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Are you one of the 1 in 5 people who experience dandruff in winter? Ever wondered why it rears its head more so in the cooler months?

The combination of dry air and warm indoor conditions can often lead to dry scalp flaking. Combine this with excess oils and this can lead to dead cell build-up on the scalp. Enter Malassezia fungus. This is a healthy scalp fungus which feeds on this dead cell build-up. As the build-up increases, this can lead to a Malassezia fungal overgrowth commonly known as dandruff.

Step 1: Avoid Scalp Dryness

With dry skin cells being the precursor for dandruff, tackling flaking is essential. To reduce dead cell matter, shampooing the scalp regularly is essential. By creating a thick foamy lather, a thorough shampoo can effectively reduce flaking and remove redundant skin cells with just two washes per week. Look for natural cleansing ingredients rather than chemical based products which can lead to and exacerbate further dry scalp conditions.

Step 2: Reduce Excess Oil

An abundance of excess sebum on the scalp combined with dead cell matter is what causes dandruff to remain on the scalp. It essentially creates a glue-like texture which leads to clumping, discolouration and resistance to removal methods.

A pH balanced shampoo with a gentle yet effective natural formula can detach dead cell matter from the scalp. Ingredients such as Sodium PCA will target build up and dissolve the bond between dandruff and scalp without causing dryness and irritation.

Step 3: Tackle Malassezia Fungus

Malasezzia fungus must be treated at the source. The good news is this can be achieved with natural ingredients such as Climbazole. Climbazole is a natural anti-fungal agent which can be used daily without compromising the scalp or hair shaft.

Anti-fungals inhibit fungal cells from multiplying and prevents overgrowth from recurring when used as a maintenance treatment. Natural anti-fungal based shampoos are a gentle alternative to commercial chemical-based treatments.

Step 3: Nourish your Scalp

Once you have treated the problem at the source, it’s important to create the ideal environment for your hair and scalp to thrive. Ingredients such as Sodium PCA act as hydrating agents to replenish moisture and hydrate the deeper layers of the scalp. To encourage overall hair health, ingredients such as Hdyrolyzed Wheat Protein support hair strength and raise its ability to absorb and maintain moisture.

Containing a blend of Climbazole, Sodium PCA and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Neutriderm Anti Dandruff Shampoo naturally balances excess oils and removes dead cell matter from the scalp while relieving the scalp from Malassezia overgrowth - all while nourishing the scalp and hair with hydrating and strengthening ingredients. 

For effective treatment and maintenance of dandruff, Neutriderm Anti Dandruff Shampoo can be used as a twice weekly treatment for mild to moderate conditions and as a daily treatment for severe cases. The formula is designed to support scalp and hair health while revising dandruff causes and symptoms.

Ready to say goodbye to Dandruff for good? Purchase your Neutriderm Anti Dandruff Shampoo here. 

Has the stress of the past 12 months left you with visible symptoms such as hair loss? Dermatologists have sighted a 25% increase in hair loss concerns during recent times, with many of these cases linked to increased stress levels. 

While there are many ways we can decrease our stress levels, first, let’s look at why and how stress affects our hair growth.

How does stress affect hair growth?

There are three significant actions that occur within the human body that lead to hair loss – each which may be linked to and instigated by high stress hormones.

• Telogen Effluvium refers to a stage of the hair cycle where high stress hormones encourage hairs to enter a resting phase. Hair may fall out drastically and in large quantities following a stressful event, illness or high fever. Interestingly, COVID-19 sufferers have reported drastic hair loss months after recovery most likely due to high fevers and stress on the body.
• Trichotillomania refers to “hair pulling” where a person consistently and persistently pulls hair from the scalp or body to relieve stress.
• Alopecia comes in many forms. The most common are thought to be caused by severe stress which causes the body’s immune system to attack hair follicles leaving them dormant.

The good news is, once stress is managed accurately and effectively, hair growth can return to normal in some cases. The accompaniment of a hair enhancing and growth regime can then further boost hair regrowth and quality.

Managing Stress

To ease tension, anxiety and reduce the harmful effects of stress hormones on the body, experts recommend a combination of the following:

1. Boost your immunity

Prioritise healthy eating and supplement intake. B complex vitamins in particular have shown to protect the body from environmental stressors.

2. Increase serotonin

Seratonin increases the feeling of calm within the body. There are some simple ways to boost serotonin such as having a cold shower, massage and exercise. Any sort of anaerobic exercise will release endorphins and serotonin within the body. To balance cortisol, exercise is the quickest way to boost your mood.

