It has been estimated that up to 50% of men may be affected by baldness by age 50 and a large percentage of women also suffer thinning and loss of hair. It is therefore a significant problem and its cause is widely accepted as dihydrotestosterone or DHT in the most common male pattern baldness. DHT is one of the male hormones, produced largely in the prostate and responsible for certain male specific characteristics.
It seems that enzyme conversion of testosterone produces DHT in the body and the accumulating DHT can be detrimental to the growing (anagenic) phase of the hair. The build up of DHT near the hair follicles tends to shrink the follicles and shorten their growth phase, the hairs produced becoming thinner and weaker. The net result is that hairs are lost quicker than they can be replaced and thinning and baldness ensue.
One main type of treatment for baldness therefore centres around blocking the effects of DHT, either by reducing its production or by interfering with its action on the hair follicles. A commonly used drug for this purpose is finasteride (Propecia). Originally approved for the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement, finasteride works by binding to 5-alpha reductase and hence blocking its action in converting free testosterone to DHT. Finasteride is usually only prescribed for men and should not be used by pregnant or potentially pregnant women as it may cause birth defects in male foetuses. Another such anti-androgen drug is Dutasteride, but this does not appear to have a significant advantage over Propecia.
Natural DHT blockers include Saw Palmetto which acts in a similar way to finasteride, blocking 5-alpha reductase and blocking sites on cell membranes required for cells to absorb DHT, and Pygeum which reduces levels of DHT in the blood and also the number of sites where DHT can attach. This includes reducing the number of hair follicles where DHT would bind. Pygeum is often combined with Saw Palmetto to give a synergistic effect.
Other natural substances that can inhibit DHT production or action are nettle root, pumpkin seed oi, green tea, emu oil, and soy isoflavines. L-Lysine is a substance sometimes added in with a DHT-blocker and seems to make them work better.
Ketoconazole is a synthetic antifungal drug for skin infections and is also a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor and a hair growth stimulant so is ano0ther medicament that can be administered.
Copper peptides can be applied topically to the scalp and can shorten the resting phase of hairs. This results in more hairs being in the growing phase at any one time.
A second form of treatment for baldness focuses on increasing blood flow to the scalp. This can be achieved by daily massaging with essential oils, or with the more recent techniques involving low-level lasers.
Another new idea is called hair multiplication and attempts to clone hair follicles but this is far from being main-stream at present. The alternative of hair transplanting is though, and the techniques involved have improved steadily over recent years. It is now possible to take small grafts from donor areas on the back and sides of the head and transplant them to bald areas. Clumps of hair follicles involving only 1-4 follicles can be transplanted in this way and can achieve a very natural appearance. The procedure is rather painstaking and precise, and inevitably expensive.
For those suffering severe loss then, there is a wide choice of treatments available, from the fairly simple and straightforward to the more complex and time-consuming. Which is right for you will probably be determined by seeking qualified advice and the costs involved.
Hair Growth Using Laser Therapy
The way our hair looks plays an important part in our lives. Like many things such as our general health we often take it for granted, and it’s only if we start to experience problems such as loss of hair that we appreciate how important it is.
It is quite normal to experience some hair loss in adulthood, since hair, like skin, goes through a continuous cycle of growth, useful life and replacement. There is though, a difference between losing a few hairs on the comb which are not missed, and the gradual but worsening hair loss leading to the exposure of patches of skin.
A person suffering continuous hair loss, evidenced by a receding scalp-line or thinning hair will want to seek to reverse the process, and there are a number of options available. Traditional treatments use chemicals or surgery, but a more recent development is the use of a laser for hair growth. When first introduced, lasers were primarily used for the removal of unwanted hair but it was later discovered that certain wavelengths and strengths of laser energy can have a stimulating effect on hair growth.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a general term that describes any sort of phototherapy or laser treatment that does not break the skin. Also called low-power laser, soft laser or cool laser therapy, LLLT administered to the scalp has been shown to improve the health of existing hair and stimulate new hair growth. The energy from the laser is claimed to penetrate to a depth of 6-7mm, adequate to engulf the hair follicle. This energy applied to the scalp certainly improves blood circulation which helps nutrition of hair follicles, and, it is claimed, energy can be absorbed by the follicle cells themselves. This effect is consistent with the evidence that soft lasers can help with wound healing in general, and scalp healing after hair transplant surgery.
The laser energy is applied to the scalp by means of either a hood or comb. If you elect to have laser treatment at a specialist centre then usually you will be seated beneath a dome shaped apparatus lined with flashing low energy laser lights along the interior. The light energy is absorbed through the scalp, where it stimulates the blood supply and deeper tissues of the scalp. Patients typically undergo a series of these treatments for up to a year, and it normally takes from two to three months before perceptible results are seen. The cost of these treatments, it should be mentioned can be as much as $3,000.
