Single Strand Of Hair Can Reveal Stress and May Become Predictor of Heart Disease

by Andrea L. Algar
Contributing Author

We've known for a long time that hair retains chemical traces of what we eat and drink. DNA scientists are able to use hair to identify the unique identifiers that each of us have in our hair. A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism have now linked high levels of cortisol in seniors to a higher risk of heart disease, demonstrating that stress indeed may make us more prone to cardiovascular problems, and they're now able to determine stress levels by looking at hair!

Microscopic view of a hair strand
Photo Credit: nisenet.org

Cortisol, a stress hormone which can be found in hair, was analysed after hair samples were taken from the heads of 283 research participants aged 65 to 85. Researchers were able to examine their cortisol levels over the prior three months, and found that those "with high cortisol levels were more likely to have a history of coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease and diabetes," according to the report by Everyday Health.

Dr. Laura Manenschija of Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands, said in a news release from the Endocrine Society, "Because scalp hair can capture information about how cortisol levels have changed over time, hair analysis gives us a better tool for evaluating that risk." Now that a link has been demonstrated, more research will undoubtedly be done to see if a reliable predictor can be established, and use that for both prevention and treatment for seniors (and perhaps others) at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Melissa White, owner of Extensions of Yourself, a San Antonio salon which specializes in human hair extensions, isn't surprised by the news. She explains, "It is very important for me to assess the condition of my client's hair during my initial consultation. I often see women whose hair reveals poor diet, stress or other issues that can lead to hair that is severely damaged. It's especially evident when the client has been 'doing everything right' and they still have problems with their hair. That damage can affect the hair extensions they want put in so I want to bring their own hair back to health if I can.

"I know from personal experience that stress can lead to hair thinning and even hair loss. My own hair loss began when my dad was critically ill. I now know that the stress I endured not only affected my hair, but probably put me at risk for depression, eating disorders and maybe even heart disease, which is frightening. Thankfully, that stress is behind me and only my hair suffered, but I know I need to watch my stress."

White went on to say that her goal in assessing stressed hair in her clients is to get them on a healthy track so that they have the best possible experience with their hair extensions. Her goal is to get their own hair healthy so that the hair extensions look better and last longer. She states, "Using quality hair care products, eliminating excessive heat styling, using hair friendly hair accessories, and looking at ways to reduce damage to your hair will pay off with better looking hair that won't be damaged by hair extensions. Reducing how often you shampoo, using cooler water for your shampoo and air-drying a bit before styling are all things that are quite easy to do and will noticeably improve your hair." Drinking plenty of water to flush contaminates from your body (and hair), as well as vitamins that can promote healthy hair are things she thinks is helpful as well.

REFERENCE:
Everyday Health - Seriously Stressed? Hair Analysis Tells All, Study Finds (VIDEO)

Can Hair Extensions Become An Addiction?

by Melissa L. White
Licensed Hair Stylist
Certified Hair Extension Artist

I read an article today that I loved. Let's face it, I read anything and everything I can about hair extensions because it is my specialty. It's my passion and I want to be up to date on everything about their use. The article that inspired me today was written by a young black woman, Erikka Yancy, a documentary filmmaker who told the story of how she had discovered weaves, a form of hair extensions commonly used by black or African-American women.



Hair Weaves
Photo Credit: frankiedextensionsandmore.com

 My article isn't about race, or about hair weaves in particular, but rather how good hair extensions can make us feel, and how they can improve the quality of our daily lives. But, reading these articles made me question whether it can it also be a double-edge sword...an addiction? Ms. Yancy, writes her story of how she may have crossed the line into "addiction" to her hair extensions.

After reading her story, and other stories where women spoke of hair addictions, I was left with the feeling that what they were speaking of wasn't a true "addiction" in the true sense of the word, but rather that they were addicted to the positive feelings that having hair extensions gave them. This I could understand because I hear it all the time from women who get a tremendous sense of confidence as well as feelings of self-worth and happiness once they try hair extensions.

I would think that a true hair extension "addict" would not feel comfortable without wearing their hair extensions, and would go to any length necessary to get new hair when needed or desired. They would feel self conscious, very uncomfortable, and perhaps even see themselves as "ugly" when they are not wearing them. They would avoid going out of their homes when not wearing their hair, and may even have severe anxiety or even panic attacks. They quite possibly would avoid paying bills, rent or even steal in order to obtain their hair! If this happened to someone, I imagine I'd say that their hair obsession had become a problem, but I haven't met anyone with this outlook towards their hair extensions.

Hair extensions have become a trend that has made it's way into the lives of everyday people. They're no longer just for the rich-and-famous or the Hollywood elite. For those who choose to wear hair extensions, although the reasons for wearing them can be as diverse as the women wearing them, I believe the women get great satisfaction and enjoyment from wearing them. And why not! In the same way that cosmetic surgery is a common trend for both men and women from all different walks of life; the desire for hair extensions is continuing to grow. I'm happy to say that the clients I meet have a healthy attitude about hair extensions and handle them responsibly!

RESOURCES:
HuffPost's Black Voices - Erikka Yancy: Confessions Of A Hair Weave Addict
healthkicker.com - My Strange Addiction To Hair Extensions

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Melissa White is an experienced, licensed hair extension artist and stylist whose passion is to bring out the natural beauty in everyone by enhancing their own individual features with the use of exquisite hair extensions. Melissa has over 10 years of extensive training with the industries top hair extension companies in the newest techniques. Melissa is also a certified Brazilian Blowout stylist. Originally from Boston, Melissa has been in San Antonio for the past 8 years. She believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the hair of their dreams . . . thus the creation of Extensions of Yourself, San Antonio's first salon which specializes exclusively in quality hair extensions.