Hair and nails in men: a detailed guide for health, care and style
Section 1: Anatomy and physiology of hair in men
1.1 Hair structure:
Hair is a keratin skin appendage that performs a number of important functions, including thermoregulation, protection against ultraviolet radiation and tactile sensitivity. Each hair consists of three main layers:
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Cuticle: The most outer layer formed by tightly overlapping Keratin flakes resembling tiles. The cuticle protects the inner layers of the hair from damage, determines its luster and smoothness. The damaged cuticle makes the hair dull, brittle and prone to tangling.
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Cortical substance (bark): The thickest layer that makes up the bulk of the hair. The bark contains a melanin pigment that determines the color of the hair, as well as the proteins and lipids responsible for the strength, elasticity and the ability of the hair to retain moisture.
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Brain substance (medulla): The central layer of hair, which is not in all hair, especially thin and light. Medulla consists of loose cells and air cavities, and its exact function is not fully studied.
1.2 follicles and hair growth cycle:
Hair growth comes from a hair follicle located in the skin. Each follicle passes through cyclic growth phases:
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Anagen (growth phase): The longest phase lasts from 2 to 7 years. During this period, the hair is actively growing. In men genetically predisposed to baldness, the anagen phase is gradually declining.
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Katagen (transition phase): A short-term phase lasting about 2-3 weeks. Hair growth stops, and the follicle is compressed.
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Telogen (Phase Salm): The phase lasting about 3 months. The hair remains in the follicle, but does not grow. At the end of the heterogene phase, the old hair falls out, and the new phase of the anagen begins.
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Exogen (falling phase): It is often considered as part of the heterogene phase, this is the time when the hair falls out of the follicle. Normally, the loss of 50-100 hair per day is considered normal.
1.3 Types of hair:
The type of hair is determined by the amount of skin fat produced by the sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles. There are several main types of hair:
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Normal hair: A balanced amount of skin fat, shiny, elastic hair, is easily combed and not prone to dryness or fat content.
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Dry hair: The lack of skin fat, the hair is dull, brittle, hard, difficult to comb, prone to cross -section and static electricity.
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Bold hair: Excess sebum, hair is quickly polluted, look dull and sticky, and keep their styling poorly.
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Combined hair: Fat at the roots and dry at the ends.
1.4 Factors affecting the growth and health of the hair:
Many factors can affect the growth and health of hair in men:
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Genetics: The genetic predisposition plays a key role in the development of androgenic alopecia (male baldness).
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Hormones: The level of androgens, such as dihydrotestosterone (DGT), plays an important role in the growth and loss of hair. DGT is associated with hair follicles, causing their miniaturization and reduction in the anagen phase.
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Age: With age, hair growth slows down, and they become thinner and weaker.
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Nutrition: The lack of nutrients, such as protein, iron, zinc, group B vitamins and fatty acids, can negatively affect the health of the hair.
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Stress: Chronic stress can lead to hair loss.
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Diseases and medicines: Some diseases, such as thyroid diseases, autoimmune diseases and infections, as well as taking certain drugs (for example, chemotherapeutic drugs), can cause hair loss.
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External factors: The effects of ultraviolet radiation, pollution, aggressive chemicals (for example, hair and hair painting and styling products) can damage hair.
Section 2: The most common hair problems in men
2.1 Androgenic alopecia (male baldness):
Androgenic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in men. This is a genetically determined condition in which the DGT causes miniaturization of hair follicles, which leads to gradual thinning and hair loss, usually starting from the field of temples and crown.
- Symptoms: The gradual thinning of the hair, the formation of baldness on the temples, the thinning of the hair on the crown, the formation of “horseshoe” of the hair around the head.
- Diagnosis: Visual examination, history collection, trichoscopy (examination of hair and scalp under an increase), blood test to exclude other causes of hair loss.
- Treatment:
- Minoxidil: A local drug stimulating hair growth.
- Finasters: Peeral drug that blocks the formation of DHT.
- Low -intensity laser therapy (LLLT): Stimulates hair growth.
- Hair transplantation: The surgical procedure in which hair follicles are transplanted from the donor zone (usually the back of the head) to the field of baldness.
