Hair Loss Remedies

Coping with male pattern baldness

2012-03-02T05:10:00.000-08:00

Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is by far the most common cause of hair loss amongst men and a serious problem for many women. For it to develop, three important components must come into play:

1. A genetic predisposition for balding to occur.

2. The presence of male hormones.

3. Aging - enough time for the first two factors to occur.

Despite the common perception, familial baldness patterns are not completely reliable as predictors of future hair loss. The fact that your parent or grandparent exhibited a given pattern does not guarantee your hair loss development will be the same. However, if your father was completely bald and you begin to lose hair excessively at an early age, it's safe to assume you will develop extensive balding.

All normal men and women produce male hormones such as testosterone and DHT. These hormones have a useful role to play in both sexes but it is the fact that androgens occur in much higher concentrations in men that explains why this type of hair loss is more common in males.

The effect of these hormones on hair follicles is as follows:

1. High levels of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase occur in cells of the hair follicle.

2. This enzyme converts testosterone into DHT.

3. DHT causes the robust terminal hairs to miniaturize.

4. This leaves soft, fine hairs that provide poor scalp coverage.

5. The growth phase becomes shorter until these soft hairs are lost for good.

Excessive hair loss can occur at any age and may even stop only to start again. As time progresses the process of hair loss accelerates leading to its logical conclusion.

Understanding this process helps to explain how the currently available treatments for male pattern baldness work. Propecia is one of only two FDA-approved hair loss treatments and it works by interfering with the process outlined above. In brief, Propecia inhibits the formation of DHT in the system thus slowing down and eventually stopping the adverse effects of DHT on the hair follicle.

Most of the non-drug, commercially prepared products operate on a similar basis by utilizing natural ingredients that attempt to interfere with the production of DHT. Presently the most popular natural ingredient is saw palmetto although some products combine this with other herbs such as pygeum, stinging nettle and green tea.

Hair Transplant Methods to Avoid

2012-03-02T05:08:00.000-08:00

Hair transplantation as a means of treating hair loss has been around for a long time. Unfortunately, some clinics today still use methods that are outdated and can cause pain, scarring and less than presentable results. This article highlights some of the hair transplant methods that you should avoid like the plague.

Round / square grafts - this is the original method that leaves patients with a scalp that resembles that of a plastic doll. It involves taking a number of smallish grafts with a hole-punch device and transplanting to the affected area. The result is a pluggy look that does not look natural and only becomes more ridiculous as time wears on.

Line grafts - this involves moving a short strip of donor hair from the side or back of the head, then transplanting the entire strip into a trench that is surgically cut into the receiving area of the scalp. The end result is a line of hair that looks unnatural.

Flap technique - this procedure involves moving a flap of skin with its tissue, hair strands and follicles from the side or back of the head to the front hairline by cutting it on three sides and stitching it to the bald area.This can cause serious problems including excessive scarring, infection, disfigurement in the forehead area and hair growing in the wrong direction.

Scalp reduction - in this procedure the bald area at the crown is cut away and the edges surrounding the wound are pulled together and sewn at the middle. This technique causes many problems including potentially hideous scarring, accelerated hair loss and infection.

Hair loss

2012-03-02T05:06:00.000-08:00

Male Pattern Baldness:
On average, there are 90,000 to 150,000 hairs on the scalp. The hairs grow from roots called follicles. Blood vessels at the base of each follicle provide nourishment vital for hair and hair growth. Hair growth in each root occurs in a cycle independent of each other. At any time about 90 percent of the hairs on the scalp are in the growth phase, while the other 10 percent are in the resting phase. The growth phase can last an average of up to five years, after which the follicle goes into a resting phase, which can last upto four months. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out and is replaced by a new hair. This is all a perfectly normal part of the growth cycle. In fact, on a typical day, up to 150 hairs can be lost. Baldness occurs when hair is lost at an unusually high rate and hair replacement occurs at an unusually slow rate and/or when normal hairs are replaced by weaker, smaller ones.

