What effects do hormones have on Hair, Skin and Nails?

What are hormones? 

First you have to understand the endocrine system to truly understand what hormones are and how they effect us from head to toe. So I will start with the endocrine system, which is a network of gland and organs that produce and release hormones through our bodies. It is one of our body's main communication systems, which controls and coordinates proper body functions. Hormones are the chemical messengers of the endocrine system. The hormones play the role of the chemical messengers to the endocrine systems. Hormones help maintain and control energy levels, reproduction, growth, development, metabolism, sexual function and internal balance known as Homeostasis. Nerves send electrical messages and hormones sends chemical messages to the body's cells, tissues and organs.

Hormones are produced and released by eight predominant endocrine glands:

• Pituitary gland
• Pineal
• Thymus
• Thyroid
• Parathyroid
• Adrenal
• Pancreas
• Gonads

These glands are not localized to one another but are found throughout the body. many factors can affect the endocrine glands and the body's hormone balance. If the body reaches  a state of imbalance, a variety of health problems can arise. Problems make their presence known internally in the blood, heart, internal organs and the outside, in hair, skin and nails.

The Endocrine System

The Pituitary gland located in the brain is considered the most complex organ of the system. It affects many functions:

• Our growth
• Blood pressure
• Contractions during child birth 
• sex Organ functions
• Thyroid gland function
• Conversion of food into energy
• Metabolism
• Control growth hormone
• Development of bone and muscle
• Produces Prolactin (breast milk)

The Pineal gland is also located in the brain. This gland is responsible for:

• Production of melatonin
• A hormone that affects reproductive development and daily physiological cycles
• Plays a significant role in reproduction, sexual behavior and skin color

The Thymus is in the upper chest. It is responsible for:

• Assists in the bodies production of certain types of while blood cells Known as T Cells, that is a major component of the immune system
• *****By adolescence this gland is already beginning to shrink

The Thyroid is located in the neck. This gland is responsible for:

• Metabolism
• Creating Proteins
• The gland produces and releases hormones by is dependent upon the presence of Iodine (e.g. thyroxine and triiodothyronine)

***An imbalance of the above hormones indicate a low level of iodine. Low levels of iodine can increase the potential for developing an enlarged thyroid gland. (goiter)

 The parathyroid glands which are attached to the thyroid are responsible for secreting parathyroid hormones. They are responsible for regulating the blood calcium levels, which are important to ensure that the nervous and muscular systems operate properly.

The Adrenal gland are located on the kidneys. These glands are necessary for the production of:

• Steroids or sex hormones (Androgen) Such as testosterone and estrogen
• Epinephrine and norepinephrine, which causes the "fight or flight response.

The Pancreas is located in the back portion of our stomach. The importance of the Pancreas is:

• It secrets enzyme-producing cells that digests carbohydrates, proteins and fats
• Cells in the Pancreas controls the production of glucagon and insulin. Glucagon is released when sugar levels in the blood have become low. The insulin is released when the levels of sugar are to high in the blood.

The Gonads are the sexual organs of men and women. (testes and ovaries) These are primarily reproductive organs and they determine the sexual characteristics in men and women.

In Men:

• Growth and development of male reproductive structure
• Increased skeletal and muscular growth
• Enlargement of the larynx
• Growth and distribution of body hair
• Increased male sex drive

In Women

• production of estrogen and progesterone
• Development of breast
• Distribution of fat evidenced in hips, legs and breast
• Maturation of female reproduction organs

***Estrogen and progesterone plays a dominant role in female health and balance of these hormones is vital.

The effects of hormones throughout your life.

Hormone levels naturally vary throughout your life and major developmental events such as puberty, pregnancy. menopause and old age will affect your hormone balance. The fluctuating in hormone levels can have ab impact on the skin , the hair and the nails. This can be a physical and emotional challenge.

How Hormones can adversely effect our skin, hair and nails

Acne

Acne can occur at any age but is most prevalent during adolescence. The onset  of acne is usually attributed to the hormone Androgen s  which  promote oil production in the sebaceous glands of the skin .Other hormones that come into play with acne is steroids, testosterone and estrogen.  Acne can also be triggered by menstruation, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, stress Diabetes and PCOS. 

