There a number of different specific hair vitamins and minerals that can
play a major role in helping a person have a healthy head of hair. If a
person does not have sufficient hair vitamins then the deficiencies can
lead to thinning hair or even total baldness in the most severe cases.
The fact is that the state of a person's hair reflects the overall
condition of their body. Extra hair vitamins are likely to be needed if a
person is generally unwell or is undernourished as their hair will show
damage too and may even stop growing.
Some of the most important hair vitamins that a person needs to have
healthy hair include B6, biotin, inositol and folic acid. The best way
to ensure that a person receives enough of these essential hair vitamins
are for them to be taken as vitamin supplements. It is not just hair
vitamins that are necessary for healthy hair though as there are a
number of minerals that are essential, including magnesium, sulphur,
silica and zinc.
The most essential hair vitamin is vitamin a but the best form of this
is to include in the diet is beta-carotene. This is because the hair
vitamin A can be toxic if consumed in large quantities but beta-carotene
has no such problems and is converted by the body into vitamin A that
can be used to promote healthy hair. Of course, vitamin A is not just a
hair vitamin, it is also needed for a number of other functions
including normal growth of bones, skin, nails and the protective sheath
surrounding nerve fibres.
Protein is another essential hair vitamin. This is because hair itself
is essentially protein. The amount of this hair vitamin that a person
consumes in their diet can affect the hair directly. If a lot of protein
is included in a person's diet then this hair vitamin will lead to
improved hair growth and a far fuller head of hair. However, a person
who has a diet that is lacking in this hair vitamin will suffer from
thinning hair and slow hair growth.
Of course, it is not just hair vitamins and minerals that are needed to
ensure that a person has healthy, strong hair. There are a number of
researchers who have found that there are direct links between the
overall health of a person and the condition of their hair. If a person
is under a lot of stress or suffers from a lack of sleep then their hair
is also likely to suffer and it is likely that their diet will not
provide enough hair vitamins to counter these effects. Hair vitamin and
mineral supplements can be the solution to weak and damaged hair.
There are several Causes of Hair Loss in Women and men and as there are a number of causes, there are also a number of Hair Loss Medications for Males and females available.
The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia (males) which can also be called DHT Hair Loss. When testosterone, the male hormone, gets converted to DHT, it results in hair loss. Besides Anti-Androgen Medication, there are a number of Herbal Nutritional Supplements available which contain natural substances for blocking this transformation into DHT by the human body and are able to take care of hair loss. The active ingredients of these supplements are all-natural herbal, vitamin, and mineral DHT inhibitors. These natural hair care products contain no harsh chemicals and do not have sexual side effects which are very much evident in Hair Loss Medication.
The common hair care treatments available for females for normal hair care include shampoos, conditioners, whereas hair Re-growth treatment with Anti-Androgens and topical treatment with Rogaine are the only available options for female balding. There are many limitations of the anti androgen therapy, and the topical medication Rogaine which is more effective in preventing further hair loss rather than stimulating hair growth, is quite expensive and requires a long period of treatment (from 6 months to a year). Besides, the results obtained after a long period of use disappear after the treatment is stopped. In such situations it is best to explore the natural hair care secrets offered by many Natural Herbal Supplements and the Nutritional Health Vitamin Supplements.
Nutrition plays a very important role for hair care. The hair follicles which are in an active growth phase are strong and healthy compared to those which are in the resting stage. A steady flow of proper nutritional building blocks is essential for hair follicles to grow and produce healthy hair fiber. The follicles derive their nutrition from the blood. A balanced diet which has the natural vitamin supplements, proteins and mineral and health supplements is able to provide natural nutritional supplements to the hair follicles. If the already weak hair follicles do not get proper nutrition they become more prone to shedding.
These natural health supplements create an atmosphere where the tiny follicles beneath your scalp receive exactly what they need to create beautiful, full-bodied hair and also the power they need to sustain themselves when old.
Preventive care is the best form of treatment for any type of illness and hair loss is no exception. By providing the advantage of best nutritional and natural hair care you are sure to have a better control of hair loss.
Natural food supplements are the key to good health, and using natural hair care products and supplements are the best hair loss treatments for hair care.
Natural hair care secrets lie in taking a scientifically balanced mixture of Vitamins, Minerals and other Health Supplements which have long been regarded as effective for providing the right nourishment to the hair follicles and retain their vitality, natural color and the their potential for re-growth which can be lost due to both the internal and external causes.
Science has now unraveled the natural care secrets of phytonutrients, or phytochemicals, many of these chemicals have antioxidant capabilities greater than vitamin A, C, or E and the vitamins which have also been shown to be related with hair care. Many of these chemicals have anti-cancer benefits, and the good news is that there are thousands of such chemicals found in each fruit or vegetable.
