Hair problems and how to get rid of a hangover the next morning.

hair problems

grooming the lion's mane

Bald people are truly enviable-they no longer have to worry about their hair looking greasy, messy, or silly. They no longer have to worry about their hair in their lives, no longer have to worry about it looking like a bird's nest, or having tufts of hair sticking up, or having those days when their wives call it "the worst day for their hair."

For those of us who have long hair, the constant question is how to make our hair look good, and many of us simply don't bother with it.

"Unfortunately, most men neglect their hair-in fact, they don't pay much attention to it until it starts falling out," says Gregory Miller, director of the hairstyling department at Vidal Sassoon Hair Salon in New York. But men can't prevent hair problems-they know they'll never become the guy in the shampoo commercials, their hair is either too oily, too brittle, too straight, or a combination of all these issues, and when they put something on their hair to solve one problem, they create another.

Understand your hair

Understanding your hair means you can still have more beautiful, or at least easier-to-manage, hair without having to rack your brains. But first, you need to know why your hair turned out the way it is.

"Most of the characteristics of your hair, such as texture and color, are genetic," says Dr. Victor Newcamer, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Dermatology at the California State University School of Medicine in Los Angeles. "You can't change it, so you just have to learn how to get used to it."

You can get used to it, but that means you need to be conscious of how you treat your hair from the start. "It's a huge hurdle you have to overcome," Miller says. "Men don't want to spend too much time on their hair, but hair, like any other part of the body, requires time if you want it to be healthy and beautiful." But Miller adds, "Once you understand why your hair is in such bad shape, using shampoo can help control the problem."

Change the oil

Oily, greasy, and fine hair is a major problem plaguing men after baldness and dandruff. Ironically, our hair actually needs this kind of oil.

"The scalp contains glands that secrete sebum for each hair follicle. This sebum allows the hair to hang down along the scalp and protects it from natural forces," explains Dr. Jerome Shapak, Professor of Clinical Dermatology at NYU School of Medicine.

However, some people have overactive glands that produce so much excess oil that they can part their hair without a comb. Dr. Newcamer says, "This won't always be the case; as you age, the activity of these glands will gradually decrease." During this time, you can't stop these glands from producing oil, but you can minimize the amount of oil produced.

Many people try to reduce oily hair by washing it with shampoo and water twice a day, at least twice a day. Miller says this is a good practice, but it's best to use shampoo sparingly.

He points out, "When you wash your hair with shampoo, your scalp is massaged, the oil is washed away, but the glands in your scalp are stimulated." These two processes are enough to promote the activity of those glands, causing them to secrete more oil that you were trying to remove. Miller says, "You don't need to shampoo your hair two or three times a day; once a day is enough, and rinse it with water the other time." This will prevent your hair from looking dry and dull due to excessive lack of oil.

Use conditioner with caution. Be especially careful when using conditioner or shampoos containing conditioner. They can make hair softer and easier to comb, but if your hair is oily, they can worsen its oiliness.

Miller says, "One of the main ingredients in most conditioners is an oily silicone, a type of silicone resin that can make hair oilier." If you must use one, choose a milder one and use it sparingly. Miller warns, "Don't let it get on your scalp."

Your hands are naturally active, and overactive glands might not be the problem. Another possibility is a habit you have when you're stressed. Miller says, "Combing your hair with your fingers, holding your head in your hands, scratching your head-these actions can massage the glands. Also, you're putting oil from your hands on your hair, making it dull."

split ends

However, if you don't produce enough oil, or if you always treat your hair roughly, your hair will become brittle.

Dr. Shapiro says, "If the oil layer is damaged, the moisture underneath evaporates, leaving the hair dry and extremely prone to damage." Soon, your hair becomes a dry, unmanageable clump of straw, with split ends and breakage, making your head look like a haystack. Fortunately, experts say that men can easily protect their naturally dry hair or change habits that dry it out.

While conditioner is not suitable for oily hair, it can be very beneficial for dry, brittle hair. Conditioner or shampoos containing conditioner can protect hair, retain moisture, and prevent damage from dry weather.