In addition to the in-office laser hair restoration treatment, a hair specialist may recommend at-home treatment using a hand-held “laser comb” device. When brushed through the hair and over the scalp, the laser comb administers additional phototherapy to the scalp, to enhance results achieved in the doctor’s office.
Many doctors also advise the use of laser therapy in conjunction with the chemical treatments that are available, such as Rogaine (also Regaine).
Certainly many patients have reported significant improvement in hair volume and texture following laser hair therapy and it is an exciting new area of hope for those with hair loss problems. One has to accept that it is not a quick fix but it claims to reverse or at least halt hair loss in 90% of cases and is FDA approved.
It is quite normal to experience some hair loss in adulthood, since hair, like skin, goes through a continuous cycle of growth, useful life and replacement. There is though, a difference between losing a few hairs on the comb which are not missed, and the gradual but worsening hair loss leading to the exposure of patches of skin.
A person suffering continuous hair loss, evidenced by a receding scalp-line or thinning hair will want to seek to reverse the process, and there are a number of options available. Traditional treatments use chemicals or surgery, but a more recent development is the use of a laser for hair growth. When first introduced, lasers were primarily used for the removal of unwanted hair but it was later discovered that certain wavelengths and strengths of laser energy can have a stimulating effect on hair growth.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a general term that describes any sort of phototherapy or laser treatment that does not break the skin. Also called low-power laser, soft laser or cool laser therapy, LLLT administered to the scalp has been shown to improve the health of existing hair and stimulate new hair growth. The energy from the laser is claimed to penetrate to a depth of 6-7mm, adequate to engulf the hair follicle. This energy applied to the scalp certainly improves blood circulation which helps nutrition of hair follicles, and, it is claimed, energy can be absorbed by the follicle cells themselves. This effect is consistent with the evidence that soft lasers can help with wound healing in general, and scalp healing after hair transplant surgery.
The laser energy is applied to the scalp by means of either a hood or comb. If you elect to have laser treatment at a specialist centre then usually you will be seated beneath a dome shaped apparatus lined with flashing low energy laser lights along the interior. The light energy is absorbed through the scalp, where it stimulates the blood supply and deeper tissues of the scalp. Patients typically undergo a series of these treatments for up to a year, and it normally takes from two to three months before perceptible results are seen. The cost of these treatments, it should be mentioned can be as much as $3,000.
In addition to the in-office laser hair restoration treatment, a hair specialist may recommend at-home treatment using a hand-held “laser comb” device. When brushed through the hair and over the scalp, the laser comb administers additional phototherapy to the scalp, to enhance results achieved in the doctor’s office.
Many doctors also advise the use of laser therapy in conjunction with the chemical treatments that are available, such as Rogaine (also Regaine).
Certainly many patients have reported significant improvement in hair volume and texture following laser hair therapy and it is an exciting new area of hope for those with hair loss problems. One has to accept that it is not a quick fix but it claims to reverse or at least halt hair loss in 90% of cases and is FDA approved.
Hair Regrowth the Natural Way
Many people prefer natural substances to manufactured drugs, synthetic shampoos, and chemically constructed household and health products. Some argue the opposite, saying that natural remedies are not as strong or as effective as manufactured drugs. This may or may not be true as there just hasn’t really been sufficient properly conducted research. There is however a considerable body of evidence to support the use of many naturally derived products which seem to have been used over many generations for natural hair regrowth with good results. Aspirin derived from the bark of a tree willow is just one example.
Whatever may be the cause of your hair loss, in order to regrow it, you need to provide the hair follicles with optimum conditions. It seems that, although our hair is psychologically very important to us because it can profoundly affect our appearance, to our body it does not have the same importance. Our body has more important priorities like breathing, absorbing food, eliminating waste, protecting itself from infection, and so forth. If the body has a limited budget in terms of energy and nutrients, it may well redirect reserves to functions more immediately important than hair growth.
In order to encourage hair growth then, we need to maximise our general state of health so that the growth of our hair is not compromised. This means we should eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of protein, vitamins and minerals, as these are essential to the body’s manufacturing processes.
It may be a good idea to supplement our diet with some micro-nutrients. Important ones are:
* Biotin –this is thought to be one of the most important factors in hair health. It improves hair strength and flexibility.
* B vitamins –Almost all the B vitamins help improve hair health, especially B3(niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 and B12. These vitamins play a vital role in the production of amino acids which are the key components of protein, and hair is made of protein.
* Vitamin C –Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin and boosts the immune system.
We should exercise and keep our body fit to help boost metabolism, and also to generally help improve blood circulation. We should also get plenty of sleep ass this is essential to normal body function and repair. A lot of growth and repair takes place while the body sleeps.