Besides fruits and vegetables, nature has many herbs and plants which are able to provide natural hair care (www.hairlossinformation.com/hair-care/natural-hair-care.shtml). Hormonal imbalance resulting from menopause is an important cause of hair loss in women. Besides menopause, hormonal imbalance is also caused during pregnancy, child birth, and is the cause of poly cystic ovarian syndrome in women, hormonal imbalance is also one of the main causes of hair loss in women.
Many of the herbs have the required natural supplements in them which are able to take care of most of the problems women face, so much so that they can be labeled as Women Health Supplements. These natural women health supplements are able to prevent hair loss due to menopause and are especially useful for women's health during the difficult phases of their life.
When you talk about genetic hair loss most people think about the most common form of hair loss: male-pattern baldness. This is the type of hair loss that is passed on genetically to offspring from their mothers. Most often the recipients of this type of hair loss are men, but sometimes the gene can result in female hair loss.
While genetic baldness in men is identified by a receding hairline or balding crown, genetic hair loss in women is a bit different. In most cases, a woman will not lose her hair in spots only but will thin out evenly throughout the head. Sometimes, this thinning can be quite severe and result in the woman having to wear a wig to cover up her thinning tresses. While female hair loss almost never results in a completely bald head, it can be extreme enough to expose the scalp quite plainly.
For the woman facing this type of hair loss, there are a few hair loss treatment options that can be explored. They include shampoos, conditioners and topical treatments, such as Rogaine for women, which stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss; vitamin supplements; and stimulatory treatments such as massage and infra-red therapy. The most successful of these hair loss treatments are the topical treatments. While they are quite expensive, they produce the best results.
Hair loss due to chemical processes
No matter how healthy and strong your hair is today, you could experience severe hair loss after undergoing a harsh chemical process such as a perm or color. While almost all chemical hair fallout is due to operator error, the chance of it occurring is multiplied by chemical services that you perform on your hair at home. I've seen more than one case of female hair loss in clients who have bleached their hair at home, colored it over and then came to the salon for yet another bleaching. Not knowing this past history, the stylist used too strong a chemical, and the process resulted in hair loss.
Since most of these cases do not result in complete hair loss, the hair loss treatment options include protein treatments and other conditioning treatments to strengthen the remaining hair; a good hair cut that will remove most of the damage; and a gentle hair-care routine that will minimize further hair loss due to breakage. You should also refrain from using thermal styling tools and undergoing any further chemical procedures until the hair is completely grown out.
Hair loss due to stress
Cases of severe stress can literally cause handfuls of hair loss at a time. Women experiencing stressful conditions can experience female hair loss represented by thinning all over the head or in spots called alopecia areata. Alopecia areata means "Hair loss in spots or areas," and can result in bald circular patches on one or more spots of the scalp. While this type of hair loss is alarming, it is not permanent. After the stress is removed, most sufferers of this type of hair loss regrow all of the hair that they lost.
In most cases, the hair loss treatment for stress-related hair loss is minimal. After ruling out other causes of hair loss, your doctor will likely recommend changes in your diet or ideas to help alleviate your stress. Keep in mind that it can take months for your hair to grow back even after the stressors have been eliminated.
Hair loss due to illness
Any type of extended illness or surgery can result in hair loss. Medications taken to combat certain types of illnesses can also cause your hair to become brittle and break or fall out altogether. The most identifiable type of hair loss is the loss associated with chemotherapy treatments. In most cases, this hair loss is complete and affects all areas of the body. While there is little that can be done to prevent this type of hair loss or promote growth during illness, surgery or chemotherapy treatments, this type of female hair loss is also temporary. In most cases, full recovery of hair is made after the illness is over.
You can promote hair growth after the illness by getting regular trims and using growth enhancing shampoos and conditioners. Vitamin supplements may also be beneficial.
As you may have already guessed, hair loss in women is more common than we might think. And many may be experiencing hair loss and dismiss it as a natural occurrence that comes along with age. A lot of these women fail to seek the necessary hair loss treatment that can help them keep their remaining hair and regrow new hair. So, if you are experiencing hair loss, do not think that it is just because you are getting older. There may be something that you can do to keep the hair on your head from clogging your drain.
This article is all about hair loss and home remedies. While there are a LOT of products on the market today that claim to slow, stop, prevent or reverse hair loss, there are many other ways to attack hair loss that don't include using strong chemicals or prescription drugs. Granted, some are effective and some are not, but the only way to know for sure is to try them for yourself. I'm going to list a few possible ways to treat hair loss and let you make up your own mind on their effectiveness. Just to remind you all... I am not advocating any type of hair loss treatment, simply because every person is different and what might work for you might not work for someone else!
