Hair Loss Information

Hair Loss - Overview

2010-06-17T13:06:00.001-07:00

Hair, though often overlooked, plays an important role in our lives. Upon meeting someone, one of the first things you notice is their hair. Before a social engagement, our hair is one of the things we spend the most time on getting to look a certain way. Those affected by hair loss become aware of how important hair is in our social lives quickly. That is why hair loss provokes not only feelings of cosmetic concern, but also may provoke a loss of self-esteem and even identity problems.

Hair Loss, also referred to as balding, is caused by a variety of factors, the most important being heredity. Hair loss runs in the family and is not curable though someday, gene manipulation may lead scientists to a cure. Men with a genetic predisposition to hair loss have areas on their scalp that are especially sensitive to male sex hormones. As men age, these areas and the hair follicles that reside there suffer from a biological imbalance caused by a male hormone called DHT. Slowly, over a period of years, follicles wither and hair becomes thinner and shorter until it can't be seen at all.

Though not curable yet, hair loss in the form of androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness described above) can be treated in various surgical and non-surgical ways. Shampoos like Rogaine work by stimulating the growth of hair, thus counteracting the effects of excessive hair loss. Pills like Propecia are DHT inhibitors, which help keep DHT levels normal so follicles are not flooded with it. There are a variety of other treatment options like transplant surgery, which involves taking follicles from the sides and back of the scalp that are not sensitive to hormones that cause hair loss and redistributing them to balding areas.

Are all hair loss treatments just one big scam ?

2010-06-17T13:05:00.002-07:00

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:

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.

A Look at Hair Loss Remedies

2010-06-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hair loss causes a great deal of stress and anxiety. In society, one of the factors other people judge us by is our looks, which includes our hair. Hair loss, therefore, can have an enormous impact on self-perception, self-esteem, and social life. Although there is no cure for excessive hair loss caused by male or female pattern hair loss, there are a variety of hair loss remedies available for people suffering from hair loss.

One hair loss remedy is simply to learn to live with it. It is, after all, a common, normal process that many go through much like acne. Talking to a counselor may help you cope with any self-esteem issues you may face as the result of hair loss.

Many people that suffer from hair loss find that one good remedy can be found in hair styling and cosmetic techniques. Hair coloring, waves, and haircuts alone can make a big difference in the way you look and feel, making hair loss much less apparent.

Rogaine, the FDA approved topical treatment for female and male pattern hair loss, is a popular hair loss remedy. Though not always effective in promoting new hair growth, if used regularly, Rogaine can be effective in slowing or even stopping hair loss.

Hair attachments are another option in the search for an effective hair loss remedy. Made out of human hair and synthetic fibers, these attachments give the appearance of a fuller head of hair. They are kept on by being anchored to the existing hair, skin, or grafted on through surgical techniques.

Lastly, a hair loss remedy that can be effective but costly is hair transplant or replacement surgery. With improving results and procedures, this surgical procedure takes healthy follicles and distributes them over other areas of the scalp affected by baldness.

Essential fatty acids (efa's)

2010-06-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

Essential Fatty Acids are oils, omega-3 and omega-6, that you can find, in certain amounts, in all oils that you can purchase in most the health food and regular grocery stores. These fatty acids are called essential because you cannot create them in your body and your cells use them every day.

If you do not eat enough of these oils… guess what… you’re going to get sick. What kind of sick? The list is quite extensive and it depends on your deficiency.

* Acne
* ADD/ADHD
* Alzheimer’s disease
* Arthritis
* Asthma
* Cancer
* Diabetes
* Eczema
* Eye diseases
* Growth retardation
* Hair loss
* Heart disease
* High blood pressure
* Immune dysfunction
* Kidney deterioration
* Kidney deterioration
* Memory loss
* Psoriasis
* Schizophrenia

It’s a good idea not to be short on these fatty acids, because this list is still not complete.

80% of the American people will come down with serious illness because of nutritional deficiencies

It is not enough to eat essential fatty acid randomly. They need to be eaten in balance. You will need to balance the Omega-3 with the Omega-6. Most people are eating around 15 tablespoons of Omega-6 to 1 tablespoon of Omega-3. If you are one of these persons then expect to be harboring or creating one of the diseases listed above

What are Essential Fatty Acids?

There are four important types of Essential Fatty Acids:

* Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) or Omega-3 Oil
* Linoleic Acid (LA) or Omega-6 Oil
* Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
* Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are found in everyday oils that you use for cooking, baking, and eating.

* Flax seed oil – contains four times more omega-3 than omega-6
* Perilla seed oil – contains three-four more omega-3 than omega-6
* Hemp oil – contain the ideal ratio of 4:1, four times more omega-6 to omega-3.
* Pumpkin oil – contains 3 times more omega-6 than omega-3
* Walnut oil contain ten times more omega-6 than omega-3
* Safflower – has no omega-3 and 75% of its oil is omega-6
* Sunflower – has no omega-3 and 65% of its oil is omega-6
* Wheat germ oil – slight amount of omega-3 but mostly omega-6
* Olive oil – no omega-3 and 8% of its oil is omega-6
* Corn oil – contains mostly omega- 6

You can see that most oils have very little omega-3. This is why you hear a lot about flax seeds and flax seed oil because they are high in omega-3.

In recent years, a new source of omega-3 was found in the seeds of the Perilla frutescens plant. Perilla oil was found not to cause digestive upset when used in large quantities. This oil is similar to flax seed oil in content except that 19% of it oil is saturated compared to 7% for flax seed oil.

It’s cheaper to buy perilla it in liquid form, since one tablespoon contains 7700 mg of omega-3 and one capsule contains 550 mg.

It is best to alternate between oils, using one bottle at a time of flax, perilla, and hemp oil. In this way you will get the benefits that the different oils have to give.

When buying your oils, try to buy them in dark bottles. This prevents oxidation from occurring and assures that you get active and fresh oils that contain strong levels of omega oils.

Other sources of omega-3 oil are,

* Flax seeds
* Chia seeds
* Pumpkin seeds
* Walnuts
* Dark greens
* Soy products

Limit your use of soy products. These products use up your body’s minerals and have been associated various body diseases. They cause fibrin to settles in your tissues and organs. Fibrin tends to clog up your organs and causes arteries to close off when you’re short on systemic enzymes.

Fish are also high in omega-3 oil. Include these in your diet by eating them at least once a week. The fish to eat are,

* Salmon
* Sardines
* Halibut
* Trout
* Albacore tuna
* Mackerel

Add the essential fatty acids to your eating habits everyday and gain the benefit of a better life.