There is a more specific natural substance you can employ if you are male and your hair loss is due to male-pattern baldness as this is caused mainly by an overload of a male sex hormone, specifically dihydrotestosterone or DHT. This can be present in both men and women but its effect is more obvious in men where it adversely affects the function of hair follicles. The follicles shrink and produce hair that is thinner and weaker than it should be. Eventually some hair follicles cease to function at all, and, hairs that drop out naturally in time, are not replaced, leading to areas of scalp without hair. Some natural products can help block the production or the action of DHT and hence help to counteract the loss of hair and better enable new hair to grow. One of the main substances to be used in this way is extract of Saw Palmetto. This is derived from the berries of a plant and is rich in fatty acids and phytosterols, and seems able to block the conversion of testosterone to DHT by 5-alpha reductase by inhibiting this enzyme. Another DHT blocker is Pygeum, and this is often used in conjunction with Saw Palmetto to achieve a synergistic effect.
Regrowth of lost hair can often take place, especially if conditions are favorable. If hair loss is spotted early and advice is sought from an experienced dermatologist, then a good deal may be recouped.
Whatever may be the cause of your hair loss, in order to regrow it, you need to provide the hair follicles with optimum conditions. It seems that, although our hair is psychologically very important to us because it can profoundly affect our appearance, to our body it does not have the same importance. Our body has more important priorities like breathing, absorbing food, eliminating waste, protecting itself from infection, and so forth. If the body has a limited budget in terms of energy and nutrients, it may well redirect reserves to functions more immediately important than hair growth.
In order to encourage hair growth then, we need to maximise our general state of health so that the growth of our hair is not compromised. This means we should eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of protein, vitamins and minerals, as these are essential to the body’s manufacturing processes.
It may be a good idea to supplement our diet with some micro-nutrients. Important ones are:
* Biotin –this is thought to be one of the most important factors in hair health. It improves hair strength and flexibility.
* B vitamins –Almost all the B vitamins help improve hair health, especially B3(niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 and B12. These vitamins play a vital role in the production of amino acids which are the key components of protein, and hair is made of protein.
* Vitamin C –Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin and boosts the immune system.
We should exercise and keep our body fit to help boost metabolism, and also to generally help improve blood circulation. We should also get plenty of sleep ass this is essential to normal body function and repair. A lot of growth and repair takes place while the body sleeps.
There is a more specific natural substance you can employ if you are male and your hair loss is due to male-pattern baldness as this is caused mainly by an overload of a male sex hormone, specifically dihydrotestosterone or DHT. This can be present in both men and women but its effect is more obvious in men where it adversely affects the function of hair follicles. The follicles shrink and produce hair that is thinner and weaker than it should be. Eventually some hair follicles cease to function at all, and, hairs that drop out naturally in time, are not replaced, leading to areas of scalp without hair. Some natural products can help block the production or the action of DHT and hence help to counteract the loss of hair and better enable new hair to grow. One of the main substances to be used in this way is extract of Saw Palmetto. This is derived from the berries of a plant and is rich in fatty acids and phytosterols, and seems able to block the conversion of testosterone to DHT by 5-alpha reductase by inhibiting this enzyme. Another DHT blocker is Pygeum, and this is often used in conjunction with Saw Palmetto to achieve a synergistic effect.
Regrowth of lost hair can often take place, especially if conditions are favorable. If hair loss is spotted early and advice is sought from an experienced dermatologist, then a good deal may be recouped.
How Does the Thyroid Affect Hair Loss?
Hair loss or baldness, is caused by a variety of factors, the most important being heredity. Most cases, particularly in men, have a genetic background to a hormonal imbalance which compromises the function of hair follicles. This happens because of the increase in amounts of DHT in the body, a hormone derived from testosterone. Having said that, if you are losing hair, there are other conditions to exclude, one of these being thyroid dysfunction, the thyroid can be responsible for hair loss.
Whenever the body needs extra energy, which might be due to stress or illness, the hair cells tend to shut down automatically since they are not so essential to body functioning, and energy is diverted elsewhere. Situations that can cause this are poor diet and nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, surgery, and many medications, but noticeably thyroid problems. An underactive thyroid is possibly slightly more common than an overactive one but both can cause hormonal problems tending towards hair loss.
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), include chronic fatigue and weakness, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, hair loss or coarse dry hair, dry and rough skin, intolerance to cold, abnormal menstrual cycles, decreased sex drive, memory loss, depression and irritability. Fortunately not all these problems are always present.
Most doctors prefer to diagnose hypothyroidism with a blood test. They will test to check levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and T4 (the main thyroid hormone).Some other doctors may take a more holistic approach and are able to diagnose based on symptoms. Morning body temperature readings (consistently below 97.1) as well as discovery of waking approximately four hours after going to bed, can aid in diagnosis.
