The World s Simplest Guide to Hair Loss

Transcription

1 The World s Simplest Guide to Hair Loss Causes and Cures 1 P a g e

2 Table of Contents: All about Hair Loss Types of Hair Loss Causes of Hair Loss Signs and Symptoms of Hair Loss Medical Treatments and Natural Remedies Coping with Hair Loss Preventing Hair Loss P a g e

3 ALL ABOUT HAIR LOSS 3 P a g e

4 What You Need To Know About Hair Loss A person s mane is considered his or her crowning glory. But once a person experience hair loss, this is no longer the case. Majority of the people who are going through this problem cannot help but feel shame once they pass through this certain stage. Many of them try to conceal it using wigs or many undergo through medical treatments and process such as hair transplants in order to bring back their so-called crowning glory. Although it is quite inevitable to feel shame once one experiences hair loss, this should not prevent him or her to lose self-confidence totally. Hair Loss Basics People regardless of their age, gender or status can experience hair loss due to several factors. If you are one of those who are experiencing this problem, it is a must that you know the basics of hair loss to give you an idea what to do. Knowing the basics can help you determine the status of your condition, can give you an idea when to seek medical attention, can help you decide which hair loss treatments to use and can even help you prevent it if you are prone to the condition. One of the misconceptions about hair loss is that age solely causes it. While it is true that age primarily causes it because of the cells that are already giving up, there are other factors that might cause it. These include heredity especially if your family has a long running history of baldness, taking in certain medications for a specific condition and an underlying medical condition that weakens the person overall system such as cancer and other terminal illnesses. A person who is undernourished can also experience hair loss being he or she is not getting the right nutrients to keep the hair grow healthy. People, who are into switching hairstyles that puts too much pressure on the scalp, may also experience hair loss because the pulling on the hair such as those in braids or dreadlocks can weaken the roots of the hair. Temporary hair loss can also be caused by too much stress since people don t have enough time to take care of their mane. It can also be caused by pregnancy since women tend to lose nutrients for themselves for the growing baby inside. Because of these causes, it is inevitable that everyone can be prone to losing their hair. Aside from the probable causes, the next thing that you should pay attention to is the symptoms. Many people experience the greater effect and burden of hair loss because they did not pay to much attention to it when it was just starting. 4 P a g e

5 Experts say that it is common for people to lose at least 100 strands of their hair every day. This is because these strands are meant to be replaced by new set of strands over time. People who are losing more than this estimated number of strands should worry that they have greater chances of losing their hair. People who are losing more than a hundred strands per day should analyze what might cause it. Once the cause is determined, she or he can do some lifestyle changes to improve on it. If these modifications in lifestyle did not work, one should visit a doctor immediately to know what causes this abnormal amount of hair loss. Going to specialist is very important because aside from telling you what the cause of the condition is, the doctor will know what treatment will work for you. 5 P a g e

6 When to Seek Medical Advice for Hair Loss To some people, they consider their hair as their best asset. But to those who are suffering from hair loss, this is not the case. Instead of being a source of pride and confidence, this very condition serves as a factor that lowers their self-confidence. Contrary to common belief, age alone does not cause the hair to fall. In fact, more and more experts agree that there are more particular factors that cause hair loss both in women and men regardless of age, race, and status in life. Studies show that it is healthy for people to lose at least 100 strands of their hair every day. This is because this very phenomenon is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. Usually, the stands of hair the fell are replaced with a new set of hair stands in less the sixteen weeks or four months. However, people who experience more amount of hair loss on a daily basis should consider seeking medical advice. Visiting the doctor about this is very important not only to find out what causes it but also to ensure that there is no related complication along with the excessive hair loss. Risk Factors of Hair Loss Experts say that almost all people are prone to losing their hair especially if they don t pay attention to the risk factors involved. It is said that the primary cause of hair loss can be traced to heredity. People whose parents have baldness genes are said to have the strongest risk factor. Hair loss for these people is quite inevitable since nothing can be done when it comes to their genes. The thinning of hair and receding hairlines usually manifest once one ages. Aside from heredity, people who are suffering from terminal illnesses such as cancer and auto immune diseases such as those related with thyroid also have greater risks for hair loss because the disease themselves weaken the immune system and affect hair growth. Taking in medications and medical treatment for certain illnesses and conditions also increases the risk to hair loss as well as alopecia areata, which is may cause permanent baldness brought about by stress as well as other infections in the environment. People who do not pay attention to proper nutrition also have higher risks for hair loss especially those who are low in protein intake. Women who are pregnant may also experience temporary hair loss since the nutrition in their bodies is shared with the growing fetus inside. Those who are taking in birth control pills also experience this condition because of the hormonal changes that take place in the body. People who change hairstyles often and those who use too much hair treatments may also undergo temporary hair loss. 6 P a g e

