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Three Female Hair Loss Remedy Solutions

April 10th, 2010 hair extensions pro No comments

It has been discovered that up to half of women undergo female pattern hair loss during their lifetime. Women who experience hair loss or thinning of hair can feel embarrassed and anxious. When the problem of hair loss in women is left untreated, it often becomes worse. But with the available methods and treatments specifically developed for the condition, they need not undergo such experiences. Here are three female hair loss remedy options that can help women deal with hair loss problems.

Finasteride

Finasteride (propecia) is a female hair loss remedy that has been approved for hair loss treatment in men. But it has recently been found to help improve hair loss problems in women when combined with oral contraceptives. Propecia has some side effects, albeit only 3%. Often, these side effects subside after constant use.

Finasteride in the female hair loss remedy works by blocking 5-alpha reductase, which is an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT, which is the main cause of hair loss, binds to hair follicles, thereby restricting the ability of follicles to generate new and fully grown hair. If not treated, the bound follicles can only produce shorter hair for every growth cycle until such time when it is only capable of generating hair that’s barely visible. What finasteride does is to stop the conversion of testesterone into DHT, thereby stopping DHT from binding to the follicles.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is one of the most commonly used female hair loss remedy. It is a medication typically applied to the scalp to encourage growth of hair. Minoxidil is for daily use. The positive effects of the female hair loss remedy often appear in 2-4 months.

Though not always well accepted by patients, minoxidil is often effective since it is capable of recruiting hair at the follicles. The effect of this female hair loss remedy is more pronounced when it is used together with DHT inhibitors like propecia. When it comes to strength, a study shows that minoxidil 2% is effective for women as compared to 5%. The conclusion was drawn when the female hair loss remedy showed better effects at 2% than in the 5% concentration.

One hair loss remedy that is currently being used is a combination of a high concentration topical minoxidil, retonic acid, a topical spironolactone (or an anti-androgen that diminishes DHT), and a topical azelaic acid. It is recommended that a daily oral dose of finasteride be taken together with the regimen.

DHT Inhibitors

Women with hair loss problems can also opt for a female hair loss remedy with DHT inhibiting capabilities. There are products with DHT inhibitors that are specifically made as a female hair loss remedy for women. DHT inhibitors may be added with active ingredients like phyto-revitalizers that can also help deal with hair loss. DHT is a hormone produced by the body that causes damage to hair follicles. When the DHT is inhibited, hair follicles are able to grow again. Meanwhile, phyto-revitalizers are amino acids that are needed by hair follicles for proper growth. When added to a female hair loss remedy, DHT inhibitors and phyto-revitalizers can have more effective results.

Know About the Female Hair Loss Types and Causes

Hair loss problem is a universal problem and there is possibly no one under the sky who never undergoes through this problem in entire life time. Although hair loss is a common issue that has become an embarrassing problem for unisex, but female hair loss pattern largely differs from male ones.

Hair is known as an ideal indicator of one’s optimum health. If you have healthy, shinning, growing hair, it means you have a healthy health as well. So any change in the condition of hair, be it falling than normal or looking dull, should be considered very seriously, because it may function as a warning sign of upcoming physical hazards. So if you are suffering from any unusual amount of hair fall or uneven hair texture, you should not be late to consult with health expert regarding this problem.

Female hair loss pattern is different from male hair loss pattern. It has been categorized mainly under three heads – Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata and Telogen Effluvium. Androgenetic Alopecia

This pattern is considered as the most common in female hair loss. This is also known as female pattern alopecia. Alopecia refers to baldness. But this differs from male baldness. If someone is suffering from alopecia, it doesn’t mean that she is suffering from complete baldness. Alopecia is featured as hair thinning, most prevalently on the top and crown part of the head.

The onset of the complication is identified as the shrinking of hair follicles and leading to cause finer hair within a short life span. Gradually, the cells in these areas stop producing hair. This type of female hair loss is actually occurred during hormonal changes such as during pregnancy or post menopause phase. You may also suffer from female pattern alopecia, if you take birth control pills on a regular basis or if you undergo through prolonged stress. Alopecia Areata

Not as common as Androgenetic Alopecia, but it is identified as a round bald patch initially followed by an inevitable progress of total hair loss in the entire scalp area. The primary cause is identified as autoimmune disorder that may be elicited by several factors like high fever, acute stressors, allergy, bacterial, viral or fungal infection and traumatic experience.