The type of hair loss that occurs with thyroid problems is usually a generalised shedding of hairs rather than discrete patches of baldness. You will often find many more hairs in the shower drain and the hairbrush than normal
Treatment of hypothyroidism is undertaken primarily by hormone replacement. This can be in the form of thyroxine (T4), marketed as Eitroxin or Synthroid, or Triiodothyronine (T3) which is available as Tertroxin or Cytomel, or dried natural thyroid, the best known being Armour. Regular use of natural thyroid can help to restore deficient iodine levels, while also stimulating production of thyroid hormones.
Hypothyroidism can be a complex condition, and there is a danger of under treatment which can cause continued hair loss. General opinion recommends a TSH of around 1-2. Sometimes there is a need to vary the formulation or add in a second drug.
Some sufferers of hypothyroidism have found that natural supplements can be helpful, specifically multivitamins and evening primrose oil. Essential oils of thyme, cedar, rosemary and lavender can be used to massage into the scalp and can help stimulate hair growth.
The final treatment for thyroid hair loss is transplantation if the condition and hair loss is severe. Small plugs of skin with hair are taken from the back or sides of the head and implanted into areas of scalp with little or no hair. It can take several months for the effect to be seen. Other surgical procedures are also possible to minimize bald areas of the scalp.
Thyroid disorders may be more common than is generally realized but with early detection and proper management the effects on the hair can be ameliorated and hence one need not suffer too much from a debilitated appearance.
Whenever the body needs extra energy, which might be due to stress or illness, the hair cells tend to shut down automatically since they are not so essential to body functioning, and energy is diverted elsewhere. Situations that can cause this are poor diet and nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, surgery, and many medications, but noticeably thyroid problems. An underactive thyroid is possibly slightly more common than an overactive one but both can cause hormonal problems tending towards hair loss.
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), include chronic fatigue and weakness, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, hair loss or coarse dry hair, dry and rough skin, intolerance to cold, abnormal menstrual cycles, decreased sex drive, memory loss, depression and irritability. Fortunately not all these problems are always present.
Most doctors prefer to diagnose hypothyroidism with a blood test. They will test to check levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and T4 (the main thyroid hormone).Some other doctors may take a more holistic approach and are able to diagnose based on symptoms. Morning body temperature readings (consistently below 97.1) as well as discovery of waking approximately four hours after going to bed, can aid in diagnosis.
The type of hair loss that occurs with thyroid problems is usually a generalised shedding of hairs rather than discrete patches of baldness. You will often find many more hairs in the shower drain and the hairbrush than normal
Treatment of hypothyroidism is undertaken primarily by hormone replacement. This can be in the form of thyroxine (T4), marketed as Eitroxin or Synthroid, or Triiodothyronine (T3) which is available as Tertroxin or Cytomel, or dried natural thyroid, the best known being Armour. Regular use of natural thyroid can help to restore deficient iodine levels, while also stimulating production of thyroid hormones.
Hypothyroidism can be a complex condition, and there is a danger of under treatment which can cause continued hair loss. General opinion recommends a TSH of around 1-2. Sometimes there is a need to vary the formulation or add in a second drug.
Some sufferers of hypothyroidism have found that natural supplements can be helpful, specifically multivitamins and evening primrose oil. Essential oils of thyme, cedar, rosemary and lavender can be used to massage into the scalp and can help stimulate hair growth.
The final treatment for thyroid hair loss is transplantation if the condition and hair loss is severe. Small plugs of skin with hair are taken from the back or sides of the head and implanted into areas of scalp with little or no hair. It can take several months for the effect to be seen. Other surgical procedures are also possible to minimize bald areas of the scalp.
Thyroid disorders may be more common than is generally realized but with early detection and proper management the effects on the hair can be ameliorated and hence one need not suffer too much from a debilitated appearance.
Products for thinning hair
Our hair is an important part of our overall appearance and hence loss of hair can be distressing. These days, however, it is not just a case of living with the condition or getting a wig. There are a vast number of different treatments and products available to help stop hair loss and to help promote new growth. These treatments vary from expensive courses in a specialist hair clinic, which may include low-level laser therapy, hair cloning, and hair transplantation, to somewhat less expensive products that can be taken orally or applied to the hair. Success with these products can vary enormously and many do not have much in the way of scientific evidence to back them up. However many people do seem to benefit from them, although invariably visible results do take time. Finding the right product may be a case of trial and error unless you take advice from an experienced dermatologist or trichologist.
