The Underlying Cause of Dandruff

Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff is a doozy.  Dandfruff is due to excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. It is quite normal for the skin cells of the scalp to die and flake off. A normal quantity of skin flaking is quite natural, but when the flaking becomes excessive due to some irritation or some skin allergy then it needs attention.

There is no convincing reason yet whether some foods like sugar or yeast or excessive perspiration can cause or increase dandruff. If you have some fungal infection, that can cause dandruff or flaking of the skin. Another cause of dandruff could be cold weather, cold weather makes the skin dry and causes it to flake and shed which in turn causes dandruff. Some kind of food allergy can also be a cause of dandruff. Even nutritional deficiency can be one of the major causes of dandruff. Deficiency of B-complex vitamins or omega 3 fatty acids and other such vitamins can also cause flaking of the skin. Excessive use of hair gels, hair sprays or other chemicals such as hair coloring chemicals can also cause roughness of the scalp and cause it to shed skin.

Dandruff Prevention

It is difficult to find a 100% dandruff cure. But we can definitely prevent dandruff. It is basically a natural process of skin drying and flaking but when it gets excessive it becomes a cause of concern. Eat healthy nutritious food. Avoid oily and fried food items. These increase the problem of dandruff. Do not expose your skin to too much sun because its rays could harm the skin and the hair texture. Also, too much cold is not good for the skin as it has the chance of drying up and in turn causing dandruff. Extreme climatic conditions should be avoided.

Wash your hair at least twice a week. Always keep your scalp clean. Use a fine toothed comb. A balanced diet in food and proper intake of liquids keeps the skin and hair healthy hence avoiding drying and dandruff. Then even relaxing techniques such as meditation reduces stress and therefore helps as a dandruff treatment. Using proper shampoos and not exposing hair to too many chemicals will help hair and scalp to remain in a natural state. So by taking a little care of health and skin we can definitely help prevent dandruff.

Kasia Scalp Benefit Products

Keep your scalp clean and stimulated with Kasia Spicy Citrus Shampoo. With a healthy PH for your hair and scalp and  essential oils lime, lemon, and ginger help exfoliate the scalp, add body....but does not strip your hair!

Essential oils can be very effective in minimizing or halting the problem. The best carrier oil is jojoba oil.  Mix your jojoba oil oil for treating dandruff with the the following oils and work them into the scalp.

Here are some beneficial oils for your scalp:

• Rosemary Essential Oil

• Lemon Scented Tea Tree Essential Oil  and Diffusion Blend with Lemon Myrtle

• Lavender Essential Oil   and Lavender-based Diffusion Blend

• Cedarwood Essential Oil

Negate is a new product and is remarkable for hard water, scalp build up, medication buildup, and over-all health of the hair.  We recommend this product 1x week if you are experiencing build up, scalp sensitivities, dandruff, or are swimming.

Contact Kasia Organic Salon today for your healthy hair and scalp questions!  www.kasiaorganicsalon.com   612.824.7611

Current Fall Trends to Try Today!

 

Bold Brows

Fiercely-browed Jennifer Connelly and Brooke Shields look-alikes of the world beware: This season you're getting some serious competition from celebs like Keira Knightly, and models at such sought after shows as Vera Wang and Marc Jacobs. So follow suit and embrace full natural brows. TIP: First, tweeze the arches of the brow to open up the eye. Then gently pluck the front and ends, removing only every other hair, for a soft lengthy look. This will give you a good cleanup without removing a lot of hair.

Sleek Straight Center Part

Contrasting this season’s oversized proportions in attire, when it comes to hair it’s all about a slick middle part. So take a cue from celebs like Selena Gomez and Jennifer Aniston, as well as the runways at Alexander Wang and Nicole Miller, by getting those locks under control and playing up the shine.

Tip:  Great shine starts in the shower, so treat your hair once a week with a moisturizing mask or oil.  Use Kasia Off the Fritz to maintain a sleek finish.

