10 Tips to Prevent Hair Loss

April 8, 2011 · Posted in hair replacement · Comment 
  1. Consider Propecia (Finasteride)- This tip is for men only because this medication is only recommended for use by men. Propecia blocks the production of a male hormone called DHT, which is the #1 culprit in causing male pattern baldness. This is a prescription medication with an excellent safety profile. It probably prevents about 85% of the hair loss that would have occurred had you not taken it. In addition, Propecia may result in the new growth of hair, particularly in the crown area of the head.
  2. Use Rogaine (Minoxidil)- Both men and women who have noticed their hair thinning can benefit from this. Rogaine is a topical medication which is available over the counter in drug stores. We are not quite sure how it works, but when used twice a day it results in much less hair loss and some re-growth of hair in the crown. Most men use the 5% foam and women tend to start with the 2% version. Minoxidil was once a high blood pressure medication, but doctors began noticing that patients who took it developed increased hair growth.
  3. Try the Laser Comb- Various wavelengths of laser light are known to stimulate hair growth. The FDA has approved several commercial laser applications and portable laser combs for home use. These devices can be used up to 3 times per week for 20 minutes and result in a mild but significant increase in hair density. The only problem with this treatment is compliance, meaning that they only work if you remember to regularly use them.
  4. Avoid Scalp Sunburn- burns are bad for our skin and bad for our hair. If your hair has thinned, more UV light is reaching your scalp and can potentially damage the hair follicles. If you plan to go out on a sunny day, wear a hat and in addition apply a spray sun block to the scalp with protection of SP15 or more.
  5. Know Your Family Tree- it is very important to know that patterned baldness in both men and women is inherited from our ancestors. Therefore if your relatives have lost their hair, you stand a good chance to do the same. I see too many patients wait too long to come in for preventative treatment which could save several years worth of lost hair. If hair loss runs in your family, call a hair loss specialist at the first signs of hair loss or visible thinning. Prevention works better than treatment.
  6. Avoid Tight Braids- an interesting and common cause of hair loss is traction alopecia. People who braid their hair very tightly and in rows can cause a great deal of tension on the hair follicles. Over time this can result in significant and permanent hair loss. This is very commonly seen in African Americans.
  7. Check Your Thyroid Function- low thyroid hormone can definitely result in hair loss. This is more common in women than men. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism are weight gain, tiredness, dry skin and swelling. You should talk with your personal physician about checking your thyroid function, especially if you have any of these symptoms.
  8. Keep Track of Your Blood Count- anemia or low blood cell count can definitely contribute to hair loss. Hair follicles are very metabolically active and require a great deal of oxygen to function normally. It is our red blood cells which carry that oxygen to our cells. If you are anemic for any reason, your hair density may suffer. It is a good idea to have your blood count checked by your personal physician on an annual basis.
  9. Tell Your Doctor About New Scalp Rashes, Scales, and Sores- Not all hair loss is genetic. Rarely, various skin diseases that affect the scalp can cause hair loss. If you notice any new scalp rashes or redness, pustules, flakes, or sores, make sure to tell your doctor and seek the advice of a dermatologist.

10. Avoid Severe Stress- Stress can result in hair loss. The most common examples are the stress of rapid weight loss and the stress of pregnancy. I understand that stress is often unavoidable in our society, but paying attention to techniques that can help control your stress such as daily exercise, music and friendship can also potentially benefit your hair.

About Author
Dr Gorrin-hair transplant doctor http://www.gorrinsurgical.com/hair-transplant-testimonials
 

Hair Loss

November 5, 2010 · Posted in hair replacement · Comment 

Hair loss is a general problem that occurs in varying degrees in people. It is a medical problem that most people do not understand and treat till it’s too late. It’s distressing to see your lovely locks falling off, and can cause a lot of damage to your self confidence, as appearance is a very important part of your social and personal life.

There are many reasons that may cause hair loss, it may be diseases of the scalp like dandruff eczema, inflammatory conditions or medications like chemotherapy etc. Unsuitable lifestyles that include irregular eating habits, smoking and stress can also lead to premature balding. Losing hair at an early age is more common in men than women, it is usually a hereditary problem and could occur in some women too.

Losing hair sure is troubling, as such a lot of people are getting temporary and permanent treatments and medication to cover that bald patch or receding hair line. The treatments range from camouflage like wearing wigs to permanent solutions like hair transplantation. There are also fastening techniques in which hair like material is fastened to the scalp using biological glue, tape or braces it gives a very natural look and people usually do not notice any difference. Laser treatment is another way of slowing hair loss, the scalp is exposed to lasers beams of a certain wavelength which help in slowing down or stopping any further loss. Hair transplant is a surgical procedure to permanently treat hair loss, hair is transplanted from those parts of the head and neck where hair grows throughout ones life to those patches where hair loss has exposed the scalp.

