Causes of hair loss and hair treatment

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More and more, you begin to notice this morning on a cushion set of your hair. Having a massage brush on your scalp, you are shocked by the amount of lost hair. You know that every day people are losing hundreds of hairs, and it is quite normal. But here began to notice that every day your hair is falling more and more. It’s time to think and to draw attention to the problem. The first question that arises in the mind: what was the cause of hair loss?
Causes of hair loss
Causes of hair loss myriad. Here are the main ones:
Genetic predisposition
Hormonal disorders
Reduced immunity
Infectious diseases of the scalp (seborrhea, dermatitis, etc.)
Internal medicine of the body (diabetes mellitus, hepatopathy, iron deficiency anemia, etc.)
Hormonal agents or chemotherapy
Insufficient blood supply to the scalp and hair roots
The impact of external aggressive factors (painting, hair coloring, heat styling)
Postpartum Hair Loss
Environmental factors
The extension of surgical intervention in the body under general anesthesia
Malnutrition
Stress
By the nature of precipitation distinguish temporary hair loss and abnormal loss (alopecia areata, or). If hair loss is only temporary, while hair follicles do not die. Therefore, if the time to begin treatment, then very quickly you can restore hair growth. Pathological loss is much more complicated and for a successful solution to the problem MirSovetov recommends that as soon as possible to see a specialist (trichologist).
Men are more likely than women to suffer from hair loss. Most of alopecia in men exposed to frontal region and parietal region. The reason for hair loss in men is genetic, but other than that the reason lies in the poor diet. For strong hair is very important to intake of vitamin B. MirSovetov draws your attention that smoking prevents the absorption of any vitamins in the body. Therefore, if you want to be healthy themselves, and you want your hair to be healthy, you should abandon destructive habits.
For hair loss may also affect the high or low temperatures on the contrary. It is therefore recommended to use the appropriate headgear.
Women often provoke hair loss hormonal surges. It is known that the female hormone estrogen increases the life cycle of the hair and the male hormone androgen reverse his cuts. In the female body both of these hormones are in balance. However, during the hormonal stress (childbirth, menopause, hormonal drugs), this balance is disturbed, the content of estrogen in the body decreases as a result, hair loss begins.
How to deal with temporary hair loss?
The biggest mistake in any treatment – is getting rid of symptoms. Symptoms only indicate the disease are the consequence. It is important also to find the cause of the disease.
The same can be said about the treatment of hair loss. The main thing – to find the cause. The difficulty is that after experiencing stress, the body, the hair starts to fall only a few months later. Therefore difficult to tie the hair loss to some event in your psychological life or the life of your body. But be that as it may, it is necessary to try to do to eradicate the cause. For example, such a stress for the organism could be the treatment of drugs. To eradicate the cause, it is necessary to consult a doctor about the possible cancellation of drugs or replacing them with others.
It is possible for you not so long ago suffered a serious illness, and after a while your hair started falling out. Before you take action against hair loss, you must first restore the weakened immune system.
If you have, say, a disease of the scalp, then no matter how much you did not make nourishing masks against hair loss, they will continue to fall until you cure the disease.
If you are wearing a heavy winter hat, then you may disrupt the circulation of the scalp, and, consequently, can hair began to fall. To resolve the cause, replace your headgear on a lighter, or better yet, on the hood.
When the cause of hair loss, can and should try to restore hair growth. Here are some useful recommendations on how to do it:
Scalp massage. Massage improves blood circulation. Blood brings to the hair follicles the nutrients and vitamins, so it is important that supply blood to the cells of the scalp regularly. During shampooing massage your head with your fingers. Every night before bed comb the hair a few minutes a special massage hairbrush.
Nourishing oil mask. It is known that castor oil, burdock oil prevent hair loss. Rub the oil into the scalp, cover head plastic cap for 20-30 minutes (for a better result can wrap his head with a towel) and then rinse your hair. To achieve maximum results MirSovetov recommends to buy in the drugstore vitamins in the capsules, the contents of one such capsule, mix with two tablespoons of burdock oil, add a few drops of lemon juice. The resulting liquid is thoroughly rub into the scalp, cover your hair cap, and top with a towel. An hour later, rinse the mask.
Masks from milk products. Sour or any other dairy products are rich in vitamin B, so necessary for hair growth, so once a week, make a mask of sour milk products.
Shampoo against hair loss. To wash it, use special shampoos. Modern cosmetic manufacturers offer a wide selection of shampoos, conditioners, and even entire complexes against hair loss.
Do not brush wet hair as little as possible to use the facilities for packing, as well as a hairdryer, ironing for straightening or curling.
Proper nutrition. It is also very important if you have hair fall out. Try to eat plenty of foods containing vitamins B (rabbit meat, peas, cereals, lamb) and C (kiwi, citrus)
If the cause of hair loss was the hormonal surge in women (childbirth or menopause), you just have to wait until the body restores the natural hormones. While waiting to do the above procedure to try to minimize the loss of hair.
How to deal with hair loss?
If the nature of hair loss is abnormal, then as soon as possible to apply to a special clinic.
To find out the cause of hair loss, trichologist assign you a number of tests, including blood tests for hormones, blood biochemical analysis. Also, you will need to make thyroid ultrasonography, spectral and microscopic analysis of hair.
According to test results, doctor may prescribe a comprehensive treatment of baldness. Most often, hair loss problem is solved without a transplant operation. Therefore, it is important to ask during a professional and strictly follow his instructions.
In the clinical treatment of alopecia used several different methods: injection of steroids into the problem areas (for a local hair loss), high-performance cream apparatus of quantum therapy, vacuum massage and others.
In the most complex cases, you can use the services of clinics hair transplant.
Every day, the science moves forward in the field of cosmetology. So if you are faced with the problem of hair loss, do not despair, trichologists choose for you the most successful treatment. However MirSovetov recommends no nothing, relying entirely on the skill of the doctors, but in parallel with the clinical treatment to make masks, self-massage, and eat right and avoid stress. Then you will, without doubt, will have a pretty healthy and thick hair.

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Alopecia (baldness or Hair Loss)

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What is Alopecia?

Alopecia (also known as baldness or hair loss) refers to loss or lack of hair on part of or the entire scalp and in some cases, other parts of the body. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent and can affect people of all ages. Although alopecia can occur anywhere on the body, it is most distressing when it affects the scalp. It can range from a small bare patch, which is easily masked by hairstyling to a more diffuse and obvious pattern [3, 4].

Causes of Alopecia
Causes of alopecia include,
1. Genetics
2. Prolonged fever
3. Hormonal changes, such as childbirth, use of birth control pills or thyroid disease
4. Treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy
5. Continual hair pulling or scalp rubbing
6. Burns or radiation therapy
7. Emotional or physical stress
8. Ringworm of the scalp (Tinea capitas)
9. Some prescription medicine

(To mention a few)

Types of Alopecia
The different types of alopecia associated with loss of hair on the scalp include,
1. Androgenetic alopecia (Genetic hair loss)
Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss is a major problem affecting men and is such that by the age of 50, up to 50% of men who are genetically predisposed will be affected. It is characterised by progressive, patterned hair loss from the scalp and its prerequisites are a genetic predisposition and sufficient circulating androgens (steroid hormone such as testosterone or androsterone, which promotes male characteristics). According to Sinclair (1998) every Caucasian male possesses the autosomal inherited predisposition, and as such, 96% lose hair to some degree. Sinclair also mentions that Caucasian men are four times more likely to develop premature balding than Black men. Hair loss does not usually start until after puberty with an extremely variable rate of progression [1, 5].

The condition is also fairly common in women and is referred to as female pattern hair loss. In women, “it is characterised by a diffuse reduction in hair density over the crown and frontal scalp with retention of the frontal hairline” [6]. Birch et al (2002) make mention of the fact that in some women, the hair loss may affect a small area of the frontal scalp whilst in others the entire scalp is involved. In advanced female pattern hair loss, the hair becomes very sparse over the top of the scalp bit a rim of hair is retained along the frontal margin. The vertex (crown or top of the head) balding seen in men is rare in women; however, a female pattern of balding is not uncommon in men [6]. The androgen-dependent nature or the genetic basis of female pattern hair loss has not been clearly established, although a study carried out by Sinclair et al (2005) showed that androgens play an important role in the development of female pattern hair loss.

