When a beautiful woman passes by, every head will surely turn, especially if a woman has a full head of silky smooth hair. The hair can affect the overall appearance of an individual. A beautiful, shining, and full of volume hair is a head-turner and this is every woman's dream. A lot of women have thinning hair and so they are very much concerned with the condition.
Thinning hair can cause a lot of worry and even stress. On the onset of hair thinning, you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor so that the cause can be immediately identified and the hair loss problem can be addressed.
Each hair strand is a compacted and extruded dead cell so all the things that your body takes in will show in your hair's appearance. Your hair can easily reveal where you have been and the conditions there. Doctors and hair specialists use diagnostic tools to examine the quantity and quality of your hair.
The hair is divided into several phases that include the resting phase and the shedding phase. These two phases are the most prominent because when the hair stops growing, it is already considered in the resting phase and after some time, it will begin to shed. It's quite ordinary to lose some hair every day but if you notice excessive shedding and thinning of hair, you definitely need immediate professional medical help.
What are the causes of thinning and hair loss? These causes are responsible disrupting the hair cycle. Here are some of the causes which can occur individually or in combinations:
1. Stress both physical and emotional
2. androgen sensitivity and hormonal imbalance
3. genetic reasons
4. irregularities in the immune system
5. nutritional deficiencies
6. disorders of the thyroid gland
7. harsh treatments and allergies due to cosmetics
8. chemotherapy/radiation
9. blood loss, dental treatment, drugs, diseases, surgery, and scarring
Every day you go through your life and you often encounter certain problems and situations that cause stress. If you become stressed upon realizing that your hair is thinning, you will lose more hair. Another cause is hormonal imbalance. Because of the changes in hormone production (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, androgen), the body is affected and it is reflected by the thinning and losing of hair. Pattern baldness on the other hand runs in the family because of genetic reasons. If either of your parents experienced thinning and hair loss, you're bound to suffer form it too.
Nutritional deviancies can also contribute to hair loss. As said earlier, whatever you put inside your body will reflect on your hair. This would include the foods you eat. Try to eat a balanced diet and have regular exercise. This way, you can correct the functions of your immune system and the problem with your thyroid.
By consulting a doctor, you can identify if you have an underlying disease. Once the disease is treated, hair thinning will stop. If you're taking medications, inform your doctor about the condition so that he can give you alternative medicines.
The causes of thinning hair in women will help you better understand your condition. By consulting an expert or doctor, you will eventually bring back the volume, shine, and beauty of your hair. Nonetheless, you can always try to learn ways to style your thinning hair; just ask your hair stylist about it.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Finding a Hair Loss Solution
Hair is a part of your looking. Hair is made of a type of protein called keratin. A single hair consists of a hair shaft , a root below the skin, and a follicle, from which the hair root grows. Many cause of hair loss hormonal problems may cause hair loss. This hair loss usually can be helped by treatment thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Some medicines can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine. Certain infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners , medicines used for gout, medicines used in chemotherapy to treat cancer.
Psychological disorder in which people repeatedly pull their hair out, often leaving bald patches. Decrease in the size of ponytail is the main symptoms of hair loss. Alopecia areata baldness usually occurs in small, round, smooth patches. Common baldness" usually means male-pattern baldness. Male-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Medicines may also help slow or prevent the development of common baldness. One medicine, minoxidil is available without a prescription. It is applied to the scalp. Both men and women can use it. Another medicine, finasteride is available with a prescription. Eating a balanced, healthy diet is important for a lot of reasons, and it really benefits your hair.
Another medicine, finasteride (brand name: Propecia) is available with a prescription. Using baby shampoo, shampooing no more than once a day, and lathering gently. Don't rub your hair too vigorously with a towel. Hair transplants and scalp reduction surgery are available to treat androgenetic alopecia. Vitamin A works with Silica and Zinc to help produce sebum. Sebum is an important lubricant for the hair follicle. Roast beef is another source of Vitamin B-6 and Zinc. It's also a good source of protein. Almonds are good sources of vegetarian protein, Iron and Vitamin E. Oats are a good source of easily absorbable Iron as well. It's also a good source of Potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Fish is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B-6, Protein and essential fatty acids
Hair Loss Solution and prevention Tips
1. Vitamins, minerals and amino acids are a critical part of healthy hair and keeping that hair.
2. Biotin helps maintain blood sugar levels and helps in metabolizing carbs, proteins and fats.
3. Saw Palmetto is known to block the formation of the hormone DHT.
4. Rosemary rich in antitoxiants, an age old herbal remendy for healthy hair and encourages hair growth.
5. Almonds are good sources of vegetarian protein, Iron and Vitamin E.
6. Vitamin A works with Silica and Zinc to help produce sebum.
7. Eating a balanced, healthy diet is important for a lot of reasons ,it is benefits of hair.
Psychological disorder in which people repeatedly pull their hair out, often leaving bald patches. Decrease in the size of ponytail is the main symptoms of hair loss. Alopecia areata baldness usually occurs in small, round, smooth patches. Common baldness" usually means male-pattern baldness. Male-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Medicines may also help slow or prevent the development of common baldness. One medicine, minoxidil is available without a prescription. It is applied to the scalp. Both men and women can use it. Another medicine, finasteride is available with a prescription. Eating a balanced, healthy diet is important for a lot of reasons, and it really benefits your hair.