Losing hair is no longer something to fret over, it can be treated and a normal life is possible, though the treatments are expensive and certain maintenance costs are also required, the results are worth the trouble!

About Author
Here you will find all you need to know about causes and treatment alternatives for your hair loss. For more details about Hair Loss and Losing Hair please visit our website.

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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Hair Loss Remedy – Easy and Effective Herbal Treatments

October 1, 2010 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

A healthy body has healthy beautiful hair. Our hair is a reflection of our health.
At any given time, about 90 percent of the hair on the scalp is in its growing phase. This growing phase lasts for 2 to 6 years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimetre per month during this phase. The rest, 10 % are in their resting phase. After 2 to 3 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its place. It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive hair loss, if more hairs enter the resting phase.

Some facts you need to know about hair loss:

o It is normal to lose 50-100 hairs from the head each day.

o Frequent shampooing does not lead to hair loss.

o Hats and wigs do not cause hair loss.

o The famous 100 strokes of the hair brush daily does not lead to healthy hair, but it definitely does improve blood circulation to the hair follicles.

o Cosmetic products do not cause the hair to grow thicker and faster.

o Some hairstyles, like braiding, tight ponytails can cause hair loss.

o Blow-drying can worsen hair loss.

o Scalp hair grows at a rate of about 1 cm a month.

o Each hair on the head grows for about 3-6 years before being shed.

What are the causes of hair loss?

- Stress – hair loss is temporary, but can trigger off a genetic hair loss in many people.

- Extensive use of birth control pills by women.

- Hormonal problems – Hair loss may also occur if male hormones (androgens) and the female hormones (estrogens) are imbalanced.

- Post delivery hormonal changes: Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they’ve had a baby. This loss is also related to hormones.

- Nutritional deficiencies: A diet deficient in nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc deficiency is a main cause of falling hair. Excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol; and fried, oily, spicy, sour foods can reduce the nutrients reaching the hair follicles and may lead to hair loss.

- Drugs and medicines such as anticoagulants, chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer and antidepressants.

- Hereditary

- Infections of the scalp: Fungal infections of the scalp such as ringworm, or a sexually transmitted disease such as Treponema pallidum can cause hair loss.

- Any underlying disease: such as lupus, lichen planus or diabetes.

- Age: Hair loss is a common symptom of the ageing process. The age of onset varies from one individual to another.

- Physical and emotional stress

Is there any treatment for hair loss?

Depending on the type of hair loss, treatments are available. If the hair loss is drug related, the doctor might change the medication. Correct diagnosis along with treating an infection may help stop the hair loss. Correcting a hormone imbalance may also prevent further hair loss.

Treatment of hair loss -

- If loss of hair is due to a temporary situation such as drugs or deficiency of serum, iron, it will stop when the cause ends.

- Hair loss due to infection may require oral antibiotics or drug treatment.

- Finasteride is a prescription medication that is prescribed only for men.

- Well-chosen hairstyles often hide thinning hair and hair loss effectively. Wigs are recommended if hair loss is severe.

- Hair transplantation, hair weaving and hair bonding has improved dramatically over the last several years. If done meticulously, the result is extremely natural appearing.

Some tips for beautiful lustrous hair:

o The key to beautiful hair is a clean scalp. Gently rub lemon juice all over the scalp and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse off. This treatment ensures dandruff free and absolutely clean hair.

o Include a lot of calcium in diet, through dairy products, sesame seeds, figs.

o A mixture of an equal quantity of fresh amla juice and lime juice, used as a shampoo also stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.

o Avoid strong shampoos and conditioners. Also avoid exposing hair to harsh weather such as wind or sunlight for long duration.

o Home made shampoo – Soak equal amounts of dried shikakai, amla and reetha powder in some water, preferably in an iron vessel. Next day, use it to wash hair. This promotes hair growth as well as cures dandruff.

o For dry hair, increase the intake of polyunsaturated oils such as sunflower oil, margarine and eat food rich in Vitamin B like pulses, brown rice, bananas etc.

o Regularly wash hair with Fuller’s earth (Multani Mitti). This will not only reduce the oil, but the hair will feel much cleaner.

o Amla is an excellent hair tonic and a hair nourisher. It also helps cure graying of hair.

o Boil dried amla pieces in coconut oil for a few minutes. Cool and sieve. Massage hair with this oil regularly to get black, thick and lustrous hair.

o Henna or mehendi is an excellent conditioner for hair.

o Boil some tea leaves in 2-3 cups of water. Strain the liquid, cool it and use it on hair as the last rinse after shampoo.

