Discuss – Using coconut milk on the scalp once in a week will also help in preventing hair loss and also keep the hair healthy and glowing.
Note-This content only presents overviews of hair loss prevention research for educational purposes and does not
replace medical advice from a professional physician.
The best start to preventing hair loss is understanding the basics of hair: what it is, how it grows, what system malfunctions can cause it to stop growing.
Most common hair loss comes under what has been commonly known as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). Although referred to as MPB, females suffer a similar syndrome, so it is more properly called androgenetic alopecia. Although hair loss
is not life or health threatening, it can cause serious
problems with a person”��s psyche and self-confidence.
There has been no absolute cure found for hair loss, and many factors of hair loss are hereditary, however there are
several preventative measures one can take to maintain
healthy hair and scalp.
Discuss – Medical treatments like Rogaine. Rogaine is one of only two FDA approved hair loss treatments and it remains the only one approved for use by women.
Although both men and women can suffer significant hair loss, over 50% of men will suffer with Male Pattern Baldness (MPB), also known as androgenetic alopecia, at
some point in their lives. The reason behind hair loss is a genetically inherited sensitivity to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5-alpha-reductase. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone, a male hormone, to DHT, the
substance identified as the end-cause for hair loss.
Hair loss has been noticed and studied throughout the ages,
and some interesting discoveries were made in ancient
times. For one it was noticed that eunuchs: those males
without genitals-never went bald. Men who were castrated as
a result of accidents in battle also never went bald. This
was the first indication that testosterone had something to
do with hair loss. It has also been found that the more
recessive the hair gene, the more propensity toward
baldness one has.
Some common myths have arisen concerning hair loss. Because of medical advancements many of these myths are being addressed and corrected. For starters, although
androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness is genetic and
therefore can be hereditary, it is not passed down through
only your mother”��s side of the family. Either side of the
family can pass down the genetic disposition toward
baldness. Also, contrary to old family tales, wearing hats
does not cause baldness either.
Discuss – Use of some medicines also results in hair loss and this type of hair loss may be temporary or permanent. Some of the medicines that results in hair loss are anticoagulants, gout medicines, birth control pills, excessive use of vitamin A and antidepressants.
Beyond the genetic propensity of certain people toward hair loss, there seems to be various dietary triggers that activate the process, a notion that is promising since this
can be controlled.
The effects of high-fat diets and the increase of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a chemical produced by the body found to cause hair loss, is not conclusive at this time.
However, there does seem to be a connection; as societies that consumed relatively low-fat diets such as pre-World War II Japan experienced almost no pattern baldness, whereas in post-World War II Japan there is an increase in
pattern baldness as their society consumes a higher fat
diet.
In fact, Asian and African men in their native
countries traditionally suffer very little Male Pattern
Baldness (MPB). Although when the same peoples come to
North America, they begin to develop MPB.
Discuss – Propecia � For a good reason, Propecia is the most popular hairloss remedy. Propecia is the first hairloss remedy to be approved by the FDA.
Because people of all races and ethnicities tend to develop
MPB or androgenetic alopecia, yet do not exhibit these
tendencies before moving to America, changes in diet may be
a leading contributing factor. Diets high in fat do
increase testosterone, which is the main component in DHT.
More research needs to be done on this topic to reach
conclusive evidence, although it certainly could not hurt
to lower one”��s fat intake.
There are a number of foods and substances to avoid and
limit the intake of. Substances such as alcohol, caffeine,
sugar and nicotine can deplete the body of nutrients and
raise adrenal levels, which will cause a chain reaction of
producing more androgen and causing hair loss. High levels
of saturated fat and cholesterol rich foods are also linked
to increased DHT levels and their consumption should be
limited. Additionally, common table salt has been linked to
hair loss. And the average diet provides the recommended
amount of sodium intake; therefore, salt should never be
added to food. However, when using salt for seasoning
during cooking, be sure to use salt with Iodine being that
it is a nutrient that is vital to hair growth as well,
unless you are a regular consumer of seafood, which
contains high levels of Iodine.
Discuss – The myth � women who blow dry their hair have a higher chance to suffer form thinning hair or massive hair loss.
Although hair loss can be caused by many other variables,
lack of proper nutrition will assuredly cause hair loss in
many people. Fortunately, adopting a proper diet that
includes the proper nutrients can reverse hair loss caused
by malnutrition. One thing for certain, regardless of
whether your hair loss was caused by malnutrition or not,
adopting a healthier diet will help the function of other
areas of the body.
There are some methods that have been used that prevent
hair loss on some people, in addition to the dietary
improvements, there are some naturopathic remedy
suggestions. Massage and aromatherapy have been used with
some success. In minor cases of temporary hair loss, hair
growth can be stimulated by massage, since blood and oxygen
flow to the scalp must be healthy in order for hair to
grow. A blend of six drops each of lavender and bay
essential oils in a base of four ounces of either almond,
soybean or sesame oil massaged into the scalp and allowed
to sit for 20 minutes has been used by aroma therapists to
stimulate the scalp. Once the mixture is in the scalp for
20 minutes, wash your hair and scalp with your normal
shampoo mixed with three drops of bay essential oil.
