Children’s Hair Loss – Types of Hair Loss in Infants and Children

December 31, 2010 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

It’s natural for parents to become alarmed when they see locks of their babies hair falling out. Almost all newborns lose some (or all) of their hair during the first six months of life. This is a normal process. In most cases the hair eventually grows back, although the new hair may be a completely different color and texture than at birth!

A common condition, that may cause hair loss in infants is cradle cap. Cradle cap mainly affects infants between the ages of two to six months; causing a crusty, scaling scalp rash. Left untreated, cradle cap often clears up within several months. In severe cases it can cause itching and hair loss, and may also spread to other areas of the body.

Other forms of hair loss affecting infants are rare. They are often congenital in nature and may include hair shaft defects. As the child gets older they become more susceptible to various types of hair loss. After discussing the rare forms of hair loss which can affect infants and children, the more common forms will be addressed.

Congenital Atrichia

With congenital atrichia a child could be born with apparently normal hair; but once it enters the first resting period the hair falls out, and the entire growth process shuts down. In order for hair to grow, certain cells must stay in close contact with each other to transmit and receive signals necessary to keep the hair growth cycle functioning. With this condition the cellular communication gets disconnected, deactivating the hair growth cycle.

Loose Anagen Syndrome

This type of hair loss is most typical in small children with sparse fine hair that can easily be pulled out. It mostly affects girls with light hair. The hair usually does not grow past the nape of the neck. Under a microscope the hairs appear to lack an inner and outer root sheath and have a ruffled cuticle.

Triangular Alopecia

This is a pattern of hair loss that occurs in the temporal area on one or both sides and is usually in a triangular shape. The absence of hair in this area is present at birth or just after. It is permanent and irreversible but is not progressive. The shape and size of the bald area remains the same throughout lifetime.

Pili Torti

This condition can be congenital or acquired. It is most common in girls who have thin blonde hair. There is a rigid twisting of the hair fibers which leads to fractures in the cuticle and internal cortex layer of the hair shaft. The hair is dry and brittle and may stand out from the scalp. It breaks off at varying lengths.

Monilethrix

This is a rare condition that begins in infancy. Although the infant is born with what appears to be normal vellus hair, it is soon replaced with dry, brittle hair that has a beaded appearance. The hair often breaks off even with the scalp and seldom grows longer than 2.5 cm.

Uncombable Hair Syndrome

Children with this syndrome usually have silvery blonde glass-like hair that is unruly and won’t lie flat. It is difficult or impossible to comb. Because of its appearance it is also called “spun-glass hair.” The hair stands away from the scalp in a disorderly fashion. Microscopic evaluation reveals a triangular (or kidney bean) shaped hair shaft with longitudinal grooving. Spontaneous improvement is often seen in later in adolescence.

The following types of hair loss are common in children aged four and older.

Ringworm

Contrary to its name ringworm does not come from a worm but is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophyte. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted through other people or animals. It is mostly seen on children between 4 and 11 years old. It usually begins as a small pimple that becomes larger, leaving scaly patches of baldness with an outline shaped like a ring. The hair often becomes brittle and breaks off very close to the scalp causing what is referred to as “black dot alopecia.” Ringworm is also referred to as tinea capitis.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder which causes the hair to fall out in patches with well defined margins. The onset of alopecia areata is most common in children between four and seven years old but it can strike anybody at anytime. Alopecia areata can progress to alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis affecting total scalp and body hair.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia occurs from sustained tension on the scalp due to tightly pulled hairstyles. Prolonged traction causes hair to loosen from its follicular roots. Cheerleaders, dancers and other children who routinely wear these types of hairstyles are at risk. Also at risk are those who wear hair extensions-which are becoming consistently more popular. Prolonged persistent traction can cause permanent hair loss.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania can be translated from Greek to mean a “manic desire to pluck out one’s own hair.” It is an impulse control disorder that often starts in childhood. A person with this disorder will feel an overwhelming urge to pull out his or her hair. This urge causes an extreme amount of tension which continues to build until the hair is pulled.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium, also known as diffuse hair loss causes more hair than usual to retreat into the resting phase. This can be a reaction to any disturbance in the body as hair is very sensitive to changes. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and easily corrected once the problem is identified and addressed. Any type of illness, surgery or trauma can cause temporary diffuse hair loss.

Medications

Any medication can cause hair loss, even if it is not listed as a symptom. Psychopharmaceutical medications which are becoming more commonly prescribed to adolescents are known to cause hair loss in some people. Acne medications derived from vitamin A can cause hair loss. Some anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory medicines list hair loss as a side effect. Any hormonal medication such as birth control pills or steroids can cause hair loss.

Bacterial Infections

Certain bacteria and other microorganism can infect the scalp causing inflammation and hair loss. Hair loss from scalp infections may be temporary or permanent depending on the degree of damage.

Eating Disorders

Hair loss can be a symptom of any eating disorder such as anorexia nervous or bulimia.

Puberty

Hair loss often occurs during times of hormonal changes. Some hair loss may occur during puberty.

Immunizations

There have been reports of hair loss as an adverse side effect of vaccinations, mostly associated with the hepatitis B vaccine and mostly affecting females.

If you enjoyed this article and would like more information on the topic, Please visit VZ BOTANICALS Melanie Vonzabuesnig is the author of Hair Loss in Women…Getting to the Root of the Problem and Aroma Hair…Aromatherapy Formulas for Healthy Hair.

Melanie Vonzabuesnig has researched every aspect of female hair loss in order to help other women experiencing hair loss. She used aromatherapy for her own hair loss.