2. Alopecia areata (AA)
Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, immune-mediated, nonscarring form of hair loss, which occurs in all ethnic groups, ages (more common in children and young adults), and both sexes, and affects approximately 1.7% of the population [8, 9]. Alopecia areata is unpredictable and patients usually present with several episodes of hair loss and regrowth during their lifetime. Recovery from hair loss may be complete, partial, or nonexistent. It is thought that 34 to 50% of patients with AA will recover within a year whilst 15 to 25% will progress to total loss of scalp hair or loss of the entire scalp and body hair where full recovery is unusual [8, 11]. It usually presents as a single oval patch or multiple confluent patches of asymptomatic (without obvious signs or symptoms of disease), well circumscribed alopecia with severity ranging from a small bare patch to loss of hair on the entire scalp. Frequent features of AA patches are exclamation mark hairs, which may be present at its margin; the exclamation mark hairs are broken, short hairs, which taper proximally. The hair loss from AA may be the only obvious clinical abnormality or there may be associated nail abnormalities. Other less common associated diseases include thyroid disease and vitiligo [4, 10, 11].

Clinical presentation of AA is subcategorised based on the pattern and extent of the hair loss. If categorised according to pattern, the following are seen;
a. patchy AA, which consists of round or oval patches of hair loss and is the most common,
b. reticular AA, which is a reticulated (networked) pattern of patchy hair loss,
c. ophiasis band-like AA, which is hair loss in parieto-temporo-occipital scalp (middle-side-back of scalp),
d. ophiasis inversus, which is a rare band-like pattern of hair loss in fronto-parieto-temporal scalp (front-middle-side of scalp), and
e. diffuse AA, which is a diffuse decrease in hair density.
[Taken from Shapiro J and Madani S, 1999]

If categorised according to the extent of involvement, the following are seen;
a. alopecia areata, which is the partial loss of scalp hair,
b. alopecia totalis, which is 100% loss of scalp hair, and
c. alopecia universalis, which is 100% loss of body hair.
[Taken from Shapiro J and Madani S, 1999]

3. Telogen Effluvium (TE)
Telogen effluvium is an abnormality of hair cycling, which results in excessive loss of telogen (resting phase of hair cycles) hairs and is most common in women. Women with this disorder would usually notice an increased amount of loose hairs on their hairbrush or shower floor. Daily loss of hair may range from 100 to 300 hairs. It is thought that TE may unmask previously unrecognised androgenetic alopecia. The most common underlying cause of TE is stress; other causes include certain diseases such as thyroid and pituitary diseases, some medication and child birth, to mention a few. In many cases however, no cause can be found. TE usually begins two to four months after the causative event and can last for several months [4, 12]. Unlike some other hair loss conditions, TE is temporary and hair regrowth is possible [4]. Telogen effluvium presents in about three forms;
a. Acute telogen effluvium, where shedding of hair is expected to cease within 3 to 6 month
b. Chronic diffuse telogen hair loss, which is telogen hair shedding persisting longer than 6 months. Common causes include thyroid disorders, acrodermatitis, profound iron deficiency anaemia, and malnutrition.
c. Chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) is the most common cause of hair loss in women, affecting 30% of females, between the ages of 30 and 60 years old, in the UK. CTE is such that there is a relative change in the proportion of growing to resting hair and in most cases, excessive shedding of hair has been present for at least 6 months. According to Rushton et al (2002) studies have shown that 95% of CTE cases arise from a nutritional imbalance involving the essential amino acid L-lysine and iron. Other common causes of CTE include drugs, thyroid disease and childbirth [1, 11].

4. Cicatricial alopecia (scarring alopecia)
Circatricial alopecia, also known as scarring alopecia, refers to a group of rare hair disorders resulting from a condition that damages the scalp and hair follicle. They present as areas of hair loss in which the underlying scalp is scarred, sclerosed, or atrophic. In other words, the disorders destroy the hair follicle and replace the follicles with a scar tissue consequently causing permanent hair loss. Conditions associated with circatricial alopecia include autoimmune diseases such as discoid lupus erythematosus, scalp trauma, infections such as tuberculosis and syphilis, and radiation therapy. Circatricial alopecia affects both adults and children, and may present as primary or secondary circatricial alopecia [4, 13].

5. Chemotherapy-related alopecia
Alopecia caused by chemotherapy may vary from slight thinning of the hair to complete baldness. The extent of alopecia depends on the choice of drugs and its dose. Drugs which cause severe alopecia include methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin, ifosphamide, vincristine, and taxoids to mention a few. When drugs are used in combination, which is usually the case with many treatment regimes, the incidence and severity of alopecia can be greater than usual. According to Randall et al (2005) “chemotherapy-related alopecia has been rated by patients as one of the most severe, troublesome and traumatic chemotherapy-related side effects”. Hair loss due to chemotherapy is not permanent and as such, the hair will grow back once treatment has ended [14].

6. Traumatic alopecia
This is usually a very common cause of hair loss in women of some ethnic backgrounds (particularly women of African/Caribbean descent). It is caused as a result of hair grooming techniques by the use of hair reshaping products such as relaxers, straighteners, hot combs, foam rollers and permanent wave products, as well as hair braiding methods. These techniques damage hair follicles over time [15]. Traumatic alopecia is divided into three categories;
a. Traction alopecia, which results from persistent pulling of the hair by tight rollers, tight braiding or ponytails. The use of blow-dryers, vigorous combing or brushing and bleaching of the hair can also contribute to hair breakage. Thinning begins above the ears and the forehand, and if the causative styling methods are not stopped, irreversible hair loss can result as the hair follicles are destroyed [15, 16].
b. Chemical alopecia, which results from the use of commercial relaxer and styling products. These products contain chemicals such as thioglycolates, which create curls or straighten the hair by destroying the disulphide bonds of keratin. Apart from curling or straightening the hair, these chemicals may have irritant effects on the scalp, which can result in hair shaft damage, inflammation of the scalp and loss of hair roots. All these can lead to irreversible damage of the hair follicles [15, 16].
c. Hot-comb alopecia, also known as follicular degeneration syndrome, results from the excessive use of pomades with a hot comb or iron, which leads to a gradual destruction of hair follicles. When pomade comes in contact with a hot comb or hot iron, it liquefies and drips down the hair shaft into the follicle. This results in chronic inflammatory folliculitis, which can lead to scarring alopecia and consequently permanent hair loss. Thinning usually begins at the crown and then spread evenly throughout the head. The condition is irreversible [15, 16].

Common baldness/hair loss myths
Several myths about hair loss exist, some serious, others not so serious. These myths include;
1. Male pattern baldness (as well as female pattern baldness) is inherited from the mother’s side of the family: This is not true as studies have been conducted, which conclusively suggest that it can come from either side of the family.
2. Cutting the hair can make it grow faster and stronger. When hair grows longer, it is worn down by normal wear and tear and as such gets slightly thinner around the diameter of the shaft. Cutting the hair cuts it back to where there is less wear and tear and subsequently the hair shaft is slightly thicker, giving the impression that cutting the hair makes it thicker. It would also not grow faster as hair grows almost exactly half an inch per month regardless of whether it is cut or not.
3. Wearing a hat can cause hair loss. This can only happen if the hat is prohibitively tight as any form of pulling or tightening of the hair can have some effect on hair loss; however, wearing a hat on its own cannot cause hair loss.
4. Towel drying your hair rigorously will make your hair fall out faster. This can only occur if the hair was due to fall out anyway; however you won’t be promoting additional hair loss by towelling rigorously
5. Rubbing curry on the head will help hair loss. Not only will it not work, you’re likely to smell afterwards as well.
6. Split ends can be repaired. This is not true as split ends cannot be repaired and should be cut off immediately to avoid them splitting higher and causing more damage to the hair.
7. Having a cow lick the top of your head can help hair loss. This would not help your hair loss, but might be entertaining to watch.
8. Standing on your head, or hanging upside down will increase the blood flow to the head and reduce hair loss. It is true that standing on your head or hanging upside down will increase the blood flow to the head; however, it won’t do anything to hair loss.