7 The Needed Medical Attention A person who has at least three risk factors of hair loss should seek medical advice immediately to prevent further complications. When you go to the doctor, make sure that you point out all your concerns so he or she can make the right diagnosis and recommend possible treatment option for you. The doctor will run some tests to find out what causes your excessive hair loss. Once all the tests have been made, she or he will then explain your condition and will try to give you medication or offer you treatments for temporary hair loss. Since no treatment can cure permanent hair loss such as those caused by heredity and medical conditions, the doctor can give you options to at least slow down the rate of hair loss. 7 P a g e

8 TYPES OF HAIR LOSS 8 P a g e

9 Types of Hair Loss It is only normal for people to lose at least a hundred strands of their hair on a regular basis. This is because in the normal cycle of a person s hair growth which is expected to last for at least two to six years strands of hair fall out regularly and the scalp will grow new ones in about 12 weeks. However, some people lose more than the expected number of stands in a day. In fact, there is a growing number of people who experience the burden of hair loss nowadays. Experts say that many of the people who are losing their hair are not even aware of it. If truth to be to be told, many of them are nonchalant about the condition of their hair and don t notice that they are losing their crowning glory if not for the comments of people around them. The Type You Are In If you think you are one of those who are prone to hair loss, the first thing that you need to know is what the specific types of hair loss there is are. This will serve as a sign if you are really into losing your hair in the long run or not. The first type is the androgenetic alopecia or commonly known as the pattern baldness. Males and females who are prone to this experience slow growth of hair as well as weaker stands of hair compared before. In this condition, the primary cause could be heredity because the history of pattern baldness may increase your risks of losing your hair. Because of heredity, age is also affected which in turn speeds up the rate of hair loss. Another type is called, cicatricial alopecia or the scarring alopecia, which is a type of permanent hair loss, occurs caused by inflammation. In this condition, the inflammation was able to damage the hair s follicle and later, became scars. Because of these scars, the new hair is prevented from coming out. Scarring alopecia can be caused by certain skin conditions like lupus erythematosus and lichen planus wherein experts are yet to discover what is it that causes the inflammation. The alopecia areata is the type of hair loss, which is considered as an autoimmune disease. Although there is already a classification for this, the cause of the condition is not yet discovered. Experts say that those people who suffer from his condition are those who are generally healthy. Some say that the condition can be caused by autoimmune disorders like thyroid illness, genes, or certain virus in the environment where the person spends a long time in. On the other hand, there is also a type that is caused by a change in the normal hair cycle, it s called telogen effluvium. This condition might occur when something shocked system that 9 P a g e

10 leads to the premature resting of the hair s growth. This shock can either be physical but mostly emotional such as when a person sulks into depression caused by factors like death and other distress events. It can also be caused by physiological stress that lead fever, changing weight conditions, deficiencies in nutrition as well as other disturbances in metabolism. Lastly, the type of hair loss which is becoming popular today, the traction alopecia. This specific hair loss is usually caused by too much hairstyling that puts too much pressure on the scalp. The pulling causes the roots of the hair to be weak and disables it from growing healthy hair. 10 P a g e

11 CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS 11 P a g e

12 Causes of Hair Loss Surveys say that one of the things that make people lose their confidence is hair loss. This is because many people cannot be confident in front and even around with others knowing that these people are openly staring into his or her bald spots. Experts say that hair loss or baldness can be inevitable to people especially if their families have a history of it. These people whose genes came from older generations who are prone to hair loss cannot really do much about it since the condition runs in their genes. But for those who don t have it in their genes and still lose so much hair, now is the time to worry. What causes hair loss? More and more people are becoming prone to hair loss because they don t pay much attention to the signs and symptoms of the condition. If you think you are prone to baldness, the first thing that you need to check aside from the family s history of hair loss is the number of strands of hair that you lose in a day. Although it is quite impossible to keep track to the exact number of strands, a hundred will be noticeable if examines closely. Experts say that losing this amount of hair is normal because new stands of hair are expected to grow in 12 weeks. But if the amount is more than this, it is a must to consider what might cause it. The following are some of the common causes of hair loss. Although some of which can be selfdetermined, it is always best to consult an expert because he or she can pinpoint what exactly causes your baldness. 1. Diseases, illnesses and other medical conditions. This is one of the most common causes of hair loss. Diseases such as diabetes, lupus, or those that are associated with the thyroid glands can affect the growth and the overall production of hair in the person s system. 2. Taking in certain medications. The side effects of certain medications like those of isotretinoin and lithium and other diet pills that contain amphetamines are known to cause hair loss especially among teens. People who are undergoing chemotherapy sessions to treat cancer as well as those drugs for gout, depression, arthritis, and heart problems may trigger baldness. In women, birth control pills may also be the culprit for hair loss. 12 P a g e

