Posts Tagged ‘Alopecia’
Causes and Home Remedies for Alopecia or Hair Loss
Alopecia areata (AA) is a recurrent disease, which can cause hairloss in any hair-bearing area. The most common type of alopecia areata presents as round or oval patches of hair loss most noticeably on the scalp or in the eyebrows. The hair usually grows back within 6 months to one year. Most patients will suffer episodes of hair loss in the same area in the future.
Those who develop round or oval areas of hair loss can progress to loss of all scalp hair (alopecia totalis). The cause of alopecia areata is unknown but commonly thought to be an autoimmune disorder (the body does not recognize the hair follicles and attacks them). Stress and anxiety are frequently blamed by patients as the cause of their hair loss. The most common treatment is with steroids (cortisone is one form) either topically or by injection.
The outcome of treatment is good when the alopecia areata process is present less than one year and poor, especially in adults, if the disease has been present for longer periods of time. Minoxidil (Rogaine®) can help to regrow hair. Surgical treatment of this disorder is not recommended. If you have questions concerning Alopecia areata, please contact an ISHRS physician.
Causes of Alopecia or Hair Loss:
Patchy hair loss in children and young adults, is called alopecia areata and is usually sudden in onset. This sometimes results in complete baldness, but in 90% of cases the hair returns within a few years. Alopecia universalis results in all the hair on the body falling out (including the eye brows and lashes) with a slight chance of regrowth, especially when it occurs in children. It is currently unknown why alopecia areata and alopecia unversalis occur. Although most cases of alopecia areata are resolved naturally, some doctors may try to speed recovery with hormone therapy or corticosteroid therapy. The treatment can be long and painful and may cause permanent scarring on the scalp brought on by atrophy.
There are many unatural causes for premature hair loss. Bleaching, dyeing, permanent waves, tight brading, blow drying, hot curlers, using hair picks and other chemical preparations can contribute to overall thinning by making hair weak and brittle and by causing the hair follicles to scar. In most cases the hair grows with proper care when the the source of the damage is removed. But severe damage to the scalp or follicles can cause permanent bald patches.
Temporary hair loss can be caused by a high fever, severe illness, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, drug treatment (like chemotherapy, anticoagulants and retinoids), beta blockers (to lower blood pressure)and oral contraceptives. It also can be caused by x-rays, scalp injuries and exposure to chemicals (including those to purify pool water, cleaning supplies and other chemical agents).
Remedies that promise to restore hair to a balding head have been around for centuries. Very little can atually be done to reverse the process. Preparations containing minoxidil appear to to provide moderate regrowth on balding spots, it seems to work better in younger people that have just started to lose their hair. More than 50% of minoxidil users claim that it thickens hair and slows future hairloss, but the one drawback is you must continue to use it or hair loss will continue. Some users experience skin irritation, resulting in further hair loss. A new oral drug called Propecia is currently on the market. It has shown marked success but with all medications, there are side effects and should be discussed with your doctor before being taken.
Hair transplantation involves the relocation of plugs of skin from parts of the scalp containing active hair follicles to bald areas. A form of cosmetic surgery called scalp reduction involves tightening the scalp so that hair-bearing skin from the back and sides of the had is pulled toward the crown. Like hair transplants, the process is both painful and expensive, it also does nothing to stop genetic or age-related hair loss.
For cosmetic reasons, many people turn to wigs, hair pieces and weaving or even tattooing to replace lost eye brows and eye lashes. You cannot reverse natural balding, but you can protect the hair you do have from damage that can lead to thinning. People who leave there hair its natural color and texture will end up with healthier hair. By using shampoo designed for your hair type and taking care of your hair you can help to keep the hair you have. Proper brushing can help to condition your hair by distributing its natural oils and protecting the hair follicles. Never brush your hair when it is wet, this put too much stress on the hair and can cause it to break or splinter. Remeber, because hair is not living tissue it cannot repair itself.
Home remedies for hair care
A diet rich in zinc should be followed, as the main cause of dry hair is the lack of mineral zinc.