Another medicine, finasteride (brand name: Propecia) is available with a prescription. Using baby shampoo, shampooing no more than once a day, and lathering gently. Don't rub your hair too vigorously with a towel. Hair transplants and scalp reduction surgery are available to treat androgenetic alopecia. Vitamin A works with Silica and Zinc to help produce sebum. Sebum is an important lubricant for the hair follicle. Roast beef is another source of Vitamin B-6 and Zinc. It's also a good source of protein. Almonds are good sources of vegetarian protein, Iron and Vitamin E. Oats are a good source of easily absorbable Iron as well. It's also a good source of Potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Fish is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B-6, Protein and essential fatty acids
Hair Loss Solution and prevention Tips
1. Vitamins, minerals and amino acids are a critical part of healthy hair and keeping that hair.
2. Biotin helps maintain blood sugar levels and helps in metabolizing carbs, proteins and fats.
3. Saw Palmetto is known to block the formation of the hormone DHT.
4. Rosemary rich in antitoxiants, an age old herbal remendy for healthy hair and encourages hair growth.
5. Almonds are good sources of vegetarian protein, Iron and Vitamin E.
6. Vitamin A works with Silica and Zinc to help produce sebum.
7. Eating a balanced, healthy diet is important for a lot of reasons ,it is benefits of hair.
Split Ends
What we all know as split ends is actually trichoptlosis where the protective cuticle around the hair (especially at the ends) has been damaged or removed. When you have split ends, your hair does not look neat, clean or healthy. The ends either look "fuzzy" or they break off at different lengths along the hair shafts and give your hair a straggly appearance even when freshly washed and groomed.
Let's take a bit of a scientific look at split ends. Each strand of your hair is made up of 3 layers - the cuticle, the cortex, and the medula.
The medula is the core, made up of soft, coin-shaped cells stacked on top of each other.
The cortex surrounds the medula and is made up of spindle shaped cells which determine the color and texture of your hair.
The cuticle is the outer layer that consists of hard, round tubular cells that overlap and act as armour for the softer, more delicate cells that are inside your hair shaft.
Cellular Damage
When the cuticle becomes damaged, the overlapping cells will curl and your hair will look dull. Not only that, the softer cortex beneath these cells gets exposed, and that is when you get split ends or even some breakage.
Remedy
A head full of split ends is not attractive, so what can you do about it? Many years ago, people would actually burn split ends - a bit drastic and not recommended. There are products that are available on the market today that will actually fuse or glue the damaged pieces of your hair together, but that will only last until you wash your hair. Unfortunately, the only remedy for split ends is to cut them off.
Split ends should not be left unattended. The damaged ends need to be cut off before they travel further up the shafts of your hair and do more damage. Some splits can split right up the entire hair shaft or else the split ends themselves will actually split, leaving you with split split ends.
Causes
What causes hair to split like that? General abuse such as -
* a lot of heat (curling irons, blow driers)
* chemicals (chlorine, perms, straighteners, hair color)
* outside elements (extreme heat, extreme cold, wind)
* overbrushing (such as the old recommended 100 brush strokes per day)
* cutting with dull scissors (ouch)
* lack of regular haircuts
Prevention
You can take precautionary measures to avoid split ends such as -
* use a low pH shampoo
* use a leave in conditioner to avoid tangles and moisturize your hair
* after washing your hair, squeeze the water out and absorb the rest with a thick towel (rubbing will split the ends or even break hairs)
* gently comb out your wet hair with a wide-toothed comb (wet hair stretches and snaps more easily than dry hair)
* limit your use of styling products (such as gel, mousse hairspray) that could build up on your hair
* avoid or at least limit heat from curling irons, blow driers, etc.
* use fabric covered elastics or scrunchies rather than elastic bands
* trim your hair every 6 - 8 weeks
* cover up your hair with a hat when you need to be out in the sun for an extended period of time
* eat a healthy diet (protein, iron, vitamin C and vitamin E are essential for healthy hair)
If you treat your hair well with regular shampoong and trimming and take the mentioned precautionary measures, you shouldn't have to worry about split ends.
Let's take a bit of a scientific look at split ends. Each strand of your hair is made up of 3 layers - the cuticle, the cortex, and the medula.
The medula is the core, made up of soft, coin-shaped cells stacked on top of each other.
The cortex surrounds the medula and is made up of spindle shaped cells which determine the color and texture of your hair.
The cuticle is the outer layer that consists of hard, round tubular cells that overlap and act as armour for the softer, more delicate cells that are inside your hair shaft.
Cellular Damage
When the cuticle becomes damaged, the overlapping cells will curl and your hair will look dull. Not only that, the softer cortex beneath these cells gets exposed, and that is when you get split ends or even some breakage.
Remedy
A head full of split ends is not attractive, so what can you do about it? Many years ago, people would actually burn split ends - a bit drastic and not recommended. There are products that are available on the market today that will actually fuse or glue the damaged pieces of your hair together, but that will only last until you wash your hair. Unfortunately, the only remedy for split ends is to cut them off.
Split ends should not be left unattended. The damaged ends need to be cut off before they travel further up the shafts of your hair and do more damage. Some splits can split right up the entire hair shaft or else the split ends themselves will actually split, leaving you with split split ends.