How Excessive Testosterone Leads To Your Hair Loss

2010-06-17T13:02:00.001-07:00

Hair loss has been observed and studied for ages, and some interesting discoveries were made in ancient times. It was noticed that eunuchs:

* those males without genitals-never went bald.
* men who were castrated as a result of accidents in battle also never went bald

This was the first sign that testosterone had something to do with hair loss. It has also been found that the more recessive the hair gene, the chances you have of becoming bald.

Androgens Testosterone and Adrenaline

What exactly are androgens? Androgens are sex hormones mainly produced by males. The main male androgen is testosterone. Androgens are produced by your adrenal glands - testosterone and adrenaline - which protect your body in stressful situations and give you the power to respond to dangerous situations.

When you are under constant stress, you have adrenals that are overactive. Under this stress, you are are producing both testosterone and adrenaline. The excess testosterone, you create can be a cause in your hair loss. Also if you constantly over eat fatty foods and red meat, this will cause an overactive adrenal gland.Hair Loss and Prostate Gland
There is a definite connection between Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) and the prostate gland. The prostate gland is actually a cluster of small glands in males surrounding the urethra, located just below the bladder. There is not a lot known about all the functions of the prostate, except that it serves to squeeze seminal fluid into and through the urethra during ejaculation.

Prostate problems can cause serious problems with urination if it becomes enlarged, and sometimes the prostate becomes cancerous. Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

DHT is responsible for the division of cells in the prostate, and is normally expelled by the prostate. However, when the prostate fails to expel the DHT, it builds up and causes enlargement. It has been confirmed that typical North American and northern European diets lend to the perpetuation of BPH and prostate cancer, whereas these are uncommon phenomena in other lands and was even uncommon here in the past.

This is significant since the overproduction of DHT is responsible for BPH and prostate cancer, and is also responsible for MPB or androgenetic alopecia.

The findings in research for BPH cures have usually simultaneously produced benefits in hair growth.

So to minimize the genetic tendency for hair loss be aware of excess stress in your life and work on reducing it. Learn what kind of diet is necessary to keep your prostate healthy.Two additional facts about hair loss are:

* If you are blond-haired, you have a greater tendency toward hair loss than darker-haired people. But if you are Caucasian, then you have a greater tendency toward hair loss than non-Caucasian people.

* Beyond the genetic tendency of certain people for hair loss, diet seems to play a factor in hair loss. This is good to know, since this is one additional you can make changes to you to your lifestyle.

A Look at Male Hair Loss

2010-06-17T13:00:00.002-07:00

At a research study held in a university in Norfolk, Virginia, it was found that 84 percent of men suffering from hair loss were preoccupied with the loss. They described feelings of helplessness, vulnerability, and jealousy of men with full, healthy heads of hair. Men who had begun losing their hair in their early twenties were more likely to have problems with low self-esteem.

Male hair loss occurs because of a hormone imbalance. The medical term for male-pattern baldness is Androgenetic Alopecia. This term will help you understand the factors involved in excessive male hair loss. Androgen refers to any of the many hormones that control the appearance and development of masculine traits. An example is testosterone. Genetic refers to heredity, the inheritance of genes from either the mother or father. Alopecia simply means hair loss. So we could say that male hair loss occurs because of male hormones affected by genetic inheritance.

DHT (testosterone and 5-alpha-reductase) is a naturally occurring hormone that helps in sexual development. Genetic switches in certain men after puberty cause changes in hair follicles; specifically androgen receptor sites on the follicles that regulate healthy hair growth. As DHT levels increase as men age, binding at the follicle receptor sites increases. This causes an imbalance in the biological processes of the hair follicles that are more sensitive. Slowly, the follicles begin to degrade as DHT builds up on the site causing hair to grow back thinner and shorter, eventually making it so thin and short that it can't be seen.

Men lose their hair in different ways based on their genetic predisposition. Male hair loss usually involves receding at the temples, loss on the top of the head, and thinning over large areas. These patterns are identified on something called the "Norwood scale," which classifies different types of hair loss.

Andropause and Hair Loss

2010-06-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Imagine clumps of hair falling off your head, or observing strands of once healthy hair collecting in the shower drain. Maybe you run your hand through your hair and feel it thinning. It can feel daunting and quite scary. Typically, hair loss is a result of an imbalance of male testosterone hormone in the body. Instead of infusing the hair with healthy testosterone, enzymes break it down to a simpler form known as dihydrotestosterone.
An excess of this hormone has the effect of decreasing the size of hair follicles which eventually break down and make your hair fall off sporadically. The medical condition that is best associated with hair loss in Andropause sufferers is hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a by-product of decreasing levels of Human Growth Hormone, which is responsible for regulating our aging process.

Andropause sufferers’ hormones have a profound effect on the rate and consistency of hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone (considered by medical circles the strongest, most potent form of testosterone) is responsible for building and growing body hair in men (at normal levels - an excess causes hair degeneration.) This includes body hair, pubic hair, head hair, armpit hair – any hair. DHT is directly produced in the skin, made to work by supporting enzymes that break it down for distribution throughout the body.

DHT levels are present more in certain areas of the body than in others – explaining why we may have a full crop of hair on our heads and little bushes of hair on our chests and backs. Realize, women also have DHT in their bodies but produce less of it. That explains why women don’t have body hair. Case in point: an excess of DHT is prevalent in Andropause sufferers, explaining the reason for hair loss. The enzyme used to break down testosterone to dihydrotestosterone is ¨over activated¨ - working too hard and too fast. This is the primary cause for this Andropausal condition.

As aforementioned, dihydrotestosterone is present more in certain areas of the body than in others. For this reason, men’s hair can fall into funny patterns. You know, the balding train station clerk you might have seen with more hair on his scalp than the top of his head. The shrinking of hair follicles as a result of the production of DHT is attributed to this. How hair grows is a wondrous thing in itself that needs to be recognized. Typically, hair grows at a rate of a quarter inch every 2 weeks.
Andropause sufferers have their ¨hair growth cycles¨ disrupted when there is erratic growth of some hair strands where ¨new¨ hair pushed ¨old¨ hair out.

Because Andropause is a period of hormonal imbalance, a lack of hormonal stability and poor homeostasis (holistic balance) in the body pushes things out of whack. If you want to maintain healthy strands of hair, one thing you can do is hit that stair climber machine fellas! Exercise reverses the aging process and may certainly reverse this symptom. There are also hair loss products that can help you recapture your hair.

