B6 and Zinc: Nutrients to Prevent Hair Loss

Hair loss can be devastating for many people. Your hair is often one of the first things people notice about you, and if it’s falling out and noticeably thinning, you might understandably feel self-conscious and even unattractive. Fortunately, some causes of hair loss are relatively easy to address. For example, nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss. Two key nutrients for healthy hair are vitamin B6 and zinc.

Hair Health
Normal, healthy hair goes through a natural growth and loss cycle. As this cycle occurs, most people lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day. If you are losing significantly more strands than this — which is often apparent by hair coming out in the shower or being left in your hairbrush — the health of your hair may be suffering. While there are several possible causes of hair loss, experts state that hair is strongly influenced by nutrition. Thus, you can experience excessive shedding if you have certain nutrient deficiencies.

B Vitamins and Hair
The B vitamins — commonly called B complex vitamins — are integral to healthy, strong hair. Because the body cannot store or manufacture B vitamins, they all must be obtained via diet or supplements, including B6. Vitamin B6 is found in chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, milk and cheese, among other foods. Plant-based dietary sources of B6 include lentils, spinach, brown rice, sunflower seeds, wheat flour and carrots. Vitamin B6 is also available in multivitamins and in separate B vitamin supplements.

Zinc and Hair
Zinc is another nutrient that helps maintain healthy hair. If your diet is deficient of zinc, you may lose excessive hair and notice that the hair you keep is duller and more difficult to control. Like vitamin B6, zinc can be obtained in many animal foods, such as meat, poultry, cheese and seafood. Vegetarian sources of protein include whole grains, legumes, sunflower seeds and pumpkin.

Recommendations
If you suffer from excessive hair loss, consult your physician for evaluation and advice. Certain health conditions other than B6 and zinc deficiencies — such as thyroid disorder, extreme weight loss and hormone imbalances — can contribute to hair loss. Your physician may want to rule out these other potential causes before discussing nutrient supplementation or a better diet as a way to combat hair loss. Before trying any vitamin or mineral supplement for hair loss, obtain your doctor’s approval.

How to Remedy MPB

What are your options once male pattern baldness (MPB) inevitably strikes? You’ve probably seen all the ads in the back of men’s magazines, heard all the commercials on the radio and seen all the infomercials promoting miracle treatments for men. But do any actually work? Or is everyone just shilling snake oil?

Pharmaceuticals

Amazingly, only two pharmaceutical drugs have been clinically proven to treat hair loss and are currently licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Generically they are known as minoxidil and finasteride.

• Minoxidil

Minoxidil was the first drug approved by the FDA for male pattern baldness. Taken orally as a pill or applied directly to the scalp as a cream, minoxidil is available over the counter and thus does not require a prescription. Although it’s not exactly clear how minoxidil improves hair growth, minoxidil, like finasteride, may cause minor side effects in some men. If you’re considering this hair loss product, be sure to talk to your doctor for help in weighing the potential risks and benefits.

• Finasteride

Finasteride has been available since the late ’90s as a treatment for male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by inhibiting an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the androgen hormone that’s responsible for shrinking hair follicle cells, leading to male pattern baldness. Although finasteride has been shown to increase hair count and appearance, it does increase the risk of sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction.

Hairpieces

Though it’s not exactly a permanent fix, a hairpiece is still a popular choice among men for managing hair loss. The advantages are clear: It’s fairly inexpensive (at least compared to surgery) and has little to no side effects (although some pieces can cause the hair beneath the piece to shed). However, finding the right hairpiece can be a harrowing experience. Hairpieces vary in their base material, in the hair itself and in way the hairpiece is attached to the scalp. For this reason, many first-time buyers are unhappy with the quality, service or price. If you’re considering a hairpiece, do your homework first to ensure you’re satisfied with your piece.

Hair Transplantation

For those wishing for a more permanent fix to their hair loss woes, look no further than hair transplantation (also known as surgical hair restoration). The procedure involves taking hair, along with underlying tissue and skin, from other parts of the body, like the back or sides of the scalp, and transplanting it to balding areas on the top of the head.

Though the procedure is generally safe, there is always the risk of minor side effects. More important, however, is that some clinics are still carrying out outdated and potentially dangerous techniques that should no longer be performed. If you are considering hair transplantation, you need to be diligent in finding a qualified surgeon. The American Hair Loss Association even goes so far as recommending against accepting a referral from your family physician. Instead, check their website or other online resources for guidance.

Laser Therapy

Of all the different treatments for hair loss, who would have thought of equipping a comb with a laser light? Well, someone did, because it led to the development of laser combs and other low-level laser (LLL) devices like it. Laser therapy for hair loss comes with no side effects.

Full Speed Ahead

Science is moving forward at a blistering pace. While the last few decades didn’t produce a magic bullet for male pattern baldness, the future looks much more promising. With new drugs on the horizon, as well as innovative techniques like gene therapy and hair cloning, it’s only a matter of time before new and exciting therapies can give balding men everywhere the hope of a full head of hair.

Men Are Resorting to Natural Hair Loss Treatments Too

Natural remedies have been used for innumerable centuries to treat hair loss in men. Anybody who’s used them will tell you that they are the best hair loss treatment you can possibly find. No matter what the reason might be for hair loss, natural remedies are sure to be an effective and safe treatment for it.

