Posted by maswelly on September 3, 2010 at 2:21 am
There is a general belief that hair loss only happens to men. Women are expected by society to carry a full head of hair all their lives. People believe that men are the only ones susceptible to hair thinning or balding, especially if there is a family history.
Hair loss statistics, however, can disprove this theory. A survey done by the American Academy of Dermatology shows that at least 30 million women are facing hair loss issues in the United States. Another study published in Dermatologic Surgery says that a lot of young and middle-aged women suffer from hair loss problems. Moreover, the incidence of female hair loss is continually increasing.Causes of Women Hair Loss
But what causes hair loss in women? To best understand that, it is important to know the hair growth cycle. Scientists say that our hair usually grows at the rate of half an inch a month. This growing phase, called Anagen, usually lasts for two years but it can last as long as six years. After this long period of growth, the Catagen phase comes. This is the transitional period in which the hair stops growing. Finally, Telogen occurs, which is the last resting stage of the hair. This lasts for about five to six weeks. Near the end of Telogen, new strands of hair in the Anagen phase develop and pushes out the old Telogen hair. Around 90 percent of our hair are in Anagen, while the remaining 10 percent are in Telogen.
In those with a genetic predisposition to hair loss, hormones called androgens interfere with the normal hair growth cycle. These androgens are found in men in large amounts and in women in smaller amounts. When testosterone, an androgen, comes in contact with the enzymes found in our hair, it is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen that disturbs the hair growth cycle. DHT induces hair loss since its build up causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually die. For a long time, scientists believed that this is the cause of balding for both men and women.
However, more experts now believe that other types of enzymes and hormones are involved in female balding. What gave rise to this new theory is the difference in the balding pattern between men and women. In females, balding begins at the top of the head and spreads out. In males, however, balding occurs in the different spots – the crown, sides, and back of the head. Moreover, it has been found that male hair loss is usually the result of family history. With women, hair loss can occur at any point of their lives.Treatments for Women Hair Loss
Thus, hair treatments for women are different than those for men. Hair loss drugs, such as finasteride or dutasteride, are commonly prescribed for men. Hair treatments for women, on the other hand, lean more on surgical procedures, such as hair transplantation, and other methods, such as hair extending or weaving. This is because prescription drugs usually have harmful side effects on pregnant or potentially pregnant women; they may bring about deformities in male fetuses. It is thus recommended that permanent hair loss in women be treated through hair weaving (addition of hair by braiding synthetic or human hair to root of original hair) and hair transplantation (transferring bald-resistant scalp areas to a bald area). But before you consider any procedure for hair loss treatment, it is a must to consult your physician.
Archived under Hair Loss
Posted by maswelly on September 1, 2010 at 1:40 am
There has been an ongoing debate on whether or not vitamins can help prevent or stop hair loss in women. What is the real score here? Is preventing hair loss as simple as eating a good diet and taking vitamins for hair loss in women?Androgenetic AlopeciaMajority of both men and women who lose their hair have andorgenetic alopecia. In this condition, the hormone DHT binds itself to the hair follicles and damages them. The condition is especially marked in those who are genetically predisposed to hair loss. Since genes and hormones are the main factors in this form of hair loss, some individuals have stopped seeing vitamins as a factor that can prevent hair loss.Contributing FactorsIf your condition is caused by androgenetic alopecia, vitamins for hair loss in women don’t really have much of an effect. They are however still necessary to address the contributory factors that can make hair loss worse in women. It is generally known that aside from genes and hormones, female hair loss can be made worse by stress, trauma, emotional distress and serious illness. The only way to fight these contributory factors is through vitamins for hair loss in women.What Vitamins Can DoHow can vitamins help? Vitamins for hair loss in women are perfect for keeping your present hair healthy, strong and free from damage and dryness. Vitamins also keep the entire scalp and the follicles properly nourished to encourage new hair growth. Although vitamins for hair loss in women can be found in nutritious foods, it still makes a lot of sense to get some extra boost from vitamin supplements. These can help supply whatever we lack from food intake.Vitamins for Hair Loss in WomenThere are numerous vitamins for hair loss in women. Here are some of the most important ones.- PABA or Para-Aminobenzoic Acid – This is a B-vitamin that has a crucial role in the metabolism of protein. It is also a known antioxidant that can help sweep the body clean of harmful free radicals. Its role in hair health seems to focus more on the restoration or maintenance of hair color. Along with some other vitamins for hair loss in women, this one helps prevent your hair from graying prematurely. PABA can be found in whole grain foods and liver.- Biotin- This is another member of the B-complex group of vitamins. It plays a role in fat, protein and carbohydrates metabolism. Just like PABA, it is also crucial for the maintenance of hair color. Moreover, it also promotes hair growth, strength and thickness. Various studies have shown that a deficiency in biotin can result in some hair loss. Vitamins for hair loss in women like biotin can be found in milk, whole grain, egg yolk and liver. This vitamin however can be destroyed by over heating and the process of canning so it is best to always eat fresh or take supplementation.- B6 Vitamin – This powerhouse vitamin can work wonders on the immune, circulatory and nervous systems. Like other vitamins for hair loss in women belonging to the B-complex family, this one also helps maintain hair color and strength. This vitamin can be found in bananas, liver and avocados.
Archived under Hair Loss
Posted by maswelly on August 31, 2010 at 1:16 am
One of the most important aspects of beauty for man is his hair. Thick black lushly hair not only creates beauty but adds to his confidence also. At the same time a receding hairline or baldness tarnishes a man’s self image and confidence. Excessive hair loss creates anxiety in most men. The emotional distress is sometimes so bad that he may even suffer from depression. Hair loss is an important health issue that no man should ignore.Hair grows in a cyclic manner – growth, rest and fall out. This cycle is repeated yearly. Shedding of 50 – 100 hairs a day is quiet normal and is replaced. But when the count increases, it becomes a great matter of concern. There are many reasons for hair loss – medication, stress, hair styling and lack of iron. Aging also contributes to hair loss , as people age, the rate of hair growth slows down. Learning how to prevent hair loss benefits a man in his overall well being. There are many hair loss prevention products available that help to overcome this problem.Apart from this, there are many hair loss treatments available in the market. The latest one is hair replacement surgery that includes four different types of replacement methods – hair transplantation; tissue expansion; flap surgery; and scalp reduction. Non-surgical hair loss treatments for man based on medication are also available.Finasteride and Minoxidil are two drugs generally used in men for hair loss treatment . Besides medicines, there is many other hair care products available in the market for balding men, some of them claim to be hair loss prevention products, and hair growth products for men as well as women. These cosmetic products offer a satisfactory hair loss solution and help to bring back the tarnished self-image. Some of the cosmetic companies have also come up with special hair loss products for balding men.Although modern science and technology has helped us to overcome hair problems, the resulting side effects of these drugs motivate us towards Mother Nature. Natural care and hair loss remedies help us to beautify our hair without side effects.How to care for your hair naturally can be reviewed by going to www.newgen2000.com . Visit the site and you will find a list of dos and don’ts for your hair. Along with hair loss treatment, Newgen2000 offers natural remedies like meditation, yoga, and reflexology to stimulate hair growth and to improve the overall look of your hair.
Archived under Hair Loss