13 3. Undernourishment or poor nutrition. People who have insufficient protein and iron in their bodies will most likely suffer from hair loss. This is because these two are the most important component that strengthens the hair to make it grow. Hair loss due to improper nutrition are more common among women because they are the ones who are more into fad and diets which lead to eating disorders that cause under nutrition. Experts say that when a person has poor nutrition, there is not enough supply of nutrients such as vitamin and minerals to sustain the growth of the hair. 4. Undergoing medical treatments. People who have to undergo medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapies are getting more risks in losing their hair because these treatments can kill the hair from the roots and may even cause a condition called alopecia that can lead to permanent hair loss. Other causes of hair loss include hormonal changes, hair treatments and hairstyling, scalp infection, trichotillomania or hair-pulling disorder, and disruption of the hair s growth cycle. 13 P a g e

14 Hair Loss Caused By Lichen Planus There are several factors that can result in hair loss. One common disease is a disorder known as lichen planus. This particular disease is not in itself a direct cause but it is an important trigger and often causes complications with the scalp and can lead to this problem. Lichen planus is more of a skin disorder that also affects other areas of the body. Thus, it can not only affect the skin and body, but also the scalp. When the scalp is affected, hair loss is experienced. Licen phanus is usually considered to be an allergic reaction and is often associated with a poor immune system. Some believe that lichen planus is triggered from excessive stress. Stress weakens the body s immune system and render it susceptible to infection and other health symptoms such as hair loss. The chances of getting another lichen planus attack rise with the first affliction, even with treatment and prevention measures. Lichen planus is most identifiable by the changes in the skin that occur. There will be itching in certain areas of the skin, as well as skin lesions that will appear in a variety of places. The skin lesions will have a variety of attributes related to their shape, size and color, all which will help you in identifying the disorder. There may also be nail abnormalities, such as ridges in the nails that begin to appear. The skin lesions will then begin to move into the mouth area and cause your mouth to feel dry. From here, lichen planus will begin to show on the scalp area and hair will be lost from the irritation from the scalp area. 14 P a g e

15 Once you notice these symptoms, do not wait too long to treat the lichen planus. In most cases, the symptoms are not severe enough and will simply go away over time. However, there is also the possibility of the symptoms become full blown and it will be more difficult to treat at that point in time. For treatment, you can take prescribed medications. Antihistamines are useful in helping to treat lichen planus. Vitamin A in the form of ointments and creams are also considered to be effective. It can be expected that this disorder will disappear after a few months or after a longer amount of time. Also, ensure a healthy diet and lifestyle to boost your immune system. If you notice both the above mentioned symptoms and also experience hair loss at the same time, then it is possible that you can be having lichen planus. To be absolutely sure, it is best to seek a professional diagnosis. Lichen planus can cause much discomfort to you as it affects your physical appearance. Understanding what the symptoms of lichen planus are and knowing what to do will help you repair your skin and treat yourself from hair loss. 15 P a g e

16 How Stress Causes Hair Loss? The problem of thinning hair may be caused by a genetic predisposition that comes from a family history of thinning hair. Health problems such as Hyperthyroid or Hypothyroid conditions; medications such as chemotherapy, any hormone replacement medications including birth control pills are culprits often overlooked. It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect men, women and children. Are You Stressed? Thinning hair can also be attributed to stress and trauma that can cause constriction of blood supply and poor vitamin assimilation to the scalp and hair. Or, simply from poor nutrition and diet that can include a high consumption of animal fat, high protein and fad diets. Even external environmental toxins and pollutants, such as chlorine, metals, minerals and water pollution cannot be ignored. All these factors can be causing your clients' hair to look thinner. Under a Microscope The hardening prevents hair growth. The hair cycle slowly becomes disrupted and more hair is shed than normal. In time hair growth stops completely and baldness results. Here you see an example of a hair follicle as seen under a microscope. 16 P a g e

17 Age and Hormones Most people naturally experience some hair loss as they get older. But age, changing hormones and heredity cause some to lose more hair than others. Female-pattern baldness starts with the replacement hairs becoming progressively finer and shorter. They can also become almost transparent. It has been recorded that about 50 percent of women experience hair loss have female-pattern baldness! Unfortunately, it is often permanent just as in men. Not all hair thinning and loss must be permanent. There has been various cases of perimenopausal women, for example, experiencing thinning and lost hair who, once their hormone levels become balanced, can experience the thickness of previously thinning and the regrowth of lost hair that occurred during the ebbing and flowing hormonal years. Hot Tips Get Wavy! Permanents can help give volume to fine-textured hair -- but hair must be healthy, not dry or brittle. Only a gentle body wave is advised, because tighter waves can damage the hair. Because chemicals in permanents are harsh, a permanent should be only a last resort for fine-haired people. 17 P a g e

