Prevent Hair Loss
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Structure of hair
Beautiful hair
Hair is an outgrowth of protein, found only on mammals. We have approximately 5 million hairs on our body. Of these, about 150,000 (more if you're blond, less if you're a redhead) are found on our scalp. The only parts of our body where there are no hair follicles are the palms, soles, lips, tip of the penis, clitoris, and labia minora (small "lips" of the vagina. It projects from the epidermis, though it grows from hair follicles deep in the dermis. Although many other organisms, especially insects, show filamentous outgrowths, these are not considered "hair". So-called "hairs" (trichomes) are also found on plants. The projections on arthropods, such as insects and spiders are actually insect bristles, composed of a polysaccharide called chitin. The hair of non-human mammal species is commonly referred to as fur. There are varieties of cats, dogs, and mice bred to have little or no visible fur. In some species, hair is absent at certain stages of life.
The main component of hair fiber is keratin. Keratins are proteins: long chains (polymers) of amino acids.
HAIR ANATOMY
Each hair grows from a pocket in the skin called the hair follicle. During its growing phase, the follicle has a bulb-shaped bottom, the center of which is called the dermal papilla (P).The papilla is fed by very small blood vessels, which bring it food and oxygen and take wastes away. The papilla is highly sensitive to hormones. It is here that hormones and chemicals secreted by your body (or injested as a medicine) work on the hair, making it grow faster, slower, or not at all.
The color of our hair is determined by pigmented cells growing at the dermal papilla. These cells (melanocytes), contain a chemical pigment (melanin) - stained dark purple in this photo. The amount and density of melanin in these cells determines the exact color of your hair. There are two types of melanin, one coloring hair brown to black (eumelanin) and one coloring hair blond to red (pheomelanin). The color, shape and thickness is in a large part determined by genetics...just look at your folks!
The hair follicle is a sac-like structure that surrounds the hair root. It is found below the skin, and has very small blood vessels giving it nourishment. Sebaceous glands surrounding the hair root secrete oil (sebum) while salt-water (perspiration) is secreted from nearby sweat glands (not shown). The sebum oil protects the hair and keeps it shiny and waterproof, while the sweat is a way for the body to cool down if it's too hot.
The purpose of hair is to keep the warmth in. Warm-blooded mammals require a warm body temperature to survive(cold-blooded animals, like snakes and other reptiles, metabolize and survive at "room-temperature" and thus neither need, nor have, hair). The densely packed hair of mammals (fur) plays an important role in keeping warm. A tiny hair muscle attached to each hair follicle, called the arrector pili, contracts when in a cold environment (or when fearful). This causes the hair to be pulled downwards so it stands up straight (goose-bumps or gooseflesh), and warm air is actually trapped between each hair. This functions like a layer of clothing, keeping warmth in.
Humans, however, have lost most of our dense fur, so even though we still get goose-bumps, and our hairs can stand on end, the keep-warmth-in phenomenon no longer works.
Hair is actually composed of a protein called keratin. It's the same protein found in our nails and in our skin. A strand of hair has three layers. The outermost layer is called the cuticle. It is transparent and acts to protect the inner layers. The innermost layer is called the medulla, and is composed of large baggy cells that may have a hollow-like appearance. Between these two layers is the cortex. The bulk and strength of hair is from this compact area of cells. Hair Structure and Hair Life Cycle
Hair is composed of strong structural protein called keratin. This is the same kind of protein that makes up the nails and the outer layer of skin.
Each strand of hair consists of three layers.
1. An innermost layer or medulla which is only present in large thick hairs. 2. The middle layer known as the cortex. The cortex provides strength and both the color and the texture of hair. 3. The outermost layer is known as the cuticle. The cuticle is thin and colorless and serves as a protector of the cortex.
Structure of the hair root
Below the surface of the skin is the hair root, which is enclosed within a hair follicle. At the base of the hair follicle is the dermal papilla. The dermal papilla is feed by the bloodstream which carries nourishment to produce new hair. The dermal papilla is a structure very important to hairgrowth because it contains receptors for male hormones and androgens. Androgens regulate hairgrowth and in scalp hair Androgens may cause the hair follicle to get progressively smaller and the hairs to become finer in individuals who are genetically predisposed to this type of hair loss.
