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Archive for the ‘Hair loss’ Category

Hair is a slender threadlike outgrowth of accelerator on the skin of the skull. The hair is a reflection of our way of life! As soon as we stressed, tired, sick, it has an impact on our hair. It becomes dull, brittle, and sometimes fall. The hair falls (45 to 60 per day) and renewed permanently. This type of hair loss is normal, each one experiences it once a while. The normal hair loss occurs mostly in the late summer and spring. A hair loss of more than 60 hairs per day is considered excessive; it disserves attention.

Alopecia is any type of hair loss. However, there are many types of hair loss: androgenic alopecia or male-pattern baldness (the most common form of hair loss in both men and women), alopecia areata (a recurrent nonscarring type of hair loss that can affect any hair-bearing area) telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss caused mostly by poor diet, stress, medication, childbirth, febrile illness and surgical operation. In this type of hair loss, the hair comes back after the causes are treated or stopped. Hair loss during chemotherapy is a type of telogen effluvium. In the case of chemotherapy for instance, the hair grow back within two months.

Causes of male pattern baldness

Hereditary balding is the most common cause of hair loss; that is, you are inherited hair loss from either your mother’s or father’s gene. Certain men are genetically predisposed to male pattern hair loss. In this case, the hair start due the effect of hormones on the hair follicle that produces male pattern baldness. Stress has often been involved in the occurrence of hair loss, but has not been confirmed by scientific studies. However, we are all victims of stress induced by the events of regular life, we must adopt the role of stress when hair loss occurs in the weeks following an emotion with an intensity abnormally high.

Poor nutrition – Good nutrition is vital to healthy hair growth. Having inadequate accelerator or iron in your diet can cause you to experience hair loss. Lack of vitamins in your diet can lead to hairloss. For instance, current researches reveal that Folic Acid helps maintain healthy hair, nails and skin. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, enhances scalp circulation. Many researchers confirm that Vitamin B12 helps prevent hair loss. Note, increasing those vitamins intake in your diet might take from 2 to 3 months to produce visible results in your hair’s condition. Natural hair loss treatment requires patience.

Other causes of hair loss – Localized hair loss occurs mostly in male pattern androgenetic alopecia, infections by fungi, Traction alopecia (trichotillomania, braids and hair straightening) or scarring alopecia (caused by cutaneous lupus erythematosus, folliculitis, cicatricial alopecia, Postmenopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia). Localized hair loss can be also caused by certain tumors (basal cell carcinoma, epidermoid carcinoma)

Conventional Treatment

Hair Transplant – This chirurgical method, the most common, requires no hospitalization or general anesthesia. It involves extracting roots and hair follicles from the donor area (a small strip of scalp generally located at the back of the head). This area is never the subject of hair loss.

Natural Treatment

Herbal Remedies – Why use costly hair transplant surgery to restore your hair while you can get your hair back naturally and for less. Our hair loss herbal remedies are blend of carefully chosen herbal ingredients known for their beneficial effect on circulation, hormonal and thyroid functioning, thereby promoting hair and nab growth. Used regularly, it can improve the strength and quantity of hair by stimulating and nourishing the little hair follicles to produce stronger, more abundant hair and by slowing down abnormal hair loss. Those supplements have an excellent blend of nourishing nutrients that block the DHT in the body. They prevent hair loss and promote regrowth of hair follicles. They supplies nutrients for growth of healthy thick hair. To learn more about Our Hair loss Herbal remedies, please visit our his http://www. vitalfoodstore. com/natural-hair-loss-remedies-chemo-and-hair-loss-s/141. htm natural hair loss remedies website

By : Raphael

What Causes Hair Loss?

Many people suffer from hair loss – and there are several causes for hair loss. Alopecia is the general word that is used to refer to any type of hair loss. The most common type of hair loss is male or female pattern baldness – or androgenetic Alopecia – which is caused by genetics. A number of other circumstances – from environmental to medical can also cause hair loss.

Before you start any treatment regimen, you should consult a dermatologist to determine the cause of your hair loss. Hair loss is a common symptom for hundreds of medical conditions – and determining whether or not your hair loss is a symptom of a medical condition will determine the route you need to take – your medical condition will need to be taken care of before treatment for hair loss. Knowing the cause of the hair loss is the first step to finding a successful hair loss remedy.

Hair Loss Remedies

Once you have determined the cause of your hair loss, you will find there are a variety of hair loss remedies – some natural, some medical, and some cosmetic. Your dermatologist can help you find the right solution. Over the past few years, medical treatment of hair loss has grown tremendously – in some cases, learning what causes the hair loss enables drugs to be prefabricated that can stop the hair loss before it happens.

Drug-related hair loss remedies do not work for everyone and the success of this type of hair loss treatment depends on the reason for the hair loss. Cosmetic remedies have also become a favourite way for people to combat hair loss – and is sometimes an option for people who are not successful with other types of hair loss remedies. But, cosmetic hair replacement can be quite expensive.

Many people have found natural remedies for hair loss. The premise behind natural hair loss remedies is that hair loss is a natural condition and can, in some cases, be dramatically decreased by using natural remedies. There are many types of natural hair loss remedies including exercise to increase blood flow, massaging the scalp, and herbal hair loss remedies, which involve the use of natural herbs.

Herbal Remedies For Hair Loss

There are many types of herbal remedies for hair loss – some are used to stimulate hair growth and others are used to keep the hair and the scalp healthy in order to prevent hair loss. Let’s explore some of these natural hair loss remedies.

1. Henna can be used to condition and maintain healthy hair – thus, decreasing the chances of hair loss. Henna is a traditional herb that has been used for a number of years to maintain healthy hair.