Quality of life and psychological aspects
The hair constitutes an integral part of our self and our identity and as such hair loss may cause a wide range of psychological problems related to our identity. Alopecia in itself has few physically harmful effects; however, it may lead to problems such as high levels of anxiety, social phobia, paranoid disorder and serious depressive episodes. The extent of alopecia is one of the predictors of the severity of psychological distress [12, 17].

There is an important link between hair and identity, especially for women. Feminity, sexuality, attractiveness, and personality, as reiterated by Hunt et al (2005), are symbolically linked to a woman’s hair and as such hair loss can seriously affect self esteem and body image. Hunt et al (2005) also stated that about 40% of women with alopecia have had marital problems as a consequence whilst about 63% claim to have had career related problems [18].

Psychological problems can also be experienced by children affected by alopecia.

Management of Alopecia
Alopecia can be managed in different ways, depending on type and severity. The various methods of management include;
1. Medical treatment such as the use of topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, topical tretinoin, exogenous estrogen, spironolactone and anti-androgens for androgenetic alopecia. The type of treatment and dose may vary depending on gender and age (i.e. adult or children).
2. Medical treatment such as the use of immunomodulatory agents (e.g corticosteroids, 5% minoxidil, and anthralin cream) and topical immunotherapeutic agents (e.g dinitrochlorobenzene and diphenylcyclopropene) for alopecia areata.
3. For hair loss caused by telogen effluvium, the underlying cause is usually treated first.
4. Cicatricial alopecia is sometimes managed using both systemic and topical therapy, this includes the use of hydroxychloroquine, topical immunomodulators (e.g tacrolimus and pimecrolimus), intralesional injections of triamcinolone, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, and isotretinoin, to mention a few.
5. When hair loss is extensive, wigs may be worn; there is also the option of hair transplantation (using minigrafts).
6. To reduce the risk of traumatic alopecia, techniques for hair grooming should be used with caution bearing in mind the sensitivity of the scalp and hair follicles. Discontinuance of styling practices may result in an abatement of hair loss and partial hair growth; this depends on the length of insult to the roots. Complete re-growth is possible if hair loss is managed early [15].
7. The use of laser phototherapy, which offers a respite from drugs, chemicals, lotions, visits to hospitals, dermatologist centres and surgery, is non-toxic, safe and can be used at home (see our new Hairbeam Phototherapy product).

Recommended Products for Hair loss

References
1. Rushton DH, Norris MJ, Busuttil N.Causes of hair loss and the developments in hair rejuvenation. Int J Cosmet Sci 2002; 24: 17-23.
2. Biondo S, Goble D, Sinclair R. Women who present with female pattern hair loss tend to underestimate the severity of their hair loss. Br J Dermatol 2004; 150: 750-752.
3. Anonymous. What should I know about hair loss? Am Fam Physician 2003; 68(1):107-108.
4. Thiedke CC. Alopecia in Women. Am Fam Physician 2003; 67(5): 1007-1014.
5. Sinclair R. Male pattern androgenetic alopecia. Br Med J 1998; 317: 865-869.
6. Birch MP, Lalla SC, Messenger AG. Female pattern hair loss. Clin Dermatol 2002; 27: 383-388.
7. Sinclair R, Wewerinke M, Jolley D. Treatment of female pattern hair loss with oral antiandrogen. Br J Dermatol 2005; 152: 466-473.
8. Tosti A, Bellavista S, Iorizzo M. Alopecia areata: A long term follow-up study of 191 patients. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2006.05.008.
9. Kaelin U, Hassan AS, Braathen LR. Treatment of alopecia areata partim universalis with efalizumab. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2006.05.062.
10. Olsen et al. Alopecia areata investigational assessment guidelines. J Am Acad Dermal 1999; 40: 242-246.
11. Shapiro J, Madani S. Alopecia areata: diagnosis and management. Int J Dermatol 1999; 38 (Suppl. 1): 19-24.
12. Harrison S, Sinclair R. Telogen effluvium. Clin Exp Dermatol 2002; 27: 389-395.
13. Whiting DA. Cicatricial Alopecia: Clinico-Pathological Findings and Treatment. Clin Dermatol 2001; 19: 211-225.
14. Randall J, Ream E. Hair loss with chemotherapy: at a loss over its management? Eur J Cancer Care 2005; 14: 223-231
15. Goodheart HP. Hair and Scalp Disorders. Women’s health in primary care 1999; 2(5): 338, 343.
16. Women’s Institute for Fine and Thinning Hair. Traumatic Alopecia. Rogaine 2003. Available via: http://www.womenshairinstitute.com/th_wcth_ta.asp [Accessed on 05/07/2007].
17. Schmidt S, Fischer TW, Chren MM, Strauss BM, Elsner P. Strategies of coping and quality of life in women with alopecia. Br J Dermatol 2001; 144: 1038-1043.
18. Hunt N, McHale S. The psychological impact of alopecia. BMJ 2005; 331:951-953.
19. Understanding hair loss. Hair loss myths. Available via: http://www.understanding-hair-loss.net/hair-loss-myths.htm [Accessed on 05/07/2007].
20. Hair Styles. Top 10 Hair Myths. Available via: http://www.hair-styles.org/top-10-hair-myths.html [Accessed on: 05/07/2007].

Disclaimer

This article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be a medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Kindly follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

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How to Prevent Hair Loss: Things to Remember to Prevent Premature Hair Loss

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Nobody wants to go bald especially when they are still young. However, you need to remember that the very people that say that they don’t want to go bald do everything in their life that can cause them to go bald early in life. This is why it is important for you to know what the causes of hair loss are in order for you to know how to prevent hair loss.

The first thing you need to remember is that hair also needs proper nourishment. People today eat a lot of junk that contains little or no nourishments at all. Because of this, premature hair loss will happen. Try to eat healthy foods especially foods that are healthy for your body and your hair. If you are particularly concerned about your hair and you want to prevent hair loss, then eat foods that contain iron and zinc. These two minerals are considered to be hair food which can keep your hair healthy and strong.

For women who are suffering from hair loss, you may want to take a look at your birth control pills. You have to remember that birth control pills can unnaturally unbalance your hormone levels. And, when this happens, hair loss will occur. To prevent hair loss, you will either want to stop taking contraceptives or you can consult your doctor about it and get your doctor to recommend you a birth control pill brand that doesn’t contribute to hair loss.

Everyone knows that shampooing the hair is important to keep it clean. However, you need to know that using the wrong kind of shampoo can also lead to hair loss. You have to remember that there are different shampoos for different types of hair. Make sure that you use a shampoo that is specifically designed for your type of hair in order to prevent hair loss.

Hair dyes and other chemicals to make your hair look more beautiful can do the exact opposite. You have to remember that the chemicals in hair dyes are very strong and very harsh for your hair. So, lay off the hair dye. If you have to use hair dye, then try not to use it frequently. After dyeing your hair, you have to wait at least 3 months before dyeing it again.

Stress can also contribute to hair loss. To prevent hair loss caused by stress, try to relax a little. You can always go to the spa or get into aromatherapy. This will help you relax and also encourage your hair follicles to grow new hair.

Too much sun exposure can cause hair damage and ultimately, hair loss. So, whenever you go out in a hot day, you may want to cover your scalp with a hat.

Another cause for hair loss is by not rinsing your hair thoroughly after bathing in a swimming pool with chlorine in the water or in the sea. Salt and chlorine are deadly elements for your hair. So, after bathing in pools and the sea, you should rinse your hair thoroughly in order to get rid of chlorine and salt.

These are the causes of hair loss. By knowing about it, you will be able to know how to prevent hair loss. With these tips, you can be sure that you will be able to spend many more years with your head full of hair.

About the author: John Tulley manages the Provillus Alpha7: hair loss treatments web site. Our web site has more detailed advice and information on what causes hair loss and how to prevent hair loss.


Article from articlesbase.com

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Hair Loss-cause, Prevention and Treatment

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The adult scalp contains about 100,000 hair follicles. Everyday the scalp loses about 100 hairs and they will grow back in 5-6 weeks. Starting at age 40, the levels of by-product prolactin of testosterone of men increases, stimulating the production of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that causes the conversion of testosterone to gihydro-testosterones DHT causing our hair to grow back thinner or not grown back at all. This causes an androgenic alopecia hair loss problem, since DHT shrinks the follicles causing hair thins and hair receding at the forehead, crown and temple for men and thins over the entire scalp for women. What causes hair loss.

