. An improvement of 41 percent was reported by those who used the tea tree oil shampoo, helping relieve itchy scalp and dandruff itself. 2. Clean Your Hair, Brushes and Combs While not all causes of itchy scalp have anything to do with a contagious condition, some, such as tinea capitis, do. Maintaining good personal hygiene is very important in addition to avoiding sharing combs and brushes. Since tinea capitis, or ringworm, is more common in children, make sure to take extra care with educating your children on these best practices and simple natural remedies. 3. Use a Hair and Scalp Mask Have you ever tried a banana, avocado and honey hair and scalp mask? These three ingredients can actually do some pretty phenomenal things to your head and scalp. Honey, for example, has long been known as an ancient remedy for wound healing, with many reports suggesting that the microorganisms found in honey help fight bacteria and fungi. A hair mask can provide the perfect bacteria fighters and, if used a few times a week, can really make a difference in a healthy way. Simply combine a small mashed banana, two tablespoons of honey and half an avocado until well-blended. Then apply it to your hair, making sure to cover the scalp. Leave it on for 20–30 minutes, then wash hair with a natural shampoo. 4. Avoid Inflammatory, Infection-Causing Foods Much like candida, fungus can be caused and inflamed due to foods you eat. It’s critical that you avoid inflammatory foods, such as anything processed, sugar, gluten, dairy, soy, peanuts and alcohol, to name a few. The best thing you can do is make sure your diet is filled with antifungal foods. Some of those foods include garlic, apple cider vinegar, banana, avocado, flaxseed, ginger and coconut oil. 5. Avoid Putting Chemicals on Your Hair Chemicals are found in most products found on the shelves at your local store. These chemicals can lead straight to an itchy scalp, bumps on the scalp and other scalp conditions. The good news is that this is an easy fix. By avoiding chemicals and choosing natural remedies, you can bypass the negative effects. Opt for making your own — such as rosemary mint shampoo, homemade conditioner or apple cider vinegar hair rinse — and see if that solves the problem. Because many of these suds contain chemicals and other other rash-causing agents, they may irritate the scalp. This irritation can cause lots of itching and redness, and even present allergic reactions, such as hives and wheezing. 6. Glycerin A study in SKINmed Journal investigated how effective a moisturizing leave-on lotion containing a high concentration of glycerol (10 percent) and other known scalp benefitting agents (saturated fatty acid and sunflower seed oil) to reduce dandruff over an eight-week treatment period with three applications per week. Results included a significant reduction in the dandruff, including better water barrier function and hydration, over the span of the trial. Glycerin also showed how it helped relieve an itchy scalp. 7. Aloe Vera Aloe vera is a great natural treatment for dry hair or an itchy scalp. It has nourishing properties, and the vitamins and minerals that are present in the plant keep your hair strong and healthy. Because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties, studies indicate that it helps with dandruff, and the gel’s enzymes can rid the scalp of dead cells and promote the regeneration of skin tissue around the hair follicles. Aloe also helps stop the itching associated with dandruff or a dried scalp. Too many shampoos and conditioners are full of chemicals that damage hair and can even cause inflammation and skin irritations; adding aloe vera is an effective way to keep your scalp free of bacteria and uncomfortable skin reactions. Itchy Scalp Causes 1. Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are the most common when it comes to itchy scalp causes. Itching and flaking are how the body responds to the inflammation of the overgrowth of yeast. Yeast is typically found on the scalp and other areas of the body where more hair is located. While the presence of yeast is common, it’s the over-presence of yeast that creates the problem. In particular, a yeast called malassezia can cause excess skin cell growth and irritate the scalp. To get more specific, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are of a continuous spectrum of the same disease that affects the seborrheic areas of the body, and often those who have eczema will have dandruff. Dandruff occurs on the scalp and usually involves itchy, flaking skin, but you many not see actual inflammation. On the other hand, seborrheic dermatitis can affect the scalp (including having a sensitive scalp) as well as other areas of the body, but in addition to itchy, flaking or scaly skin, which can be severe, it involves inflammation. Characteristics like the immune system, genetics, emotional stress and nutrition can all affect the actual occurrence and severity of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. 