WHAT IS DANDRUFF?

Dandruff is the most widespread problem of the scalp.

There are two basic forms of dandruff. The first is characterised by the formation of fine, white or grey loose scales which leave the scalp easily. This simple form of dandruff is seen on the scalp as dry white flakes. They come away from the scalp easily and do not form a thick scale. The second form is greasier and the scales tend to stick to the scalp where they build up and may form a thick covering. The colour of the scale in this type of dandruff is more yellowish as sebum has been absorbed by the scale. This form of dandruff can be more problematical as it can lead to worse scalp condition such as dermatitis.

CAUSES

Dandruff is caused by skin cells forming too quickly. Normally it takes 28 days for the cells which have formed at the base of the epidermis (outer layer of skin) to move through the skin and to reach the surface. At the surface these skin cells, which are now dead, come away when we wash or remove clothing. In dandruff cases, these cells pass through the epidermis much faster than normal taking around 15 to 18 days. This increase in dead cells results in the formation of scale on the surface of the scalp.

TREATMENT

Many anti-dandruff shampoos are extremely harsh and can often make the problem worse. The cells underneath the dandruff flakes are particularly sensitive and strong chemicals can irritate these calls. More cells are produced to protect the sensitive cells underneath hence the formation of even more dandruff. To treat dandruff successfully you need to:-

1. Clear the scalp of the dandruff scales.
2. Control the level of bacteria on the scalp.
3. Prevent the cells from growing too fast.

Trichology Scalp Improvement Shampoo from the Tony Maleedy range is a blend of natural and highly effective oils; thyme, tea-tree and rosemary, which all have antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. The jumper oil in this shampoo has soothing and calming effects on the scalp tissues and slows down the formation of the overproduced cells. The treatment shampoo should be used until the problem has cleared and then as maintenance therapy one every two weeks to keep the hair and scalp in good condition.

For Tony Maleedy products click here

Tony Maleedy Hair Loss & Scalp Treatment This highly specialised treatment is a blend of natural plant extracts in alcohol. It is used in British hair treatment clinics by trichologists to reduce excessive hair loss. It encourages better hair growth and ensures that the scalp is healthy and free from flaking and irritation. It is to be applied to the thinning region of the scalp once a day and left on for maximum hair and scalp stimulation. A 100ml bottle provides three months supply. Price: £34.99 Quantity: You can always remove it later Shopping Safe Currency Converter FREE UK DELIVERY

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Views & tips from your side of the counter........

SOYA - DONT HAVE TO BE A VEGGIE

You do not have to be a veggie to benefit from soya! Soya beans are a great source of linoleic acid, a super skin smoother and nourisher. Not surprisingly you can find it in all sorts of beauty goodies. Here a few to try –

• Our favourite is Urban Defence Guardian Angel Protective Oil – Free Moisturise. At around £16.50 this ultra light formula drenches the skin without greasiness. It also contains a SPF of 15 and has tomato extract to leave the skin glowing angelically.

• Origins Precipitation softens dry body skin without any trace of residue. It contains hydrating ingredients such as ginseng, cola, and gentian root and of course soya bean oil, all of which melt easily and instantly into the skin.

• Olos Natura Elisir Gold, a posh name for a posh product! Rich in soya and other revitalising products this is a gold-flecked moisturiser, which gives a lovely highlighted effect to the skin. Use sparingly dab onto any area you need softness – not cheap at around £44 buy lovely for a special treat.

One of the quickest ways to perk up your face after the long winter months is blusher. It’s the quickest trick in the book to a healthy looking glow. For that ‘I’ve – just – had – a – walk – in – the fresh air’ look follow some of these simple tips.

• Always dab on cream blusher gels and pencils gently at first adding slightly more after blending until you reach the desired depth.

• If you prefer powder blush, use a matt one to contour just below the cheekbone and one with a slight shimmer for the highest part of your cheekbone.

• Use a small to medium brush to apply blusher – too large a brush will give you a CoCo the clown effect. Save the large brush for bronzing pearls where a more random blush is okay.

• Always shake off excess powder after loading the brush and before applying to the face. Using the side of the brush stroke the brush across the surface of the cheek. The first stroke will be where you get the most colour so be sure to position this stroke where you want it.

• Start your sweeping movements from the centre of the cheek outwards not the other way around.

• If you do not have your blusher with you in an emergency you can always dab on and blend a little lipstick to the cheeks. But take extra care to cleanse thoroughly afterwards as lipstick is greasier than regular cream blushers and could block pores.

Hair Solutions –
How to deal with......

Round Face – this face shape is feminine with no strong angles but you could do with a fringe, which slims and lengthens. An asymmetric style with a side parting will minimise roundness, as will height at the crown. Avoid a full fringe, which will emphasise a round jawbone.

Heart Shaped Face – you need width at the sides – the fringe should be full enough to cover part of the forehead to reduce the length without swamping it. For a fashion look, go for a long, broken up fringe tapering over the cheekbones. Avoid strong, blunt fringes which look too harsh.

Square Face – Styles that soften harsh lines, giving the illusion of less width and more height. The fringe needs to round the angles, covering and sharp corners. Avoid one length, straight across fringes which emphasise a boxy face shape.

Long Face – Your face needs shortening and widening and a full fringe will give a better balance. The rest of the style should have volume at the sides – a long, straight style will emphasise the length. Avoid no fringe styles, or too short or wispy a fringe which will make the face look longer.