3. Take a break

If working from home has lead to working at all hours, find a way to take a break from your laptop and tuck or hide away your work space during out of office hours.

4. Decrease caffeine and stimulants

Caffeine increases heart rate and can encourage cortisol production. To reduce feelings of restlessness, sleeplessness and irritability, reduce caffeine intake. 

By focusing on reducing stress triggers and managing stress adequately, symptoms such as hair loss have shown to reduce.

To further encourage hair regrowth at the root, hair boosting lotions such as Neutriderm Hair Enhancer Lotion have shown to encourage hair regrowth, thickness and vitality. The ingredients within Neutriderm Hair Enhancer Lotion anchor hair at their root, encourage new hair growth and increase strength for those suffering from stress-induced and environmental hair loss conditions.

Neutriderm Hair Enhancer Lotion is an Australian made hair growth and enhancement treatment. Harnessing the power of Sabal Extract and other natural hair boosting ingredients, Neutriderm Hair Enhancer Lotion has shown to have powerful hair growth properties. 

Ready to achieve your best hair and undo damage caused by stress and hair loss? Purchase your Neutriderm Hair Enhancer Lotion here.

Did you know that hair thinning is super common in women, not just men? At least 50%* of women will experience hair loss at some stage. While there are several causes of female hair loss, the good news is there are also plenty of remedies. 

#1 Hormones 

Hormonal imbalances through times such as pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can cause disruptions in hair growth patterns. Estrogen encourages hair growth which is the cause of lustrous, thick pregnancy hair. As estrogen declines / testosterone rises, the hair growth slows and hair fall occurs as a result. The American Pregnancy Association acknowledges the common and excessive shedding of hair that occurs one to five months following pregnancy. This affects 40-50% of pregnant women with symptoms naturally subsiding post-pregnancy.

#2 Stress 

Acute hair loss may be induced by metabolic stress. Stress can essentially place hair follicles into a “resting” phase where new hair strands are not produced to replace those that are shed. During this time, hair can fall out when washing or even gently brushing. This is referred to as Telogen Effluvium. 

#3 Styling Habits 

Hair loss may also be encouraged by a number of environmental factors including tight pony tails which tug at the hairline, regular use of heated styling tools, chemical-based shampoos, colouring and treatments. These elements can weaken hair strands which may encourage hair fall, as well as compromising the quality of the hair which leads to moisture loss and hair breakage. 

Likewise, if chemical-based products cause inflammation of the scalp, this can compromise hair quality and growth, leading to weakened anchorage of the hair follicle. 

REMEDIES 

#1 Balance Hormones 

Estrogen increases the duration of the growth phase. Hair loss often occurs pre-menopause, when starting a new contraceptive, or for sufferers of PCOS as testosterone surges and estrogen declines. Hormonal treatment, or contraception revision may assist in reducing symptoms including hair loss. We recommend speaking to your doctor to discuss your options. 

#2 Boost Vitamin Intake 

While there are plenty of hair growth vitamins on the market, a lot can be achieved by increasing your intake of vitamins via your diet. One of the key indicators of hair loss is anemia or iron deficiency, therefore boosting your iron intake can be beneficial for preventing hair loss.  

Other elements which have shown to support healthy hair growth include increasing your protein and the all important antioxidants. A balanced diet full of vitamins D, C and Zinc will also encourage healthy hair growth. 

#3 Switch your Shampoo 

One of the fastest ways to regrow and strengthen your hair is to utilise products which are specifically designed to block DHT and anchor hair at the root.

These ingredients include: 

• Sabal Extract blocks 5-alpha-reductase the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT which is responsible for premature hair loss.
• Mulberry Root Extract has hair growth factors which positively effect the growth cycle.
• Zinc Gluconate supports scalp and follicle health while reducing inflammation.

Formulated to nourish the scalp and minimise hair fall, the Neutriderm Hair Enhancer range combines the above ingredients for positive hair regrowth and a dramatic reduction in hair breakage. 

 *Australian Journal of Medical Practice - Female Pattern Hair Loss 

Are you ready to gain fuller, stronger, more luscious hair? Start by using the right ingredients to encourage optimal growth and hair strength.

The Neutriderm Hair Enhancer Range can be purchased here: 

• Neutriderm Hair Enhancer Shampoo
• Neutriderm Hair Enhancer Conditioner
• Neutriderm Hair Enhancer Lotion 

Are you struggling with excess build-up on your scalp, or feeling self-conscious about flaking?