Probably overall, the most successful treatment for baldness has been with DHT blocking drugs such as Propecia (finasteride). It appears that male and female pattern baldness is due to the effect of DHT (dihydrtestosterone) on genetically predisposed hair follicles.DHT tends to shrink the follicles causing thinner weaker hairs to grow, and eventually slowing and halting hair growth altogether. Propecia, the leading hair loss medication, works by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase (the enzyme that produces DHT), and hence tends to reverse hair loss considerably. Propecia may cause some loss of libido in men and cannot be used by women. Other DHT blockers include Adovart (dudasteride) and naturally sourced substances such as Saw Palmetto and Pygeum. One such product is marketed as Revivogen.
Another very widely used product to promote hair growth is minoxidil (Rogaine or Regaine) This works best for men who have a generalised thinning of hair on the top of the head but still have some hair left. It works better on younger men, but at best takes several months before results are seen. It is now also available for women. It is applied as a lotion, usually twice a day, and treatment may have to be maintained.
Tretinoin or Retin-A is a product that was originally sold to treat acne and other skin conditions, but it has since been shown to be useful, particularly in combination with minoxidil, in helping hair regrowth in cases of Androgenetic Alopecia (male pattern baldness) and Alopecia Areata. Its mode of action helps cell proliferation and vascularisation (increasing blood supply).
In addition to low-level laser treatments offered by clinics there is available a laser “comb” which can be used at home in the manner of a normal comb. It delivers energy to the scalp which helps increase blood flow and may help encourage new hair growth.
An array of other products are available without prescription to help combat hair loss, but how effective they are is difficult to say as they have not all undergone proper clinical evaluation. These include shampoos, conditioners, lotions and stimulants.
The shampoos are made with natural cleansing agents which are gentle on the hair, and it is claimed, will not strip the hair of too much natural oil as can be the case with low grade natural detergents. While these may help improve the condition of existing hair it is doubtful whether they would have any effect on new hair growth. Similarly, hair conditioners can be massaged into the hair and are claimed to be absorbed into the shaft and help improve strength and elasticity. Lotions also, may help to hydrate the scalp and soothe it if there are problems of itchiness or soreness.
Actual hair stimulating products contain multivitamins, phytoestrogens to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, and amino acids, amongst other ingredients. Some are based more around biotin and different phyto-active agents to act in synergy.
Choosing a product or treatment for your hair loss can be bewildering because of the wide choice available, and will depend to a large extent on what the cause of the hair loss is. It is best to seek advice from qualified professionals before spending out on lotions or stimulants with exotic ingredients but unsubstantiated claims.
Probably overall, the most successful treatment for baldness has been with DHT blocking drugs such as Propecia (finasteride). It appears that male and female pattern baldness is due to the effect of DHT (dihydrtestosterone) on genetically predisposed hair follicles.DHT tends to shrink the follicles causing thinner weaker hairs to grow, and eventually slowing and halting hair growth altogether. Propecia, the leading hair loss medication, works by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase (the enzyme that produces DHT), and hence tends to reverse hair loss considerably. Propecia may cause some loss of libido in men and cannot be used by women. Other DHT blockers include Adovart (dudasteride) and naturally sourced substances such as Saw Palmetto and Pygeum. One such product is marketed as Revivogen.
Another very widely used product to promote hair growth is minoxidil (Rogaine or Regaine) This works best for men who have a generalised thinning of hair on the top of the head but still have some hair left. It works better on younger men, but at best takes several months before results are seen. It is now also available for women. It is applied as a lotion, usually twice a day, and treatment may have to be maintained.
Tretinoin or Retin-A is a product that was originally sold to treat acne and other skin conditions, but it has since been shown to be useful, particularly in combination with minoxidil, in helping hair regrowth in cases of Androgenetic Alopecia (male pattern baldness) and Alopecia Areata. Its mode of action helps cell proliferation and vascularisation (increasing blood supply).
In addition to low-level laser treatments offered by clinics there is available a laser “comb” which can be used at home in the manner of a normal comb. It delivers energy to the scalp which helps increase blood flow and may help encourage new hair growth.
An array of other products are available without prescription to help combat hair loss, but how effective they are is difficult to say as they have not all undergone proper clinical evaluation. These include shampoos, conditioners, lotions and stimulants.
The shampoos are made with natural cleansing agents which are gentle on the hair, and it is claimed, will not strip the hair of too much natural oil as can be the case with low grade natural detergents. While these may help improve the condition of existing hair it is doubtful whether they would have any effect on new hair growth. Similarly, hair conditioners can be massaged into the hair and are claimed to be absorbed into the shaft and help improve strength and elasticity. Lotions also, may help to hydrate the scalp and soothe it if there are problems of itchiness or soreness.
Actual hair stimulating products contain multivitamins, phytoestrogens to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, and amino acids, amongst other ingredients. Some are based more around biotin and different phyto-active agents to act in synergy.
Choosing a product or treatment for your hair loss can be bewildering because of the wide choice available, and will depend to a large extent on what the cause of the hair loss is. It is best to seek advice from qualified professionals before spending out on lotions or stimulants with exotic ingredients but unsubstantiated claims.