Wine Lips

Thanks to covetable fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci, as well as stylish celebs Emma Stone, Kate Bosworth, and Camilla Belle, merlot mouth is no longer just the result of drinking too many glasses of vino. So get in touch with the lush in you this season and go GRAPPA (with La Bella Donna Baci Baci lip stick/gloss in one!)

Tip: For those with smaller lips, avoid anything matte with grey undertones—go for a warmer shade to get the full-bodied effect.

Our team at Kasia Organics is ready to facilitate your Fall beauty transition!  Contact us at 612.824.7611

Read more: Fall Hair and Makeup Trends 2012 - Fall Beauty Trends - Real Beauty

Three Main Reason’s of Hair Loss -Prevention and Action

The three main reasons for hair loss in woman are: low iron, low thyroid and not enough minerals in the diet.

You can’t open a newspaper or magazine without seeing advertisements for hair loss solutions for men, but very few options are offered to women who are losing their hair. Over two-thirds of women suffer hair loss, and hair loss can be quite extreme—from thinning to bald patches. Thank- fully, few women go totally bald like men do, but there is nothing more distressing than watching your lovely locks fall out in abundance. Topical solutions for women rarely reverse hair loss. And the drugs that are available have been predominantly researched in men and do not address the underlying reasons for hair loss in women.

The three main reasons for hair loss in woman are: low iron, low thyroid and not enough minerals in the diet.

Low Iron and Hair Loss

One of the least known causes of hair loss is low iron. You do not have to be anemic to lose your hair. Your doctor may advise you that your iron levels are normal, but we know that low normal levels of iron will cause huge hair loss. Many women after childbirth and women during the perimenopausal years experience heavy periods. Simply being a woman of childbearing age automatically puts you at risk of low iron. Up to 60 percent of women have low iron and it is of ten undiagnosed. Due to higher iron requirements as a result of menstruation, women need 20 milligrams of elemental iron daily yet most of us are only getting 8 mg per day from our diet. Now that we are not eating as much red meat, even postmenopausal women and seniors are suffering from low iron.

Symptoms of iron deficiency may be any combination of the following

1. Skin: dry skin, sensitivity to cold temperature; pale complexion, thin, brittle nails, dull, lifeless hair.

2.Brain: Fatigue, light headedness, headaches, depressed or disturbed mood (anxiety), sleep disturbance.

3.Body symptoms: muscle weakness, aching joints, breathlessness or heart palpitations are, difficulty in swallowing.

Don’t Believe a Normal Iron Test

If your doctor tells you your iron is normal, ask for the test results. There are two iron blood tests: hemoglobin and ferritin. For hemoglobin, the test range suggested as normal by your doctor is 117–160 g/L for women. Yet hemoglobin below 140 g/L will cause significant hair loss. Ferritin, which is your iron storage, has a suggested test range of 15–160 ug/L; but to prevent hair loss and ensure thick hair, your reading should be above 40 ug/L.

In addition, for those who are either on thyroid medication or who have low thyroid but are not on thyroid hormone, there are key nutrients that can help support thyroid function. These include potassium iodide, tyrosine, ashwagandha, gugguls and pantothenic acid.  If you are on thyroid medication, take your medication first thing on an empty stomach and then take this supplement at breakfast. Once the underlying low thyroid is resolved and the TSH drops below 2, hair starts to grow back in six to eight weeks.

Hair follicles contain ferritin. When ferritin stores decline in the hair follicle, it affects the ability of the hair to grow causing non-pigmented
 fine hairs to develop.
  These hairs are often 
mistaken for androgenic alopecia. Low 
ferritin also causes the
 hair to change structure become dry, not hold the curl or color well and break easily. Hair loss can be gradual, a general thinning out over the years, or it can be sudden and startling.