2. Allergic Reactions from Food and Shampoos Allergic reactions can occur from numerous sources, but two of the most common sources are from your food and your shampoo. There are so many foods, such as processed sugar, peanuts and soy products, that contain inflammation- and fungus-causing attributes, and unless you avoid them, you’re likely to have some problems. Additionally, if your shampoo or hair color contains tons of chemicals, it’s possible that your scalp is having an allergic reaction to those chemicals, known as contact dermatitis. There are options, but one of the first things you should do is stop using your current shampoo, hair color and conditioner to see if the problem subsides. 3. Autoimmune Disease Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease, and psoriasis symptoms include raised, reddish, scaly patches on the skin or scalp. Though we know that psoriasis is hereditary, experts don’t have a clear understanding of the cause. It’s been reported that at least 10 percent of those who inherit one or more of the genes could lead to psoriasis, but only 2 percent to 3 percent actually develop the disease. It’s important that you do not let psoriasis linger without attention, as it can lead to an itchy scalp and worsen if not treated. 4. Tinea Capitis (Ringworm) or Lichen Planopilaris Tinea capitis is a fungal infection, commonly known as ringworm, that often causes infection in the scalp area. It happens due to a deep extension of the fungus into the hair follicle and can develop into round patches of hair loss (aka Alopecia areata). It often appears as a raised rash and may have black dots or a stubbly appearance. Related skin infections are often found in a man’s beard, in the groin known as jock itch, and between the toes commonly, known as athlete’s foot. Fungus can live on the dead tissue in the hair, nail and outer skin areas. Tinea capitis is more likely if you have minor skin or scalp injuries, don’t bathe or wash your hair often, or have wet skin for a long periods of time, often from sweating. It easily spreads, affecting children mostly, but usually disappears into puberty. Unlike psoriasis, tinea capitis or ringworm can spread through human or animal contact, combs and brushes, hats, or any other clothing that has come into contact with the fungus. Similarly, an inflammatory condition called lichen planopilaris (LPP) causes patchy hair loss, mainly on the scalp, and can cause an extremely itchy scalp. 5. Head Lice Head lice may be considered something that happens only with kids in school, but those little creatures can invade the head of an adult too. In fact, lice actually prefer clean hair. Symptoms of lice are most commonly itching on the scalp, neck and ears, which is an allergic reaction to the saliva the lice produce. Sometimes itching may not occur for two to six weeks after infestation, especially for anyone infected for the first time. The eggs of lice, known as nits, are super tiny and attach to individual hair strands. This can appear as dandruff, but unlike flakes of dandruff, they aren’t easily shaken off due to their firm grip of the hair shaft. Final Thoughts As noted above, make sure you don’t share combs and brushes. If you experience any allergic reactions and are not sure why, begin a process of elimination to help find the culprit. Again, chemicals in shampoos, conditioners and other hair products along with some foods you may be eating can cause itchy scalp and irritations of the scalp. If any severe cases arise or the problem persists, make sure to see a doctor right away. Finding a solution for itchy scalp may be simple. Take the time to go through different options to see if you can find the culprit, and then take action. Waiting around will only allow it to fester and worsen. To read the original article click here.