Author: Melanie Vonzabuesnig
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The Secret To Hairloss Prevention Is To Educate Yourself And Prevent Hair Loss From Happening To You

October 15, 2010 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

The secret to hair loss prevention is to educate yourself and prevent Hair loss from happening to you. Stop hair loss now will let you have a full head of hair longer.

Hair is made from protein called keratin, and grows hair from the root, which is imbedded in a gland in the skin called a follicle. Most people lose 50 to 100 strands of hair a day, which are replaced as part of the normal hair growth cycle. When you stop replacing hair as rapidly as you lose it, you’re in the cycle of hair loss, thinning, baldness which is preventable; you’ll notice it as your hair starts to thin. Before beginning a Hair loss Prevention regimen to stop hair loss talk to your doctor. Preventing Hairloss is a lifelong routine. How your hair is treated determines if you’ll keep it for the rest of your life, and as society places a premium on vigorous appearance, Prevention of Hair loss is important to your social standing and emotional well being. Stopping hair loss, or growing hair, can be an important lifelong goal. While thinning hair is commonly attributed to aging, there are many things you can do to prevent hair loss, entire industries, ranging from commercial pharmaceuticals to naturopathic hairloss remedies, have sprung up to prevent hair loss.

While the primary causes of hair loss are hormonal, there are a lot of things to do to prevent hair loss; and hair loss prevention is easier than trying to grow hair again. If you’re serious about trying to stop hair loss, read on. Once your hair follicles have gone dormant, trying to grow hair again is next to impossible, and extreme measures, like follicle transplants, which move follicles from the nape of your neck to your scalp, may be necessary. (This is the secret of Hair Club For Men.)

Hair loss prevention Treatment options:

Advecia: This remedy, a mixture of minerals and vitamins and green tea extract, is claimed to be a natural hair loss remedy for men or women. It has not gone through scientific double blind testing.

Rogaine: Rogaine works by stimulating the hair follicles, and is for mens hair loss only. It’s a hair loss lotion that can have side effects on the body, but it is proven to work.

Revivogen: Another natural hair loss remedy, Revivogen is suitable for men and women. Purportedly it will stop hair loss and start rejuvenation of new hair growth; its manufacturers won’t submit it for FDA testing.

Propecia: Propecia works by stopping the buildup of DHT, which is a hormonal byproduct that leads to hairloss. It should not be handled by pregnant women.

First, moderate your stress and get your diet in balance. Stress is one of the factors leading to hair loss, which you can prevent hair loss from happening with stress supplements and learning to relax more. Second, make sure you take good care of your scalp. Avoid washing your hair too often, and don’t use metal combs. Don’t dig your fingernails into your scalp, and wear a hat when you’re outside – you can sunburn your scalp even through a full head of hair, causing the follicles to dry out and go dormant. Don’t overmedicate your scalp – dandruff is your scalp’s way of disposing of dead skin cells and a lot of dandruff shampoos cause your follicles to clog because you aren’t shedding your skin at the rate your body wants you to. Look for things you eat that can cause hormone spikes, as well as medication. Most male pattern hair loss is better described as testosterone induced hair loss – your body is producing a bit more testosterone than estrogens and you lose hair accordingly. Look at toxins as well, like tobacco smoke, or eating diets high in trans fatty acids, both of which can cause hair loss. Exercise and generally try to be healthy – your hair loss is a sign of the health of your body, which is why it’s prized in social circles.

Finally, check into your medicine cabinet. A lot of medicines cause secondary and tertiary side effects that either boost testosterone production (from cortisoids and steroids) or inhibit estrogen production, such as hypertension medicines and thyroid medicines.

Prevention of Hair loss options:

If you’re serious about preventing hair loss, make sure your diet contains a lot of the following nutrients.

Vitamin C: Vegetables and fruits, especially black currents, acerola cherries, citrus fruits, avocados, and artichokes.

Vitamin A: Found in eggs and dairy foods, kidney, liver and cod liver oil.

Vitamin D: Oily fish such as mackerel, eggs and dairy foods, sunlight.

Vitamin B: Eggs and milk, whole grains, brown rice, pork and fish.

Vitamin E: Sunflower oils, rapeseed, peanuts, almonds, avocado and spinach, asparagus and sunflower seeds.

Iodine: Iodized salt and seafood.

Iron: Liver and kidneys, spinach, beans, peas and dried fruit.

Calcium: Dairy foods, green leaf vegetables such as broccoli, peanuts, sunflower seeds and even bones from tinned fish.

Prevent hair loss Lifestyle changes:

Women (and men) should avoid hairstyles that are tightly braided, or constricted near the scalp – the constant tension can uproot the roots of your hair and damage the follicles. Likewise, avoid tight hair rollers and high temperature hair drying and treatments.
When drying your hair after shampooing, use a cool hair dryer not a hot one, or let your hair air dry. When scrubbing your scalp, don’t dig in with your fingernails as this can damage it – just use the pads of your fingers. Protect your hair from the sun with a hat.
Small hair loss prevention changes in your hair care routine can slow down or stop hair loss, and give you a healthy head of hair for decades to come.

Author: Daryl Plaza
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Social Stigma of Hair Loss in Women

August 6, 2010 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

Have you noticed a gradual and progressive increase in the number of hairs lost when combing or brushing? Perhaps after months or years of vain denial, you have realized that the mirror does not lie, visible thinning has occurred. You’re not alone if you’re experiencing breakage, increased hair shedding or significant hair loss.

Many women may cover it up with wigs, hair extensions, hats or scarves. Others choose one of the several approved medications or surgical procedures that are available to treat baldness.