2.2 seborrheic dermatitis:
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disease that causes inflammation and peeling of the scalp, as well as the formation of dandruff.
- Symptoms: Dandruff, itching, redness of the scalp, the formation of oily scales on the scalp.
- Reasons: Malassezia fungus, increased skin fat, genetic predisposition, stress.
- Treatment:
- Antifungal shampoos: Contain ketoconazole, zinc pyrithion, sulfide Selena.
- Corticosteroid lotions and creams: Reduce inflammation.
- Salicylic acid: Puts off the scalp.
2.3 psoriasis:
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, including the scalp.
- Symptoms: Red, flaky plaques on the scalp, itching, pain.
- Treatment:
- Topic corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation.
- Vitamin D3 analogues: Adjust the growth of skin cells.
- Tar: Reduces inflammation and itching.
- Phototherapy: The effect of ultraviolet radiation.
- System preparations: In severe forms of psoriasis.
2.4 folliculitis:
Folliculite – inflammation of the hair follicles caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.
- Symptoms: Small red tubercles or abscesses around hair follicles, itching, pain.
- Reasons: Shaving, sweating, wearing cramped clothes, using contaminated shaving tools.
- Treatment:
- Antibacterial or antifungal creams: Applied to the affected areas.
- Oral antibiotics or antifungal drugs: In severe infections.
- Warm compresses: Reduce inflammation.
2.5 hair loss caused by stress (heterogeneous loss):
A high level of stress can lead to heterogeneous hair loss, when a large amount of hair simultaneously passes into the heterogene phase (rest), and then falls out.
- Symptoms: Diffuse hair loss throughout the head, especially noticeable when combing or washing hair.
- Treatment: Stress management (meditation, yoga, physical exercises), a balanced diet, a sufficient amount of sleep.
2.6 Other causes of hair loss:
- Thyroid diseases: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss.
- Nutrient deficiency: Lack of iron, zinc, biotin and other nutrients.
- Medication: Some drugs, such as anticoagulants, antidepressants and drugs for treating blood pressure, can cause hair loss.
- Scalp infections: Fungal infections, such as cutting lichen, can cause hair loss.
- Autoimmune diseases: Areatia alopecia (focal alopecia) is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss in the form of separate foci.
Section 3: Hair Care in men: Practical tips
3.1 selection of shampoo:
The choice of shampoo should be based on the type of hair:
- For normal hair: Use soft shampoo with neutral pH.
- For dry hair: Use moisturizing shampoo with oils and glycerin.
- For oily hair: Use fatty hair shampoo with salicylic acid or tea tree.
- For hair prone to dandruff: Use shampoo against dandruff with ketoconazole, zinc pyrithion or selenium sulfide.
3.2 hair washing:
- Do not wash your hair too often so as not to dry it. 2-3 times a week is usually enough.
- Use warm, not hot water.
- Apply shampoo to the hair roots and thoroughly massage the scalp.
- Rinse the shampoo thoroughly.
3.3 air conditioning:
The air conditioner helps moisturize the hair, make it softer and softer. Apply the air conditioner after shampoo, leave for several minutes and rinse thoroughly.
3.4 hair drying:
- Avoid severe friction of the hair with a towel, as this can damage them.
- Carefully get your hair with a towel.
- If possible, dry your hair naturally.
- If you use a hairdryer, set it at a low temperature and use a dispenser-disengage.
3.5 hair styling:
- Use styling products moderately.
- Choose styling products corresponding to your hair type and the desired hairstyle.
- Rinse the tools thoroughly before bedtime.
3.6 hair combing:
- Use a comb with wide teeth or a soft brush.
- Comb the hair carefully, starting from the tips and gradually moving to the roots.
- Do not comb your wet hair, as it is more brittle.
3.7 Sun protection:
- Wear a hat or cap in sunny weather.
- Use hair products with SPF.
3.8 diet and lifestyle:
- Observe a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, group B vitamins and fatty acids.
- Manage stress.
- Domest.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
3.9 scalp massage:
Regular scalp massage improves blood circulation and stimulates hair growth.