However, it is seen that the hair follicles remain alive but non-active for an indistinct period of time. So there is always a possibility to avoid from this type of female hair loss and to enhance follicles for re-growth if proper therapeutic measure is taken on time. In practice, it doesn’t really depend on the reason of hair loss all the time, but you can be free from any sort of female hair loss if the hair follicles are not destroyed. Telogen Effluvium

This is also referred to as diffuse hair loss. If you are suffering from recent thinning of hair throughout your entire scalp area, it is a high chance that you are susceptible with this type of female hair loss problem. In general, it is triggered by internal health complications such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal disturbances, elongated and intense experience of stress, chronic illness and others. This type of female hair loss does not necessarily promote a complete baldness and can be cured totally if proper intervention is taken to correct underlying malfunctioning.

However, at the onset of hair loss we may not be as careful as required. Most of the time, we simply underestimate the condition and give it a light and secondary priority. This makes the problem getting worse day by day. Hence, it is highly recommended that if you feel your hair is falling than usual, you must not neglect the condition and take immediate action. The treatment of hair loss largely varies depending on several factors. It may be done with chemical-based medicine or using herbal supplements, depending on preferred health-expert’s advice, individual preference and individual health condition. In the severe case, the treatment may include surgical intervention as well.

Combat Hair Loss: How to Grow your Hair Back (part 2)

HAIR GROWTH – THE MECHANISM

Hair consists of long “keratin” fibres, twisted in a rope-like structure with an outer protective cuticle or coating of hardened, keratinised cells giving a structure of considerable tensile strength. The hair is produced by the dermal papilla, a cluster or peg of highly active cells just below the surface of the skin, fed by the blood micro capillaries in the dermis, and from which the hair fibre grows in its hair follicle or shaft. The growing fibre structure becomes keratinised or hardened to form the final hair structure, which extrudes from the skin or the scalp. The hair fibre at this point is dead and it is only the growing or germinating root tip of the hair where the living, soft hair cells are to be found. These highly active dermal papillae cover the whole of the body, except for the palms of our hands, soles of our feet, and the mucous areas, and the number of dermal papillae remains the same as we have at birth. The body cannot grow or produce any more dermal papillae.

The hair continues to grow from the dermal papilla for a fixed period of time; the growing (anagen) phase lasts usually two to seven years, depending on one’s age, health and genetic make-up. This is followed by a short period of change, (catagen), lasting seven-fourteen days, during which the activity of the matrix stops, the hair shaft becomes detached from the dermal papilla and moves upward somewhat in the hair follicle, which itself contracts and moves upwards.

Finally, the resting (telogen) phase, lasting usually two to three months, allows the non-growing hair to detach itself from the hair follicle and to be shed from the body, the new growing hair having already started to form at the dermal papilla in

the base of the hair follicle. The cycle then repeats itself, in a non-synchronised pattern, over the 100,000 or so dermal papillae on the human scalp.

The shedding of the dead hair is a completely natural process and, as it is non-synchronised across the scalp, it is perfectly normal to lose hairs each day. A healthy scalp has 100,000 to 120,000 hair follicles and dermal papillae and a hair fall of 100 to 300 hairs per day is normal. Except in cases of heavy excess hair fall (telogen effluvium), it is a mistake to be worried about hair fall, after all the new hair is already growing in the hair follicle alongside the previous dead hair which it helps to push out. It is not usually a good idea to collect or count the hairs that have been shed as it leads only to further hair fall with the increased stress.

Why not call 0207 976 6868 and speak to one of our trichologist who will be happy to help and advise you.

Your initial consultation and assessment are free.

So why not take advantage of our expertise and get the facts so that you can make an informed decision on what is best for the future of your hair today.

Take control of your hair loss today so that it does not control your life.