What is Male Pattern Baldness?:
Almost all cases of hair loss is the result of Male pattern baldness (or androgenetic alopecia). Male pattern baldness occurs much more frequently in men than in women. Even in mild cases It affects roughly 50 million men in the United States. Balding may begin at any age after puberty. While some types of hair loss is reversible, male pattern baldness tends to be permanent. It occurs in a very typical pattern on the scalp. Hair loss usually begins at the temples and at the top of the head toward the back, causing a receding hairline and a bald spot. Sometimes progressing further until the two sections become joined,leaving a horseshoe pattern on the sides and back of the head. Male pattern baldness progresses slowly and is not associated with any physical discomfort.

What causes male pattern baldness?:
Male pattern baldness is thought to be a combination of hormonal and genetic factors. Testosterone and its more potent derivative dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are the contributimg factors of the degree of balddness. Whatever the exact causes of male pattern baldness may be, it is hereditary. A tendency toward baldness on either side of a man's family(mother or father) indicates The speed, pattern,and degree of the balding. Usually, the earlier it begins, the more severe the hair loss will be. Balding is not caused by wearing a hat, you cant regrow hair by Massaging or brushing, or excessive shampooing stimulate hair growth. These are thought to be false. Stress may contribute to a form of hair loss, but normal everyday stress does not contribute to balding.

What are the treatment options for male pattern baldness?

-Herbal Shamppos
-Herbal Remedies
-Specialty Shampoos(for example Helsinki Formula)
-Wigs
-Transplants
-Medication(Propecia,Minoxidil etc)
-Home Remedies
-Others

Hair transplantation:
In hair transplants, healthy live follicles are removed from a donor site on the scalp and transplanted to the balding area. The follicles are commonly taken in "plugs" of one hair to two hairs (micrografts) from the sides or back of the head and moved to the balding area, with the hairline being slowly reconstructed. Larger plugs may be used. Donor sites with full hair make transplants more successful. Some scarring may occur. Transplanted follicles are usually permanent. Synthetic hair has also been used for transplants but has been known for to have a high rate of infection and has been been banned.As with any surgical procedure, hair transplantation present certain risks. If you are considering a transplant, consult your doctor.

Wigs:
A hairpiece can be custom made to cover a balding area. Hairpieces may fade and over time. It is important to clean the scalp under the hairpiece regularly. Another option is a weave, in which fake(synthetic) hair is sewn into existing hair.

This just a quick run down of what happens when most men reach a certain age. Here are a couple of sites that we have found that will educate and inform and give you everything you want to know about Male Pattern Baldness. The reviews are very positive and even might give you possible solutions to this problem that has afflicted almost every man for generations.

Natural Hair Loss Treatments

2012-03-02T05:03:00.000-08:00

The effectiveness of modern hair loss treatments is clear for all to see, but many people simply prefer not to use strong chemicals or non-natural substances.

If you fall into this category, does this mean you'll just have to accept an ever-decreasing head of hair? The answer to this is an unequivocal NO!

Many natural hair loss remedies, both traditional and contemporary, have shown their worth in reducing and reversing hair loss. They are also perceived as being free from side effects and even deliver additional health benefits.

Why then, don't we hear a lot more about these natural hair loss remedies? Simply because claims of cures cannot be made without FDA approval, and obtaining the FDA seal of approval involves lengthy and expensive scientific research that only major companies can afford. Even the biggest companies could not recoup the costs of such a process as no-one can control the rights to common natural substances such as basic foods and vitamins.

The big question however is, do natural hair loss remedies work? Firstly, hair growth at root level is a living part of the body that depends on sound nutrition, just like any other part of the body. The importance of vitamins, minerals and other nutritional elements in maintaining healthy hair cannot be disputed.

Secondly, the role of herbs and plants in treating numerous ailments is receiving increased recognition after years of neglect, and hair loss is no exception. Many herbal remedies for both internal and external use are offering new hope to people suffering from premature hair loss.