2. Aloe Vera is another traditional herb that has been used effectively in the prevention of hair loss. Native Americans, as well as people in the Caribbean and India have used Aloe Vera to maintain healthy hair and prevent hair loss. Combined with wheat germ oil and coconut milk, Aloe Vera can be prefabricated into a shampoo that cleanses and heals the scalp.

3. Jojoba Oil is an herbal cure for hair loss that has been used successfully in people who suffer from skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and has been used successfully in the treatment of dandruff.

4. Aromatherapists use lavender and bay essential oils to massage the scalp and stimulate hair growth.

5. Horsetail can be used to stimulate hair follicles. This herb can be used to help conquer pattern baldness by strengthening weak hair and promoting hair growth.

6. Rosemary is another herbal cure for hair loss that can be used in oil for massaging the scalp and stimulating hair growth.

7. Saw Palmetto can be used to block the hormone DHT, which is part of the cause of hair loss. Saw Palmetto can be used in oils, added to other formulas, or taken internally in capsule form.

8. Ginseng can be used as a stimulant and helps improve circulation. Ginseng can also be used to remove toxins clogging the hair follicles, increasing the chance of healthy hair growth. Like Saw Palmetto, Ginseng can be used as oil, added to other formulas, or taken internally in capsule form.

These are just a few of the many herbal remedies for hair loss. Other herbs used to prevent hair loss or stimulate hair growth include green tea, ginkgo biloba, licorice, nettles, and sage. There are many other herbs that can be used for the prevention and treatment of hair loss in many combinations of shampoos and oils – some even used as teas to stimulate blood flow, thus stimulating the natural growth of hair. As with any treatment, be sure to check with your dermatologist to find the cause of the hair loss so that you can make an informed decision on the right hair loss remedy for you.

By : Dr John Anne

Have you noticed a gradual and progressive increase in the number of hairs lost when combing or brushing? Perhaps after months or years of vain denial, you have realized that the mirror does not lie, visible thinning has occurred. You’re not alone if you’re experiencing breakage, increased hair shedding or significant hair loss.

Many women might cover it up with wigs, hair extensions, hats or scarves. Others select one of the several approved medications or surgical procedures that are acquirable to treat baldness.

Excessive hair loss or balding is mistakenly perceived as a strictly something that happens to men even though women actually make up to forty percent of American hair loss sufferers. In America, one in four, or over 30 million women will seek solutions and treatment for hair loss annually.

First of all, don’t panic! Hair loss or hair shedding is consistent within the hair growth cycle and it is normal to lose some scalp hair apiece day. The average human scalp has roughly 100,000 to 150,000 individual hairs and the normal hair growth cycle results in the loosening or shedding of about 100 to 150 hairs on a regular basis. New hair growth then emerges from these same previous dormant hair follicles, growing at the average rate of about half an inch per month.

Hair is composed of two separate parts: the follicle and the hair shaft. The follicle lies below the scalp and produces the hair strands that we see growing out of our head. The follicle is alive, however the hair strand is simply composed of dead cells that have no regenerative ability.

For most people, 90% of our scalp hair is always in a to six year growth phase (anagen) while the remaining 10% is in a dormant period (telogen), which lasts about three months. When the dormant period ends the hair is shed; these are the worrisome hairs we preoccupy over in our comb, hairbrush, on our pillow or down the shower drain. Relax, some hair loss is perfectly normal.

Baldness or Alopecia happens when the normal pattern of hair growth is disrupted. The normal pattern of human hair growth is growing, resting, shedding and growing again. If the growth pattern is out of balance, hair does not grow back as readily as it falls out. A family history of androgenetic alopecia increases your risk of balding. Heredity also affects the age at which you start to lose hair and the development, pattern and extent of your baldness.

What concerns us is not these normally shed hairs, but the noticeable thinning we confront in the mirror. For a woman, thick, vibrant hair is our crowning glory, our vanity visible. A luxuriant full mane epitomizes the beauty of a woman and is integrally woven into our self image. Our culture strongly identifies femininity with a thick, silky head of hair. Throughout recorded history, images of shining, full bodied hair are associated with female beauty, youth, desirability and good health. Society unfairly identifies dry, demand luster and thinning hair with old age, sickness and poverty.

A dramatic decrease in self esteem is evident in women when their hair begins to start out. Hair shedding is not physically painful, however it often causes severe emotional distress. We preoccupy over our thin tresses as we effort depression and self loathing. Women frequently become introverted and withdraw from the world. We refrain intimate contact and make futile attempts to disguise the calibre and quantity of our hair.

Hair loss is especially injurious to those who have professions or careers where physical appearance plays a significant role. A young woman is especially vulnerable to the stigma of balding. Not until we are confronted with the loss of our hair do we fully realize how essential hair is to our overall perception of ourselves.

A woman’s hair is at its thickest by age 20. Once we pass 20, however, our hair gradually begins to thin, shedding more than the normal 100-150 hairs a day. With aging, hair strands hold less pigment and become smaller so that what was once the luxuriant and thick hair of our youth becomes thin, fine and lighter in color. For even the elderly woman, significant hair loss can threaten self image. A woman’s sense of sexuality and femininity as well as her establish place in family and society are often undermined by hair loss.

It is hardly surprising when a man starts balding. By the age of thirty-five about 25 percent of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss and about 75 percent are either bald or have a balding pattern by age 60.

In men, hair loss is often perceived as a sign of virility, a demonstrable sign that his male hormones are functioning at maximum capacity. To project strength and masculinity, men often select to shave their heads.

Although many men are quite dismayed by a receding hairline, research indicates that the phycological pain of hair loss does not affect men as adversely as it impacts women. What makes coping with hair loss so difficult is the frightening demand of control, the feeling of the inability to do anything to make our hair stop falling out.