Claude Thomas's Skin Treatment in our spa can address acne. The treatment that are very effective are:

• Glycolic peels
• Microdermabrasion
• LED Light therapy
• Meta Therapy for the scarring of acne 

Oral Contraceptives ( birth control pill)

The positives are the obvious as to controlling pregnancies but can also help some with balancing out hormones to help with acne.
The negative of contraceptives is it can change the hormone balance and could have a negative effect on the hair and skin. Such as hair loss, skin break outs, skin dryness, hair loss of luster and body. Fungal infections on the skin and nails could also occur. If you experience this effect one should consult their physician.

It is recommended for loss of hair by the AHLA (American Hair Loss Association) for those women experiencing hair loss to only use  Low-androgen index birth control.

 Claude Thomas has the above treatments for the skin in the paragraph of acne, with the addition of Collagen facials and moisturizing facials to add to correct skin dryness. As for the hair loss  we do hair extension, crown hair extensions, many other options for hair loss and for hair that is dull , dry and not body, we have  keratin treatments and deep hair conditioning therapies.

Pregnancy

 

 

Pregnancy can greatly affect the skin, hair and nails. The body's hormonal balance is altered to suit the needs of the growing baby. The changes in hair skin and nails can range from mild to dramatic. The  effects can  be acne, Hyper-pigmentation (Melasma), stretch marks, varicose veins, hair loss, excessive hair growth, Many of these effects will dissipate or completely go away during the pregnancy or after.

Claude Thomas does have solutions with the hyper pigmentation with LED therapy,  glycolic peels and microdermabrasion. Stretch marks are best addresses early on rather than later and we can help this with Meta therapy and microdermabrasion. With hair loss this should be only addressed several months after delivery as it may return to your normal hair, however if after 3 or months you are not getting regrowth see our hair loss expert The owner Claudia Tapp to consult on possible solutions. It could be as simple as creating a different style, to adding some extensions or crown hair extensions. As for varicose veins consult your physician, such a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Hormones and Normal Aging

Our Skin

 



 

 

 

Hormonal balance is affected as we age and this effect can be seen in many ways. When we age  many of our body functions slow down, including hormone production and secretion. Estrogen and testosterone both decrease as  we age. which leads into many skin, hair and nails issues. 

Skin issues that occur when we mature are:

• dry skin
• sagging skin
• age spots
• wrinkles

 

Estrogen has an effect on collagen production and skin thickness, so as this hormone decreases with age and menopause we develop  dry loose skin. The skin becomes thinner and looses fat.  Less blood is supplied to the skin making the skin have a dull appearance. With the changes in circulation and skin thickness one can develop spider veins and broken blood capillaries.  Topical estrogen treatment have been found helpful for some people but does come with a possible risk..Some things that can help are: Tretinoin, Vitamin C, Alpha hydroxy acids, laser resurfacing.

 

Claude Thomas has skin rejuvenation treatment to combat aging skin:

• Meta therapy
• Glycolic Peels
• Microdermabrasion
• LED light therapy
• Micro-Current Treatment
• Vascutouch
• Rejenica

 

 Our Hair

 

 

As we age our hair tends to lose it's luster,  turn grey, thin in certain spots or all over in general. Of coarse there are exceptions to the rules but most will experience at least one.

 There are a variety of reason hair  thins and fall out:

• malnutrition
• hormonal unbalance
• menopause
• stress
• serious illness
• simply the aging process .

 

 Grey is the most noticeable signs of aging. Hair usually will start to grey in the 30's to 40's.  This will vary from person to person. What makes the hair turn white is the lose of melanin in the hair follicle.. The onset of  white hair is related to genetics and occurs earlier for Caucasians and later for Asians or African descents.

 

What Claude Thomas can do to help solve these problems.

• Hair greying: Hair Glazes, Hair coloring. Dimensional hair coloring to  blend the greys away.
• Hair dullness: Hair color or glazes, keratin treatments, deep conditioning treatment,     Cellophane
• Hair Loss: Hair extensions, hair loss solutions, Crown hair extensions

Our Nails

 

 

With age our nails may become dry, brittle and/or discolored, which is caused by the decrease in our hormones as we age. Toenails tends to become harder and thicker. Ingrown toe nail can also happen as we mature. Check with your Nair technician if what you are experiencing is normal aging regarding your nail. If there is any doubt consult your physician.