Excessive hair loss or balding is mistakenly perceived as a strictly something that happens to men although women actually make up to forty percent of American hair loss sufferers. In America, one in four, or over 30 million women will seek solutions and treatment for hair loss annually.

First of all, don’t panic! Hair loss or hair shedding is consistent within the hair growth cycle and it is normal to lose some scalp hair each day. The average human scalp has roughly 100,000 to 150,000 individual hairs and the normal hair growth cycle results in the loosening or shedding of about 100 to 150 hairs on a daily basis. New hair growth then emerges from these same previous dormant hair follicles, growing at the average rate of about half an inch per month.

Hair is composed of two separate parts: the follicle and the hair shaft. The follicle lies below the scalp and produces the hair strands that we see growing out of our head. The follicle is alive, however the hair strand is simply composed of dead cells that have no regenerative ability.

For most people, 90% of our scalp hair is always in a to six year growth phase (anagen) while the remaining 10% is in a dormant period (telogen), which lasts about three months. When the dormant period ends the hair is shed; these are the worrisome hairs we obsess over in our comb, hairbrush, on our pillow or down the shower drain. Relax, some hair loss is perfectly normal.

Baldness or Alopecia happens when the normal pattern of hair growth is disrupted. The normal pattern of human hair growth is growing, resting, shedding and growing again. If the growth pattern is out of balance, hair does not grow back as readily as it falls out. A family history of androgenetic alopecia increases your risk of balding. Heredity also affects the age at which you begin to lose hair and the development, pattern and extent of your baldness.

What concerns us is not these normally shed hairs, but the noticeable thinning we confront in the mirror. For a woman, thick, vibrant hair is our crowning glory, our vanity visible. A luxuriant full mane epitomizes the beauty of a woman and is integrally woven into our self image. Our culture strongly identifies femininity with a thick, silky head of hair. Throughout recorded history, images of shining, full bodied hair are associated with female beauty, youth, desirability and good health. Society unfairly identifies dry, lack luster and thinning hair with old age, sickness and poverty.

A dramatic decrease in self esteem is evident in women when their hair begins to fall out. Hair shedding is not physically painful, however it often causes severe emotional distress. We obsess over our thin tresses as we battle depression and self loathing. Women frequently become introverted and withdraw from the world. We avoid intimate contact and make futile attempts to disguise the quality and quantity of our hair.

Hair loss is especially injurious to those who have professions or careers where physical appearance plays a significant role. A young woman is especially vulnerable to the stigma of balding. Not until we are confronted with the loss of our hair do we fully realize how essential hair is to our overall person.

A woman’s hair is at its thickest by age 20. Once we pass 20, however, our hair gradually begins to thin, shedding more than the normal 100-150 hairs a day. With aging, hair strands hold less pigment and become smaller so that what was once the luxuriant and thick hair of our youth becomes thin, fine and lighter in color. For even the elderly woman, significant hair loss can threaten self image. A woman’s sense of sexuality and femininity as well as her establish place in family and society are often undermined by hair loss.

It is hardly surprising when a man starts balding. By the age of thirty-five about 25 percent of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss and about 75 percent are either bald or have a balding pattern by age 60.

In men, hair loss is often perceived as a sign of virility, a demonstrable sign that his male hormones are functioning at maximum capacity. To project strength and masculinity, men often choose to shave their heads.

Although many men are quite dismayed by a receding hairline, research indicates that the psychological pain of hair loss does not affect men as adversely as it impacts women. What makes coping with hair loss so difficult is the frightening lack of control, the feeling of the inability to do anything to make our hair stop falling out.

Causes Of Hair Loss In Women

As we age, women face a multitude of changes and challenges: wrinkles, a widening waist, cellulite deposits and thickening ankles. It does not seem fair that for many of us hair loss is yet another blow to our self esteem.

Female pattern baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in women and is genetic in nature. This type of female balding is caused by the chemical Dihydrotestosterone or DHT which builds up around the air follicle and over time destroys both the hair shaft and the hair follicle. Pregnancy or the onset of menopause may cause a fluctuation in the production of estrogen. Lacking sufficient estrogen to produce testosterone-blocking enzymes, testosterone is then converted to DHT on the scalp. The result is a shorter hair growth cycle, finer hair and excessive hair loss from shedding and breakage. Some women experience an increase in hair loss several months after delivering a baby.

Genetics aside, there are many other reasons why women lose hair. Surgery, extreme physical or emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, chemotherapy and scalp infections are but a few. Female hair loss can also be triggered by birth control medications, certain prescription drugs or result from the use of harsh chemicals or aggressive styling that can cause permanent damage to the fragile hair follicle. Excessive hair shedding may also be symptomatic of rapid weight loss from dangerous fad-dieting or an eating disorder such as anorexia. The use of street drugs such as cocaine will also exhibit sudden and severe hair shedding.

When To Contact A Medical Professional

Reacting intensely to the physical state of our thinning hair may seem like excessive vanity, but it is not. Baldness is not usually caused by disease, but is more commonly related to heredity, aging and hormone function. However, changes in hair appearance, texture and growth patterns may indicate serious health concerns. Hair is one of the first areas, along with skin and nails, to reflect nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance and illness. It is wise to pay attention.

Women’s hair seems to be particularly sensitive to underlying medical conditions so it is important that women with undiagnosed hair loss be properly evaluated by a physician. If your thinning hair is a result of a medical condition, your doctor will treat these ailments and as a result you may experience significant growth of new hair.

Once you and your doctor have identified the cause of your hair loss you may be referred to a hair specialist or implant surgeon to learn about the treatment options available such as or hair transplant procedures to promote growth or hide loss. For some types of alopecia, hair may resume normal growth without any treatment.

A healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, hydration and rest can go a long way towards preventing hair loss and maximizing the potential of your hair growth cycle.

Although medical research is on going, the following have proved beneficial in growing and maintaining a healthy head of hair.

Nutrition

Poor nutrition is often an underlying cause of hair loss as the hair is a reliable indicator of nutritional well being. Discuss with your health care provider your diet, all medications and any supplements you may be taking. Dull hair color or dry and brittle hair may be indicators of a deficiency in essential fats in the diet, oily hair may be a sign of a B vitamin deficiency.

Recent medical studies have found that a high percentage of women with thinning hair are deficient in iron and the amino acid lysine. It is difficult to obtain sufficient lysine through diet alone. Lysine is important in the transport of iron and necessary to support hair growth. Lysine is found in eggs and red meat so vegetarians needs to be aware of this potential shortfall in their diets.

The amino acids L-Cysteine and L-Methionine are believed to improve hair texture, quality and growth.

Low-fat foods that rank high in protein, low in carbohydrates, can play a vital role in sustaining healthy hair growth and aid in preventing hair loss. Important essential fatty acids for maintaining hair health are found in walnuts, sunflower seeds, sardines, spinach, soy and canola oil. Omega 3 and Omega 6 Oils protect the heart as well as your hair so include salmon in your diet on a regular basis.

Herbal Remedies Offer Hope For Hair Loss

Discuss with your nutritional advisor or medical professional the benefits of herbs. The following natural plant derivatives have properties to encourage a healthy head of hair.

Aloe
Arnica
Birch
Burdock
Catmint
Chamomile
Horsetail
Licorice
Marigold
Nettles
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Hair Care

Always choose organic natural products to avoid the chemicals and toxins found in many hair care products. Harsh chemicals may strip the natural oils from your hair and lead to breakage and poor hair growth. Dye, hair straightening and permanent solutions are highly destructive to the hair shaft and follicle as well as the delicate sebum balance of the scalp.

Be gentle with your hair. Allow hair to dry naturally rather than using a hair dryer. A natural bristle brush is helpful in preventing damage. Do not style until completely dry. Wet hair is weak hair so handle with care. Avoid or break any bad habits you may have that pull or twist the hair. Try not to constantly run your fingers through your hair, tug at the hair and avoid hair clips or rubber bands that pull at and break off the hair. Minimize the usage of mousse, gels and hair sprays. These products dry and weigh down the hair shaft and dull the natural luster of your hair.

Avoid salt and chlorinated water when swimming. If exposed, always wash the hair with cool water and an organic gentle shampoo and apply a mild conditioner. Sun worshipers should make sure that hair care products have sunscreen properties to protect hair from the damaging affects of UV rays. Remember to wear a hat to prevent sunburn of the scalp.

Healthy Lifestyle

Hair loss is traumatic, however our hair is only part of who we are. I remind myself to keep my obsession with my hair loss in perspective and be happy with all the other areas of my life that are going right and in balance. Focus on the positive, eat well, rest well and be at peace with who you are. Remember, that for some, hair grows back as mysteriously as it disappeared.

Author: Marlene Affeld
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Smiling shark

Dramatics Of Hair Loss In Women

June 19, 2010 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

Have you noticed a gradual and progressive increase in the number of hairs lost when combing or brushing? Perhaps after months or years of vain denial, you have realized that the mirror does not lie, visible thinning has occurred. You’re not alone if you’re experiencing breakage, increased hair shedding or significant hair loss.

Many women may cover it up with wigs, hair extensions, hats or scarves. Others choose one of the several approved medications or surgical procedures that are available to treat baldness.

Excessive hair loss or balding is mistakenly perceived as a strictly something that happens to men although women actually make up to forty percent of American hair loss sufferers. In America, one in four, or over 30 million women will seek solutions and treatment for hair loss annually.

First of all, don’t panic! Hair loss or hair shedding is consistent within the hair growth cycle and it is normal to lose some scalp hair each day. The average human scalp has roughly 100,000 to 150,000 individual hairs and the normal hair growth cycle results in the loosening or shedding of about 100 to 150 hairs on a daily basis. New hair growth then emerges from these same previous dormant hair follicles, growing at the average rate of about half an inch per month.

Hair is composed of two separate parts: the follicle and the hair shaft. The follicle lies below the scalp and produces the hair strands that we see growing out of our head. The follicle is alive, however the hair strand is simply composed of dead cells that have no regenerative ability.

For most people, 90% of our scalp hair is always in a to six year growth phase (anagen) while the remaining 10% is in a dormant period (telogen), which lasts about three months. When the dormant period ends the hair is shed; these are the worrisome hairs we obsess over in our comb, hairbrush, on our pillow or down the shower drain. Relax, some hair loss is perfectly normal.

Baldness or Alopecia happens when the normal pattern of hair growth is disrupted. The normal pattern of human hair growth is growing, resting, shedding and growing again. If the growth pattern is out of balance, hair does not grow back as readily as it falls out. A family history of androgenetic alopecia increases your risk of balding. Heredity also affects the age at which you begin to lose hair and the development, pattern and extent of your baldness.

What concerns us is not these normally shed hairs, but the noticeable thinning we confront in the mirror. For a woman, thick, vibrant hair is our crowning glory, our vanity visible. A luxuriant full mane epitomizes the beauty of a woman and is integrally woven into our self image. Our culture strongly identifies femininity with a thick, silky head of hair. Throughout recorded history, images of shining, full bodied hair are associated with female beauty, youth, desirability and good health. Society unfairly identifies dry, lack luster and thinning hair with old age, sickness and poverty.