Causes
What causes hair to split like that? General abuse such as -
* a lot of heat (curling irons, blow driers)
* chemicals (chlorine, perms, straighteners, hair color)
* outside elements (extreme heat, extreme cold, wind)
* overbrushing (such as the old recommended 100 brush strokes per day)
* cutting with dull scissors (ouch)
* lack of regular haircuts
Prevention
You can take precautionary measures to avoid split ends such as -
* use a low pH shampoo
* use a leave in conditioner to avoid tangles and moisturize your hair
* after washing your hair, squeeze the water out and absorb the rest with a thick towel (rubbing will split the ends or even break hairs)
* gently comb out your wet hair with a wide-toothed comb (wet hair stretches and snaps more easily than dry hair)
* limit your use of styling products (such as gel, mousse hairspray) that could build up on your hair
* avoid or at least limit heat from curling irons, blow driers, etc.
* use fabric covered elastics or scrunchies rather than elastic bands
* trim your hair every 6 - 8 weeks
* cover up your hair with a hat when you need to be out in the sun for an extended period of time
* eat a healthy diet (protein, iron, vitamin C and vitamin E are essential for healthy hair)
If you treat your hair well with regular shampoong and trimming and take the mentioned precautionary measures, you shouldn't have to worry about split ends.
Scissors-Over-Comb Technique
The scissors-over-comb technique, often used by barbers, is essential for many different cuts for men and women. This particular technique allows you to cut close to the head and follow the hairline. If you do it right, you end up with a softer look, but not a freshly shaved look like you get with clippers.
You will need to start with a head of freshly washed, damp hair. Cut the top ½ of the haircut, removing the bulk. Instructions for this can be found in The Beginner's Guide to Cutting Hair in chapter 11. After that is completed, you can move onto the lower ½ of the haircut. Here are some guidelines to help you:
* Starting at the hairline, lift a section of hair with your comb in your holding hand (left hand).
* Cut off the hair that sticks past the comb with your scissors (in your cutting hand). The lower blade (the stationary blade) must be parallel to your comb.
*Keep the blade of your scissors moving as you cut a section (one comb's worth) of hair. If you stop "mid cut", you can get little nick marks.
*Open and close the blades all the way so that most of the cutting is done with the center part of the blades rather than the tips. Cutting with the tips can result in choppy, uneven cuts.
* Try to do all the cutting work with your thumb(upper) blade rather than your lower (finger) blade. Your lower blade should stay as still as possible - that's why it's called the stationary blade.
* Cut the hair close to your comb but don't actually touch it (unless the style is very short). You could end up cutting into your comb and damaging your scissors.
* After you've cut the first section, lift some of the cut hair along with the next section you want to cut to act as your guide. Don't cut any of the hairs from your previous cut - they are just there to guide you.
* You must keep your comb at a consistent distance and angle from the scalp to get a smooth cut. This is especially difficult in curved or rounded areas such as the nape of the neck.
* Work your way around the bottom ½ of the haircut, lifting either vertical or diagonal sections. Avoid horizontal.
* Stand to one side as you do this technique, not directly in front of what you are cutting. This allows you to more easily see the angle of the comb and the amount of hair you are cutting.
* It helps to have long scissor blades for this technique. Shorter scissors can result in more unevenness as well as horizontal "steps" because your hand will be in the way.
This technique takes a lot of practice, but once you get it right, you'll be able to blend and cut very short hairstyles with a clean, even look.
You will need to start with a head of freshly washed, damp hair. Cut the top ½ of the haircut, removing the bulk. Instructions for this can be found in The Beginner's Guide to Cutting Hair in chapter 11. After that is completed, you can move onto the lower ½ of the haircut. Here are some guidelines to help you:
* Starting at the hairline, lift a section of hair with your comb in your holding hand (left hand).
* Cut off the hair that sticks past the comb with your scissors (in your cutting hand). The lower blade (the stationary blade) must be parallel to your comb.
*Keep the blade of your scissors moving as you cut a section (one comb's worth) of hair. If you stop "mid cut", you can get little nick marks.
*Open and close the blades all the way so that most of the cutting is done with the center part of the blades rather than the tips. Cutting with the tips can result in choppy, uneven cuts.
* Try to do all the cutting work with your thumb(upper) blade rather than your lower (finger) blade. Your lower blade should stay as still as possible - that's why it's called the stationary blade.
* Cut the hair close to your comb but don't actually touch it (unless the style is very short). You could end up cutting into your comb and damaging your scissors.
* After you've cut the first section, lift some of the cut hair along with the next section you want to cut to act as your guide. Don't cut any of the hairs from your previous cut - they are just there to guide you.
* You must keep your comb at a consistent distance and angle from the scalp to get a smooth cut. This is especially difficult in curved or rounded areas such as the nape of the neck.
* Work your way around the bottom ½ of the haircut, lifting either vertical or diagonal sections. Avoid horizontal.
* Stand to one side as you do this technique, not directly in front of what you are cutting. This allows you to more easily see the angle of the comb and the amount of hair you are cutting.
* It helps to have long scissor blades for this technique. Shorter scissors can result in more unevenness as well as horizontal "steps" because your hand will be in the way.