Causes Of Hair Loss In Women

As we age, women grappling a multitude of changes and challenges: wrinkles, a widening waist, cellulite deposits and thickening ankles. It does not seem clean that for many of us hair loss is yet another blow to our self esteem.

Female pattern baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in women and is genetic in nature. This type of female balding is caused by the chemical Dihydrotestosterone or DHT which builds up around the air follicle and over time destroys both the hair shaft and the hair follicle. Pregnancy or the onset of menopause might cause a fluctuation in the production of estrogen. Lacking adequate estrogen to produce testosterone-blocking enzymes, testosterone is then converted to DHT on the scalp. The result is a shorter hair growth cycle, finer hair and excessive hair loss from shedding and breakage. Some women experience an increase in hair loss several months after delivering a baby.

Genetics aside, there are many other reasons why women lose hair. Surgery, extreme physical or emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, chemotherapy and scalp infections are but a few. Female hair loss can also be triggered by birth control medications, certain prescription drugs or result from the use of harsh chemicals or aggressive styling that can cause permanent alteration to the fragile hair follicle. Excessive hair shedding might also be symptomatic of rapid weight loss from hazardous fad-dieting or an intake disorder such as anorexia. The use of street drugs such as cocaine will also exhibit sudden and severe hair shedding.

When To Contact A Medical Professional

Reacting intensely to the physical say of our thinning hair might seem like excessive vanity, but it is not. Baldness is not usually caused by disease, but is more commonly related to heredity, aging and hormone function. However, changes in hair appearance, texture and growth patterns might indicate serious health concerns. Hair is one of the first areas, along with skin and nails, to reflect nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance and illness. It is wise to pay attention.

Women’s hair seems to be particularly sensitive to underlying medical conditions so it is important that women with undiagnosed hair loss be properly evaluated by a physician. If your thinning hair is a result of a medical condition, your physician will treat these ailments and as a result you might experience significant growth of new hair.

Once you and your physician have identified the cause of your hair loss you might be referred to a hair specialist or implant surgeon to learn about the treatment options acquirable such as or hair transplant procedures to promote growth or hide loss. For some types of alopecia, hair might resume normal growth without any treatment.

A healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, hydration and rest can go a long way towards preventing hair loss and maximizing the potential of your hair growth cycle.

Although medical research is on going, the following have evidenced beneficial in growing and maintaining a healthy head of hair.

Nutrition

Poor nutrition is often an underlying cause of hair loss as the hair is a reliable indicator of nutritional well being. Discuss with your health care bourgeois your diet, all medications and any supplements you might be taking. Dull hair color or dry and brittle hair might be indicators of a deficiency in essential fats in the diet, oily hair might be a sign of a B vitamin deficiency.

Recent medical studies have found that a high percentage of women with thinning hair are deficient in iron and the amino acid lysine. It is difficult to obtain adequate lysine through diet alone. Lysine is important in the transport of iron and necessary to support hair growth. Lysine is found in eggs and red meat so vegetarians needs to be aware of this potential shortfall in their diets.

The amino acids L-Cysteine and L-Methionine are believed to improve hair texture, calibre and growth.

Low-fat foods that rank high in protein, low in carbohydrates, can play a vital role in sustaining healthy hair growth and aid in preventing hair loss. Important essential fatty acids for maintaining hair health are found in walnuts, sunflower seeds, sardines, spinach, soy and canola oil. Omega 3 and Omega 6 Oils protect the heart as well as your hair so include salmon in your diet on a regular basis.

Herbal Remedies Offer Hope For Hair Loss

Discuss with your nutritional advisor or medical professional the benefits of herbs. The following natural plant derivatives have properties to encourage a healthy head of hair.

Aloe
Arnica
Birch
Burdock
Catmint
Chamomile
Horsetail
Licorice
Marigold
Nettles
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Hair Care

Always select organic natural products to refrain the chemicals and toxins found in many hair care products. Harsh chemicals might strip the natural oils from your hair and lead to breakage and poor hair growth. Dye, hair straightening and permanent solutions are highly destructive to the hair shaft and follicle as well as the delicate sebum equilibrise of the scalp.

Be gentle with your hair. Grant hair to dry naturally rather than using a hair dryer. A natural bristle brush is helpful in preventing damage. Do not style until absolutely dry. Wet hair is weak hair so handle with care.

Avoid or break any bad habits you might have that pull or twist the hair. Try not to constantly run your fingers through your hair, tug at the hair and refrain hair clips or rubber bands that pull at and break off the hair. Minimize the usage of mousse, gels and hair sprays. These products dry and weigh down the hair shaft and dull the natural luster of your hair.

Avoid salt and chlorinated water when swimming. If exposed, always wash the hair with cool water and an organic gentle shampoo and apply a mild conditioner. Sun worshippers should make sure that hair care products have sunscreen properties to protect hair from the harmful affects of UV rays. Remember to wear a hat to prevent sunburn of the scalp.

Healthy Lifestyle

Hair loss is traumatic, however our hair is only part of who we are. I remind myself to keep my preoccupation with my hair loss in appearance and be happy with all the other areas of my life that are going right and in balance. Focus on the positive, take well, rest well and be at peace with who you are. Remember, that for some, hair grows back as mysteriously as it disappeared.

By : Marlene Affeld

Hair loss is one of the most common and bothersome conditions for people. Tension sets in as soon as one notices thinning of hair or excessive hair loss and everyone starts advising all types of treatment plans. But before you decide for any costly treatment plan or hair loss treatment medication, it is advisable to comprehend what hair loss is and the types and benefits of medication acquirable for hair loss treatment to ensure effective and desirable results.

