Saturday, 16 February 2008

5 Hair Loss Treatment Techniques That Work

Fortunately for us, balding is a condition that can be treated in most cases, but unfortunately, the sheer amount of techniques developed for this purpose can be confusing at best.

Obviously, treatment will also depend on what exactly causes the hair growth problems: for example, if one is suffering from some form of cancer and undergoes chemotherapy, he won't be able to fight the hair growth problems with regular treatment methods.

Let's take a look at 5 of the most popular baldness treatments, together with what different types of the condition they're best at working with.

1.Growth Stimulators - True, growth stimulators don't work against hair growth problems, but they can help you ease the growth/loss negative ratio so that your baldness does not become too visible too soon.

Although growth stimulators are not the best solution to your problem, you can use them in conjunction with another type of treatment that specifically works against hair loss, with great results.

2.DHT Inhibitors - Male pattern baldness is caused by a hormonal dysfunction in testosterone, which gets binded to 5-Alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts the hormone to DHT, or dihydrotestosterone.

When the level of DHT outweighs the level of testosterone in the body, hair loss is likely to occur. DHT inhibitors work against this binding process, stopping DHT from forming and cutting down baldness before it can occur. Used in conjunction with hair growth stimulators, DHT inhibitors are quite effective.

3.Anti Androgens - Another factor that causes baldness is the binding of testosterone to androgen receptors, a combination that damages the hair follicles and causes them to weaken. Androgen binding occurs further down the road, whereas 5-Alpha reductase binding is the first chemical combination that takes place in the hair loss condition.

Usually, a combination of anti androgens and DHT inhibitors works best, but if DHT can handle your hair loss problems alone, there's no need to go the extra mile and use this third treatment method as well.

4.Anti Inflammatory Treatment - Your scalp and hair follicles can get hammered by several factors, including itches, inflammations, flakes, scratches and rashes. All these can work together and thin down the hair follicle, eventually making it weaker.

Anti inflammatory treatments may include lotions for the scalp or special anti-dandruff shampoos that can eliminate these factors, allowing your hair to grow unhindered.

5.Super Oxide Dismutase - A hair follicle is virtually a foreign tissue from our body's point of view and as such, tissue cells will try to fight it out of the system using super oxide.

Usually, this super oxide isn't strong enough to cause hair growth problems but in some cases it may do so and you'll want to reduce it with the help of SOD's, or super oxide dismutase treatments.

Aside from reducing super oxide levels from your body, SOD's also positively affect hair growth, so basically they're a 2-in-1 package for people suffering from hair loss. Combined with an anti inflammatory treatment, SOD's can literally cure you of your condition.

Laser Hair Loss Treatment

One of the most common ways of treating hair loss today is through laser hair loss treatment. It was already performed in the 1970s, and at that time it was not officially in the market. It is a non-surgical solution for hair loss, thinning hair, and baldness, as well as, other disorders of the scalp such as dermatitis.

Technically it is a piece of equipment that has 31 therapeutic soft low light level lasers delivering light energy to different places on the hair. This principle is based on stimulating cell metabolism while repairing damaged cells at the same time. By using the power of laser light you can boost and revitalize your hair.

The theory is that light is energy and living cells survive thanks to light. The same goes for your hair. This has proven to be very efficient combined with proper hair hygiene products. As a matter of fact, laser hair loss treatment is more effective when used together with Minoxidil (the first drug approved by the FDA for hair loss), together with the right scalp hygiene.

Laser hair loss treatment has been so successful that it has received numerous, positive reviews. Magazines, newspapers as well TV channels claim that the success of this method of treating hair loss is one of the best that can be found today, a problem that is not only afflicting men but also a good percentage of women.

Many are the benefits of laser hair loss treatment and many people who tried it have claimed that their hair loss had been greatly reduced after six to twelve weeks of use and slight differences could even be seen after twelve weeks.

Using laser hair loss treatment can improve the flow of blood supply to the scalp after a single treatment. The correct dosage of light energy is applied from a different number of laser positions and helps in stimulating hair follicles, preventing too much hair loss and giving beautiful hair which is shiny, soft as well as thick and better manageable.

Laser hair loss treatment is the new, scientific approach to reducing hair loss in the scalp, and does not require any kind of surgery at all just some patience and time. Moreover it has been medically tested to be both safe and effective.

Last but not least, studies conducted by the International Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology, have demonstrated that laser hair loss treatment can positively help lots of hair loss sufferers in reducing the amount of hair loss. The authors also found a link between low level laser and hair loss.