1. The Causes of Hair Loss
a) Aging
Human aging is the biological process that is unavoidable but controllable with healthy diet with complex carbohydrates, green foods, garlic, onion, water and juices that will help to decrease the aging process in some degree. It also helps to reduce the amount of DHT produced in our body, result in postponing hair loss to our scalp.

b) Mineral deficiency
Minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, chromium, iodine, zinc, and magnesium are necessary to maintain healthy hair growth. Mineral deficiency will reduce the chance to regulate the blood circulation that promotes healthy hair growth and thyroid hormones that prevent dry hair and hair loss as well as defects in hair color. Too much iron is toxic to your body. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any mineral supplement.

c) Oxygen deficiency
Oxygen deficiency in your blood weakens the hair follicles, leading to dryness of the scalp and hair loss. Uncontrolled diet that is high in saturated fat causes cholesterol building up in your arteries resulting in less oxygen in your blood stream. Also cigarette smoking and second hand smoke reduces the blood flow and increases the blood clotting activity of cells which would clog the blood flow and damage arteries causing oxygen deficiency and results in weaken of the hair follicles.

d) Side affects of medication taken
Some medications contains elements that might cause hair loss such as lithium, warfarin, heparin, and amphetamines. When hair loss is a side effect of a medication, hair growth usually returns to normal once the drug is stopped.

e) Genetic hair loss
Hair loss is due to heredity. It is passed down from generation to generation. Genetic hair loss appears predominately in men, but may also appear in a few select women.

2. Food to Avoid

Foods that can cause hair loss and diminish hair growth.

a) Saturated and Trans fat
Foods such as meat, poultry, and fried foods contain high saturated fat. Foods such as margarine, cheese, and butter contain high amounts of trans fat. These foods cause cholesterol to build up in your arteries and small veins in your scalp resulting in less oxygen being delivered to the cell in your body, including the cells on the follicles.

b) Foods that contain Aspartame and Monosodium Glutamate
Monosodium Glutamate contain chemicals that causes weight gain, increased appetite and also causes various kinds of health problems such as hair loss.
Aspartame contains toxic chemicals that make you gain weight, increases hunger and causes medical problems like migraines and poor blood circulation.

c) Smoking
As we mentioned in the previous article, smoking can reduce blood flow to the scalp causing hardening in the arteries, limit blood flow and make hair loss worse.

d) Artificial Color
Artifiicial color contains chemical compounds that take their toll on the body’s natural balance.
Specific foods to avoid include colored drinks, color-coated candies, gummy and chewy candies, and many colored cereals.

e) Preservatives
These are potentially toxic to the liver and kidneys that cause hair loss and prevent hair growth as we mentioned in the article “Hair loss part IV–regrow hair with Chinese herbs”.

f) Food Packaging
Polyvinyl chloride is a known carcinogen, and it’s often used as plastic food wrap. It is toxic with high amounts causing damage to the kidney and liver resulting in hair loss.

g) Salt
Eating too much salt can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure that cause less oxygen to be delivered to the body’s cells including cells in your scalp in result of losing hair.

3. Hair Loss Prevention and Treatment

I. Here are some important minerals that may help to prevent hair loss and promote hair re-growth:

a) Iron
Iron is involved in the oxygenation of your body’s red blood cells. It is essential for normal hair growth and maintaining healthy hair. If the amount of iron can not be replaced with food intake, iron deficiency will cause hair loss because of oxygen deficiency.

b) Zinc
It helps to secrete the scalp with much needed oil and avoid dandruff that may cause hair loss.

c) Copper
Study shows that these tripeptide complexes may actually be able to regrow hair, even in patients with total hair loss due to alopecia. Healthy tissue concentrations of copper lie between 1.7 and 3.5 milligrams. Everything else will cause hair loss.

d) B vitamins
The deficiency of B vitamins (especially B6, B3, B5 and folic acid) in your diet may lead to hair loss.

e) Biotin
Biotin works as an anti aging agent and helps to produce keratin in preventing gray hair and hair loss.
Sources of biotin are: whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice and milk.

f) Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for over-all good health. It’s also beneficial to hair follicles, as it keeps the hair root lubricated. Too much vitamin A might result in hair loss.

g) Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that aids effective circulation in the scalp due to increased oxygen uptake in blood, therefore it plays an important role in promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.

h) CQ-10
Coenzyme Q10 (CQ-10) is an essential vitamin that provides our body with the nutrients needed to grow healthy hair. They also promote overall vitality, and contribute to beautiful skin and strong nails.

II. Here are some daily foods that might help to prevent hair loss and promote hair re-growth

1. Yogurt and soy
Yogurt and soy contain high amounts of protein that is needed to maintain hair growth. Study shows that soy protein reinforces hair and stimulates its growth.

2. Dark green vegetable
Dark green vegetable contains high amounts of iron that are needed to restore oxygen levels in the blood stream as well as nurturing the body’s cells.

3.Whole grain products
Whole grain contains zinc which is needed to maintain healthy hair. Zinc deficiency can lead to dry hair and oily skin.

4. Essential fatty acid
Essential fatty acid can be found abundant in cold water fish. It helps to maintain healthy cholesterol and reduce triglyceride in result of increasing circulation of blood flow in our body.

6. Nut and seed
Nuts and seeds are fatty foods which are typically the best sources of vitamin E, an immune enhancing antioxidant and nerve protector. Deficiency of vitamin E can lead to skin disorders, dry hair and loss of hair.

7. Carrots
Carrots contain high amounts of vitamin A. It is an antioxidant that helps produce healthy sebum in the scalp. Having too much vitamin A can lead to hair loss.
There are many other foods that help promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, such as fruits, egg, spinach, and broccoli.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking large amounts of the above foods. There may be side effects, such as overdoses of vitamin A in carrot might result in hair loss.

III. Traditionally, herbs have been around for over thousands of years and offer much success to prevent or cure diseases well before the discovery of western medicine. Here are some herbs thathave been proven in treating hair loss and promoting hair growth

a) Shikakai
Acacia Concinna is a small shrub-like tree that grows in India. It’s pod-like fruit is collected, dried and then grounded into a fine powder. It is used to cleanse hair, and is known to promote hair growth and get rid of dandruff. Due to these benefits, this powder was named shikakai which means “fruit for the hair”.

b) Grape seed extract
Grape seed extract is a very strong antioxidant that some use as a supplement or remedy to various conditions. It contains high levels of vitamin E and essential fatty acids that are essential for maintaining hair growth and preventing hair loss.

c) Kirin Brewery new discovery
Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido working with Kirin Brewery has discovered a unique property of an extract of hops that can help to activate the melanocyte cells that generate hair pigment.

d) Saw palmetto
As we mentioned in another article, Saw palmetto is the number one choice for men. Saw palmetto helps to block the formation of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that causes the conversion of testosterone to DHT that causes hair loss.

e) Basil extract
Basil Extract from the natural flowers of the basil plant, works to quickly soothe and calm skin of the scalp.

f) Pumpkin Seed
Pumpkin seeds help to block DHT, which is responsible for genetic hair loss. This common seed is loaded with zinc and magnesium that have the ability to block enzymes which yield DHT causing damage to follicles and resulting in hair loss.

g) Buddleja Davidii Extract
Buddleja Davidii extract contain active ingredients protecting the skin against toxic radicals. It can also help reduce skin aging and protect the skin against the damage caused from stresses and toxins.

h) Green Tea
Green tea contains the chemical globulin that helps to reduce levels of free testosterone, so that it cannot be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicle.
Be sure to talk to your doctor or dermatologist before taking any herb supplement.

