At the root of it

The most common and disturbing hair issues facing many women are hairline damage, dandruff and itching. It is important to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment for these problems. PHOTO/MARTIN MUKANGU

What you need to know:

  • Most hairline damage is self-inflicted due to wearing tight ponytails, braids and weaving. The tension weighs down on the hair at the root, resulting in breakage.
  • Flaky skin and itching are often the result of dead, dry skin, ringworms and psoriasis. These conditions are often confused for true dandruff, which leads to the overuse of harsh medicated products containing metallic salts, which may dry the scalp even more.

The most common and disturbing hair issues facing many women are hairline damage, dandruff and itching.

It is important to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment for these problems. We spoke to Muli Musyoka, a trichologist based at the Hair Hub trichology centre in Nairobi. (A trichologist is a specialist trained in the study of disorders of the hair and scalp.) He tells us how to handle some of these common problems.

Hairline damage

According to Muli, most hairline damage is self-inflicted due to wearing tight ponytails, braids and weaving. The tension weighs down on the hair at the root, resulting in breakage.

At times, the hair fails to grow back. Other causes include genetic inclination, poor nutrition and the extra-high presence of a male hormone known as DHT.

Many women resort to using all sorts of oils and hair growth ‘elixirs’. These hardly work because the cause may be deep-rooted.

The first line defense against hairline damage is to avoid tension at the hairline by adopting good hairdressing practices. To identify the exact cause of the damage, a scalp examination is mandatory.

Dandruff, dry skin, and itching

This is also a most troublesome hair issue. Bacteria cause true dandruff. 

It is more apparent when the hair and scalp are oily. It is therefore important to avoid using oil-based hair preparations. It is treated and managed through the use of medicated shampoos and antibacterial aids.

Once it clears, it is best to use nature-based oils and antibacterial agents to prevent recurrence. Some of these include tea tree oil, menthol, peppermint, camphor, and eucalyptus.

Flaky skin and itching are often the result of dead, dry skin, ringworms and psoriasis. These conditions are often confused for true dandruff, which leads to the overuse of harsh medicated products containing metallic salts, which may dry the scalp even more.

It is therefore important to seek help to find out the real cause of your flaking, itchy scalp. 

Pictured is trichologist Muli Musyoka analysing a client’s hair and scalp using a trichoscope, which magnifies up to 700 times for proper diagnosis. 

QUICK FIX:

Head:Hide that hairline 

To style your damaged hairline, use a stylish hair scarf specially designed for the hair front. These scarves are the latest in hair accessories, and they look lovely when worn on natural, woven, or braided hair.  Find them at beauty shops.

Ask Irene:

My hair breaks at the back, not the front. As such, I have been wearing a back ponytail to conceal the problem. Which other styles are suitable for this kind of hair? – Anne, Nairobi.

If the front and middle portions of your hair are long enough, you may brush your hair back to fall over the damaged sections. Alternatively, try a short back and sides haircut. Colour the front to draw attention away from the shorter area.