Iron supplements represent another challenge because you will want an iron that does not constipate or cause digestive distress but is effective and fast acting.   Kassandra (Kasia Organics) recommends Premier Research Labs ErythroPro.  ErythroPro features highly bio-available iron (beet and rice bran-derive) that does not promote free radical production such as inorganic (rock) forms or iron (i.e. ferrous fumarate).  Instead, ErythroPro provides key blood factors from natural sources of folic acid, vitamin B12, copper, iodine and more.  Most women notice hair regrowth in as little as six weeks with this type of iron.

Low Thyroid Affects Up to 23 Percent of Women

Like low iron, hypothyroid or low thyroid hormone is an undiagnosed epidemic in Canada. Twenty-three percent of women are currently taking thyroid medication and up to 30 percent of women may also have subclinical or mild hypothyroidism whereby their thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is within the “normal” range of 0.5–5.5 IU/mL yet they still experience symptoms. Thinning hair, hair loss and loss of eyebrow hair are common symptoms of low thyroid. A deficiency in these hormones may also result in some of the following symptoms:

• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight • Sensitivity to cold
• Menstrual problems/heavy periods
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Headaches

It is important that you ask your doctor what your TSH test result number is because although it may be “normal,” research has shown that if it is greater than 2.0 IU/mL, chances are it is low thyroid that is contributing to your hair loss.

Mind your Minerals

It is a rare person who eats the recommended seven to 10 half cup servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Most of us eat only two to three servings a day and, on top of this, the modern lifestyle is rampant with “nutrient robbers”— e.g. stress, medications, the birth control pill, smoking, alcohol— that further deplete our nutritional stores. As a result, deficiencies in the key nutrients required for healthy hair are rampant. Zinc, silicon and selenium, for example, are critical to hair growth yet most people do not get enough.

Everybody should be on a multivitamin with minerals to prevent the nutritional deficiencies associated with not only hair loss but also chronic disease.

Start today with ErythroPro, Thyroven (a thyroid-support formula) if needed, and a great multivitamin with minerals and your hair will start to regain its youthful bounty. It is not normal to look down at the bottom of the tub and see nothing but hair swirling around the drain.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH AND BEAUTY:  Kasia Organic Salon is a leading pioneer in healthy beauty to fit your lifestyle. Follow us to ammonia-free /MEA/PPD Color, organic facials, and natural and organic products that support your life. –Kassandra, Owner

Resource: Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS, is Canada’s leading women’s health expert and has been researching nutritional medicine for over 30 years.

Amp Up Your Color and Sexiest Hairstyles for Fall

Whether you're going for a subtle change or a shocking transformation, we've rounded up fall's hottest hues to inspire you.

Fall is all about change—so it’s the perfect time to try these eleven new celebrity-inspired hairstyles for every length, texture, and occasion.

Fall hairstyles for 2012

  September brings in the autumn season and like the changing of the leaves, hairstyles make the transition from summer cuts to meet fall fashion. These are just some of the styles expected to garner popularity during the upcoming months.

Ombre hair: Ombre hair and nails are growing in popularity as stars show off uniquely blended hair colors at more and more red carpet events. Blend from dark to light, choose shades that complement skin tones, and understand if they can wear bolder colors in their work environment.

Sleek and low volume: Sleek, clean hair with low volume is easy to maintain and easy to style. It's perfect for those looking to simplify the morning routine, or those looking for a versatile way to manage their hair.

Creative braids and twists: The popularity of The Hunger Games and rapidly spreading creativity on Pinterest has led a resurgence in differently styled braids and hair twists. Braids can be a more time consuming process especially with the added details, but the results speak for themselves.

Precise ponytails: Ponytails are a classic way of styling and managing hair. Ponytails are sleek and maintain elegance. They can be high, low, sleek, voluminous, and can be tailored to meet any need.

Retro bouffants: Retro always finds a place in the fashion industry, and as hipster trends become less than irony and more the style to follow, retro becomes the it thing. Creating a real bouffant can be time consuming, but modern advances in hair products have made the process easier.