Secondary causes of hair loss in men suffering Andropause is stress. More specifically, stress raises the levels of cortisol and cortisone (known as stress hormones) in the body. Eating non-nutritional foods also speeds up hair loss. Pretty much any activity that speeds up the aging process will speed up your hair loss. Stay away from caffeinated drinks, fast foods, and cigarette smoking to keep running your hands through your thick mane longer.

Participate in recreational activities to reduce stress and light up your life with a proper exercise regimen. If you’re suffering from this condition, don’t let it affect you in the least bit! Andropause should not serve as a punishment – rather, a realization of a future for the better.

Coping with telogen effluvium

2010-06-17T12:58:00.002-07:00

Telogen effluvium is a hair loss condition that is characterized by a general thinning of the hair over a period of months. It is usually found in people who have recently experienced trauma with common causes including childbirth, major surgery and severe illness.

It occurs when one or more factors interfere with the normal growth cycle and manifests when large numbers of hairs are prematurely pushed from the growth (anagen) phase into the resting (telogen) phase. The telogen hairs are loosely attached at the roots and fall out easily. Fortunately, this unnatural growth behavior is only temporary and completely reversible.

Diagnosis of telogen effluvium involves a three step process:

1. Assess the type of hair loss suffered - generally telogen effluvium is typified by a rapid thinning throughout the scalp rather than the localized loss evident in most other conditions.

2. Review life events over the previous six months - typically some sort of traumatic event will have occurred.

3. Undergo a hormone test to rule out other abnormalities.

As far as treatment is concerned, telogen effluvium usually disappears as the effects of the trauma previously experienced begin to wear off. Consequently, there are no treatments specific to this condition although a product such as minoxidil (Rogaine) may help to accelerate the regrowth process.

Facts About Hair Loss

2010-06-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

Alopecia. A dreaded word for any man, or woman, who know it's true meaning and who have experienced it first hand. I'm talking about hair loss. Although alopecia, or hair loss, can occur anywhere on the body, it is most upsetting when it happens on the scalp where the loss can be embarrassing and difficult to cover up.

Any number of factors can be attributed to excessive hair loss such as an illness or major surgery, or the stress related to these. Some medications can contribute to hair loss. For women, hormone fluctuations, such as pregnancy can cause hair loss. Hair loss attributed to any of these causes is generally only temporary.

Most female hair loss occurs over the entire scalp. Women's hair loss generally begins at any age through 50, or later, and may not have any hereditary association. If you are a woman experiencing hair loss it is best to seek advice from a professional in hair restoration. Be aware that sometimes hair loss can be a sign of illness.

For some women, improper care, or being "hard" on the hair can cause hair loss. This would be most common for women who wear their hair in pigtails or tight cornrows. The pulling and tugging can cause hair loss and can promote scarring of the scalp. If the pulling and tugging are stopped hair will usually grow back normally. Years of this type of abuse can cause permanent scarring which can prevent regrowth of hair.

It is believed that approximately 35 million men in the United States suffer from hair loss that is called male pattern hair loss. This hair loss usually starts at an early age and develops into more extensive baldness. This is an inherited trait. This hair loss in men is caused by what is called DHT, which is a hormone in men that causes the hair follicle to shrink.

There are many, many treatments that claim to help with hair loss. Natural shampoos with natural algae and botanicals, shampoo with natural DHT inhibitors and nutrients, and some treatments that combine essential oils with a pulsed electromagnetic field. Minoxidil is a cream that is applied directly to the scalp several times a day. Propecia is a pill taken once daily which is advertised to be safe and effective for male pattern hair loss. This is one of the hair loss remedies that claims to halt the effects of DHT - dihydrotestosterone - the reason men have thinning and hair loss. Another of these products is Avodart.

Hair loss types and treatments

2010-06-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

Doctors distinguish between different types of hair loss. The male pattern hair loss is totally different from Alopecia Areata.
Male pattern hair loss (also known as common baldness, male pattern baldness or permanent pattern baldness) is the most common one for males. In fact, It is inherited. It usually involves baldness on the top of the head and a receding hair line.
On the other hand, Alopecia Areata involves patchy hair loss over the body and the head. It can involve one or more patches and even full body baldness in rare cases. Its causes are still unknown and in most cases hair regrows within first 5 years after the first patch appeared.
There are some treatments for Alopecia Areata but the proper treatment could be decided only after visiting the doctor and undergoing some blood tests.
Some of the treatments used to cure Alopecia Areata are Rogaine (minoxidil), Aloe vera gel, some herb and other natural treatments.
The treatments for male pattern hair loss are much more reliable. There is a variety of natural treatments and chemical treatments which suppose to treat hair loss.
The most recommended treatments are Propecia and Revivogen.
Propecia works on the main cause of hair loss by significantly reducing the amount of DHT. DHT is a a chemical that shrinks the hair follicle until no hair grows. Propecia actually inhibits the formation of DHT in your scalp. Lowering DHT inhibits the further
shrinking of affected hair follicles. Propecia re grows visible hair and reduces further hair loss.
In the longest hair loss clinical study where the results were measured by actual hair counts, in average more than 2 out of 3 men on Propecia re grew hair. whereas all man in the study who talk other pills lost hair.
Revivogen Scalp Therapy works by decreasing the levels of DHT in the scalp. This allows the hair follicles to rejuvenate and produce thicker and stronger hair, creating a fuller and healthier head of hair.
The combination of both remedies is the most recommended way of treating hair loss.

Hair cloning as a solution for hair loss

2010-06-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

One of the most exciting recent developments in the search to find new solutions for hair loss has been research investigating hair cloning. Properly known as follicle cloning or multiplication, it involves taking a sample of a person's hair follicle cells, multiplying them in a lab and injecting them back into the patient's scalp. The aim obviously is to generate natural hair regrowth without the need for invasive surgery. But can we realistically expect this treatment to become available in the forseeable future?

Unfortunately the process is not yet possible but research is underway to perfect it. Current predictions suggest that it is unlikely to become available to the public for at least ten years.

The name of the process is a little misleading as it really refers to cell therapy rather than true cloning. Once perfected it would involve taking a small sample of tissue from the scalp and then creating a culture that would allow the follicle cells to multiply. The theory is that the few sample cells would multiply to become several hundred thousand that could then be injected back into the scalp to create several thousand new hairs.

The major obstacles that must be overcome include the following:

- There is no certainty that the replicated cells can develop into hairs.

