Thursday, 8 March 2012

Treatments for Temporal Hair Loss

A receding hairline is a common problem for men, but this can be prevented or treated. A receding hairline or hair loss at the temples is the forerunner of androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss experienced by men.

With male pattern baldness, temporal hair loss occurs before losing hair at the crown or vertex of the scalp. The receding hairline and balding crown gradually extend and meet, creating a larger balding scalp area.

Triggers and Treatments of Temporal Hair Loss

Temporal hair loss may occur due to genetic factors. When the hormone testosterone combines with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced. This attacks and gradually shrinks the hair follicles, which eventually makes hair fall out excessively. In a small percentage of people, temporal hair loss can also be due to health problems.

A physician should be consulted to discuss the various treatment options for temporal hair loss. He may refer the patient to a hair loss specialist, or conduct some lab tests to ensure that the hair loss is not due to some medical condition.

Medicines may also be prescribed to reverse the condition. Over-the-counter treatment with a topical lotion may be prescribed at first. More aggressive treatments may be advised if these do not work.

Temporal Hair Loss Treatments

There are some FDA-approved and medically established treatment options for temporal hair loss. These are as follows:

• Hair Transplants
• Finasteride
• Minoxidil
• Flap Surgery

A hair transplant is the most instant solution to temporal hair loss and a receding hairline. It is a surgical procedure and the doctor has to first determine the number of grafts required and discuss the cost with the patient.

The doctor normally uses 1-hair follicular unit grafts to create a natural temporal hairline. These are surgically implanted in an irregular zigzag pattern. Donor strips of hair are uprooted and transferred to the bald areas by the doctor. Hair which is grafted is not susceptible to DHT-induced hair loss, so it has a high rate of survival.

Another form of temporal hair loss treatment is through taking finasteride. This is a synthetic antiandrogen. Studies on patients of baldness who took 1mg of this tablet daily showed the growth of new scalp hair after continuing the treatment for some time. However, hair loss can reoccur if the medication is stopped. There are also side effects to this oral medication.

On the other hand, the drug minoxidil is a hair lotion which is known to promote hair growth. It should be used twice a day for effective hair growth. It is an FDA-approved anti-balding topical treatment and is considered safe to use by women as well.

However, like finasteride, hair loss occurs again if the application is discontinued. Temporal hair loss can be treated effectively with a combination of both the tablet and the lotion.

Flap surgery is another form of temporal hair loss treatment, though it is the least desirable. In this method, a strip of scalp which is balding is removed and the hair-growing area adjacent to it is moved upwards, in place of the bald strip. This method looks quite unnatural and has many drawbacks.

Hair implants, though expensive at first, have proved to be an effective and permanent temporal hair loss treatment and this method of treatment is gaining popularity.

Thursday, 1 March 2012

Raising Hair Loss Concerns to a Medical Expert

Our stance towards our hair is personal and crucial. Some people see their hair as their crowning glory and so it is a source of personal confidence. It is a personal disaster of the first magnitude for these individuals to start losing their hair.

It is a disaster and their worst nightmare. Most individuals like their hair and want to retain it and then there are those who shave it off although they do not have to.

All in all, this means that most people worry about their hair to some extent or another. Some individuals worry needlessly though. It is fairly normal to lose about 100 hairs a day from your head. This is not just standard, it is necessary to having a full head of healthy hair.

If you would like to check your rate of hair loss, comb or brush your hair as usual and count the fallout. Take note however, that you will lose more after washing your hair, so rest with dry hair.

Some health care experts say that the rate of hair loss is not a function of age, but rather many factors including health, nutrition, diet, exercise. They say that age, race, and sex are less important than we used to think.

If this is true, then it is worth doing a hair count from time to time and seeking medical advice if the count rises over 100 a day. In fact, the rapid onset of significant hair loss could be a sign of impending health worries.

One thing that you have to take into account is heredity. Take a look at your grandparents, particularly your grandmother’s line. Do not forget that the egg that you came from was made in your maternal grandmother’s womb because baby girls are born with all the eggs that they will ever have.

This means that you were inside your maternal grandmother and were subject to all the health concerns that she underwent. The paternal grandfather does not play such a big function, but your father and his father do.

It is not guaranteed that you will follow them because your diet can be different, but it will give you a clue of what your future head of hair may look like.

As you can imagine, terminal illness is very hard on the body’s resources and the treatments can be just as severe in the short term, so do not become surprised if your body diverts resources away from your hair under these circumstances.

However, it may do so during less chronic bouts of illness, so remember to keep your strength up and consult your medical doctor about, perhaps, taking supplemental vitamins.

If you decide that you should go to the doctor, because you are worried about your rate of hair loss, make sure you tell him everything. Not only what you think is relevant, but about all your bad habits too like whether you drink to excess, whether you burn the candle at both ends, and whether you take recreational drugs. Such information is crucial in determining the hair loss condition you have.

