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Three Female Hair Loss Remedy Solutions

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

March 31st, 2010 ClipHairExtensions No comments

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

March 31st, 2010 ClipHairExtensions No comments

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

March 30th, 2010 ClipHairExtensions No comments

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 27th, 2010 ClipHairExtensions 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 ClipHairExtensions 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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What Causes Hair Loss ? What Can I Do?

March 26th, 2010 ClipHairExtensions No comments

It is normal to lose between 50-100 hairs a day, this is part of the hair renewal process. However most people suffer from excessive hair loss at one time in their life. There are many reasons for this including medication, radiation, chemotherapy, exposure to chemicals, hormonal and nutritional factors, thyroid disease, generalized or local skin disease, and stress.

Many of these causes are temporary and a few are permanent. These are some of the more common reason for hair loss.

HORMONAL BEHAVIOUR

Since hormones both stimulate hair growth and cause hair loss, hormonal changes by far have the biggest impact on hair loss. These can affect both men and women in the following ways:

This is the most common cause of thinning and affects both men and women. Men generally have hair loss concentrated in a specific pattern from the front through to the crown. Women tend to have thinning throughout their head without being in any specific pattern. This type of hair loss is caused by the androgen DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone. Since everyone has DHT that is produced by their bodies and only some people suffer from hair loss there has to be another factor involved. This other factor is having follicles that have a greater number of Androgen receptors for the DHT to attach to. This is the component that is inherited through the genes. To date the most effective preventative treatments are anti androgens, drugs that prevent the creation of DHT. In the future gene therapy will one day be able to alter the genes to prevent the follicles from being affected by DHT.

Childbirth

After pregnancy many women experience a loss of hair, this is caused many hair simultaneously entering the resting (telogen) phase. Within two to three months after giving birth, some women will notice large amounts of hair coming out in their brushes and combs. This can last one to six months, but resolves completely in most cases. This condition is caused by the hormonal changes that take place after a woman’s body recovers from her pregnancy.

Birth control pills

Women who have a genetic predisposition to suffer from Androgenic Alopecia can have it occur at a much younger age by taking birth control pills. The hormonal changes that occur trigger the onset of the Androgenic Alopecia. If a woman has a history of female pattern loss in her family she should advise her doctor before going on the pill. After the discontinuation of the pill the woman may notice that her hair begins shedding two or three months later. This may continue for six months when it usually stops. In some cases the process cannot be reversed and the woman may not regrow some of the hair that was lost.

DISEASE OR ILLNESS INFLUENCES

Since the follicle is a very sensitive it does respond to imbalances in the body. Most hair loss causes by disease or illness is temporary and resolves itself after the body has returned to a healthy condition.

High fever, severe infection, severe flu

Sometimes one to three months after a high fever, severe infection or flu, a person may experience hair loss, this is usually temporary and corrects itself.

Thyroid disease.

Both an overactive thyroid and an underactive thyroid can cause hair loss. Thyroid disease can be diagnosed by your physician with laboratory tests. Hair loss associated with thyroid disease can be reversed with proper treatment.

Deficient diet

Some people who go on low protein diets, or have severely abnormal eating habits, may develop protein malnutrition. To help save protein the body shifts growing hair into the resting phase. If this happens massive amounts of hair shedding can occur two to three months later. A sign of this is if the hair can be pulled out by the roots fairly easily. This condition can be reversed and prevented by eating the proper amount of protein. Its very important when dieting to maintain an adequate protein intake.

Medications

Some prescription drugs may cause temporary hair shedding in a small percentage of people. Examples of such drugs include some of the medicines used for the following: gout, arthritis, depression, heart problems, high blood pressure, or blood thinner. High doses of vitamin A may also cause hair shedding.

Cancer treatments.

Chemotherapy and radiation treatment will cause hair loss because it stops hair cells from dividing. Hairs become thin and break off as they exit the scalp. This occurs one to three weeks after the treatment. Patients can lose up to 90 percent of their scalp hair. The hair will regrow after treatment ends and patients may want to get wigs before treatment. There are some drugs in development to help prevent this hair loss from occurring.

Low serum iron

Iron deficiency occasionally produces hair loss. Some people don’t have enough iron in their diets or may not fully absorb iron in their diets. Women who have heavy menstrual periods may develop iron deficiency. Low iron can be detected by laboratory tests and can be corrected by taking iron pills.