This technique takes a lot of practice, but once you get it right, you'll be able to blend and cut very short hairstyles with a clean, even look.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Permanent Hair Loss
Permanent hair loss is something that none of us wants to experience. Unfortunately, if you are genetically predetermined to experience it, there is little you can do, but there are things you can do to prevent it as long as possible.
Hormones
Once you reach the age that your hormones decide it's the time for the papillae (the part of the hair that creates new hair cells) to retire, there is nothing you can do about it. What actually happens is the male hormone, testosterone, builds up in the blood vessel going to the papilla (the factory for new hair cells) and blocks it. This makes it impossible for the necessary blood to reach the papilla and nourish it so it can produce more hair cells. How can this be avoided? By discontinuing the production of testosterone (via castration) or by administering a lot of estrogen (the female hormone). Neither option would be a consideration since estrogen will cause a man to develop breasts and to grow in the hip area - simply put - he will start to look like a woman.
Women vs. Men
The situation is a bit different for women than it is for men. Women naturally do not produce as much testosterone as men (only 25% of what men produce) and therefore it does not plague women as early as men. However, when women reach the age of menopause, their estrogen leverls go down, but their testosterone levels stay the same. This leads to some hair loss. Women can receive extra estrogen via hormone therapy, but there is the danger of cancer or blood clots that goes with it.
Those people who are genetically designed to lose their hair at a certain age can do nothing about their permanent hair loss, but there are some people who experience permanent hair loss due to constant abuse. They actually do it to themselves.
Abuse
The first type of abuse and the easiest to avoid is a filthy scalp. If you do not shampoo often enough, you will begin to get a buildup of dandruff, dirt, and oil. If left long enough and often enough on your scalp, this layer will actually create an airtight cap that will strangle your hair follicles. Your hair on your scalp needs to breathe, so if you choke it with an airtight layer, you will kill your hair cells. It's very easy to avoid this - just shampoo your hair regularly to keep it clean and healthy.
The second type of abuse is continuously bending your hair right at the follicle, going against the natural growth pattern of your hair. Think of the mystical Japanese geisha who always wore their hair pulled up and back. After several years, they would have to camouflage bald spots on their heads. Some women who wear ponytails for many years have experienced this too. Even though hair loss with this type of abuse is usually temporary, it can end up being permanent. By wearing your hair pulled straight back on a regular basis, you are putting constant pressure right at the root of the hair and you are making it difficult for the papillae (the factory for new hair cells) to do their job.
The third type of abuse to your hair that can cause permanent hair loss is the lack of nutrients that your hair needs to thrive. Protein is essential for hair growth. If you see pictures of malnourished people, you'll notice their thin, sickly looking hair. Although a lack of protein can be the cause of just temporary hair loss, it can lead to being a permanent loss.
Iron is also important for hair growth because it increases the amount of oxygen in your blood. Since your hair needs oxygen to live and grow, iron is important for healthy hair. Vitamin E is a great help for your circulatory system, vitamin C for the skin on your scalp, and vitamin B for hair growth. Now I'm not suggesting that you take specific supplements or else your hair won't grow, but eat a healthy diet and shampoo regulartly to make your hair the best it can be.
Hormones
Once you reach the age that your hormones decide it's the time for the papillae (the part of the hair that creates new hair cells) to retire, there is nothing you can do about it. What actually happens is the male hormone, testosterone, builds up in the blood vessel going to the papilla (the factory for new hair cells) and blocks it. This makes it impossible for the necessary blood to reach the papilla and nourish it so it can produce more hair cells. How can this be avoided? By discontinuing the production of testosterone (via castration) or by administering a lot of estrogen (the female hormone). Neither option would be a consideration since estrogen will cause a man to develop breasts and to grow in the hip area - simply put - he will start to look like a woman.
Women vs. Men
The situation is a bit different for women than it is for men. Women naturally do not produce as much testosterone as men (only 25% of what men produce) and therefore it does not plague women as early as men. However, when women reach the age of menopause, their estrogen leverls go down, but their testosterone levels stay the same. This leads to some hair loss. Women can receive extra estrogen via hormone therapy, but there is the danger of cancer or blood clots that goes with it.
Those people who are genetically designed to lose their hair at a certain age can do nothing about their permanent hair loss, but there are some people who experience permanent hair loss due to constant abuse. They actually do it to themselves.
Abuse
The first type of abuse and the easiest to avoid is a filthy scalp. If you do not shampoo often enough, you will begin to get a buildup of dandruff, dirt, and oil. If left long enough and often enough on your scalp, this layer will actually create an airtight cap that will strangle your hair follicles. Your hair on your scalp needs to breathe, so if you choke it with an airtight layer, you will kill your hair cells. It's very easy to avoid this - just shampoo your hair regularly to keep it clean and healthy.
The second type of abuse is continuously bending your hair right at the follicle, going against the natural growth pattern of your hair. Think of the mystical Japanese geisha who always wore their hair pulled up and back. After several years, they would have to camouflage bald spots on their heads. Some women who wear ponytails for many years have experienced this too. Even though hair loss with this type of abuse is usually temporary, it can end up being permanent. By wearing your hair pulled straight back on a regular basis, you are putting constant pressure right at the root of the hair and you are making it difficult for the papillae (the factory for new hair cells) to do their job.
The third type of abuse to your hair that can cause permanent hair loss is the lack of nutrients that your hair needs to thrive. Protein is essential for hair growth. If you see pictures of malnourished people, you'll notice their thin, sickly looking hair. Although a lack of protein can be the cause of just temporary hair loss, it can lead to being a permanent loss.