However, not all cases are treatable. But with early diagnosis and treatment you will give yourself and us the best possible

chance to help you.

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Jojoba Oil – Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Hair Loss

Jojoba Oil is fast emerging as a mystical elixir of life for hair and the fight against hair loss. Though it is not the “be all and end all” as far as the perfect solution for hair problems is concerned, it is an excellent hair treatment for dry hair and a natural hair conditioner acting similar to and having the properties of sebaceous oil (sebum).

A Hair Conditioner and Moisturizer

Sebaceous glands of the scalp produce a natural hair and skin oil called ’sebum’, whose structure resembles the inherent structure of Jojoba Oil. Sebum is needed to moisturize the scalp and thus maintain beautiful, healthy hair and help reduce hair loss. Jojoba oil has the same qualities and hence, the regular use of Jojoba oil, makes your hair more resistant to detrimental factors such as tangles, dryness or even split ends.

The Jojoba Beauty Product

Jojoba oil can be applied to hair in its purest form, or else can be bought as a mixture of various components, with Jojoba as its major component. It would be a good idea to go for the mixture as it would also include extracts such as Lavender, Rosemary Oil, Comfrey and a wonderful fragrance.

Not only would your hair get the benefit of Jojoba Oil but also benefit from the effects of these extracts that would heal the hair and offer more nourishment. For added beauty and help with female hair loss, Jojoba Oil provides the benefits of moisturization with cleansing, and improved scalp capillary circulation – improving follicle growth.

For Dry and Coarse Hair

Jojoba oil is not only a great way to treat dry hair, but it also can be used repeatedly meaning it won’t have any side effects on your hair. This is because there is no artificial chemical content in this oil.

More importantly, it can be applied easily and is also easy to shampoo out. No longer do you have to shampoo your head vigorously to remove those spots of oil that stick to your hair. 

In the end if you are going for a hot oil treatment, rest assured all of them are quite messy, but the mess has a very positive effect on your hair and hence is worth it.

Extra Protection and Healing

Jojoba oil offers extra protection to your hair. Coupled with the conditioning effects that will make your hair soft and silky, it is a great choice for scalp and hair loss products.

It is scientifically proven that Jojoba oil does have healing properties and effects hair in a wholly positive manner, much more than other oils. Moreover, the oil can be used on all types of hair.

The market is replete with various compositions that include Jojoba Oil in its various concentrations. Your choice of the concentration; whether, heavy, medium, or light will be dependent on the type of hair and your overall dry hair moisturizer and hair loss care needs.

Natural Hair Loss Treatment: Why It’s the Best Option

Now, people with balding head no longer have to suffer with their condition for long. Modern science has brought us several treatment for hair loss. Ironically, a lot of these possible answers show a return to natural hair loss treatment.Hair Loss TreatmentSurgical procedures and medications to treat hair loss are among those common alternatives which science has presented us with. Although these medical solutions are truly effective, there are some people who would still prefer natural hair loss treatment. There may be a variety of reasons.Surgical Treatment – Surgical procedures meant to treat hair loss are expensive. They also expose clients to a variety of risks inherent in surgical procedures. For a lot of average individuals therefore, medication is a better, more affordable solution to hair loss. Unfortunately, there are only two medicines that are FDA approved to treat hair loss. For women, only one of these can be safely used. Medication has also been known to cause some side effects in some users. These reasons are why some turn to natural hair loss treatment solutions.Natural SolutionsPeople also have the option of going for natural solutions that claim to be able to remedy hair loss. Not all of these solutions however will be effective for everybody. A person in search for a natural hair loss treatment should carefully test and assess which solutions truly work for his unique hair loss condition.Head Massage – Massaging the scalp is believed to promote proper blood flow. This in turn is necessary to help the nutrients reach the scalp and hair strands. Some experts say that there is no clear proof that this natural hair loss treatment is effective. For some though, who may be suffering from stress induced hair loss, a gentle massage may truly be helpful.Regular Exercise – Just like a good massage, regular exercise is also believed to assist in promoting proper blood flow that is crucial for nutrient delivery and absorption. Again, this natural hair loss treatment has been hotly debated over. Common sense would tell you though that if exercise is generally good for the body, then it must have good effects on the hair too.Right Diet – There is no doubt that a proper diet plays a big role in natural hair loss treatment. Studies have shown that individuals who are deficient in some nutrients run the risk of losing some of their hair. The obvious rule is that whatever is great nourishment for your body is also advisable for your hair. This means that you definitely have to cut down on fats, sugar and junk food. Fill your diet with foods rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, iron, zinc, B-complex vitamins and other nutrients.Nutritional Supplements – Since we can’t always get the recommended amount of essential nutrients from our daily diet, some form of natural supplementation is recommended. Take vitamin and mineral supplements. Other individuals also prefer to boost the effects of nutrient supplementation with additional herbal ingredients that have been proven crucial to natural hair loss treatment.Hair Products – Hair care is not always seen as a natural hair loss treatment. You should however avoid overusing hair coloring and treatment products to avoid hair drying and damage. You should also avoid tight hairstyles to prevent hair loss due to traction.