A dramatic decrease in self esteem is evident in women when their hair begins to fall out. Hair shedding is not physically painful, however it often causes severe emotional distress. We obsess over our thin tresses as we battle depression and self loathing. Women frequently become introverted and withdraw from the world. We avoid intimate contact and make futile attempts to disguise the quality and quantity of our hair.

Hair loss is especially injurious to those who have professions or careers where physical appearance plays a significant role. A young woman is especially vulnerable to the stigma of balding. Not until we are confronted with the loss of our hair do we fully realize how essential hair is to our overall perception of ourselves.

A woman’s hair is at its thickest by age 20. Once we pass 20, however, our hair gradually begins to thin, shedding more than the normal 100-150 hairs a day. With aging, hair strands hold less pigment and become smaller so that what was once the luxuriant and thick hair of our youth becomes thin, fine and lighter in color. For even the elderly woman, significant hair loss can threaten self image. A woman’s sense of sexuality and femininity as well as her establish place in family and society are often undermined by hair loss.

It is hardly surprising when a man starts balding. By the age of thirty-five about 25 percent of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss and about 75 percent are either bald or have a balding pattern by age 60.

In men, hair loss is often perceived as a sign of virility, a demonstrable sign that his male hormones are functioning at maximum capacity. To project strength and masculinity, men often choose to shave their heads.

Although many men are quite dismayed by a receding hairline, research indicates that the phycological pain of hair loss does not affect men as adversely as it impacts women. What makes coping with hair loss so difficult is the frightening lack of control, the feeling of the inability to do anything to make our hair stop falling out.

Causes Of Hair Loss In Women

As we age, women face a multitude of changes and challenges: wrinkles, a widening waist, cellulite deposits and thickening ankles. It does not seem fair that for many of us hair loss is yet another blow to our self esteem.

Female pattern baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in women and is genetic in nature. This type of female balding is caused by the chemical Dihydrotestosterone or DHT which builds up around the air follicle and over time destroys both the hair shaft and the hair follicle. Pregnancy or the onset of menopause may cause a fluctuation in the production of estrogen. Lacking sufficient estrogen to produce testosterone-blocking enzymes, testosterone is then converted to DHT on the scalp. The result is a shorter hair growth cycle, finer hair and excessive hair loss from shedding and breakage. Some women experience an increase in hair loss several months after delivering a baby.

Genetics aside, there are many other reasons why women lose hair. Surgery, extreme physical or emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, chemotherapy and scalp infections are but a few. Female hair loss can also be triggered by birth control medications, certain prescription drugs or result from the use of harsh chemicals or aggressive styling that can cause permanent damage to the fragile hair follicle. Excessive hair shedding may also be symptomatic of rapid weight loss from dangerous fad-dieting or an eating disorder such as anorexia. The use of street drugs such as cocaine will also exhibit sudden and severe hair shedding.

When To Contact A Medical Professional

Reacting intensely to the physical state of our thinning hair may seem like excessive vanity, but it is not. Baldness is not usually caused by disease, but is more commonly related to heredity, aging and hormone function. However, changes in hair appearance, texture and growth patterns may indicate serious health concerns. Hair is one of the first areas, along with skin and nails, to reflect nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance and illness. It is wise to pay attention.

Women’s hair seems to be particularly sensitive to underlying medical conditions so it is important that women with undiagnosed hair loss be properly evaluated by a physician. If your thinning hair is a result of a medical condition, your doctor will treat these ailments and as a result you may experience significant growth of new hair.

Once you and your doctor have identified the cause of your hair loss you may be referred to a hair specialist or implant surgeon to learn about the treatment options available such as or hair transplant procedures to promote growth or hide loss. For some types of alopecia, hair may resume normal growth without any treatment.

A healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, hydration and rest can go a long way towards preventing hair loss and maximizing the potential of your hair growth cycle.

Although medical research is on going, the following have proved beneficial in growing and maintaining a healthy head of hair.

Nutrition

Poor nutrition is often an underlying cause of hair loss as the hair is a reliable indicator of nutritional well being. Discuss with your health care provider your diet, all medications and any supplements you may be taking. Dull hair color or dry and brittle hair may be indicators of a deficiency in essential fats in the diet, oily hair may be a sign of a B vitamin deficiency.

Recent medical studies have found that a high percentage of women with thinning hair are deficient in iron and the amino acid lysine. It is difficult to obtain sufficient lysine through diet alone. Lysine is important in the transport of iron and necessary to support hair growth. Lysine is found in eggs and red meat so vegetarians needs to be aware of this potential shortfall in their diets.

The amino acids L-Cysteine and L-Methionine are believed to improve hair texture, quality and growth.

Low-fat foods that rank high in protein, low in carbohydrates, can play a vital role in sustaining healthy hair growth and aid in preventing hair loss. Important essential fatty acids for maintaining hair health are found in walnuts, sunflower seeds, sardines, spinach, soy and canola oil. Omega 3 and Omega 6 Oils protect the heart as well as your hair so include salmon in your diet on a regular basis.

Herbal Remedies Offer Hope For Hair Loss

Discuss with your nutritional advisor or medical professional the benefits of herbs. The following natural plant derivatives have properties to encourage a healthy head of hair.

Aloe
Arnica
Birch
Burdock
Catmint
Chamomile
Horsetail
Licorice
Marigold
Nettles
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Hair Care

Always choose organic natural products to avoid the chemicals and toxins found in many hair care products. Harsh chemicals may strip the natural oils from your hair and lead to breakage and poor hair growth. Dye, hair straightening and permanent solutions are highly destructive to the hair shaft and follicle as well as the delicate sebum balance of the scalp.