Blunt bangs: Bangs have made their way back into the mainstream thanks to celebrities like Zooey Deschanel and Rooney Mara's portrayal of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" character, Lisbeth Salander. Facial shape is important when determining bang style; taller foreheads benefit from longer bangs, while rounder faces benefit from sideswept bangs.

Call to make your Fall hair appointment today!  612.824.7611

Eating Right for Your Hair Type

What's one of the best-kept secrets for healthy hair?

As an "Informed Beauty" you probably will not be surprised that much of this is directly correlated to a healthy and balanced diet!   It is fundamental  that your grocery list contains  the right mix of high quality protein, veggies, iron, and other non-inflammatory nutrients can help improve the health, look, and feel of your hair.

 

Healthy Hair: Protein Is King

Your hair needs a well-rounded intake both from the outside- and inside that provides all the recommended vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. But it doesn't mean that when it comes to hair, all nutrients are equal, especially when it comes to protein.

A healthy body needs sufficient amino acids, and so does your hair.  A strand of hair is composed of mostly protein, therefore it needs protein to grow.  Protein creates a stronger hormonal and internal energy so your body can efficiently supply strong hair and nails.  There are 22 amino acids that combine to form different proteins, and 8 of these must come from the foods we eat. Our body uses these amino acids to create muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails and internal organs. Proteins help replace and form new tissue, transports oxygen and nutrients in our blood and cells, regulates the balance of water and acids, and is needed to make antibodies.

The Phase of Your Hair Growth

At any given time, about 90% of your hair is in the growing phase. For each individual hair, this growing phase lasts 2 to 3 years. At the end of that time, hairs enter a resting phase that lasts about 3 months before they are shed and replaced by new hair. If you don't get enough protein in your diet, a disproportionate number of hairs may go into the resting phase.

On a normal scalp, there are about 120,000-150,000 strands of hair, and about 50 to 100 strands of that are shed each day. Most people don't even notice that small amount. If a large number of hairs enter the resting phase at the same time, hair loss can become very noticeable.

Many of our clients at Kasia Salon are busy mothers and working women.  It is common to go through bouts of hair loss in ones life.  We often recommend taking inventory of  our guests stress levels and nutritional habits within a 3 month time period.   If this is a  problematic cause, it be reversed. By restoring protein to your diet, whether it comes from plants, such as beans and other legumes, or meat from animal sources, you can restore the normal hair cycle and stop the abnormal hair loss.

Iron and Other Nutrients

Protein isn't the only nutrient needed to maintain healthy hair. Iron, vitamin E, and trace minerals, such as selenium, copper, and magnesium to help keep your hair in good shape. These are all involved in the production of the various proteins that make up your hair.

Protein and Iron

Iron can make a very large impact on the health of ones hair.    This is especially true  for women (heavy menstral cycles)  and vegetarians. Not getting enough iron, like not getting enough protein, can cause hair loss.

Where do you find the best source of iron in your diet?  Meat    The best sources of meat is a organic land ean meat, like fish and chicken.

Good vegetarian sources of iron include pumpkin seeds, white beans, lentils, and spinach.  Keep in mind that iron from non-animal sources absorbs iron less efficiently from plants.

It is best to speak  with your doctor about your diet and hair concerns.  Your doctor can test the level of iron in your body to best determine whether or not you should consider taking an iron supplement.

Vitamin D and Your Hair

Another potentially important nutrient is vitamin D. Mirmirani says that though the evidence still isn't clear, some studies suggest that vitamin D may play a role in the hair cycle. "We can get vitamin D from the sun," Mirmirani says. "But dermatologists don't recommend a lot of sun exposure."

Dietary sources of vitamin D include fortified foods such as milk, orange juice, and cereals. But, Mirmirani says, according to some studies, many Americans aren't getting enough vitamin D. "And the actual recommended dosage is controversial," she says.  As with iron, she recommends talking with your doctor about your vitamin D needs and whether or not you should take a supplement.

