That's Fit

The relationship we all have with our own hair is the ultimate in love/hate for most of us, and although you may be blaming those bad hair days on harsh winter weather, humidity, or styling products gone wrong, have you considered that it may be your health that's really the problem? You can't have healthy hair if you don't have a healthy body, so if you're dealing with hair that's dull, dry, frizzy, flaky, or falling out, it's worth a closer look to make sure it's not due to something bigger than just using the wrong shampoo. From genetics to your current nutritional state, learning to read your hair can tell you a lot about your overall health.

Here are some common hair issues and what they could possibly mean:

Going gray
Going gray is a genetic issue, so you're pretty much stuck with whatever you get in that department. Some people start noticing stray grays as early as their 20s while other lucky ducks keep all their color until retirement.

Ugh, summertime is the worst for me when it comes to taking care of my hair. In theory, winter should be rougher because of the dry air, but the constant indoors/outdoors of summer activities combined with sun exposure and humidity makes it practically impossible to figure out a good haircare routine and get through the season without some kind of hair damage or issue to deal with. Common summer hair problems include sun scorching, for which leave in conditioners or hair SPF products are best. Another mistake people often make is having chemical texturizing treatments done in summer, which when combined with chlorine and sun damage can leave you with locks like wheat sticks! Sadly, often the only remedy for this is a haircut and lesson learned.

Going to the salon to get a manicure, pedicure, or your hair colored is a luxurious experience that most people love. Having somebody wait on you hand and foot (literally!) is something that rarely, if ever, happens for us in our regular day to day lives. But we've also all heard horror stories about infections and health hazards, and here are some answers to the most commonly expressed health concerns when visiting the salon:

• Can I get an infection from a manicure or pedicure? Although it rarely happens, being aware of the possibility of getting an infection -- particularly HIV or Hepatitis -- is essential anytime instruments capable of breaking the skin are involved, as they are when doing nail care. Make sure your technician follows the appropriate guidelines and the risk will be minimal.
• Can hair dye increase my risk for cancer? Many studies have been done on this topic in relation to the risk of developing blood cancers and breast cancer, but all have been inconclusive.
• What services should I avoid when I'm pregnant? Pregnancy is such a complicated and delicate state that the best thing to do is consult your physician before receiving any salon services that involve chemicals, herbs, or other remedies -- even if they're "all natural." And some other services, like certain massages, can post risks during different stages of pregnancy and should also be avoided.

Click here for a more in-depth look at some of these concerns, plus a few others!