Thirdly, traditional hair loss remedies may still have something to offer. Ancient literature and folklore reveal that our ancestors went to great lengths to treat thinning hair. Some of the more acceptable traditional approaches are now being incorporated into many potential treatment regimes.

A Guide to Hair Loss Products

2012-03-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hair loss is a genetic/hormonal process that can affect both men and women. Hormones that bind to hair follicles can cause an imbalance in the biological processes that cause hair growth. Eventually, excess hormones on the follicle cause hair to stop growing and the follicle dies.

Shampoo, wigs, creams, pills, powders, and just about anything else you can imagine has been marketed as a hair loss product. Hair loss products, if they are at all serious, work by either promoting hair growth, reducing the amount of hormones in the body, reducing inflammation at the follicle, or handling the autoimmune response that occurs as a result of too many hormones at the follicle site.

Hundreds of thousands of hair loss products are on the market today and only some are regulated and proven to actually be effective in helping prevent hair loss. It is important that you consult a dermatologist for a complete diagnosis and treatment options before using any product claiming to "cure" or stop hair loss. Some products can end up doing more harm than good.

A well-known product for hair-loss is Rogaine, a shampoo that works by promoting hair growth and retarding hair loss. Another product taken orally is Propecia, which works at the hormonal level to stop binding at the follicle site.

Hair Loss Treatments

2012-03-02T04:58:00.000-08:00

The desire to avoid hair loss is not confined to our time. In ancient Egypt, men used to rub fat from crocodiles, snakes, lions, and other animals on their head in hopes of preventing or treating hair loss. Julius Caesar and Napoleon also experienced hair loss and tried to conceal it by growing their hair long in the back and combing it forward over their heads. Today, this motivation to avoid balding is still evident.

There are many available hair loss remedies that include creams, vitamins, hormones, wigs, hairpieces, hair transplants, and scalp-reduction procedures. A report filed recently by the FDA stated that in a nine year time-span, about 300,000 hair loss treatment products claiming to help hair regrowth were investigated.

Non-surgical treatment options also include hair additions such as hair weaves, hairpieces and toupees. These devices are made of human hair, synthetic fibers or a combination of both. Constructed in a variety of ways, these hair loss aides can give you the look of having a full, natural head of hair without the expense of costly surgeries or expensive medicines.

If typical hair loss treatment products aimed to slow down or stop hair loss are ineffective and you have the time and money, there are surgical treatments for hair-loss. Hair transplant surgery is costly and sometimes painful. During surgery, healthy hair follicles are taken from the back and sides of the head and transplanted onto other areas of the scalp where they replace dead follicles. This treatment option typically takes from one to two years to be complete and can have mixed results. It is best to talk to and meet people treated by the doctor you are seeing so you can be sure the results are similar to your expectations before going through with the treatment.

The Cause of Hair Loss

2012-03-02T04:56:00.002-08:00

Normally, about 10 percent of the hair on your head is resting (not growing). After a few months, the resting hair falls out and new hair begins to grow in its place. The growing phase can last from 2 to 6 years. While in the growing phase, hair will gain approximately 1 centimeter a month. It is normal to experience hair loss every day as part of this normal resting/growing cycle. Some people experience excessive hair loss from a variety of causes.

The cause of hair loss is multi-variable. Most people erroneously believe that hair loss is caused by things like bad circulation, stress, sweat and dirt on the scalp, or wearing hats. With the exception of stress, none of these factors has been proven as a cause of hair loss. Stress is also not very likely unless you have undergone extreme physical or psychological torture. This hair loss is also temporary.

The real cause of hair loss lies with hormonal problems. Hair loss occurs when male or female hormones (androgens and estrogens) are out of balance. An imbalance of hormones is usually a genetic trait that as of yet, cannot be cured. Male and female-pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss. This is caused by a hormone called DHT, a naturally occurring hormone that helps in sexual development. After puberty, an increase in DHT causes an increase in binding at hair follicle protein receptor sites which throws the process of healthy hair growth off.