Some natural remedies may not be proven scientifically but there is overwhelming anecdotal evidence in their favour. In this age of synthetic and chemical products that come with loads of side effects, more and more people are waking up to the benefits of herbal remedies for hair loss.

Here are some of the leading herbal remedies that have been passed down for generations:

• Maidenhair fern – Boil this herb and massage it on to your scalp once every week

• Rosemary – Infuse rosemary into tea and use it to rinse your hair every day

• Mallow roots – These roots are boiled in wine and massaged into your scalp every week

• Nettles – Nettles are infused in water after which it is combed through your hair every day

• Artichoke leaves – The leaves are to be simmered in water for a few hours. Once the concoction is ready, apply it to the scalp before you go to sleep

• Catnip – Make an infusion of this herb and rinse your hair every day with it

• Parsley seeds – Crush the seeds and apply the powder to your scalp once every month. Allow the powder to remain overnight and brush it out thoroughly in the morning.

Other herbs you can use are quince, boxwood shavings, jaborandi, willow-leaf hebe, nutmeg, and cloves. These herbs can be made into an infusion and rinsed through your hair regularly to promote healthy hair growth.

Herbal Remedies: Healthy Hair from Roots to Tips

Instead of chemical solutions, the best hair loss treatments focus on improving scalp health naturally and soothingly. A healthy scalp means having healthy hair follicles that are actively growing hair. If you want a healthy scalp, here are some tips to get you started:

Saw palmetto is a popular herbal remedy for hair loss. You can find saw palmetto extracts in the form of a liquid or pill at your local health store. You can also try a topical method by purchasing saw palmetto shampoo or adding a few drops of the liquid extract to your scalp when showering in the mornings. Rub a few drops on your scalp and allow it to sit at for at least 3 minutes before rinsing. You should avoid ingesting saw palmetto if you are anaemic or currently taking oral contraceptives or blood thinning medications.

If you don’t like the idea of using drugs and chemicals, you can go the natural route. Many herbal supplements are available at your local health food store that can be effective for thinning hair. Silica, licorice extract, and jojoba oil are some of the ingredients you should look for when shopping for herbal hair remedies. They are all natural and have proven effective for the treatment and prevention of baldness.

Fenugreek, black beans, coconut, and lemon juice — these herbs pack a powerful punch against hair loss and balding. Fenugreek is even touted as a natural hair regrowth herb. Coconut is one of the few oils that actually contains protein easily absorbable into the hair strands, and thus, is one of the few oils that strengthen the hair follicles.

Olive oil derivatives, with soaked shoe flowers make effective fragrant hair tonics. Infusions made of avocado leaves treat many scalp-related problems. It is predominantly due to its astringent property, which makes it an effective hair loss remedy.

If you must know, your hair can be damaged by hair products that contain harmful ingredients. Getting your hair dyed frequently or having it permed can also result to hair loss. Even the use of all-synthetic-content shampoos and other styling products such as hair sprays, gel or mousse can damage your hair, leading to hair loss. If possible, choose hair products that are made from natural ingredients such as aloe vera, rosemary and sage.

Treating Hair Loss by Caring for the Scalp Inside Out

It’s a proven fact that massage stimulates healing of hair loss by increasing scalp circulation. In your scalp, this means the healing nutrients from your diet can more easily reach your ailing hair follicles. Almost all hair loss programs incorporate scalp massage, combined with a topical remedy, to stimulate new hair growth and stop hair loss.

In addition to a once-a-day intensive massage combined with a topical remedy, you should also grab any chance you have throughout the day to do a quick massage.

There may be a spare 2 minutes in the afternoon as you take a break from staring at work on the computer screen. You can massage for a few minutes while you wait for dinner to cook. There are many opportunities, so keep an eye out.

This will keep the blood flow stimulated throughout the day, lengthening the healing time. If you’re already using a healthy shampoo which contains nutrients, a portion of those nutrients will be left on your scalp even after rinsing. Giving yourself a massage throughout the day will let those nutrients have better access to your weakening hair follicles.

However, treating your scalp from the outside can only do so much. Sure you can heal the hair follicles externally. But then again, this doesn’t prevent the attack coming from the inside. Abnormal hormones, toxins from the environment, and other symptoms of generally poor health invade your scalp through the bloodstream. They attach to the tissue around the hair follicle, sickening it.

No matter how you nurture the hair follicle externally, another attack will soon make it sick again. The best hair loss treatment programs realize this can be a never-ending process. You’ll eternally have to play catch-up, forever healing your scalp. Forever, that’s, unless you correct the problem internally.

Once you correct the problems inside your body, the attack on your hair will stop. This means your healing scalp treatments will be more effective. You’ll be able to heal the follicle once and for all and finally re-grow hair.

Hair Loss Treatment for Men: Now You Don’t Have to Worry about Side Effects

Hair loss affects both men and women, but it’s a more common condition in males. As men age, their hairline gradually recedes upwards and bald spots begin forming at the top of their heads, until eventually there’s only a rim of hair left on the sides. Why does this happen? Surprisingly, testosterone is to blame.