18 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HAIR LOSS 18 P a g e

19 Symptoms of Hair Loss Hair loss or baldness is becoming one of the most common problems of people. This is because more and more factors contribute to it compared before. Called alopecia by experts, hair loss can be categorized into permanent and temporary baldness depending on the condition the person is in. Experts say that that most common form of alopecia is called, pattern baldness or the androgenetic alopecia. It is said that this type of hair loss condition affects almost one third of the men and women in the world. The sad thing about this is it is permanent, meaning there is no way to go about it but to cope with it. Knowing the Signs and Symptoms When a person loses at least a hundred stands of hair per day, it is considered normal. But when he or she loses more than that estimated amount along with glaring symptoms such as thinning of the hair, a hairline that is receding, and bald patches in some areas of the head, then you might be suffering from hair loss. Studies show that androgenetic alopecia can affect both men and women but the manifestations differ in some ways. Among men, the thinning of the hair starts at the temples as well in the crown. In the long run, it is expected that they will be either completely bald or partially bald. In women, lesser hair loss is expected and though there is also receding hairlines along the forehead and temple, they will not completely go bald as men do. The pattern baldness in males are known to begin at such an early age even before their teenage years. This condition may be characterized by a receding hairline especially at the temples and hair loss at the top of the person s head. Eventually, the person can be completely or partially bald. The symptoms of hereditary pattern baldness in men include thinning or loss of hair stands starting in the front or forehead, at the crown, down to the sides of the person s hairline. Some women start losing hair at puberty but most of those who have pattern baldness do not. The estimated year is around mid-20s to early-30s. Unlike in men, the androgenetic alopecia in women starts with the thinning the front or forehead down to the crown. What differs the hereditary pattern baldness in both genders is that hair loss in women are only limited and they don t experience total baldness. 19 P a g e

20 Aside from pattern baldness, another permanent type of hair loss is the cicatricial alopecia or the scarring alopecia which is caused by the inflammation in the hair s follicles. This result to scars which hinders the growth of the new set of hair. When it comes to temporary hair loss, the most common is called alopecia areata wherein the baldness starts from a small and round patch and will grow in size; the telogen effluvium which occurs suddenly and characterized by thinning without patches; traction alopecia that is caused by changing hairstyles which out too much pressure on the scalp and creates bald spots especially between the rows of the hair, and trichotillomania which is caused by a mental problem wherein the person cannot help him or herself from pulling out the strands of hair from the scalp and in other parts of his or her body. 20 P a g e

21 Diagnosis for Hair Loss Hair loss or alopecia in medical terms refers to the loss of hair due to several factors. These causes may include such heredity which causes pattern baldness both in men and women, lack of proper nutrition, taking in medications, certain illnesses such as cancer, thyroid disease or lupus which weaken the immune system, undergoing medical treatments for certain conditions, pregnancy, and varying hair styles that put too much pressure on the scalp that hinders hair growth. If you are losing more than what is expected, now is the time to worry that you might be suffering from hair loss. If you suffer from symptoms such as the hair falling out suddenly or in clump, patchy hair loss, red scalp or areas that have flakes, and total loss of hair in almost all parts of the body, now is the time to visit the specialist. He or she will pinpoint what causes your hair fall and can offer you alternative treatments and other options. Visiting the Doctor If you are visiting the doctor for the first time to seek medical advice on your hair loss, expect that he or she will ask about your medical and family. The doctor will ask questions on your recent medical status to know if you underwent treatments that may cause this condition. He or she will also ask about your family s history to know if the hair loss is caused by the genes or hereditary because this might indicate that you are suffering from pattern baldness. Before going to the clinic or the hospital, it is advisable to list down the foods that you eat and the medications you take if there are any. This will help the doctor find out faster what causes your condition. During your visit, expect that she or she will ask details like your hair care habits, your current emotional and physiological status as well as other aspects of your life because your hair loss might be caused by stress. Aside from asking questions, expect that the doctor will do examination on your hair and your scalp. This is very important so the doctor will know how much hair you have lost and what is the condition of your scalp. Be ready because the doctor will examine your scalp to know if there are signs and symptoms of infection such as redness, scaling or flaking. To be sure about the diagnosis, there will be a need to pull some of your hair strands to find out how string or weak it is. This test is called the pull test. Seeing how easy the hair comes out from the follicles will help the doctor determine which part of your hair is resting and which part is growing. The doctor may also do the following set of tests during your visit: 21 P a g e

22 1. Getting samples of skin scrapings. If there are flakes or scrapings, the doctor will get samples of it and examine it to find out if there is infection or what causes the condition. 2. The punch biopsy. This is considered as the last option when all the tests are done and no result or diagnosis has been made. People who suffer from alopecia areata and scarring alopecia are asked to undergo this test immediately. Here, the doctor makes use of a piece of circular tool to be able to remove a small section from the deeper layers of the skin. 3. Blood tests. This is usually not common in screening for hair loss but some doctors recommend it to find out if the condition might be caused by an underlying medical condition like autoimmune diseases. 22 P a g e