Hair loss
Hair loss and male pattern baldness are humiliating conditions for men. Before you go for any other hair loss treatment medication it is important to know about the process of hair loss.

The scalp hairs are divided into two phases, growth phase and relaxing phase. Nearly 90% of our hairs are in growth phase, which lasts for approximately four to five years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter per month during this phase. Once the hairs are fully grown, the relaxing phase starts, which lasts for up to four months. After this period, the hairs start out naturally and are replaced by new hair in its place. This is an ongoing process and as a result of which we can lose up to 100 hairs daily. However, this is a normal occurrence and is not deemed as hair loss.

Hair loss process starts if the rate of hair start increases at an alarming rate. Moreover, if the new hairs that replace the old one come slowly or are thin, it might be onset of hair loss. Male pattern hair loss (male pattern baldness) is the most common cause of hair loss but there could be some other reason behind your hair loss. Hence it is important to discuss your particular hair loss with your physician before you purchase Propecia or start any other hair loss treatment.

Benefits of medication over other types of treatments
With hair loss becoming a common cause of concern amongst millions of people crossways the world, apiece year a massive number of medications, herbs, spices, nutritional supplements, oils, shampoos etc comes up in the market apiece claiming itself to be the panacea for hair loss. Each year, men suffering from hair loss spend billions of dollars in an attempt to treat their hair loss. Unfortunately, 99% of all products being marketed in the less than ethical hair loss treatment industry are absolutely ineffective for the majority of those who use them.

If you are going bald you should seriously think about hair loss medication treatments to halt or even reverse your hair loss. While there is no “Hair Loss Cure”, hair loss drugs can often stop or even reverse alopecia alter in most people. Medication for treating hair loss slows thinning of the hair and increases coverage of the scalp by growing new hair and enlarging existing hairs.

Types of Medications for Hair loss Treatment
Today there are two FDA approved medications for hair growth – minoxidil which is sold over the counter as Rogaine, for both men and women, and Finasteride, a prescription pill sold as Propecia, for men only. Two other drugs have been recently approved for hair growth and include a high-estrogen oral contraceptive and Aldactone (spironolactone). However, these two medications are only for women due to their feminizing side effects.

Both these medications slow thinning of the hair and increase coverage of the scalp by growing new hair and enlarging existing hairs. However, the effectiveness of finasteride or minoxidil depends on your age and the location of hair loss. These medications do not work for everyone, and you should not anticipate to re-grow a full head of hair.

Propecia as Hair Loss Treatment Medicine
Propecia (Finasteride) is proven to be the most effective hair loss treatment medicine to treat male pattern baldness. Propecia is for men only, and is not approved by the FDA as a hair loss treatment for women or children.

Propecia works by blocking the enzyme, Type II 5 alpha-reductase from converting testosterone to its active form DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body. DHT plays a major role in inherited male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). In this process, it reduces the level of the hormone in the scalp which shortens the hair growth cycle and grants hairs to revert to a normal growth cycle. This can result in stopping further hair loss and increasing new hair growth in men with male pattern baldness.

A single 1mg Propecia paper is to be taken each day continuously for 3-6 months before benefit is seen. When Propecia is discontinued, the hair loss process resumes so continuous use is suggested to sustain benefit.

Also remember that Propecia is a prescription only medicine with certain side effects and should be taken after consultation with the doctor.

By: Katie

For any hair loss treatment to be effective, it is essential to first know the exact cause of hair loss. Some hair shedding in men as well as women is normal. As hairs are shed at the end of their growth cycle and replaced by new ones, some degree of hair loss is normal. However, should you find any kind of abnormal hair loss; you can approach a medical professional for treatment.

Hair loss treatment medicines

Some people might select to treat their hair loss with medicines while others are not as concerned about their thinning hair lines or even baldness. If a disease is the reason for your hair loss, then treating the disease might stop the hair loss. Or simply treating hair loss with prescription drugs can also reverse hair loss.

Treatment for hair loss does tend to boost self-esteem and one’s overall well-being. While some would willingly trade this with drug-related health inconsistencies, others would tread more carefully and make an informed decision. Some medicines could have harmful side effects but using the medicines under medical guidance can lessen the incidence of side effects.

Inherited hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) treatment aims to refrain hair loss, promote hair growth, and cover bald areas on the scalp. Since all individuals react differently to dissimilar medicines, everyone might not notice positive results or re-grow a full head of hair. The medicines include:

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is an over-the-counter topical solution that is sprayed on and rubbed into the scalp twice a day. Once use of this solution is stopped, you will lose all your re-grown hair in time.

Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription-only medication for men. One 1mg pill must be taken once daily. However, it has not established its efficacy in women and is therefore not approved for use by women. In addition, women who are planning on becoming pregnant in the future should not take or handle crushed or broken tablets, because Finasteride can cause birth defects in a male foetus.

Even though treatment with medicines might slow hair loss and help hair re-growth, you much think about the following before making your decision. These include:

You might not get as much hair growth as you expected Medicines for hair growth might have to be taken over the long term or all re-grown hair will start out Your might have to pay for the medication from you own pocket because you insurance might not cover the medicine; medicines can be costly Long-term use of these medicines might result in side effects that are not yet known; certain health conditions do not grant you to use these medications All hair loss treatments have their limitations.

Treatments Available for Hair Loss

There is not much that men or women can do to prevent inherited hair loss. This type of hair loss is a trait that carries itself in the DNA of the person. Nonetheless, not all hair loss is hereditary. There are cases where individuals have experienced hair loss while their parents and close relatives have not. This generally points a finger at other causes like stress, poor nutrition or even pollution. Premature hair loss might be result of drug use, stress, overwork, hair dyes and other chemicals, fungal infections and disease, among others.

