Hair Chameleon Nicole Richie Does it Again

Photo by PR Photos

Nicole Richie, 32, has become known as a chameleon in Hollywood for her ever-changing hair color. In fact just this week the star ditched her lavender locks for a bolder shade of blue. 

But is this behavior putting her hair at risk? 

Many women don’t realize that chemicals like bleaches and dyes can fundamentally change the structure of their hair, making it weaker and more susceptible to breakage and damage. Overusing these treatments and frequent color changes can lead to breakage, hair fallout, loss of density and volume, and in some severe cases, even traction alopecia.

If Nicole continues to change up her color frequently, she may want to consider starting on a regimen of hair vitamins, like Viviscal Pro or professional-grade Biotin, which can stimulate healthy hair growth and give your hair's overall health a boost. 

Jennifer Lawrence's Awkward Hair Phase

Photo by PR Photos 

Jennifer Lawrence shocked her fans last fall by debuting a chic pixie cut, but it appears she is ready for a change, as she was spotted around town sporting an awkward length bob. Most women are all too familiar with the awkward hair phase, but if Jennifer wants to escape this stage fast, there are ways she can stimulate healthy hair growth. 

1) Jennifer should be eating a diet filled with healthy hair foods, such as red meat, fish, berries, pomegranate juice, beans, artichokes and nuts. If you can stomach it, liver is one of the best foods for your hair. Iron, zinc, biotin, selenium and B-12 and key vitamins for healthy hair growth.

2) Low level laser therapy is a great way to stimulate growth and thickness in the hair. There are several hand-held “laser brushes” available on the market, and even a "LaserCap" that allows you to give your hair a boost wherever you are! 

3) Nutritional supplements like the fish-protein based Viviscal Pro, and pharmaceutical-grade biotin, along with prostaglandin analogs can all boost the vitality of your hair.

 

Postpartum Hair Loss Watch: Elsa Pataky

Photo by PR Photos

Actress Elsa Pataky is looking great just three weeks after giving birth to twins - but now that she's in the postpartum phase, she could start to see some associated hair loss.

Postpartum hair loss is relatively common - but don't worry, it isn't permanent. The medical community believes it could be triggered by the hormonal fluctuations that occur during this period. While pregnant, women see a surge in their estrogen and progesterone levels (which is why women have such great hair when pregnant) - and after the baby is born, these levels return to the pre-pregnancy level. It is this sudden drop-off in hormone levels that causes the hair follicles to go into short-term shock.

As a result, shedding is quite common in the weeks, and months, following the delivery.

Elsa may not experience postpartum hair loss - but if she does, she shouldn't worry. Postpartum hair loss is normal, temporary, and shouldn't be a problem. But if she decides she wants to give her hair a boost during this period, she could try vitamin supplements such as Viviscal or Biotin, and could consider a regimen of low level laser therapy to stimulate healthy hair growth.

Christie Brinkley's Anti-Aging Hair Secret

Photo by PR Photos

Forget wrinkles, it could be your hair that betrays your age, or, in Christie Brinkley's case, helps keep you looking young! 

The 59-year old supermodel still looks great, and at a recent launch for her new Hair2Wear collection in New York City, she let her fans in on a little secret - she wears 16-inch clip-in hair extensions almost every day. Brinkley said she uses the hair pieces to add body and highlights to her thinning locks, which instantly reverses the signs of aging hair.

But while Brinkley's hair looks great today, the frequent use of extensions can put your hair at risk of serious damage. Hair extensions are actually extremely harmful to the hair follicles. Because of the excess weight and pulling, hair extensions, when worn too much, can lead to a type of hair loss called "traction alopecia." Traction alopecia is a form of "scarring alopecia" and characterized by an obliteration of the hair follicles. Hair transplantation is the most effective way to reverse this condition.

If you are a regular user of hair extensions, weaves, braids or wigs that attach to the hair, your hair follicles are in danger of permanent damage. 

If your hair is suffering from signs of aging, which can include unruly grays, dryness, lackluster color, thinning, breakage, split ends, and frizz, there are healthier ways to address the issue. For starters, there are a number of hair super-foods that can boost your strands - salmon, which is loaded with omega-3 fatty acid, dark  green vegetables for vitamins A and C, and nuts, which are a terrific source of zinc. In addition to a healthy diet, low level laser ‘combs,’ nutritional supplements like Viviscal and biotin, and prostaglandin analogs can all boost the vitality of your hair.