Simply put, when testosterone reacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, dihydrotestosterone (or DHT) forms. DHT is a naturally occurring hormone found in the prostate, adrenal glands and, of course, the scalp. DHT often causes damage to the hair follicles. With DHT build-up in the scalp, nutrient absorption by the follicles is obstructed. The follicles are then slowly made weaker, causing them to become incapable of growing thick, well-pigmented, and long hair strands.

Are There Side Effects When Using Hair Loss Treatments?

Unfortunately, there are negative consequences from using some hair loss treatments, and these usually occur when undergoing prescription products. The most significant symptoms include erectile dysfunction and diminished libido. Many users have experienced adverse sexual side effects while taking drugs like finasteride, and even more alarmingly, after stopping the prescription. Organizations like the Swedish Medical Products Agency and the UK’s Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency have looked into these claims and concluded that using the prescription hair loss treatment could result in permanent sexual dysfunction.

A natural hair loss treatment, on the other hand, successfully reverses hair loss in men without these sexual side effects.

What Is a Natural Hair Loss Treatment?

A natural hair loss treatment may refer to an all-natural supplement that is clinically proven to help men re-grow their hair. The regimen consists of tablets and a topical solution created from a blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs. These tablets are made from natural DHT blockers, the ingredients ranging from avocado oil to pumpkin seed meal, while the topical solution is applied to the scalp in order to battle DHT from the outside. Unlike other routines, an herbal hair loss treatment does not use harsh chemicals.

After a couple of months, you will notice significant results. This is because your body will be producing less DHT, making it harder for the hormone to bind itself to hair follicles, giving the follicles a chance to strengthen and grow thicker, longer hair. Using both the tablets and topical solution will speed up your efforts, as some users have reported improvement after a mere two weeks.

A hair loss treatment formulated with herbs presents a safe and effective treatment for hair loss. It’s usually available over the counter, helps men of all ages, treats levels of hair loss, and re-grows their hair. They don’t come with the sexual side effects (or other symptoms for that matter) its prescription counterparts are notorious for causing.

Overcoming Male Hair Loss with Over-the-Counter Treatments

There can be numerous reasons that men begin to lose hair prematurely. For some it may only be a short-lived issue caused by stress or lifestyle choice; however, for others, it’s a permanent condition if left untreated — often known as androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness.

The importance of treating hair loss as soon as possible is not often stressed enough. This may be because men wish to avoid speaking with their doctor, or they refuse to acknowledge the condition at all. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that if men wish to maintain a healthy head of hair, then their best defence is to begin a treatment programme as soon as possible.

Prescription Treatments

Prescription hair loss treatments have a history of causing ill-wanted sexual side effects including reduced sex drive in men. I’d advise you to discuss the options for prescription products with your family doctor. For many, negative sexual side effects can be enough to avoid considering any of these medications; however, they are not familiar with over-the-counter alternatives which can help them keep their hair.

The cause of most hair loss cases is the same: a hormonal sensitivity of the scalp which causes hair follicles to stop producing new healthy hairs and become dormant.

In order to stop the process, you must relieve the hormonal sensitivity in one of two ways:

1. You must either reduce the production of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body which is the culprit of causing hair follicles to become dormant.

2. You must stop DHT from binding with hair follicles on the scalp.

Over-the-counter hair loss treatments use either one or both of these methods.

Oral Treatments

There are several oral drugs that claim they can reduce premature hair loss by either reducing the production of DHT in the body or blocking the DHT that is produced from reaching the scalp and binding to hair follicles.

While some products have received positive feedback from consumers, you’re usually better off either using a topical treatment that is applied directly to the scalp in conjunction with an oral supplement or just a topical product all on its own.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments make up the majority of over-the-counter hair loss treatment products. Creams, serums and shampoos are the usual form these products take. Also you will often find kits that contain a shampoo, serum and oral supplement altogether. These products offer a multi-pronged approach to treating hair loss both directly on the scalp and at the DHT production level.

Effective topical products contain a concentration of the FDA-approved hair loss ingredient minoxidil. You’ll find concentrations of 2.5% and 5%. Usually the 2.5% is enough to get the job done.

Other products will contain all-natural ingredients claiming to stop hair loss. While you may find wonderful results with these products, I’d urge you to look for clinical studies and trials of a product to prove its effectiveness before spending a dime.

Stop Hair Loss with the Right Shampoo

In a world flooded with shampoos for every hair condition, it’s not hard to believe that you might be confused in choosing a right shampoo for your hair. I’ll ask you a very simple question: What shampoo is in your shower at home and how did you come up with that brand of choice?

Many women base their buying decision on the brightly colored bottle and delicious scent of a shampoo. And then, when they find strings of hair clogged at the drainage in their bathroom, they blame it on their shampoo. When they find tons of hair stuck to their comb after a clean wash, they still blame it on the shampoo.

Well, you can partly blame it on your shampoo; however, it was you who made the choice, remember?

There are many varieties of shampoos available at different places. Rather than falling into the web of strategic corporate advertising with the shampoos’ alluring packaging and attractive promises, we should make an informed decision based upon the actual content of the shampoo in the bottle. It is imperative that you choose the correct kind of shampoo for your hair especially to people who are experiencing hair loss.