23 Are hair loss treatments just one big scam? The hair loss industry is not one that inspires great confidence in most people. I have to admit this is perfectly understandable given the damage caused by the many rogues and charlatans who have abused the trust of far too many vulnerable people - people who have received worthless and even dangerous products or advice in exchange for their hard earned cash. The end result is the prevalance of a stigma that the industry is hard pressed to shake off. But is this perception really justified nowadays? Are there no genuine treatments that sufferers can turn to in a bid to treat the ravages of premature hair loss? The simple answer is YES, there are several safe, affordable, accessible and effective hair loss treatments currently available. Some have even been approved by FDA for the treatment of hair loss conditions while others draw on natural remedies as the basis for commercially available products. Whether or not any of them are suitable for a given individual depends on a number of important factors. First and foremost, every individual must determine the exact cause or causes of his or her hair loss. This may appear to be an over-simplistic statement but the truth is, most people undergoing a course of treatment for hair loss have proceeded on the basis of self-diagnosis. Given the fact that premature or excessive hair loss is often associated with underlying medical conditions, this is perhaps not the most sensible course of action. My advice in all cases is to seek the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner because the consequences of not doing so may be serious in a small number of cases. Even where all the evidence points to the onset of hereditary male pattern baldness it would probably be best to seek advice, if only to rule out other factors. Once the cause of hair loss has been properly diagnosed you will be in a position to choose a suitable form of treatment. This may range from the prescription of drugs aimed at balancing disrupted hormone levels to the topical application of minoxidil to reduce the symptoms of male pattern baldness. Hair loss may be caused by many factors including changing hormone levels, illness, stress, overuse of strong chemicals, excessive traction, poor grooming practices, side effects of medical treatment, poor nutrition, weak immune system and the effects of aging. The good news is, all of these can be tackled with reasonable hope of success but only if you choose the right treatment. The next article in this series will look closely at the various causes of excessive hair loss and outline suggested treatments that are both affordable and accessible. If you take only two things from this article, please take these suggestions on board: 23 P a g e

24 1. Always seek the advice of your physician before undergoing a hair loss treatment regime. 2. Don't despair, there's often a simple explanation for excessive hair loss and even hereditary loss or male pattern-type baldness can be treated successfully for most people nowadays. 24 P a g e

25 MEDICAL TREATMENTS AND NATURAL REMEDIES 25 P a g e

26 A Hair Loss Cure for Men Procerin is a natural remedy for hair loss has been found effective in reversing hair loss in men caused by androgenetic alopecia, the most common cause of male hair loss, thinning hair and receding hairlines often reffered to as widows peak. Basiclly men suffering from androgenetic alopecia have extremely high levels of the chemical dihydrotestosterone, a by-product of the major male hormone testosterone, so when this hormone is converted into DHT the results are hair loss and this is where Procerin steps in and blocks the production of DHT and unlike other medications does not with react with testosterone. Procerin has been scientifically designed to help men retain and regrow their hair. The 17 active ingredients are all-natural herbal, vitamin, and mineral DHT inhibitors and include, Saw Palmetto Berries, Gotu Kola, Nettles, Magnesium, Zinc Sulfate, Siberian Ginseng, Vitamin B-6, Pumpkin Seed Meal, CJ-11 Factor, CJ-9 Factor, and Mura Puma Root, because the Procerin hair loss product for men contains only natural ingredients the only known side effects are mild stomach discomfort for the first few days, if you are suffering an illness it is wise to consult your doctor before use especilly if you are currently taking a MAOI inhibitor. Studys have shown that Procerin is more effective as a natural hair loss remedy in men aged between and those whose hair is still in a growth phase. Men that still have growing hair experience an increase in hair count, and improvement in both hairline and thinning at the crown of their head, becuase hair grows at an extremely slow rate ( about 1" every two months) it best to take Procerin for at 1-2 months before results can be expected, but some users of Procerin have reported good results after only 2 weeks, most men take 1-3 months before before significant increases in hair count occur, not bad comparing to Propecia that can take upto 6 months for good hair growth results. So does Procerin work? Procerin has had many good results with many success storys and the companys boasts that Procerin the natural hair loss remedy works with 92% of men who suffer androgenetic alopecia the most common cause of hair loss plus Procerin is a cost effective alternative to other hair loss products like Propecia & Rogaine and unlike prescription medication Procerin is backed by a 90-Day Unconditional, No questions asked Money Back Guarantee so you have nothing to lose except your hair of course. 26 P a g e