Iron is also important for hair growth because it increases the amount of oxygen in your blood. Since your hair needs oxygen to live and grow, iron is important for healthy hair. Vitamin E is a great help for your circulatory system, vitamin C for the skin on your scalp, and vitamin B for hair growth. Now I'm not suggesting that you take specific supplements or else your hair won't grow, but eat a healthy diet and shampoo regulartly to make your hair the best it can be.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Female Balding: The Causes and the Solutions
As a woman, you are very lucky as you have hormones that are naturally produced by your body that can protect your from hair loss. However, there are some women who are susceptible to hair loss because her hormonal pattern changes. You may not know it but today, there are quite a lot of women who experiences hair thinning even before they reach their menopausal age. You have to remember that there are underlying factors that can contribute to female balding that you have to know about in order for you to know how to prevent it from happening to you.
The most common types of female hair loss are temporary hair loss that is mainly caused by taking contraceptive pills. You have to remember that birth control or contraceptive pills can cause an imbalance in your hormones. So, if you are taking birth control pills, it is very likely that you will experience hair loss. Women who recently gave birth can also experience hair loss because it can also cause hormonal imbalance. If you experience hair loss because of these situations, then you don't need to worry about anything. After a few months of giving birth and after you stop taking birth control pills, you will see that the volume of your hair will be restored to normal.
Hair loss can also occur because of illnesses, such as diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. By maintaining your glucose levels to normal and by eating the right kinds of food as well as getting your hyperthyroidism treated, you will see that your hair will be maintained to its original volume.
Women who wear their hair in a tight style are also susceptible to hair loss. Before it's too late and before it leaves scars on your scalp, change the way you wear your hair. It is also recommended that you should never get your hair dyed often as this can damage the hair as well as the roots causing it to die.
Genetic factors can also cause hair loss. If you have parents and grandparents who suffers from hair loss, then it is very likely that you will also suffer from this condition.
Another cause of hair loss is a condition called alopecia areata. In this condition, the body's autoimmune system will attack the hair follicles causing it to die. When this happens, you will have patches baldness or thin hair in different areas of your head. This happens because of a virus and in most cases the hair will recover after a year or so. There are rare cases where women experiences severe form of this condition that can cause permanent and total hair loss.
As you can see, there are quite a lot of causes of hair loss in women. If you are one of the many women who have thinning hair prematurely, you might want to consult your doctor or dermatologist about it. By doing this, you will be able to know the cause of hair loss and also know about what you can do about it.
Female balding is not really an entirely new condition. Always remember that maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding abusing your hair by ironing it and dyeing it often will be able to help in maintaining a normal and healthy hair. Remember these things and you can be sure that you will be able to know how you can prevent hair loss from happening to you.
The most common types of female hair loss are temporary hair loss that is mainly caused by taking contraceptive pills. You have to remember that birth control or contraceptive pills can cause an imbalance in your hormones. So, if you are taking birth control pills, it is very likely that you will experience hair loss. Women who recently gave birth can also experience hair loss because it can also cause hormonal imbalance. If you experience hair loss because of these situations, then you don't need to worry about anything. After a few months of giving birth and after you stop taking birth control pills, you will see that the volume of your hair will be restored to normal.
Hair loss can also occur because of illnesses, such as diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. By maintaining your glucose levels to normal and by eating the right kinds of food as well as getting your hyperthyroidism treated, you will see that your hair will be maintained to its original volume.
Women who wear their hair in a tight style are also susceptible to hair loss. Before it's too late and before it leaves scars on your scalp, change the way you wear your hair. It is also recommended that you should never get your hair dyed often as this can damage the hair as well as the roots causing it to die.
Genetic factors can also cause hair loss. If you have parents and grandparents who suffers from hair loss, then it is very likely that you will also suffer from this condition.
Another cause of hair loss is a condition called alopecia areata. In this condition, the body's autoimmune system will attack the hair follicles causing it to die. When this happens, you will have patches baldness or thin hair in different areas of your head. This happens because of a virus and in most cases the hair will recover after a year or so. There are rare cases where women experiences severe form of this condition that can cause permanent and total hair loss.
As you can see, there are quite a lot of causes of hair loss in women. If you are one of the many women who have thinning hair prematurely, you might want to consult your doctor or dermatologist about it. By doing this, you will be able to know the cause of hair loss and also know about what you can do about it.
Female balding is not really an entirely new condition. Always remember that maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding abusing your hair by ironing it and dyeing it often will be able to help in maintaining a normal and healthy hair. Remember these things and you can be sure that you will be able to know how you can prevent hair loss from happening to you.
Alopecia Areata: What Treatments Are Available?
There are two main forms of this condition which vary by the extent of hair loss and require different types of alopecia areata treatment. The mild form is where less than 50% of the hair is lost from thinning patches on the scalp and the more severe condition where more than 50% up to 100% of the hair is lost.
When diagnosing alopecia areata it is useful to have some background information about the disease. Alopecia areata is known as an autoimmune condition that can be highly unpredictable and which affects about 1.7 % of the population. The body's white blood cells attack the hair follicles resulting in a stop in growth. It usually starts with one or two small round bald patches on the scalp, but can develop into a complete loss of hair, both on the scalp (alopecia totalis) and body (alopecia universalis). It is not known what triggers such attacks, whether the trigger comes from within, or from outside such as in the form of a virus.