A good shampoo can help reduce symptoms or the effects of balding by utilizing certain active ingredients to counter the effects of hair loss. These ingredients can range from herbs like saw palmetto which is said to be effective for fighting male pattern baldness to pro-hair vitamins like Biotin which is essential for hair growth. While these hair loss shampoo ingredients might look enticing and promising in your battle against hair loss, you should take note that the shampoo is not the primary treatment for hair loss.

Although your shampoo won’t be a major role player in stopping hair loss, it’s still significantly important that you choose a good hair loss shampoo specifically for your hair loss condition. That is because a good hair loss shampoo helps conditions your scalp and hair, controls oil and residue build-ups and helps keep your hair manageable.

Male Hair Loss: Drug-Based vs. Organic-Based Treatments

There are various treatments that have been proven to stop male hair loss, and in some cases even re-grow lost hair. There are two major types of treatments for male hair loss: the pharmaceutical ones and the natural ones.

The drug- based treatments finasteride and minoxidil seem to be effective with a number of men. There are two concerns with these products: that of side effects and the fact that if you discontinue this type of treatment, hair regrowth will stop, and male hair loss may resume.

Alternative Treatment for Male Hair Loss

Diet has always been very important to good hair health. Sometimes men get so tied up in the everyday business of living that they may pay less attention to what they actually put in their bodies. Also, many men eat anything that comes along, sometimes to their own detriment. Good news, men, red meat can be good for your hair! On the other hand, green leafy vegetables can help your hair health, as can fruits and berries. Silica and iron are contained in them and are very important for hair health.

Nutrition plays a very vital role for hair care. The hair follicles which are in an active growth phase are strong and healthy compared to those which are in the resting stage. A steady flow of proper nutrition is essential for hair follicles to grow and produce healthy hair fibers. A balanced diet which has the natural vitamin supplements, proteins and mineral and health supplements is able to provide essential nutrition to the hair follicles. If the already-weak hair follicles do not get proper nutrition, they become more prone to staying in the shedding phase longer than necessary.

Naturally-based topical serums, gels and sprays are available to treat problematic scalp and hair conditions. They usually work in combination with a special shampoo. Specially formulated natural supplements are included in these systems which are designed to augment the topical treatments. These are complete systems that are designed to work together to clean the scalp, stop the root cause of hair loss and provide nutritional building blocks to help your scalp regrow hair.

Minoxidil: The Main Man’s Baldness Treatment

Minoxidil has been used by young men who had been depressed about their hair loss. Men experiencing hair loss have been delighted with the results of hair growth. Minoxidil is a vasodilator — a drug used to dilate the blood vessels — that can promote blood flow in the scalp and nourishment of the hair follicles.

For several years, the drug’s potential to be a main ingredient for hair growth products had been ignored. But news of the hair-growth factor leaked when a cardiac physician reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that one of his patients, a bald man of 38, had regrown hair while taking the drug for his heart condition.

Several dermatologists were soon involved in world-wide trials. They applied a solution containing a tiny percentage of minoxidil to the scalp. Volunteer guinea pigs — all with balding heads — queued up to try it in the USA, Denmark, the UK, desperate to find out whether the treatment was truly effective.

As it turned out, minoxidil did have some success, but only in about 30–40% of patients; and in those, it generally took at least 6 months before the results were visible. The drawback was that the new hair growth was somewhat indiscriminate to say the least — in as much that the hair didn’t just grow back in the places where the solution was applied. Many people, especially women, reported growing facial hair.

After considerable trials and testing it with other hair growth products, it was found that minoxidil only really works for early or mild cases of pattern baldness and patchy hair loss, or alopecia areata. There are several reported side effects with minoxidil, including mild skin irritations, extensive dermatitis, palpitations and chest pains. It has also been reported as having addictive traits.

As the case for many alopecia treatments, it is best to consult a hair loss expert or medical professional before going into the treatment.

Primary Treatments for Male Pattern Baldness

Finding a way to provide sustained hair growth for men is an ongoing problem. The majority of men who are losing their hair are suffering from male pattern baldness. This is an affliction that affects 40 million men in the United States alone. The chances of losing your hair increases as you age. The good news for those suffering from male pattern baldness is that huge advances have been made over the past few decades. With the introduction of minoxidil and then later finasteride, hair growth for men entered the modern age.

Minoxidil Improves Hair Growth for Men

Minoxidil was initially sold as a blood pressure medicine. A unique side effect was soon discovered. Researchers realized that it resulted in increased hair growth for men and women. Shortly afterwards, the FDA-approved medical treatment was released into the market. It was the first hair loss treatment that showed at least some effectiveness for the majority of patients that took it.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment used to improve hair growth. It is primarily used to slow down the loss of hair, but it is not a cure for baldness. If you have already lost the majority of your hair, then minoxidil will probably not benefit you. If you are in the early stages of hair loss, though, it may be of great benefit. Continued use of the product is extremely important. Any hair growth will be lost if you stop using it. Minoxidil is most commonly sold as 2% or 5% solutions, but it can be higher. Hair growth for men is reportedly higher for those using the 5% solution.

Hair Growth for Men Takes another Leap Forward with Finasteride

Similar to minoxidil, finasteride was not originally used for the treatment of hair loss. Eventually however it was discovered that finasteride helped prevent the loss of hair. Finasteride became the second drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss, and it soon hit the market.