 

 

The differences in Salon and Spa

The differences in Salon and Spa

	Salon and Spa    Store front owned and managed by one or more owners	Salon and Spa  store front that is owned as landlord renting out individual spaces to independent contractors that are stylist, nail techs or estheticians	No store front                  Salon and/or spa is in technicians home or travels to clients home or other locations
License as business federally required	Yes  mandatory	YES  Owner or landlord of booth rental store Individual contractors???	Generally are not claiming a business
Licensed by state and City required	Yes  mandatory	Yes to owner or landlord of business..Individual contractors discretion	Generally are not claiming a business
BUSINESS INSUREANCE	Yes  mandatory	Yes to owner or landlord of business however individual contractors  discretion to comply	Generally are not claiming a business So can not insure
Stylist, nail tech, esthetician license	Yes  mandatory	Individual contractors  discretion to have and be current	Individual discretion to have and be current
Adhere and comply to sanitary laws	Yes  mandatory	Individuals contractors discretion	Individual discretion
Quality control of products	Yes	Individuals contractors discretion	Individuals discretion
Quality control of skill levels of professional	Yes	Individuals contractors discretion	Individual discretion
Set levels of education and continuing education for all professionals	Yes	Individuals contractors discretion	Individual discretion
Warranty  of product and services	Yes	Individuals contractors discretion	Individual discretion
Yearly CEU units required by state	YES	Individuals contractors discretion	Individual discretion
Customer standards of services	Yes	Individuals contractors discretion	Individual discretion
Promotional deals for clients	Yes	Individuals contractors discretion	Individual discretion
Referral programs for clients	Yes	Individuals contractors discretion	Individuals discretion
Client data base of hair colors and all chemical services and products	Yes	Individuals contractors discretion	Individuals  discretion
Professional environment, with no interruptions, distractions or inappropriate cell phone usage.	Yes	Individuals contractors discretion	Individuals  discretion
Reliable business operations and times	Yes	Individuals contractors discretion	Individuals discretion
Quest and research for new services and products within the industry	Yes	Individuals contractors discretion	Individuals  discretion

I put together this comparison chart so consumer can see side by side what the differences are. I will surmise   the differences in Salon and Spas and give you information and questions to ask that will make it easier for you to decide what your best fit is. 

A Salon and Spa that is owned and managed by one of more owners will be:

• Legally compliant
• Compliant to all licensing, business licensing and staff
• Compliant to all sanitation and staff licensing
• The staff will be working directly for the business
• There will be set standards for services and products
• Set standards of skill and experience for stylists, estheticians, and nail techs
• Set standards for continuing education
• Set professionalism standards
• Warranty of service and products
• Proper procedure for all client data base info (all chemical services and formulas, timing of services, products used and purchased)
• Accepts payment of credit and/or debit
• Insured
• Team goal for excellence and service oriented.
• Promotional deals for clients and referral program.
• Like any other business the standards will vary to degrees but will have to comply to these basic criteria’s.

Salon and Spa that are owned by one or more individuals that lease out (like a landlord) stations or rooms to independent contractors that are stylists, nail tech, or estheticians.  The owner of the booth rental salon and spa has to be compliant with licensing and insured but do not in general  set standards for individual contractors as they are running their own business within the business.  This is a general practice but there are some exceptions.  The above list is up to each individual independent contractors discretion. They set their own business practice standards, licensing compliance, legal compliance. insurance and continuing education.

Now for in home salon and/or spa or, travel to client’s home or off site beauty services there are some Red Flags on this one.  If there are no signage of the business, no web presence, and will only take cash or cash checks and does not take credit or debit they are probably not legally compliant, could be license non-compliant and not insured.  This is the case of a true truism “Buyer Beware”. The  stylist, esthetician, nail tech  may have  no  business presence and  set standard set by the beauty industry to comply.

Here are some questions you can ask to determine what’s you comfortable with and is a good fit for you.