Okay, the first type of home remedy can be categorized as "herbal". Many folks, including myself, have begun using certain herbs to combat all sorts of problems... anything from aging skin to a lack of energy to, you guessed it, hair loss. Here are some of the more popular herbs pertaining to hair loss...
Stinging nettle: Also known as Urtica Diocia, this herb has the ability to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT (DHT is often the cause of male hair loss). An optimum dose of 50-100mg per day in capsule form is recommended.
Ginkyo biloba: this herb is thought to improve blood circulation to the brain and skin. It is believed that the increased flow of blood to the brain area delivers more nutrients to the hair follicle thus promoting hair regrowth. A recommended dose is 120-160mg of dry extract each day spread over three doses.
He Shou Wu: Also known as Polygonum Multiflorum, this herb has traditionally been used to reduce hair loss and can be taken in capsule form or as a tea.
Pygeum Africanum: This herb is derived from the bark of the evergreen tree and it works like green tea. It is used to treat male pattern baldness. You should take 60-500mg per day in pill or capsule form.
Saw Palmetto: Also known as Seranoa Repens, this is a favorite choice for many men due to its ability to slow hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. Many commercially prepared hair loss treatments use this herb as a base but it can easily be found in its pure form. A dose of 160mg twice each day is recommended, but be sure the ingredients are made from the berry extract not the dried berries themselves.
The second type of home remedy for attacking hair loss are external preparations that are applied to the hair and scalp directly. Some of these may sound odd, but you never know until you try, right?
Safflower Oil: Also known as Carthamus Tinctorious, safflower oil applied to the scalp acts as a vasodilator that dilates blood vessels. This allows more blood to deliver nutrients to the hair follicle thus creating an environment conducive to hair regrowth.
Aloe Vera: You can rub Aloe Vera into your scalp each night. It's believed that the herb activates the production of nitric oxide and contains an enzyme called superoxide dismutane. These two substances combined may stimulate hair regrowth in those suffering from male pattern baldness.
Red Pepper: Also know as Capsicum, you can apply Red Pepper to the scalp as a poultice. It irritates the scalp and stimulates blood flow to the base of the hair, which may encourage renewed hair growth.
Onion: Yes, onions. Some believe that rubbing the scalp with an onion before shampooing may actually stimulate hair growth... your mileage may vary!
There are many more home remedies that may aid in hair growth or regrowth.
There are many products on the market that claim to cure hair loss but 99% are just vitamin products that don't address the underlying cause. However, recently a new product has had amazing exposure in the media mainly due to the fact that many famous celebrities are using it. This new product has been through various clinical trials and the results have been incredible.
If you're one of the millions of men and women who are balding, you're probably paying an incredible amount of attention to the many companies touting products that will end your problems. Before you rush out to pay for the miracle cure, take a minute to evaluate the products and the companies.
One of the most important things to remember is your mom's advice - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you have eight hairs left on your entire head, a can of spray paint isn't going to make those eight look like a full head of hair. While there's some merit to the idea (mascara works roughly on the same principal and women with thinner eyelashes continue to use that product), use your common sense before you decide that this is going to be the answer to your balding problem.
Another point is to understand exactly what it is that you're buying. If you pay close attention to some of the advertisements, you still end the session knowing that the company is touting a cure for balding but have no idea what that cure is. If you hear an advertisement that catches your interest, be sure you know some details about the product. If you don't understand, ask. Any company that isn't willing to answer your questions is probably in the midst of a scam that won't work anyway. Also, don't settle for techno-babble as an answer. Be sure you understand. Don't be afraid of sounding stupid when searching for answers. It's going to be worse if you pay $99.95 for this product that turns out to be tufts of hair and a bottle of super glue.
Surgery for balding is a pretty dramatic step. If you're thinking of taking that step, find a reputable company to perform the procedure. The process has come a long way over the past few years, but you don't want to pay for a transplant only to end up with tiny rows of hair that look like a doll's head.
There's no doubt that balding can be detrimental to self-esteem. Confidence can plummet with balding and finding a product that helps reverse that is vital to some people. The important part of this equation is to figure out why you want to address the problem and the lengths to which you're willing to go. With some careful evaluation of the products and procedures available, you're sure to find something that works with your lifestyle. But for some people, finding the self-confidence to simply go on is the more viable solution to balding.
Not surprisingly, hair loss myths are more well known than hair loss
facts. Since hair loss is such a common and unwelcome condition, the
public has been flooded with hair loss myths to promote sales of hair
loss prevention products. Many companies have jumped on the hair loss
bandwagon because of our own enormous desires to eliminate hair loss
from our lives, not to mention the unlimited amount of money that we
(the public) are willing to spend on this quest. This makes the hair
loss market ripe for perpetuating myths that will increase sales. But,
for the most part, they are just that, myths.