Thursday, 23 February 2012

Countdown of the Top 5 Hair Loss Queries

Male pattern baldness is a topic men either openly or very privately talk about. Actually, it’s a topic that most men — specifically 85% of all men — are bound to be eventually familiar with.

However, it’s a topic that’s still shrouded in false information, misconception and myths. With so much confusion, it’s no wonder that many men strangers to the actual facts about hair loss.

Here is a countdown of the top 5 queries about male hair loss — and of course, their corresponding answers.

No. 5: Can shampoo, hair gel or wearing a hat influence hair loss?
Excessive shampooing, hair drying, colouring or the use of other hair products (or even wearing a hat) may temporarily damage the hair, causing it to become dry, brittle, lustreless or limp — but the use of these products will not influence the gradual process of male pattern baldness. Any damage through hair care products is typically only temporary since individual hairs fall out and regrow in a consistent cycle over the course of several months.

No. 4: What is the Hamilton-Norwood scale of male pattern baldness?
The Hamilton-Norwood scale is a pictorial guide that uses a set of images to range how severe a man’s hair loss is. The scale ranges from type 1, or minimal hair loss, through to type 7, the most severe form of hair loss in which men have little to no hair on the front or top of the head.

No. 3: When should I begin treatment for hair loss?
Generally, the sooner you begin treatment, the more likely you are to see results and the more likely it is that you will delay further balding. However, keep in mind that many of the common therapies for hair loss come with unwanted side effects, so it’s important to speak with your doctor early to devise a treatment plan that you are both comfortable with.

No. 2: What treatment options are available for hair loss?
As of today, treatment options for male pattern baldness are limited but expanding. Currently, there are only two drugs licensed for male pattern baldness: finasteride and minoxidil. These are the only drugs currently licensed that actually help hair to regrow.

Outside of drug therapy, there are additional treatment options, including non-surgical hair restoration (e.g. wearing a hairpiece), surgical hair replacement (i.e. hair transplantation), and low-level laser therapy (e.g. laser combs or laser caps). New treatments such as hair cloning and gene therapy are on the horizon, but not yet ready for prime time.

No. 1: Are the results of treatment permanent?
For drug treatments like finasteride or minoxidil, results may not appear for several months. As a general rule, you must continue taking these drugs if you want the results to continue. Although it’s possible that results will persist after you discontinue usage, it is likely that hair loss will return. The only permanent treatment for balding is hair transplantation; however, as with any surgery, not everyone is a candidate and there are important side effects to consider.

Friday, 17 February 2012

Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes and Solutions

If you’ve had a baby recently, you may have noticed that your once-vibrant hair is now thinning or falling out. This is a very common after-effect of pregnancy, affecting up to half of all mothers. It is usually temporary and is the result of changing hormones.

What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?

During pregnancy, hormones put scalp hair into a growth phase, meaning that your hair will grow and become thicker. Pregnant women are often described as having a ‘glow’ and this may be one of the reasons.

After the birth, the hair goes into a resting phase and remains dormant on the head for two or three months. Then it goes into another growth phase and all the resting hairs are shed at once. This can make your hair seem thin and lifeless and it may come out when you brush it, but it isn’t usually severe enough to cause baldness. If you have bald patches, you could possibly have a vitamin deficiency.

Treatment is not necessary unless the hair loss is severe. Your hair will usually return to normal within one year.

How to Reduce Hair Loss after Childbirth

• Don’t over-brush your hair to have styles that put undue strain on the hair
• Don’t use hairdryers, or if you do, use a low setting to avoid damaging hair
• Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables to encourage hair growth
• Take a multi-vitamin supplement that contains vitamins B, B7 (biotin), C and E and zinc. Make sure it is a brand that is suitable for use in pregnancy and breast feeding.

Consider having a short hairstyle during this postnatal period as the effect of thinning hair will be less obvious. If you are still suffering from hair loss after one year, see your doctor as it may be a sign of another health problem, such as anaemia or thyroid disorder.

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Natural Hair Loss Remedies

Are you aware that there are many natural hair loss remedies available for both men and women who may be suffering with hair loss or thinning hair? Many people believe that for something like this, only chemical-based or synthetic products will have the answers they need to treat hair loss, which simply isn’t true.

Green tea and saw palmetto are effective hair regrowth treatments for people who have male and female pattern baldness. This condition occurs when there is an over-abundance of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT makes the hair follicles weak which causes the strands to fall out.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is an herbal DHT blocker. Perhaps knowing the name alone suggests that this particular herb can be an irritant, but researches have shown that it can be highly effective for treating baldness and alopecia. It has been reported that extracts of nettle roots partly block 5-alpha reductase, which makes it a dihydrotestosterone-inhibiting component. This, in turn, resists hair fall and triggers the hair growth process.

Exercise stimulates blood flow in your entire body, including your scalp. This is another step you can take immediately to address hair loss problems.