The Phenomenon Of Female Hair Loss After Pregnancy

The hormones associated with pregnancy are one of the primary causes of female hair loss! Postpartum hair loss affects almost everyone, but the thinning hair is visibly noticeable in approximately 10% of all new moms. Several hair restoration treatments are available to help these unfortunate new mothers regain their confidence and good looks, so they can stop worrying about their hair and enjoy their new baby.
Why Postpartum Hair Loss Occurs
Known technically as ‘Telogen Effluvium’, is caused by the hormonal changes and the stress experienced with being a new parent. The all but ten percent of the hairs on your head sit in a state of growth for approximately 2-3 years.
During this stage, called the anagen phase, each strand grows approximately a half inch each month. At any given time, other ten percent of your hair is resting. The resting hairs, said to be in the telogen phase, are the ones you find on your pillow and in your hairbrush.
When you become pregnant, your hair becomes thick, shiny and full. This is due to the increased estrogen levels in your body that keep your hair in the growing phase. Once you give birth, your estrogen levels return to normal and this sends more than half of your hair into the resting phase causing 60% of your hair to fall out in the 2-3 months following the birth. This causes some hair thinning, but some suffer extreme female hair loss.
Hair Restoration for Thinning Hair
Many new moms think hair restoration after giving birth is impossible because they are nursing the baby. This isn’t true and you don’t have to resort to surgery either. Hair restoration drugs like Rogaine and Minoxidil are available to cure thinning hair. Synthetic and 100% human hair extensions can provide you with immediate results. They look and feel the same as your real hair and you can style them just as easily.
Low-level laser light therapy cures female hair loss by using a light to increase the nutrients and oils. This improves the quality and amount of the hair production. If the thinning hair is severe and you are in dire need of immediate results, you can have a professional hairpiece made that looks and feels real.
Taking vitamin supplements can do wonder for mild to moderate hair loss. The nutrients that you want to focus on include proteins, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B3. Keratin and Vitamin A are also helpful. Reducing your stress and getting adequate sleep and hydration is helpful as well.
Female hair loss after pregnancy can be devastating. They not only must you deal with the stresses of being a new parent, but also with a new figure and changing hormones in addition to thinning hair! Thankfully, hair restoration methods are available to you to get you looking and feeling your best.

Hair Loss Causes and Herbal Remedies

March 30th, 2010 hair extensions pro No comments

Hair loss is one of the most common problem that has rooted it self globally. It not only affects men but women are also equally affected. Contemporary medicine has no cure for it. But age-old health science has mentioned various herbs that have proven there worth in retarding the hair loss and improving the hair growth.Causes

Below are the few causes that are the major reasons for hair fall.

· Diseased or health disturbances

· Certain medications.

· Alopecia areata

· Trichotillomania

· Use of chemicals on hairs

· Poor or malnutrition.