How to Stimulate Hair Growth
Don’t we all love to have a full head of shiny hair? It makes us feel good if we look good, and, having attractive hair is part of that. Many people unfortunately, suffer loss of hair, from one cause or another, and are therefore keen to do whatever they can to stop further loss and to promote new hair growth. Often hair loss is an inherited trait and there is then a need to resort to drug therapy to try to correct the condition, or cosmetic means to cover up. For many though the problem is less severe and more general in nature, and they simply want to make the best of their hair and to encourage it to grow well.
It is worth realising that the hair on our head is dead as far as our body is concerned. Once formed and pushed out of the follicle a hair enters its resting phase before finally being shed. During this time its condition may be improved somewhat by the use of lotions or conditioners that help smooth the hair cuticle, making it less likely to tangle, but it is questionable whether any of the nourishing agents that are included in shampoos and conditioners really make much difference. Some ingredients may get absorbed into the hair shaft to some extent and improve elasticity somewhat, but the hair is no longer growing, nor active, and cannot really make much use of nutrients at this stage. It is during the growing phase, that can stretch over two or three years, that nourishment is important. The better nourished the hair as it grows the healthier and stronger it will finally be. This nourishment needs to be provided from within, nutrients reaching the hair follicles via the blood stream.
The first consideration in stimulating hair growth is to check that your diet is adequately varied and healthy. It is important to eat plenty of protein from meat, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, and pulses, plus sufficient vitamins and minerals. The B group vitamins are especially important for hair growth, and in particular Biotin. Other necessary micro-nutrients are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, and silica. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables is necessary to supply all these nutrient factors. If your diet may be lacking, it is worth considering taking supplements.
If you are suffering from the most common kind of hair loss – that due to male pattern baldness, then the underlying cause is genetic. Giving your hair the best chance for it to grow by proper nourishment is all the more important. In addition to this however, you may want to use specific treatments to halt hair loss and encourage new hair to grow. The most widely used treatment is finasteride that is taken daily in tablet form. It helps considerably by blocking the formation of the damaging hormone dihydrotestosterone or DHT. This hormone is a natural by-product from testosterone, and as it accumulates it interferes with the production of hair by the hair follicles. Follicles shrink and less and less hair is produced. By blocking this action finasteride can help provide better conditions for hair re-growth.
An alternative approach to treatment (or even sometimes an adjunct), is the use of a medication called minoxidil which is applied directly to the scalp as a lotion or a foam. This is usually applied once or twice a day and left on for a while. It seems to help promote new hair growth by improving blood circulation in the scalp.
Both of the above treatments will take some months for results to be seen as hair grows only slowly. It is possible though to stimulate natural hair growth, primarily by providing adequate nutrition and by taking reasonable care.
The causes and solutions to hair loss in women
Baldness in men is more sociably acceptable than ever before, due probably to the macho appearance of some screen stars and the fact that everyone knows that men are likely to lose their hair but it doesn’t make them any less of a man. For women the situation is somewhat different. An attractive head of hair is part of what makes a woman feminine, and the many different ways a woman can wear her hair gives her rein for self expression and the ability to change her look. Most women do not like to think that they look the same, day in and day out. Unfortunately, in most people’s minds, a woman without hair has connotations of a prison inmate or a chemotherapy sufferer. Hair loss in women is then extremely distressing, whatever the cause.
Hair can be lost gradually through Androgenetic alopecia, a condition with a hereditary component, commonly known as male pattern baldness, and which can affect women as well as men. The first line of treatment in these cases is usually an anti-androgen drug, or application to the scalp of chemical treatments to stimulate hair growth.
Another type of hair loss that can occur in women is Alopecia areata which is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly treats its hair follicles as foreign tissue and tends to suppress or stop hair growth. This condition tends to cause one or more circular or irregular areas of baldness. This condition also is often treated by means of hair growth stimulants although quite often the hair, or at least some of it, will regrow spontaneously in time.
A severe emotional shock or trauma can also lead to hair loss in women. If there is an excessive stress on the body it can tend to divert nutrients away from the hair which then falls out a few months later, causing baldness as new hair takes longer to grow.
Regardless of the cause of the hair loss in women, an effective measure is to use hair extensions and mesh to cover and disguise the bald areas. This procedure, when carried out by skilled hands, and with good blending of colors can give a natural and pleasing appearance.
Furthermore this approach allows the natural hair to grow underneath the mesh which only needs adjustment every few months, and thus the woman has the best of both worlds – an effective hair appearance until hopefully her own hair is restored. As natural hair grows back it can be integrated into the system. This approach effectively restores self confidence and self esteem. Another condition where a person will pull out there own hair due to psychological issues, can also be treated this way, as, the mesh acts as an effective barrier, helping to prevent further hair being pulled out.