Vitamin E is considered to be one of the most effective natural hair loss treatments because it helps keep a healthy supply of blood flowing to the scalp. This allows important nutrients to be carried in the blood towards the hair roots to nourish the strands. Take multi-vitamins or B vitamins to stimulate your strands to grow.

Mustard oil, boiled with henna leaves, is helpful for healthy growth of hair. About 250 ml of mustard oil should be boiled in a tin basin. About 60 grams of henna leaves are then mixed with the oil. The oil should then be filtered using a cloth and stored. Regular massage of the head with the oil will produce healthy hair.

Thursday, 2 February 2012

Lose Your Stressors, Not Your Tresses

Have you been excessively losing hair, that is, more than 100 strands per day? Stress could be one of the factors for your locks falling out. According to a preliminary finding from a new research, it turns out that stress and bad habits such as smoking, drinking and even tanning could contribute to hair loss, especially in women.

Two new studies found that women’s hair follicles are particularly vulnerable to the wear and tear of a stressful lifestyle. One study found that women who had suffered the stress of a divorce or death of a spouse were at the highest risk of losing their hair at the midline, meaning a widening of the parting in the middle of the scalp.

Though hair loss in men and women take different patterns — diffuse hair thinning for women, and a receding hairline and thinning crown for men — the reasons for such condition can be similar. Though in men the problem is, more often than not, genetic, even smoking, alcohol consumption, daily stress, and sun exposure can cause balding, according to the research.

While you can take preventative measures such as wearing a hat in the sun, quitting smoking, and reducing your alcohol consumption, researchers say that adopting healthier lifestyle choices could possibly help your hair grow back. Also, applying a daily hair care regimen can make a difference in the growth and upkeep of healthy hair.

‘Part of it is to manage what you can’, shares one dermatologist. ‘The sooner you address it, the better your chances of having recovery’.

Prior research has also linked stem cells to balding, finding that some stem cells in the scalp are incapable of developing into the type of cells that make hair follicles. The discovery could give hope to men and women with hair loss, said the researchers.

Thursday, 26 January 2012

Homemade and Herbal Hair Care Solutions

The hair is usually the thing that several individuals, including yourself, notice first. It has then been deduced that being comfortable with one’s hair — whether it’s the cut, colour, style, or condition — means having high self-esteem or confidence.

Many people seek for truly effective hair care products or regimens, but these are usually expensive. There’s actually a solution for that: make your own hair care product! Below are hair care essentials you can make at home, ones that can give you better results than pricey hair care items:

1. Chamomile Shampoo
A fantastic alternative to a shop-purchased shampoo is chamomile shampoo. You need 4 bags of chamomile tea or 1 handful of fresh chamomile flowers, 4 tablespoons of soap flakes, and 1½ tablespoons of glycerine.

Soak the tea bags in 1½ cups of boiled water for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags then add the soap flakes. Wait for the flakes to soften and then add the glycerine, and stir.

The shelf life of this chamomile shampoo lasts for about 1 week. Keep it refrigerated.

2. Avocado Conditioner
Combine 1 peeled and mashed avocado with 2 cups of coconut milk. Stir to the consistency of a conditioner.

Comb to the hair and leave on for 15 minutes then thoroughly rinse. Use as a hair care conditioner for one week.

3. Herbal Hot Oil
On a low-heat setting, warm 1 teaspoon of soybean oil and 2 teaspoons of castor oil. After 1 minute, add ½ cup of dried rosemary leaves and ½ cup of olive oil. Strain the concoction.

Apply to the hair and scalp then cover with a shower cap. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterwards, making sure to wash off the oil.

You can also make use of rosewater or lemon with olive oil.

Friday, 20 January 2012

Natural Means of Reversing the Hair Loss Process

Hair loss does not have to be a permanent affliction. Please be wary of putting additional chemicals on your hair and into your body in the name of ‘hair regrowth’ promises. Remember, for every ailment that occurs in nature, there is a treatment in nature.

Here are a few pointers to help you reverse hair loss naturally:

• Foods rich in zinc content like oysters, oats, dairy products, and eggs must be taken in good amounts as this mineral is essential for hair growth.
• Practicing yoga and meditation regularly drives away stress, which can be a causal factor of hair loss.
• Aromatic oils of herbs like rosemary, catmint, lavender and chamomile are used for massaging the scalp that helps in healthy hair growth.
• Green tea is an effective hair growth treatment for female pattern baldness. The tea contains compounds which prevent the over-production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which causes female pattern baldness. This treatment works when applied directly to the scalp.
• Grinding lime seeds and black pepper together can create a paste that can be used to massage the scalp with. This paste can effectively treat hair loss by leaving it on for 15 minutes each day.
• Biotin is also known as the miracle hair vitamin. Biotin deficiency alone can already cause hair loss. On the other hand, when your body gets sufficient amounts of biotin, the scalp then starts to produce more hair. Since biotin is a required nutrient in the natural production of hair, it is highly recommended that you start eating more foods that are rich in biotin or take biotin supplements.
• Mix some amount of jojoba oil with rosemary oil and massage onto your hair and scalp. Leave this mix on the hair for 30 minutes and then rinse off. Rosemary oil is known to reduce the production of DHT in the body, thus stimulating hair growth.