Massaging the scalp in general for a couple of minutes a
day can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles and in
mild cases stimulate some hair growth. Of course, one must
be careful to be gentle when massaging and not tug at the
hair or use the fingernails when massaging the scalp. If
one is concerned about fingernails getting in the way due
to extra long fingernails, there are several options. One
is a flat-handed massage, which while not as effective as
the finger massage can provide some circulatory benefits
and results.
Discuss – Pregnancy: A large amount of oestrogen is produced during pregnancy causing the hair follicles to go into their growth phase. Once the birth is over the hormonal balance is restored and the opposite happens with the hair follicles going into a hair loss phase.
There are several electric massagers on the market that
have an attachment for scalp massaging as well. An oriental
method called Qi Gong (pronounced Chi Kung) has been used
to increase circulation to the scalp and face also. The
fingers should be placed at the center of the skull base
and then begin to tap approximately 30 times. Work your way
outward toward the ears continuing to tap gently. After
reaching the ears go back to the center of the skull a
little higher up and work your way around to the ear
region. Keep going up about eight levels, each time
repeating the process.
There is a definite connection between the prostate and
hair loss for men, and therefore a connection between
breakthroughs in BPH treatments developed and their
effectiveness in restoring hair growth. There have been
some herbalists that have experimented with the herb Saw
Palmetto in order to block the production of DHT in
treating BPH. Although most studies of Saw Palmetto have
been for the treatment of prostatic disease, more recent
studies have been conducted on its effectiveness in
treating loss. The herb has been found to work in fighting
benign prostatic disease by lowering levels of DHT, which
is a known cause of androgenetic alopecia. Studies have
shown Saw Palmetto extract is an effective anti-androgen
and therefore there is promise for its effectiveness as an
effective treatment for hair loss prevention.
Discuss – The last and least recommended female hair loss treatment is a hair transplantation surgery. Although there has been a significant improvement with the outcomes of those surgeries a severe risk still exists.
Rosemary and sage are two herbs that have shown benefit
traditionally when used externally. It is suggested that to
promote a clean scalp, stimulation of the hair root, and
thickening hair one should boil together in water rosemary,
sage, peach leaf, nettle and burdock. Then strain the loose
herbs from the liquid and use the liquid to wash the hair
daily. Also recommended is steeping one ounce of ground
rosemary, two ounces of ground sage, and a half ounce of
ground nettles in one pint of ethyl alcohol for a week,
straining the solution and adding one ounce of castor oil
and one ounce of water to the liquid. This is said to make
a great hair lotion to apply at night before bed or just
before shampooing.
Discuss – The myth – Some ethnic groups are less prone to experience hair loss.
Hair is a living protein, and as with any living part of
our bodies we must be sure to maintain proper health to
optimize our chances of maintaining a healthy head of hair.
Proper nutrition is vital to maintaining healthy hair,
since the hair is a living and growing part of the body”��s
system. Viewing it in this manner can help us to treat our
bodies different and raise expectations through proper
care. A healthy balanced diet, occasionally with the help
of vitamin and mineral supplements and exercise are all key
components to a healthy regimen of maintaining healthy
hair.
Discuss – If you are an expectant mother, then the hair loss could be only a temporary phenomenon. The hormonal imbalance will come down automatically after delivery.
There is an obvious link to hair loss and prostatic health and this only increases the pace of hair loss discoveries. Most treatments for prostatic diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also have the pleasant side affect of growing hair on the heads of those taking it.
With the pace of research and discoveries today, there is a great deal of optimism in the field of hair loss prevention
and treatment. Hair is an important part of our dress and appearance, therefore a large part of our self-esteem. It is likely that there are answers for your situation presently or coming in the near future.
Remember, the restoration of hair growth is not an
overnight process. The process takes time regardless of the
method chosen. Be patient and follow as much of the advice
given by professionals as possible. Keep in mind that the
body is a system, and it is the abuse of this system by
food intake and environmental causes that lead to most
common hair loss.
Already suffering from hair loss? Get a free Hair Loss
Analysis at
http://www.your-health-guide.com/freehairanalysis.php to
determine if you qualify for our Hair Restoration Package.
Filed under Hair Loss Prevention by on Jun 27th, 2010. Comment.
Discuss – Using coconut milk on the scalp once in a week will also help in preventing hair loss and also keep the hair healthy and glowing.
Hair loss is universal problem and millions of people
worldwide are suffering from some degree of hair loss.
There are several cures for hair loss.
However, they do not work on all. Some types of hair loss
or baldness do not respond to the treatments. Nevertheless,
hair loss is preventable and good care and regular
maintenance of hair can go a long way in preventing hair
loss. Here are some tips to take care of your mane -
#1 Keep it Clean
Dirt and excess oil in the scalp can clog the pores, making
it difficult for the hair root to receive nutrition and
grow. This is a major reason for hair loss. Frequently
shampoo your hair and use clean combs. Trimming of split
ends is essential to prevent major hair damage.