Hair loss in women is not generally recognized as a problem but does occur more often than one might think. Fortunately there are very successful methods available to successfully overcome most of the difficulties.
Hair can be lost gradually through Androgenetic alopecia, a condition with a hereditary component, commonly known as male pattern baldness, and which can affect women as well as men. The first line of treatment in these cases is usually an anti-androgen drug, or application to the scalp of chemical treatments to stimulate hair growth.
Another type of hair loss that can occur in women is Alopecia areata which is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly treats its hair follicles as foreign tissue and tends to suppress or stop hair growth. This condition tends to cause one or more circular or irregular areas of baldness. This condition also is often treated by means of hair growth stimulants although quite often the hair, or at least some of it, will regrow spontaneously in time.
A severe emotional shock or trauma can also lead to hair loss in women. If there is an excessive stress on the body it can tend to divert nutrients away from the hair which then falls out a few months later, causing baldness as new hair takes longer to grow.
Regardless of the cause of the hair loss in women, an effective measure is to use hair extensions and mesh to cover and disguise the bald areas. This procedure, when carried out by skilled hands, and with good blending of colors can give a natural and pleasing appearance.
Furthermore this approach allows the natural hair to grow underneath the mesh which only needs adjustment every few months, and thus the woman has the best of both worlds – an effective hair appearance until hopefully her own hair is restored. As natural hair grows back it can be integrated into the system. This approach effectively restores self confidence and self esteem. Another condition where a person will pull out there own hair due to psychological issues, can also be treated this way, as, the mesh acts as an effective barrier, helping to prevent further hair being pulled out.
Hair loss in women is not generally recognized as a problem but does occur more often than one might think. Fortunately there are very successful methods available to successfully overcome most of the difficulties.
Hair loss & vitamin deficiency
In this day and age it is rare for anyone to suffer a severe vitamin deficiency but there is a school of opinion that the soil in which our fruits and vegetables are grown, has become gradually depleted of vitamins and minerals from generations of intensive farming. Couple this with the fact that many people, although they know they should, do not eat adequate daily amounts of fruit and vegetables. In fact there is a gradual shift in our diets away from natural foods towards manufactured foods, often to the detriment of their vitamin content.
Hair loss and vitamin deficiency are linked. Vitamin deficiency though, even when it does occur, is unlikely of itself, to cause loss of hair, but it could be a significant factor in making matters worse if you are all ready suffering from hair loss, say due to male pattern baldness, the most common form. This condition is basically hormonal in origin and caused by a build up of a male hormone that adversely affects some hair follicles, making them shrink and gradually become non-productive. A deficiency of some vitamins can render the hair follicles less able to cope with the hormonal insult and so cause a speeding up of hair loss.
It is important then for everyone to have an adequate daily vitamin consumption.. If you think your diet is not able to supply this then it may be worth taking a multi-vitamin supplement as long as you keep within the guidelines and don’t overdose.
Important vitamins and nutrients are as follows:
* Vitamin A
* All B vitamins, but particularly B6, B12, folic acid, and biotin
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin E
* Copper, iron, zinc, iodine, silica
* Protein
* Adequate daily water , at least four glasses
Some minerals and vitamins can influence the activity of another vitamin or mineral. For example, intake of lysine, vitamin B12 and vitamin C help in absorption of other factors like iron. The complexity of the body means that there are many potential interactions for even the simplest of nutrients.
Biotin is a B complex vitamin that seems to be particularly important in hair growth, and fortunately can be absorbed from different kinds of foods, typically green peas, nuts, some vegetables, and some wheat foods. It is estimated that adults require about 30 micrograms of biotin per day, and children between 6 and 12ncg per day. Biotin deficiency is a possibility in modern society and can be diagnosed by its tendency to cause brittle fingernails that tend to break easily, and predisposes to bad skin that’s prone to acne or psoriasis.
Certain environmental factors can deplete the available amounts of vitamins for the body to use. Major factors are: smoking, drinking alcohol, exercise and excessive sunlight exposure. Smoking is particularly bad for hair and skin. It depletes vitamin C, and the heat can break down collagen causing wrinkles to form, especially around the mouth. Heavy smoking is often associated with dry grey hair and loss of the hair’s natural color.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for proper health of the hair and therefore careful consideration needs to be given to ensuring that you are getting sufficient amounts, often a multivitamin can be beneficial. This is part of hair care and is necessary to preserve your valuable asset to your appearance – your head of hair.
Hair loss and vitamin deficiency are linked. Vitamin deficiency though, even when it does occur, is unlikely of itself, to cause loss of hair, but it could be a significant factor in making matters worse if you are all ready suffering from hair loss, say due to male pattern baldness, the most common form. This condition is basically hormonal in origin and caused by a build up of a male hormone that adversely affects some hair follicles, making them shrink and gradually become non-productive. A deficiency of some vitamins can render the hair follicles less able to cope with the hormonal insult and so cause a speeding up of hair loss.