Friday, 13 January 2012

Natural Hair Loss Remedies: Nourishing the Scalp and the Rest of the Body

With new advances in science showing the dangerous side effects of chemicals, many people are turning to natural remedies for every little thing in their life. This is even true with hair loss. There are many different products and treatments accessible that are all-natural and can aid you regain that full head of hair you once had. These wonderful remedies are permitting people to get their hair back without having to suffer from any negative side effect.

The kind of hair loss you have will decide the most apt natural hair loss therapy for you. If you have male pattern baldness, saw palmetto has been shown to work the very same the drug Propecia functions, but without developing any form of sexual dysfunction.

Saw palmetto is an herbal anti-androgen; it blocks DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone that makes your hair weak and thin causing it to fall out. Another herb that can aid the hair growth process is licorice. Licorice extracts can improve blood circulation in the scalp, thereby nourishing the hair follicles and stimulating healthy hair regrowth.

There are several other herbs — such as sage, silica and green tea — that when applied to the scalp are advantageous as a hair loss treatment. Supplements containing these herbs as ingredients can also be a good natural hair loss therapy.

There are also a couple of activities you can apply daily to solve your hair loss problems. One of these is yoga. It is a wellness practice made to keep the body in proper working order, which in turn will give your body the ability to heal itself; yoga exercises can channel the body’s energy and blood flow towards dormant hair follicles, thereby revitalising them into growing hair again. This can be beneficial for a lot of different hair loss issues such as autoimmune disorders that are causing hair loss.

A natural procedure for hair loss is laser therapy. What it does is expose your scalp to low-level laser light for particular periods. Laser therapy for hair loss improves scalp circulation, which can assist in correcting problems in the follicles, as the blood carries oxygen and nutrients for the hair.

If your hair loss is induced from stress, you can solve this with distinct approaches of relaxing. A scalp massage will not only make you relax, but will also provide several positive benefits for the rest of your body — which includes lowering blood pressure and better functioning of the immune system.

You need to make sure to inform your physician of any natural hair loss remedies you are trying, as with any hair loss treatments. This way, they can help to monitor your progress and help you pick the very best course of action.

Wednesday, 21 December 2011

No More Baldness Problems with Natural Hair Loss Solutions

Even if loss of hair is a frustrating condition that many experience, the good news is that there are a lot of treatment options available today. There are many different causes to hair loss and finding the cause will certainly help treat your condition. If you’re not comfortable with putting chemical products on your hair for fear that the condition may worsen, why not try to stop hair loss through natural means.

First thing to do when you notice signs of balding is to go see your doctor. Sometimes loss of hair is a symptom of a more serious problem, which is why it’s important to cross out those possibilities. Allow your doctor to do some tests so you’ll know the real reason for this condition. Whatever the case, your doctor will advise you on what treatment is best to help you solve this hair problem.

Just like the rest of our body, our hair needs nourishment as well. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by doing regular exercise, consuming a lot of water, having a low-fat diet filled with fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep are all things you can do to keep the health of your scalp, hair, and whole body. When you’re healthy overall, your hair has a chance of staying healthy as well.

You can also promote hair growth by taking supplements. Sometimes certain foods are not enough to provide nutrients to your hair, which is why taking vitamins will help. It’s always best to consult your doctor before taking any vitamins to ensure that it’s safe for you to take. For hair re-growth, you can try taking omega oils, saw palmetto, green tea, and ginkgo biloba.

You can also stop hair loss by gently massaging your scalp regularly. Do this with massage oils and massage your scalp with your fingertips. There are some aromatherapy oils that help eliminate loss of hair in some, so there’s no harm in trying them for yourself as well. These oils include thyme, lavender, rosemary, and cedarwood; with just a few drops, you can stimulate your scalp to growing hair again.

If you do not like the idea of using chemical-based treatments on your hair and scalp, all-natural solutions can help you stop hair loss. These clearly are not overnight solutions but with patience, you’ll see results and will not have to suffer from this hair condition any longer.

Thursday, 1 December 2011

Vitamins Vital for Hair Regrowth

Hair loss is caused by not getting enough vitamin B complex supplements. Vitamin B complex is essential, because it consists of B3 niacin, which is essential for growing hair. Vitamin B6 is yet another important vitamin that contains nutrients such as sulfur, biotin, magnesium, and zinc. Without these vitamins, the body won’t have the ability to grow hair just as much, which generally leads to balding or hair thinning upon ageing.