IV. Traditionally Chinese herbs have been around for over 4000 years and have offered much success to prevent or cure diseases well before the discovery of western medicine. Hair loss is directly linked to kidney deficiency syndrome in Chinese traditional medicine. People with hair loss problems especially in their early life may have a weak Kidney. Here are some Chinese herbs that have been proven in treating hair loss and promoting hair growth

a) Dong Quai
Traditionally, Chinese woman used Dong Quai to restore blood cells and increase the circulation of oxygen in the bloodstream to cells after period. Dong Quai contains phytoestrogen that helps to block the androgen receptor site in result of blocking the conversion of testerone to DHT, therefore reducing the chance of hair loss due to aging.

b) Ginseng
Ginseng is said to have the power of rejuvenating and energizing the body. It also helps to stimulate circulation of oxygen in our bloodstream to the cells of our body as well as the cells in our scalp.

c) Shou wu (polygonum)
Shou Wu is a polygonum multiflorum plant. It is now being used in conjuncture with other herbals, as an active ingredient in shampoos and orally administered to prevent hair loss as well as aiding the restoration of roots and production of new hair.

d) Psoralea seeds
Study shows that psoralea extract and exposure to ultra violet light will help to restore hair loss and promote hair regrowth with a 33% success rate.

e) Mulberry
Chinese herbalists believe that mulberry is an excellent tonic for the kidney, liver and blood that provides more oxygen in the bloodstream as well as small blood vessels in the scalp.

f) Chinese Yam
Numerous successful studies have been performed in examining the benefits of the Chinese yam. Chinese yam can help to nourish the liver, kidney and blood in result of preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth.

g) Green tea
Green tea containing catechins inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into hair-unfriendly DHT. So drinking great tea everyday is an effective treatment for male pattern baldness.

h) Chinese foxblove root
Chinese foxblove root contains cornus, the chemical that help to nurture the kidney, liver and blood in result of promoting hair growth.

i) Wolf berry
One of the natural superfoods has been used in traditional Chinese cooking. Wolf berry helps to eliminate toxins in the body in result of better function of the kidney, liver and blood that help to promote hair growth.

Chinese medicine believes that the benefit of nourishing the kidney and blood tonic helps for healthy hair growth and preventing hair loss.

V. Here are some prescription and over the counter drugs that might help prevent further hair loss and promote hair growth.

1.Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an over the counter drug and is a spray or lotion that you put directly on your scalp twice a day. It is available without a prescription. It is believed to work by affecting potassium- regulating mechanisms in the hair follicle. Study shows that it helps to slow and stop hair loss and regrow new hair with over 60 % success rate. Be sure talk to your doctor or dermatologist before taking minoxidil. It might cause rash to some patients.

2.Finasteride
Finastteride is an oral prescription medication. Finasteride is a synthetic hormone that halts hair loss and stimulates new hair growth. It is a medication that selectively inhibits the activity of an enzyme that converts the “male hormone” testosterone into a form that is active in hair follicles.

3.Rogaine
Rogaine is a clear alcohol-based solution and should be applied to a person’s thinning area with it’s supplied dropper or spray twice a day. It helps about 25 percent of men and 20 percent of women to grow back moderate amounts of hair very gradually, mostly on the very top of the head. They must keep using Rogaine indefinitely to keep the new hair.

4.Retin-A
Retin-A is only available by prescription in the US. In the right doses and when combined with Minoxidil it can be a hair growth stimulator. Studies shows that Retin- A can result in moderate hair growth in some patients.

5 Proscar
Proscar contains the same active ingredient finasteride. Proscar has the effect of lowering the hormone DHT, which interacts with bald vulnerable hair follicles and causes hair loss. By reducing the DHT in the patient’s body the finasteride in the Proscar proved to slow and even stop or reverse hair loss in many men.

Before taking any hair loss medication over the counter, please consult first with your doctor or dermatologist.
I hope this information will help. If you need more information of the above subject, please visit my home page at:

Kyle J. Norton
http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
http://hairlossandhairregrowth.blogspot.com/

http://hairlosspartiii.blogspot.com/
All rights reserved. Any reproducing of this article must have all the links intact.

I have been studying natural remedies for disease prevention for over 20 years and working as a financial consultant since 1990


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Secrets to Preventing Hair Loss

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Being bald is not something people welcome. Unfortunately, the hair loss condition is very much a reality for most people today. The good thing about it, though, is that anyone can do something in preventing hair loss.

Knowing Your Hair Loss

Hair loss usually stem from the same causes. The most common type of hair loss is actually caused by genes and hormones. This is not the only type of hair loss though. These days, you can also lose your worries over stress, nutrient deficiency and tight hairstyles. The first step to preventing hair loss is to know exactly why your hair is falling. Once you know the cause, you can find the right treatment.

Diet and Exercise

If your hair loss and baldness condition is hereditary or genetic, dieting and exercising may not do much. They can however, help in preventing hair loss due to nutrient deficiency. It is a known fact that the kinds of popular food available these days are loaded with fats and carry few nutrients. It is also a fact that having less of some nutrients like iron, magnesium, zinc and B complex vitamins can cause hair fall. The best solution to this is to eat a nutritious diet. Exercising regularly will also improve your blood circulation which is crucial for the efficient distribution of nutrients to your hair.

Relaxation

A type of hair loss in which a person suddenly suffers profuse shedding is called Telogen effluvium. It is believed that one possible cause of this is stress. Preventing hair loss of this type may mean that you have to learn how to relax. Of course, what is relaxing for some may not be so for others. Generally though, basic relaxation techniques are also methods for preventing hair loss. You can learn basic breathing techniques or progressive muscle relaxation. Others may want to move on to higher meditation or yoga. Sometimes, a simple break from work or listening to soothing music may already be relaxing enough.

Letting Your Hair Rest

You might also lose some of your hair if you are too fond of tight hair styles like braids, pony tails and corn rolls. These hair styles can literally pull your hair strands out and may even cause scarring. Preventing hair loss of this kind is easy. You simply have to alternate your hair styles or avoid tight styles altogether.

Styling and coloring may not really cause hair loss. It is still better though not to overdo hair treatments. Using too many chemicals on your hair could cause dryness and damage. Preventing hair loss and damage simply means letting your hair rest.

Supplements

One other key to preventing hair loss is to take nutrient supplementation for hair loss. Good products can help provide you with whatever nutrient your body is missing. Some supplements also contain natural DHT blockers for individuals who have hair loss due to the action of DHT.

Preventing hair loss is not so difficult. You simply have to learn to be gentle to your hair and yourself. A clean, natural, stress free lifestyle is the right way to decrease hair loss.

Discover the secrets of preventing hair loss. Read the latest update on new hair loss treatment that works!


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This video will teach you how you can prevent hair loss through proper hair care routine.
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Male Pattern Baldness Treatment and Causes

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Baldness is not caused by a disease but is related to aging, heredity, and testosterone. Genetic predisposition to lose hair is the main cause of most of partial or complete baldness. Other possible causes of baldness include hormonal changes brought about by thyroid diseases, serious illnesses, and medications such as chemotherapy, as well as excessive shampooing and blow-drying, emotional or physical stress, bald patches that develop on the scalp, and ringworm disease of the scalp. The body’s failure to produce new hair is the main cause of genetic baldness.

As well as the hormonal influence, genetics can play a key part in male pattern baldness. The genetic makeup hair follicles in males that suffer from male pattern baldness can be more susceptible to the negative effects of hormones. Male pattern baldness affects 60% of all men by age 35. What seems to start out as simple thinning of the hair if left untreated will grow to full blown baldness. Hair loss treatments seem to abound everywhere from television to your local grocery store and pharmacies. All seem to promise hair growth but fail to deliver any noticeable results.

What balding hair treatment companies that manufacture products for loss of hair won’t tell you is that you can regrow hair naturally with male baldness cures. There are ways to stop hair loss without buying an expensive male baldness treatment product such as prescription drugs or over-the-counter solutions. First if you are a male, chances are you may be suffering from male pattern baldness. The reason for this is not because of heredity as many think, but it’s because of a hormone in your body. That hormone is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT levels increase as we get older and bind to healthy hair follicles. After a period of time the hair follicles die and fall out in a pattern. The result is male pattern baldness.

There are certain nutrients and herbs you can take that are clinically proven to block DHT. Saw Palmetto is an effective nutrient in not only maintaining good prostrate health in men, but it also blocks DHT and promotes the growth of your hair. Biotin is a great supplement that aids in preventing male hair loss as well. It’s found at a low concentration in most multi-vitamin supplements, but can be purchased from any nutrition center at the recommended dosage of 3000mcg/day for hair loss prevention. These are only but two nutrients you can take daily to stop male pattern baldness. Olive oil is another very useful ingredient not only for cooking but for regrowth of your hair.