Hair Loss Prevention - Five Main Methods

Hair loss can be of great concern to both men and women at some time in their lives. This concern mainly centers on fears of looking prematurely old, unattractive to the opposite sex, lack of self-esteem and, without any real justification, of being thought of as lacking virility and of even being regarded as impotent.

Here, we shall briefly outline three types of hair loss conditions of the Alopecia category. Then we shall outline five methods that are commonly used to address these conditions.

Alopecia Areata has clearly apparent bald patches, often round or oval in shape. Alopecia Areata can appear on the head, beard, and other hairy parts of the body. Even if the spots disappear within a year of treatment, it's common for Alopecia Areata to reoccur again. Alopecia Totalis means total baldness, all the hair on the scalp has disappeared. Alopecia Universalis is the condition where there is a complete loss of hair from all sections of the body. It sometimes occurs as an extension of generalized Alopecia Areata. The whole head and body of an individual becomes bald. Hair disappears from all regions, i.e., pubic, armpits, eyelashes, eyebrows, chest, legs, beard, and other areas.

Here are five methods to treat hair loss, and these exclude hair transplanting which is outside the scope of this article.

1 Laser or low level light therapy has been shown to be beneficial to hair in several studies. Both clinical treatment and hand held laser therapy are available. Also, larger laser models can be bought for use in salons and hair replacement studios.

2 Di-hydro testosterone (DHT) is the major cause of hair loss for both men and women. DHT inhibitor products can either interfere with the conversion of testosterone to DHT or help to block DHT from binding to the hair follicle.

3 In relation to this, hair vitamin products help to aid in growth of hair; either by inhibiting DHT and/or providing the vitamins and minerals that optimizes good quality hair growth.

4 There are only two FDA-approved treatments for hair loss and one of these, Minoxidil, is the only anti-baldness drug approved for women. Originally introduced as a medicine to treat high blood pressure, it was noticed that users began to grow extra hair.

5 Hair and scalp cleansing products can be optimized to give hair and the scalp the nutrients that are needed without adding harmful chemicals like sodium laureth sulfate, cocamide diethanolamine, or alcohols that are present in most shampoos. These harmful chemicals cause these shampoo to strip hair of the essential oils that hair needs. Proper hair and scalp hygiene and nutrition is the first step to healthier, thicker and fuller hair.

In conclusion, early steps can be taken to address hair loss, however it is strongly recommended that plenty of research is done first to ascertain the real cause of the condition, that may be unique to and thus different from individual to individual, before deciding what action to take.

Genetic Hair Loss – Skull Expansion is the True Cause!

Hair loss affects up to 80% of men and 50% of women, and in most cases androgenetic alopecia is to blame. This article explains how Skull Expansion is the true cause of genetic hair loss and why the conventional reasons given to explain it are wrong!

There's no doubt that male hormones (androgens) somehow cause hair loss in those with the genetic predisposition towards it. Furthermore, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the androgen directly linked to this process.

However, genetics and male hormones do not fully explain the exact mechanism that will cause hair loss to start. That’s because they can’t answer the following questions:

Q1. Why do some people lose hair from the front (receding temples), the back (a bald patch), or both these regions of the scalp?

Q2. Why is it that hair can fall faster in one region of the scalp than it does in the other, and start at different times in a person's life? (E.g., about 20% of men start losing their hair at puberty but most don't start until they’re much older).

Q3. How can DHT be linked to both hair loss and hair growth? (DHT will, during puberty, stimulate hair to grow in other parts of the body).

These are all very relevant questions about the hair loss process. So, it’s important that complete and accurate answers are given before any theory can be acknowledged as the true underlying cause of androgenetic alopecia.

It now seems more likely that the actual mechanism that causes this type of hair loss is Skull Expansion. Here’s a very brief explanation of how this process causes genetic hair loss:

When you’re growing up into an adult, your skeleton obviously gets bigger and bigger. This, of course, includes the skull, which not only grows in size but also changes shape.

Once you reach adulthood, this process (called bone remodelling and resorption) then continues throughout life. For some, this simply involves maintenance of the bones (i.e., keeping them strong and healthy). But, for those who suffer hair loss, this process will cause the frontal and parietal bones of the skull to grow.

This is Skull Expansion, and is the direct cause of hair loss within the male pattern baldness (MPB) region of the scalp.

