Image details: 2005 Crown Oaks Day served by picapp.com

I don’t know where you are reading this from, but in my part of the world – we bypassed spring, and went right into summer. It has been over 30 degrees celsius (and very sunny) for the last 2 days. The climate that I am most used to is rain – with much cooler temperatures.

Although it is usually very rainy where I live, I am a self confessed sunscreen junky. I wear it everyday of the year. There are three reasons for this.

1. I use a combination moisturizer/sunscreen for my skin
2. I am very afraid of skin cancer – and so I will do whatever I can to avoid it
3. I freckle very very easily – and as cute as freckles can be – I would rather not have them

Wearing sunscreen, is just part of my morning regime now (I do have to give myself reminders to reapply though). However, when I first started wearing it – I needed a little bit of help (ie incentive/reminders) to put it on everyday. The best way, is to find a sunscreen that smells really good. People like to smell good, and sunscreen can be a good way to incorporate a fun summer scent. Of course, I am a girl who loves the scent of Coppertone suntan lotion -and even listed it as a favorite scent when I was shopping for a new fragrance to wear.

This post is a result of me being outside for an hour yesterday (in the morning), and coming home with 700 new freckles on my face. As cute as I am right now, I was quite disappointed in myself. This freckle explosion could have been avoided if I had just reapplied my sunscreen before going back outside – and putting on a hat. However, it could have been worse – so I won’t complain too much. But I will give you some ways on how you can protect your head and face from the harmful UVA/UVB rays from the sun.

• Determine your skin’s type/colour, and its ability to tan. This is not to say if you have darker skin that you are exempt from sunscreen. You are not. No one is exempt
• Choose a sunscreen based on your activity – If you are a swimmer/surfer -wear a waterproof one
• Pick a sunscreen that will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays – both are harmful
• Determine what SPF strength you need. Most people will find that SPF 15 is really good protection. If you are fair skinned (like me) you will want a higher strength. I won’t leave the house with anything less than SPF 30.
• There are specific sunscreens that are used for your head and face. Invest in them. Although regular sunscreen is better than none.
• Wear a hat!
• Do not forget to put sunscreen on your ears and lips – these parts tend to burn really fast. For the lips, try a chapstick that is SPF15
• On really sunny days, try to stay indoors between the hours of noon and 3pm (this is when the sun is at its highest, and can hurt you the most)

If you are looking for a good sunscreen, made especially for bald heads- try this one. Its good stuff!
Remember pale skin is in….and sunburns hurt, so it really does pay to be safe in the sun.

Enjoy the summer weather, I for one am really glad that it is finally here!

**All pertinent information was brought to you, by ehow.com

Post from: Blisstree

PSA – Wear Sunscreen!

Image details: Man’s shaved head served by picapp.com

Often psoriasis that attacks the scalp can result in hair loss, although it is most often temporary. Either hair loss or psoriasis can be traumatic, but put both together and you might feel like life as you know it has just ended. It doesn’t have to be the case.

Big flakes of skin that look like the worst case of dandruff ever and sometimes cause bleeding is definitely alarming, but there are some things that you can do.

1. Go to your hairstylist. They can make recommendations like whether you need to see a dermatologist, or whether a simple scalp treatment and some exfoliation will get rid of the problem.
2. Be careful when removing the scales, you don’t want to pull out anymore hairs than you have already lost to this condition. Using a scalp product especially made for psoriasis can help loosen the scales,which will make it easier for removal.
3. Men – shaving your head is a definite option. The extra sun rays that your head will help reduce the reproduction of skin cells, and help prevent lesions.
4. Wear a hat or a cap, but from a breathable material. Head scarves are also a nice option.
5. For the ladies – your hairstylist is going to be your best friend here. The stylist can give you a great new haircut, which will minimize the appearance of flakes. Stylists can also help you with product selection, and accessories.

I know that scalp psoriasis is unsettling. But it doesn’t have to be permanent. Just make sure you see the appropriate people – and ask loads of questions.

And remember brushing your blow drying your hair will help with the problem. Its all about the exfoliating.

For more information about psoriasis, there is a great site called Psoriasis Connections.

Post from: Blisstree

What to do about Scalp Psoriasis

Post from: Blisstree

Javier Bardem’s Hair

Image details: Woman scooping peanut butter from jar served by picapp.com

I just found out last week, that if you smear peanut butter on your hair – and keep it that way for 3 hours everyday – it will successfully prevent hairloss. Anyone out there want to try it, and get back to me….because honestly, I am much to lazy to put the effort forth. I suppose it has something to do with the oils in peanut butter. But it sounds like a big hoax to me. I couldn’t find any sources to prove the rumor.

What kind of baldness myths have you heard – and tried. We don’t judge here….share your preventative hairloss secrets!

Post from: Blisstree

The Peanut Butter Myth

Was it when it you first noticed it – or did it take a little longer?
Was it someone’s words who made you take that move?
I really would love to know about your head shaving experiences.

Who, What, Where, When, and Why?
If you have any interesting stories to go along with your decision- please share those as well.

I really am curious about you guys. So please share!

Post from: Blisstree

When Did You Make the Decision to Lose It All?

According to the Department of Research Writing at Quick Hair Loss Treatment Centre in Atlanta, studies are showing that swimming in chlorinated pools can result in hair discoloration and hair loss. OK this doesn’t seem like entirely big news to me. When I was a kid we all knew someone who once had blonde hair that turned green – because they swam everyday. I hadn’t heard about it in awhile, but I guess that has really never gone away. There are hair care products that can prevent your hair color from turning – and if it does, there is always a quick fix.