Purchase Saw Palmetto. Saw Palmetto can be purchased at your local nutrition center for cheap. This herb has many benefits and importantly one benefit is that it aids in preventing pattern baldness and other causes of hair loss. Purchase Biotin. Biotin is a B-vitamin that is essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. The recommended daily dosage for good hair health is 3000mcg. Your local general nutrition center will have Biotin in this dosage. Taken daily Biotin is a great nutrient for regrowing hair.

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Hair Loss: Patterns and Causes in Men and Women

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Hair Loss: Patterns and Causes in Men and Women

Hair loss in adult male and female is not uncommon. Adults lose about 10,000 scalp hairs each and every day. Hair normally lives for around five years. Male and female baldness happen when these hairs do not always get replaced (which they normally would) and gradually bald areas appear. There are a lot of hair loss treatments as well as hair loss remedies in the market today. But how effective are they? Let’s have a post mortem of the causes of hair loss and the hair loss treatment available today and find out which products or treatments suit you the most.

The Normal Cycle of Hair Growth and Loss

The normal hair cycle growth lasts between 2 to 6 years. Each hair strand grows at the rate of approximately 1 centimeter per month during this phase. As a matter of fact, about 90 percent of the hair on your scalp is in the active growing phase while the rest 10% is in dormant phase. Once a hair strand enters a dormant phase (hair stop growing), it will stay on the scalp for 2 to 3 months, then fall out. It is normal to shed some hair each day (average of 100 strands) as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect both men and women and even children. 

Causes of Hair Loss

Illness

A number of things can cause excessive hair loss. For example, about 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is temporary. Hormonal problems may cause hair loss, which more often than not, caused by stress. If your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, your hair may fall out. Certain infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. Finally, hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. 

Scalp Cleanliness

If you have dandruff, you need to get rid of it. Dandruff can be a source of hair loss when it combines with dirt, shampoo chemicals, and excess sebum follicle oil. Over time this combination of chemicals can create a film on your scalp that hardens and start to plug up your hair follicles. Once plugged, your follicles can’t support hair growth. 

DHT (di-hydro-testosterone)

When excessive amounts of testosterone are converted to DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, this DHT accumulates at the hair root where it blocks blood circulation to that hair follicle. This decrease in blood to the hair root weakens it and it loses its health. 

Male Pattern Baldness

The male pattern baldness form of androgenetic alopecia  (inherited hair loss pattern) accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men. By age 35, two-thirds of men will have some degree of appreciable hair loss and by age 50 approximately 85% of men have significantly thinning hair. About 25% of men who suffer from male pattern baldness begin the painful process before they reach 21. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss typically results in a receding hair line and baldness on the top of the head. Most men who suffer from male pattern baldness are extremely unhappy with their situation and would do anything to change it. Hair loss affects every aspect of their life. It affects interpersonal relationships as well as their professional life. It is not uncommon for men to change their career paths because of hair loss. 

The Causes of Male Pattern Baldness

Most men are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness. It is the effect of hormones on the hair follicle that produces male pattern baldness. Testosterone, a hormone that is present in high levels in males after puberty, is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT has an adverse affect on the hair follicles. Acting on a hormone receptor on the hair follicle it slows down hair production and produces weak, shorter hair, sometimes it stops hair growth from the follicle completely. This process gradually depletes your stock of hair and is normal hair loss. 

Female Pattern Baldness

The patterns of hair loss in women are not as easily recognizable as those in men. Unlike hair loss in men, female scalp hair loss may commonly begin at any age through 50 or later, may not have any obvious hereditary association, and may not occur in a recognizable “female-pattern alopecia” of diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp. A woman who notices the beginning of hair loss may not be sure if the loss is going to be temporary or permanent—for example, if there has been a recent event such as pregnancy or illness that may be associated with temporary hair thinning. 

Patterns that may occur include:

Diffuse thinning of hair over the entire scalp, often with more noticeable thinning toward the back of the scalp. Diffuse thinning over the entire scalp, with more noticeable thinning toward the front of the scalp but not involving the frontal hairline. Diffuse thinning over the entire scalp, with more noticeable thinning toward the front of the scalp, involving and sometimes breaching the frontal hairline.  

The Causes of Female Pattern Baldness

In women as in men, the most likely cause of scalp hair loss is androgenetic alopecia—an inherited sensitivity to the effects of androgens (male hormones) on scalp hair follicles. However, women with hair loss due to this cause usually do not develop true baldness in the patterns that occur in men—for example, women rarely develop the “cue-ball” appearance often seen in male-pattern androgenetic alopecia. Unlike the case for men, thinning scalp hair in women due to androgenetic alopecia does not uniformly grow smaller in diameter (miniaturize). 

Women with hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia tend to have miniaturizing hairs of variable diameter over all affected areas of the scalp. While miniaturizing hairs are a feature of androgenetic alopecia, miniaturization may also be associated with other causes and is not in itself a diagnostic feature of androgenetic alopecia. In post-menopausal women, for example, hair may begin to miniaturize and become difficult to style. The precise diagnosis should be made by a physician hair restoration specialist or suitable hair treatment products. 

It is important to note that female pattern hair loss can begin as early as the late teens to early 20s in women who have experienced early puberty. If left untreated, this hair loss associated with early puberty can progress to more advanced hair loss.

 

Non-Pattern Causes of Hair Loss in Women

In women more often than in men, hair loss may be due to conditions other than androgenetic alopecia. Some of the most common of these causes are: 

Trichotillomania— compulsive hair pulling. Hair loss due to trichotillomania is typically patchy, as compulsive hair pullers tend to concentrate the pulling in selected areas. Hair loss due to this cause cannot be treated effectively until the psychological or emotional reasons for trichotillomania are effectively addressed. 

Alopecia areata— a possibly autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss that can range from diffuse thinning to extensive areas of baldness with “islands” of retained hair. Medical examination is necessary to establish a diagnosis. 

Triangular alopecia— loss of hair in the temporal areas that sometimes begins in childhood. Hair loss may be complete, or a few fine, thin-diameter hairs may remain. The cause of triangular alopecia is not known, but the condition can be treated medically or surgically. 

Scarring alopecia— hair loss due to scarring of the scalp area. Scarring alopecia typically involves the top of the scalp and occurs predominantly in women. The condition frequently occurs in African-American women and is believed to be associated with persistent tight braiding or “corn-rowing” of scalp hair. A form of scarring alopecia also may occur in post-menopausal women, associated with inflammation of hair follicles and subsequent scarring. 

Telogen effluvium— a common type of hair loss caused when a large percentage of scalp hairs are shifted into “shedding” phase. The causes of telogen effluvium may be hormonal, nutritional, drug-associated, or stress-associated. Loose-anagen syndrome—a condition occurring primarily in fair-haired persons in which scalp hair sits loosely in hair follicles and is easily extracted by combing or pulling. The condition may appear in childhood, and may improve as the person ages. 

There are various hair loss products as well as hair loss treatments available in the market. It is recommended that users should conduct due diligence to identify which product suit them most, in order to stop hair loss and hair thinning.

References:

Olsen EA (ed). Female Pattern Hair loss: Clinical Features and Potential Hormonal Factors. J Amer Acad Dermatol 2001; 45:S-70-S80.

Olsen EA. Hair disorders. In: Freedberg IM et al (eds.) Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine, 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1999:729-751.

International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery

 


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Male Pattern Baldness ? Causes and Treatments

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Male pattern baldness is something most adult men suffer from. It arises from hair thinning and usually starts from the center of the head and moves towards the lower region of the head. While men usually get bald within 15-20 years’ time, some men bald in 5 years.

Male pattern baldness is attributed to various factors like hypothyroidism, which causes thinning and balding of eyebrows. Some medical treatments like chemotherapy can lead to hair loss and balding in some cases. Heredity is also a main cause for male pattern baldness, which passes from one generation to another.

In addition to this, aging leads to male pattern baldness as hair stops growing with age, which eventually leads to baldness. Even tumors and skin outgrowths can lead to temporary and localized baldness. In some cases, even stress, anxiety and depression can lead to slow baldness too.

Decide treatment based on the cause

It is based on the cause of male pattern baldness that you can decide on the right hair loss treatment. If the cause is heredity or aging, nothing much can be done about treating it. Though it is possible to postpone balding due to aging, it is not possible to cure the condition as aging is a natural process.

However balding attributed to local skin or scalp infections, or tumors can be cured by medication. However this is a slow process that takes months before you find your hair growing fully.