Recent research seems to show that some people have genetic markers that increase both their susceptibility to the condition and to its severity. One in five people with the condition will have a relative who is also affected. This is especially true in those who develop the condition before the age of 30. It is more common in families whose members also have conditions such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, thyroid disease, Addison's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, vitiligo, Addison's disease or pernicious anaemia.
The condition occurs in people of all ages and races and can have huge psychological effects which are exacerbated by the fact that the public at large do no generally understand this condition. It is sudden in onset and can recur from time to time quite unpredictably.
There is no known cure for alopecia areata and hair loss is a side effect of the underlying disease. Current alopecia areata treatments therefore work by extensive stimulation of the hair follicles which needs to be continued for the duration of the disease.
The mild form of the disease is easier to treat and the most common form of treatment is to have monthly cortisone injections, injected directly into the bare scalp. These are usually quite painless giving a slight tingling sensation and have very few side effects such as minor skin depressions. This alopecia areata treatment is usually complimented with higher strength 5% topical minoxidil solution applied twice daily. Cortisone cream is sometimes used in combination with minoxidil for improved response and applied 30 minutes after the minoxidil application.
Another effective treatment is anthralin cream or ointment, a synthetic, tar-like substance widely used for psoriasis treatment. It is applied to the bare scalp once daily and as it can be a skin irritant is usually only left on for 30-60 minute periods then washed off. Successful treatments can stimulate new hair growth in eight to twelve weeks.
Extensive alopecia areata is much more difficult to treat and local injections of cortisone into the scalp are not that effective. In some cases cortisone pills are prescribed, these have a more powerful effect but there is a greater risk of side effects with extended use. In general they are not widely prescribed apart from to young healthy adults who may have higher tolerance levels for the drug. Topical minoxidil at 5% strength is still the most common alopecia areata treatment and effective even for extensive alopecia areata. Another method that is used frequently in Canada and Europe is known as topical immunotherapy. This uses the chemicals diphencyprone (DPCP) or squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) to induce an allergic rash in the scalp. To date topical immunotherapy has been show to be the most effective treatment for alopecia areata with 40% of patients regrowing hair after six months of treatment.
Sufferers of alopecia areata should not give up hope of a cure as there are many ongoing research projects are currently being undertaken. Some of the most promising involve gene therapy, stem cells research and hair follicle development and new alopecia areata treatments will continue to be made available.
When diagnosing alopecia areata it is useful to have some background information about the disease. Alopecia areata is known as an autoimmune condition that can be highly unpredictable and which affects about 1.7 % of the population. The body's white blood cells attack the hair follicles resulting in a stop in growth. It usually starts with one or two small round bald patches on the scalp, but can develop into a complete loss of hair, both on the scalp (alopecia totalis) and body (alopecia universalis). It is not known what triggers such attacks, whether the trigger comes from within, or from outside such as in the form of a virus.
Recent research seems to show that some people have genetic markers that increase both their susceptibility to the condition and to its severity. One in five people with the condition will have a relative who is also affected. This is especially true in those who develop the condition before the age of 30. It is more common in families whose members also have conditions such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, thyroid disease, Addison's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, vitiligo, Addison's disease or pernicious anaemia.
The condition occurs in people of all ages and races and can have huge psychological effects which are exacerbated by the fact that the public at large do no generally understand this condition. It is sudden in onset and can recur from time to time quite unpredictably.
There is no known cure for alopecia areata and hair loss is a side effect of the underlying disease. Current alopecia areata treatments therefore work by extensive stimulation of the hair follicles which needs to be continued for the duration of the disease.
The mild form of the disease is easier to treat and the most common form of treatment is to have monthly cortisone injections, injected directly into the bare scalp. These are usually quite painless giving a slight tingling sensation and have very few side effects such as minor skin depressions. This alopecia areata treatment is usually complimented with higher strength 5% topical minoxidil solution applied twice daily. Cortisone cream is sometimes used in combination with minoxidil for improved response and applied 30 minutes after the minoxidil application.
Another effective treatment is anthralin cream or ointment, a synthetic, tar-like substance widely used for psoriasis treatment. It is applied to the bare scalp once daily and as it can be a skin irritant is usually only left on for 30-60 minute periods then washed off. Successful treatments can stimulate new hair growth in eight to twelve weeks.
Extensive alopecia areata is much more difficult to treat and local injections of cortisone into the scalp are not that effective. In some cases cortisone pills are prescribed, these have a more powerful effect but there is a greater risk of side effects with extended use. In general they are not widely prescribed apart from to young healthy adults who may have higher tolerance levels for the drug. Topical minoxidil at 5% strength is still the most common alopecia areata treatment and effective even for extensive alopecia areata. Another method that is used frequently in Canada and Europe is known as topical immunotherapy. This uses the chemicals diphencyprone (DPCP) or squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) to induce an allergic rash in the scalp. To date topical immunotherapy has been show to be the most effective treatment for alopecia areata with 40% of patients regrowing hair after six months of treatment.