#2 Take Care Of Diet
Ultimately, the hair, like any other body part, requires
nutrition to stay healthy and grow. Malnutrition and
imbalanced diet can be a major reason for hair loss.
Include vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium,
chromium, iodine, potassium, zinc and Vitamin A in your
diet.
There is no need to take mega doses because they can at
times be counterproductive. Evidence suggests that excess
of Vitamins A and E can actually contribute to hair loss.
#3 Do Not Overdo It
Excessive exposure to heat and chemicals such as hair
colors, styling products, hot iron and blow dryers can
cause damage to hair and result in severe hair loss. You
should use these products sparingly.
Discuss – Telogen effluvium – this is regarded as the second most common cause of women’s hair loss and this is unsurprising given the nature of the condition. Telogen effluvium is characterized by a general thinning of the hair and is usually brought about as a result of some traumatic event causing sufficient stress to interfere with the normal hair growth cycle.
Instead of blow dryers, make time to allow your hair to dry
naturally. Get your hair styled in a manner that does not
require any of the above-mentioned procedures.
#4 Give Yourself A Head Massage
A gentle head massage with a hair oil helps to improve
blood circulation to the hair roots and prevent hair loss.
Aromatherapy recommends creating hair oil using equivalent
parts of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood.
#5 Avoid Stress
Stress is damaging for the hair. Get adequate sleep and
follow stress reduction techniques to prevent hair loss.
#6 Be Careful Of Medication
Certain medications such as anti-depressants, some drugs
taken for epilepsy, cancer have hair loss as a side effect.
Consult with your doctor before taking medication to
prevent hair loss.
Discuss – Hormonal imbalances are a major cause of hair loss. If your thyroid glands are overactive or less active then problems related to hair loss may occur.
#7 Hormone Tests
Thyroid disorders can cause hair loss. Get hormone tests
for thyroid on a regular basis.
It is rightly said that prevention is better than cure. By
adopting the above-mentioned methods, you can prevent hair
loss and maintain good health of your hair.
Discuss – The myth – excessive shampooing causes hair loss.
Find out what causes hair loss, and discover latest
techniques and ideas for effective hair loss treatment.
For lots of valuable information and articles, click
http://www.hair-loss-treatment-101.com/
Filed under Hair Loss Prevention by on May 10th, 2010. Comment.
Discuss – The myth – Some ethnic groups are less prone to experience hair loss.
Noticed more fallen hair collecting on the drain stopper in your shower room?
Or do you suspect that more hair has been left in your brush than is normally the case?
Been sweeping up more strands of hair all over your house?
Getting worried? Although hair is not essential for survival, the lack of hair can affect one’s self confidence in today’s environment. And no wonder! We are bombarded with a constant stream of advertisements sponsored by beauty salons, hair care products and hair loss treatments on looking good through a crop of beautiful hair. So if we start to lose hair, we can become really self conscious about our looks.
Our hair become stressed with over exposure to the sun, frequent hair blow drying and repeated perming, rebonding and hair colour treatments. The hair becomes dry and brittle and break off very easily. Tying hair too tightly can also cause hair breakage. Illnesses like low thyroid hormones are additional factors resulting in hair loss.
Hair loss is also known as alopecia. About 100 strands of hair out of a normal scalp of 100,000 hairs are lost daily. Any hair loss of more than 100 strands of hair per day warrants a case for concern.
Discuss – Use of some medicines also results in hair loss and this type of hair loss may be temporary or permanent. Some of the medicines that results in hair loss are anticoagulants, gout medicines, birth control pills, excessive use of vitamin A and antidepressants.
The lifespan of a single hair strand is about 5 years. Genetic baldness is caused when the body fails to replace hair that has fallen off. Familial history may determine if hair loss is going to occur and women’s hair does thin with age as well. Temporary hair loss in post-pregnancy cases and lifestyle changes are additional explanations for hair loss.
A hair loss remedy can be through taking oral pills or through hair loss products applied directly to the hair. Other hair loss solutions include vitamin supplements, herbal cures, scalp treatments and hair transplants. A good understanding of what causes the hair loss in the first place can help us decide what best solution to take.
Discuss – Hair pulling: Also known as trichotillomania. Unlike other types or hair loss this is not a medical but more a psychological disorder.
In the meantime, if you have a family history of balding genes, take preventive hair loss measures. Simple procedures like using a mild shampoo and conditioner, and gentle brushing or combing would really help for good hair structure and a healthier crop!
Kathlene Capelle is the editor of articles and tips relating to hair loss and hair loss remedy. For more information, please refer to her site at http://www.hair-loss-remedy-central.com
Filed under Hair Loss Prevention by on Jan 1st, 2010. Comment.