· Disrupted hair growth cycle

· Male pattern baldness

· Iron deficiency

· Contraceptive pills

· Chemotherapy

· Infections

· Indigestion

· Hormonal imbalances

· Hereditary factorsTreatment

Below are few of the herbs that are very effective in treating and curing hair related problems

· Amla – amla very commonly known as Amalaki is a very prestigious ayurvedic herb that has the wonderful properties of ayurveda. It is one of the best anti-oxidant agents that not only helps in preventing early aging signs but also is very helpful in preventing premature graying of hairs. It is a magical herb for hairs. It helps in rejuvenating the hairs and promotes there growth. It helps in redefining the root of hairs there by facilitating the nutrition to them. It also helps in improving the circulation in the scalp when massaged on it as oil. It is also helpful in promoting hair growth when taken orally.

· Bhringraja – it can be called as a blessed herb that is helpful in treating many diseases. It is a wonder herb that has great efficacy in curing any kind of diseases related to hairs. It has the potential to increase the blood circulation to the scalp there by increasing the nutrition intake of the hair root. As the hair roots are properly fed, it enhances the growth of hair. It is also helpful in improving the hair texture. It helps in making your hairs more shiner and full of life. It is also helpful in increasing the length as well as volume of hairs.

· Margosa – it is known as neem. It is one of the most potent herb that has been a benediction to man kind. It is a multipurpose herb that has the power to heal various diseases. It is a wonderful ayurvedic herb that is also very beneficial for treating the various hair related problems. It helps in curbing any infection that might occur on the scalp and in the blood. It also helps in cooling the body down therefore promoting the hair growth.

· Coconut – coconut is one of the best herbs that have the capacity to stop hair fall. Coconut is itself a magical tree and its each and every part is being used. From roots to even leaves. Foe hairs coconut oil and coconut milk are being used. Since time immemorial people have being using coconut oil and coconut milk to get rid of their hair problems and enhancing its growth. Coconut is widely used world wide to improve the hair problems. It has certain agents that are very helpful in promoting hair growth. It is also helpful in avoiding the premature graying of hairs. It is also a wonderful herb for relaxing the mind and body. It helps in cooling down of the head there by helps in releasing the stress.

· Henna leaves – since ages henna power has been used in India not only to color hairs but also to provide hairs with nourishment. It nurtures the hairs. It is one of the best hair tonics that help in providing life to hairs. When ever the paste of henna is being applied ion the scalp and hairs it soon penetrates in to the hair roots thereby acting on the hair root locally. It not only provides hairs with the proper nourishments but also helps in suppresses any kind of infection that might be the reason of hair fall of various other ailments. Being cool in nature it helps in cooling down the body therefore acting as natural relaxant.

· Licorice – licorice is commonly known as yastimadhu in ayurvedic language. it is one of those herbs that are very effective in treating various diseases. Though yastimadhu is used maximum in throat related problems but it also plays a great role in hairs related problems. It helps in increasing the blood supply towards the scalp and hence providing nourishment and oxygen to the hair roots.

How to Look After Black Hair

March 26th, 2010 hair extensions pro No comments

The typical hair and hair follicles of those of African descent are tightly curled, thus producing hair that spirals. Black hair also typically has a larger diameter than Caucasian hair and retains less water, thus its relative “kinkiness.” The many styling methods utilized on Black hair cause concern with hair loss. Black hair is very strong, fortunately so because Black hair styles cause a great deal of Stress on the hair and scalp.

For example, using a hair pick to pick the hair up to a bushy style is a very damaging process due to the constant pulling causing stress on the hair shaft as well as the follicle. In fact, combing Black hair in general can create high stress on Black hair and cause breakage, which perpetuates dryness. Conrowing and braiding are methods of hairstyling that pull the hair tight, and this can cause a great deal of stress on the hair and scalp resulting in hair loss. Braiding that results in the hair being pulled very tight can cause traumatic alopecia, a hair loss that is caused by trauma to the hair and scalp. Traumatic alopecia is usually reversible with proper hair care.

Hot combs and relaxers used to straighten hair can cause a great deal of heat and chemical damage to hair and scalp, which can also cause traumatic alopecia, and over time can cause permanent hair loss. This becomes especially true when the heat or chemically processed hair is pulled tight by rollers or a hot curling iron.