Be gentle with your hair. Allow hair to dry naturally rather than using a hair dryer. A natural bristle brush is helpful in preventing damage. Do not style until completely dry. Wet hair is weak hair so handle with care.

Avoid or break any bad habits you may have that pull or twist the hair. Try not to constantly run your fingers through your hair, tug at the hair and avoid hair clips or rubber bands that pull at and break off the hair. Minimize the usage of mousse, gels and hair sprays. These products dry and weigh down the hair shaft and dull the natural luster of your hair.

Avoid salt and chlorinated water when swimming. If exposed, always wash the hair with cool water and an organic gentle shampoo and apply a mild conditioner. Sun worshippers should make sure that hair care products have sunscreen properties to protect hair from the damaging affects of UV rays. Remember to wear a hat to prevent sunburn of the scalp.

Healthy Lifestyle

Hair loss is traumatic, however our hair is only part of who we are. I remind myself to keep my obsession with my hair loss in perspective and be happy with all the other areas of my life that are going right and in balance. Focus on the positive, eat well, rest well and be at peace with who you are. Remember, that for some, hair grows back as mysteriously as it disappeared.

Marlene Affeld writes for the Nandu Green Team. Plant a Tree! Celebrate Life! Nandu Green is your portal to Eco-Friendly Living!

The Causes of Hair Loss in Women

June 7, 2010 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

You’re not alone if you’re experiencing breakage, increased hair shedding or significant hair loss.
Hair loss in women is most often very gradual and is more easily affected by hormonal changes, medical conditions, and external factors. Hair loss in women is no less distressing than in men. More often women s hair loss is limited to the thinning of the hair especially around the crown area. A receding hair line is rare in women. It usually starts with the hair follicle becoming thinner, revealing more skin.

Hair loss or hair shedding is consistent within the hair growth cycle and it is normal to lose some scalp hair each day. The average human scalp has roughly 100,000 to 150,000 individual hairs and the normal hair growth cycle results in the loosening or shedding of about 100 to 150 hairs on a daily basis. New hair growth then emerges from these same previous dormant hair follicles, growing at the average rate of about half an inch per month.

Baldness or Alopecia happens when the normal pattern of hair growth is disrupted. The normal pattern of human hair growth is growing, resting, shedding and growing again. For a woman, thick, vibrant hair is our crowning glory, our vanity visible. Our culture strongly identifies femininity with a thick, silky head of hair. Society unfairly identifies dry, lack luster and thinning hair with old age, sickness and poverty.

Reasons for hair loss include physical, emotional, and genetic conditions. Hair loss can occur from many common causes that most women do not even think of. The number of women who suffer from stress and hair loss is growing. Stress leads to various health conditions which cause hair loss.

A woman’s hair is at its thickest by age 20. Once we pass 20, however, our hair gradually begins to thin, shedding more than the normal 100-150 hairs a day. For even the elderly woman, significant hair loss can threaten self image.

Female pattern baldness or Androgen tic Alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in women and is genetic in nature. The result is a shorter hair growth cycle, finer hair and excessive hair loss from shedding and breakage.

Coming off birth control pills and pregnancy can cause hair loss. Women may experience hair loss 2 – 3 months after having a baby.

Progesterone is another hormone that precisely targets the hair during menopause. It compensates by producing extra androstenedione, which prevents hair growth. Usually hair will return to its original thickness following menopause.

A healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, hydration and rest can go a long way towards preventing hair loss and maximizing the potential of your hair growth cycle.

Nutrition

Poor nutrition is often an underlying cause of hair loss as the hair is a reliable indicator of nutritional well being. Dull hair color or dry and brittle hair may be indicators of a deficiency in essential fats in the diet, oily hair may be a sign of a B vitamin deficiency.

Low-fat foods that rank high in protein, low in carbohydrates, can play a vital role in sustaining healthy hair growth and aid in preventing hair loss. Harsh chemicals may strip the natural oils from your hair and lead to breakage and poor hair growth. Dye, hair straightening and permanent solutions are highly destructive to the hair shaft and follicle as well as the delicate sebum balance of the scalp.

Be gentle with your hair. Allow hair to dry naturally rather than using a hair dryer. Wet hair is weak hair so handle with care.

Try not to constantly run your fingers through your hair, tug at the hair and avoid hair clips or rubber bands that pull at and break off the hair. Minimize the usage of mousse, gels and hair sprays. These products dry and weigh down the hair shaft and dull the natural luster of your hair.
Harsh hair treatment such as pulling with brushes, tight braiding and styling with irons and strengtheners can be a cause of female thinning hair.

Sun worshippers should make sure that hair care products have sunscreen properties to protect hair from the damaging affects of UV rays.

Hair loss is traumatic, however our hair is only part of who we are. Remember, that for some hair grows back as mysteriously as it disappeared

Finding what has caused your hair loss will greatly increase your chances of finding the right treatments to help re grow your hair.

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Natural Cures for Hair Loss

May 27, 2010 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

Anyone who has deal with the unpleasant side effects of hair loss drugs has likely wondered about more natural treatment options. While hair loss drugs may bring about effective results, many men and women can’t cope with the side effects they may bring such as headaches and facial swelling. Thanks to new developments in the hair loss field, you now have options.

The average person sheds somewhere approximately 50 to 100 hairs from their head daily. This level of shedding is completely normal and each hair that is expelled is shortly replaced by a new hair. Those that experience thinning hair aren’t getting the new hair replacements after old hair is shed. With no replacement hair, the cycle is thwarted and balding begins to occur.