Avoid sun exposure. When it comes to dry weather, nothing burns and damages our hair more than the sun.

Miller says, "As professionals, we always advise people to wear a hat in the sun to protect their scalp and hair. You can also buy sunscreen sprays at the pharmacy; although their primary purpose is to protect the scalp, they can also protect the hair and prevent it from drying out."

When engaging in water sports, be aware that while swimming might seem like a great way to increase moisture in your hair, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages if you frequently swim in a chlorinated pool.

"If you have a pair of jeans that you wash with laundry detergent all the time, what do you think they'll look like?" Miller said. "Chlorine in swimming pools can have the same effect on hair-devastatingly, especially after you get out of the pool and are exposed to the sun." Miller recommends washing your hair with shampoo after every swim, which not only protects your hair but also prevents embarrassing situations. "If hair is exposed to chlorine for a long time, it will turn a pale green," Miller said.

In addition, even if you swim in a pool that is not disinfected with chlorine, you should dry your hair as much as possible with a towel afterward.

Dr. Shapiro said, "If you're out in the sun with wet hair, the water droplets on your hair increase the amount of heat absorbed from the sun, thus damaging your hair."

Don't use hot air to dry your hair. If you're using a hairdryer, set the airflow to a low or cool setting. "Don't hold the hairdryer too close to your hair-that will make it over-dry," Miller says. Keep the hairdryer at least one foot away from your hair.

Latest Information

• Commonality: Every man has or has had some type of hair problem. This is part of the price you pay for living.

• Risk factors: Although most hair problems are genetic, men are more likely to develop hair problems if they dye their hair, wash their hair too frequently with strong shampoos, or expose their hair to the sun and heat.

• Affected age groups: As long as you have hair, the chances of experiencing hair problems are the same for people of all ages. After men reach 50, their hair will become thinner, and they will no longer worry about oily hair-but their hair may become dry and brittle.

• Gender differences: Listen to what women have to say; they have far more hair problems than men. However, generally speaking, women take much better care of their hair than men, and they are less likely to damage their hair due to neglect.

• Target audience: hairdressers and hairstylists.

In addition, if you use a towel to dry your hair, you should gently pat it to dry it-rubbing it vigorously with a towel will only make your hair more brittle.

Hair Dye Precautions: As people age, the amount of pigment their bodies provide to their hair gradually decreases, causing the hair to slowly lose its original color. When gray hair begins to appear at our temples, many of us use hair dye to restore its youthful shine. However, you should think carefully before stepping into a hair salon. Some dyes sold on the market have a metallic substance as their base ingredient, which can make the hair brittle after it adheres to it. Therefore, you should ask your hairstylist about the base ingredients of the dye before using it.

Miller said, "Also, dyeing your own hair is like doing your own dentistry-you can't see what you're doing." If you don't want to isolate yourself, you need to be careful and ideally have a professional do it. Miller added, "The ingredients we use may take a little longer to show results than what you might use at home, but they are much less damaging to your hair."

Make the hair lie flat

Our hair can also exhibit some strange phenomena-for example, why does it suddenly become tangled or wavy shortly after showering?

"There are some factors in this situation that are beyond our control. Our hair grows in a certain way," Miller said. "That's why some sections of hair grow in a certain way, or why some people's hair always sticks up in clumps that they can't be pressed down." Most of us certainly strive for perfection, but if you're willing to spend a little more money and time on your hair, it will be much more manageable-and may even develop its own unique style.

In addition to shampoo, you can also use styling gel or hair cream to make your hair smooth. Styling gel can keep straight hair tidied and prevent unruly hair from flipping up. If your hair is wavy or naturally curly in a beautiful style, hair cream can help hold the style in place. Finally, a gentle conditioner will make your hair easier to comb.

To prevent static electricity in winter, which can make your hair look like it's undergoing an impromptu science experiment and make you look grotesque, you can dampen your comb and slowly comb your hair from top to bottom to avoid scaring yourself in the mirror.