Hair loss
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair follicles grow in repeated cycles. One cycle can be broken down into three phases.
1. Anagen - Growth Phase 2. Catagen - Transitional phase 3. Telogen - Resting Phase
Each hair passes through the phases independent of the neighboring hairs. Anagen Phase - Growth Phase
Approximately 85% of all hairs are in the growing phase at any one time. The Anagen phase or growth phase can vary from two to six years. Hair grows approximately 10cm per year and any individual hair is unlikely to grow more than one meter long.Catagen Phase - transitional phase
At the end of the Anagen phase the hairs enters into a Catagen phase which lasts about one or two weeks, during the Catagen phase the hair follicle shrinks to about 1/6 of the normal length. The lower part is destroyed and the dermal papilla breaks away to rest below. Telogen Phase - resting phase
The resting phase follows the catagen phase and normally lasts about 5-6 weeks. During this time the hair does not grow but stays attached to the follicle while the dermal papilla stays in a resting phase below. Approximately 10-15 percent of all hairs are in this phase at an one time.
At the end of the Telogen phase the hair follicle re-enters the Anagen phase. The dermal papilla and the base of the follicle join together again and a new hair begins to form. If the old hair has not already been shed the new hair pushes the old one out and the growth cycle starts all over again.
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Hair loss in female
Hair loss in female
Hair Loss in Female Hair loss in female occurs in more than one pattern. Hair Loss is caused by the actions of two enzymes; aromatase (which is found predominantly in women) and 5-a reductase (which is found in both women and men). The reason that women experience hair loss during and after menopause is that their estrogen levels decline. Female pattern alopecia affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause. Common or "hereditary" baldness in women, also called female pattern alopecia, is genetic and can come either the mother's or father's side of the family. Various forms of estrogen can "oppose" androgens and thereby reduce their availability to the cell, by blocking androgen receptors. A woman who notices the beginning of hair loss may not be sure if the loss is going to be temporary or permanent - for example, if there has been a recent event such as pregnancy or illness that may be associated with temporary hair thinning.
In women more often than in men, hair loss may be due to conditions other than androgenetic alopecia. Because beautiful hair is a sign of youthfulness and longevity, hair loss can leave you feeling confused, helpless, frustrated and angry. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It may also follow any sudden physical or psychological stress to the body. Alopecia means baldness, but just as in men, it does not have to be complete hair loss. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and front of the head. Treatment of this type of hair loss includes immunomodulating therapies such as glucocorticoids, topical immunotherapy, or anthralin, or biologic-responce modifiers such as Minoxidil. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's age, as well as the extent of hair loss.
Symptoms and Treatment of hair loss
Symptoms of Female hair loss:
The main symptoms are: 1. Thinning of hair over the entire head.2. Mild to moderate hair loss at the crown or hairline. Hair loss is something which is faced by over half the population. It is often thought that it was only restricted to males but that is just not right and women too not spared. Approximately 60% population is experiencing hair loss symptoms and reasons may vary from person to person. Prior to beginning with hair loss medication it is wise to know the possible reasons behind the hair loss symptoms and your receding hairline.If you are losing hair on the temple or on the top of the head then this mainly due to androgenetic alopecia or inherited hair loss. This type of hair loss runs in the family from one generation to another. Also if you experience symptoms such as redness or inflammation of the scalp then this could be the result of your own immune system attacking your hair follicles. This mainly happens when your thyroid gland is either overactive or under active, or male (androgens) and female hormones (estrogens) are imbalanced. In short this can too result in hair loss.At times women who gave birth to a baby experience hair loss symptoms and this continues for two-three months. This is the time when you can see tufts of hair are coming out in your brushes and combs. After seeing those tufts instead of panicking or getting depressed simply stay calm. This is a common problem which occurs with childbirth. This whole stage is known as post-partum hair loss and it gradually rectifies itself within a few months in most cases.It has been seen that diet plays an important in curbing hair loss, thus people who start noticing hair loss symptoms simply go in for crash diets and develop protein malnutrition. However, giving a second thought to it is advisable as iron deficiency or inadequate protein intake may result in hair loss or hair thinning. Treatment of Female hair loss: Treatment options for women are more limited than those available to men. A consultation with a skilled specialist to discuss your options is advised. The popular topical treatment Rogaine for women (minoxidil) can be used by women. And many women do hair restoration surgery to restore their hair. Hormone replacement pills, such as Prempro, plus Aldactone are better after menopause. Experienced hair transplant surgeons can often achieve excellent results in women with the new follicular unit and minigraft techniques. If treatment fails, or is not desired professional counseling might be of help. Perms, dyes and other cosmetic options can be used to give a fuller appearance to hair.Hair Loss Remedies for Men and Women
Hair Loss Remedies for Men and Women
Regardless of your age, you need to be concerned about your hair. The appearance and quantity of hair that you have is a reflection of your internal health. You can use natural hair loss remedies to save your hair.