Rosemary is an useful hair tonic and conditioner. Rosemary also aids retain color especially in dark hair.
Chamomile and lemon juice have a soft bleaching effect on hair. Mix chamomile tea with lemon juice and use as a clean to lighten hair. One of the good home remedies for hair care.
For troubles with dandruff, add rosemary and/or patchouli essential oils to your shampoo or mix with almond oil as a hair treatment for your scalp.
Wash hair with peppermint or spearmint tea to support hair growth.One of the best home remedies for hair care.
Use flat beer to help avoid spit ends do it once or 2 times a month but it straight on your hair, wrap it in a towel for 1 to 2 hours and rinse out. Apply raw egg and olive oil to avoid hair loss. One of the effective home remedies for hair care.
To a cup of coconut milk put in two tablespoons of gram flour. Apply on the scalp and massage softly. Wash the hair after five minutes. Use this practice one time in a week.
Find powerful herbal remedies Herbal Shampoo for Dandruff
Make a conditioner by mixing one tablespoon of castor oil, one tablespoon of glycerin, a teaspoon of cider vinegar, a teaspoon of protein to a tablespoon of soft herbal shampoo. Apply it on scalp and leave it on for 20-25 minutes and then wash the hair. One of the simple but useful home remedies for hair care.
Add a teaspoon of lavender oil to the coconut oil and heat it for a few seconds. Massage the scalp at night and then shampoo the hair in next morning. Follow this method twice a week for soft and shiny hair.
For hair growth apply coconut milk with aspirin and leave in hair for 2 hours then wash and wash hair.
A tea and beer rinse is one of the oldest habits to bring shine to your hair. Boil used tea leaves in sufficient water, let it cool and then use this liquid as the last rinse.
In the parallel fashion you can use flat beer (i.e. after letting the bubble out). This is a immense conditioner to be used for your hair.
To get that shine one can use honey to keep your scalp moisturized. You can make honey lotion for your hair by adding 3 teaspoons of honey for pint of water. One of the popular home remedies for hair care.
The use of henna as a natural conditioner proves to be very helpful for your hair. It helps to bring back the bounce and flair of your hair which has been deficient for quite a while. 15. For a enormous hair treatment/conditioner try 1 egg yoke, 1-2 Tbsp Olive Oil, and 2-3 drops Vitamin E. Merge these, wet hair, mix combination into hair. Let set for 3-5 minutes, feels/looks/smell strange but it works so fine and then wash out with shampoo.
Also read about Hair Oil for Hair Loss
Hair Loss Treatment or read more on swamiramdevmedicines.com
Alopecia (baldness or Hair Loss)
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, â??it is characterised by a diffuse reduction in hair density over the crown and frontal scalp with retention of the frontal hairlineâ? [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) â??chemotherapy-related alopecia has been rated by patients as one of the most severe, troublesome and traumatic chemotherapy-related side effectsâ?. 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 motherâ??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 wonâ??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, youâ??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 wonâ??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 womanâ??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. Womenâ??s health in primary care 1999; 2(5): 338, 343.
16. Womenâ??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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Full Lace Wigs : The Answer to Alopecia
Alopecia or baldness is a fact of life and in today’s world, for whatever reason you’re losing hair, there are solutions like full lace wigs. It might be because of age, heredity or medication that you might be experiencing hair thinning. There’s no reason to live life ashamed when you’re suffering from this condition. Experience the beauty of thick and voluptuous hair with full lace wigs. Wigs have gained a popularity and they’re no longer only used for alopecia. There are famous people who use celebrity full lace wigs. In order to cater to the many needs that people have for enhancement of beauty, many kinds of full lace wigs are made. You can now choose between human hair full lace wigs, synthetic full lace wigs, glueless full lace wigs, yaki full lace wigs and many more.