Sufferers of alopecia areata should not give up hope of a cure as there are many ongoing research projects are currently being undertaken. Some of the most promising involve gene therapy, stem cells research and hair follicle development and new alopecia areata treatments will continue to be made available.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
What you can do about Hair Loss
Hair loss also called is Baldness. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp and can be the result of heredity, certain medications or an underlying medical condition. The causes many hair loss. Hormonal problems may cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, your hair may fall out. This hair loss usually can be helped by treatment thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Some medicines can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine. Certain infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. The infection is easily treated with antifungal medicines.
Poor eating can contribute to hair loss. Baldness can be caused by emotional stress. Certain infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. Alopecia areata skin disease causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes elsewhere on the body. It affects 1.7% of the population, including more than 4 million people in the United States. Japanese men develop baldness less commonly than whites do. The effectiveness of medications used to treat alopecia depends on the cause of hair loss. Medicines may also help slow or prevent baldness. One medicine, minoxidil is available without a prescription. It is applied to the scalp. Injections of cortisone into the scalp can treat alopecia areata.
Regular aerobic exercise can help keep androgen levels naturally lower while maintaining overall health, lowering stress and increasing shbg. Anthralin is a synthetic, tarry substance that you apply to your scalp and wash off daily. It's typically used to treat psoriasis. Treatment of alopecia areata may require topical or injectable steroids or ultraviolet light. Beta sitosterol, which is a constituent in many seed oils, can help to treat BHP by lowering cholesterol. Surgery is another method of reversing hair loss and baldness, although it may be considered an extreme measure. The surgical methods used include hair transplantation. Particular unsaturated fatty acids such as gamma linolenic acid are 5 alpha reductase inhibitors if taken internally.
Hair Loss remedies Treatment Tips
1. Seeds of lime and black pepper ground together to a fine paste helps treat patchy baldness.
2. Tricomin constitutes powerful copper peptides which facilitate in promoting healthy hair follicles.
3. The juice of kanta karika mixed with honey applied to the head acts as a hair tonic.
4. Choose natural and lightly processed foods as often as possible.
5. High stress levels may diminish nutrients in your body.
6. Beat 1 egg white until foamy. Add to 6 tablespoons plain natural yogurt.
7. Eat adequate amounts of protein.
Poor eating can contribute to hair loss. Baldness can be caused by emotional stress. Certain infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. Alopecia areata skin disease causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes elsewhere on the body. It affects 1.7% of the population, including more than 4 million people in the United States. Japanese men develop baldness less commonly than whites do. The effectiveness of medications used to treat alopecia depends on the cause of hair loss. Medicines may also help slow or prevent baldness. One medicine, minoxidil is available without a prescription. It is applied to the scalp. Injections of cortisone into the scalp can treat alopecia areata.
Regular aerobic exercise can help keep androgen levels naturally lower while maintaining overall health, lowering stress and increasing shbg. Anthralin is a synthetic, tarry substance that you apply to your scalp and wash off daily. It's typically used to treat psoriasis. Treatment of alopecia areata may require topical or injectable steroids or ultraviolet light. Beta sitosterol, which is a constituent in many seed oils, can help to treat BHP by lowering cholesterol. Surgery is another method of reversing hair loss and baldness, although it may be considered an extreme measure. The surgical methods used include hair transplantation. Particular unsaturated fatty acids such as gamma linolenic acid are 5 alpha reductase inhibitors if taken internally.
Hair Loss remedies Treatment Tips
1. Seeds of lime and black pepper ground together to a fine paste helps treat patchy baldness.
2. Tricomin constitutes powerful copper peptides which facilitate in promoting healthy hair follicles.
3. The juice of kanta karika mixed with honey applied to the head acts as a hair tonic.
4. Choose natural and lightly processed foods as often as possible.
5. High stress levels may diminish nutrients in your body.
6. Beat 1 egg white until foamy. Add to 6 tablespoons plain natural yogurt.
7. Eat adequate amounts of protein.
Seven things about Laser Hair Removal.
FDA approved since 1995, Laser Hair Removal has improved the quality of life of thousands, especially female with male pattern hair growth. Removal of unwanted hair by laser is a major advance over treatment such as electrolysis.It has brought hope to several individuals with hair growth in areas where they cause embarrassment. There are certain things you should know about this form of treatment. Some are listed below.
1. What is Laser Hair Removal? It is a laser beam targeted at the hair follicle. The high intensity ray of light gives off heat energy. The laser tracts along the hair shaft, heating it and leading to thermal damage to the follicle while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the concentration of melanin in the hair. It is more effective in dark hair, less effective in brown or ginger hair and will not work on white, grey or platinum blonde hair. As the laser travels along the hair shaft, there must be hair present. It is, therefore, not recommended to pluck unwanted hair before treatment. Similarly since laser hair removal works on the melanin level, dark skin or tanned skin need special treatment.
2. Cost depends on the size of the area that needs treatment. The larger the area, the greater the cost. In the USA, the average cost per session is $450 and in the UK, the cost may vary from £45 to £450. Treatment may be for several sessions in a year because hair will re-grow. The re-growth, however, will be slower and the hair thinner. Mr. David Gault, Plastic Surgeon, reported 80% reduction of upper lip hair growth after 6 months.
3. What you should find out: Make sure you know as much as you can about Laser Hair Removal. Choose a clinic that offers free consultation so that you can assess suitability and what is on offer. Find out before hand how much it will cost you. Make sure you know whether a medical practitioner will be on the premises during your treatment. Check that your assigned therapist is suitably qualified and experienced.