Finasteride, unlike minoxidil, is a drug that is taken orally. In many ways the effects are similar to minoxidil. It will help prevent the loss of hair in men who have recently begun balding, but it is not as effective for those who have already lost most of their hair. Compared to minoxidil, finasteride has proven to be somewhat more effective. Studies have shown that nearly 80% of the men who have taken finasteride have seen positive results. Halting treatment will cause any hair growth to subside, and your hair loss will continue again.

Over the years, there have been numerous miracle hair loss cures and natural remedies. Some of them may work, but few studies have been done to prove their efficacy. Other treatments for hair loss that have shown varying results include hair transplants, laser combs, bald spot concealers, and a number of other topical creams. Minoxidil and finasteride, however, continue to be the only two FDA-approved treatments for hair loss.

Treat Hair Loss: Topical Solutions or Hair Systems?

A number of people all over the world experience hair loss without even knowing it. Most of these people suffering from hair loss, more often than not, eventually experience complete baldness.

Though there is no known cure for baldness, its extent can be prevented if diagnosed early and treated properly. Majority of the people who are bald today have regretted not seeing the hair loss signs and not seeking immediate professional help for hair loss treatment.

It is said that a normal person sheds an average of 80 to 100 hair strands per day. But losing hair more than this — for instance, losing chunks of hair when combing or the appearance of hairless patches on the scalp no matter how small it is — is enough reason to go see a doctor or hair loss expert immediately.

There are different types of hair loss: temporary and extensive. Extensive hair loss can lead to irreversible baldness. It is important to get diagnosed by a medical professional to determine whether the hair loss that a person is experiencing is brought about by stress, hair care products, illness, and medications. In these cases, hair loss is often temporary.

However, if upon analysis, it is found out that the person has baldness running in the family, then the hair loss may progress and lead to female pattern baldness or male pattern baldness (medically known as androgenic alopecia).

While there are no cures yet for these conditions, there are a lot of hair loss treatment options that can help people cope with the social stigma that these conditions bring. Some people opt to use hair systems, while others opt to avail of topical hair loss solutions.

Hair systems are available as tape-on hair pieces, bonded hair systems for men and women, and hair extensions. Tape-on hair pieces are somewhat similar to removable wigs. They are removed daily before going to bed or when taking a bath. If maintained properly, they can last for years.

Bonded hair systems are for men and women who wear the same hairstyle all the time. They usually last for a minimum of three months to a maximum of one year. Hair extensions usually have the same life expectancy. The difference is that hair extensions can be styled differently.

Topical hair loss treatments, on the other hand, comprise of various combinations of hair loss treatment solutions such as minoxidil, niacin, ginseng, angelica lactone, PDG, pentadecanoic acid, extracts of Serenoa repens and other DHT blockers, as well as 17 essential amino acids that strengthen weak hair follicles among others.

These hair loss treatment options are non-invasive and are perfect for those experiencing temporary hair loss and baldness. Though they can also be used for those who are experiencing permanent hair loss and genetically determined baldness, there are other hair loss treatment options like hair transplant or laser hair therapy that are most suitable for them.

Benefits of Biotin in Treating Hair Loss

Biotin is a nutrient, sometimes referred to as vitamin H or B7. It’s not usually considered an essential vitamin, because intestinal bacteria can produce it. But because of the overuse of antibiotics and other antibacterial agents, there may be a deficiency of bacteria in the intestines, which would lead to a deficiency of the vitamin.

Although there are many dietary sources of the nutrient, the body can’t readily absorb it. It has been estimated that only about 20–40% of the B7 vitamins in foods is absorbed into the bloodstream, primarily because it’s bound to protein. This is another reason that deficiencies are believed to be common.

Biotin hair loss supplements are recommended because the nutrient is necessary for the production and normal growth of human hairs. The major symptom of biotin deficiency is thinning of the hair and eventually baldness that may spread from the scalp to other parts of the body, in severe cases.

If you want to see results, a biotin hair loss supplement is not the only thing to consider. There are topically applied treatments that have been proven effective time and again.

The next useful idea relevant to this area: One of the most effective treatments is a topical product called minoxidil. Minoxidil works by improving blood flow to the follicles, which produce the hairs.

One more insightful point in regard to this area of interest: Like some other parts of the body, the follicles go through active and resting stages. But sometimes they remain at rest longer than they should. Minoxidil seems to wake them up, so to speak.

For many years, balding was thought to be an inevitable part of the aging process, particularly for people with a family history of baldness. Now, with biotin hair loss supplements and topically applied minoxidil, it appears that we can prevent that part of the aging process. Clinical studies have shown that men in the early stages of male pattern baldness stopped losing hair and even had some growth, with continued treatment.

It isn’t necessary to see a doctor to get biotin supplements or minoxidil. It’s available over-the-counter. You can even order it online. Some companies combine the 2 treatments and include other beneficial ingredients in their supplements.

Can a Drug for Male Hair Loss Be Used for Hair Loss in Women Too?

Hair loss is surprisingly common in women, affecting more than 30 million in the US, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It can start as early as puberty or much later in life. In fact, 38 percent of women who are 70 years or older experience hair loss—in part because hair thickness decreases with age, especially after menopause. The condition often leads to low self-esteem, social anxiety, and self-imposed isolation.