Hot oil conditioners are excellent for Black hair, as hot oil treatments contain proteins and polymers vital to repairing the hair cuticles. Hot oil treatments involve heating the oil and putting it into the hair and scalp, then covering the hair with a plastic cap to allow the oil to soak in. Follow the recommendations on the treatment you are using for the amount of time you should leave the treatment on the hair. This process can heal breakages and shinier stronger hair will be the result.

Consider that hair relaxers commonly used on Black hair contain lye or similar chemicals that break down the hair shaft. Left on beyond the recommended time, these chemicals would eat right through the hair and cause it to fall out in clumps. This is why these same products are used in products like Drano® to clean clogged drains which often are clogged by hair. No-lye relaxers are very popular today, mainly because it leads people to believe that the product is not caustic. This is far from the truth. The combination of calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate are combined to form guanidine hydroxide, which could just as easily clean a sink. Repeated use of such products can cause some degree of hair loss, and if scarring occurs while using these chemicals, the hair loss can be permanent in that area of the scalp. One must ask themselves is it wise to place such caustic chemicals in the hair on a regular basis for the sake of desired appearance? The question must be answered by each individual, however the facts should be known.

There is little that can be done to alleviate this syndrome without changing the typical hairstyles of African Americans. There is a catch-22 concerning relaxing Black hair, since combing natural Black hair causes so much stress and breakage of hair, while chemicals cause so much harm to the hair and scalp as well. There are a few hair-relaxing products on the market that use chemicals and are somewhat less harsh than sodium hydroxide (lye) or its popular equivalent in “no-lye” relaxers: calcium hydroxide (quicklime) mixed with guanidine carbonate. One such product is called Natural-Laxer® and Sahara Clay® by Baka ProductsTM that has been on the market since 1990. This product is all natural and because it does not contain many of the harsh chemicals of commercial relaxers and actually contains only a finely ground plant called Daphne Gnidium and clay from Africa it is figured to be relatively safe. Of course this product does not straighten hair in most instances the same way as commercial relaxers, however it does tend to make Black hair more manageable. There is yet another product on the market that is reported to be 92-96% natural which is called Naturalaxer Kit In A Jar™ that does not require the applicant to comb through the hair during the application, which results in a lot less damage.

Of course the bottom line is once again, if you can leave your hair in its natural state then you will experience less stress and damage to the hair and thus prevent at least one cause of hair loss. There is a growing segment of the Black population that is becoming comfortable with wearing their hair in natural styles. One such style is dreadlocks. There are many rumors and myths concerning dreadlocks, as there is little proper information available concerning this style, and as with anything that is misunderstood many myths arise around it. Dreadlocks can and must be washed; otherwise they will smell badly like any other dirty hair. The best process to use to wash dreadlocks is to use a residue-free shampoo. Most commercially made shampoos leave residue and can cause hair not to lock, lending fuel to the rumor that hair had to be dirty to form dreadlocks. Clean hair actually locks much better than dirty hair, as dirt is a residue in itself that will inhibit hair from locking. For best results one should use a fragrance free, conditioner free shampoo. Dreadlocks do not react well to oily and greasy substances, yet there are many good substances that are on the market today that will assist you in forming dreadlocks.

Dreadlocks are formed through a process, not simply by not combing or brushing the hair. Generally, one should start with hair about two inches in length, and the hair should be separated into even squares of hair and twisted gently together using a bonding or gel substance. Many use natural beeswax containing no petroleum, while others use loc and twist gels specifically formulated for locks. Once the hair is separated and twisted into small locks, it is important that they are left alone and allowed to bond naturally. The length of time it will take to lock will depend on the coarseness of your hair, but one can normally expect to wait several months before locks begin to form. While the hair is locking, it will need to be washed. Here is where washing should be extended for a while if possible, so that the hair can be allowed to lock for two weeks to about a month without manipulation. When you do wash your hair, use a stocking cap or “do-rag”, and low-pressure water to make sure that the newly forming locks do not come loose. It will be necessary to rinse for a much longer time than you normally do, because of the lower pressure of the water and the lack of direct manipulation of your hair with your hands. The water is good for your hair and locking process, so this is not a problem. It is also imperative as indicated before that you use a shampoo that does not contain a conditioner and leaves as little residue as possible. A little research on your part will be necessary here; your health food store should contain a variety of natural shampoos. Have a skilled professional or a friend re-twist the hair gently, reapplying the twist gel or beeswax that you used previously. Repeat this process every two weeks to a month, the longer you are able to wait the better, and within a few months your hair will begin to lock.