Author: Dr John Anne
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Herbs For Hair Loss

September 25, 2010 · Posted in hair replacement · Comment 

Are there really herbs for hair loss?And are they really effective?Hair loss problem is of great concern to both males and females. If you have thinning hair first find out the cause. Normal shedding of hair is natural. To understand what is normal hair fall we must know the basics of hair growth cycles.Herbal medicines for this hair loss problem are already available in the marketplace, nowadays. However, they may not be that totally effective without applying gentle massage on to the scalp. The truth says that scalp massage is one very good means to maintain a healthy scalp and hair. Doing so, would aid in preserving healthy hair growth. Yet still, you have to do it (aromatherapy with massage) regularly, to obtain best results.

Natural treatments for alopecia (the clinical term for hair loss) is such a profitable industry, we can now find chemical shampoos, even tonics and medicines. But when natural herbs for hair loss are available, why would we want to massage some chemical tonic into our scalp? Natural herbs have been used for centuries as popular remedies to treat all sorts of illnesses. Here is a list of the five most highly recommended natural herbs for hair loss treatment.It provides the best natural cure for hair loss when taken on a regular basis. There are also several herbal remedies you can use on your scalp to make hair growth back as well. Even though red pepper isn’t really considered an herb, it serves as a great remedy for hair loss and has been used for centuries.

Now-a-days a number of shampoos, potions, oils are promoted through the media and those are readily accessible to everybody. But whether those products are worth trying or not leaves much room for discussion. The naturally occurring herbs have been tested through ages and their efficacy is beyond any doubt.Now-a-days a number of shampoos, potions, oils are promoted through the media and those are readily accessible to everybody. But whether those products are worth trying or not leaves much room for discussion. The naturally occurring herbs have been tested through ages and their efficacy is beyond any doubt.

Natural preparation for treatment of male pattern hair loss – US Patent 5972345 This patent describes an invention of formula for treatment of male pattern hair loss. The formulation contains a combination of Saw Palmetto extract, African Pygeum extract, stinging nettle extract. The various extracts are prepared according to the traditional procedures, then combined in a suitable formulation for administration to the patient for treatment of the male pattern hair loss.

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Read about hair loss treatment and also read about causes of hair loss and thyroid hair loss

Scalpmeds – Hair Loss, Itchy Irritated Scalp Conditions, Treatments & Remedies

September 4, 2010 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

Many scalp conditions such as irritated or itchy scalp infections and hair loss can stem from causes which are related. There are quite a few different factors that can cause scalp and hair problems that may seem to elude our understanding, but there are also some very common factors that most of us don’t realise we can take control of.

Understanding how natural scalp remedies &/or scalpmed treatments can help to soothe our scalps, and more importantly understand the causes so we can eliminate or at least reduce them. It can be a lot simpler than you might think.

For example learning about how our follicles respond to different shampoo ingredients or hormones like DHT from testosterone.

Conditions like sore scalp and hair loss can be attributed to conditions such as a reaction to certain common shampoo ingredients that a surprising number of people have averse reactions to….some of these can cause flaking, dandruff or itchy scalp and corrode hair follicles resulting in hair loss.

Hair loss is a problem that affects many people particularly males but also an increasing number of females. For some people it can be devastating to their self esteem.

Prescription drugs as scalpmeds are a very common choices for dealing with scalp and hair loss issues. The two most popular and only FDA approved drugs that deal with hair loss are Rogaine and Propecia. Rogaine is a topical treatment that you apply to the scalp, aiding hair growth and inhibiting hair loss. Propecia is an oral pill that is designed to help maintain hair count. These are usually prescribed together as a solution by doctors.

Hair restoration surgery is another option where surgery is undertaken to take hair from other areas of the head and place it in areas where hair loss has occurred. This is a natural looking solution, fast and long term. The downside is that not everyone can afford surgery and it’s also a big deal to some people having any kind of surgery.

Luckily there are natural ways to deal with the causes of hair loss by using beneficial hair products and shampoos. There are also natural oils that are rumoured to (and shown in studies) to help with encouraging hair growth such as lavender oil.

Let’s have a look at the different types or categories of hair loss, and then look at some of the scalp med options available to you.

Mens Hair Loss

Symptoms include:

1. Receding hairline

2. Moderate to extensive hair loss, especially on the crown of the head.

About ninety-five percent of hair loss in men can be attributed to Androgenic Alopecia (male pattern baldness).