Depending on the type of hair loss, treatments will normally differ. However, it is essential that first the cause of hair loss is established so that it becomes simple to embark on the type of treatment. For example, if treatment of a disease, like chemotherapy is the cause of hair loss then medicines might not necessarily have the potential to treat this hair loss. On the other hand, if stress is the cause of hair loss, then treatment might be used to repair dilapidated hair.

Some conditions produce small areas of hair loss, while others affect massive areas of the scalp. Alopecia can affect hair on other parts of the body too – for example, the beard. Common causes of patchy hair loss are:

Alopecia areata (patches of baldness that usually grow back) Alopecia totalis Traction alopecia (thinning from tight braids or ponytails) Trichotillomania (the usage of twisting or pulling hair out) Tinea capitis (fungal infection)

Alopecia areata, a common condition usually starts as a single, quarter-sized circle of perfectly smooth baldness. But normally patches do re-grow in three to six months without treatment. Sometimes, the hair might also grow back in white colour but later change back to its usual colour.

In another variant, when the old patches re-grow hair, they might be replaced by other patches.

An autoimmune condition, alopecia areata is stated to occur when the body attacks its own hair follicles. Treatments for alopecia areata include injecting steroids into affected patches to stimulate hair growth. But this is not very practical for massive areas of hair loss. Other treatments include oral steroids and ultraviolet light therapy. But the downside of this is that these could be toxic and impractical. In mild cases, patients generally comb over the affected areas. In severe cases, people have taken to wearing hairpieces; another option is shaving the scalp completely; this is a more excepted fashion statement in current times.

Hair loss might start as Alopecia Areata and progress into Alopecia Totalis.

Alopecia totalis, the most extensive in form of the autoimmune disorder, actually affects the whole scalp and results in total baldness. Stress is thought to trigger this type of hair loss but people leading relatively stress-free lives have also experienced these symptoms.

Methotrexate and corticosteroids have been proposed as treatments.

Traction alopecia is normally caused as a result of tight braids and ponytails that pull hard on scalp hairs, alteration dermal papilla and hair follicle and contribute to their falling out. It is therefore ideal to select hairstyles that decrease pressure on the hair roots and will also refrain permanent damage.

Traction alopecia is reversible if diagnosed early, but might lead to permanent hair loss if it is undetected for a protracted period. Change in hair styles or medication treatments might reverse traction alopecia. Unfortunately, no medical treatment is acquirable to reverse late-stage traction alopecia.

Trichotillomania refers to the usage of pulling out hairs or twisting them, sometimes unknowingly. In this condition the scalp and the eyelashes are also affected and show patches of broken-off hairs.

Treatment entirely depends on your activity change; you have to become aware of your problem and then deal with it

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp. It mostly affects school-age children. Bald spots normally show broken-off hairs.

Treatment includes oral antibiotics that penetrate the hair roots and cure the infection, after which hair grows back.

Generalized hair loss includes conditions like:

Telogen effluvium normally means rapid shedding of hair after childbirth, fever, or after sudden weight loss. There is no medical treatment to correct this type of hair. In time the body adjusts to the changes and starts to work normally again.

Androgenetic alopecia has no medical cure. Normally the people covering this type of hair loss must stay with this condition or use prescription medication like Propecia for the long-term. Women do not have this option. Both men and women can both go in for hair transplants. But this is an costly option.

No matter what the cause, hair loss is a difficult matter to confront. Moreover, individuals might not have control over the cause of their hair loss. Besides, multiple factors contributing to hair loss make treating the condition all the more difficult; but it is not impossible. Even in the most extreme cases, treatment solutions can generally be found.

By: Anthony Delar

Do you want to stop hair loss now? At least 50% of the male population suffers from thinning hair or hair loss and desperately need to use hair loss products in order to further stop hair loss. These medical conditions occur when the hair on your head or body falls out. Unless you use hair loss treatments in order to stop hair loss, these ailments can evolve into complete baldness. A basic way to stop hair loss is to comprehend its cause in your particular situation. For example, your loss of hair might be due to iron deficiency, bad genes, or voluntary hairstyling procedures. If your hair loss is caused by merely pulling out your hair, of course the easiest hair loss treatments is to stop. However, its most likely not that simple and medical hair loss treatments target the above problems in order to stop hair loss and promote regrwoth. Right now there are only two hair loss treatments which are approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration to stop hair loss: Minoxidil and Finasteride. These hair loss treatments can be found in many favourite hair loss products such as Propecia and Rogaine. These hair loss products have thousands of success stories and will leave you looking and feeling young again. Before you spend the massive amounts of money that many of these hair loss treatments cost, read our reviews on the various different products that are economical and can be used to stop hair loss for you at productreviewsonline. com!

As previously mentioned, Propecia is one of the hair loss treatments which contains Finasteride. Hair loss treatments of the sort decrease the level ofdyhdrotestosterone (DHT) in the body which stop hair loss. These hair loss products also lead to the regrowth of hair. Propecia is taken regular through the use of an oral tablet. Like any of the other hair loss products, in order to truly stop hair loss through the use of this pill, consistent use is needed. Inconsistent use of these hair loss treatments will not be healthy to further stop hair loss.

Rogaine is also one of the most favourite of the hair loss products. Containing minoxidil, this topical solution is applied to the scalp twice a day in order to stop hair loss. These topical hair loss treatments can also stimulate regrowth of the hair. Because the chances of inconsistent usages of these topical hair loss products are great, physicians often advocate that their patients use pill forms of hair loss treatments, like propecia, in addition to rogaine.