27 Female Hair Loss Vitamins Hair loss is one of the most common problems, and also the most difficult to tackle. While healthy hair indicates good general health, hair loss can be an indicator of a deeper internal health problem. Hair loss in women has been attributed to several factors till now: stress, lack of iron or anemia, condition of the scalp, condition of vital internal organs like the kidneys, liver, thyroid etc., emotional disturbances, menstrual problems, illness or lack of essential vitamins and other nutrients in the body etc. Hair loss generally indicates a deficiency in vitamin B1, vitamin C, lysine and iron. Vitamin C s antioxidant properties help to make skin and hair healthy by aiding body metabolism, and converting fat and carbohydrates into energy. It helps in the development of healthy collagen that binds tissues together. Hence it is effective in preventing breakage and split ends. Vitamin C is present in good quantities in Citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and most dark green vegetables. A daily dose of 60 mg is recommended for good health. Vitamin B1 or Thiamine aids in protein building and thus makes the hair healthy, giving it volume, shine and a good texture. This is ensured by providing nutrition to the scalp. Other vitamins that help to prevent hair loss in women are: other Vitamin B complex vitamins like Biotin, Inositol, Niacin and vitamin E. Minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium are also effective in preventing hair loss. The most common food-based sources of these vitamins are: citrus fruits, green vegetables, fruits like pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, potatoes, green peppers, vegetable oils, soybean, raw seeds, dried beans, wheat germ oil, brewer s yeast, whole grains, eggs, liver, rice, milk, fish, turkey, chicken and red meat. Other products found to be efficient in combating hair loss are Saw Palmetto, nettle root, pumpkin, gotu kola, eleuthero, Uva-Ursi, Muria Puama and others. There are hundreds of products in the market today that promise to prevent hair loss. These products are generally prescribed by experts though some over the counter drugs are also available. There are companies that specialize exclusively in the production of hair loss drugs. Information about these products is also available on the Internet on the websites of these companies. However, it is better to consult a physician to know the exact cause of hair loss before using any of these products. 27 P a g e

28 Types of Hair Loss Treatment Available to Sufferers The hair loss treatments outlined here cannot provide definitive cures for all hair loss conditions, but they do represent regimes that many sufferers have found useful. In other words, they are examples of potential solutions that many patients have chosen after honestly assessing the causes of their hair loss together with their expectations. Focus on four basic approaches: 1. A drugs based approach for those who don't mind taking strong medications. 2. A commercial product approach for those who prefer a non-drug solution but who still want a treatment that has a track record. 3. A natural remedy approach for those who prefer to follow the natural route. 4. A nutritional approach for those who wish to adopt a more holistic perspective. It remains a fact that only two hair loss treatments have been approved by the FDA and both can be classed as strong drug-based medications. Propecia (finasteride) is the treatment of choice for many men with good reason - it tends to work! It is a powerful drug that inhibits the formation of DHT in the system, eventually to a level that is sufficiently low to encourage a normal growth cycle. Rogaine (minoxidil) acts differently in that it stimulates hair growth in both men and women by overriding the prevailing hair loss symptoms. These drugs can be used either on their own or in combination. Women should seek professional medical advice before using Propecia. The world of commercial hair loss products is much less clear cut and it is here that many scamsters ply their trade to rip-off unsuspecting customers. The best advice I can give here is research, research, and more research! Many useful products are available on the market but none have been approved by the FDA. Probably the best, and certainly most popular, commercially available products are those containing natural ingredients that have been shown in field trials to reduce hair loss and encourage regrowth. You can find out more about these products by visiting the site listed at the end of this article. 28 P a g e

29 Increasingly, people are turning to natural hair loss remedies as they seek to combat thinning hair. This has an obvious appeal for many sufferers and there is growing evidence to support the view that some natural remedies may be effective in curtailing hair loss. The most popular ingredients of natural hair loss treatments include ginko biloba, green tea, he shou wu, pygeum, saw palmetto and stinging nettle. Each of these is described in more detail in an supplementary article entitled "Herbal Remedies That Offer Hope". It is becoming increasingly evident that poor nutrition and modern lifestyles can have a negative impact on health, and hair loss is no exception. At the most basic level, improved nutrition can minimize shedding and support other treatments that encourage regrowth. This can be achieved by: - eating adequate amounts of protein. - eating appropriate levels of useful carbohydrates. - achieving a healthy balance of dietary fats. 29 P a g e