For some men hair loss can start from as early as age 20 but for most male’s hair loss is only noticeable from the age of about 35 onwards.

Factors affecting baldness are suggested to included age, heredity and the male hormone testosterone.

The main culprit is DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) which is a combination of testosterone and androgen receptors mixed with sebum and dirt particles. The hair follicles are particularly sensitive to DHT may shrink when exposed to it and eventually the hair thins than falls out.

Other causes of hair loss can include scalp inflammations, infections, and nutritional deficiency in your diet, illness, and severe stress

DHT & Androgens: DHT is a naturally occurring human hormone, related to production of testosterone. DHT is present form birth but can increase from the onset of puberty. DHT causes changes in men’s biology affecting their hair follicles.

In follicles, are DHT and structures called “Androgen Receptors”. These regulate normal hair growth.

DHT and Androgen Receptors combine to carry out the creation of normal proteins in follicles, which regulate the health, growth, and resting cycles of a follicle.

As men age, these two processes change and too much DHT can be produced thus manifesting as an overabundance of this activity which effects the normal growth regulating process that goes on in the follicle. In the normal hair cycle it grows, rests, and re-grows again. When DHT and the Androgen receptors are in too much supply this can extend the resting time of the cycle and weaken hair follicles.

Inflammation:The process described above initiates what is called an autoimmune response. To put it in layman’s terms, follicles experiencing the above process are being treated as a foreign body and are rejected. This really sums up what male pattern baldness is.

Telltale signs and symptoms of the autoimmune response can include tingling, itching, burning or redness, and inflammation of the scalp. This isn’t always the case but is very common. Inflammation is considered one of the other major factors which exacerbate the hair loss process. It’s vital to ensure you are using a good shampoo that does not further irritate the scalp with ingredients such as Sulphates known to irritate skin and eye membranes.

Ladies Hair Loss:

Scalp Inflammations: Our skin and scalp is the largest organ of the body. This isn’t really something most of us think about, but this is the organ that is most exposed to the environment. Like the rest of our body, it’s important that our skin maintains a balance that enables it to regenerate itself. This can be easier said than done – especially when we bombard it with all manner of substances and the elements. Our skin and scalps produce sebum for protection and balance. However, we use products to clean them without questioning how they affect the delicate balance of body etc.

One other side effect of some products’ ingredients is that they can corrode hair follicles and disturb hormones – which control the natural resting and growth cycles of hair. Yes hair has cycles of growth and resting. This is why pregnancy and hormonal changes throughout and later in life can influence our hair thickness and health.

Post Pregnancy Hair Loss: It’s quite common for women to lose an increased amount of hair during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. Some say this is the result of hormonal changes. It is considered to be normal temporary cycle and hair can be expected to regrow in time.

Female Telogen Effluvium: Telogen Effluvium is a condition where a larger number of follicles than usual enter the resting phase that hair follicles go through. Symptoms are a diffuse thinning of hair over the scalp, resulting in reduced overall hair density. It is caused by hormonal imbalances, and vitamin deficiencies.

The good news is that the vast majority of people with TE can see a full recovery of hair fullness. To treat TE, it’s important to repair the imbalance detected in blood tests and/or stimulate hair growth until the condition causing the TE ceases. You can use natural oils such as Lavender and Rosemary to help stimulate hair re growth as well as by taking care to avoid certain chemicals which can corrode hair follicles such as Sulphates.

Alopecia Areata

this is a common condition which effects as many as 1 in 1,000 people at any time. It is much less common than Androgenic Alopecia due to DHT. Alopecia Areata. Sometimes bodily imbalances can cause this and can be helped or cured by correcting several factors which can be detected with blood tests which can reveal the most common causes such as medications, pregnancy, birth control pills, thyroid malfunctions, anemia, syphilis, and arthritis.

It’s also quite often caused by a response of the immune system where the body has mistaken the hair follicles as a foreign body and rejects them.

The good news is that if an imbalance in a person’s system, which if rectified, can result in complete regrowth of hair.

Non Surgical Options: Scalpmed Treatments Available:

Growth Stimulants

Minoxidil 2% or 5% (growth stimulant)

Crinagen (contains growth stimulant properties)

Revivogen (contains growth stimulant properties)

Nizoral 1% Shampoo (growth stimulant)

Proxiphen (contains growth stimulant properties)

Copper peptide treatments: are treatments that specialize in shortening the resting phase of the follicle. Some are listed below:

Tricomin Therapy Spray (copper peptide treatment)

Folligen (copper peptide treatment from the makers of Tricomin)

DHT Inhibitors – Work to inhibit the binding of Testosterone and 5-Alpha Reductase, which in turn keeps DHT levels as close to normal as possible, which in turn helps keep hair growth and loss regulation at its normal healthy state. These treatments really deal with the cause of hair loss.