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is characterized by thinning over the top of the scalp and sometimes the sides. In men, a male hormone known as an androgen is primarily responsible for hair loss, but the main cause of FPHL appears to be less clear-cut.

Women normally produce male hormones too, and in some cases the condition is associated with excessive androgen levels. Other types of hair shedding in women may be related to oestrogen loss or significant changes in oestrogen levels, as in the postpartum period or in menopause. Hair loss can also result from breakage during hair treatments and styling, certain medication—including hormones—and conditions like iron deficiency, severe dieting, thyroid disease, lupus, and even stress.

Finasteride is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat male pattern hair loss (also called androgenetic alopecia). At higher doses, it’s also approved to reduce the symptoms of enlarged prostate in men. It works by blocking the enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the androgen that causes the prostate to enlarge. It also reduces dihydrotestosterone levels in the scalp, which slows hair loss and even increases hair growth.

Because finasteride has been effective in controlling male pattern hair loss, it has been used to treat female pattern hair loss, although it has not gained FDA approval for that purpose. Medication prescribed to treat a condition that does not have FDA approval for that use is known as ‘off-label’. Doctors can legally prescribe any medication they deem appropriate for treatment.

Temporal Hair Loss or Receding Hairline

Follicle length is a determinant of the length of the growth phase for a particular hair—shorter follicles produce shorter hairs like those found on the arms and face of a child. In the adolescent male, the facial and main trunk hairs which are genetically designed to grow are stimulated by the production of testosterone to produce deeper follicles resulting in stronger hair in those areas.

Unfortunately, the same reaction will reduce the scalp follicles and hairs. Treatments using a strong drug stimulant can improve the length of those hairs by up to 100 percent—thereby doubling the length of the hair—whilst it is applied, but once treatment with the drug product is stopped, the next generation of hair will return to, at most, its genetically shortened length.

Contributing Factors to Receding Hair Loss

Contributory factors of a receding hairline can include illnesses characterized by high fever (for example typhoid and scarlet fevers), chemotherapy, malnutrition, and glandular disorders can all cause premature receding hair loss. Seeking advice about the condition and obtaining a receding hair loss treatment for the disease or dysfunction will usually work in stopping the loss of hair. If the scalp and follicles are not severely damaged, or worse, already dead, then it is possible to see regrowth spontaneously. Infection of the scalp, oiliness or dirtiness of the scalp and hair, as well as excessive teasing and lacquering of hair are also conducive to baldness.

Conclusion

So if you are starting to notice a receding hair loss, don’t leave it, as it will become progressive. If keeping your youthful looks is important to you, and you don’t want to look old before your time, you do need to take action to stop the hair loss as soon as you notice it. There are many ways that you can cure and stop a receding hairline loss, from natural remedies through to the more traditional medically prescribed treatments. Discussing the available options with your GP is a good first step, as there are many available options for stopping and reversing the receding hair loss ranging from expensive synthetic drugs to hair transplants, laser hair regrowth treatments, and the various natural home-based remedies.

Plenty of Treatment Options for Male Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in men, but there are numerous options for treating the condition, and more are being developed.

Androgenetic alopecia affects about 50 million American men. It is estimated that a man has a 50 percent chance of experiencing hair loss by age 50. This hereditary androgen-dependent condition is characterized by a receding hairline as well as a loss of hair on top of the scalp, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

‘Typically, in my practice the patients who come to visit range in age from very young (with early onset at age 14 or 15) to those in their 30s and 40s. They are just starting to bald and hair loss might be something very prominent in their family, or they are coming in early and they just want to make sure that the thinning they are experiencing is male androgenetic alopecia and not something else’, says Maria Hordinsky, M.D., professor and chairwoman, department of dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Dr. Hordinsky says patients with very extensive hair loss are not a large part of the population at her practice. ‘Most people who come in for an evaluation are coming in fairly early on’, she says.

Available Therapies

Treatment approaches vary depending on the patient, and range from pills and topical medications to devices and hair transplant procedures. Clinicians must conduct an evaluation before prescribing treatment, particularly for patients in their early teens.

‘If a 15-year-old comes in with his mom and dad and he is experiencing hair thinning and hair loss, then the dermatologist has to evaluate if there is anything else going on that could explain the change in hair density’, Dr. Hordinsky says.

For patients in the 18- to 35-year-old range, discussions should include topical treatments, such as minoxidil, the prescription medication finasteride and the laser comb, she says. Combination treatments are also commonly discussed.

Dr. Hordinsky says that for people in the 18- to 35-year-old group, there probably would not be a discussion about hair transplantation because the patient’s hair loss is still evolving and the goal is to be able to treat and stop the process as best possible.

‘At this point it starts to get individualized and dependent on what the patient wants’, she says. ‘Do they want to take a pill, put something on their scalp either in the form of a liquid or foam twice a day, or do they want to try using the laser comb three times a week?’

Dermatologists can start working through what fits the person’s lifestyle when determining the best treatment options, Dr. Hordinsky says.

Other Approaches

When new drugs were being developed and being studied in clinical trials—such as when minoxidil or finasteride were being introduced—there were many more patients visiting dermatology offices for male androgenetic alopecia, she says.