A good amount of hair loss treatments, like hair transplants cost into the thousands of dollars and leave their customers unsatisfied. Hair Loss products such as toupees or wigs might look unnatural. But bear in mind, there are many hair loss treatments out there that are inexpensive and will leave you looking like you have a full set of natural hair again. While these hair loss products can take at least six months in order to stop hair loss running through your Hair loss treatments options is well worth it. Without these hair loss products, there is virtually no way to stop hair loss. The success stories of these hair loss products are great. So, even though these hair loss treatments might be costly, before you waste the huge bucks trying to stop hair loss through an ineffective potion read our reviews on the many different hair loss products out there and find one that truly will work for you. No matter what your age, how much you can afford to pay, how much or tiny hair you have on your head there are hair loss products for you.

By: Richard Moore

Male Hair loss usually refers to the male pattern baldness. It’s medically referred as “Androgenic Alopecia”. Male hair loss affects an individual at any time after puberty. The hair usually recedes the letter “M” and the crown hair becomes thinner as age advances. Hair loss is frequent in males and women. However much more males undergo from hair loss than women.

Remedy of male hair loss differs quite a bit from feminine hair loss treatment. Propecia is an efficient example for a male hair loss product that shouldn’t be used by women. . If a women is pregnant Propecia might injure the newborn in the womb.

Propecia might also trigger hair development on components of the body the place girls don’t wish to have hair (body, face) . Therefore Propecia shouldn’t be really helpful for women. Male hair loss might be handled with propecia but with some aspect effects. The negative effects embrace impotency and demand of sex drive. So it’s ideal to consult your physician before taking this medicine.

In primeval days, Rogaine was used to deal with hypertension, but now it is primarily used to stop hair loss. Rogaine needs to be used constantly for 3 to four months to have some fruitful results.

The explanation for male hair loss is principally due to the levels of DHT (Dihydro testosterone) in the scalp. The DHT is current in an individual immediately after his puberty and the purpose of DHT is to develop secondary sexual characteristics. DHT gets connected to the hair follicle and prevents the assimilation of vitamins to the follicles which in flip cause scaling down of hair and eventually shedding of hair which leads to hair loss.

In order to forestall hair loss there are many products acquirable on the market. A very powerful igredients, which forestall hair loss is noticed palmetto. It is clearly evident that noticed palmetto blocks DHTs and is a natural medication. A product known as Hair Genesis consists of saw palmetto and is extensively used to treatment hair loss.

Hair energizer hair merchandise by Ferm-T are also being used for treating hair loss. Even girls can use this product with none aspect effect. The Hair energizer helps to cease hair thinning and hair loss. The Hair Energizer kit comes with a bottle of Follicle spray, 15 ml tube Jojoba oil, a bottle of shampoo, and 60 tablets of nutritional vitamins & minerals. Advecia, one other product helps so much to deal with hair loss. It is important for revitalizing the hair follicles. This is helpful in treating the follicles, which are disadvantaged of nutrients.

In contrast generally Girls’s hair loss doesn’t result in complete hair loss as like that of men. Though ladies’s hair loss is partial, it’s devastating for the mortal when it does happen.

The psychological impression of women’s hair loss is extensive when compared to men since girls think about their hair as a significant a part of their beauty and discover it to be an vital part of their outer appearance.
Girls’s hair loss has absolutely different reasons. Heredity is considered one of those. Furthermore the treatment of women’s hair loss is solely absolutely different than that of males, because the treatment provided for re-growth of hair might trigger the expansion of hair on other elements of the body reminiscent of chest, again, and face. Most women don’t like facial hair growth.

Girls suffering from hair loss must seek the advice of a health care bourgeois to search out out what causes the hair loss. As soon as the cause has been ascertained, the physician will be capable to prescribe the suitable medication. For women’s hair loss, many doctors prescribe estrogen to appropriate the condition.

Ladies’s hair loss can be handled with lucocorticoids. Topical application of Minoxodil or Anthralin is the only suggested treatment accessible for ladies’s hair loss. Girls’s hair loss in the initial stage might be treated well and the response to the therapy can also be extremely good. So in case you are dropping hair, see a health care bourgeois as swiftly as possible.

An essential condition referred to as Androgenic alopecia is discovered to be affecting about 2% of the population. This situation causes full hair loss all around the body. Women’s hair loss falling underneath this class is found to be tough to cure. Physicians might prescribe sure medicines to cut back the signs of Androgenic alopecia.

Girls who have just given delivery to a child additionally last from hair loss very often. This kind of hair loss is momentary and should cease within 6 months after birth. That is primarily as a result of fact that there’s a larger estrogen stage throughout pregnancy, which might result in preserving the hair follicles within the growth phase. Immediately after childbirth, there’s a sudden withdrawl of estrogen, which can trigger the hair to enter into the hair loss phase. Hair could grow once more after 6 months, however making use of hair tonic might hasten re-development of hair.

Typically crash diets might lead to girls’s hair loss and in addition rapid weight loss over a short period. Along with this, emotional and bodily stress might also lead to hair loss. Instantly after the alleviation of the stress, the hair falling might be stopped.

Frequent dyeing and chemical substances e. g. Perming options used on hair could cause hair falling. This situation might happen when a girl uses chemical compounds very frequently. The hair begins to disturb off. The hair falling cure merchandise when utilized on the scalp might strengthen the follicles.

After you have recognized the main reason for hair loss, select the correct treatment at the right time to make sure higher hair growth. In most critical cases of girls’s hair loss, it is always advisable to seek the assistance of a dermatologist for complete prognosis and cure plan.