Growth Stimulating Remedies Or Drugs– These can artificially stimulate growth, without actually dealing with hair loss at the cause of the problem. While this may sound like an ineffective method, growth stimulators are actually a very successful way to reverse the balding process – or help to restore hair follicle health after you have removed the cause.

Super Oxide Dismutase – Or SOD’s: these hair loss treatments work by handling the immune response which occurs as a result of excessive DHT in the follicle. Your immune system protects itself against invading viruses, cells, and foreign tissues by releasing Super Oxide, which helps to defend the body, but also makes the body reject hair follicles. What SOD’s do is to reduce Super Oxide, lessening the body’s desire to reject the follicle. SOD’s have growth stimulation properties, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. There are natural sources of SOD including supplements including melon-derived SOD oral supplements.

Antiandrogens: – These scalpmed treatments work by inhibiting DHT from binding to the Androgen receptor. As we know, this is one of the steps in the chain of chemical reactions which ultimately leads to hair loss. DHT Inhibitors eliminate the first chemical interaction and stop it from occurring early on, whereas Antiandrogens work on inhibiting one of the last interactions before follicle damage happens. These treatments work as inhibitors but at different times during the process.

Products such as Revivogen are known to be vey effective in treating DHT related hair loss.

Anti-Inflammatory’s: Either medical formulations or natural anti-inflammatories such as essential oils can be effective by reducing inflammation, itching, redness, and flaking. A surprising number of itchy burning scalp irritations can also be caused as a result of an allergic reaction to shampoo ingredients stimulating an immune response, which can make hair loss even worse if not controlled. One culprit is SLS (Sodium Laureth or Lauryl Sulphate). Sodium lauryl sulfate dissolves the oils on your skin, which causes a drying effect. It is also well documented that it denatures skin proteins, which causes not only irritation, but also allows environmental contaminants easier access to the lower, sensitive layers of the skin. It also corrodes the hair follicle and impedes hair growth. It has been blamed for many cases of premature hair loss and it takes hair longer to grow when it has been affected by SLS.

Natural Remedies: There are many natural remedies you can use to soothe & alleviate the symptoms and help the healing process. Oils Known to Stimulate Hair Growth Are: Rosemary, Hissop, Neroli, Lavender (lavender has been shown in studies to increase hair growth in some test subjects by 30%), it’s also very calming & effective in relieving sore inflamed scalp.

There are other remedies for soothing and healing scalp conditions that have long been treated with scalp meds like Rogaine or Nizoral. It’s good to know there are ways to help your scalp get back to balance and thus creating an environment for healthy hair.

Mia Wadsworth who founded http://www.dryitchyscalpremedies.com/ to help suffers of scalp conditions learn about & understand hair loss, scalpmeds treatments for hair re-growth, irritated scalp, dandruff & other scalp conditions. Mia shows how to relieve and eliminate scalp conditions fast & permanently.

Hair Loss Solutions – Bonafide Cures or Bald Face Lies?

September 3, 2010 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

PART 1

Very much a highlighted news topic, the stem cell research controversy continues. Reasons for the “need” of research include possible help for persons with terminal cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury…and hair loss.

Hair loss is an important subject for the many men and women who experience it. The careless remarks and gratuitous jokes about baldness made by people with full heads of hair only add to their humiliation. Some people even experience anger that their hairline threatens to become as receded as the waters of the Red Sea for the Hebrews so many years ago.

Countless people wonder whether or not there really exists a cure for hair loss. Before we answer that question, we should first answer the questions, “What is hair loss?” and “What causes it?”

What is Hair Loss?

The term “Alopecia,” more commonly known as “baldness,” includes various disorders that involve the lack of hair where it would normally grow; especially when it involves the head. The most common form of baldness is a progressive hair-thinning condition that occurs in some adults.

Each piece of hair has a follicle located at the end of the hair shaft. Follicles act as the hair’s incubator;” it is where the hair is produced. Each strand of hair has a matrix, located at the base of the follicle. Cells in this area produce keratin, a tough protein that makes up the hair shaft, and melanin. Melanin stains the keratin, giving hair its color.

The activity of each follicle is dependant on surrounding follicles. Healthy hair follicles continuously grow. About 85% of the hair follicles on a healthy scalp are actively growing at the same time, and hair loss is not a problem.