What lots of people do not realise is the significance of vitamin B complex. Studies have proven that vitamin B complex is essential to obtaining hair regrowth as well as improving the general quality and thickness of hair.

Vitamin A can also be important with hair regrowth. Some good sources of vitamin A include flaxseed oil, primrose, and fish oil. If you’re concerned about hair thinning, you need to make certain that you’re getting enough vitamins A and B complex.

Vitamin E can also be essential for hair regrowth because it encourages your consumption of oxygen, helping to enhance your blood circulation too. With increased blood flow, healthy hair growth is enhanced. It is through proper circulation that nutrients travel towards the hair follicles, hence nourishing the latter.

Another necessary vitamin for hair regrowth is biotin. Prime sources of biotin include grains, peas, soybeans, oats, yeast, walnuts, and sunflower seeds. Biotin is also an ingredient of some shampoos.

Prior to taking any vitamins or supplements, it is best to talk to your physician and obtain his opinion. There might be some vitamins and supplements that you simply should not be taking, and that’s why it is best to talk to your physician prior to taking any supplements. Your physician will have the ability to run tests and go through your medical history with you. By doing this, you are able to choose your nutritional vitamin supplements accordingly — and know certainly that there won’t be any long-term unwanted effects or problems.

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Alter Hair Loss Problems with Alternative Treatments

You don’t have to use medications or expensive surgeries in order to stop your hair from thinning. Natural hair growth treatments can offer results that are just as good without posing an unnecessary risk to your health. Some of these treatments involve using natural ingredients to stimulate the strands to grow. Others involve doing simple routines to stop hair loss.

Massage Your Scalp to Increase Blood Flow

A scalp massage is one of the best hair growth treatments because it’s very effective and it’ll not cost you anything except a few minutes of your time. By massaging your scalp, you’re helping your strands get the nutrients they must have in order to grow.

The reason for this is that a scalp massage increases circulation or blood flow. As the blood travels to the scalp, it carries important proteins, minerals, and vitamins to the hair roots, which feed the strands. Another benefit is that massaging the scalp removes dirt and bacteria which may clog the follicles and prevent the nutrients from reaching the roots.

Aromatherapy

You can use aromatherapy as a remedy to get your strands growing. It involves using natural oils, which are good natural hair growth treatments. Take 6 drops each of bay oil and lavender oil and combine it with 4 ounces of almond oil. Massage the mixture into your scalp.

Herbal Hair Growth Treatments

Certain herbs are effective hair growth treatments for people who have androgenic alopecia, which is also known as male or female pattern baldness. Medical experts believe this condition is caused by the build-up of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. This hormone attacks the follicles, which causes the strands to fall out.

Saw palmetto allows the strands to grow back because it curbs the over-production of DHT. Green tea prevents the enzyme 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into DHT.

It’s very important for you to begin treatment for your hair loss as soon as you notice that your strands are thinning. This will significantly increase your chances of getting your strands to grow back. If the follicles sit there for too long without strands, the follicles will lose their ability to function and the hair loss will become permanent.

Wednesday, 16 November 2011

A Healthy Lifestyle for Healthier Hair

Some men look regal sans their crowning glory. Actors Patrick Stewart, Jason Statham and Bruce Willis, and singer-composer Pitbull can carry off their shaved heads with gusto and cool confidence.

But for many, hair loss makes a huge dent on self-esteem. I know a few men who, under their manly composure, would quietly slab on hair tonic or seek treatment for their receding hairlines. They no longer think that just because they are men, it’s fine to be bald.

The problem with losing hair is that sometimes, you are just predisposed to it. It’s a genetic thing. If your father’s hairline recedes early, chances are, so will yours.

The most common type of hair loss is pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia, which affects both men and women. Half of all men and women over 60 suffer from this. It ‘runs in the family’ and is genetically determined.

We all have androgen receptor genes, which hold the key to whether we are genetically predisposed to hair loss or not.

Lifestyle also affects the condition of our hair. So if we cannot control our genes, a healthier lifestyle may help us retain our crowning glory longer.

The difference between 30 years ago and now is that people today are more stressed. Adding to the damage is the unhealthy environment, such as air pollution. Also, our typical diet consists of more processed food. What is bad for the body is bad for the hair.

Our hair is also constantly being subjected to strong chemical treatments in line with fashion. In the long run, hair will be damaged. Finally, many of us don’t get enough rest and sleep, which do not give hair ample time to regenerate.

Shampooing also plays a role in hair loss. We want to emphasise proper hair and scalp care because excessive hair loss can be exacerbated by unhygienic scalp conditions. There is always a need for greater awareness and education — many people still focus on the hair and neglect the scalp which has an important role in determining hair health.

Thursday, 10 November 2011

How to Regrow Your Hair Right at Home

Hair loss has plagued men and women for as long as we can remember; fortunately, home remedies for hair growth have also continued to evolve with time. What’s interesting to note, though, is that most modern treatments go back to the wisdom of our forefathers’ old practices.