Hair loss affects many people and there are some interesting approaches to fighting the common medical condition often referred to as androgenic alopecia. Once age related hair loss begins making its appearance, people fear that with the speed they are losing their hair, they might soon become bald. Depression and self-guilt can arise from the anxiety caused by the increasing hair loss shedding. For a long time there have not been many viable options to people going through hair loss and often think nothing can be done. Current advancements in hair loss research and scientific experiments have helped develop new approaches to hair loss and going bald. The drug minoxidil was hailed as the miracle cure when it was released under the trademarked study Rogaine. The FDA approved hair loss product has become the number one selling treatment for androgenic alopecia in America.

Read more on Hair Loss Solution and Prevent Hair Fall and Natural Hair Care

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss is a natural part of the body’s course of renewal. As some hair falls out, new growth replaces it.

However, this process might be accelerate by a number of conditions. Hormonal changes might contribute to rapid hair loss, such as during pregnancy or childbirth, or even when pending off the Pill.

1.     Age factor

2.     Genetic factor

3.     Hormonal change

4.     Stress

5.     Poor circulation of blood to the scalp

6.     Excess dandruff

Symptoms of Hair Loss

Hair loss is astonishing which grappling by over half the population is. It is often thought that it was only limited to males but that is just not right and women too not spared.

Approximately 60% population is experience hair loss symptoms and reasons might vary from human being to person.

A large amount of fissure is also stated to be a sign of hair loss among men and women.

Among women, this symptom of hair loss might be hard to judge, more than ever if she uses hair styling irons that place into words heat and might cause breakage.

Treatment of Hair Loss

Natural Treatments for Hair Loss is diet. A diet that contains whole foods, particularly the outer skin of plants such as potatoes, cucumbers, green and red peppers, and sprouts can give strength to hair because they are rich in the mineral silica. Foods that are high in iron, such as lean meats, are important for people with a known iron deficiency.

Some forms of hair loss can be prevented by practicing good nutrition, minimizing stress, and sensible hairdressing techniques. Hair loss from fungal infections can be prevented by never sharing combs, hats, or brushes with other people and by keeping hair clean and the topical treatments might help slow or prevent the development of common male pattern baldness.

Treatment for hair loss might boost self-esteem and overall well-being, even though the trade-off might be that it affects your health. Some medications might have harmful side effects, and surgery might carry certain risks.

Natural Home Remedies for Hair Loss

One is Amla oil. There is a home cure which is prefabricated by boiling Amla in coconut oil.

Mixing Amla juice with lemon juice and using the mixture as a shampoo is stated to be good for your hair. This is stated by many to help the hair grow and encourage blood flow to the scalp.

Another treatment that can be done at home is to use alfalfa added to lettuce juice and carrots. This is a home cure that has been used for many years.

Still another is a mixture of spinach and lettuce juices. A half liter a day is the recommended amount of this juice.

Rubbing the scalp has been stated to increase the circulation to hair follicles. This is to be done very vigorously until the scalp begins to tingle.

Margosa tree leaves are another of the hair loss home remedies that many people state work. This age-old cure is another that has been used and passed down from generation to generation.

Herbal Remedies for hair Loss

1.     Henna can be used to condition and maintain healthy hair – thus, decreasing the chances of hair loss. Henna is a traditional herb that has been used for a number of years to maintain healthy hair.

2.     Jojoba Oil is an herbal cure for hair loss that has been used successfully in people who suffer from skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and has been used successfully in the treatment of dandruff.

3.     Aromatherapists use lavender and bay essential oils to massage the scalp and stimulate hair growth.

4.     Horsetail can be used to stimulate hair follicles. This herb can be used to help conquer pattern baldness by strengthening weak hair and promoting hair growth.

The acceptedest type of hair loss is masculine or changeable sample baldheadedness – or androabiogenetic Alopecia – which is attributable to analysis. A number of other affairs – from ecology to medical can also cause hair loss. ,How to Grow Hair Naturally

Earlier than you activate any cure regimen, you need to argue a dermatologist to avertabundance the reason for your hair loss. Hair loss is a standard symptom for tons of of medical situations – and free whether or not or not your hair loss is a symptom of a medical condition will actuate the route you must take – your medical condition will have to be taken affliction of beahead cure for hair loss. Realizing the reason for the hair loss is the aboriginal step to advertent a profitable hair loss remedy.

Hair Loss Remedies

Once you have bent the reason for your hair loss, you’ll disawning there are a number of hair loss treatments – some pure, some medical,Renewable Energy Solar homes – the benefits of solar power in the Home,Rogaine for Men, and some cosmetic. Your dermatologist capability help you find the proper solution. Over the past few years, medical cure of hair loss has developed tralterously – in some instances, studying what causes the hair loss accredits medication to be prefabricated that can caffluence the hair loss afore it appears.

Drug-accessoryd hair loss treatments don’t work for everyphysique and the sucassessment of one of these hair happening cure depends upon the reason for the hair loss. Cosmetic treatments accept aswell abound to be a well-admired adjustment for association to action hair loss – and is usuaccessory an option for people who acquisition themselves not profitable with other anatomys of hair loss remedies. Howanytime, corrective hair replaadhesive will be adequately big-ticket.

Many people have start pure treatments for hair loss. The preambience abaft pure hair loss treatments is that hair loss is a pure condition and can, in some instances, be badly abatementd through the use of pure remedies. There are a lot of forms of pure hair loss treatments together with exercise to access blood stream, massadverseg the scalp, and natural hair loss treatments, which absorb using pure herbs.

Natural Remedies For Hair Loss

There are a lot of forms of natural treatments for hair loss – some are used to stimulate hair progress and others are used to advance the hair and the scalp advantageous as a way to praccident hair loss. Let’s ascertain a few of these pure hair loss remedies.

1. Henna can be utilized to action and preserve healthy hair – thus, abbreviating the possibilities of hair loss. Henna is a standard herb that has been used for a lot of years to capitaltain healthy hair.