If all else fails, you can start over by thoroughly washing your hair. Miller says, "This time, don't let it air dry; take your time to blow-dry it the way you want it to be."

Consult your hairdresser. Finally, if you still have doubts about your hair, consult someone who knows it best-your regular hairdresser or stylist. If you don't already have one, find one. Remember: you don't have to get a haircut to get advice. Miller says, "Many professional hairdressers are happy to offer consultations free of charge." He also recommends visiting your hairdresser once a month; he or she will be a very helpful assistant in your hair styling needs-preventing you from the frustration of unruly hair.

Male Profile

The average person has 100,000 hairs, growing an average of 0.01 inches per day. The average person loses 25 to 125 hairs per day, which will be replaced by new hair, unless you are balding.

the Hangover

To make the next morning feel refreshed

A drunken man is quite a sight to behold. At night, he's witty, charming, and charismatic; he's the center of attention for women and the master of his own world-at least in his own mind. But by morning, this once-gentleman is sprawled out, head on the toilet, like a lump of mud.

In fact-as you know-vomiting is just one of many symptoms of a hangover. Fatigue, nervousness, depression, and headaches are all products of a night of indulgence.

We all know the terrible consequences of drinking too much, but no one can tell you the specific reasons for this catastrophe.

"Nobody knows what causes a hangover," says Dr. Donald Godwin, a professor of psychiatry at Kansas State University in Kansas City, who has conducted extensive research on the subject. "A hangover is a complex mix of symptoms, and we don't fully understand it," he says.

But that's not the main issue. For men who have drunk too much, finding a solution is more important than the cause. Unfortunately, there are many mysteries surrounding this. Why are the methods for getting rid of a hangover so chaotic, even among experts?

"Because nobody knows exactly what's at play," says John Brick, a PhD and physiological psychologist who runs a private practice in Adley, Pennsylvania, specializing in the pharmacology and toxicology of alcohol and drugs. "What works for one person may not work for another. Many hangover remedies are just ridiculously interesting."

The night before

The best way to avoid a hangover is not to drink alcohol, which is a very practical method, but few people realize that this is why men who have never experienced a hangover are even rarer than those who attend Christmas shows in July.

Be mindful of what you drink. While this issue remains controversial, many experts believe that dark spirits like whiskey and brandy are more likely to cause serious consequences. Why? Because dark spirits are rich in aromatic compounds-chemicals that enhance flavor and color-which can worsen hangovers.

Experts agree that red wine can also cause problems. Red wine contains tyramine, a chemical that can cause severe headaches. "If you're prone to headaches, red wine is the most likely trigger. That's absolutely true, especially cheaper brands like brandy," says Dr. Ann Simmons, Clinical Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine and a clinician in the Department of Public Health at California State University, San Francisco.

"A hangover is actually partly caused by the dehydration of cells in the brain," says Dr. Brick. "Drinking a glass of water before bed can minimize the effects of a hangover. A 12-ounce glass of water is enough to rehydrate the circulatory system. This seems to work for many people."

Dr. Simmons also recommends drinking some water while drinking alcohol-this helps prevent dehydration and may reduce discomfort the next day.

"Eat more food before drinking alcohol. Drinking on an empty stomach will exacerbate the harmful effects of alcohol," says Dr. Simmons. "The blood alcohol level will rise more rapidly, and you may feel worse the next day."

Food can slow down the body's absorption of alcohol. However, a healthy diet still doesn't mean you can drink freely.

The next morning

You ultimately ignored all prior advice and drank yourself into a stupor. When you woke up, you were unsteady, aching all over, and your thinking was unusually slow. At this point, you can try the following methods to relieve your discomfort:

Sleep experts agree that this is one of the best ways to combat a hangover. Keep in mind that even if you can sleep for eight hours, it may still not be enough.

"Alcohol can disrupt a person's sleep cycle," says Dr. Simmons. "Even if you sleep for a long time, it may not be considered high-quality sleep. You really need more sleep to compensate for the loss caused by low-quality sleep. If possible, try to sleep longer the next morning; this will be very helpful."

Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water. Alcohol causes dehydration, which is no secret to those who wake up the next morning feeling unbearably thirsty. Your body cells need water, your blood circulation needs water, and your tongue can be so dry it's practically hairy.

So what should you drink? There are many beverages to choose from, and everyone has their own specific solution. You can drink orange juice or fruit juice containing fructose (a type of sugar, which can help your body break down alcohol faster), or you can drink sports drinks like steroids to replace the liquid food and electrolyte drinks you hastily prepared the night before. But in most cases, all you need is plain water.

Dr. Brick says, "If a hotel waiter or your uncle who has come from afar suggests you have a drink of blueberry and tomato juice mixed with orange juice, that's fine too." If that helps you, it's because you're drinking a liquid, he says, which works the same as water.

Taking aspirin, a mild pain reliever, can help relieve headaches and hangover aches and pains. However, aspirin can irritate your stomach, so eat easily digestible food before taking it, or use antipyretics or similar medications instead.

Latest Information

• Common: It's as ubiquitous as the common cold and puberty.

• Risk factor: Excessive alcohol consumption.

• Affected age groups: People of all ages who were too young to understand this at first, but have come to deeply appreciate it as they grow up.

• Gender differences: Both men and women are equally likely to wake up the next morning feeling as if they've been hit by a car. This experience may be more common in men because they often drink more alcohol.

• Request for help: I'm sorry, you have to get through this on your own.

So, does taking aspirin before drinking alcohol work? Sorry, it's like an old woman telling a story-it doesn't work at all, says Dr. Godwin.

Eating bananas is no joke, says Dr. Godwin. Drinking alcohol significantly depletes serotonin levels, a chemical produced in the brain with the help of certain nutrients, which bananas also contain. He admits he doesn't know if serotonin supplementation will make you feel better, and he also acknowledges there's currently no strong scientific evidence to support his view. However, it is one way to combat a hangover, and like many other methods, it can be quite effective.

Dr. Alan Lepoport, director of the New England Headache Center in Stanford, Connecticut, suggests using ice: "Applying a bag of ice to the forehead and temples, or to the back of the neck, can help relieve headaches."

Eat more, but choose your food carefully; proper food selection can alleviate the pain of churning stomachs. While a large cheese sandwich with lots of cheese might sound appealing, you should eat less fatty foods and more high-carbohydrate foods such as grains, bread, and fruit. Dr. Simmons says, "You should eat easily digestible foods."

Be careful with coffee. There is currently no scientific evidence that coffee can somehow exacerbate hangovers; however, as a diuretic, it can worsen dehydration. Additionally, coffee is a powerful stimulant, and it's unnecessary when your body is already in a highly stimulating state.

"Many people experience a sudden surge of anxiety when they have a hangover," says Dr. Godwin. "If you feel tense, uneasy, and anxious, coffee will only make you feel more tense, uneasy, and anxious."

But regular coffee drinkers can't live without caffeine. When they skip their usual morning coffee, they often experience headaches, which can worsen hangovers. "Coffee is a double-edged sword," says Dr. Brick. "You have to experiment to see how it works for you."

Final Warning

Hangovers are largely a source of humor, especially when you're not the one suffering from one. However, there are two things to keep in mind:

First, research shows that hangovers can have lasting effects and impact your behavior, work, and life for a long time. In one study, a flight pilot who had consumed about four drinks still hadn't fully recovered his ability to land the plane (using a flight simulator) 14 hours after his blood alcohol level dropped to zero.

"If you're hungover, the risk of an accident or other mistake is higher," Dr. Brick said. "Avoid doing anything that could cause trouble."

If you never experience a hangover after drinking, while it may seem like a good thing, it should still raise your concerns.

"This is a sign of some kind of alcohol poisoning," said Eric Denver, PhD, professor of psychiatry at Iowa State University Hospital and Clinic in Iowa City. "If you drink a lot of alcohol and don't have a hangover, you should see a specialist."