- There is no guarantee that the new hairs will grow to the same thickness, color or direction as the existing hair coverage.

- There needs to be certainty that the cloned cells do not introduce serious health problems such as the growth of cancerous tumors.

Clearly hair cloning offers exciting possibilites for the treatment of hair loss in the future but for now, you'd best stick with the more limited treatments that at least are currently available.

How Your Hair Loss Product Works: Hair Growth 101

2010-06-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

Once you know the basics of how your hair grows, you can make better choices about using a hair loss product or herbal hair loss remedy. If you can choose the right herbal hair loss product, you can keep your hair growing longer and stronger for years to come.

Hair Follicles: Your cellular powerhouse.

The first two outer layers of your skin are called the epidermis and the dermis. The dermis contains a rich lode of blood vessels, nerve endings, fat reserves, and your hair follicles.

The follicle is depression that penetrates into your dermis, the second layer of skin. This is where all the hair-growing action takes place. Once you understand this, you can see the basic flaw in many hair loss remedies. A hair loss product that you apply directly to your scalp has little chance of penetrating down to your dermis, where all the new hair growth takes place. Some chemical hair loss remedies can do this, but these hair loss products have other drawbacks that we'll get to later.

At the bottom of the follicle there's a bundle of cells called the papilla. The papilla contains all the blood vessels that feed the hair, and also produces new hair cells. The ideal hair loss product feeds and nourishes the cells of the papilla. These cells are highly active in a healthy, hair-producing follicle. The cells constantly divide and create new hair cells. As the new hair cells are formed, older cells are pushed up and out of the follicle, creating the hair shaft.

The follicles go through a regular 3-phase cycle. In the anagen phase, or growth period, the papilla is vigorously active, producing strong, thick hair. The catagen is like the yellow light, when the growth slows down. The telogen phase is the resting period. It's like a red light, where cell production stops. If the follicle is healthy, this last phase is temporary. Soon the light turns green, and the papilla goes back into the anagen phase again, creating new hair.

The papilla is your key to treating and preventing hair loss. Although there are many different causes of hair loss, the effect is always the same: the papilla produces fewer and weaker hair cells, or stops producing altogether. If you can find an herbal hair loss product that nourishes the papilla and stimulates the production of healthy new hair cells, you'll grow stronger, healthier hair.

Conventional Hair Loss Treatment

Conventional hair loss treatment tends to do one of two things. In the first case, chemicals are introduced to stimulate the papilla to more activity. The only FDA-approved chemicals that do this are Minoxidil and Finasteride.

Minoxidil works by making the anagen phase of hair growth last longer. Researchers don't completely understand how it works. Once you take this hair loss product, you have to keep on taking it, because if you stop this hair loss remedy your hair will rapidly return to its old hair loss pattern.

Finasteride slows down the speed of hair loss, but the method isn't completely understood. This hair loss remedy has been known to cause ambiguous genitalia in male fetuses, so it's unhealthy for women to use this hair loss treatment.

Nobody really knows the long-term effects of continuously using these drugs.

Another conventional hair loss remedy is "transplants." In this case, individual follicles are taken from a "donor patch" of healthy hair, and "planted" in the thin or bald areas. If you've listened to salesmen pitching traditional hair loss remedies, you've probably heard the analogy between your hair and a plant. But your scalp is not a patch of topsoil!

Many people have been pleased with the results of this method of hair loss treatment, but it still has some drawbacks. It is expensive, costing upwards of several thousand dollars to complete. It requires that you still have healthy hair on some part of your head, and that you're willing to sacrifice some of it to create thicker hair elsewhere.

Finally, transplanting active follicles doesn't treat the conditions that caused the follicles to become inactive in the first place. Only a hair loss product that nourishes the hair-producing cells can do that.

"Hair Food" vs. Hair Nutrition

A new approach that's showing a lot of promise is that of "feeding" your hair follicles with an herbal hair loss product. Our fast-paced modern lifestyle makes it hard to have an ideal diet, and the food you eat doesn't always pack the nutritional punch that it should.

When your body doesn't get enough nutrients, it may "ration" them. The richest supply will go to your brain and other vital organs, while less important parts of the body, such as the hair follicles, get depleted.

Some herbal hair loss remedies try to "feed" your hair with a special shampoo or lotion for your scalp. The idea is that your hair is like a field of corn, and you can just dump some fertilizer and expect your crop to grow better.

But remember, your scalp is skin, and the main purpose of your skin is to keep things out. While outer skin cells may be able to absorb oil, and become more soft and pliable in the process (think of sunscreen or moisturizer, for example), most topical hair loss products aren't likely to penetrate into the living cells of the papilla, deep in the second layer of the dermis.

If you want to nourish your hair, you need to do it through the blood. Many traditional herbs can do this, but you need the right combination of herbs to perform three crucial tasks:

1. Direct. You need herbs that will boost circulation to the follicles, to make sure the other herbs and nutrients will reach them.

2. Cleanse. Once the formulas reach the follicles, you need some agent that will help remove toxins and the buildup of dead cells and other obstructing substances, so that the papilla are free to absorb fresh nutrients to produce healthier hair cells.

3. Nourish. Finally, the abundant compounds can get in, providing the papilla with the basic building blocks that are critical for growing new hair cells.

Samson's Secret has the right herbal hair loss remedy for improving your hair and rejuvenating old follicles. Our secret is in addressing the root causes of hair loss, so that you can improve and rejuvenate your hair.

When choosing the herbal hair loss product that's right for you, you need to get to the root of the problem. Only the hair loss remedy that feeds your papilla can promote the natural, long-term health of longer, stronger hair. Samsons' Secret is the ideal hair loss product.

How To Reduce Stress That Causes Hair Loss and Bad Hair

2010-06-17T12:54:00.001-07:00

Your hair will be radiant and shining if you are healthy physically as well as emotionally.

Your hair becomes dull and lifeless if you are upset emotionally. Your hair will begin to fall out, and it will become waxy with the overproduction of sebaceous glands.

Stress can affect your hair the same way that affects your other major organs such as your heart. Stress can cause hair loss and many times cause hair problems 3-6 months after some trauma event occurred.

As soon as your body finds its equilibrium and you have recovered from stress, the hair loss should cease. Reducing stress can stop stress hair loss so consider the following stress management techniques.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a simple but effective stress management technique. It is actually the core component of many stress management techniques, which are comparatively complex in nature.