Major surgery/chronic illness

Anyone who has a major operation – a tremendous shock to the system – may notice increased hair shedding within one to three months afterwards. The condition reverses itself within a few months but people who have a severe chronic illness may shed hair indefinitely. A relatively unknown fact is that hair transplantation surgery can actually cause additional hair loss or “shock fallout”. Hairs lost from shock fallout usually don’t regrow.

Alopecia Areata

This type of hair loss is believed to be caused by the immune system reacting to hair follicles as if they were antibodies and shutting them down. The hair loss is usually limited to a coin sized area and all the hair in the area is lost leaving a totally smooth round patch. In a more severe rarer condition called Alopecia Totalis, all hair on the entire body is lost, including the eyelashes. Treatments include topical medications, a special kind of light treatment, or in some cases drugs.

Fungus Infection (Ringworm) of the scalp

Caused by a fungus infection, ringworm (which has nothing to do with worms) begins with small patches of scaling that can spread and result in broken hair, redness, swelling, and even oozing. This contagious disease is most common in children and oral medication will cure it.

Stress

Stress can cause hair loss is some people. Usually it occurs 3 months after the stressful event has occured and it may take 3 months after the stress period has ended for the hair growth to resume. In most cases it is temporary if the person is not predisposed to genetic or Androgenic Alopecia, if they are stress may trigger the onset of genetic hair loss or may worsen existing Androgenic hair loss.

MECHANICAL DAMAGE CAUSES HAIR LOSS

Damage to the hair can be self inflicted either by intentional or unintentional means. Some people going through stress continuously pull at their hair until it comes out. Styling hair by bleaching, braiding and straightening can also cause damage and results in hair being lost.

Trichotillomania or Hair Pulling

Some children and less often adults play with their hair by pulling on it or twisting it. This can be part of a behavioral problem or a bad habit that is often done unconsciously. If the behavior is not stopped permanent hair loss can result from the constant stress on the hair. Its best to seek the help of a mental health professional to solve this problem.

Hair Styling Treatments

Many people change the appearance of their hair by using chemical treatments like dyes, tints, bleaches, straighteners, relaxers and permanent waves. If correctly done and done using reputable products, its rare to have any damage. However, hair can become weak and break if any of these chemicals are used too often. Hair can also break if the solution is left on too long, if two procedures are done on the same day, or if bleach is applied to previously bleached hair. Some chemical relaxers do contain powerful chemicals and there have been instances of people get chemical burns from these products resulting in permanent hair loss. Only go to qualified hair stylists and if doing it yourself make sure you only use reputable products and follow the product directions.

Hair Braids/Weaves

Many black women and some black men braid their hair or wear hair weaves. Under normal conditions these cause no problems. However if the weave is attached too tight or the braids are wrapped too tight, they put a constant strain on the hair follicle. If this is done for an extended period of time permanent hair loss can result. This is known as Traction Alopecia and is fairly common among people who braid or weave their hair. Make sure the person applying the braids or weave is qualified to do so and don’t wear braids or weaves continuously for extended periods of time.

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Biotin Hair Loss – Is This the Wonder Vitamin For Your Hair?

March 11th, 2010 ClipHairExtensions No comments

When you are dealing with hair loss, we understand just how frustrating this issue can be. Many individuals throughout the world are losing their hair. Losing hair is caused by a number of different things including stress, hormones and medications that are consumed. Biotin is an important factor to look into when you are dealing with this problem.

For those of you that do not know, biotin is a primarily component of the B vitamin. In order to get those optimal results, individuals that go through treatment with Minoxidil and other medications for hair loss will need some type of added supplementation that has biotin in it. Let us continue this article by telling you about biotin hair loss.

Did you know that primarily, biotin makes up your nails and hair? You see, this is a vitamin that is not made within the human body. Instead, you will be receiving this vitamin when you consume foods such as egg yolk, nuts (especially walnuts), brown rice, soybeans and green peas.

Proteins bind easily. When this happens, it will fail to go to the destination of the hair and will increase the loss of your hair. It would be best if you stay away from raw eggs as well as any protein powders you may be consuming.

There is good news though, because you can get biotin to your hair in a number of different ways. This includes both injections and ingestion. You could turn to shampoos that are rich in biotin.

When you do this, you will get virtually the same ending results as you would if you consumed biotin orally. Again, many individuals do not realize how important biotin hair loss is.

When you add biotin to your hair two times a day, you will be helping and preventing hair loss. This is a water soluble vitamin, so it is going to be excreted. It acts as a cofactor for four different carboxylases. It is also needed for cell growth, the metabolism of fats and the production of fatty acids. We hope this article helped you to understand biotin hair loss.