The genetic link to male pattern baldness is due to the skull shape you inherit. Different skull shapes will have different growth potential (this simply means that the predisposition towards Skull Expansion will vary). The extent to which you lose hair is directly related to the extent to which your skull will expand. Obviously this means that greater Skull Expansion will cause more hair loss.

Only Skull Expansion can provide answers to all of those earlier questions:

A1. Hair loss at the front is caused by Skull Expansion of the frontal bone. A bald patch at the back is caused by Skull Expansion of the parietal bones. And hair loss at the front and back of the scalp simultaneously, is caused by Skull Expansion of both frontal and parietal bones.

A2. The different rates of hair loss between the front and back of the scalp depend upon the skull shape you inherit and its growth potential. That’s why your hair loss could start as early as puberty or much later on in life.

A3. DHT can stimulate hair growth, but it also encourages bone growth. Androgens like DHT are steroid hormones which have an anabolic effect on bone formation (i.e., they make it grow!) DHT causes Skull Expansion, which then causes hair loss to start.

So, now you know that the true cause of genetic hair loss is Skull Expansion. And, should you be in any doubt, why not simply contact a hair specialist, ask those questions, and see what answers you get!

The Truth of Hair Loss

When it comes to male and female hair loss there are many myths. Knowing whether there is any truth to these myths can help you find ways of preventing hair loss or treating the loss that has already occurred. Consider some of the more common myths.

Hair Loss Myths

Perhaps the biggest myth is that there is no cure for hair loss. While there is no one treatment for everyone suffering from a loss of hair, each person is different and there are some treatment options. Some individuals can stop their hair loss while others may be able to grow new hair. When you talk with your doctor they will discuss your treatment options include Propecia, Rogaine or hair transplants.

Stimulating the circulation through frequent brushing can help prevent hair loss is a piece of advise you have likely heard. The truth is that frequent or heavy brushing of your hair can actually cause even more damage to your hair and make the problem worse. So you shouldn’t do this if you don’t want to lose more hair.

Similar to this is the myth that hair loss is caused by blow drying. While your hair can be damaged by the extreme heat from blow dryers which leads to hairs breaking off at the roots, this typically only affects the hair and not the follicle itself. To prevent this damage to your hair you simply need to use your blow dryer on the coolest setting rather than the hottest.

Another styling myth is that hair loss results from frequent shampooing. The exact opposite is really the truth. Shampooing benefits your hair by cleaning the hair and scalp of any buildup of dirt. Although to remove harmful detergents you should make sure you thoroughly wash out any shampoo in your hair. It is important to use a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing your hair so that you can replenish any lost moisture.

Some say that wearing hats can lead to hair loss. This isn’t true, the follicle is the live part, not your hair. The nutrients from you body flow to your scalp. The oxygen or blood flow to the follicles of your hair isn’t affected by wearing hats, just the hair which doesn’t need to breath oxygen.

You have likely heard the myth that highlights, hair coloring, treatments, hairspray and other special treatments lead to hair loss. This too is false like a lot of styling myths. The hair is affected by these products, but not the follicles themselves. While the hair may be damaged by these chemicals, the damage cannot extend to the follicles.

10 Proven Tips On How To Reduce Hair Loss

Your hair enhances your overall personality and also reflects your health. But, healthy hair and scalp needs proper care right from the beginning. If you neglect your hair for long, it might turn brittle with split-ends and also cause dandruff. You may even experience untimely hair loss if you don't take timely precautions.

Studies indicate that in 95 percent cases, hair loss is genetic, but many other factors such as diet, general health, vitamin and hormonal deficiencies, overuse of hair dye, physical and emotional stress also lead to uncontrolled hair loss. However, it is possible to control most of these factors that lead to untimely hair fall among individuals.

Though hair loss is not a life-threatening situation, but it may imply internal health problems. Besides, it may also spoil the level of self-confidence in the long run. As there is no permanent cure for hair loss, but it is possible to take some preventive measures to ensure healthy and shining hair. Some of these tips are listed below:

1) Role of Diet

A nutritious diet, which contains all essential vitamins and minerals, helps in minimizing the hair loss. Therefore, you must include green, leafy vegetables, raw oats, and whole grain cereals, eggs, dates, and raisins in your daily food regime. As the hair is made of protein, you are advised to stick to protein-rich diet, such as calves liver, brewer's yeast, and wheat germ. These foods also contain Vitamin B, which is an important nutrient for hair. Outer coverings of potatoes, cucumbers, and green and red peppers are high in silica, which is essential to maintain the beauty and strength of your hair. Vitamin E also promotes hair growth and reduces hair fall. A person may experience hair fall due to thyroid dysfunction also. Therefore, you must include foods, which are good sources of vitamin A and iodine.