Hair loss attributed to chemotherapy or any serious illness can be cured by medication prescribed by doctors unlike natural hair loss treatment. Moreover, once chemotherapy or other such medical treatments are stopped, hair usually starts growing back.

Artificial hair transplants

There are some cases of totally incurable male pattern baldness. In such cases, artificial hair transplant and hair weaves are great options to treat balding. Though the procedure can be painful and expensive, they can permanently cure balding.

There are however some natural hair loss remedies that help treat male pattern baldness like rubbing of fingernails of both hands with each other. Though unbelievable, it proves to cure male pattern baldness and gray hair. Even those who don’t suffer from baldness can use this to prevent hair fall.

Hair massage

Massaging your head with herbal oils help to grow new hair. However be careful while choosing your oil as some oils only make false claims while others are effective in hair restoration. It is by nourishing hair roots that the growth of hair is induced.

Except for resorting to wigs, hair transplantation and hair weaves, there are no permanent cures for male pattern baldness. The best thing to thus do is prevent male pattern baldness. This can be done by following regular eating and sleeping habits with a healthy diet. Avoid using chemical treatments on your hair and use only mild shampoos. Last, but not least, always maintain good hygiene of your scalp.


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Male Pattern Baldness ? Causes and Treatments

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Male pattern baldness is something most adult men suffer from. It arises from hair thinning and usually starts from the center of the head and moves towards the lower region of the head. While men usually get bald within 15-20 years’ time, some men bald in 5 years.

Male pattern baldness is attributed to various factors like hypothyroidism, which causes thinning and balding of eyebrows. Some medical treatments like chemotherapy can lead to hair loss and balding in some cases. Heredity is also a main cause for male pattern baldness, which passes from one generation to another.

In addition to this, aging leads to male pattern baldness as hair stops growing with age, which eventually leads to baldness. Even tumors and skin outgrowths can lead to temporary and localized baldness. In some cases, even stress, anxiety and depression can lead to slow baldness too.

Decide treatment based on the cause

It is based on the cause of male pattern baldness that you can decide on the right hair loss treatment. If the cause is heredity or aging, nothing much can be done about treating it. Though it is possible to postpone balding due to aging, it is not possible to cure the condition as aging is a natural process.

However balding attributed to local skin or scalp infections, or tumors can be cured by medication. However this is a slow process that takes months before you find your hair growing fully.

Hair loss attributed to chemotherapy or any serious illness can be cured by medication prescribed by doctors unlike natural hair loss treatment. Moreover, once chemotherapy or other such medical treatments are stopped, hair usually starts growing back.

Artificial hair transplants

There are some cases of totally incurable male pattern baldness. In such cases, artificial hair transplant and hair weaves are great options to treat balding. Though the procedure can be painful and expensive, they can permanently cure balding.

There are however some natural hair loss remedies that help treat male pattern baldness like rubbing of fingernails of both hands with each other. Though unbelievable, it proves to cure male pattern baldness and gray hair. Even those who don’t suffer from baldness can use this to prevent hair fall.

Hair massage

Massaging your head with herbal oils help to grow new hair. However be careful while choosing your oil as some oils only make false claims while others are effective in hair restoration. It is by nourishing hair roots that the growth of hair is induced.

Except for resorting to wigs, hair transplantation and hair weaves, there are no permanent cures for male pattern baldness. The best thing to thus do is prevent male pattern baldness. This can be done by following regular eating and sleeping habits with a healthy diet. Avoid using chemical treatments on your hair and use only mild shampoos. Last, but not least, always maintain good hygiene of your scalp.


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Cause, symptoms and treatment of hair loss

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Alopecia The hair is thought to be a major component of an individual’s general appearance. It is a physical expression of personality and social role and for many, it is central to feelings of attractiveness and self-esteem. Alopecia (baldness or hair loss) has negative attributes and can bring about low self esteem in affected individuals [1, 2]. What is Alopecia? Alopecia (also known as baldness or hair loss) refers to loss or lack of hair on part of or the entire scalp and in some cases, other parts of the body. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent and can affect people of all ages. Although alopecia can occur anywhere on the body, it is most distressing when it affects the scalp. It can range from a small bare patch, which is easily masked by hairstyling to a more diffuse and obvious pattern [3, 4]. Causes of Alopecia Causes of alopecia include,

1. Genetics

2. Prolonged fever

3. Hormonal changes, such as childbirth, use of birth control pills or thyroid disease

4. Treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy

5. Continual hair pulling or scalp rubbing

6. Burns or radiation therapy

7. Emotional or physical stress

8. Ringworm of the scalp (Tinea capitas)

9. Some prescription medicine

(To mention a few)

Types of Alopecia

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The different types of alopecia associated with loss of hair on the scalp include,

1. Androgenetic alopecia (Genetic hair loss)
Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss is a major problem affecting men and is such that by the age of 50, up to 50% of men who are genetically predisposed will be affected. It is characterised by progressive, patterned hair loss from the scalp and its prerequisites are a genetic predisposition and sufficient circulating androgens (steroid hormone such as testosterone or androsterone, which promotes male characteristics). According to Sinclair (1998) every Caucasian male possesses the autosomal inherited predisposition, and as such, 96% lose hair to some degree. Sinclair also mentions that Caucasian men are four times more likely to develop premature balding than Black men. Hair loss does not usually start until after puberty with an extremely variable rate of progression [1, 5].

The condition is also fairly common in women and is referred to as female pattern hair loss. In women, “it is characterised by a diffuse reduction in hair density over the crown and frontal scalp with retention of the frontal hairline” [6]. Birch et al (2002) make mention of the fact that in some women, the hair loss may affect a small area of the frontal scalp whilst in others the entire scalp is involved. In advanced female pattern hair loss, the hair becomes very sparse over the top of the scalp bit a rim of hair is retained along the frontal margin. The vertex (crown or top of the head) balding seen in men is rare in women; however, a female pattern of balding is not uncommon in men [6]. The androgen-dependent nature or the genetic basis of female pattern hair loss has not been clearly established, although a study carried out by Sinclair et al (2005) showed that androgens play an important role in the development of female pattern hair loss.

2. Alopecia areata (AA)
Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, immune-mediated, nonscarring form of hair loss, which occurs in all ethnic groups, ages (more common in children and young adults), and both sexes, and affects approximately 1.7% of the population [8, 9]. Alopecia areata is unpredictable and patients usually present with several episodes of hair loss and regrowth during their lifetime. Recovery from hair loss may be complete, partial, or nonexistent. It is thought that 34 to 50% of patients with AA will recover within a year whilst 15 to 25% will progress to total loss of scalp hair or loss of the entire scalp and body hair where full recovery is unusual [8, 11]. It usually presents as a single oval patch or multiple confluent patches of asymptomatic (without obvious signs or symptoms of disease), well circumscribed alopecia with severity ranging from a small bare patch to loss of hair on the entire scalp. Frequent features of AA patches are exclamation mark hairs, which may be present at its margin; the exclamation mark hairs are broken, short hairs, which taper proximally. The hair loss from AA may be the only obvious clinical abnormality or there may be associated nail abnormalities. Other less common associated diseases include thyroid disease and vitiligo [4, 10, 11].

