Itchy Scalp is a common problem resulting in frequent discomfort and regular scratching of your scalp. Visible indications of an itchy scalp are often scabbed or flaky skin, however itchy scalp signs are not always visible. Sometimes an itchy scalp is due to more serious conditions such an infection, allergies or parasite infestation.

Oily Scalp is caused by an over production of the scalp’s natural oils, known as sebum, produced by the sebaceous gland. An over active sebaceous gland will leave your hair looking flat, greasy and lifeless. Left untreated it can lead to secondary scalp problems such as dry scalp or dandruff.

Dandruff is a condition where fine greasy flakes of skin are seen over the whole surface of the scalp. It is often accompanied by itching, scalp irritation or redness. Causes of dandruff are varied but can include reaction to current hair or skin care products used, stress, diet and changes in environmental conditions. More severe forms of dandruff include seborrheic dermatitis.

Sensitive Scalp is similar to other sensitive skin conditions of hypersensitivity to the environment or products used. A sensitive scalp feels itchy, irritated, or has a prickly, burning or a tingly sensation. Causes can include pollution, stress, an imbalanced diet and using unforgiving hair or skin care products.

Aging Scalp is similar to the aging process our skin goes through as we mature through adulthood. Without the appropriate care over time the scalp begins to sag, lose elasticity and firmness and look less youthful.

Early Greying / White Hair is a condition that occurs when a person’s colour-producing cells stop producing pigment significantly earlier than expected (Asian’s late 30’s, Caucasian’s mid 30’s & African’s mid 40’s). By taking the proper precautions the onset of premature greying may be delayed.

Chemically / Styling Damaged Hair is caused by prolonged or overuse of styling tools and products such as heat-based styling tools, as well as weakening the hair shaft from intensive hair dyeing. This may lead to increased hair fall and increased hair breakage.

Hair Loss can come in many different forms and often starts with the first symptom of Hair Fall (also known as Thinning Hair), where excessive hair is found on the brush, pillow or in the bathroom each day. Hair Fall is the early stages of Hair Loss and is the ideal time to see a Glower Trichologist to diagnoses the cause in its infancy. The earlier the problem is detected, the greater chance of successfully treating the underlying cause. Some common forms of Hair Loss are;

Post-Natal Hair Loss is one of the Hair Loss conditions which falls under Telogen Effluvium, or TE. TE is caused by a shock to the body (often called Sudden Hair Loss) which corrupts the hair cycle, causing more hair follicles to enter a dormant period than usual. Approximately 10% of our hair follicles are normally in a resting phase. When TE is present this number may be as high as 60%. TE is noticed around 4-8 weeks after the body has been affected by a stressful period or shock. Possible causes of TE include child birth, going onto a birth control pill, coming off a birth control pill, general anaesthetic, sickness, emotional stress or moving house, in fact the number of causes are unlimited. You can wrap it all up under the one word STRESS (physical or emotional). The good news is that in most cases it is reversible, so as soon as you notice any hair loss you should contact the Glower Trichologist to correctly diagnose the condition.

Female Hair Loss or Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPH) also known as Androgenetic Alopecia is one of the most common causes of thinning hair in females. The normal progression of this condition is that it starts in the crown area and then spreads towards the frontal hair line. Normally the frontal hair line is not affected. The cause of this condition is of a genetic nature which may be inherited from either side of the family. The genetic issue sets up the hair follicle to be sensitive to androgens (hormones). This sensitivity will then cause the hair cycles to shift, as a result your growth phase is shortened and the resting phase is lengthened. More hair follicles will be in a resting phase so your overall hair density will change. When the hair goes back to a growth phase it will grow shorter and thinner thus affecting your overall hair density. The aim of treatment is to stimulate the existing hair follicle cells to work harder, bringing your hair cycle back to a more normal level.

Male Hair Loss or Male Pattern Balding (MPB) also known as Androgenetic Alopecia is a common form of Hair Loss caused by a hormone known as Dihydrotesterone (DHT) which all men carry, which effects the cells inside the base of the hair root. Male Pattern Baldness is hereditary thus those with a genetic predisposition to the gene will suffer from the condition at some stage in their life.
Others – Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis, Alopecia Areata, Trichotillomania, Traction Alopecia, Scaring Alopecia etc.

Why is it important to get early diagnosis and treatment?
It is crucial to get an early diagnosis as once the follicles or ‘hair roots’ are dead, it will be too late for treatment. Before your condition deteriorates further, get an early diagnosis by a qualified trichologist, who can help you treat the root of the problem.

Why should I consult a Trichologist?
Trichologists are professionally trained in the diagnosis and treatment of hair and scalp problems. They are trained in all aspects of hair science, hair care and hair processing. They adopt systematic and scientific methods to identify the hair and scalp problems before recommending a suitable regime for the hair and scalp. Various aspects of the client’s diet and lifestyle, health condition and medication, including sensitivities and allergies to certain foods are taken into consideration in the process of diagnosis and prescription.