Again, if you have a fine grade of hair rather than a kinky grade of hair, a beautician skilled at forming locks (“locktitian”) or a friend who is very familiar with the hairstyle should be consulted. Even though dreadlocks are mainly a hairstyle for Blacks, there are other races that have people that enjoy the hairstyle. In general, it tends to be a style of hair that in the long run will give the hair and scalp needed rest from the rigors of chemical and heat treatments and rigorous combing and brushing, and therefore can contribute to longer life for your hair.

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Hair Loss & Thinning Hair Information

March 26th, 2010 hair extensions pro No comments

For millions of people world-wide, everyday is a “bad hair” day due to the problem of thinning hair or baldness. Discussing hair loss with a doctor is an important first step. There are a number of treatments available these days that make hair loss or thinning hair easier to live with. A concern not only experienced by men but by a growing number of women is Alopecia, or the excessive and abnormal loss of healthy hair. Traumatic situations and genetics can be the cause of hair thinning and loss and also by hormonal fluctuations, excessive physical force or poor nutrition. While these factors can affect both men and women, hair thinning and loss usually occurs for:

Men The most well-known pattern of hair loss is a thinning crown or receding hair line. Due to the presence of a derivative or by-product of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hair loss happens. This hormone can contract the hair follicles and has a larger effect in the mid-anterior scalp and temples. Some categories of male hair loss are: Chronic Diffuse Alopecia – can happen because of nutritional, metabolic or endocrine matters. Acute diffuse alopecia – occurs from physical or psychological reasons such as hormones, nutritional shortages or medications. Androgenetic Alopecia – occurs because of genetic sensitivity to male hormones. This hardly ever affects women.

Women Most cases of hair thinning and loss are as a result of hormonal fluctuations, ie during pregnancy, childbirth or use of some methods of birth control. Women can also experience: Anagen effluvium – occurs due to chemotherapy. The matrix of the hair becomes damaged and, as a result, the hair shaft will narrow, eventually fracturing. Traction alopecia – caused by severe hairstyles, such as ponytails that are too tight, braiding, cornrows or the frequent use of extensions. These procedures pull at hair over a period of time but loss can be prevented if recognized and treated early.

Males and females can reduce or even halt hair loss or thinning, if found early enough, by using various over-the-counter treatments like: a). A shampoo that describes itself as “revitalizing/fortifying/energizing”. These will nurture and guard existing hair while removing oils that can obstruct the follicles and stop re-growth. b). A daily vitamin supplement. Look for supplements labelled especially for hair and/or nails and are fortified with Vitamin B3 (niacin). These defend the hair shaft, and antioxidants, to ward off harm from free radicals. c). Weekly use, leave-in scalp treatment prepared with essential oils – oils such as lavender and orange will relax and unblock hair follicles to encourage growth, regulate oil production and sustain cell repair. Results will vary, as with any treatment, and may possibly need to be continued on a regular basis. Also, allow around 6-8 weeks before expecting to see results.

Techniques to hide hair loss: Perhaps it is time to think of some techniques to hide your hair loss if you are unhappy with your thinning hair. Whether you are a man or a woman losing hair due to heredity, stress, medication or a medical condition you can use these tips to help you cope.

Use a Hair Thickening Shampoo or Conditioner Use a hair thickening shampoo and/or conditioner meant to disguise loss by making the hair appear to be thicker. Brush your hair gently after shampooing and conditioning to stop losing more hair, and allow hair to dry completely before combing or brushing it.