Imagery

Imagery is a method of relaxation through use of pleasant or relaxing images. Such images help to calm the body and mind. One can get a sense of relaxation by simply controlling the breathing and viewing some soothing image.

Meditation Techniques

Meditation has long been one of the most popular stress management techniques. It is the process of focusing upon the core of one's being. It soothes the mind, body and the emotions. One can do meditation by daily practice of a routine or simply while being alone outdoors.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

One can use Progressive Muscle Relaxation to achieve mental relaxation through physical relaxation. It involves tightening and relaxing the muscle groups in succession. In this technique, you first need to tense up a group of muscles to contract them as much as possible. Then relax the muscles normally after a few seconds. You should relax the muscles as much as possible.

Autogenic Training

This stress management technique uses passive concentration and awareness of the body sensations for relaxation. Physicians use Autogenic training as a part of therapy for many ailments. In this technique, one focuses upon different sensations in different organs of the body through repetition of the autogenic "formulas". Those sensations include warmth, heaviness etc.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is an advanced technique for achieving relaxation, controlling stress responses and for modifying the body's reactions. It uses certain monitoring equipment to extract information from the body. Such equipment can measure heart rate, blood pressure, brain activity, muscle tension, stomach acidity and other biological functions inside the body.
Martial arts

Practicing martial arts can be a great stress management technique. It keeps one physically fit and mentally alert. There are several martial arts that one can take up. Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that is popularly known as "meditation in motion". It stresses precision and force. The body movements are soft and flowing.

Qigong
This ancient Chinese health care system combines Eastern philosophy and relaxation techniques with physical training. The physical training includes aerobic conditioning, isometrics, isotonics etc. This stress management technique has several forms. They are effective in treatment of various medical conditions.

Yoga
This ancient Indian form of exercise is highly effective as a stress management technique. Yoga has many forms but all forms work on the principle that the mind has a connection with the body and breathing. Yoga restores the balance and harmony in the body and emotions through different breathing exercises and postures. It increases the body’s flexibility and capability for relaxation.

Japanese Hair Straightening – Is It Right for You?

2010-06-17T12:53:00.002-07:00

Japanese Hair Straightening, also known as Thermal Reconditioning, is one very popular hair straightening technique you just might want to think twice about before having done.

Originating in Japan in the late 90’s the chemical products used in the process go by the names Liscio, Yuko and U.S. made Bio Ionics.

The treatment can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours and involves numerous steps with costs ranging from $300 to $1,500 depending on the salon.

A cheaper price should raise some red flags as to the quality of the chemicals used or the expertise of the stylist according to the experts.

The result is permanently straight hair but after 4 to 6 months any new hair growth will need to be treated as well. This usually costs close to the same amount as the original treatment because it is a more time-consuming process involving straightening hair closer to the roots.

Because of the chemicals and techniques used you will not be able to curl the treated hair so you definitely want to take that into consideration beforehand.

There is also a growing concern from some stylists that thermal reconditioning may not be the perfect hair straightening solution after all.

First off, experts estimate that at least 80 percent of people that are having the treatment are not really good reconditioning candidates for several reasons:

Any recent chemical processes done to your hair such as hair coloring, bleaching or hair relaxing can cause serious problems including hair loss and breakage if you elect to have the treatment done. A hair strand test must be done first to determine whether your hair can accept the chemicals. If the salon does not offer a strand test you might want to reconsider who you trust your hair to.

It does not work on African hair because it is too fragile and can’t take the heat required during the straightening process. It is not the same as a hair relaxer which is made especially for African hair.

In fact, a growing number of women are claiming serious hair breakage problems and it has been reported in the press that one of the top Hollywood celebrity hair stylists refuses to perform the treatment because she thinks it is too much of a risk to her client’s hair.

Many women are led to believe that the process is actually good for your hair but there have been no clinical studies to prove this and by definition anything that physically alters the hair structure at the molecular level is damaging.

Even though many women have had the Japanese Hair Straightening process done to their hair with great success you should know that there can be some risk involved and if you decide to have it done to your hair be sure you use a reputable salon with properly trained stylists that will test your hair first.

15 Hair Care Myths

2010-06-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a favourite myth about hair care – and we usually never let the truth get in the way of a good legend! This article examines some of the most widely known - and the reality behind the myths.

1. Excessive washing of hair causes hair loss/dryness
FALSE: Frequency of washing doesn’t harm hair. Wash it as often as you like, although the recommendation is three times a week. The right shampoo for your hair type and texture will actually add moisture, body and beauty to your hair.

2. More shampoo = cleaner hair
FALSE: Don’t waste your shampoo! A dollop of shampoo, about the size of a quarter is usually enough for long hair. Very long hair may take a little more.

3. Conditioner helps repair split ends
FALSE: No conditioner can "repair" damaged hair. What it can do is smooth down the cuticle and make hair seem in better condition. A good conditioner can also prevent damage from occurring in the first place.

4. Blow-drying produces hair loss
FALSE: Blow-drying can damage, burn or dry hair, which can cause it to fall, but the hair will grow back immediately. This is not permanent hair loss.

5. Sleeping with wet hair causes scalp fungus
FALSE: Scalp or fungal diseases can’t be caught from sleeping with wet scalps. Scalp infections require prior involvement with infected sources such as humans, tainted hair care tools or animals. Scalp fungus (tinea capitis) mainly affects children, whose immune systems make them more susceptible to skin infections.

6. To get your hair to grow, brush 100 strokes each day
FALSE: Brushing that much can damage the hair cuticle. NOT recommended! Actually, your hair reacts better to a comb than a brush. Brushing it will only lead to split ends and hair breakage.

7. Sharing combs and brushes can spread scalp diseases
TRUE: Lice and other parasites can be transported from scalp to scalp through the sharing of combs, brushes and other hair care tools.

8. Cutting hair makes it grow faster and/or thicker
FALSE: This common misconception comes from the fact that hair is thicker at the base than it is at the tip, so shorter hair appears thicker at first. Cutting your hair does not affect its normal biologically determined growth rate or overall texture. Thin, limp or fine hair will not ever grow thicker in response to a haircut. Plump up your hair by using volume enhancing hair care products, experimenting with a hair fattening blunt cut or getting a texturizing perm or color treatment.

9. Color treatment causes hair loss
FALSE: Most hair coloring products contain chemicals that can do serious harm to the hair itself if not properly used, but it wont instigate hair loss.

