Hair Foundation Blog

For many of us, taking care of our hair includes shampooing, conditioning, applying hair products, then blow drying.

Sounds like a lot of work but Dr. Zoe Draelos, a member of the Hair Foundation’s board of trustees, consulting professor of dermatology at Duke University and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology said via the Los Angeles Times, “People say they have bad hair, and they need to do a lot to it. The opposite is true. The less you handle your hair, the better.”

In the article, Better hair with less care, Draelos is joined by Dr. Matt Leavitt, president of the Hair Foundation and medical director of Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery on sharing basic tips for hair care.

Throughout the day, hair as a strand of dead cells becomes coated from natural oils and dirt. One’s genes play an important role in your hair and whether it’s thick, straight or thin, hair products can you help get the most out of it.

Leavitt believes there’s only two essentials for clean and healthy hair: shampoo and conditioner.

He explains that shampoo, which is actually more of a scalp cleaner than it is one for hair, should match your scalp type: dry, normal or oily. Shampoos for oily scalps include large amounts of lauryl sulfate while products for dry scalps also include a smaller dose of it.

As for conditioners, which helps with the fortifying outer layers to protect hair, give hair its shine and flexibility while getting rid of that pesky static.

It may take awhile to find the ideal product that will work for you but Draelos recommends sticking to your hair type when selecting your products. While a heavy conditioner will work well on thick, kinky hair, not so much for fine, straight hair. You will need to go with a lighter product.

For damaged hair, look for conditioners with either keratin or similar proteins. This will help with split ends and revive damaged hair.

And for consumers looking for a two-in-one product instead of individual shampoo and conditioner, Leavitt says it’s a good alternative

For additional hair tips from Draelos and Leavitt, please read the following.

In recognition of August’s Hair Loss Awareness Month, the Hair Foundation has partnered with Viviscal®, the exclusive maker of supplements that contain the AminoMar C Marine Complex; this promotes thicker, longer, and faster growing hair.

As part of its month-long hair loss and hair care awareness campaign, Viviscal®, will donate 3% of its sales for every box to the Hair Foundation.

“We support the Hair Foundation’s charitable efforts to educate and reach out to consumers and health care professionals with hair care and hair loss concerns through their research, awareness and prevention programs and current information. The Hair Foundation’s mission to help the consumer aligns with our overall corporate mission of health and well-being,” said Mark Holland chief executive officer of Lifes2good, manufacturers of Viviscal.

“We are pleased to announce our partnership and the generous donation from Vivsical and its parent Company Lifes2good,” said Dr. Matt L. Leavitt, DO, President and Chair of The Hair Foundation. “We look forward to working with Lifes2good to support and improve our numerous education, outreach and research programs, including Operation Restore and Hugs-U-Wear.”

Hair loss strongly affects both men and women’s overall confidence and sex life. According to a recent survey released by Viviscal®, it disclosed that 96 percent of women suffering from hair loss feel that their hair is connected to their sense of beauty.

In addition, 55 percent of women feel they are negatively judged as a result of their thinning hair.

Leavitt said in response to the recent statistics from the study, “Hair loss can often be prevented or slowed, so early detection and treatment is crucial. There are many ways to stop hair loss before it becomes noticeable to others.”

He added, “Hair Loss affects over 56 million people in the U.S. Everyone can benefit from knowing how to properly care for their hair type and how to prevent, reduce and treat temporary and more permanent forms of hair loss and disease but most importantly, where to start.  We recommend finding a trusted professional who specializes in hair loss, disease, prevention, and treatment.”

To learn more about hair loss, please visit the Hair Foundation website.