Each strand of hair continues to grow for about 4 years, before going into a dormant period of about 4 months. On an average, only about 15% of the total amount of hair follicles on a healthy scalp is dormant at any one time. It is when a higher percentage of hair follicles stop growing at one time that hair loss becomes a problem.

What Happens During Hair Loss

Follicles are nourished by a network of capillaries, bringing nutrients to the base of the follicle. The amount of blood available to the scalp and to the follicles is determined by the health of the capillaries in the scalp, as well as the arteries in the neck and temple.

Problems develop when hair follicles do not receive proper nourishment. For instance, some women experience noticeable hair thinning after menopause, after the production of estrogen slows down or stops. Hair loss in women is usually more diffuse then in men. Women seldom have bold spots; a large area of the head may show sparse hair growth instead. Only about 15% of women are afflicted by such a high degree of hair loss that it becomes obvious.

In men the hormone DHT can harm hair follicles, making them shrink, or cause them to prematurely enter into the resting stage of the hair cycle. When this happens the result is often the characteristic U-shaped pattern of hair loss at the top of the head.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Predisposition can be one factor as to why one person begins losing their hair as they age, while another person does not. Various other disorders, such as obesity, allergies, and diabetes can also be attributed to predisposition. Sometimes hair loss can be the result of side effects caused by certain prescription drugs. Of course, these factors can often be countered.

Where you may not be able to reverse predisposition, you can sometimes contain it. By changing lifestyle, maintaining a customized healthcare regimen, and eating a well-balanced diet, many such factors can be alleviated or turned around.

More about Hair Loss

When it comes counteracting or slowing down the process of hair loss, products such as Rogaine, Dutasteride, and Propecia can help. Scalp exercises and massages using special preparations can also help.

Telogen Effluvium (TE) is a type of hair loss more common in women then men. It is characterized by high numbers of hairs that enter into the resting stage of the hair cycle, all at one time. This usually causes profuse shedding, as opposed to bald patches. This can be an overwhelming experience for women, especially those who once had luxuriant hair.

TE can be brought on by prolonged emotional or physical stress, severe illness, post-pregnancy hormone changes, or crash dieting. Once the triggering factor has been removed, TE hair loss usually stops. Hair can grow back in even without treatment, usually in 6 months to a year.

With proper treatment, hair growth can be accelerated. Some professionals recommend bringing the level of iron stored in the body up to 70 or 80 ng/ml (nanograms per milliliter). The range of iron normally stored in a woman’s body might be between 12 – 50; the lower end not high enough to speed hair growth.

Rogaine can also be used for a few months to start the TE recovery process; once hair does begin to grow back in, Rogaine use can stop.

As mentioned earlier, crash dieting can trigger TE in both men and women. As a matter of fact, diets of less than 1,200 calories a day can trigger sudden hair loss. This is especially true of diets low in protein. When the body lacks proper protein it “borrows” by shifting healthy hairs into dormancy to conserve protein.

Although hair loss resulting from inadequate diets is most often temporary, it can result in permanent loss of hair in persons genetically predetermined towards hair loss. Also, extreme weight loss in men can increase the production of androgens – male sex hormones that kill hair follicles. Once hair follicles are destroyed, there can be no re-growth of hair.

In part-2 we of this article we discuss effective treatments for hair loss and where to go for help. Visit Writers Write Now for part 2, “What can be done about Hair Loss.”

©2006 Lori S. Anton – Writers Write Now

Author: Lori Anton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Hair Loss Treatments

February 2, 2010 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

Hair loss treatments are defined as the clinical methods or clinical procedures to restore, and re-grow the hair if you are suffering from any kind of hair loss or hair fall problem.
Hair loss treatments are broadly divided into three categories:

Medical Treatment for Hair Loss, Propecia, Rogaine, Avodart, Nizoral
Hair Transplants
Non Surgical Hair Replacement

Medical Treatments for Hair Loss Treatments
Propecia and Rogaine are the two FDA approved medicines for hair loss treatment. Propecia is the pill and Rogaine is a topical lotion available in different strengths.

Propecia
Propecia is the oral pill of 1mg used once in a day. Chemically it is the enzyme inhibitor that inhibits 5-alpha reductase enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydroxytestosterone (DHT) that as a result makes the hair thin and in each cycle hair gets thinner, finer and finally stops growing. Propecia blocks this enzyme and maintains existing hair and promotes the re-growth of hair follicles. It also converts thinner hair into thicker hair and improves the texture.