10. Salon products are identical to drugstore products
FALSE: Although there are exceptions, salon products generally contain higher quality, more expensive ingredients that are designed to consistently provide more intensive cleansing, moisturizing and conditioning results. The quality ingredients found in salon products are not usually found in drugstore brands. If in doubt – read the labels.

11. Long sun exposure favors hair loss
FALSE: Your hair acts as a shield against the sun. Hair loss appears at the follicle level and so the sun would have to penetrate at this depth to do any damage.

12. Diet is related to hair loss
TRUE: it's important to eat right in order to be generally healthy. However, no individual food has been proven to be beneficial or detrimental to hair.

13. Stress causes hair loss
TRUE: Severe stress (e.g. surgery or a death in the family), can shut down hair production, causing temporary hairloss (alopecia areata). The scalp usually recuperates, though, and hair grows back

14. Wearing tight braids, ponytails or buns causes baldness
TRUE: Traction alopecia is a very real hair loss condition that is quite common amongst older African American women. It results from wearing tight ponytails, cornrows or buns over an extended period of time. Over time, hair breakage or loss as the result of tight, stressed styles, can become permanent. Avoid this potential problem by opting for looser styles that minimize scalp tension.

15. Smoking causes gray hair
TRUE: According to J. G. Mosley of the Leigh Infirmary in Lancashire, England in an article in Science News (January 11, 1997) smokers are four times more likely to have gray hair than non-smokers. Even worse, smoking has been conclusively linked to accelerated hair loss.

A Review of Popular HGH Products

2010-06-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

The big buzz in today's health community is about Human Growth Hormone (HGH). HGH is a natural hormone produced in the brain’s pituitary gland. This hormone is responsible for the growth and maintenance of healthy cells. As we age, our bodies produce less and less of this hormone, leading to many of the common signs of aging, such as hair loss, wrinkles in the skin, decreased muscle mass, and sleep problems. Many studies show that by increasing the body's level of HGH, it may be possible to "turn back the clock," reversing some signs of aging and returning some of the appearance and vitality of youth.

The excitement over this treatment and its benefits has resulted in a flood of HGH products into the marketplace. It can be confusing and overwhelming to choose the product that's best for you. Here are a few of the best HGH products available today.

Symbiotropin PRO HGH is one of the most popular and well-tested products on the market. The active ingredients in PRO HGH include vitamins, amino acids, and peptides that stimulate the body's natural production of HGH. PRO HGH comes in the form of berry-flavored effervescent tablets. The recommended treatment is two tablets dissolved in four ounces of water taken every morning or night for five days. Skip two days and then repeat the cycle. Combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, the product should result in a noticeable decrease in body fat, an increase in lean muscle mass, increased mental and sexual function, tighter skin, and better, more restful sleep.

Ultimate HGH is a product that contains all-natural ingredients, free of drugs or steroids. Ultimate HGH comes in capsule form. The recommended dosage is two capsules twice a day. After six months of use, the average user sees a 14.4 percent loss in body fat, and an 8.8 percent increase in lean muscle mass, higher energy levels, improved memory, and stronger bones. People of all ages and health levels have reported positive results from their use of Ultimate HGH.

Pinnacle GroTropin boasts an ingredient not found in most other HGH supplements: Alpha GPC. Alpha GPC is short for L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, a soy derivative that offers five crucial health benefits. These benefits are an increase in natural HGH production, increased benefits from strength training programs, increased mental function, better coordination (when combined with regular practice), and increased liptropic function in the liver. GroTropin comes in capsule form and is taken three times a day for five days, followed by two days off.

A Guide to Female Hair Loss

2010-06-17T12:51:00.001-07:00

Hair loss usually occurs because of hormonal factors. As a consequence, biological events like puberty, pregnancy and menopause that effect female hormone levels can also cause female hair loss. In the case of pregnancy, hair loss is simply a consequence of the stress the body undergoes during labor and should stop approximately 6 months after birth. Discontinuation of taking birth control pills can also cause temporary female hair loss.

The most common type of female hair loss is androgenetic alopecia or female-pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is associated with hair thinning predominantly over the sides and top of the head. Female hair loss affects about one-third of all susceptible women and usually onsets after menopause although it can begin earlier.

Other causes of female hair loss include dieting. Rapid weight loss over a short period of time promotes hair loss and some supplements such as excessive vitamin A also contribute to hair loss. Physical and emotional stress can cause hair loss but this usually only occurs when the trauma is excessive and of a long duration. Everyday stress does not promote hair loss.

Some common myths related to female hair loss are that frequent washing and shampooing, and wearing of wigs and hats all cause hair loss. In addition, rumors abound that permanents, coloring, and other cosmetic treatments can cause permanent hair loss. Other myths are that brushing your hair everyday will create healthier hair, that shaving your head will cause hair to grow back thicker, and that stress causes permanent hair loss. Finally, other myths are that there is a cure for female-pattern baldness and that dandruff causes permanent hair loss.

These are just a few common myths associated with female hair loss. If you experience excessive hair loss, you should see a licensed dermatologist for a thorough diagnosis and treatment options.

5 Steps To Conquering Male Hair Loss

2010-06-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

Would you like to know how to conquer your hair loss problem?

Well, here are the 5 critical steps that have been followed by every single guy who has ever conquered their hair loss problem...

LISTEN TO ME: If you want to conquer your hair loss, then what do you think you need to do?

That's right, YOU MUST follow these same steps. There is no question about it...

So, without further ado, here goes...

Critical Step #1: YOU MUST understand why YOUR hair loss is occuring. Otherwise, to put it politely – You have no hope!

Critical Step #2: YOU MUST be equipped with the most powerful treatments and techniques on the planet. This is not any easy task – sifting through hundreds of scam treatments to find one or two "real deal" treatments is like finding a needle in a haystack...

Critical Step #3: YOU MUST develop a treatment regime. A treatment regime is a combination approach towards hair loss. See, if you just take 1 approach, you'll be throwing all your eggs in one basket! You also need to choose treatments that you are personally comfortable with using. There are upsides and downsides to every treatment...

Critical Step #4: YOU MUST develop a plan of action, and decide which treatments to include in your regime. Then you need to get hold of these treatments at reasonable prices. And boy, there is a gigantic range in prices for the same ingredients!

Critical Step #5: YOU MUST commit to a plan and then find an

Cosmetic solutions for hair loss

2010-06-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

Many people suffering from hair loss prefer not to use the strong drugs and medications that currently form the best available treatment options. They may have tried a range of treatments but found they did not work or perhaps suffered unpleasant side effects. What options are left for such people, especially if they do not wish to consider surgery?

