Hair Care News

Oily Hair During the Winter?

Posted on November 4, 2009 with No Comments

Interestingly, we have begun receiving many calls related to oily hair problems during the winter, cold weather.  On the surface, this seems like a bit of a contradiction.  Most folks think of oily hair relating to hotter temps when folks are out exercising, getting hot, doing yard work, or sweating during sports.

Candidly, for many years so did I…but, something interesting happens at night – yep, I’m keeping it clean.  I was just refering to the symptom of sweating while you sleep.  In fact, I answered a question on Yahoo a few days ago regarding a young person who was waking up with their head sweaty and oily.  After a little bit of back and forth, we figured out that they were keeping the temperature too warm in their room/house.

They would hop in bead right after turning up the thermostat and by the time they were sound asleep and under layers of blankets, the room would be warm and toasty…the result??  Sweaty, oily head when they woke up.

With that said, if you seem to be having this problem, consider doing a couple of things:

• If doable, keep the temp on your thermostat no higher than 67-68 degrees.  Studies have shown the ideal “sleep temperature” to be aound 65 degrees.
• Try using a firmer pillow.  Very soft, down pillows (especially if the are large) can wrap around your head and the heat from your head can make you sweat.
• Make sure your not going to bed with any styling products in your hair – gels, mousse, hairspray, etc.  While this may not always be possible, chemicals in these products can mix with dirt and oils on your scalp to lead to an increase in oil production.
• Try using a clarifying shampoo with Zinc such as Follicleanse to regulate oils on the scalp and hair.  Heat and humidity tend to increase the amount of oil your scalp produces; Zinc can help control oil and lessen the possibility you will wake up with oily hair.

Looking for the Best Anti Dandruff Shampoo?

Posted on June 14, 2009 with No Comments

For several years I had a fairly oily scalp and began to get some flakes.  I began looking for the best anti dandruff shampoo I could find.

I tried mosy of the name brands – Head & Shoulders included.  Nothing really worked for me until I began using a shampoo (Follicleanse) that had Zinc in it.

I wrote a post a few weeks ago about Zincadone.  Its also known as Zinc PCA and is a very effective ingredient used in anti dandruff shampoos.  As a note, within a few days my hair scalp wasn’t so oily and in a week or two the few flakes I had were gone too.

I generally don’t plug a product, but Follicleanse is know my favorite.  I use it 2-3 times a week, alternating with an un-named product I like as well.  Here is a snippit I found related to the Zinc and dandruff.

What Causes Dandruff?

Flakes and itching usually caused by oil, toxins, pollutants and harsh hair care products that have been deposited on the scalp over a period of time. Malfunctioning sebaceous glands too sometimes produce an excess of oil which result in dry, flaking, itchy scalp and greasiness.

The Ideal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

The most effective shampoo has the ability to eliminate pollutants and reduce flaky scalp and white flakes. It should be able to break down the presence of bad oils in the scalp without stripping your hair of its natural oils. The presence of Zinc PCA, which is a naturally derived compound used for the regulation of oil production by the sebaceous glands is highly beneficial and breaks down cholesterol that often leads to flaky scalp.

The Best Anti Dandruff Shampoo for Flakes and Itching

Anyway, I have several friends who have the same flaking problems – I told them my favorite anti dandruff shampoo and am now telling you.  Good luck and let me know what you think.

Zincidone (Zinc PCA) – 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor & Sebum Control

Posted on April 27, 2009 with No Comments

Zincidone (Zinc PCA) is a an effective ingredient used in popular clarifying shampoos such as Follicleanse and for products developed to block DHT.  Zinc PCA has been shown to reduce sebum production as well as blocking the conversion of 5-Alpha Reductase Enzymes.  Reduced sebum flow helps guard onset of Seborrheic Dermatitis believed to be the result of yeast and oil forming bacteria.

Zincidone tested at 10-7m reduces 5″ alpha reductase power by 65%.  At 1%, in vivo tests have exhibited a 22% reduction in sebum flow.  Barnet Products Corporation

Needless to say, its’ efficacy for products for oily hair or to inhibit DHT are measurable, making it well suited for hair loss, thinning in men and for deep-cleaning and regulating excessive scalp oils. It’s also important to note that Zinc PCA can be useful in addressing what causes scalp psoriasis. Often symptoms such as scaling, flakes, tenderness and itching are eased by products such as Follicleanse shampoo or a good psoriasis shampoo that use Zinc PCA as a primary active ingredient.