Of course, when you are young you have plenty of hair. But, there are even some of you at an early age, twenties, start to lose your hair.The appearance and quantity of hair that you have is a reflection of your internal health.Aside from a having a serious illness, your hair loss is affected by scalp cleanliness, stress, diet, and excess DHT. Knowing this, you can check out many hair loss remedies available to you.Scalp cleanliness
If you have dandruff, you need to get rid of it. Dandruff can be a source of hair loss when it combines with dirt, shampoo chemicals, excess sebum follicle oil. Over time this combination of chemicals can create a film on your scalp that hardens and start to plug up your hair follicles. Once plugged, your follicles can't support hair growth.Dandruff can be caused by excess stress, dry scalp, or chemical irritations. Look to see if you have excess stress in your life and find a way to reduce it. Chemical irritations can come from the shampoos that you are using.
Look for shampoos and conditioners that have natural ingredients. Start moving away from those hair products that have so many petrochemicals and dyes. Petrochemicals are those ingredients that you are not familiar with on the ingredient label - propylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and FD&C colorings.
Stress
Stress is a major contributors to many illnesses. It can also be the main reason you can experience loss of hair. Many years I was under a lot of stress at my new job. During the first 3 month there I experience excessive hair loss on the top of my head.When you have hair loss due to stress, you can recover this hair if you take action right away. First look at your high stress level and start reducing it. Next, start supplementing your diet with a good hair loss nutritional supplement.
DietWhat you eat feeds your body. The type of body you have is based on what you eat. If you do not provide enough nutrients to your body, you hair will not receive enough nutrients to grow and be healthy. Your hair is last in line for the nutrient you supply your body. One way to improve your diet is eat more fruits in the morning and more vegetable for lunch and dinner. You can consider eating natural food hair loss remedies.DHT (di-hydro-testosterone)
When excessive amounts of testosterone are converted to DHT by the enzyme 5 alpha reductase, this DHT accumulates at the hair root where it blocks blood circulation to that hair follicle. This decrease in blood to the hair root weakens it and it loses its health.DHT also accumulates in the follicle and starts to plug it, thus further inactivating this hair follicle. The result is your hair start to thin out.
For women, DHT formation is not a major activity until menopause. Before menopause, estrogen blocks the formation of DHT. When estrogen decreases after menopause, DHT starts to form causing hair loss in women.
There are now shampoos that help to clean off accumulated DHT from the scalp and from within the hair follicles. Use them to stop hair loss and to recover some of the hair follicles that are still alive.
There are also some pills that block the formation of DHT in the blood, but I don't recommend them since it is not known what the longer term effects are of this blocking.
Go to google to find out more about DHT (di-hydro-testosterone) shampoos.
Scalp Massage to Stop Hair Loss and Stimulate new Growth
Scalp Massage to Stop Hair Loss and Stimulate new Growth
Scalp massage for hair loss has been used throughout history by many different cultures. Massaging the scalp should be part of every hair loss regime. One of the most obvious benefits of scalp massage is increased circulation. The scalp, being an extremity is one of the hardest places for blood to flow. The increased blood flow helps to nourish the follicle. The scalp depends on blood flow to bring oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Scalp massage is very beneficial to stop hair loss.