Some of the more common hair loss myths are as follows:
Male Pattern Baldness comes from the mother's side of the family and
skips a generation. Not true. There is no one single gene that causes
baldness. Most researches believe that MPB is a result of several
different genes, inherited from both parents, interacting with each
other to cause hair loss.
Hair loss myth #2:
Pattern baldness affects only
men. Just ask any women suffering from pattern baldness, it's not true.
In fact, hair loss is just as common in women as it is in men, it just
usually occurs in a less virulent form and is easier to hide. Also,
women's hair tends to thin out over the entire scalp area, whereas men's
hair thins in patches and at the forehead.
Hair loss myth #3:
Poor blood flow to the scalp
area causes hair loss. This is a misconception that has been
perpetuated by companies selling hair loss products for years. Ask any
dermatologist and they will tell you, bald scalps have just as much
blood flow as scalps full of hair. It is because of this blood flow to
the bald scalp that hair transplants work so well.
Hair loss myth #4:
If you haven't lost your hair
by 40, you aren't going to. Again, not true. Age has nothing to do
with it. If you are genetically predisposed to loose your hair, you are
going to. Just be grateful you made it to 40 with your hair still
intact.
Hair loss myth #5:
Stress makes your hair fall
out. Okay, in some part, this is true, but it takes a very traumatic
event to cause enough stress that your hair falls out. The common
stress we experience on a daily basis will not make our hair fall out.
In fact, some stress can actually increase the production of hair.
Okay, I could go on and on about hair loss myths and not run out of
things to talk about. My point is this. Most of the facts we think we
know about hair loss are actually hair loss myths.
If you are suffering
from hair loss, consult your doctor. Your physician will be able to
give you a factual reason for your hair loss and advise you on what
types of treatments would work in your specific case.
Nothing in life is as simple as it seems, so it should come as no
surprise that the strand of hair that you found on your brush this
morning is an amazingly complex part of your body. Hair begins appearing
on the human body while it is still in the womb. By the time a
developing fetus reaches 22 weeks old, there are already 5 million
follicles on the body. Interestingly enough, that is all of the
follicles that will ever develop regardless of how long we live. None
will ever be added.
Hair Anatomy
Hair consists of a follicle, which is embedded in the skin, and the
shaft of hair which appears on our body. The follicle itself consists of
multiple layers with each layer having a specific function. The papilla
lies at the base of the follicle. Capillaries are connected to the
papilla and they supply blood to the cells which surround the bottom
part of the hair strand called the bulb.
Surrounding the follicle are two sheaths, inner and outer, which are
designed to both protect the hair shaft from damage, and to help it grow
out in the proper direction. The inner sheath runs next to the hair
shaft and ends at the oil (sebaceous) gland. The outer sheath runs to
the gland and ends at the erector pili muscle. This is the muscle that
causes our hair to "stand on end" when it contracts.
The hair shaft is comprised of three layers of dead protein cells called
keratin. The innermost layer, known as the medulla, is not always
present in every hair shaft. The second layer, known as the cortex,
provides the bulk of the hair shaft. The hair color is mostly determined
by the pigmentation contained in this layer. The outermost layer is
called the cuticle. It is comprised of a series of overlapping cells.
The hair's luster and sheen comes from the cuticle.
How Hair Grows
Scalp hair grows at an average rate of six inches per year, or only
.3-.4 mm per day. There are three distinct stages of hair growth.
- Catagen Phase
This transitional phase runs about two to three weeks. At any given time
approximately 3% of your hair is in this phase. There is no hair growth
during this period while the out portion of the hair root sheath
shrinks and attaches itself to the root.
- Telogen Phase
This phase, known as the "resting period" is experienced by
approximately 15% of your hair. Telogen lasts for around 100 days for
scalp hair and significantly longer for other body hair.
- Anagen Phase
This phase defines a period of activity where the hair cells are
dividing and new hair growth occurs. This phase can last for as long as
two to six years. Shorter growth periods are indicative of people who
have trouble growing their hair long.
Hair Growth Disorders
There are two hair growth disorders that affect humans. Hirsutism is a
condition affecting mostly females. It is defined as a condition where
excessive thick and dark hair growth is experienced in areas typically
reserved for males. These areas include the face, chest and the areolae
or area surrounding the nipple. Hypertrichosis is a condition which
causes excessive hair growth in areas of the body where visible hair is
not normally present. Both of these conditions are treatable.