Clinical presentation of AA is subcategorised based on the pattern and extent of the hair loss. If categorised according to pattern, the following are seen;
a. patchy AA, which consists of round or oval patches of hair loss and is the most common,
b. reticular AA, which is a reticulated (networked) pattern of patchy hair loss,
c. ophiasis band-like AA, which is hair loss in parieto-temporo-occipital scalp (middle-side-back of scalp),
d. ophiasis inversus, which is a rare band-like pattern of hair loss in fronto-parieto-temporal scalp (front-middle-side of scalp), and
e. diffuse AA, which is a diffuse decrease in hair density.
[Taken from Shapiro J and Madani S, 1999]

If categorised according to the extent of involvement, the following are seen;
a. alopecia areata, which is the partial loss of scalp hair,
b. alopecia totalis, which is 100% loss of scalp hair, and
c. alopecia universalis, which is 100% loss of body hair.
[Taken from Shapiro J and Madani S, 1999]

3. Telogen Effluvium (TE)
Telogen effluvium is an abnormality of hair cycling, which results in excessive loss of telogen (resting phase of hair cycles) hairs and is most common in women. Women with this disorder would usually notice an increased amount of loose hairs on their hairbrush or shower floor. Daily loss of hair may range from 100 to 300 hairs. It is thought that TE may unmask previously unrecognised androgenetic alopecia. The most common underlying cause of TE is stress; other causes include certain diseases such as thyroid and pituitary diseases, some medication and child birth, to mention a few. In many cases however, no cause can be found. TE usually begins two to four months after the causative event and can last for several months [4, 12]. Unlike some other hair loss conditions, TE is temporary and hair regrowth is possible [4]. Telogen effluvium presents in about three forms;
a. Acute telogen effluvium, where shedding of hair is expected to cease within 3 to 6 month
b. Chronic diffuse telogen hair loss, which is telogen hair shedding persisting longer than 6 months. Common causes include thyroid disorders, acrodermatitis, profound iron deficiency anaemia, and malnutrition.
c. Chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) is the most common cause of hair loss in women, affecting 30% of females, between the ages of 30 and 60 years old, in the UK. CTE is such that there is a relative change in the proportion of growing to resting hair and in most cases, excessive shedding of hair has been present for at least 6 months. According to Rushton et al (2002) studies have shown that 95% of CTE cases arise from a nutritional imbalance involving the essential amino acid L-lysine and iron. Other common causes of CTE include drugs, thyroid disease and childbirth [1, 11].

4. Cicatricial alopecia (scarring alopecia)
Circatricial alopecia, also known as scarring alopecia, refers to a group of rare hair disorders resulting from a condition that damages the scalp and hair follicle. They present as areas of hair loss in which the underlying scalp is scarred, sclerosed, or atrophic. In other words, the disorders destroy the hair follicle and replace the follicles with a scar tissue consequently causing permanent hair loss. Conditions associated with circatricial alopecia include autoimmune diseases such as discoid lupus erythematosus, scalp trauma, infections such as tuberculosis and syphilis, and radiation therapy. Circatricial alopecia affects both adults and children, and may present as primary or secondary circatricial alopecia [4, 13].

5. Chemotherapy-related alopecia
Alopecia caused by chemotherapy may vary from slight thinning of the hair to complete baldness. The extent of alopecia depends on the choice of drugs and its dose. Drugs which cause severe alopecia include methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin, ifosphamide, vincristine, and taxoids to mention a few. When drugs are used in combination, which is usually the case with many treatment regimes, the incidence and severity of alopecia can be greater than usual. According to Randall et al (2005) “chemotherapy-related alopecia has been rated by patients as one of the most severe, troublesome and traumatic chemotherapy-related side effects”. Hair loss due to chemotherapy is not permanent and as such, the hair will grow back once treatment has ended [14].

6. Traumatic alopecia
This is usually a very common cause of hair loss in women of some ethnic backgrounds (particularly women of African/Caribbean descent). It is caused as a result of hair grooming techniques by the use of hair reshaping products such as relaxers, straighteners, hot combs, foam rollers and permanent wave products, as well as hair braiding methods. These techniques damage hair follicles over time [15]. Traumatic alopecia is divided into three categories;
a. Traction alopecia, which results from persistent pulling of the hair by tight rollers, tight braiding or ponytails. The use of blow-dryers, vigorous combing or brushing and bleaching of the hair can also contribute to hair breakage. Thinning begins above the ears and the forehand, and if the causative styling methods are not stopped, irreversible hair loss can result as the hair follicles are destroyed [15, 16].
b. Chemical alopecia, which results from the use of commercial relaxer and styling products. These products contain chemicals such as thioglycolates, which create curls or straighten the hair by destroying the disulphide bonds of keratin. Apart from curling or straightening the hair, these chemicals may have irritant effects on the scalp, which can result in hair shaft damage, inflammation of the scalp and loss of hair roots. All these can lead to irreversible damage of the hair follicles [15, 16].
c. Hot-comb alopecia, also known as follicular degeneration syndrome, results from the excessive use of pomades with a hot comb or iron, which leads to a gradual destruction of hair follicles. When pomade comes in contact with a hot comb or hot iron, it liquefies and drips down the hair shaft into the follicle. This results in chronic inflammatory folliculitis, which can lead to scarring alopecia and consequently permanent hair loss. Thinning usually begins at the crown and then spread evenly throughout the head. The condition is irreversible [15, 16].

Common baldness/hair loss myths Several myths about hair loss exist, some serious, others not so serious. These myths include;

1. Male pattern baldness (as well as female pattern baldness) is inherited from the mother’s side of the family: This is not true as studies have been conducted, which conclusively suggest that it can come from either side of the family.

2. Cutting the hair can make it grow faster and stronger. When hair grows longer, it is worn down by normal wear and tear and as such gets slightly thinner around the diameter of the shaft. Cutting the hair cuts it back to where there is less wear and tear and subsequently the hair shaft is slightly thicker, giving the impression that cutting the hair makes it thicker. It would also not grow faster as hair grows almost exactly half an inch per month regardless of whether it is cut or not.

3. Wearing a hat can cause hair loss. This can only happen if the hat is prohibitively tight as any form of pulling or tightening of the hair can have some effect on hair loss; however, wearing a hat on its own cannot cause hair loss.

4. Towel drying your hair rigorously will make your hair fall out faster. This can only occur if the hair was due to fall out anyway; however you won’t be promoting additional hair loss by towelling rigorously

5. Rubbing curry on the head will help hair loss. Not only will it not work, you’re likely to smell afterwards as well.

6. Split ends can be repaired. This is not true as split ends cannot be repaired and should be cut off immediately to avoid them splitting higher and causing more damage to the hair.

7. Having a cow lick the top of your head can help hair loss. This would not help your hair loss, but might be entertaining to watch.

8. Standing on your head, or hanging upside down will increase the blood flow to the head and reduce hair loss. It is true that standing on your head or hanging upside down will increase the blood flow to the head; however, it won’t do anything to hair loss.

Quality of life and psychological aspects The hair constitutes an integral part of our self and our identity and as such hair loss may cause a wide range of psychological problems related to our identity. Alopecia in itself has few physically harmful effects; however, it may lead to problems such as high levels of anxiety, social phobia, paranoid disorder and serious depressive episodes. The extent of alopecia is one of the predictors of the severity of psychological distress [12, 17].

There is an important link between hair and identity, especially for women. Feminity, sexuality, attractiveness, and personality, as reiterated by Hunt et al (2005), are symbolically linked to a woman’s hair and as such hair loss can seriously affect self esteem and body image. Hunt et al (2005) also stated that about 40% of women with alopecia have had marital problems as a consequence whilst about 63% claim to have had career related problems NETQUOTEVAR:18.

Psychological problems can also be experienced by children affected by alopecia.

Management of Alopecia

Alopecia can be managed in different ways, depending on type and severity. The various methods of management include;

1. Medical treatment such as the use of topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, topical tretinoin, exogenous estrogen, spironolactone and anti-androgens for androgenetic alopecia. The type of treatment and dose may vary depending on gender and age (i.e. adult or children).

2. Medical treatment such as the use of immunomodulatory agents (e.g corticosteroids, 5% minoxidil, and anthralin cream) and topical immunotherapeutic agents (e.g dinitrochlorobenzene and diphenylcyclopropene) for alopecia areata.

3. For hair loss caused by telogen effluvium, the underlying cause is usually treated first.

4. Cicatricial alopecia is sometimes managed using both systemic and topical therapy, this includes the use of hydroxychloroquine, topical immunomodulators (e.g tacrolimus and pimecrolimus), intralesional injections of triamcinolone, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, and isotretinoin, to mention a few.

5. When hair loss is extensive, wigs may be worn; there is also the option of hair transplantation (using minigrafts).

6. To reduce the risk of traumatic alopecia, techniques for hair grooming should be used with caution bearing in mind the sensitivity of the scalp and hair follicles. Discontinuance of styling practices may result in an abatement of hair loss and partial hair growth; this depends on the length of insult to the roots. Complete re-growth is possible if hair loss is managed early NETQUOTEVAR:15.

7. The use of laser phototherapy, which offers a respite from drugs, chemicals, lotions, visits to hospitals, dermatologist centres and surgery, is non-toxic, safe and can be used at home (see our new Hairbeam Phototherapy product).

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