Rogaine
Rogaine is the topical lotion available in 5% liquid solution in a range of strengths from regular to extra strength. It is used to treat both men and women. It increases the protein content of hair that allows hair follicle to make new hair. It is considered a hypertrichotic agent. Rogaine was first discovered as a side effect of high blood pressure medicines. It was further investigated to treat hair loss and it has found to be effective treatment for hair loss.

Avodart and Nizoral
Avodart and Nizoral are the two products that show effective results when treating hair loss, but they are not FDA approved. Physicians recommend using these drugs at least for 6 to 8 months. Short term treatment is not effective to solve the problem effectively.

Hair Transplants
Hair transplant is the surgical method to treat hair loss or baldness. Doctor redistributes the hairs from thick area to bald areas. Transplant surgery is performed under local anesthesia. Minimal pain has been reported during the surgery.

Steps of Hair Transplant Surgery

* Scalp is thoroughly cleaned.
* Area with normal hair growth is anesthetized with small needles. And after that portion of hairy scalp is removed with a scalpel and saved for the next step. Then the scalp is stitched properly to close.
* Next step is removal of scalp from each hair with sharp blades and magnifying glass.
* Final step is the cleaning and preparing of the portion of scalp that has these healthy hairs to be transplanted. Scalp of this area is anesthetized with small needles and very fine holes are made in scalp and the healthy hair are carefully grafted in these holes. In a single sitting hundreds and thousands of hair are successfully transplanted.

However certain risks are related to hair transplant. The most common complication is bleeding, infection and scaring. It is also possible that the transplanted hairs fail to give you desired looks. They may look unnatural; this problem has been solved in modern techniques. Transplanted hair starts growing normally only after several months of treatment. As transplanted hair is permanent they do not require extra care. Use of pain killers is advised for many days. Surgical dressing must be put on for a day or two. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are also prescribed to use after surgery.

Hair Cloning
Hair cloning is the process in which hair are removed from hair follicle and grown out side and then grafted over the areas where it is required. Hair cloning will be the next significant treatment to treat hair loss.

Non-Surgical Hair Replacement
It is a very affordable option for individuals who suffer from significant hair loss and want their previous look back without having any surgery. Some companies are making very fine natural looking hairpieces. Hair piece has been available in market with different names like Hair System, Toupees, Strand-by-strand Insertion System, Hairpieces etc.

The Base of Hair System
Prostheses are used as base for the hair system on which hair are tied or injected.

Materials
Polymers and meshes both independently or in combination are used to make base of the hair system.

Mesh Fabric
Mesh fabrics are made up of polyesters or nylon. They are used to make only hair line or some times entire system. It gives very natural look. It is light in weight and comfortable to wear. In contrast it is very expensive and less durable, due to this it has to be replaced frequently.

Polymers
Silicone or polyurethane is the main component of polymer. Base made from this material gives appearance of scalp or skin. It is more durable than mesh fabric. It is very inexpensive, durable, easy to attach. But it has certain disadvantages too. It is extremely hot and uncomfortable to wear and gives artificial look.

Hair in the Hair Piece
Hair piece is made up of human hair that matches with the hair of the client. In color, texture, nature of curl or wave or straightness as well as thickness. Cheaper hair system is made up of moderate quality human hair, animal hair, or artificial fibers. Expensive and medium priced hair systems are made up of European hairs that grow on large scales in wide variety of color, textures, densities and curls, wave or straight. Very low priced hair piece is made up of Asian black straight hair. Asian hair are very strong they can be bleach or dyed.

Attaching Hair Piece
The method to attach hairpiece may cause hair loss as glue and clips are used to attach hair pieces.

Semi-Permanent Attached Hairpieces
Such hair pieces are only attached and removed by hair practitioner after every six weeks. Such hair pieces are attached with adhesive substances like glue.

Different kinds of glue material are marketed in hair industry with different names. Such as poly fuse, natural bond, poly bond etc.

Temporary Adhesive Attached Hair Pieces
It is very easy type of attachment. You can remove it any time whenever you want. Double sided tape is used to stick hair pieces. However beware as these kinds of hairpieces can be detached due to heavy sweating and during swimming.

Clip Attachment
Metal clips are also used to attach hair pieces in a secure way. It is very easy to remove the hair piece.

These are the major types of hair loss treatments commonly available in the market. You can select any treatment of your choice or go for doctor’s prescribed treatment.

Author: Mary Solomon
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Ayurvedic Treatment for Dandruff and Home Remedies

January 21, 2010 · Posted in hair loss · Comment 

There are many causes for hair loss like dandruff, itchy scalp, baldness and thinning of hairs. Hair loss problem is very common and faced by everyone once in their life. It is caused due to the excess usage of chemicals to hairs like perking, bleaching, coloring and straightening. Dry skin is the most common cause of itchy, flaking skin. Flakes from dry skin are usually smaller and less oily than those caused by dandruff.