For a long time most people had the belief that female hair loss was
related to the hereditary factor only. However, due to an increase in
hair loss amongst women this condition is getting a lot more exposure
and acknowledgement in the medical community.
The hair loss in women is not exactly the same as that suffered by men.
Also the notion that female hair loss is only hereditary related has now
also been proven to be inaccurate. There are many factors that can
cause female hair loss and these are a lot more complex then the male
factors.
Women in general experience hair loss due to stress, drug therapies and
menopause. Although the first two factors mentioned here are also
related to hair loss in men, they are more frequent in women.
In general, women tend to be more concerned about their daily life than
men. This increases the level of stress and one of its manifestations in
the female organism is the hair loss. In this case, the treatment
should not only stimulate hair growth, but also treat stress. Otherwise,
even if hair growth is stimulated, hair loss can occur again.
The use of drug for therapy is a complicated issue. Hair loss due to
this is frequent in the treatment against cancer. The drugs used in
chemotherapy are too aggressive and hair loss may be the slight side
effect.
Menopause is another problem. Besides all the unbalance in the organism
that it causes, menopause can cause hair loss as an indirect consequence
of it. The onset of menopause can often lead to hair loss and has long
been a part of aging that many women fear the most. These days many more
women are also experiencing thinning and bald spots as they mature, and
both men and women are reaching out for new solutions. Even though
there is no real 'cure', there are many things that can be done to help.
Some products claim to help revive weakened hair roots and promote
healthy hair growth.
Both hormones and genes are to blame for menopause causing acute hair
loss, as is the aging process. Confirming the causes of your loss with a
competent and experienced dermatologist is the first step in
determining your best treatment options.
Most women also experience hair loss after pregnancy. This is due to the
level of certain hormones in the body. This hair loss can be especially
depressing as after pregnancy and birth most women are extremely tired
both mentally and physically.
Another factor is also hair styling amongst women. We don't realise the
damage that is being done by the excessive heat and chemicals that we
use whilst styling our hair. These harsh chemicals tend to build up on
the scalp and suffocate the hair follicles and block precious nutrients
getting to them.
Although there are many factors that contribute hair loss in women there
are also some great new products that can have amazing results. These
products have been through years of clinical trials and are 100% natural
without side effects. If you would like to learn more about the latest
product that can restore your hair and is currently being used by many
celebrities worldwide please visit my website which can be found in the
author box below.
This article is all about hair loss and home remedies. While there are a
LOT of products on the market today that claim to slow, stop, prevent
or reverse hair loss, there are many other ways to attack hair loss that
don't include using strong chemicals or prescription drugs. Granted,
some are effective and some are not, but the only way to know for sure
is to try them for yourself. I'm going to list a few possible ways to
treat hair loss and let you make up your own mind on their
effectiveness. Just to remind you all... I am not advocating any type of
hair loss treatment, simply because every person is different and what
might work for you might not work for someone else!
Okay, the first type of home remedy can be categorized as "herbal". Many
folks, including myself, have begun using certain herbs to combat all
sorts of problems... anything from aging skin to a lack of energy to,
you guessed it, hair loss. Here are some of the more popular herbs
pertaining to hair loss...
Stinging nettle: Also known as Urtica Diocia, this herb has the ability
to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT (DHT is often the cause
of male hair loss). An optimum dose of 50-100mg per day in capsule form
is recommended.
Ginkyo biloba: this herb is thought to improve blood circulation to the
brain and skin. It is believed that the increased flow of blood to the
brain area delivers more nutrients to the hair follicle thus promoting
hair regrowth. A recommended dose is 120-160mg of dry extract each day
spread over three doses.
He Shou Wu: Also known as Polygonum Multiflorum, this herb has
traditionally been used to reduce hair loss and can be taken in capsule
form or as a tea.
Pygeum Africanum: This herb is derived from the bark of the evergreen
tree and it works like green tea. It is used to treat male pattern
baldness. You should take 60-500mg per day in pill or capsule form.
Saw Palmetto: Also known as Seranoa Repens, this is a favorite choice
for many men due to its ability to slow hair loss and encourage hair
regrowth. Many commercially prepared hair loss treatments use this herb
as a base but it can easily be found in its pure form. A dose of 160mg
twice each day is recommended, but be sure the ingredients are made from
the berry extract not the dried berries themselves.
The second type of home remedy for attacking hair loss are external
preparations that are applied to the hair and scalp directly. Some of
these may sound odd, but you never know until you try, right?
Safflower Oil: Also known as Carthamus Tinctorious, safflower oil
applied to the scalp acts as a vasodilator that dilates blood vessels.
This allows more blood to deliver nutrients to the hair follicle thus
creating an environment conducive to hair regrowth.