Now the hair loss part is tricky. I know that chlorinated water can damage your hair. I have spent enough time in pools to know that after a while, my own hair feels like straw -and I wished that I was brave enough to shave it off, and start again. But I didn’t know that you could actually lose it. I guess it makes sense. Chemicals cause damage. If you spend a lot of time in a pool, you might want to consider wearing a swim cap, or make sure you are using hair products specifically designed for hair that spends a lot of time in chemically treated water.

To know more about this development, go here.

**Picture Source – flickr

Post from: Blisstree

Swimming Can Cause Baldness

Here is what he has to say about baldness:

The causes of baldness are wrong living, improper foods, too many meals, intoxicating drinks, tobacco, strong tea and coffee, late hours, bad air, vicious sensual habits, or anything that lowers the tone of the system. Rectified spirit of petroleum is said to be one of the best remedies for baldness. It should be scented with oil of bergamot, and rubbed in every third night; at the same time bad habits must be corrected, and as little head-covering as possible should be worn.

Modern thinking has come along way, in just over 100 years – wouldn’t you agree?

If you care to read the rest of the article, and learn how to live healthy in the Victorian Age, go here.

Post from: Blisstree

Cure Baldness The Victorian Way

Here are 9 remedies that were published in the American Chronicle (written by Peter Rodrick).  Hope they work for you.

•  Spread castor oil on the scalp and roots (but not on the hair itself), cover with newspaper, tie with a cloth and leave overnight.  Wash in the morning.  Continue this  every 7 – 10 days.  You should notice an improvement after 6 or 7 treatments. – Does anyone else think this would be most uncomfortable, not to mention messy.  I would rather not have newsprint on my head, not to mention my sheets and pillowcases.
• Blanch scented geranium leaves in boiling water, strain, cool, and wash your hair with the concoction. – Actually this one sounds quite nice.  I think I might try this one.
• Boil rosemary leaves in water, strain and keep in a glass bottle, and use it to wash your hair daily.  You can also keep it in a sprayer, and spray your hair instead.  – OK some of these aren’t so bad.  This one also sounds nice.  Actually I already use a shampoo that has rosemary in it (and mint) and it gets rid of bad headaches.
• Henna can heal the hair shaft by fixing and sealing the cuticle, protecting hair against breakage. – I used to use henna, to get my hair really shiny.  It really works for that, I had no idea about the healing properties of henna.  Now that I think about it, it just makes sense.  Shiny Hair = Happy and Healthy Hair.
• Onions- some herbalists believe that massaging your scalp with half and onion before washing your hair supports hair growth.  Its the sulfur that makes it work. – I like having nice smelling hair (even if I don’t have a lot of it).  I don’t think I could do this onion trick.
• Red Pepper – this acts as an irritant to the scalp, and draws blood and nutrients to the scalp. – This is actually a really popular treatment.  My hairdresser, has mentioned the red pepper poultices to me several times before.  I am just too chicken to try them.
• A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice will help with hair regrowth. – Be advised though, that you need to use 1/2 a litre everyday – and that is a lot of juicing!
• The juice of alfalfa, with equal amounts of carrot and lettuce juice will also help with restoration.  Like the above point, this is a lot of juicing – and wouldn’t it be just as good to eat those veggies?
• Pygeum is an herbal remedy which is made from evergreen bark.  It has the same kind of properties as green tea, it comes in pill form, and the recommended dosage is between 60-500mg daily.  Not only can it help with male baldness – but it is rumored to fix prostate problems.  – Perhaps green tea can do the same thing.  It’s at least tasty.

**Picture souce – www.stressdynamics.com
 

Post from: Blisstree

A Last Ditch Effort – 9 Remedies?

It’s theme day at the b5media Science and Health Channel.  Today’s theme is Back to School -please check out all of the interesting perspectives on this topic by our writers.  The round up can be found on Kristina’s blog Autism Vox. 

This topic got me thinking about all of the crazy things that schools (especially elementary schools) do to get students to actively participate in school culture.  Usually kids get a really big kick out of stuff like this.  You know what I am talking about.  Things like wear your clothes backwards day, or trade your lunch day…or whatever kooky thing teachers and advisory councils come up with.

I am here to promote my idea for a wacky theme day.  Wear knitted hair to school day.  I am not all crafty, so I have no idea how difficult it is to make knitted hair.  Maybe its not hard at all, and it could be an art project.  Or maybe, knitted hair day could follow a segment on tolerance, and how we should be celebrating our differences – and how we should be respecting others and ourselves.  My idea is not at all fully formed – I just think its an interesting idea that should be developed.

And if “Wear Knitted Hair Day” doesn’t catch on, well you can always incorporate your new knitted hair into a Halloween costume, or winter is coming soon – this “hair” could take place of your functional (but not nearly as cute) tuque.

If you are at all interested.  The pattern can be found here.

Post from: Blisstree

Wear Knitted Hair Day – Could This Take Off?

The Path-Way to Health by Peter Levens, written in the 17th Century, has just been discovered, and will be going to auction in October.  This is a medical handbook, which offers bizarre advice on combating  ailments.

Advice such as a cure for baldness can be reached by mixing the ashes of chicken dung with lye, and washing the head with it (where needed).  Lots of other really strange remedies can be found as well.

If you are at all interested in old wives tales, this may be the book you have been looking for.  It is scheduled to be auctioned off at Bonhams in London on October 9, 2007.

Post from: Blisstree

Want Hair – Go Find a Chicken