Other causes of hair loss may be medicine. Blood-thinners, medicines used in chemotherapy, an excess of vitamin A, birth control pills, and antidepressants have all been shown to promote hair loss in certain people. Infections of the scalp can cause hair loss as well as certain diseases like lupus and diabetes.

Hair Loss - Tips for Success

2012-03-02T04:54:00.000-08:00

Billions of dollars will be spent on hair loss solutions this year. Much of this money will go to waste. Ineffective products and misleading advertising are only partially to blame. Many consumers are not using these hair loss products in an effective way. Fortunately there are a few simple ways that consumers can increase their chance of success. Following these guidelines will ensure that your money does not go to waste:

Start a Journal

People usually try several different hair loss products before they find something that works for them. Many use two or more products simultaneously. Keeping track of all this information can be frustrating and difficult. The best way to figure out what is working is to keep a journal detailing your progress. You should record all relevant information about the treatment process: when you started, the dosage, cost, and any side effects you experience. This documentation will tell you which products are effective, which ones are not, and allow you to make changes as you see fit.

Take Pictures

Noticing small changes in your hairline over time is extremely difficult. Taking pictures on a regular basis is the most effective ways to track your progress. Always photograph your head from the same angle, in similar lighting conditions. Use a digital camera for best results, most will automatically record the date and time for you. When combined with a treatment journal, these photos provide an invaluable tool that will allow you to judge the effectiveness of products you use.

Do Your Homework

The Internet is flooded with products claiming to cure and treat hair loss. Finding out which ones are legitimate can be a difficult task. When researching products online, beware of those that sound too good to be true. If the company has before and after pictures, examine them closely. If the images were shot from different angles, or in different lighting, be suspicious. These techniques are common camera tricks used to fool the eye, and the consumer. When a company claims their product has a "98% success rate", look for documentation of their clinical study. If the clinical information they provide is vague, or even missing altogether, be wary.

If you follow these steps during your treatment, your chances of success are excellent. One last tip - any successful regimen requires dedication. Whatever the treatment is, carefully follow the instructions from your doctor or the product manufacturer.

What Causes Hair Loss?

2012-03-02T04:52:00.002-08:00

Hair loss is a common problem faced by many people all around the world. There are various reasons behind hair loss. Let us look at some of the major causes and their remedies:

Hormonal problems may cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is under active or overactive, you will suffer the problem of hair loss. This hair loss generally can be cured by treatment of the thyroid disorder. Hair loss may occur if androgens (male hormones) or estrogens (female hormones) are out of balance. Clinical treatment of hormone imbalance may stop your hair loss.

Pregnant women may notice hair loss problems with in a period of about 3 months after delivery. Hair loss problem is also related to hormones. During pregnancy, high levels of particular hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. When the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal growth and loss cycle starts again.

Some medicines (mainly sulphur drugs) can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss problem improves when you stop taking the medicine. Medicines that can cause hair loss include anticoagulants (also known as blood thinners), medicines utilized in chemotherapy to treat cancer, medicines used for gout, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills, and antidepressants.

If you have undergone a major operation or have suffered a prolong illness you can face the problem of hair loss. However, this hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is temporary.

Certain fungal infections can cause hair loss. Generally, children may have hair loss problems caused by a fungal infection of the scalp. This type of fungal infection can be easily treated with antifungal medicines.

Conclusively, hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to consult a specialist to detect the cause so that it can be treated at an early stage.

Hair cloning solution for hair loss

2012-03-02T04:51:00.000-08:00

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.

What is normal about hair loss?

2012-03-02T04:46:00.002-08:00

It is important to note that shedding of hairs is a natural process with anything from 100 to 300 hairs randomly shed each day. In this article we'll look at two distinct aspects of normal hair loss. Firstly, we'll examine what is actually involved in the hair growth cycle. Secondly, we'll assess the natural progression of hair loss over time.