30 Selecting a Hair Loss Treatment We treat it with care, brush it every day and hope it s never out of place. But when hair begins to lose its thickness and leaves our brush draped with locks, it may be time to consider a hair loss treatment. There are several factors that may lead to hair loss, including certain medications, medical treatments, improper care, poor nutrition or illness. No matter the reason, the loss of one s hair can be an embarrassing occurrence for many. With a proper diagnosis, a dermatologist can recommend a customized approach and an effective hair loss treatment. In the beginning, a patient may be prescribed some type of medication in order to help prevent further hair loss. This would depend entirely on the determined cause, but is often an early approach to fighting against continued loss. Perhaps the most widely recognized hair loss treatment is Rogaine, which is available by prescription only. For individuals who do not seem to respond to regular treatments, or simply want a fast and effective hair loss treatment, a transplant may be their preferred approach. A hair loss treatment is one that helps to prevent recurrence, but a hair transplant is thought to be a permanent resolution. This procedure includes the removal of skin and hair from another area of the head and transplanted to the location of hair loss. This procedure is commonly used on men who are experiencing male pattern baldness because there is usually hair that can be removed from the back and transplanted onto the balding area. It is important that there be enough healthy hair to transplant, as well as enough to remain at the donor site in order to maintain a full look. Certain individuals, such as those with weakened immune systems and/or Diabetes, may not be ideal candidates for a hair transplant. Men or women who are suffering from complete hair loss due to certain illnesses and/or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, may find that their only hair loss treatment is that of artificial hair. Commonly referred to as a wig, this type of hair is created to look natural and is carefully selected so that each patient feels that there appearance is not dramatically altered by the change. This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or a dermatologist s recommendation. Prior to beginning any hair loss treatment program, individuals must consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment. 30 P a g e

31 Proven Products Combatting Hair Loss for Men and Women Nowadays hair loss is not only a concern for males but also for females. Hair loss affects directly one s self-confidence and also creates mental humiliation. Hence there are lots of really good hair loss products available on the market. Hair growth products are available in many forms: natural essential oils, natural herbs, conventional drugs, shampoos, serums, lotions and conditioners. Nowadays there are so many hair loss products available on the market with the intention to stop or prevent hair loss. Finasteride, Minoxidil, and Rogainne are the commonly used best hair loss products. Finasteride is extensively used for treating hair loss and is sold in pharmacies as Propecia. This product should be used by men only. Another very popular hair loss product is called Rogaine and is available at drugstores. Rogaine has to be applied twice daily for 3 to 4 months to get any positive results. Minoxidil is very much used for hair loss among younger men. It is also considered to be a very effective hair loss product. But using hair loss products such as Minoxidil continually may lead to side effects such as a itchy scalp. There might be other complications if these products are used for hair loss treatment for a long time. Dr.Proctor s Hair re-growth shampoo is one of the best hair loss products made naturally without any chemical mixing. It has been widely used by hair loss sufferers due to its easy application. People around the world use re-growth shampoo for treating hair loss. There is another product called Life Extension Shampoo that supports healthy hair. ViViscal shampoo, Thymuskin, and Hair genesis are some of the best hair loss products, which are used for hair treatment. Thymuskin is more effective (95%)) in female than male (67%) for treating hair loss. This hair loss shampoo clears the hair follicle from debris, dirt, oil and other waste. The main advantage of thymuskin is that it consists of thymus peptides that diffuse deep into the hair follicles to clean them. Viviscal shampoo also helped a lot of people treating hair loss. This shampoo helps to maintain the hair hale and healthy. Apart from this, the shampoo treats hair loss and thinning of hair. Viviscal products are available in all forms including scalp lotion, conditioner and tablets. Hair genesis products are also available as conditioner, topical serum, oral supplements, and hair re growth shampoo. Hair genesis is especially favored by females. The main action of Hair Genesis is stopping the action of DHT blockers. Revivogen, Tricomin, and Nisim products are also available for treating hair loss. 31 P a g e

32 Hair Weaving and Hair Grafting It s the science of weaving or braiding human or synthetic hair to the roots of existing, healthy hair so that it grows along with natural hair, thus giving the impression of a thick growth. It s also called hair integration or hair intensification. It s a procedure appropriate for people with thinning hair. It s not something that requires a hospital visit; it s usually done in salons as a temporary procedure. How does it work? Two or three shafts of hair natural or synthetic are woven into the root area. Some of the natural hair is woven or braided together to act as an anchor, to which the add-on tufts are sewn, woven, knitted or glued. The extensions have to be repositioned every five or six weeks as the natural hair grows out. Sounds Complex, it is. Apart from the sheer tedium of repeated surgeries, the procedure stresses the existing hair as well. Also, keeping the scalp and hair clean is a problem, as vigorous washing could loosen the new hair. The American Hair Loss Council advises the procedure only for people with plenty of healthy hair, and that too, for periods not longer than a few weeks. A patch test is essential to ensure the person undergoing the procedure is not allergic to any of the adhesives or implants used. Implants for the Hair A non-surgical implant is the dressed-up term now used for a simple procedure that has been upgraded over the years. Actually, a non surgical implant describes the attachment of a hair system to existing hair with surgical glue, and subsequent trimming to ensure the add-ons blend with natural hair. What about more long-term solutions? Hair Graft. This is the most popular surgical method, but it can be done only on people who are partially bald. The results are permanent and can be achieved in four or five sittings. The procedure involves removing hair follicles from the back of the head (where the growth is the most persistent) and implanting them on the pate. This hair grows naturally, requiring no followup action. It ll never resemble a thick mane, but it s presentable. 32 P a g e