At the onset of hair thinning or hair loss, worrying about it is quite common, although not at all beneficial. In fact, stress can play a role in the early thinning/loss of hair. People generally go all out when they first realize they might have a problem with hair loss and, in the process of looking for hair growth solutions, end up trying things that do more harm than good. Moreover, there is no dearth of unscrupulous elements out there hoping to make a quick buck through unsuspecting hopefuls.

Since hair loss is attributed to different reasons, the solutions should take into account an individual’s particular case. Know that different treatments are suggested for different kinds of hair loss and while one treatment might work on someone else, there is no guarantee that it will work on you too. The good thing is that there are various home remedies for hair growth that you can try before getting all worked up and visiting your family physician.

Go Herbal
Many eastern cultures make use of herbs in more ways than just cooking, and herbs are often used to treat an assortment of medical problems. When it comes to hair growth, herbs such as stinging nettle, gotu kola, saw palmetto, and ginseng are believed to be helpful, and these can be found in many commonly available hair growth products and supplements in the market today.

Think Coconuts
Coconut milk and oil both have a beneficial effect when it comes to home remedies for hair growth. With coconut milk, apply it on your scalp for approximately half an hour and rinse it with slightly warm water. The oil can be left on the scalp overnight.

Coconut oil is massaged onto the scalp and left overnight for best results, and this is something that certain cultures practice from a rather young age (prevention, after all, is better than cure). Coconut milk can also help, although washing it off in about half an hour after application is suggested.

Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
This easy-to-find solution has been recommended for hair growth for quite some time now and has some effect for most users. When applied on the scalp, it helps clear up the layer of dead cells from the surface, thereby promoting the growth of hair.


There are other things that you can do to try and get your hair growth back to normal; however, bear in mind that not all the solutions work equally well for everyone. And in the event that you feel your condition is progressing quickly, consulting a medical professional is highly recommended.

Thursday, 3 November 2011

Surgical Hair Restoration: A Stigma or a Satisfying Solution?

Hair restoration or hair transplants used to be taboo but not anymore. It may sound like a cliché, but for many, it’s given them their lives back. Male hair loss can be deeply traumatic. Some pass it off as insignificant and live with the ‘bald jokes’ quite happily. But for others, it is a different story. For a great many men, going bald is life-altering and, unless treated, can have tragic consequences.

Signs of baldness can cause bouts of anxiety, psychological stress, emotional distress, lack of self-confidence and even depression. Brad — who once had a glorious mane but now self-deprecatingly calls himself ‘another bald man’ — admits his ‘self-image took a beating’. For a fair number, the thinning of hair psychologically denotes loss of virility, attractiveness and even decline in sexuality.


Off-Limits Subject

Such is the stigma around hair loss and transplants that many men did not even want to talk about the subject; they thought it was an invasion of privacy and believed the subject was off limits.

Norman says, ‘You become obsessed. Every moment is spent looking at yourself in the mirror, looking at your hair, analysing what could be and how and why’. Norman’s wife said that he had ‘real identity and confidence issues’ when he started going bald ‘because he took it as a sign of ageing’. Some men take to wearing a hat and hiding behind it.

Hair transplant candidates are strangely reticent, as if discussing or showing an inclination or opting for a transplant depicts a weakness; as Norman says, of ‘not being a real man’. He adds, ‘It might have something to do with the image of bald men and potbellied stars trying to behave like youngsters when, in reality, they look very old. That reminds us of old age’. Another reason could be that a bald head remains one of the few physical flaws used as a butt of jokes.

Either way, it is ludicrous that in today’s cosmetic frenzy to shy away when it can be easily rectified and that’s just what seems is happening. Secrecy and shame and embarrassment continue to shroud hair transplants and premature male baldness in general. Strange given that hair loss affects 60% of men before the age of 40 and that of those affected, one in four will begin the process before the age of 21.

Baldness or alopecia usually follows a typical pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown. This happens because of an excess of a chemical called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which causes the hair follicles to make thinner and thinner hair until they eventually pack up completely.

Today, it’s more acceptable for men to worry about their hair and spend money on correcting things they don’t like about themselves. It seems that the psychological factors in male hair loss have been vastly underestimated.

Hair transplant techniques have become more sophisticated. Old methods involved taking large sections of skin from the back of the head and grafting them on top of the scalp, resulting in erratic and unnatural-looking regrowth. But follicular unit extraction, or FUE, is almost undetectable. FUE allows surgeons to place individual follicles back into the thinner parts of the hairline around the top and the front of the scalp. The results are sometimes dramatic and, more to the point, very natural in appearance. ‘Transplants have changed my way of life. It was horrible going bald’, Nick shares. He adds, ‘Anyone who says he doesn’t mind going bald is lying. It is debilitating and creates another persona, which is not you at all’.