Tension causes tightness in the scalp, which restricts blood flow. Scalp massage restores pliability and relieves tension, helping to create an ideal environment for new hair growth.
Massaging the scalp also helps loosen and remove dead cells and excess sebum on the scalp, which can hinder new hair growth. Scalp massage helps to distribute the hairs natural oils to protect and condition the hair.
The benefits of scalp massage go beyond hair loss prevention. Seventy percent of our nervous system is in the head. A scalp massage activates neural pathways to the brain and stimulates unused brain cells. Besides that, scalp massage feels good! It is nurturing and relaxing to the whole body.
Scalp massage should include the face and neck. You can perform it yourself or have someone do it for you. Slide your fingertips under your hair and onto your scalp. Use the balls of your fingertips. Use gentle circular motions to stimulate your entire scalp.
Below are several variations of scalp massage to try.
HAIR PULLING MASSAGE
Glide fingers under scalp. Grab hair close to scalp. Pull gently. Relax grip then pull again. Do this 3 times and then move on. Repeat over entire scalp. This is stimulating to the scalp and it feels wonderful, especially if you have someone else do it for you!
INDONESIAN SCALP MASSAGE
Stand with your feet apart. Breathe slow and deep in and out. Gently lean forward from the waist, curving your spine until your head is just below your waist. Keep legs straight. Gently tap your scalp all over with your knuckles for 30 seconds. Slowly raise your body and repeat in an upright position.
ORIENTAL SCALP TAPPING MASSAGE
Place fingers at the center of the skull base and begin to tap about 30 times. Work your way outwards towards the ears and continue tapping. Then go back to the center of the skull, a little higher up and repeat process in this manner until entire scalp is tapped.
TAPPING WITH BRUSH
Tapping your scalp gently with a boar bristle brush is an easy way to provide energy and circulation to the scalp.
AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
Adding essential oils or nourishing herbal infused oils can increase the effectiveness of scalp massage. Dab a small amount of the prepared formula onto fingertips. Place fingertips under hair, directly onto scalp and massage in circular motion. Continue until scalp has been massaged, paying extra attention to thinning areas.
Tips for Long, Strong And Beautiful Hair
Five Tips for Long, Strong And Beautiful Hair
If you've ever wanted long hair, there are some tips that you should definitely keep in mind. I've been growing out my hair for about three years, and in that time, I've managed to get it from chin length to four inches below my waist. Long, healthy hair is definitely attainable, but depending on things like genetics and lifestyle, it might take some encouragement. Check out the great tips below for how to get long, gorgeous hair!
1.Wash only when you need to.It's true. Hair will adjust to the number of times that you wash it. If you wash your hair every day, it will get to a point where your hair will feel greasy within in twenty-four hours. Excessive washing, however, can strip your hair of its natural oils. Try washing your hair every other day, oreven every three days. This will leave your hair looking great and save you a bunch on shampoo! 2.Rinse with cold waterWhen you've finished washing your hair, give it a quick rinse with cold water. This gets the microscopic scales on your hair to seal down flat, making your hair look sleeker and shinier. 3.Choose your comb wisely!If you want gorgeous hair, get a wide-toothed wooden comb. This helps redistribute the oil in your hair to the ends, where it needs it the most. A wooden comb also won't tear your hair the way a plastic brush will. Be extra careful with your hair when it is wet, as it is more fragile. 4.Avoid hair dryersApplying heat to your hair will damage it and over time, you'll be more prone to split ends. Lightly rub your hair with a towel and then let it air dry for the absolute best results. 5.Trim regularlyIt sounds a little nuts, but regular trims will help your hair look great when it's getting long. I can always tell when I need to trim my hair by how badly it tangles at the end when I try to braid it. If the very ends of my hair stick together, it's time to get a few inches whacked off! 6.Wear it upWearing your hair down can be hard on it if you do it every day. When your hair is down, it'll get dirtier faster and it will become more brittle, as well. Consider braiding it, or pulling it up into a bun that's held in place with a hairstick. My personal favorite trick is to deep condition my braid, and then wrap it up in a bun. I can walk around all day and then come home and rinse it out for healthy,shiny hair. 7.Color with careMost dyes are pretty bad for your hair, especially if you use bleach beforehand. If you are looking for a new color, see what henna can do. Henna is an all-natural, traditional hair dye that will give you a gorgeous shade of red and give your hair a lovely, shiny texture as well. Be warned, though, henna is permanent, so be sure that you are willing to live with the results!The Effects of Stress and Medications
Hair Loss - The Effects of Stress and Medications
Stress, regardless of its cause, changes the way your body works. When faced with an anxiety-provoking situation, your endocrine glands pump out adrenaline, cortisol, and other hormones. These substances have various effects on your body, including reducing blood flow to your hair follicles. The theory goes that a week or more of continual stress reduces nutrient flow to the hair for enough time to cause temporary hair loss. Get rid of the stress (or learn how to face it calmly) and give yourself a month: Your hair will return.