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Thinning Hair? Nutrient Deficiencies and Excesses That Cause Hair Loss (Part 2)

The AHA! Team — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – When supplementing, it’s important to be careful and avoid extremely high doses in single-nutrient supplements. Hair loss is a condition faced by many adults. If you’re one of them, you may be experiencing nutrient deficiencies causing your hair loss. Last week, we looked at several nutrient deficiencies that are linked with hair loss. These included: • Protein • Iron • Zinc • Selenium • Fatty Acids • Vitamin D These 6 nutrients have relatively strong evidence and links to hair loss. But, did you know, even an excessive amount of nutrient intake can affect hair loss as well? There are some nutrients that may cause hair loss when taken in excess, some that are marketed well beyond their evidence, and some that show slight indications for treatment. These are included today as numbers 7-11 (find numbers 1-6 here in Part 1). Excessive Nutrient Intake and Nutrient Deficiencies Causing Hair Loss (Part 2) 7. Biotin Biotin, or vitamin H, is a cofactor for enzymes in the body. In animal studies, biotin has shown to improve protein synthesis and DNA concentration in hair follicles (1). When deficient, people experience eczema, hair loss, and sometimes, conjunctivitis (2). These can be symptoms and conditions throughout one’s life, from infancy through late adulthood. In fact, one case study on an infant who was deficient in biotin experienced dermatitis and alopecia had great results with reversal of each wit daily oral supplementation of biotin (3). Biotin deficiency is rare and is usually seen in those with disruption of gastrointestinal flora and specific medication use (such as antiepileptic medication). In terms of treating hair loss, no large long-term clinical trials have shown efficacy. However, biotin is strongly marketed and anecdotally has potential to improve thinning hair. What’s more, some studies have shown that it is slightly deficient in many adults with hair loss and supplements have the potential to improve the texture and quality of hair (4). 8. Vitamin A Vitamin A is actually a group of compounds. This group includes retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and provitamin A carotenoids. In animal studies, dietary vitamin A has been shown to activate hair follicle stem cells (5). However, these studies have not been able to pinpoint the exact amounts needed or mechanisms for effective treatment (6). On the flip side, too much vitamin A can cause hair thinning (7). In fact, high levels of vitamin A from over-supplementation have a strong link to hair loss as well as skin, vision, and bone changes (8,9). Unless otherwise directed by your health professional, it’s best to stay with balanced vitamin A dosage, such as those in multivitamins, and whole-food sources of vitamin A. 9. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a family of potent antioxidant nutrients, including tocotrienols and tocopherols. When deficient, humans experience hemolytic anemias, neurologic issues, and skin dryness. Vitamin E deficiency most commonly occurs with fat malabsorption disorders. The benefits of vitamin E supplementation on hair loss has been inadequately studied, but some research shows a lot of promise. One such study found 100 mg of mixed tocotrienols per day resulted in a significant increase in hair quantity for 21 participants compared to placebo (10). But, you must be careful as you can over-supplement. High levels of vitamin E can cause bleeding and issues with the thyroid. Additionally, taking 600 IU vitamin E per day (this is ~402 mg per day, and 30 times recommended intake amounts) can actually cause hair loss and significant decreases in thyroid hormone levels (11). 10. Amino Acids In the previous post in this series (Thinning Hair Part 1), we discussed total protein deficiency and it’s impacts on hair. Beyond total protein numbers, though, individual amino acids play a role. First, L-lysine is an essential amino acid, which likely plays a role in zinc uptake and iron utilization. The addition of L-lysine to iron supplementation has resulted in a significant increase in serum ferritin concentration in some women with chronic hair loss, who do not otherwise respond to iron supplementation (12). Another amino acid with promise for hair loss is L-cysteine. However, L-cysteine has mostly been studied in combination with other nutrients, so it’s individual effects are not well-understood (13). 11. Antioxidants Antioxidants are incredibly important compounds in human nutrition. As discussed with many whole-food posts, amino acids neutralize free radicals to reduce damage to our cells. Many different vitamins and minerals act as amino acids, including those discussed in this article and in the first article of this series. These include selenium, vitamin D, vitamin E, and others. Lab and human studies have shown oxidative stress from free radicals may plan a large role in some male balding (14). What’s more, excessive free radical generation has been found in patients with chronic hair loss (15). Like with other supplements, caution must be taken. Whole-food antioxidants from vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruit, and others are safe and may have a positive effect on hair loss. Large doses from supplements may have the opposite effect (16). Sticking to whole foods and balanced amounts of vitamins and minerals in supplements is a prudent route. Bottom Line It’s not just deficiencies… sometimes it’s excessive nutrient intake causing hair loss. When supplementing, it’s important to be careful and avoid extremely high doses in single-nutrient supplements. Also, make sure to calculate your totals if you’re taking multiple supplements. A prudent plan is to take multi-nutrient, balanced supplements, such as Divine Health Enhanced Multivitamin, and whole-foods. If you feel you have a nutrient deficiency that needs to be corrected, talk to your doctor and form a therapeutic plan. To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Colbert click here.

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