Aloe Vera: You can rub Aloe Vera into your scalp each night. It's
believed that the herb activates the production of nitric oxide and
contains an enzyme called superoxide dismutane. These two substances
combined may stimulate hair regrowth in those suffering from male
pattern baldness.
Red Pepper: Also know as Capsicum, you can apply Red Pepper to the scalp
as a poultice. It irritates the scalp and stimulates blood flow to the
base of the hair, which may encourage renewed hair growth.
Onion: Yes, onions. Some believe that rubbing the scalp with an onion
before shampooing may actually stimulate hair growth... your mileage may
vary!
There are many more home remedies that may aid in hair growth or regrowth.
There are many products on the market that claim to cure hair loss but
99% are just vitamin products that don't address the underlying cause.
However, recently a new product has had amazing exposure in the media
mainly due to the fact that many famous celebrities are using it. This
new product has been through various clinical trials and the results
have been incredible.
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.
It is normal to shed hair every day and the truth is we loose between
100 - 125 hairs on any given day. Hair that is shed falls out at the end
of growth cycle. At any given time 10% of our hair is in what is called
a "resting phase" and after 2- 3 months resting, hair falls out and new
hair grows in its place. Some people, however, experience more hair
loss than is normal.
As we get older, both men and women experience some hair loss. It's a
normal part of the aging process. Called Androgenetic Alopecia, it
accounts for 95% of all hair loss. Androgentic Alopecia often runs in
families and affects some people more than others. In men it is often
referred to as Male Pattern Baldness. It is characterized by a receding
hair line and baldness on the top of head. Women, on the other hand,
don't go entirely bald even if their hair loss is severe. Instead, hair
loss is spread out evenly over their entire scalp.
Hormones play the dominant role when talking about Androgenetic
Alopecia. Simple put, both men and women produce testosterone.
Testosterone can be converted to dihydrotestosterone ( DHT) with the aid
of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT shrinks hair follicles causing the
membranes in the scalp to thicken, become inelastic and restrict blood
flow. This causes the hair follicles to atrophy. As a result, when a
hair does fall out, it is not replaced.
Needless to say, men produce more testosterone than women and experience more hair loss.
While Androgenetic Alopecia is the number one reason why individuals
experience hair loss, it is not the only one. Medical conditions such as
hypothyroidism, ringworm and fungal infections can cause hair loss.
Certain medications such as blood thinners, gout medication, birth
control pills and too much vitamin A can cause sudden or abnormal hair
loss as can following a crash diet, sudden hormonal changes,
chemotherapy and radiation.
Emotional stress, pregnancy, or surgery can also cause our hair to fall
out and is usually not noticed until 3-4 months after the stressful
event has taken place. Stress can cause a slowing of new hair growth
because a larger number of hair follicles enter into the resting phase
and no new hair growth is experienced.
Another way in which individuals experience hair loss is due to
mechanical stressors on the hair and scalp. Wearing pigtails, cornrows
or tight rollers that end up pull on the hair can scar the scalp and
cause permanent hair loss. Hair products such as hot oil treatments and
chemicals used for permanents can cause inflammation to the hair
follicles which can also result in scarring and hair loss.
For some, hair loss may be the early warning sign of a more serious
disorder such as lupus or diabetes, so it is important to talk to your
doctor. If you or someone you know is suffering from hair loss, here are
some alternative health ideas that can help naturally.
Recommendations For Wellness
If you are taking prescription medications, talk to your doctor and find
out if your medication is contributing to your hair loss.
Avoid mega-doses of vitamin A. Too much vitamin A can cause your hair to fall out.
Exercise, do yoga, meditate or find some other practice that will help to reduce your anxiety and stress levels.
Massage your scalp with rosemary oil in an olive oil base. Both rosemary
oil and massaging the scalp can stimulate the circulation in the scalp
and promote hair growth.
If you are a women, have your female hormones tested. If they are
imbalanced, talk to your health care provider about bio-identical
hormone replacements.
If you wear pigtails, cornrows, use a curling iron, hair dryer or hot
rollers, try changing your hair style to one that puts less pressure and
stress on your hair and scalp.
If hot oil treatments or chemicals such as those used in permanents are
causing inflammation to the scalp, discontinue their use, or reduce the
number of times you are using them.
Use gentle shampoos and conditioners to avoid any unnecessary damage to your hair.
In men, herbs such as saw palmetto and licorice root help block the
formation of D HT. The same holds true for supplementation with zinc. As
an added benefit, studies show that these supplements can also help
prevent prostate enlargement.
At 32 years of age, my hair suddenly started falling out by the
handfuls. The hair loss began in August. By October, just two months
later I was almost completely bald.