33 Tissue Expansion It involves implanting silicon balloons with hair bearing skin on either side of the head. The implants are inside the skin over the ears so that the hair bearing part of the head expands. The expansions are then re-grafted in front of the head, so the hair appears to grow naturally from there. This calls for two surgical procedures, one at the time of implantation and the other for regrafting. Any drawbacks to the surgical procedure? There may be swelling, bruising or mild pain inhibiting normal activity for a couple of days after the procedure. There may also be numbness on the back of the neck, from where a strip of skin is removed. Also, it s important to remember that individual hair types and characteristics- such as wavy or curly hair- affect the results. 33 P a g e

34 Herbs for Hair Growth Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. The hair that we see and care so much about is actually nothing but dead cells. The part that is living is below the scalp and is called the follicle. Near the follicle are the sebaceous glands that make the hair look vibrant and shiny. These sebaceous glands make the hair look oily or dry depending on the sebum production. The following are the uses of herbs for hair growth: The first positive thing about using herbs for hair growth is that there are no side effects associated with them like the drugs that are available in the market. If you have Lifeless hair, it can be made better with massage with good herbal oil. Applying henna to hair deep conditions it. Henna is a very traditional and widely used treatment for hair growth. This herb is available in tropics. Henna is also used as a natural dye. Henna is mixed with other herbs like gooseberry, coffee and lemon juice. This mixture is a very good cure for hair fall. Massage your hair with warm oil. Take a fresh green coconut and massage some warm coconut milk into the hair. Keep this on for an hour and a half. This will make the hair soft and healthy. Use Aloe Vera gel on the hair once in a week and wash your hair. Hair loss is usually due to infection that harms the follicle. You can get rid of this infection by the use of the water on the hair with Neem leaves that have been boiled for 5 minutes. Neem is considered as a natural disinfectant and doesn t damage the hair shaft. It is also known to cure dandruff, which is also one of the reasons for hair loss. Honey mixed with warm oil and a teaspoonful of cinnamon powder has to be rubbed into the scalp. This should be left on the scalp for around 15 minutes. This helps in hair growth and helps in keeping the hair soft and shiny. Crushed olive leaves mixed with vinegar should be applied on the hair. This a great remedy for hair loss. A paste made of honey and egg yolk is also used for hair growth. To counter the smell caused by egg can be countered by rinsing the hair with lemon juice Doctors recommend diets rich in nutrients that boost the growth of hair. If your want to stop hair loss you should include lots of Vitamin A rich diet. Eat green leafy vegetables like spinach, milk, sprouted beans and salads. Increase the intake of Protein rich diet and you will naturally healthy hairs which promote hair growth. 34 P a g e

35 Good hair adds beauty to your personality and it is only a healthy body that can be capped with beautiful hair. Eating nutritious diet and protein rich diets that are healthy to your health will add starts to your crowning glory. 35 P a g e

36 Pamper Your Hair to Help Them Grow Faster Short hair is old-fashioned. Thick and long hair is now in vogue. In the prevailing scenario, everyone has one question on their mind i.e. How to make hair grow faster? Healthy hair requires an optimal delivery of oxygen to breathe and penetrate. Adequate supply of nutrients from the circulatory system to the hair follicle is required for hair to grow faster. Hair if deprived of natural vitamins, proteins, amino acids and other nutrients may lack fullness, strength and luster thus hurdling the route to hair growth. Studies conducted earlier have stated that majority of the people are deficient in nutritional balance because of their busy lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. In order to keep pace with faster hair growth, a nutritional diet is mandatory. Increase the intake of green leafy vegetables in your diet. Drink plenty of water. This improves blood circulation to the scalp and hence helps hair grow faster. Hormonal imbalances also hinder the way of hair growth. A hormonal byproduct known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) gradually shrinks the hair follicles making them become dormant. Use natural hair care products to fight DHT and improvise hair growth. Gentle scalp massage twice or thrice a week promotes faster hair growth. Massaging scalp with almond or olive oil can supplement hair follicles with nutrients. In case you are experiencing a sudden hair loss, keep in mind that it may be due to acute stress or intoxication of the body due to the intake of some toxic metals. Therefore, get awareness on the pros and cons of a medicine before consuming it. Try to live a stress free life by doing yoga or meditation. Rely on the natural method of eliminating stress from your life. Do not be dependent on stress relieving medicines for this purpose. Vitamins are essential for hair to grow faster. So, pamper your hair with vitamin enrich shampoo. Limit the use of hair creams and gels on your hair. Deciding the right hair care product is important. With the increasing concern for hair growth a number of hair care products are available in the market. It is advisable to authenticate the product before buying it. You can consult your dermatologist in this effort. The occurrence of split ends is another stumbling stone in obstructing hair growth. Damaging of the protective part of hair called cuticle, results in the splitting of hair ends. As they cannot be repaired, get them removed. Trim your hair at regular intervals to promote faster hair growth. 36 P a g e