Hair is composed of long, twisted keratin fibers that are protected by a coating of keratinized cells. Just below the surface of the skin lies a cluster of active cells known as the dermal papilla and it is from here that the hair grows into its follicle.

This growing fiber eventually hardens and grows out from the scalp. At this stage the hair fiber is dead with only the root tip containing living cells.

In a little more detail, the hair growth cycle, consists of three distinct stages:

1. Anagen stage - a phase of growth that can last between two and seven years. On average, each hair grows about six inches (15cm) per year.

2. Catagen stage - a phase of transition that lasts roughly two to four weeks. At this time the hair shaft detaches from the dermal papilla and moves up within a shrinking follicle.

3. Telogen stage - a resting period that lasts about three months allowing the hair to detach itself from the follicle before falling out. After this, the cycle repeats itself unless other factors intervene to prevent repetition of the cycle.

Clearly time has a role to play in the development of hair loss for both men and women. Humans are born with varying amounts of soft and fine body hair. Through time some of this hair becomes stronger and develops further characteristics such as colour and texture. Up to the onset of puberty the hairline is characterized by a low spread across the forehead. For men, this continues only for a few more years.

As men progress through their twenties the hairline takes on a more mature look typified by recessions to the frontal temporal regions and accompanied by slight thinning elsewhere. This concave appearance doesn't necessarily equate to premature balding as it is all a question of degree.

The Norwood Scale is an extremely useful tool in developing a hair growth strategy as it allows you to establish your own degree of hair loss in a way that is understood by physicians and other hair loss experts. More importantly, it can help to set your mind at rest and allow you to differentiate between normal hair loss that does not require remedial action and more extreme loss that calls for immediate action.

Facts About Hair Loss

2012-03-02T04:43:00.000-08:00

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.

When looking through the treatments and remedies available it is important to remember that hair loss in men and women are caused by different factors and to choose accordingly.

The Path To Hair Restoration

2012-03-02T04:38:00.000-08:00

Normal hair loss is a common occurrence. At any given time, approximately 10% of your hair is dormant and susceptible to normal shedding. The problem is when the shedding is excessive. It is when thinning hair becomes obvious that most people become concerned with hair restoration options.

Some of the reasons of abnormal hair loss may include:

+ Health concerns such as major illness, fungal infections, hypo or hyper thyroidism, and hormone imbalances;

+ Reaction to medications used to treat cancer, diabetes, lupus, gout, birth control, and anti-depressants;

+ Improper hair care, including excessive use of chemicals and blow-drying;

+ Genetics;

+ Poor diet, including too much fried and fatty foods, a lack of fruits or green vegetables, and dehydration.

What are the options?

While an estimated 95% of all excessive hair loss is generic, there is a chance a family doctor or a professional hairstylist can provide the quickest and least expense answer to hair restoration. A medical doctor can do a full physical, do the appropriate blood work, and review medications and diet. He can recommend changes that may help with hair regrowth. The hairstylist can look at the condition of the hair and work up a hair care routine that may correct the damage. This routine may include hot oil treatments, scalp massage, and a change of conditioner and shampoo. The stylist may also recommend a haircut to reduce the appearance of thinning hair.

In the event the doctor or hairstylist is unable to assist in reducing the hair loss back to normal levels, topical minoxidil, marketed as Rogaine, was the first FDA approved method of regrowing hair. To be effective, minoxidil is applied to the scalp twice a day. It works best for those who are young and have only recently begun to experience abnormal hair loss, according to Pharmacia & Upjohn. Skeptics question whether the product actually promotes as much new growth as it does reduce the amount of loss.

Also available to sufferers of hair loss is the FDA-approved finasteride, which is marketed as Propecia. Propecia works best on male pattern baldness. Not only has it been proven to restore hair growth, it also improves the thickness and strength of each hair strand.

Often, Propecia, Rogaine, or a combination of both is used in conjunction with hair transplants to optimize the hair restoration process. The process of hair transplants involves removing hair from the densely covered areas of the head and, using a needle, implant those hairs to the thinning section of the head.