Not everyone is a good candidate for hair transplantation, though, and not just those with conditions such as alopecia totalis, which leaves them without any suitable donor sites. Some have behavioural issues that need to be addressed.

Thursday, 27 October 2011

Let Laser Therapy Regrow Lost Locks

Hair loss is most certainly a difficulty that’s common, but that still doesn’t mean it’s any far more pleasant for you. Lots of people today have been searching for real hair loss treatments for hundreds of years, and even those who are considered specialists don’t see eye to eye on what works.

To establish if a hair loss treatment can work for you, you tend to give it a try, confident that it is of course safe to use. With laser therapy, problems of hair loss are addressed with a safe and effective treatment. In fact, quite a few people today have had success with this hair loss therapy.

One of the most medically advanced treatments for hair loss is laser treatment. The concept behind this approach is that the laser increases blood flow to your hair follicles, which then stimulates hair growth. Laser therapy for hair loss can be administered with the use of laser combs, which you can use in the convenience of your household.

With the principle of photobiostimulation, laser combs treat hair loss at a cellular level. The dormant tissues, cells, and follicles in the scalp are reactivated and revitalized into resuming their functions for healthy hair growth.

Even though this technology is fairly new, physicians have begun working with laser treatments for hair loss and might supply excellent suggestions in regard to this type of treatment. You can acquire a laser comb from hair clinics or from online stores.

Laser therapy can also be obtained from hair clinics, which is administered through a laser hooded system. This is considered to be of a higher grade and will give a higher possibility of stimulating growth. Laser treatment shows real promise as an effective and affordable way to promote hair growth.

Thursday, 20 October 2011

Ayurvedic Hair Loss Treatment: A Safe Baldness Solution

Hair loss is a common problem but that doesn’t mean it’s any more pleasant if you have it. Even experts are not in agreement with what works and what does not work when it comes to effective hair loss treatments, and these treatments have been searched for by many for centuries.

Hair loss can sometimes be caused by prescription drugs used to combat a serious medical condition or illness. Any drug that affects your hormones, like antidepressants and chemotherapy, can have this effect. This is exactly why those who take steroids to enhance their performance or physique are at risk of hair loss, in addition to other various side effects. If you suspect any medication you’re taking is causing your hair to get thinner or fall out, talk to your doctor and a change may be possible.

You should also keep in mind that it’s more common for hair loss to occur naturally rather than as a side effect, so just because you’re on some kind of medication doesn’t mean it’s causing your hair loss.

If you’ve tried various natural hair loss remedies without success, or even if you haven’t tried anything yet, you may want to look into Ayurveda, the healing tradition from India. Even though there are a few products on the net and in shops for your hair, seeking a professional practitioner may be something you wish to do if you’re serious about this.

The reason you should do this is that you can make sure your Ayurvedic treatment is personalized, as your condition will be considered fully. The suggestion of a change in diet and lifestyle will be given by an Ayurvedic doctor, and they can have many beneficial effects in addition to improved hair growth. But if you really don’t want to go as far as this, you can pick an Ayurvedic treatment specifically for the hair, which could include herbal shampoos, organic-based conditioners and essential oils. Meditation and relaxation exercises are also usually incorporated into Ayurvedic hair loss treatments.

Wednesday, 12 October 2011

Fighting Hair Loss with the Right Foods

Experts say that there are certainly a number of medical hair loss treatments that offer great results; however, hair loss sufferers and hair care professionals alike say that it is natural hair loss treatment that can provide some of the best benefits for all concerned about the health of their hair.

Most people choose to treat their hair loss with medications or surgery, such as minoxidil, finasteride, or hair transplantation. But many people do not realize that drugs and surgery are costly and may carry some harmful side effects and risks.

The most secure and cost-effective treatment of hair loss includes a healthy diet, herbal medicine, exercise and proper hair care techniques. Natural hair loss treatment has been a ‘lost art’ of hair repair and is often overlooked as a form of treatment among the very expensive mainstream treatments.

Basic principles of the natural treatment of hair loss include intake of foods that are good for hair and scalp health. While hair loss can be caused by many other variables, lack of nutrition causes hair loss in most people. Foods that are rich in protein, low in carbohydrates, and reduced in fat help maintain healthy hair and prevent hair loss.

For example, essential fatty acids — found in spinach, nuts, soy, tuna, sardines, sunflower seeds and canola oil — are important elements essential in a diet to help keep your hair healthy. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties, which are useful for healthy hair. The lack of attention to these essential fatty acids can lead to excessive hair loss.

Everyone has some hair loss every day. Indeed, it is normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day. However, some people lose hair much more and longer than expected, for genetic reasons, diseases, medications, stress, injury, or unhealthy foods.

Thursday, 6 October 2011

Hair Loss News: Radio Aire DJ Restores Hair

Male celebrities seem to be queuing up to banish their baldness with a range of different hair treatments and transplants. Catherine Scott talks to Yorkshire DJ JK about his decision.