- Massage the scalp with your fingertips with circular motions for 5-10 minutes every day.
- You can use massage oils such as coconut, olive or rosemary oil.
3.10 Home remedies:
Some home remedies can help improve hair health:
- Egg mask: Mix the egg with olive oil and honey, apply to the hair and scalp for 30 minutes, then rinse.
- Aloe Vera: Apply the aloe vera gel to the hair and scalp for 30 minutes, then rinse.
- Apple vinegar: Dilute apple vinegar with water and rinse your hair after washing with shampoo.
Section 4: Style and Hairstyles for Men
4.1 Factors affecting the choice of hairstyles:
- Face form: Oval, round, square, rectangular, triangular, rhomboid.
- Type of hair: Straight, wavy, curly, thin, thick.
- Age: Youth, classic, mature.
- Life: Sports, business, everyday.
- Personal preferences:
4.2 hairstyles for different facial shapes:
- Oval face: Most hairstyles are suitable.
- Round face: Hairstyles with volume on the crown and shortened sides. Avoid hairstyles that make the face even more round.
- Square face: Hairstyles with soft lines and volume from above.
- Rectangular face: Hairstyles with volume on the sides and a shortened upper part.
- Triangular face: Hairstyles with volume on the temples and a narrower upper part.
- Rommboid face: Hairstyles with volume on the forehead and chin.
4.3 Popular men’s hairstyles:
- Anderkut (Undercut): Short hair on the sides and behind, long hair on the upper head.
- Quiff (Quiff): Hair is combed up and back.
- Pompadour (pompadour): The hair is combed up and forward, creating a voluminous wave.
- Fade (FADE): A smooth transition from short hair to longer.
- Caesar (Caesar): A short haircut with a flat bang.
- Boxing (Box): A short haircut with a flat top and sides.
- TOP Knot (Top KNOT): The hair is collected in a bunch on the crown.
- MAN Ban (MAN BUN): The hair is collected in a bundle on the back of the head.
- Long hair: Long hair can be worn loose, tied in a tail or braid.
4.4 Hair styling:
- Gel: Provides strong fixation and shine.
- Wax: Provides medium fixation and matte effect.
- Paste: Provides texture and mobile fixation.
- Clay: Provides strong fixation and matte effect.
- Hair varnish: Provides fixing hairstyles for a long time.
- Spray for texture: Gives the hair volume and texture.
4.5 Laying tips:
- Apply means for laying on dry or slightly wet hair.
- Use a small amount of product and evenly distribute it through the hair.
- Experiment with different hairstyles and styling tools to find your style.
Section 5: Beard and mustache: care and style
5.1 Board growth:
The growth of the beard depends on genetics, hormones (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) and age. In most men, a beard begins to grow in adolescence and reaches complete maturity by 30 years.
5.2 Care for the beard:
- Washing: Wash the beard with a beard shampoo 2-3 times a week.
- Conditioning: Use a beard air conditioner after washing with shampoo to soften and moisturize your hair.
- Board oil: Apply oil for beard daily to moisten the skin under the beard and give it shine.
- Balm for a beard: Use a beard balm to lay and give a beard shape.
- Combing: Comb the beard daily to avoid confusing and stimulate hair growth.
- Haircut: Cut the beard regularly to maintain its shape and length.
5.3 Beard style:
There are many different styles of beard, from a short bristle to a long thick beard. The choice of beard style depends on the shape of the face, personal preferences and the style of clothing.
- Short bristles: The simplest and unpretentious style of a beard.
- The espanka: A short beard framing the mouth.
- Goatee: A beard growing only on the chin.
- Complete beard: A dense beard closing his chin and cheeks.
- Van Deik: A beard with a mustache, but without hair on the cheeks.
- Balbo: A beard without backed.
5.4 Value:
A mustache is hair growing above the upper lip. A mustache can be an independent element of style or part of a beard.
5.5 Ure care:
- Cut the mustache regularly to maintain their shape and length.
- Use wax for a mustache for styling and giving a mustache.
- Comb the mustache daily to avoid confusing and stimulate hair growth.
** 5.6 Popular styles
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