There are a number of solutions available but the final decision will be strongly influenced by the amount of thinning that needs to be covered.

1. Creative styling - this is perhaps the easiest option but its success depends on how far your hair loss has progressed. Slight balding can easily be camouflaged by careful grooming but attempts at covering large bald patches can end up looking ridiculous. One option for men with extensive thinning is to shave the head completely but this is not for everyone.

2. Hair cosmetics - this can include anything from hair thickening / volumizing products to dyes and fibers that blend with existing hair. Once again, these solutions really only work if the area of scalp to be covered is minimal.

3. Head coverings - seen by many as a last resort, wigs and hairpieces offer a further option. Once an object of derision, hairpieces have improved beyond recognition in recent years, although the price you are prepared to pay will determine the realism of the final result. Wigs come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from real or synthetic hair, but be warned the best ones are very expensive.

Can Vitamin E Cure Almost Everything?

2010-06-17T12:48:00.001-07:00

Vitamin E is an absolutely vital nutrient in your body, but it probably can't do half the things you heard it can.
What does vitamin E do? To begin, it is an antioxidant. It tames dangerous free radicals and helps prevent blood clots and blockages in coronary arteries. Research points to its ability to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart attacks and some cancers.
Vitamin E is also believed to slow the aging process and to help nerve conduction. Most importantly, it works to enhance and even protect vitamin C and Vitamin A.
There is also promising research that vitamin E might help prevent or slow the onset of cataracts in the eyes.
Vitamin E has been touted as a cure for just about everything but a broken heart. I am sure that's coming, though. Here are just a few of the diseases and conditions vitamin E has been credited with curing or preventing:
â€¢ Parkinson's disease
â€¢ Infertility in both men and women
â€¢ Alzheimer's disease
â€¢ Hepatitis
â€¢ eye tissue inflammation
â€¢ fibromylagia
â€¢ hair loss
â€¢ PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome)
â€¢ heavy menstruation
â€¢ healing wounds
â€¢ diabetes
â€¢ atherosclerosis
â€¢ menopause
â€¢ osteoarthritis
â€¢ even restless leg syndrome!
It might well prove that vitamin is helpful in some of these and other conditions, but probably not in many or even most of them.

As with many vitamins, there is a raging debate over how much vitamin E you need. The US recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 8-10 milligrams per day. But most people in the nutrition field believe that to capture the long-term benefits, people need 10 to 20 times that quantity, which is well short of the maximum recommended 1,000 milligrams.
Vitamin E is found in many foods in small quantities. The good news is that almost everyone gets sufficient vitamin E to avoid a deficiency, with a few exceptions noted below. The bad news is that most people do not get the RDA. This is definitely a vitamin that should be supplemented.
Be careful about what supplements you choose, since the synthetic version of vitamin E is not even half effective as in its natural form. Look for nutritional supplements containing natural vitamin E, preferably in liquid form.
People on low fat diets need supplements the most, since fats and oils are the largest sources of vitamin E. Nuts and green, leafy vegetables are also good sources, as are egg yolks and liver. So are whole grains.
Vitamin E probably will never cure your broken heart, nor live up to half of the claims people make about it. But it is an important vitamin for maintaining good health and it is needed in quantities above what most people take in their diet.

Ayurveda can help stop hair loss

2010-06-17T12:47:00.001-07:00

Most hair loss sufferers seek solutions from Western medicine or turn to remedies derived from local traditions. Some experts however argue that the ayurvedic system of medicine has much to offer in dealing with hair loss conditions.

Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine practiced in India and Sri Lanka. It is a complete approach to health care designed to promote a way of life rather than an occasional treatment. As a holistic system of medicine ayurveda focuses on our uniqueness and takes into account our mental attitude, lifestyle and spirit which should not be treated in isolation from each other.

According to ayurveda, the following principles are beneficial to healthy and plentiful hair:

- The scalp must be kept cool, so protection from sun and washing in cold or lukewarm water are paramount.

- Sound nutrition is key, so a hair-friendly diet should emphasize proteins, iron, zinc, sulfur, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-Complex and essential fatty acids.

- Use should be made of hair analysis to ascertain toxicity levels and nutritional deficiencies.

- Oils, for example sesame and coconut, should be applied to the scalp to nourish, lubricate and strengthen the roots. This will also improve circulation to the head.

Easy Natural Remedies For Hair Loss

2010-06-17T12:46:00.001-07:00

There is again no sure-fire way to prevent all hair loss; however, there are some methods that have been used that work on some people.

In addition to the dietary improvements and suggestions already offered, there are some naturopathic remedy suggestions.

Massage and aromatherapy have been used with some success. In minor cases of temporary hair loss, hair growth can be stimulated by massage, since blood and oxygen flow to the scalp must be healthy in order for hair to grow.

A blend of six drops each of lavender and bay essential oils in a base of four ounces of either almond, soybean or sesame oil massaged into the scalp and allowed to sit for 20 minutes has been used by aroma therapists to stimulate the scalp.

Once the mixture is in the scalp for 20 minutes, wash your hair and scalp with your normal shampoo mixed with three drops of bay essential oil.

Massaging the scalp in general for a couple of minutes a day can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles and in mild cases stimulate some hair growth.

Of course, one must be careful to be gentle when massaging and not tug at the hair or use the fingernails when massaging the scalp. If one is concerned about fingernails getting in the way due to extra long fingernails, there are several options.

One is a flat-handed massage, which while not as effective as the finger massage can provide some circulatory benefits and results. There are several electric massagers on the market that have an attachment for scalp massaging as well.

An oriental method called Qi Gong (pronounced Chi Kung) has been used to increase circulation to the scalp and face also. The fingers should be placed at the center of the skull base and then begin to tap approximately 30 times.

Work your way outward toward the ears continuing to tap gently. After reaching the ears go back to the center of the skull a little higher up and work your way around to the ear region.

Keep going up about eight levels, each time repeating the process...

Common treatments for hair loss in women

2010-06-17T12:45:00.001-07:00

Much has been said and written about modern day hair loss treatments but this tends to relate almost exclusively to men. Do these same treatments offer solutions to women suffering from hair loss or is there a completely different category of remedies available? It really depends on what is causing hair loss in the first place and as the most common causes of hair loss are the same as those that affect men, the treatments available are pretty similar.