Techniques for Styling If your head of hair is not as thick as it used to be, there are some styling techniques and styling products that you can use to keep your head looking its best at any age. Avoid styling gels they will only matte your hair together and accentuate your baldness. Go for texturizing lotions and creams that will give you fullness and volume. Another great choice is to use a leave-in conditioner that can make your hair appear fuller and more textured. Blow dry thinning hair for a fuller look – For hair that is thinning on top, try blow drying after you wash and condition and comb the hair in front straight back. Use mousse or a light hairspray to keep the style in place. The blow dryer will keep hair from matting together and appearing thinner than it is.

Hair extensions are a quick and simple method Use a professional hair salon to get natural human hair added to your hair. This may last you for several weeks or several months. Hair extensions are used for women and men, with thick long hair to camouflage the fact that they are losing hair, and are an easy way to change your look.

Blow-dry your Hair Consider blow drying if your hair is thinning on top to give it added texture and body and to give your head more coverage. Brush it into a quiff on top of your head by brushing it from the forehead up. Maintain the style with a little hairspray. If your hair is thinning throughout, this is a good way to make your hair look fuller.Chaps – Getting a Buzz from your Hair The buzz cut is a way to disguise the fact that you are losing hair. Businessmen, sports stars and actors all use this as a classy, style that is easy to maintain. Groom your scalp daily and remove the hairs you have left for a clean, fresh look by using a wet-dry electric razor. If you’re disturbed about your hair loss or if your hair is starting to thin, make an appointment with your hairdresser or barber and request some advice on a fresh, new look. There are plenty of hair styles to choose from that have you looking great.

Overcoming Hair Loss

People all over the world see hair as important. In the west, for instance, almost all brides are prepared for their approach to the altar by the hands of an expert stylist. On that supreme day, their hair style may be the most elaborate they will ever have in their lives. At the opposite extreme, when a young girl of one of the aboriginal tribes of the Amazon jungle reaches puberty the women of the village ceremonially remove all the hairs from her head, one by one. The ritual significance and mystique of hair on these occasions are undeniable.

We use our hair to express our personalities – to conform, to make a statement, to help us feel good, to attract other people. Sometimes our hair even seems to reflect our mood, especially when we are sad or depressed. Our hair is perhaps our most distinctive feature. Any sudden change in its color or style startles our friends and produces comments from our family. Hair is an amazing material.

In the hands of an expert and with the use of modern hair products, it is soft and shining and seems full of life. Strangely, however, hair is dead. Hair, if properly looked after, made to shine with ‘health’.

Yet all too often this ‘crowning glory’ of ours is neglected. And then it can look shoddy, dull and lifeless. It becomes a constant disappointment, all the worse because we know that, however expensive and beautiful our clothes, if our hair looks a mess we won’t be seen as well-groomed, poised and fashionable.

Hair so often fails to do for us exactly what we expected. Its behaviour raises endless questions, sometimes almost despairing: Why did my hair suddenly look such a mess just before that vital interview? Could I have done anything to avoid that happening?

Why did it look fine when I walked out of the salon yesterday, and terrible this morning?

Why, when it had so much volume and ‘body’ when I was on that Mediterranean holiday, has all that gone now I’m at home in November?

Why was the results of that home color so disappointing?

Why does a woman’s hair so often ‘fall out’ after she has had a baby?

Why do so many men (and some women) go bald?

Why does so-and-so’s lovely red hair never perm very well? Why does my hair go out of condition so easily? What can I do to restore it?

All hairs naturally fall out at the end of the growing period. You can lose between 50 and 80 hairs a day. They tend to come out with brushing and shampooing. So if you wash your hair only once a week, it is perfectly in order for you to lose several hundred hairs at one go!

However, it is possible, a person may start to lose more hairs than usual. If this hair loss is significant, and if it persists, then sooner or later the scalp may become visible through the thinning hair. The condition is called alopecia. The name comes from the Greek word alopekia, which means ‘fox’: foxes (and also dogs) sometimes suffer from bald patches due to an unpleasant disease called mange. (Fortunately, humans do not get mange!) http://www.overcominghairloss.com