The effects of over-styling

Over-doing or over-styling hair can create serious hair loss problems for women.

Known as traction alopecia, over-doing or over-styling is a condition that results from physical damage sustained by the hair.

Such damage may occur as a direct consequence of constant curling, straightening, bleaching, dyeing, teasing and blow-drying according to Claudia Sidhu, the chief executive officer of SRS Hair Clinics.

SRS is a specialist in natural treatments and solutions for hair loss and has treated thousands of women for hair loss over 30 years. As well as its Newton clinic in Auckland, it has recently opened clinics in Tauranga and Hamilton.

Claudia says other factors that can cause traction alopecia include the excessive pulling of hair when it is being drawn into tight ponytails or braids.

‘‘Traction alopecia is typically common among women and children who may see their hair stylist once a month or even once a week for years on end,’’ she says, ‘‘Which can result in excessive treatment of their hair.’’

Hair that is subject to overstyling can become dry and brittle which results in strands or entire sections breaking off.

Claudia says excessive use of hair dyes, straighteners and perms can also be major contributing factors in hair loss. Harsh hair care products bought over the counter can play a part in hair damage - a situation she likens to using weed killer on your lawn.

‘‘To this list we would add poor diet, medications, artificial lighting and environmental factors such as air pollution and over exposure to harmful UV rays,’’ Claudia says.

Experts believe that one in four women experience some degree of hair loss and the social and psychological impact can be unsettling and stressful.

Claudia says it is never too late to do something about these problems and SRS can advise on how to protect, nourish and grow hair using 100 per cent drug-free natural formulas without the need for potent chemical applications.

Recent dermatological tests in Germany showed that SRS hair loss products are completely harmless, even in the case of sensitive skin or allergies.

SRS has clinics in Auckland at 15 St Benedicts St, Newton,

Tauranga at Adelpha Care and Hamilton at the Anglesea Clinic.

For more information phone 0800 348 616, or visit www.srshairclinic.co.nz.

Constant styling of women’s hair can lead to serious hair loss probelms in the future