Those suffering from male-pattern baldness may also choose a scalp reduction. A scalp reduction is the surgical process of removing large sections of the bald scalp, then the skin from the densely haired sections of the head are stretched to replace the area of scalp that is removed.

If medications and surgery seem too extreme, those suffering from abnormal hair loss still have the option of wearing a hairpiece. While no two toupees, or hairpieces, are created equally, a toupee can look natural. Many who opt for the hairpiece option join a "hair club," which offer members service that will keep their hairpieces cleaned, colored, and offering the optimal fit.

Remember, all medications and surgical procedures involve a certain amount of risk, and no hair restoration solution is guaranteed to work. Before agreeing to a hair restoration regime, consult with a doctor and know your risks.

Making the right hair restoration decision

Deciding whether hair restoration is right for you is a personal decision. Some people are more concerned than others with hair loss. Deciding which hair restoration method will work best for you is something to discuss with a doctor who specializes in treating hair loss. Many issues such as health, habits, budget, and tolerance to pain will need to be considered before creating a plan of action.

A Guide to Female Hair Loss

2012-03-02T04:34:00.000-08:00

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.

Easy Natural Remedies For HairLoss

2012-03-02T04:32:00.000-08:00

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...

Several tips to Stop Baldness

2012-03-02T04:30:00.000-08:00

Technically known as alopecia, baldness means thinning or loss of hair as a result of illness, functional disorder, or hereditary disposition.

There could be many types of baldness, major among these are patches of baldness getting usually grow back, rapid shedding after childbirth, fever, or sudden weight loss and thinning from tight braids or ponytails. baldness can be found in males and females both, but men are more susceptible to this phenomenon. This has been attributed to male sex hormone called testosterone. Some of the other culprits causing baldness are scalp infection, oiliness or dirtiness of the scalp and hair, and excessive lacquering of hair.

Alopecia areata is yet another cause of hair loss or baldness, this dermatological disease is caused by person's own immunity attacking the hair follicles.

Hair loss is not a quick fire phenomenon. Hair loss or baldness takes a long time, unless otherwise because of chemotherapy. Not every male will experience baldness, but for sure, he will have thin hair over a period of time. Although lot of research has taken place in this area, nothing exact has been found to arrest hair loss or stop balding process. It is estimated that around 100 hairs are lost in a 24-hour cycle. This doesn't mean baldness.

For years wiser people have been discussing effect of diet on baldness. Wholesome silica, calcium & iron rich diet can reduce hair loss or arrest baldness. Studies in the past have shown that silica therapy slowed baldness. Shampoo containing organic silica was found to help prevent baldness, stimulate hair growth and assure beautiful shine, luster and strength. Outer coverings of potatoes, green & red peppers and cucumbers contain silica. Bean sprouts are also high in silica. Eat whole foods including sprouts.

Good intake of vegetables can improve your vitamin C score leading to higher iron absorption. Vitamin E is important for healthy hair growth. Eat avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil on a regular basis. If thyroid dysfunction is the cause of baldness vitamin A and iodine food can help prevent baldness. Eat vegetables such as carrots or spinach in unrefined, cold-pressed seed oils such as flax, walnut or pumpkin seed and sea salt. Take turnips, cabbage, mustard, soy beans, peanuts, pine nuts and millet if there is a deficiency of iodine. Dried fruits, green & leafy vegetables, cherry juice are good sources. Diet should avoid these - cold foods & drinks, sugary foods, fatty foods, animal protein, fruit, especially citrus, tomatoes, tofu, millet, salt and dairy products.

Gastrointestinal tract can be the culprit for female baldness. It could be a sign of insufficient stomach acids; It could also mean a deficiency of protein, zinc and other nutrients. Taking two acidophilus tablets after or between meals (four to six tablets per day) for two months will help. Females are greatly affected due to anemic conditions, leading to accelerated baldness.