It is important then for everyone to have an adequate daily vitamin consumption.. If you think your diet is not able to supply this then it may be worth taking a multi-vitamin supplement as long as you keep within the guidelines and don’t overdose.
Important vitamins and nutrients are as follows:
* Vitamin A
* All B vitamins, but particularly B6, B12, folic acid, and biotin
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin E
* Copper, iron, zinc, iodine, silica
* Protein
* Adequate daily water , at least four glasses
Some minerals and vitamins can influence the activity of another vitamin or mineral. For example, intake of lysine, vitamin B12 and vitamin C help in absorption of other factors like iron. The complexity of the body means that there are many potential interactions for even the simplest of nutrients.
Biotin is a B complex vitamin that seems to be particularly important in hair growth, and fortunately can be absorbed from different kinds of foods, typically green peas, nuts, some vegetables, and some wheat foods. It is estimated that adults require about 30 micrograms of biotin per day, and children between 6 and 12ncg per day. Biotin deficiency is a possibility in modern society and can be diagnosed by its tendency to cause brittle fingernails that tend to break easily, and predisposes to bad skin that’s prone to acne or psoriasis.
Certain environmental factors can deplete the available amounts of vitamins for the body to use. Major factors are: smoking, drinking alcohol, exercise and excessive sunlight exposure. Smoking is particularly bad for hair and skin. It depletes vitamin C, and the heat can break down collagen causing wrinkles to form, especially around the mouth. Heavy smoking is often associated with dry grey hair and loss of the hair’s natural color.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for proper health of the hair and therefore careful consideration needs to be given to ensuring that you are getting sufficient amounts, often a multivitamin can be beneficial. This is part of hair care and is necessary to preserve your valuable asset to your appearance – your head of hair.
How to Prevent Baldness
Many believe that baldness is hereditary, and certainly in part this is true. However, just because your father or grandfather were bald it doesn’t follow that you will inevitably also suffer. The inheritance of baldness seems to be inconsistent and can skip a generation. Even with an inherited predisposition towards baldness there is a lot that can be done in terms of maintaining one’s general health that will help keep hair in good shape and prevent baldness.
Many, if not most men have an inner dread of going bald since a good head of hair is associated with youth and vitality, and loss of one’s hair, especially early loss, can cause considerable distress, depression, and even low self-esteem.
Severe hair loss seems to affect men more commonly than women and this is related to its hormonal cause. The symptoms for men are typically thinning on the crown, a receding hairline, and eventually a horseshoe shaped pattern that leaves the crown of the head exposed.
Extreme hair loss can result from stress, either prolonged, or acute following a traumatic event, major surgery or chemotherapy. Certain disorders such as diabetes or auto-immune diseases can also cause hair loss. By far the most common type however, is the hormone induced one referred to as male-pattern baldness. This is caused by increasing levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which adversely affect the hair follicles slowing hair growth. Hair that is produced is thinner and weaker than it should be and doesn’t stand up so well to the environment. Gradual loss of hair without adequate replacement leads to progressive baldness.
In order to prevent this some would recommend a supplement of Saw Palmetto which has a blocking action on the production of DHT and helps to keep levels down. An important general consideration though, is to maintain your general health and the health of your hair will also be maximised. In order to achieve this you should strive for a healthy lifestyle with proper, well balanced nutrition, plenty of exercise and plenty of sleep.
It is essential that your hair gets all the nutrients that it needs in order to grow properly, so you should eat plenty of protein which is necessary to produce keratin, the protein of which hair is composed. Also your hair follicles need vitamins and minerals so a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is important. You might even consider some supplements as our diet is not always as rich in micro-nutrients as it once was. The most important ones to consider are vitamin B2, Niacin, Biotin, Vitamin C, Folic acid, magnesium, sulphur, silica, zinc, and beta-carotene (for Vitamin A).
Incorporating a good deal of daily exercise into your life is good for your general health and can only have beneficial effects on your hair. It helps to improve blood circulation, which is important for distribution of nutrients, and may also have a restraining effect on DHT production.
You should keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water during the day. An adequate fluid intake is necessary for the health of skin tissue, wherever it occurs on the body, including the scalp.
Finally, you should take reasonable care of your hair to avoid damage and premature loss. Excessive use of hair dyes, curling tongs and hairdryers may cause damage over time, especially closely applied intense heat.
Preventing baldness as far as you can is common sense really. It involves maintaining hair health and strength and not abusing it. For those who still suffer there is the consolation that modern western society views bald men as just as attractive in there own way, as men with hair on their head.
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