In an earlier article we concluded that the three most common causes of hair loss in women are female pattern baldness, telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. We'll now look at each of these in turn and examine the best treatments available, bearing in mind the specific needs of women:

1. Treatments for female pattern baldness.

In most instances minoxidil (Rogaine) is the first treatment used. This is one of only two FDA approved hair loss treatments and it remains the only one approved for use by women. Minoxidil comes in the form of a topical solution that works by tackling the symptoms of hair loss and helping to generate new hair growth. It does not target the causes of hair loss and will not work for everyone. The women's version of minoxidil is a 2% solution but the 5% version marketed for men can be used if necessary.

The most popular drug for treating male pattern baldness is of course finasteride (Propecia). Women of child bearing age should not use this drug due to the severely damaging effects it can have on unborn male fetuses. Any women considering using Propecia should discuss it first with their physician. In some cases your doctor may prescribe a different androgen blocker called spironolactone as a means of stopping the hormone activity that is causing hair loss. Spironolactone is normally used as a diuretic and results may be variable.

There is a bewildering range of commercial products available, most of which are aimed squarely at men but many are also suitable for women to use. Whether they work or not is another question but some products containing ingredients like saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pygeum and green tea have shown their value. You can find out more about these and other poential hair loss solutions by visiting the site listed at the end of this article.

2. Treatments for telogen effluvium

This is a hair loss condition that generally does not require any specific treatment. Once the effects of the trauma that caused hair loss in the first place have subsided, the hair will regrow of its own accord. Some patients like to encourage the regrowth process by using minoxidil but this isn't necessary. Implementing a good nutritional regime and supplementing with B-vitamins may help to create a hair friendly environment.

3. Treatments for alopecia areata.

This is another hair loss condition that may resolve itself spontaneously. In some cases one of the following treatments may prove useful:

- Daily application of minoxidil (Rogaine).

- Injection of cortisone into patchy areas of the scalp (this must be administered by a physician). Creams and lotions containing cortisone can also be used but results are variable.

- Dithranol can be applied to the scalp in mild or early cases.

- Application of 100% aloe vera gel.

- Massage the scalp with rosemary and lavender essential oils in a jojoba base.

- Use of a hair loss product containing the Chinese herb He Shou Wu.

- A product called Calosol has recently generated positive feedback.

Please note, however, that none of these is guaranteed to work due to the unpredictable nature of alopecia areata. It is this uncertainty that offers opportunities for scamsters to make outlandish claims. The fact remains, there are no miracle cures for advanced forms of alopecia areata so sufferers may wish to consider other options such as head coverings and wigs.

Help For Alopecia: The Locks Of Love Story

2010-06-17T12:44:00.003-07:00

There are many companies who make custom fitted real hair cranial prosthesis. Locks of Love (LOL) was first started in Dec. 1997 in connection with a for profit wig making company. The organization then obtained its 501c certification from the IRS. The charity began operating separately from the for profit retailer. This was spearheaded by Madonna Coffman a retired cardiac nurse who had a great deal of volunteer experience working for not for profits in the surrounding Palm Beach area.

In her 20’s Mrs. Coffman developed Alopecia after receiving a hepatitis vaccination. With medication and a doctors care, she recovered 15 years later. Then her 4-year old daughter developed alopecia and lost all her hair. Madonna said “her hair loss was difficult to deal with but her daughter's was ten times harder”. It was at this time that she quit all the other charity work and took on LOL as a full time volunteer.

Her humble beginnings. Mrs. Coffman's garage contained bins of mail and hair donations. By securing donated office space from a local hospital and working with a manufacturer of the highest quality prosthetics that she could find, LOL was off and running. Since the beginning the charity has received a great deal of support by both the media and its volunteers throughout the country. LOL has been featured or mentioned on television shows like Oprah, 20/20, The View, Jay Leno, Maury Povich, Good Morning America, CBS Good Morning, CNN Espanol and Inside Edition and in national publications including USA Today, The NY Times, People, Seventeen, Glamour, CosmoGirl, Self, Redbook, Woman's Day, ElleGirl, Child Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. Over 2,000 hair donations are received through the mail each week. 80 f our hair donors are good hearted children.

The number of hairpieces produced has increased significantly since its inception, from 21 the first year to over 1,000. LOL has recipients in all 50 states and Canada and is working towards its goal to help every financially disadvantaged child suffering from long-term hair loss.

New Hair Vitamin Discovered: Straight from the Labs

2010-06-17T12:44:00.001-07:00

The search for a true hair vitamin has puzzled scientists for years. Now, doctors in California have identified a vitamin-like substance that looks like the natural solution to balding and unwanted hair loss...

Stunning Results in "Leftover" Mice

Doctors at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles had some mice left over from drug experiments. Some of the animals had excessive hair loss, but were otherwise healthy. They decided to see if they could regrow hair in the mice, by adding a natural extract- known as polyphenols- to their diet.

Hair Loss "Stopped Completely"

The doctors divided the mice into two groups. They gave the first group a polyphenol extract added to their drinking water. The other group received plain water only.

After six months, the mice receiving the polyphenols in their drinking water showed no progressive hair loss. This finding is remarkable and bears repeating. In every one of the mice fed the extract in their water, hair loss completely stopped.

Polyphenols Grow New Hair

The findings on hair loss cessation are exciting by themselves. But the real surprise is the report of "significant regrowth" of hair in animals receiving the polyphenol treatment.

The L.A. scientists found that 33% of the treated mice had significant hair regrowth. They actually referred to this as "spontaneous remission," a medical term usually reserved for unexplainable or miraculous reversal of disease.

No hair regrowth was observed in the untreated (control) group. Other than the polyphenols, both groups were fed the same diet. Both were housed in the same conditions. Only the polyphenol group had zero further hair loss, and substantial hair regrowth.

Science Strongest for Apple Polyphenols and Hair Growth

Previous experiments have proven that polyphenols from apple skins, grape seeds and barley all exhibit the ability to regrow hair in animal and human trials. This is the first report in the literature showing that green tea polyphenols also have some hair growth effects. This study is also important because it's the first time that polyphenols have produced new hair growth when taken internally.

Proof of "Significant Regrowth"

Human clinical trials on apple polyphenols, specifically procyanidins, have shown the best and fastest results in hair regrowth, but have only been tested topically. This latest study is proof that polyphenols, taken internally, have significant hair growth effects in mammals.

The human hair cycle is a complex process. Other vitamins, minerals and hormones are certainly involved in the general health of hair follicles, skin, and other organs. But now, for the first time, you can specifically target hair loss and regrowth with polyphenols- the new hair vitamin.