Dandruff is one of the leading scalp concerns among women with 50% of the population suffering from the condition at some point.

There are two forms of Dandruff. One is caused by too little oil on the scalp known as Dry Dandruff, while the other is caused by an excess of oil which exacerbates a natural fungus on the scalp called Malassezia. This form of Dandruff presents as a stickier, thicker version of Dry Dandruff.

While Dandruff in all its forms cannot be cured, there are ways in which we can manage the condition and keep symptoms at bay.

Symptoms: White or yellow flakes on the scalp, overly oily scalp and hair, dry scalp, itchy scalp.

Key Causes of Dandruff:

• Excess oil production
• Build-up of dead cell matter on the scalp
• An increase in yeast like fungus overgrowth: Malassezia
• Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis)
• Dry skin

Treatment:

Firstly, we need to control the overgrowth of fungus, Malassezia.  A shampoo that contains Climbazole is vital for addressing this concern. Climbazole is a topical anti-fungal agent known for its ability to suppress Malassezia without interfering with the natural functions of the scalp.

Once the fungus and excess build up have been removed, the scalp can begin to function optimally without interference. An Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is recommended for initial treatment to keep the condition at bay while nourishing the scalp to minimise dryness and encourage a healthy scalp and hair.

Hair Care: 

When exposing the scalp to anti-dandruff ingredients, the hair can become dry and brittle as excess oil is regulated. Some ingredients may also leave hair strands vulnerable to drying. It's important to ensure your Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains ingredients which will nourish the scalp while maintaining moisture within the hair strands themselves. This will ensure the hair maintains a healthy condition allowing for ongoing use of the Anti-Dandruff Shampoo without detrimental effects. 

Product Recommendation

Neutriderm Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains a potent anti-fungal to kill the multiplying cells and reduce the rate of bacteria growth. Neutriderm Anti-Dandruff Shampoo leaves the scalp clean as it eliminates excess oil and Dandruff flakes on the scalp and hair shaft. The shampoo has a rich lather for a thorough clean, conditions the hair like a professional shampoo, and is suitable for all ages and hair types including coloured hair.

Ingredients:

• Climbazole 1%: Anti-fungal agent which removes Dandruff-causing Malassezia
• Citric Acid: Anti-microbial to assist in minimising Malassezia while lifting away dead skin cells
• Polyquaternium 10: Conditioning and moisture-retaining agent for silky smooth hair

Like so many of us, between washing, blow drying and styling our hair, it's easy to neglect your scalp. But do you know the difference between a healthy and not-so-healthy scalp? 

Is your hair thinning or lacking fullness? While it's normal to lose between 100-150 strands per day, a staggering 50%* of all women will experience female pattern hair loss at some point.   

Keen to learn more about hair loss? Here are five uncommonly known causes to consider as well as tips for turning your hair loss woes around. 

For most of us, having a full head of healthy hair is the epitome of hair goals. Our hair plays a huge role in our confidence and when we notice it feeling less than luscious, it can leave us feeling, well, a bit flat.

So why are you seeing more hair in your hair brush than usual? 

Frustratingly, almost 50% of all women will experience overall volume loss due to a combination of styling habits, ageing and hormones before they reach 50 years of age. So it isn't just our skin care regime that needs a shake-up as we age, it's our hair care as well.

My hair is thinning! Why?

If you are experiencing volume loss and thinning it can come down to a number of factors. Compromised hair often suffers from cuticle damage which can cause our hair to appear thinner through breakage. Hair compromisation can be caused by dry scalp conditions as well as external factors such as heated styling tools and bleaching.

On the other hand, hormonal imbalances through times such as pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause can cause disruptions in our hair growth patterns. For example, pregnancy can cause a surge in hair growth due to high levels of estrogen which prolong the growth phase. This is commonly followed by dramatic hair fall during breastfeeding as our hormones re-balance.

As we age and go through hormonal changes such as menopause, we experience a rise in testosterone which converts to DHT. DHT damages hair follicles and triggers hair loss by physically shrinking the hair follicle. DHT is the most common cause of actual hair loss in women. 

How do I restore my luscious mane? 

Having a dry scalp, or dandruff can be extremely uncomfortable, itchy, and even painful. 96% of people don't know there is a cure for dandruff, 4% of people know it can't be completely cured, however, it is a condition that can be easily managed and treated.

As a busy, hard-working, career woman, it can be hard to juggle a hair care routine while maintaining all the other things in your life. Sometimes, you may find that your hair care routine falls behind due to having such little time, and it may not make it to the top of your priority list.