2. Aloe Vera is addition traccessional herb that has been used finer within the prevention of hair loss. Native Indivibifolds, as well as folks within the Caribbean and India have used Aloe Vera to maintain healthy hair and prevent hair loss. Combined with wcalefaction antibody oil and attic milk, Aloe Vera will be fictitious into a shampoo that absolves and heals the scalp.

3. Jojoba Oil is an natural cure for hair loss that has been used successaboundingy in alones who last from skin situations, commensurable to eczema, psoriasis, and has been used successabsolutely within the cure of dandruff.

4. Aroalgebraicerapists use lavender and bay acceptationant oils to therapeutic beating the scalp and stimulate hair growth.

5. Horsetail can be utilized to stimubackward hair corpuscles. This herb can be utilized to abetment beat sabounding alopecia by strengthening weak hair and selling hair advance.

6. Rosemary is another natural cure for hair loss that can be utilized in oil for accumulationcrumbling the scalp and stimulating hair growth.

7. Saw Palmetto can be utilized to barrier the hormone DHT, which is part of the reason for hair loss. Saw Palmetto can be utilized in oils, added to other blueprints, or taken centralizedly in abridged form.

8. Ginseng can be utilized as a stimulant and helps advance apportionment. Ginseng might also be used to remove toxins bottleneck the hair follicles, rising the possibility of healthy hair growth. Like Saw Palmetto, Ginseng can be utilized as oil, added to other formulas, or taken internally in capsule form.

These are just a few of the various natural treatments for hair loss. Other herbs used to apprehend hair loss or stimulate hair progress actualize blooming tea, of hair loss in lots of mixtures of shampoos and oils – some even used as teas to stimulate claret stream, thus stimulating the pure progress of hair. As with each remedy, be sure to analysis together with your barktolobasis to find the reason for the hair loss to be healthy to accomplish an abreast accommodation on the proper hair loss cure for you.

Dr John Anne is an natural speciaaccount with yaerial of capability and accelerated assay on herbs and various alleviateth. If you are seaccomplisheding for added abstracts, read abender Hair Loss Resolution and Feminine Hair Loss.

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia (also known as baldness or hair loss) refers to loss or demand 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. Even though 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 irradiation 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 adequate circulating androgens (steroid hormone such as testosterone or androsterone, which promotes male characteristics). According to Sinclair (1998) each 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 begin until after puberty with an extremely variable rate of progression [1, 5].

The condition is also evenhandedly common in women and is referred to as female pattern hair loss. In women, “it is characterised by a diffuse reduction in hair density over the crown and frontal scalp with retention of the frontal hairline” [6]. Birch et al (2002) make mention of the fact that in some women, the hair loss might 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, even though 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 kids 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 might 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 uncommon [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 might be present at its margin; the exclamation mark hairs are broken, short hairs, which taper proximally. The hair loss from AA might be the only obvious clinical abnormality or there might be associated nab 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 might range from 100 to 300 hairs. It is thought that TE might 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 doable [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 uninterrupted 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 relaxing 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 restitution 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 irradiation therapy. Circatricial alopecia affects both adults and children, and might present as primary or secondary circatricial alopecia [4, 13].

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

6. Traumatic alopecia
This is usually a very common cause of hair loss in women of some ethnic backgrounds (particularly women of African/Caribbean descent). It is caused as a result of hair grooming techniques by the use of hair reshaping products such as relaxers, straighteners, hot combs, foam rollers and permanent wave products, as well as hair braiding methods. These techniques alteration hair follicles over time [15]. Traumatic alopecia is divided into three categories;
a. Traction alopecia, which results from continual 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 might 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 alteration of the hair follicles [15, 16].
c. Hot-comb alopecia, also known as follicular degeneration syndrome, results from the excessive use of pomades with a hot comb or iron, which leads to a gradual destruction of hair follicles. When pomade comes in contact with a hot comb or hot iron, it liquefies and drips down the hair shaft into the follicle. This results in chronic inflammatory folliculitis, which can lead to scarring alopecia and consequently permanent hair loss. Thinning usually begins at the crown and then spread evenly throughout the head. The condition is irreversible [15, 16].

Common baldness/hair loss myths
Several myths about hair loss exist, some serious, others not so serious. These myths include;
1. Male pattern baldness (as well as female pattern baldness) is inherited from the mother’s side of the family: This is not true as studies have been conducted, which conclusively recommend that it can come from either side of the family.
2. Slicing 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. Slicing 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 slicing the hair makes it thicker. It would also not grow faster as hair grows nearly 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 can't cause hair loss.
4. Towel drying your hair rigorously will make your hair start out faster. This can only occur if the hair was due to start out anyway; however you won’t be promoting additional hair loss by towelling rigorously
5. Rubbing curry on the head will help hair loss. Not only will it not work, you’re likely to smell afterwards as well.
6. Split ends can be repaired. This is not true as split ends can't be repaired and should be cut off immediately to refrain them splitting higher and causing more alteration 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 pleasing to watch.
8. Standing on your head, or hanging upside down will increase the blood flow to the head and reduce hair loss. It is true that standing on your head or hanging upside down will increase the blood flow to the head; however, it won’t do anything to hair loss.

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

There is an important link between hair and identity, especially for women. Feminity, sexuality, attractiveness, and personality, as reiterated by Hunt et al (2005), are symbolically linked to a woman’s hair and as such hair loss can seriously affect self esteem and body image. Hunt et al (2005) also said 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 kids 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 might 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 might 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 might 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 doable if hair loss is managed primeval [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, innocuous and can be used at home (see our new Hairbeam Phototherapy product).