Don’t be afraid to ask

1. Ask when they do their taxes do they use a 1099 or a schedule C form.
2. Is their  stylist, nail tech , or esthetician license current and proof of it.
3. Are they insured?
4. Do you take credit card or debit?
5. Do you have a business license if so can they show you?
6. Do you warranty your service and products?
7. Do you have a web presence (website, business listing on the web)?  Not just Facebook. Do not have to be a business for a Facebook, twitter, etc.
8. Have a data base of clients information with technical card, products used, and products purchased?
9. What is your practice on continuing education? How often and what classes did you take?
10. Do you have promotions and a referral program?
11. Do you Warranty your services and products?

You can also go on line a Illinois professional regulations and look up anyone license to see if they have one and if they are current.  If they are not a business you cannot go on line to see any reviews on them.

Take a good look at the environment of the salon or spa you are at:

Is it unorganized?

Is it cluttered?

Is it dirty?

Is it unprofessional?

That says a lot about the Professionalism if you answer these questions with a YES.

In conclusions, I can only speak for myself  but I would never go to a doctor, a dentist, an attorney that was not a business. I also would not want work done by an electrician, plumber, HUVAC  tech that was not business backed.

When you go to a Salon and Spa that is a business the laws that govern that  industry are there to protect the consumer.

I hope you found this helpful and I wish you all good hair days.

Hair Loss could be caused by Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease can cause hair loss

Thyroid disease causes your hormones get out of whack and your whole body can feel off-kilter. Your weight, your mood, and even your thinking, can be affected. Also it can cause a host of other physical symptoms . A common side effect of thyroid disease is Hair Loss  However  it's not a permanent problem as long as you get the treatment you need.

How does Thyroid Hormones Cause Hair Loss?

Your hair follicles has a natural cycle of hair growth and resting phases. Most of your hair is growing while only a small portion of it is resting. But Thyroid disease creates  changes in the body that throw off that cycle.  The changes causes too much hair rests at one time and not enough grows.  This results in excessive hair loss, thinning hair, or balding.

Many medical conditions and some medications can cause hair loss, but thyroid disease is  a common culprit. Thyroid problems include both an under active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Hair growth depends on the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Abnormal levels of thyroid hormone produced by this gland will result in hair changes, along with many other side effects, when left untreated. When there is too much thyroid hormone, the hair on your head can become fine, brittle, dull and  thinning hair all over the scalp. When there is too little of this hormone, there can be hair loss, not just on the scalp but through out  the entire body.

In some cases, taking the hormone levothyroxine to treat an underactive thyroid can contribute to some hair loss, among other side effects. This seems to be more common within the first month of treatment and more often in children than adults. This  hair loss resulting in the medication is only temporary and will go away as treatment is continued and thyroid hormone levels stabilize.

What are some of the symptoms of Thyroid Disease?

• Any type of thyroid disease can cause a number of different symptoms, but they can sometimes be subtle. In addition to hair loss or thinning hair, be aware of these other symptoms:
• Changes in mood, such as anxiety, irritability, and increased nervousness
• Being unable to tolerate hot temperatures or cold temperatures
• Insomnia or lethargy and sleeping too much
• Weight changes — either weight loss or weight gain
• Abnormal menstruation
• Pain or weakness in the muscles
• Dryness in the hair or skin
• Cognitive impairment, such as having trouble paying attention, remembering, and concentrating

Thyroid function can be measured using a simple blood test, so if you notice any symptoms that could signal thyroid disease, see your doctor promptly. 

What are the treatments  for Thyroid Disease and Hair Loss?

Once you get your thyroid disease diagnosed and the right treatment is prescribed to regulate thyroid hormone levels, the hair loss problem should resolve itself. Healthy hormone levels mean healthy hair growth. 

Te right dosage of thyroid hormone will get your thyroid under control. If you're unhappy with the look of your hair while treatment is underway, there are options to consider. Wearing a hair piece or wig or getting a new hairstyle can help camouflage hair loss as you wait for the results of thyroid treatment to begin.  

Thyroid disease affects many body functions besides hair growth, however a tell tale sign is hair loss and hair changes,  so be sure to talk to your doctor if you suspect that a thyroid problem could be the cause of your of it.   Getting the proper treatment will improve how you feel as well as how you look.

Claude Thomas Salon and Spa has the experise to address any type of hair loss.  Our experience in this  field is over 20 years. We also have private rooms for our hair loss clients  if they prefer.

link to video on this subject