2) Washing routine

Your hair cleansing routine largely depends on your hair-type. People having oily hair may need to wash their hair regularly, while people having dry hair can wash it twice a week. Never use too hot or too cold water to wash your hair. While cleaning or massaging your hair, you should always use your fingertips and not your nails to gently clean your scalp.

3) Proper combing

You should use a wide-tooth comb to untangle your hair and comb in downward direction. Using a wooden or tortoise shell comb is a better idea than using a rubber comb. Avoid combing wet hair, as wet hair can easily break.

4) Drying your hair

If possible, allow your hair to dry naturally. Avoid using blow dryer as its heat can damage your hair, and also make it look coarse and lifeless.

5) Using proper conditioner

Protect your hair from sudden environmental changes, while going out to a beach or a pool. You must use an effective conditioner as it protects your hair from the sun, chlorine, and sea water. You should also wear a protective hat or a cap to avoid overexposing your hair to the sun, salt or chlorinated water and pollution.

6) Use of shampoo and conditioner

Always choose a simple formula shampoo, which costs you less money. Remember, the basic purpose of a shampoo is to wash away the dirt and the oil. Therefore, use a milder shampoo, which is less expensive and more beneficial for your hair. Apply a good quality conditioner once you clean your hair with the shampoo, but do not over-condition your hair.

7) Choose a comfortable hair style

Choose a hair style that truly reflects your style and taste while significantly enhances your personality. Often traditional hair styling products are rich of alcohol and other harsh chemicals, which may again harm your hair.

8) Knowing your sleeping pattern helps control hair loss

Comb your hair gently while going to bed. You should also gently remove all bands or clips used during the day. Do you know that your sleeping pattern also affects the life and health of your hair? People who are restless even while they are sleeping may actually end up breaking their hair. So, if you belong to the restless community of sleepers, you should use s satin pillowcase, which allows your hair to move smoothly and thus cause less breakage.

9) Limit the use of alcohol and smoking products

Reduce alcohol consumption and also avoid using it on your hair. Avoid using hair care products that contain alcohol. This is because alcohol can make your hair look dry, brittle and prone to breakage.

10) Avoid using harsh chemicals

Certain harsh chemicals such as permanent hair color and perms can also affect the health and growth of your hair. Therefore, you must avoid coloring your hair more than once every 2-4 months.

Vitamins to Regrow Hair

Hair care assumes increasing importance as men age. Hair fall, gradual lessening in hair regrowth, conditions like Androgenetic Alopecia etc, are noticed with advancing age, especially in the period between 18-35 years. The body's natural hair regeneration fails to keep up with the quantum of hair loss. As a result receding hairlines, widows peaks, bald patches are noticed more and more.

It is but natural to resort to hair regrow products and vitamins to regrow hair. The shop shelves stock a lot of products to address male hair loss. While some are available in topical solution form, some are available as pills. Many of these products available on prescription as well as over the counter come with their own side effects.

Hair loss is predominantly caused by Androgenetic Alopecia, a condition characterized by abnormal quantities of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. 5-Alpha Reductase, a naturally produced enzyme in the body processes testosterone in to DHT. DHT blockers address this issue and help control hair loss due to DHT.

Vitamins to regrow hair and stimulate hair production and follicle regeneration are present in some hair regrowth products that combine them with DHT blockers.

For Example, Ingredients that perform these functions in a preferred hair regrowth product Procerin include Saw Palmetto, Magnesium, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin B-6, Pyroxidine 5mg, CJ-11 Factor, CJ-9 Factor, and a proprietary blend of Gotu Kola, Nettles, Pumpkin seed meal, Siberian Ginseng, Yohimbe, Muira Puma Root and Uwa Ursi. DHT blockers, natural herbs and minerals and vitamins are the main ingredients here.

Procerin is an all-natural product with no side effects and is available in both pill and solution form. It can be applied daily and starts showing results within two months from application, in cases within weeks.

Hair loss could be owing to many reasons ranging from genetic, dietary, medical and lifestyles. Vitamins that regrow hair are most effective when the body is still in the phase of producing hair/regenerating hair. Under such a circumstance, these vitamins and supplements help accelerate the process and also block the production of those enzymes eventually causing hair loss and male pattern baldness.