‘Overall there are fewer people being seen now for male androgenetic alopecia’, Dr. Hordinsky says. ‘Minoxidil and the laser comb are over-the-counter, so people can just go buy them and they do not have to see the dermatologist’.

After patients try these options, their perception that the over-the-counter therapies don’t work could bring them into the clinic, or they may feel they are missing something that needs to be investigated.

Patients with more extensive hair loss may benefit from hair transplantation.

‘The medical dermatologist with an interest in hair diseases can partner with a hair transplant specialist, who does hair transplantation on a regular basis. For this group of patients, I partner with Ron Shapiro, M.D., an excellent hair transplant surgeon in our area and someone who is also on our adjunct faculty’, she says.

A medical dermatologist should refer the patient, and the hair transplant surgeon can then conduct an assessment and discuss the procedure, cost and other details. The most popular type of hair transplant surgery today is follicular transplantation or transplantation of follicular units.

‘This technique has been around for quite some time and it is a very good technique with outstanding cosmetic results. Patients are very satisfied’, Dr. Hordinsky says.

Anagen Effluvium: When Hair Salons Turn Healthy Hair into Hair Horrors

An Auckland woman has been left with bald patches and straw-like hair after a beauty treatment went horribly wrong.

Kirstine Morris, 32, paid $100 to have her curly hair chemically straightened at a salon in West Auckland’s LynnMall shopping centre.

Her hair was covered with a straightening product mixed with a thickener, before being left under a heat lamp for about 20 minutes.

‘My head was burning. I’ve had colours in the past, and you do get sensations. But this was intense’, said the mother of three.

‘[The hairdresser] said, “That’s okay, it’s the chemicals”. Then when it was time to take me out of the lamp, my head was banging’.

Despite the initial pain, Ms. Morris was happy with the results until she washed her hair for the first time seven days later, as advised.

She said her hair matted like glue under the water, and fell out in clumps when she brushed it afterwards.

More has fallen out each day since, and she has collected it in marked bags as evidence. ‘I’ve got patches. It’s almost like it’s gone from the top of my head, in the middle of my forehead, I’ve got a wide strip going straight down to the nape of my neck’.

She has since gone to another salon in LynnMall for treatment, and the manager there told her it was the worst damage she had seen.

She actually said it made her ‘physically sick. It’s ruined. A lot of my hair is not alive. It’s limp, and has no movement now’.

Liz Jungwirth, the director of the salon that caused the hair damage, conceded that the chemical straightening treatment had damaged Ms. Morris’ hair.

‘I’m feeling really bad, but it’s something that’s happened’.

But she believed accounts of Ms. Morris’ damaged hair were exaggerated and confrontational. Asked what went wrong, Ms. Jungwirth said any number of factors could have contributed to the damage, including stress or medications.

‘There’s an element in the equation we don’t understand. We would have to have the hair tested in a laboratory to find out what it really was’.

Ms. Jungwirth said the salon had treated thousands of other women the same way, without any problems.

Ria Bond, the president of the New Zealand Association of Registered Hairdressers, had recently heard of a similar chemical straightening incident at another salon. She said accidents did happen in hairdressing, but there were also varying degrees of professionalism and care within the industry.

Some hairdressers did a hair strand test before using chemicals, but it came down to what instructions were given by manufacturers for products, of which there were ‘hundreds’.

But she said the adding of a thickener to a straightening product was ‘odd’.

‘The only accepted additive would be corn flour. But if they are providing a straightening service, it does not pay to add anything else to it’.

Ms. Morris was covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act and was entitled to contact the Department of Labour if her injuries were serious, Ms. Bond said.

Ms. Morris said the manner in which the salon dealt with her initial complaint had forced her to take a hard line.

What Makes an Effective Hair Growth Shampoo?

It seems like anyone and everyone suffering from hair loss or slowed hair growth is on the market for the best shampoo for hair growth. In choosing a hair growth shampoo or other hair-growing product, it is important to understand exactly why and how these products work in order to find the one that will work best for you.

The best hair growth shampoo for you should definitely contain amino acids. Your hair is made of protein and protein is made of amino acids. You will also want to find a shampoo that contains antioxidants, plant botanicals, and vitamins. All of these ingredients will contribute to the health of your hair and scalp.

High-quality hair growth shampoo and conditioner products should contain natural ingredients. A natural shampoo for hair growth won’t only stimulate the hair follicles but will help the body repair damage caused by the harsh chemicals found in most other hair care products.

The allure of natural ingredients in a hair growth shampoo might be popular amongst those suffering from hair loss but they’re also intriguing amongst those looking to simply revitalize their damaged hair. Hair growth shampoos with natural ingredients are recommended for those looking to simply enhance their appearance. Those who don’t really need a hair growth shampoo should be encouraged to stay away from those containing chemicals that their bodies don’t really need.

Unfortunately, natural products won’t be effective for everyone who tries them. Men who suffer from premature pattern balding, for example, will want to find a shampoo for faster hair growth that has been formulated to treat their specific conditions. Some of these ingredients have been specially designed and cannot be derived from natural sources.

The study of hair growth and the prevention of hair loss is a science. Scientists have developed a myriad of specialty shampoos designed to stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth. These specialty products have relieved the stress of thousands of balding men and women.

