Hair Loss - A Serious Condition

By John Kahen

As we age, we notice changes in our bodies and in our health - it's inevitable. One obvious change is in our hair and skin. We are all losing it. It becomes thinner, finer and changes to grey. This is aging. However, hair loss is a completely different demon. Although many experience this condition, the cause of it still remains somewhat of a mystery. Researchers tell us to look at the mother's side of the family, others say it is the father's side. However, there is no sure and fast way to determine if you will experience hair loss early on in your life. Your hair will ultimately change texture and color as you age, that is normal.

Androgenic alopecia, or more known as pattern baldness, is the most common cause in both men and women. In normal pattern baldness, the hair is lost in a well-defined pattern that is very common. It thins at the crown of the head and at both temples. A rim is left around the outside of the scalp (this is often called the donor area in hair restoration surgery). This is much more typical for men - women do not often experience this same kind of pattern. Women typically experience an overall thinning around the entire scalp.

There are several causes of this type of hair loss. Both environmental and genetic factors play a part. Mostly, the exact cause of pattern loss remains a mystery. Much of the research has been done of the genetic factors of androgenic alopecia. For example, some of the genes involved in premature pattern baldness are X-linked. Men whose fathers experienced hair loss were 2.5 times more likely to experience it as well. Many believe that one should look to their mother for the causes of hair loss - but the truth is, it can be from either side of the family, mother or father.

Hair restoration becomes a very good option for those suffering from androgenic alopecia. This is because there is an apparent area of the scalp that is unaffected by pattern baldness. That ring that many have around the scalp serves as great donor for transplant. This is because this it is not affected by DHT, or dihydrotestosterone (this typically is the hormone that kills the growth on the scalp). So the one positive of androgenic alopecia or pattern baldness is that the candidate is ideal for hair transplant due to the strong donor hair.

Experiencing Hair Loss - Look to Diet, Lifestyle

By John Kahen

When you first notice you are losing your hair, it is important to discover, for your own piece of mind and for your overall health, the cause and possible treatments. Some hair loss is more severe than others and it's important to know why you are experiencing this. When diagnosing the cause, it's important to look at simple things like your diet and lifestyle choices before looking at more severe things like medical conditions and diseases. Something as simple as not getting enough protein can be affecting your locks.

Your Diet

The saying "you are what you eat" is not far from the truth. The nutrients you are absorbing as well as the nutrients you are lacking all affect your body in some way - and can also have physical effects on your body. If you are not getting enough protein in your diet, for example, this can have an impact of the health of your skin and follicle growth.

Medical Conditions and Diseases

Some medical conditions such as thyroid disease and anemia may be affecting your health. This is why it is so crucial to go to your doctor to determine get a diagnosis. If it is something more serious, catching it early is most likely important if you want to treat the disease or medical condition. It's also important as we age to get our blood checked regularly. You could have low oxygen levels in your blood and not even realize it - this might be the reason for thinning.

Your Pony Tail

Ladies - a tight pony tail is a big no-no for the health of your hair. Another obvious one is hair extensions. If you pull your hair very tightly often enough, this causes breakage and sometimes irreversible damage and hair loss. We think that because our hair is constantly regrowing that it is no fragile, but it quickly becomes fragile when it is pulled on or weighed down on too often.

Treatment options for female hair loss:

1. Minoxidil - Rogaine for Women is one option to help with hair regrowth. It has been shown to help stop androgenetic alopecia and even possibly regrow hair.


2. Laser Therapy - Another option for hair loss is a laser comb, such as the HairMax Laser Comb by Lexington. It is the only lasercomb approved by the FDA to help with hair regrowth. The results vary from person to person.


3. Hair Transplant - When temporary hair loss turns into permanent hair loss, a hair transplant is a more likely option and one of the only that can adverse the effects of permanent hair loss.

I've Had Hair Loss For Months And I'm Starting To Lose Hope - Insights That Might Help

By Ava Alderman

I sometimes hear from people who beginning to feel hopeless because of the hair loss which never seems to end. Often, they have tried several things in the hopes of slowing or stopping the hair loss, but nothing has provided the relief that they were hoping for. And this can lead to a feeling of despair or helplessness.

I heard from someone who said: "when my hair started shedding, I hoped that it was just a seasonal thing that would resolve quickly. I've had this type of hair loss before and although the amount of hair that sheds out is alarming, it's over so quickly that it's not a big deal. Unfortunately, it's now obvious that this isn't a seasonal issue. Once I realized that it wasn't seasonal shedding, I began to hope that I had telogen effluvium because at least that way, the hair loss would end after a few months. Well, now eight months has gone by, and the shedding hasn't stopped. At this point, I have no idea what type of hair loss I have and it doesn't appear to be slowing in any way. I am losing hope. How do I keep going when it appears that there is no hope in sight?" I'll try to address these concerns below.