Causes of Dandruff: –

* Faulty life style
* Bad metabolism
* Not enough shampooing
* Unhygienic hair condition
* Reaction to hair/skin care products
* Synthetic hair shampoos
* Improper maintenance of hairs
* Due to Stress and tensions

Dandruff Treatment and Advice: –

* Include raw fruits and vegetables in your diet
* Properly clean your hair and scalp to avoid accumulation of dead cells
* Avoid fried foods
* Avoid hair sprays, gels, irritating shampoo or soaps and dyes which may increase irritation and make dandruff worse
* Avoid stress and tension

Home Remedies for Dandruff:-

•    Immerse peels of lemon in coconut oil for 8-10 days in sunshine. Now sieve and apply on the hair. Hair will turn out to be dandruff free.
•    Aloe Vera dandruff cures – with aloe vera gel. About 10-15 minutes before you wash your hair, rub a lot of aloe vera gel into your scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and shampoo your hair like you regularly do. If you do this everyday the dandruff will stay away.
•    Hot oil therapy is the best technique to cure dandruff. Massage hot oil into the scalp at bedtime. Next morning an hour previous to the bath, rub lemon juice mixed with cosmetic vinegar into the scalp with cotton wool.
•     Wash your hair correctly and as a last rinse use the juice of one lemon in a cup of hot water. Continue this action once or twice a week for three months.
•    Hair washed with methi seed stick prevents dandruff, falling hair, baldness and dandruff custody the hair long, healthy and black. Just soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water to soften the seeds and crush in the morning to make paste. Before hair wash, apply this paste on scalp and hair and go away it on for half an hour. Wash off with shampoo later.
•    Henna is also very effective herb for hairs. It is one of the oldest herb which helps to reduce the hair fall and it act as the conditioner to the hairs.
•    There are some ayurvedic herbs which help to get rid from hair fall problem. Herbs like brahmi, dashamoola, jatamamsi and bhringraja. These herbs are very beneficial for hair and provide you healthy and long hairs.

You may be interested in reading Natural Hair Treatments and Ayurvedic Treatment for Dandruff. Also visit Best Dandruff Treatment

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/ayurvedic-treatment-for-dandruff-and-home-remedies-1759478.html

Effective Treatments For Hair Loss That You Need to Take Notice of

January 16, 2010 · Posted in hair loss · Comment 

Treatments for hair loss that are effective are hard to find. Baldness in men is a source of great insecurities and in women it’s worse. For this reason specialists have invested a great deal of their time and money to come up with treatments that are efficient. Hair loss is predominantly a wearing away of hair where it would naturally grow.

In women the hair can this around the edges of the scalp or even be patches on the head. Amino acids are the building blocks for the protein keratin that is a major constituent of hair. When the amino acids are converted by active cells in the body hair is formed. In some people hair loss is caused by an insufficient diet; genes passed down; stress and not washing the scalp.

The pores n the skin are very delicate. Therefore, you have to begin washing your scalp properly as blocked skin pores means no hair growth. The dirt on the scalp deteriorates the state of your hair. So when you comb your hair you will see how very little of it remains clinging onto the comb bristles.

Hair food like Marijuana oil is used by Rastafarians to grow their long dreads. Learn from them and apply it when washing your hair. Hair food like this makes the hair tough. Mustard oil; Amla oil (coconut oil and Amla) and the paste from pepper seeds is feeds the hair with the nutrients it needs to grow.

If you’re malnourished when it comes to your diet this is the perfect opportunity to capitalise on a good diet that. ‘s enriching for your hair. Eat a lot of beans; eggs; meat; fish and milk for your body to make protein more available. The keratin that comes from protein is good for the growth of hair.

Vitamin B will efficiently help new hair cells to emerge. Vitamin B is drawn from yeast; soya beans and whole wheat. Eating pumpkins; carrots; liver; milk and cheese will give you Vitamin A, another nutrient that will promote hair growth.

Ever noticed how combing dry hair makes it tear off? Combine the treatments above with good combing methods such as combing hair only when it. ‘s wet and soft.

To sum it up drugs like Minoxidil; Tricomin and finasteridine have dangerous side effects of even worsening hair loss. Abstain from using these completely if you want a stress free recovery period.

Are you looking for the best treatments for hair loss? Visit http://www.baldness-prevention.com today for more information!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/effective-treatments-for-hair-loss-that-you-need-to-take-notice-of-1731348.html

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