When searching for a hair growth shampoo, remember that the best shampoo for hair growth will include chemicals designed to work against the natural causes of hair loss. Some will fight against your body’s testosterone to prevent male pattern balding. Others are designed to stimulate the hair follicles and promote new hair growth. The type of chemical you need will be determined by the reason you’re losing your hair. If a chemical shampoo is not the answer, you may need to explore other hair growth options such as laser treatments or massage therapy.

How Effective Is Finasteride?

Finasteride is a prescription hair loss treatment medication that has been designed for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. The action of finasteride helps in the reduction of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the scalp, a substance that is primarily responsible for hair loss.

Finasteride is an oral treatment solution for hair loss. It is an active ingredient known to be a type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Finasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, bringing down the levels of DHT and inhibiting hair loss. It is specifically used to treat male pattern hair loss, a common condition characterized by losing hair from the top of the head and the middle front of the head. For best results, it’s suggested that this medication be taken regularly for a year.

Action and Dosage

Dihydrotestosterone or DHT shortens the growth phase that all hair follicles go through. The action of DHT makes them shrink to a stage where very few visible hairs are left on your scalp. The intake of finasteride starts a process wherein it works to restrict the formation of DHT on your scalp. This in turn interrupts the development of male pattern hair loss, eventually leading to its treatment. Continued use of finasteride will help reduce hair loss and facilitate the regrowth of visible hair.

Each finasteride tablet comes in 1mg strength; one tablet must be taken orally, daily. Finasteride can either be taken with or without food. It’s important to understand that if you miss taking a dose of finasteride, you must not take an extra tablet. Just continue your regular dosage. An increase in finasteride dosage is not going to make for faster results.

Why Choose Finasteride?

There are various hair loss treatment options available, so why choose finasteride? One of the reasons for this is that it is one of the most convenient ways of treating hair loss. All you need to do is pop a pill regularly and experience its benefits. Another important benefit is that its efficacy has been guaranteed through various clinical studies.  A 5-year clinical study conducted on finasteride demonstrated and proved its efficacy. Doctors pronounced an improvement in the majority of men who were given this medication. Finasteride has displayed proven results in restricting the expansion of the balding spot in men. If you are willing to take finasteride for a year, there is no doubt that the medication will be effective for you.

Online Availability

Finasteride, like many other drugs, is now available online. Numerous online pharmacies stock this medication; making it easily available for all those who have been prescribed finasteride. It’s important to choose the right online pharmacy to do business with, as there are many pharmacies that sell nefarious drugs. Only buy finasteride from a reputed online pharmacy that makes prescriptions mandatory. Ask your physicians, friends and family members for the names of respected online pharmacies. Do your own research and find out the one that best suits your needs and requirements.

Trade-Off

Although the effectiveness of finasteride has been backed up by clinical studies, its drawbacks are also reported by users of the drug. Strictly prescribed for men, finasteride has been reported to cause harmful side effects in line with sexual dysfunction, that is, testicular pains, impotence, and decreased sex drive.

Does Leimo Laser Work?

Hair Loss Treatment News: Does Leimo Laser Work?

The advancement of science and technology offers a wide variety of hair loss treatment products. Although there is no sure cure for hair loss, there are modern treatments that can help prevent hair loss and stop its progression.

One of the newest hair loss treatments is through Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT).  LLLT is a gentle, nourishing light therapy that helps energize the tissues of the scalp. It does not have a thermal effect but rather stimulates optimal biological functions of the tissues. LLLT works by supplying energy to the body in the form of non-thermal photons of light. With the right application, the body can absorb this external energy on a cellular level and transform light energy into chemical energy, and then the body would use it to accelerate the normal healing rate of tissues.

One of the best hair loss treatments that made use of LLLT is the Leimo Laser Comb. How does Leimo laser work? The Leimo laser comb works by directly encouraging the scalp's hair growth with laser phototherapy or photo-bio-stimulation. The Leimo laser comb uses low level laser light to increase blood circulation to the hair follicles and allow nutrients to be delivered to the cells.

In addition, the Leimo laser comb works towards providing your scalp a new life without doing any damage to it. This means, you would not have to face any side effects while giving the best advantages to your scalp.

Does Leimo laser work? Absolutely, with the help of LLLT technology, the Leimo laser comb works by increasing the flow of blood to the hair follicles, thus providing the required nutrients to the hair and stimulating hair regrowth.
Furthermore, the Leimo laser comb has been clinically proven to stimulate the follicles back into healthy states, thereby creating an environment for the optimum development of the hair. It also keeps active follicles at peak efficiency, thereby ensuring that the follicles keep growing healthy hair.

How well does Leimo laser work?  The Leimo laser comb works well in combination with any hair loss treatment regime. It is a revolutionary, non-surgical, non-invasive hair loss treatment for both men and women suffering from the devastating effects of male and female pattern baldness.  With the light healing technology, you can achieve thicker, fuller, shinier, and healthier-looking hair.

The Leimo laser Comb is one of the best hair laser combs available. With the help of LLLT technology, you can achieve better results when it comes to hair regrowth. Does Leimo laser work? Absolutely! You can try it out and see for yourself.