Other than having hair loss, my physical health was excellent. Since my
medical tests all came back normal, my doctor advised me to get a good
wig and get on with my life. My friends and family encouraged me to
count my blessings rather than my shortcomings. They tried to convince
me that I was still the same person on the inside, with or without hair.
I didn't buy it. But I did get the wig and I did get on with my life.
A new friend I met happened to be a hairdresser who specialized in thin,
fine hair. After confiding in her, she told me about the great results
some of her clients had using aromatherapy. She armed me with books and
information. I absorbed it all and kept learning more until I was ready
to make my own scalp formula.
There were many essential oils to choose from. I especially liked
using peppermint oil. The tingling sensation it produced seemed to
energize my scalp and my entire being. The scent of the oil perked me up
so it was a great choice to use it the morning to get my day started.
At night I would experiment with more relaxing oils such as lemon,
lavender, chamomile, cypress and carrot seed. I would often sleep with
the oils on my scalp and wash them out in the morning. The drifting
aroma seemed to lure me into a deep sleep, helping me to wake up
refreshed and revitalized.
The essential oil formulas felt so healing and energizing on my scalp.
It was as if I could "feel" them working! Within three months I began
seeing and feeling soft new growth. Three months after that my entire
scalp was filled in with new hair.
It's been fifteen years since my hair loss incidence. Every so often I
find the beginnings of new bald patches or I notice more hair falling
out than usual.
As soon as I notice the hair loss I begin treating it with essential oil
formulas. My hair responds quickly to the aromatherapy treatments. I've
been able to stop the hair loss and start the re-growth before it
becomes noticeable.
At first I really didn't care how the essential oils worked. Just the
fact that they did work was all I needed to know. But, because I became
so fascinated with the effects and so fond of the aromas, I went on to
formally study aromatherapy.
I think of essential oils as a "fertilizer for hair". They increase
circulation to the scalp. The increased blood supply nourishes the hair
follicles. They increase oxygen supply, encourage cellular regeneration
and remove toxins. They thoroughly cleanse the scalp, removing excess
sebum, dead skin cells and environmental pollutants.
Essential oils need to be diluted with fixed oils. Jojoba and castor oil
turned out to be my favorites, as even on their own they are healthy
for hair and used to promote growth.
Choosing the essential oils to use in your formula requires some
research and knowledge. Certain essential oils cannot be used under
certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, pregnancy etc.
Your formula will be more effective if you choose oils specifically for
own condition rather than a generic hair loss formula. You can customize
your formula to address your specific scalp condition, such as dry,
oily, itchy, sensitive, etc. You can further customize your formula by
choosing oils that blend into a scent that you enjoy.
Although you apply the formula to your scalp, the healing doesn't stop
there. Aromatherapy is known to produce an over-all feeling of physical,
emotional and spiritual well-being that goes far beyond a better head
of hair!
Losing my hair, handfuls at a time until I was practically bald was a
painful experience for me. Fortunately I was able to overcome my hair
loss and re grow my hair through the use of aromatherapy.
Learning about aromatherapy soon became my passion and my field of
study. For fifteen years now I have been able to control my hair loss
and maintain healthy hair with aromatherapy.
There are approximately 200 essential oils in use today. Of those, about
35 are commonly used for scalp and hair. Most people who work with
essential oils settle into about 10 or 15 oils they can't live without.
This article contains what I consider to be the top eight essential
oils to stimulate and maintain hair growth.
BASIL, (Ocimum basilicum). Basil oil is a powerful scalp
stimulator. When applied to the scalp you can actually "feel" it
working. It produces a warm, slightly tingling sensation. When I use
basil I don't have to use a conditioner. My hair rinses out smooth,
tangle free and squeaky clean. I've noticed that basil, more than any
other essential oil, makes my hair look shiny, healthy and thicker.
CARROT SEED, (Daucus carota). Carrot seed oil is superior for
hair and skin that is in need of nourishment, moisture and elasticity.
It is indicated for alopecia areata, fragile hair, brittle hair and
falling hair. It is calming to the skin and scalp. Carrot seed oil is
rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, essential fatty acids
and other nutrients. It is expensive and harder to find than most
essential oils. Although some people find it pleasing, I am not
particularly fond of the scent; but I am fond of the results!
CYPRESS, (Cupressus sempervirens). Imagine your self in a quiet
forest surrounded by tall Cypress tress. The aroma of cypress oil can
transport you to that soothing place. Cypress is used to reduce oiliness
in the scalp and is good for dandruff. I use cypress if I am making a
nighttime scalp formula that I will leave in while I sleep. It clears
the mind and prepares it for sleep. It is important to use only the
smallest amount (1 drop) in your formula or it could have the opposite
effect. I like to blend it with orange and lavender in a base of jojoba.