Medications have different effects on different people. For instance, birth-control pills may give you migraines but they may make your sister's skin break out. Aspirin may upset your mother's stomach but could be the only pain reliever that works for you. And so it is with this: a drug that makes a friend feel slightly tired might leave you with temporary hair loss. While your body can react this way with any drug, some are notorious for causing hair loss, including chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and antidepressants. Also, if you have had, or are scheduled for, surgery of any kind, be aware that anesthesia can cause a week or two of temporary hair loss in some people.Hair Care Treatments
Homemade Intensive Conditioner
Mix 1/4 cup of olive oil with 1 egg and apply to hair. Use more olive oil if your hair is very long. Cover your head with aluminum foil, then cover with a towel that has been soaked in hot water and rung out. Leave on for 30 minutes or overnight for deep conditioning very dry hair, then shampoo as usual.
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Reconditioning Hair Care Tips
To recondition the hair, shampoo hair with a natural shampoo. Rinse and towel dry. Apply regular mayonnaise (not salad dressing) to the hair. Massage in. Let sit for 0-15 minutes, shampoo again lightly and rinse with apple cider vinegar and water solution.
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Help for Dandruff
Mix one part of antiseptic mouthwash with 9 parts of water and massage to scalp. Rinse after 10 minutes. Mix 3 tbsp of lime juice with ¼ cup coconut oil and massage to scalp. Shampoo fter 1 hour.
Boil oat meal and massage to scalp, comb after 10 minutes and shampoo after 15 minutes. Repeat this once in week.
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Help for Itchy Scalp Suggestions to help:
• Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of peanut oil, rub together in both hands and message into your scalp before you get into the shower. Wash your hair as usual.
- • Brush your hair frequently to remove the flakes.
- • Massage your scalp to improve circulation.
- • Avoid using alkaline based shampoos.
- • Try a jojoba oil based shampoo and use it regularly.
- • Try a final rinse of one cup warm water mixed with two to threetablespoons of white vinegar. This will also bring out the highlights in your hair and make it shiny.
- • Massage 20 crushed aspirin (you can use a generic brand about $1.50) mixed in 1/2 cup water into your dry scalp before shampooing.
- • Massage warm olive oil into your hair and scalp cover your hair with plastic wrap and with two warm, wet towels for 20 minutes, and then shampoo your hair twice.
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Comments
This is the best overall overview of hair thinning for women I've seen on the web. Thank you so much for taking the time to research and write such an informative and easy to read article.
Wow what a lot of great information on the use of aromatherapy. I've used it to relieve stress and regrow my hair. I also was able to download a great report at http://yourhairback.blogspot.com that really showed me some great stuff on regrowing hair without the use of hair loss products.
Thanks for providing such detailed information about hairs. hair growth and preventing hair loss.
Lucy
We know the good, we apprehend it clearly, but we cant bring it to achievement. To persevere, trusting in what hopes he has, is courage in a man.
creation75 says:
2 years ago
Hair loss in female occurs in more than one pattern. If you've ever wanted long hair, there are some tips that you should definitely keep in mind. I've been growing out my hair for about three years, and in that time, I've managed to get it from chin length to four inches below my waist. Long, healthy hair is definitely attainable, but depending on things like genetics and lifestyle, it might take some encouragement. Check out the great tips below for how to get long, gorgeous hair!