Why You Shouldn't Lose Hope: I know firsthand that it's very easy to get down when you are going through this. I got so down when I was having aggressive hair loss that I went and got fitted for a topper and a wig because I just wanted to be prepared. Thankfully, I never had to use them. But in my own mind, I fully expected that I would need them one day because I too had lost hope. And I'm not a pessimistic person by nature but when you never see any positive change, it's easy to expect the worst.

But here is what I've learned from my research and from reaching out to other's in the same situation. Plenty of people see their hair loss end. Many see some improvements over time. In my opinion and experience, the only reason to lose hope is the result of giving up completely. As long as you keep educating yourself, you continue to try to improve your situation, and you keep a positive outlook, there is always reason to have hope.

Know That Hair Loss And Shedding Is Often Treatable: Think about it this way. Many types of hair loss can be treated or improved. Even if this person had chronic telogen effluvium, this condition will often eventually resolve once the trigger is removed. Sure, it may take longer than you would like. But even with chronic telogen effluvium, the constant unrelenting shedding typically doesn't last forever. I'm certainly not an expert, but I believe that many specialists would tell you the same.

And even androgenetic alopecia can be treated aggressively by decreasing the sensitivity to androgens and by supporting regrowth. This person's description didn't make me think of alopecia areata, but even that condition can be treated by an experienced dermatologist. And some people go into remission and grow their hair back even when they have lost huge amounts of hair.

I didn't know that type of hair loss was behind this situation, but it help to know that I've known people who have shed for long periods of time who have had recovery even when they thought this wasn't possible and even when they had nearly given up. I can also tell you this. Often, your hair loss doesn't appear to be as bad or as obvious to others as you might think. We often think what we are going through is extremely noticeable, but the truth is most people just aren't paying attention.

I know that in our own minds we worry that we are going to wake up bald (or at least very thin) one day. But this is rarely the case. Often, the hair loss is slower than we think and because we start out with so much hair, noticeable hair loss takes several months (or even years) of steady shedding. I know that this is hard. I know that it can feel like there is no hope because there is no end. But the end could be right around the corner and you may not appreciate this if you have shut down. I won't tell you that it's "just your hair" because I hated it when people told me this. It's not that simple. And it diminishes what you are going through. What I will say though is that you have value and worth far beyond your perceived appearance. You deserve your best effort. And your best effort doesn't include giving up.

So to answer the question posed, there is definitely reason to hold onto hope. Sometimes, an improvement is right around the corner and sometimes it takes trying just one more thing or going to one more specialist until you stumble on a diagnosis or a treatment that might help you. And sometimes, time is all you need as your trigger resolves itself.

As you might suspect, many of these insights come from personal experience.  I do know how you feel.  And I do know this is hard.  But I also know that improvement might be right on the horizon and that joy and happiness is possible even in the face of this.  If it helps, you can read more on my blog at http://stop-hair-loss-in-women.com/.

Care Tips for Beautiful Hair

By Tyler L Rolando

One of the first things people notice about others is the hair. You can dictate your look depending on the length and hairstyle. Keeping it clean, neat, and beautiful also indicates good hygiene and overall health. Below are a few tips to keep it looking its best every day:

The natural texture, style, and colour suit you best. Changing your hairstyle is the fastest and easiest way to change your look, but avoid making too many radical changes too often. Skip harmful chemicals that alter it and experiment with different cuts and hairstyles instead.

Try to schedule your treatments several months between each other if you like to alter your hairstyle often. Give your hair time to heal and breathe after the chemical treatments. Blow-drying, curling, or straightening it too frequently will leave it damaged.

When using products like Moroccan oil, make sure you follow the directions for use carefully, especially if it involves time. Products that sit in it for too long could lead to irritation or even scalp damage. Keep in mind that manufacturers research these directions for their clients to get results.

Observe proper hygiene. Regularly shampoo and condition your hair to keep them clean, shiny, and soft. This regular maintenance regimen will help you avoid hair problems like greasy and dandruff. Do not overdo it either, as over washing can lead to loss.

Avoid brushing or combing hair when it is wet. Damp texture may be easier to manage, but wet hair easily breaks. Your choice of comb also affects the health of it. Choose combs with wide and smooth bristles to avoid split ends or scratching your scalp.

Food like salmon, oysters, and spinach are good for the hair. Salmon contains vitamin D that improves its strength. Zinc, found in oysters, is a key nutrient for avoiding loss and flaky scalps. Vitamins found in spinach also help oil circulation that helps make it shiny.

You do not need a counter top full of hair products and appliances for a beautiful hair. If you take time to find the right products and the best brands, you might realize you only need a couple of items to do the trick. Too many different hair products are one way to damage your hair permanently. Try Moroccan oil instead to improve your hair.

Treat any hair problems like head lice immediately. These kinds of hair problems are embarrassing and contagious. You may want to use preventive shampoos if you live in an area where head lice are frequent or you live with a child prone to lice.

There are many products in the market claiming be the solution for any problem. It is best to read user reviews before believing advertisements. You can even ask your stylist for the right product to use on your hair.

Check out product websites like ariagoldmoroccanoil.com.au to see available items.

Tyler works for a company that manufactures hair care products.