4. How safe: Laser is a pure high beam light. It does not cause cancer. It only penetrates up to the dermis of the skin. It is dangerous to the eyesight. You will probably use goggles to protect your eyes during treatment. The skin can be darkened by laser because of the melanin concentration. Too much exposure can leave the skin with paler patches that slowly fades away. Over heating can cause blistering and rarely scarring especially in darker skin and people with recent tans. The paler you are before treatment the safer and better the treatment.
You should not have laser hair removal if you are sensitive to light or have any infection on the area to be treated. You should not have treatment if you had isotretinoin as acne treatment in the last year.
5. Is Hair removal permanent? Laser hair removal and electrolysis are considered the only permanent hair removal treatment. Although laser hair treatment is promoted as permanent by the industry, this is not strictly the case. It cannot stop the unwanted hair from re-growing. It will, however, slow the re-growth so that it can take several months or years. The re-growth will consist of thinner hair.
6. What happens during treatment? Depending on the types of laser beam system and the area to be treated, you may be required to wear goggles. Laser hair removal treatment can cause stinging or the area may tingle. The time taken for a session depends on the size of the area and can last between 15 and 45 minutes. The area concerned will be treated approximately once a month for between two and eight months. Not all lasers are the same and results may vary with different systems. Before you embark on Laser hair removal, make sure you do your homework.
7. What types of Laser Hair Removal are available? There are various types available. The Ruby Laser is the oldest. It is not suitable for dark skinned or tanned people and only covers a small area. The Alexandrite Laser is the fastest laser available. It is used on light to olive complexion. It is the most popular type because it can cover large areas of the body. The Diode Laser works better for dark skin and is not as effective in lighter skin. It is fast and covers large areas during treatment. The Long Pulse Nd:Yag Laser can be used on all skin types. It is fast and covers large areas. Patients, however, tend to experience more discomfort during treatment. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is not really Laser but will have the same effect as laser on the hair follicles. It is more difficult to use and needs greater skill.
1. What is Laser Hair Removal? It is a laser beam targeted at the hair follicle. The high intensity ray of light gives off heat energy. The laser tracts along the hair shaft, heating it and leading to thermal damage to the follicle while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the concentration of melanin in the hair. It is more effective in dark hair, less effective in brown or ginger hair and will not work on white, grey or platinum blonde hair. As the laser travels along the hair shaft, there must be hair present. It is, therefore, not recommended to pluck unwanted hair before treatment. Similarly since laser hair removal works on the melanin level, dark skin or tanned skin need special treatment.
2. Cost depends on the size of the area that needs treatment. The larger the area, the greater the cost. In the USA, the average cost per session is $450 and in the UK, the cost may vary from £45 to £450. Treatment may be for several sessions in a year because hair will re-grow. The re-growth, however, will be slower and the hair thinner. Mr. David Gault, Plastic Surgeon, reported 80% reduction of upper lip hair growth after 6 months.
3. What you should find out: Make sure you know as much as you can about Laser Hair Removal. Choose a clinic that offers free consultation so that you can assess suitability and what is on offer. Find out before hand how much it will cost you. Make sure you know whether a medical practitioner will be on the premises during your treatment. Check that your assigned therapist is suitably qualified and experienced.
4. How safe: Laser is a pure high beam light. It does not cause cancer. It only penetrates up to the dermis of the skin. It is dangerous to the eyesight. You will probably use goggles to protect your eyes during treatment. The skin can be darkened by laser because of the melanin concentration. Too much exposure can leave the skin with paler patches that slowly fades away. Over heating can cause blistering and rarely scarring especially in darker skin and people with recent tans. The paler you are before treatment the safer and better the treatment.
You should not have laser hair removal if you are sensitive to light or have any infection on the area to be treated. You should not have treatment if you had isotretinoin as acne treatment in the last year.
5. Is Hair removal permanent? Laser hair removal and electrolysis are considered the only permanent hair removal treatment. Although laser hair treatment is promoted as permanent by the industry, this is not strictly the case. It cannot stop the unwanted hair from re-growing. It will, however, slow the re-growth so that it can take several months or years. The re-growth will consist of thinner hair.
6. What happens during treatment? Depending on the types of laser beam system and the area to be treated, you may be required to wear goggles. Laser hair removal treatment can cause stinging or the area may tingle. The time taken for a session depends on the size of the area and can last between 15 and 45 minutes. The area concerned will be treated approximately once a month for between two and eight months. Not all lasers are the same and results may vary with different systems. Before you embark on Laser hair removal, make sure you do your homework.
7. What types of Laser Hair Removal are available? There are various types available. The Ruby Laser is the oldest. It is not suitable for dark skinned or tanned people and only covers a small area. The Alexandrite Laser is the fastest laser available. It is used on light to olive complexion. It is the most popular type because it can cover large areas of the body. The Diode Laser works better for dark skin and is not as effective in lighter skin. It is fast and covers large areas during treatment. The Long Pulse Nd:Yag Laser can be used on all skin types. It is fast and covers large areas. Patients, however, tend to experience more discomfort during treatment. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is not really Laser but will have the same effect as laser on the hair follicles. It is more difficult to use and needs greater skill.
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