LAVENDER, (lavendula vera) Lavender oil is a standard in hair and
skin care. It has cell-regenerating properties. It is used to promote
hair growth and to prevent future loss. It is effective for all hair
types. Because it has the ability to regulate sebum production, it is
useful for either oily or dry scalp. Lavender is often paired with
rosemary in scalp and hair formulas. Together they produce an
outstanding synergy for hair care.
LEMON, (Citrus limon) the essential oil comes from the rind,
which is high in Vitamins A, B and C. Lemon oil is very versatile. It
can be used for dry or oily hair because it helps to regulate sebum
production. It is anti-aging and promotes cell-regeneration. It helps to
restore the hair's natural ph level. Lemon oil can produce a healthy
shine, especially to blonde hair.
PEPPERMINT, (Mentha piperita) If I could only have one essential
oil for my hair it would be peppermint. It is refreshing and
invigorating, excellent to use in the morning to get the day started!
Peppermint produces a cool, tingling feeling as it energizes the scalp.
It is used to promote hair growth, for dandruff and itchy scalp.
ROSEMARY, (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary oil is very well
known for it's superior hair care qualities. For hair care, it is
probably used more often than any other essential oil, especially to
promote hair growth. It is a powerful scalp stimulator for hair loss and
to strengthen thinning hair. It is also used to shine and condition
hair and to bring out highlights in dark hair.
TEA TREE, (Melaleuca alternifolia) Tea tree oil has become very
popular. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is
effective against any type of fungal condition of scalp such as
ringworm. It is used to heal infections and to reduce itchiness. It
removes build-up on the scalp and helps rejuvenate dull lifeless hair.
It leaves hair soft, clean and manageable. Tea tree has a strong, clan
medicinal scent.
It is important to know and follow all safety guidelines before using
any aromatherapy products. Essential oils must be diluted properly
before applying to skin. Certain oils cannot be used if certain medical
conditions are present. Enlisting the help of a trained professional
aromatherapist can help ensure a safe and effective formula.
Scalp massage for hair loss has been used throughout history by many
different cultures. Massaging the scalp should be part of every hair
loss regime. One of the most obvious benefits of scalp massage is
increased circulation. The scalp, being an extremity is one of the
hardest places for blood to flow. The increased blood flow helps to
nourish the follicle. The scalp depends on blood flow to bring oxygen
and nutrients to the hair follicles.
Tension causes tightness in the scalp, which restricts blood flow. Scalp
massage restores pliability and relieves tension, helping to create an
ideal environment for new hair growth.
Massaging the scalp also helps loosen and remove dead cells and excess
sebum on the scalp, which can hinder new hair growth. Scalp massage
helps to distribute the hairs natural oils to protect and condition the
hair.
The benefits of scalp massage go beyond hair loss prevention. Seventy
percent of our nervous system is in the head. A scalp massage activates
neural pathways to the brain and stimulates unused brain cells. Besides
that, scalp massage feels good! It is nurturing and relaxing to the
whole body.
Scalp massage should include the face and neck. You can perform it
yourself or have someone do it for you. Slide your fingertips under your
hair and onto your scalp. Use the balls of your fingertips. Use gentle
circular motions to stimulate your entire scalp.
Below are several variations of scalp massage to try.
HAIR PULLING MASSAGE
Glide fingers under scalp. Grab hair close to scalp. Pull gently. Relax
grip then pull again. Do this 3 times and then move on. Repeat over
entire scalp. This is stimulating to the scalp and it feels wonderful,
especially if you have someone else do it for you!
INDONESIAN SCALP MASSAGE
Stand with your feet apart. Breathe slow and deep in and out. Gently
lean forward from the waist, curving your spine until your head is just
below your waist. Keep legs straight. Gently tap your scalp all over
with your knuckles for 30 seconds. Slowly raise your body and repeat in
an upright position.
ORIENTAL SCALP TAPPING MASSAGE
Place fingers at the center of the skull base and begin to tap about 30
times. Work your way outwards towards the ears and continue tapping.
Then go back to the center of the skull, a little higher up and repeat
process in this manner until entire scalp is tapped.
TAPPING WITH BRUSH
Tapping your scalp gently with a boar bristle brush is an easy way to provide energy and circulation to the scalp.
AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
Adding essential oils or nourishing herbal infused oils can increase the
effectiveness of scalp massage. Dab a small amount of the prepared
formula onto fingertips. Place fingertips under hair, directly onto
scalp and massage in circular motion. Continue until scalp has been
massaged, paying extra attention to thinning areas.