With regard to baldness and hair thinning, full lace wigs may be referred to as full cranial prosthesis. While the condition of hair thinning occurs in both genders, it’s more common for women. This condition can begin as early as the age of 20 and by the age of 40, hair thinning is evident. This leads to loss of confidence for many women and with the stock full lace wigs, it’s easier to cope. Part of the popularity of full lace wigs is that, you can now get great quality full lace wigs even if you’re on a budget. As was mentioned there are two materials that full lace wigs can be made of, real human hair or synthetic materials. With regard to the full human hair lace wigs, they can be pretty costly. It’s even more so if you get yaki full lace wigs, Indian remy full lace wigs or remy full lace wigs.
Full lace wigs made with remy technology ensures that the human hair cuticles are attached to the wig in one direction. This facilitates a more natural look and even a feeling so light that the wearer forgets they’re wearing a wig. The full lace synthetic wigs are more on the side of affordable full lace front wigs. You do have to deal with tangling of the “hair” tips and a shorter life span for the wig of your choice because of this effect. To get through alopecia in style and beauty, there are options available for custom made full lace wigs. With these kinds of full lace wigs, real hair and synthetic hair are mixed together. Most of the time, the human hair is used on the lower part of the wig. This prevents tangling and allows you to have full lace wigs that remain shiny even after a long time.
If you’re looking for full lace wigs to cover baldness, there are many places to find the right one for yourself. You have full lace wigs from China, full lace wigs NYC, full lace wigs on eBay, etc. You don’t have to suffer in shame when you have alopecia. Get yourself full lace wigs and regain a stylish quality in life.
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Alopecia and the Challenge of Hair Replacement for Women
Article by Travis M Keeler
“You can’t judge a book by its cover”.
“Beauty’s only skin deep”.
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.
Hackneyed proverbs like these are ingrained in our society just as are ideas of what constitutes “beauty”. As women, like it or not, we put a value on how we look. Celebrity magazines constantly flaunt ideal beauty at us from the supermarket shelves: movie stars with the facade of perfect skin, perfect bodies and perfect hair (generally accomplished through air brushing, photo-cropping and Hair Extensions.)
There’s no keeping up with that, and most of us realize it’s what’s inside that makes us beautiful. But when real women unexpectedly lose their hair through some medical crisis or simply because it begins to fall out, the boundaries of what’s acceptable to us begins to shift. Hair Replacement experts understand that this hair loss can truly change the way we feel about ourselves. Our hair is the one thing that truly identifies us as women. Hair makes us feel feminine. We use it, hide behind it, change it and wear it as an accessory. We’re often so attached to our hair that we let it define our beauty. So hair loss can be a truly devastating blow to self-esteem. Fortunately, according to hair replacement experts, there are many options for women today who experience hair loss. Wigs, Hair Extensions and Hair Systems can resolve this problem either temporarily or permanently.
So what can cause hair loss in women?
* Chemotherapy and radiation are major culprits causing temporary hair loss.
* Alopecia Arcana, or excessive hair loss, caused by medical factors, including: stress, fungal infection, diabetes, hormone changes and medication.
* Traction Alopecia – caused by hairstyles like corn rows, pigtails and braids that put undue stress on hair. Scarring caused by tension or use of harsh chemicals can cause permanent hair loss.
* Nervous pulling out of hair can cause patchy hair loss.
At any one time, there are around 100,000 hairs on our heads. We shed somewhere around 100 every day. Normally, new ones grow in right behind it. But any of the above factors can inhibit that hair growth, causing more hair to fall out than is being replaced. When women lose hair it is quite different from the male pattern baldness we see every day. Women lose hair in patches or get thinner all over. Wigs used to be the only hair replacement solution for this. But Hair Replacement experts are constantly developing new and better Hair Systems and hair extensions that are more breathable and wearable than old fashioned wigs. There are also new hair systems that allow what remains of a woman’s own hair to be pulled through a hair system to volumize her hair. Hair extensions now come with removable clips for those not interested in the adhesive used in hair systems.
Hair systems, or human hair pieces built on delicate, virtually invisible lace caps, come in all shapes and sizes for women. If patchy hair loss is your problem, either hair extensions or small hair systems can be designed by a skilled hair replacement expert to disguise the problem while the hair is growing back.
