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Dr. Demetri Arnaoutakis specializes in facial plastic surgery and hair restoration. He is an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He frequently travels to attend national conferences to perpetually advance his education and present his research. To date he has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. Dr. Demetri Arnaoutakis chats with Haute Beauty on how to maintain your healthiest hair.
Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/drdemetri/
HB: Is there anything that people can easily do or incorporate into their everyday life that helps to maintain healthy hair?
- Go natural
If possible, allow your hair to air-dry, refrain from heated styling products, and release it from a ponytail to avoid unnecessary pulling on hair follicles.
- Maintain a healthy diet
Although hair is considered a non-essential tissue, it is still important for it to receive protein. Iron is a crucial nutrient and, in fact, studies have shown that iron deficiency is linked to female pattern hair loss.
- Wear Hats!
Excess sun exposure oxidizes your hair and can dry it out. Wearing hats can prevent your hair from dehydrating and can protect your scalp from burning as well.
- Avoid Overly Hot Showers
Very hot water can dry your hair out. And if you have color in your hair, hot water washes out the hair color faster than cold water.
HB: Are there certain ingredients to avoid in hair products that may affect hair health?
- Sulfates
Sulfates lessen oil and dirt out of our hair so much that they actually deplete naturally produced sebum that moisturizes our hair. While cleansing, they can also damage hair, make it brittle, and increase frizz.
- Parabens
They are used as a preservative to prevent bacteria from growing in shampoos. In addition, studies have shown that parabens can mimic estrogen and have been linked to increased growth of breast cancer cells.
- Sodium Chloride
Manufacturers include sodium chloride in shampoo and conditioner to thicken the consistency. However, salt can irritate a dry itchy scalp, which can eventually provoke hair loss.
- Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a type of silicone that is used in hair products to act as a protecting cover on the surface of the hair. It prevents moisture and nutrients from entering and instead collects dirt and residue. It can clog pores on the scalp and lead to skin irritation.
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