Are Hair Supplements Necessary?

It is true that any hormonal, nutritional, or vitamin deficiency will cause hair loss. All the vitamins are important, although a B-complex, C, and E are very beneficial.  Getting the essentials is key and does not mean you need to buy special supplements for your hair.

Less stress, inflammation, and a balanced diet low in GMO grains is a promising return on your health and hair.  Although it will not hurt,  "beware of biotin" claims, as there hasn't been any good evidence that taking zinc or biotin supplements actually offers any benefits for hair.

Hair Health and Weight Loss Diets

Many women put themselves on a very strict calorie-deprived diet or fast detox and will lose weight very quickly.   Much of the time, the yo-yo effect on the body causes physiological stress, which also contributes to hair loss, beside the fact that the needed nutrients for anabolic activity is cut short.  After losing this weight, healthy individuals can expect their hair to  come back after weight stabilizes.

All in the Balance

It is important to remember that just like our work-life, exercise, mind, relationships, and food....."balance" is key.   A healthy diet, well-being, and the highest grade supplements  is best for you, and your hair.

Kassandra Kuehl is the founder of Kasia Organic Salon. Kasia Organic Salon is the pioneer of healthy beauty that delivers results to fit your lifestyle, because only Kasia is the authority in 100% natural products & services.  Visit www.kasiaorganicsalon.com and become an "Informed Beauty." 

SOURCES: Mayo Clinic: "Hair Loss." Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, spokesperson, American Dietetic Association. Carolyn Jacob, MD, Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology.

Get Schooled on Brushes!

photos: denman, ibiza, cricket, warrentricomi, spornette, mason pearson, denman post designed by kristin ess

#1 The Denman Paddle Brush. You can detangle with it, blow dry with it, massage your head with it, and tease hair with it. It doesn’t pull or scratch because of its perfectly rounded nylon pin-bristles, it doesn’t cause static, and is padded with an air cushion. On a daily basis, I use it to blow my hair out quickly before I curl it with a curling iron.

#2 Ibiza Round Brushes. These are my favorite round brushes for home use. They’re gentle enough to give in to a tangle, but strong enough to get tension for smoothing out waves. This brush is packed with the perfect amount of bristles. Your hair practically jumps around the brush and blows itself out.

#3 Cricket Metal Round Brush. This brush acts as a curling iron when it heats up. Most people use this when they want a little bend on their ends without using a curling iron. It has a hollow core which allows air to flow through. In other words, your hair is being dried from the inside as well as the outside, and that speeds up drying time. This brush is not my particular favorite because they often scratch the scalp and if you don’t move fast enough, there can be too much heat between your blow dryer and the metal of the brush.

#4 WarrenTricomi Metal Core Brush. This is like #2 and #3 mixed together. Since this brush has both boar bristles and nylon bristles you have more control over the hair than you do with a regular metal core brush. The boar hair bristles also help prevent excessive contact between the hair and the metal. This is a rather versatile round brush. It can be used to create smooth straight hair or hair with lots of body.

#5 Spornette- “porcupine” G36. This is my all time favorite brush for bangs. I have it with me ALWAYS. It’s under $10 and it’s the boss of your bangs when they act like they can’t hear you.

#6 The Mason Pearson. This is what’s considered by many to be the “Holy Grail” of brushes. While I love a Mason, I lose things a lot and I can’t quite justify spending $150 every time they escape my kung fu grip.

#7 The Mason Pearson’s cheaper, slightly less sophisticated cousin…The Denman Large Boar Bristle Brush. I use this a lot for updos and smoothing down fly aways. It’s also a great brush for soft teasing!

Resource: http://thebeautydepartment.com/2011/04/brush-up/

DIY: Top Heavy is IN!

Being TOP HEAVY is IN!

Everyone women loves an easy - no hassle -  out of the face hair-doo!