There are many hair systems advertised on the internet. But be careful. All hair systems are not alike. The hair systems that come in a measure-your-own-scalp package over the internet will most likely be ill-fitting and disposable after three or four months. They are not cheap either, even though the end result will look that way. Look instead for one of the high-quality, custom hair replacement companies that has local hair replacement clinics and hair replacement experts on staff to help you custom-fit your hair system or hair extensions. These are more expensive, but in the end, it’s difficult to put a price on self-esteem. If a woman can get through radiation treatments with her self-esteem intact, then the price of a hair system is low, indeed.
What can you expect when you use a hair system? If you find a great hair replacement company with local clinics, you will be fitted with a hair system by an expert who works with dozens of clients every week. After carefully measuring the area requiring hair replacement, technicians will manufacture a virtually invisible human hair system that is breathable and light. It will be attached with an adhesive to your scalp. Depending on your body chemistry and the amount you sweat, this hair system will stay in place for two to three months before requiring re-adjusting. The hair replacement technician will then style and color your hair system to match your own hair.
Hair sheds from hair systems and must be periodically re-knotted on. Hair replacement technicians will teach you how to touch up the adhesive on your own in case it comes loose around the edges. The same is true of hair extensions, whether attached to hair by adhesive or with clips. But, meanwhile, as you give your hair time to grow back in, you can live your life worry free. You can swim, bathe, exercise and do all the things you’d do with your own hair. But most of all, when you look at yourself in the mirror, you’ll see you, and not someone you don’t recognize. And the value of that kind of peace of mind? Priceless.
About the Author
Travis M. Keeler is a Hair Replacement expert who generously shares his expertise with hair loss sufferers and hair replacement wearers. For more information about the opportunities and pitfalls of nonsurgical hair replacement, please visit : http://www.myhairfacts.com/
How Green Tea Can Stop Hair Loss, Balding, and Androgenic Alopecia Naturally
How Green Tea Can Stop Hair Loss, Balding, and Androgenic Alopecia Naturally
Many people have experienced the benefit of green tea for health and weight loss. Increasing research has shown many benefits to the natural anti-oxidant rich plant. The increased interest in green tea has shifted to the hair and skin. New research is being done to study the effect of green tea on hair loss. Many of the antioxidants that are found in drinks can benefit from the hair and scalp and some research shows that by adding green tea in your diet can help control or prevent hair loss. The chemical in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In Korea scientiest are researching hair follicles were treated with EGCG in a lab environment. Research Saitama Cancer Center Research Institute in Japan and Seoul National University College of Medicine both evidence that EGCG stimulates hair growth. The Saitama study reports that green tea inhibits the production of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a molecule that is linked to cancer, arthritis and hair loss.The experiement cultures showed increased hair growth and hair follicle elongation compared with control cultures.
A green tea tincture that 10 percent EGCG was also applied to the scalp of humans volunteers with positive results. A high intake of green tea leads to higher levels of six hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds to testosterone. Free testosterone travels through the bloodstream is able to come and hair follicles are converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes male pattern hair loss. Testosterone that is bound to SHBG can not be converted into DHT. Research also suggests that green tea can help with scalp conditions like dandruff and psoriasis by soothing skin and reducing inflammation.
Using a hair loss shampoo like Zenagen, which contains powerful patent pending extracts including green tea, can help fight hair loss. Using green tea or green tea contains a rinse after washing can help reduce scalp irritation. Panthenol, a provitamin, softens and strengthens hair and prevents split ends. Choose products that her real green tea extract EGCG or contain.Green tea contains vitamin C, vitamin E and panthenol, which are all common ingredients in conditioner. Vitamin E restores dry or damaged hair, while vitamin C protects against damage by UV radiation.
Official author and natural hair loss expert. Natural hair loss treatments, prevention, dht, and alopecia reviews, stories, and studies can be found at Zenagen Natural Hair Loss Shampoo website.
