Sometimes you have good hair days, and sometimes you have bad ones. If you’ve been having a bad hair day for a while, it might be time to dig deeper for the reason. That’s right, there is more to hair than meets the eye. Here are four ways that hair can change your life.
Check Your Health
Is your hair dry? Oily? Frizzy? Do not take your hair problems for granted. The state of your locks could give you a glimpse of possible health issues you have, and from this, you can take the necessary steps to prevent them from getting worse. For example, severe hair-fall problems could signal nutritional deficiencies or conditions such as thyroid disease and anemia. Dry and brittle hair could also mean you are not hydrating enough or that you have a zinc or iron deficiency.
Aside from your hair, you should also pay attention to your scalp. Itchy and flaky scalp could mean a lack of omega 3 and omega 6 in your diet. You can fix common hair problems by switching up the products you use, modifying your diet, or using home remedies like natural hair masks and oils. However, if you have been suffering from hair-related issues for quite a while, consult a dermatologist or a physician to check if these are not symptoms of more serious health conditions.
Workplace Drug Testing
Because hair can give valuable information about a person’s health, it can be used as a sample for drug tests. Since the 1980s, drug testing has become a standard operating procedure in the workplace, whether as part of the pre-employment process or as a randomized method of checking employee sobriety. During a hair drug test, a small amount of your hair is removed; this step will be most likely supervised in order to ensure that employees do not cheat the exam and provide dummy samples. If you do not have hair on your head, the test administrator might collect hair from your body instead.
A negative drug test is usually determined within twenty-four hours after the removal of the hair sample. On the other hand, if the result is positive and you fail the test, the result will be confirmed after seventy-two hours. All non-negative results undergo a second drug screening method known as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, which can also determine what drugs were in the person’s system.
Learn Your Ancestry
A DNA test can tell you a lot about your family history and genetics. The results you get will satisfy more than just your curiosity, it can give you valuable insights about what genetic diseases run in your bloodline and what conditions you may be susceptible to. A DNA test will require samples like blood and hair in order for it to generate the details you need. In the case of a hair DNA test, the laboratory will need you to provide hair follicle, the part of your hair found under the skin, which contains plenty of genetic information.
Keep in mind that the age of the hair sample will affect the success of the DNA test. This is important if you are providing a hair sample that is not yours—for example, a deceased family member—and the testing process could be quite expensive. In this situation, it is best that you consult the DNA lab first and request a personalized quote so you can get an idea of the cost before you proceed.
Personal Expression
From intricate dreadlocks to colorful mohawks, hair has served as a fashion statement, a badge of rebellion, and a cultural symbol throughout the ages. Your hair is an accessory that you can use to express yourself and instantly boost self-confidence. There are plenty of products and tools that can be used to style your hair. If you’re feeling playful and bold, you can dye your hair a vibrant shade of red. Use a curling iron to create soft waves for a sexy and chic look on date night. There are plenty of video tutorials and fashion blogs out there with tips and tricks to help you achieve the look you want.
Regardless of what you do to style your locks, the most important thing is to love your natural hair type. If you have a curly crown, don’t expect it to have the same qualities as straight hair. Love your hair’s natural qualities and invest in products like hair oils to keep it moisturized.
