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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Hair Loss & Thinning Hair Information

By Jennifer Summers

A concern not only experienced by men but by a growing number of women is Alopecia, or the excessive and abnormal loss of healthy hair. Disturbing situations and genetics can be the cause of hair thinning and loss and also by hormonal ups and downs, too much physical force or lack of good nutrition. An important first step is discussing hair loss with your doctor. There is a selection of treatments on offer these days that make hair loss or thinning hair more bearable. For thousands of people globally, everyday is a "bad hair" day because of the dilemma of thinning hair or baldness. These factors affect both men and women, hair thinning and loss usually occurs for:

Men
The most well-known pattern of hair loss is a thinning crown or receding hair line. Due to the presence of a derivative or by-product of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hair loss happens. This hormone can contract the hair follicles and has a larger effect in the mid-anterior scalp and temples. Some categories of male hair loss are:
Chronic Diffuse Alopecia - can happen because of nutritional, metabolic or endocrine matters.
Acute diffuse alopecia - occurs from physical or psychological reasons such as hormones, nutritional shortages or medications.
Androgenetic Alopecia - occurs because of genetic sensitivity to male hormones. This hardly ever affects women.

Women
Most cases of hair thinning and loss are as a result of hormonal fluctuations, ie during pregnancy, childbirth or use of some methods of birth control. Women can also experience:
Anagen effluvium - occurs due to chemotherapy. The matrix of the hair becomes damaged and, as a result, the hair shaft will narrow, eventually fracturing.
Traction alopecia - caused by severe hairstyles, such as ponytails that are too tight, braiding, cornrows or the frequent use of extensions. These procedures pull at hair over a period of time but loss can be prevented if recognized and treated early.

Men and women can minimize or even prevent hair thinning or loss, if detected early enough, by using several over-the-counter treatments such as:
Daily vitamin supplement - look for ones labelled especially for hair and/or nails and are fortified with Vitamin B3 (niacin), this protects the hair shaft, and antioxidants, to ward off damage from free radicals.
A shampoo that states "revitalizing/fortifying/energizing" - this will nourish and protect existing hair while removing oils that can block the follicles and prevent re-growth.
A weekly use, leave-in scalp treatment made with essential oils - oils such as lavender and orange will relax and unblock hair follicles to promote growth, regulate oil production and maintain cell repair.
As with any treatment, results will vary and may to need to be continued on a constant basis. Also, allow approximately 6-8 weeks before seeing results.

Disguising hair loss techniques:
Maybe it's time to consider some techniques to disguise your hair loss if you are dissatisfied with your thinning hair. Whether you're male or female losing hair due to genetics, stress, medication or a medical circumstance you can use these methods to help you cope.

Using a Thickening Hair Shampoo or Conditioner
Use a thickening hair shampoo and conditioner intended to camouflage hair loss by making the hair seem to be thicker. Brush your hair lightly after you have shampooed and conditioned to prevent losing even more hair, and let your hair dry completely before you comb or brush it.

Hair Styling Methods for Thicker Looking Hair
Here are a few methods and styling products that can be used, if your head of hair is not as thick as it once was, to keep your hair looking its best. Blow drying thin hair for a fuller appearance. For thinning hair, try blow drying your hair after you have washed and conditioned it and then comb your hair in front all the way back. Use a light hairspray or a mousse to keep your style in place. The blow drying will prevent your hair from matting and make it appear thicker than it is. Opt for hair texturizing lotions and creams that will provide you with abundance and volume. Use a leave-in hair conditioner as they can make your hair appear fuller and more textured. Pass up on hair gels as they matte your hair together and exaggerate your hair loss.

Extending your Hair
Hair extensions are a quick and simple method for men and women with long thick hair to disguise the fact that they are losing some hair. Employ a salon for adding natural human hair to your head. This option can last for several weeks to several months.

Blow-dry your Hair
Consider blow drying if your hair is thinning on top to give it added texture and body and to give your head more coverage. Brush it into a quiff on top of your head by brushing it from the forehead up. Maintain the style with a little hairspray. If your hair is thinning throughout, this is a good way to make your hair look fuller.

Chaps -Getting a Buzz from your Hair
The buzz cut is a way to disguise the fact that you are losing hair. Businessmen, sports stars and actors all use this as a classy, style that is easy to maintain. Groom your scalp daily and remove the hairs you have left for a clean, fresh look by using a wet-dry electric razor. If you're disturbed about your hair loss or if your hair is starting to thin, make an appointment with your hairdresser or barber and request some advice on a fresh, new look. There are plenty of hair styles to choose from that have you looking great.

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