Getting to the root of oily scalp, hair loss problems

Dear Rissa,

I’m 41, married, and working at the National Defense College of the Philippines in Quezon City.  I have been watching your show on Living Asia and chanced upon the episode on hair grooming.  I’d like to ask your opinion on what to do with my hair. I have thin, very oily hair, and when I’m sweating, the glands in my head must have secreted too much oil, that I look like I just took a bath.  I have also been experiencing hair fall lately. I am using aloe vera to compensate for the falling hair, but it’s not enough.  I fear seeking medical help because it might cost too much.  What treatment can I use as I don’t want to become bald?

GLADYS PUA

Our hair really is one of our major assets, our crowning glory. We should always take good care of it the same way we take good care of our skin. Before you panic over hair fall, keep in mind that a reasonable amount is normal. It is said natural daily hair loss is approximately 60-80 strands. But since we don’t have an endless amount of hair, we’re really alarmed when hair loss becomes excessive. Hair loss is often related to a stressful lifestyle, tiredness, emotional trauma, hormonal imbalance or even an unbalanced diet. Oily hair, on the other hand, will appear shiny, sticky, and limp. The oil glands on the scalp start becoming extra active during puberty, and this condition can later on get worse due to stress, an unbalanced diet or hormonal imbalance. Ask yourself if you’ve been going through any of these. A model friend of mine started developing a bald patch on her scalp after going through an emotionally stressful ordeal. But after overcoming the emotional battle, her scalp and hair growth went back to normal.

A few months ago, I tried the Hair Diagnosis System at JF Lazartigue.

(JF Lazartigue is located at Level R2 of the Power Plant Mall, Rockwell.) Since you’re worried about costs, this diagnosis is totally free of charge. Facilitated by a well-trained staff, this system makes use of a Numeric Hair Analyzer where a camera takes a close-up picture of both your hair and scalp, magnifying it at least 100 times. It’s amazing how you literally get a good picture of your hair and scalp condition! We just often run our fingers through our hair and if it simply looks and feels great, we think there aren’t any problems to be concerned about. But a deeper look will be a great way to address both short-term and long-term hair and scalp problems.

I also have fine hair like you. And I always wish for it to be even just a little thicker. After trying the hair analyzer, the JF Lazartigue staff showed me that I still have a lot of hair strands ready to grow on my scalp. But they advised that when shampooing, I should massage my scalp with the tips of my fingers to help encourage these hair stands to grow. I never really made that a good habit, but now I do.

I really recommend you visit JF Lazartigue. Aside from the hair analyzer, they have a very wide range of products targeted to even the most specific hair and scalp problems (oily scalp, dry, damaged, processed hair); moisturizing treatments; anti-dandruff; sun protection for the hair; treatments designed for men; styling products; hair color; and anti-hair loss products.

 For your oily scalp, JF Lazartigue  has its Propolis Jelly for Oily Scalp, a gel that cleanses, soothes, heals oily scalps with or without dandruff, and regulates oil on the scalp. For hair loss, they offer products like Stymulactine 21 with silanols which they explain is an energizer for tired and deficient scalps and contains an ingredient essential to the cellular activity of hair roots. But before buying any product, it’s best you consult with the JF Lazartigue staff. They will help you determine if the source of your problem is temporary or persistent and long-term. That way, you’ll understand the kinds of products you’ll need and how long you need to use them. Good luck!

Rissa

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Looking For A Good Strapless Bra, Mineral Powder, Light Scent, And Dancing Shoes

Hi, Lucy!

Four things I am in search of: a strapless bra that does not slip down in a sexy, pretty material and cut; a mineral powder foundation because I easily break out and my dermatologist recommends mineral makeup as it is all natural; a scent that I can splurge on for a dear friend of mine who wears only very light fragrances; and lastly, ballroom dancing shoes that don’t kill the feet.

Shey

I have the perfect bra for you. I tried to buy one and loved it so much I bought six more! It works so well because it never slips down, the fit is snug but comfortable, and the cut is sexy and flattering. Even if it comes in a nude color, the scalloped edges make it look and feel special, and the surprise animal print on the underside is a stylish touch. I believe it comes in black, too. Look for this bra at La Senza, available at Bonifacio High Street. By far, it is the best strapless bra I have ever tried! It comes with a provision for straps, too, plus a set of clear straps just in case you want to use it that way.

I am so loving mineral makeup now also because it never looks cakey on the skin and it is pure and natural you can even sleep with it on your face (not that you would or should). Bare Escentuals is good, but it is not available here (maybe you can ask a traveling friend of yours to buy it for you in the States or you can check out Sephora online). At Beauty Bar, there is this brand called Youngblood, and its mineral powder foundation is very good. It covers well, but looks so dewy and natural. Be sure to get the fat brush especially designed to make application easy and flawlesss. I heard that Laura Mercier already has mineral makeup, but I have not tried it yet. Soon as I do, I will give you feedback through this column.

For your friend who only wants very light scents, why not give her one really made for children? I like Tartine et Chocolat, Burberry Touch, and Eau de Mele from L’Occitane. Bench has some great baby scents, too, at very inexpensive prices. As far as ballroom shoes are concerned, I have mine custom-made locally by Drino shoes. They are so soft and comfortable on the feet you can dance all night and not suffer from pain. Call Stephanie at 09198134057. She’s the one who takes care of all my orders at Drino.

I hope I was really of help, Shey!

Lucy

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This Antiaging Cream Is Oil Right

Dear Ms. Tingting,

Is it true that most antiaging creams that are water-based when applied evaporate and leave only chemicals on the skin? Could you name brands that are not water-based and really deliver results?

Jen

There some brands texted to me by Dr. Val Herbosa who has a clinic at Makati Medical Center. A good oil-based product is Emu oil. It’s deeply moisturizing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflamatory, and eliminates dry skin. It is also good for diminishing stretch marks.

Another good one is Skinceuticals hydrating gel.

Tingting

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Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco@yahoo.com, ltg@pldtdsl.com, and stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com.