Men are no longer sitting back and watching their hair disappear. A plethora of celebrities, from James Nesbitt to Wayne Rooney, have now made hair transplants and treatments for men a hot topic of conversation.

One of Yorkshire’s own local celebrities, DJ Jason Griffiths (aka JK of radio and television double act JK and Joel) has now talked about his recent hair replacement treatment in a bid to dissolve the stigma surrounding male hair loss.

Jason has admitted to feelings of insecurity, often highlighted through him being in the spotlight. The 36-year-old Radio Aire DJ has been aware of his diminishing hairline since the age of 25, a common problem among many males, but highlighted further because of his career in children’s television.

Having tried a variety of different pills and potions over the years, Jason has tried to take a humorous approach to the subject and taken to hiding his hair under a cap.

Jason said: ‘Hair loss is often seen as just “one of those things that happen” but it can be very hard to come to terms with it as it affects the way you see yourself as well as your confidence.

‘Working in children’s television, it’s obviously important to convey an image of vitality, energy, and, I suppose, a youthful edge, so it doesn’t help when you realise you are going bald.

‘I never thought I’d see the day when my career relied upon my looks — I have had numerous comments made about my thinning hair over the years, with colleagues joking about getting the camera angle to hide my bald patch, or “egg in the nest” as it’s most often referred to’.

A hair replacement clinic picked up on Jason’s concerns and contacted him to see if they could help, or at least let him know that there are a number of treatments available.

After attending a couple of consultation sessions, which involved taking hair samples and scalp measurements, Jason decided on a hair replacement system.

Three weeks later, Jason went back to the clinic to have the system fitted. A combination of thin lace netting and human hair, which is pre-matched to the original hair’s colour and texture, was fitted over Jason’s scalp using a bonding solution.

According to the clinic, the hair replacement system allows clients to go about their daily life as normal, which is important for Jason as a lot of his time is spent performing various stunts on television.

He needs to return to the Hair Loss Studio every 3–5 weeks, as he would with regular haircut appointments, to have the system removed, cleaned, cut and restyled in line with his own hair growth.

Jason said: ‘I think it’s important to raise the concerns that most men feel and try to dissolve the stigma around hair replacement.

‘When I told my wife I was thinking about going ahead with this treatment, she just said, “So what — it’s just like me getting hair extensions”’.

The director of the hair replacement clinic said: ‘Hair loss is a common unspoken problem among most men.

‘We’re really eager to eliminate any initial concerns about hair replacement treatments and the negative connotations that are often insinuated.

‘Thankfully, there are a number of high-profile men who are leading the way for change, like JK and, of course, Wayne Rooney’.


Living with Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss, affecting 6.5m men in the UK. It generally starts with a little thinning of the hair, followed by wider hair loss, allowing more of the scalp to become visible. For a few men, this process starts as early as the late teens. By the age of 60, most men have some degree of hair loss. Some men aren’t troubled by this at all; others, however, suffer great emotional distress associated with a lack of self-esteem and, in some cases, depression. If you have inherited the genes responsible for male pattern baldness, there’s little you can do to prevent it from happening.

Thursday, 22 September 2011

Q&A: 5-ARIs Increase the Risk of High-Grade Prostate Cancer

On June 9, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed the public of new safety information for drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs). Men who take these drugs may have an increased risk of being diagnosed with a more serious form of prostate cancer (high-grade prostate cancer). The Warnings and Precautions section of the labels for all FDA-approved 5-ARIs has been revised to include information about this risk.

Q1. What are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs)?

A. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) are a class of prescription medicines primarily used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. BPH is a common condition in men older than 40 and is characterized by an enlarged prostate and symptoms such as frequent urination and difficulty emptying the bladder. Drugs in this class are finasteride (marketed as Proscar [finasteride 5 mg] and Propecia [finasteride 1 mg]) and dutasteride (marketed as Avodart).

Avodart and Proscar are indicated for the treatment of BPH symptoms in men with an enlarged prostate. They are also approved to reduce the risk of urinary retention or surgery related to BPH.

Propecia is only indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss.


Q2. What is high-grade prostate cancer?

A. High-grade prostate cancer is an aggressive type of prostate cancer, meaning it grows and spreads faster compared to low-grade prostate cancer. High-grade prostate cancer is a serious disease, but accounts for a small portion of all diagnosed prostate cancers.


Q3. Why are the labels of all 5-ARIs being revised?

A.  The labels of all 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) are being revised based on FDA’s review of two large studies examining whether these drug products (Proscar, Avodart) reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The studies did find an overall reduction in the risk of lower-grade forms of prostate cancer, but both studies also showed an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer.

As a result of these two studies, the labels of all FDA-approved 5-ARIs will be revised to include new information that these drug products may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. The product labeling will also state that 5-ARIs are not approved for the prevention of prostate cancer.