In order to stop future hair loss and get your hair growth cycle back to its regular pattern, you can use products for hair loss. It’s important to assess the cause of your hair loss. If it’s due to a temporary issue such as illness or medication allergies, you should certainly correct the root problem first. You can then use products for hair loss to help stimulate new hair growth.

Herbal Remedy for Hair Loss

The human hair follicle requires a delicate balance of nutrients, cleanliness and molecular activity in order to successfully produce hair. Any number of external factors can affect this balance and result in temporary or permanent hair loss. Rather than turn to prescription drugs as a solution, many people prefer to try an herbal remedy for hair loss.

Vitamins for Hair Loss

Vitamins for hair loss has gained more popularity in recent years as a natural means to combat hair loss. While not the most common cause of hair loss, poor nutrition can cause thinning hair, bald spots or overall hair loss. If your particular case of thinning hair is due to poor nutrition, you should quickly correct that, aiming to consume a well-balanced and nourishing diet. This is incredibly important, not just as a solution to your hair loss, but also for your entire body’s health.

While most physicians recommend that everyone take a daily multi-vitamin if they suspect they aren’t eating a completely balanced diet, vitamins for hair loss can be trickier territory. Certain vitamins have been shown to help hair grow; however, too many vitamins can also cause hair loss. If you are considering vitamins for hair loss, it’s prudent to consult your physician to ensure you aren’t actually contributing to your hair loss problem.

All Natural Hair Loss Treatment for Women

Although often thought of as solely a men’s issue, thinning hair is also an important concern for a significant number of women in the United States and, indeed, throughout the world. Due to the great interest in preventing and rejuvenating thinning hair, the medical and cosmetic markets have been flooded with both prescription and over-the-counter products designed to fight the effects of hair loss.

Some of these products work to fight hair loss at the roots by infusing the hair follicles with chemicals. Others simply attempt to clean the scalp to promote hair rejuvenation. The proof of true effectiveness is debatable among various products, however, which leads many to seek an all natural hair loss treatment for women instead.

When you use natural cures for hair loss rather than hair loss drugs, you don’t have to experience any side effects. All our Kevis products are altogether drug-free and they are gentle enough for use on sensitive hair. Even pregnant and nursing moms can use our natural hair loss treatment options without any issues.

Hair guru Brian Bennett, also known by his patients as “The Hair Doctor,” started in the beauty and hair care field over thirty years ago as a licensed Cosmetologist and Aesthetician, and is now a board certified Trichologist. For more information on our products please visit: Hair Loss Products & Treatments or Kevis Hair Regrowth Products

Hair Loss in Pregnancy – What Causes Hair Loss Within 9 Months

January 24, 2010 · Posted in hair loss · Comment 

Hair loss in pregnancy is also called postpartum thinning of hair. This is a common and natural occurrence that is temporary. You should not be very worried of a condition in which the hair thins during pregnancy. It is a temporary condition that no sooner does the women recover from the pregnancy induced conditions, does the hair growth recur.

Telogen Effluvium is a common terminology in hair loss in pregnancy, it refers to sudden loss of hair. One would wake up and notice some strands of hair on the bed or have some hair strands left on the hair comb. It is nothing alarming especially if you are pregnant. It occurs to many women and can self rectify after delivery. If the condition persists however, you need to seek advice from the hair experts.

Telogen Effulvium is best explained by the cycle of hair growth. Hair grows in a three phase cycle. This include anagen (growth stage), catagen (transition stage) and telogen (resting phase). Most of the hair (80-85%) are on anagen phase, 5% on catagen phase and 10% in telogen phase. The entire hair growth cycle can last between 2 to 8 years depending on the individual genetic and environmental factors. During pregnancy, most of the hair moves from the anagen to telogen phase. This results in death of most hair strands which are disconnected from the blood supply.

Hair loss in pregnancy may also be associated with the fall and rise in hormone estrogen. The condition is triggered by the conversion of the hair growth cycles from anagen to telogen as the hormone increases and decreases respectively.

Stress is the major stimulant in the hair thinning process. This is due to the decrease in the hormone estrogen levels. You therefore need to limit stress in pregnancy. It is encouraged that a pregnant woman takes lots of rest and eats well.

Other causes of the hormonal influx include short illness. When these occur during pregnancy, the effects are great and can lead to complete baldness.

If the stressful or medical conditions are not corrected, then the telogen phase may be prolonged leading to chronic telogen effluvium. This is condition that may require medical attention because it can lead t complete baldness.

A good and balanced diet during pregnancy is a good prevention mechanism. The pregnant woman needs to be provided with high protein diet that will contribute to replenishment of the necessary hormones. Other causes of hair thinning such as hyperthyroidism may also need to be controlled during pregnancy.

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Hair Loss Treatment Information

January 19, 2010 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

Americans who suffer from hair loss have access to two drugs, both of which the FDA has approved for use as a hair loss treatment. Yet that does not mean that American drug stores stock only two different treatments, treatments that can help a patient to counter hair loss problems. Certain medicines that have been marketed as a cure for an alternate medical problem also work as an aid in the fight against unwanted hair loss.

When physicians find that a drug can be used to treat a medical condition other than the condition for which it was approved by the FDA, then that drug is said to have an “off-label use.” Avodart serves as an excellent example of just how off-label use can help someone who suffers from hair loss.. Avodart is sold as a drug for men with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH).

Avodart prevents the formation of DHT. For that reason, Glaxo Smith Kline markets the drig as a treatment for BPH. Since a high level of DHT can lead to hair loss, some men have tried using Avodart as a treatment for hair loss.

The drug named Nizoral serves as another example of how the off-label use some medicines can benefit patients with troublesome hair loss. The FDA has approved Nizoral as a treatment for dandruff. It increases the thickness of the hair. Because it also keeps DHT from binding to hair follicles, Nizoral appears able to help patients who are bothered by hair loss.

Beyond the potential benefits of medicines found to have an off-label use, the known benefits of approved drugs promise help to those with hair loss. One of those drugs is Propecia. Like Avodart, Propecia blocks the ability of DHT to interfere with the hair growth cycle. Propecia keeps a particular enzyme from binding to testosterone. In that way, it prevents the formation of DHT.

Of course not all physicians in the U.S. recommend Propecia as a treatment for hair loss. Some doctors suggest that patients with hair loss try using Rogaine. Rogaine makes it easier for existing hairs to take-in the nutrients that are in the blood. Rogaine encourages the growth of tiny hairs in the scalp. Following the application of Rogaine, those tiny hairs become longer and thicker hairs.

Researchers pursue their work on another way to create longer and thicker hairs. In the future, those with hair loss could benefit from a drug with thymosin beta 4. That protein helps the hair follicle to hold onto acitin, a hair-strengthening substance.

Author: Romy Raut
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Vitamins required for Hairs

January 12, 2010 · Posted in hair loss · Comment 

Minerals for Hairs

Vitamins and minerals are necessary for overall health of person in the same way it is important for hairs as well. Sufficient amount of all vitamins and minerals are required for healthy hairs and overall health. Deficiency of vitamins results in reduced production of sebum making dry and weak hairs which further leads to hair loss. Insufficient vitamin A causes cellular debris in the hair follicles which becomes reason for dandruff and hair loss over the long time so one should have vitamin A daily in their diet which possess in the milk, carrot, spinach and cabbage. Vitamin E is essential as it helps in circulation of blood towards the scalp. Good blood circulation supplies oxygen to hair follicles which helps for hair re growth on the scalp. Nuts and beans are good source of vitamin E; it can also be supplied by applying coconut oil and almond oil on hairs. Vitamin C produced collagen and maintains hair health. Lemon, pineapple and tomatoes are good source of vitamin C. Vitamin B6, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 work together in performing the normal hair growth cycle. These play important role in the formation of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to scalp and hair follicles. Insufficient supply of oxygen to scalp and hair follicles leads to grey hairs, hair loss and weak hairs.

Hair loss is treatable through propecia finasteride

Hair loss can be prevented by taking vitamins and minerals. Propecia finasteride tablet designed and developed by Merck for treatment of male pattern baldness. Propecia stop hair loss in men along with it also helps for hair re growth. Finasteride is active ingredient in tablet which directly work on fundamental cause of male pattern baldness.

Propecia Side effects

Few men have experienced sexual side effects like less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving erection, decrease amount of semen but these side effects goes away as man stop taking propecia. There are also some other side effects like body rash, itching at some parts of body, hives on body, swelling of face and lips. Apart from these breast enlargement, nipple discharge and testicular pain are other side effects which are faced rarely.

How to buy propecia online

There are many online clinic and online pharmacy which sell medicine. To buy propecia online you have to search for good online clinic where you will have to submit your medical details and personal details which is then evaluated by GMC doctor if he finds that person should be prescribe with propecia then you will get valid prescription after which you can buy propecia online. Before ordering online you should check that if they provide secure online ordering with next day delivery with free of cost. You can enjoy buying propecia online by sitting at your home or at your office and get the tablets at your door step with free of cost.

Buy Propecia finasteride to treat male pattern baldness. Get Propecia online from which can give you good shopping experience.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/vitamins-required-for-hairs-1707617.html

Is There A FDA Approved Hair Loss Medication?

December 14, 2009 · Posted in hair loss · Comment 

For most types of balding and thinning hair new growth will resume without the use of any type of hair loss medication but there are exceptions. The most notable of these is androgenetic alopecia which is more commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. The good news is that there are two FDA approved hair loss medications currently available.

Androgenetic alopecia is an inherited condition responsible for nine out of every ten cases of balding in men and one out of every four in women. There are current only two FDA approved types of hair loss medication available to treat this condition; minoxidil and finasteride.

Minoxidil is known as a hair growth stimulator; it is also prescribed for high blood pressure. Minoxidil goes under the brand names Rogaine and Loniten and is available for hair loss over the counter. This FDA hair loss medication must be applied twice daily and is thought to enlarge damaged follicles, extend the hair growth cycle, and encourage resting hair to grow. It usually takes 60 to 90 days for growth to be achieved and is normally noticed at the around the 70 day mark. The benefits of this balding and/or thinning medication will only be maintained through continued use. It is approved by use for both men and women and has no known side effects. The more concentrated tablet form for high blood pressure is available by prescription only.

Finasteride is the second FDA approved hair loss medication which is still prescribed to improve urine flow in men by reducing the size of the prostate gland. This hair loss medication is available in pill form by prescription only. The drug is intended for use only by men. Women who might be pregnant  are warned never to come in contact with it, even in the amount that may be in semen from the male sex partner, because of the risk of causing an abnormality in the fetus. Finasteride works by interrupting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone deep with the hair cell.

What Next? There are currently a handful of hair re-growth products (specially formulated for both men and women) which have been proven effective both in blocking harmful hormones and bringing the all important dead hair follicles back to life. These specially formulated treatments can be used both as a preventative tool, starting before hair loss becomes severe, or after loss of hair has become noticeable. Whatever the level of balding or thinning you are experiencing these products could be just what is needed to overcome this latest life challenge.

Rob D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years
experience in the field.
Learn more about natural remedies and natural pet health at
Purchase Remedies.com

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