For millions of people world-wide, everyday is a "bad hair" day due to the problem of thinning hair or baldness. Discussing hair loss with a doctor is an important first step. There are a number of treatments available these days that make hair loss or thinning hair easier to live with. 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. Traumatic situations and genetics can be the cause of hair thinning and loss and also by hormonal fluctuations, excessive physical force or poor nutrition. While these factors can affect both men and women, hair thinning and loss usually occurs for:
Men Hair loss is due to the presence of a derivative or by-product of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone can shrink the hair follicles and has a greater effect in the mid-anterior scalp and temples. A thinning crown or receding hair line is the most common pattern of hair loss. Some types of male hair loss are: Androgenetic Alopecia - occurs due to genetic sensitivity to male hormones. This very rarely affects females. Acute diffuse alopecia - caused by physical or psychological factors like hormones, nutritional deficiencies or prescriptions. Chronic Diffuse Alopecia - due to nutritional, metabolic or endocrine matters.
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.
Males and females can reduce or even halt hair loss or thinning, if found early enough, by using various over-the-counter treatments like: a). A shampoo that describes itself as "revitalizing/fortifying/energizing". These will nurture and guard existing hair while removing oils that can obstruct the follicles and stop re-growth. b). A daily vitamin supplement. Look for supplements labelled especially for hair and/or nails and are fortified with Vitamin B3 (niacin). These defend the hair shaft, and antioxidants, to ward off harm from free radicals. c). Weekly use, leave-in scalp treatment prepared with essential oils - oils such as lavender and orange will relax and unblock hair follicles to encourage growth, regulate oil production and sustain cell repair. Results will vary, as with any treatment, and may possibly need to be continued on a regular basis. Also, allow around 6-8 weeks before expecting to see results.
Methods to disguise thinning hair and hair loss: Perhaps it is time to think of some techniques to hide your hair loss if you are unhappy with your thinning hair. Whether you are a man or a woman losing hair due to heredity, stress, medication or a medical condition you can use these tips to help you cope. Use a Specific Thickening Shampoo or Conditioner for your Hair Using a specific hair thickening shampoo and/or conditioner that is intended to conceal hair loss by ensuring the hair appears to be thicker and more voluminous. After shampooing and conditioning make sure that you brush your hair gently to halt the loss of more hair. Before combing or brushing your hair permit it to dry thoroughly.
Styling Techniques If your hair is not as thick as it once was, there are a number of hair styling methods and hair styling products that can be employed to keep your hair looking its best at any age. Try to avoid hair gels as they only matte your hair and highlight your hair loss. Instead use hair texturizing creams and lotions that give you volume and fullness. Another good option is to use a leave-in hair conditioner that can make your hair emerge more textured and fuller. For a fuller look try blow drying your hair - For hair that is getting thin on top, try blow drying after you have washed and conditioned, then comb your hair in front directly back. Use mousse or a light hair spray to maintain the style. The blow drying will stop your hair from matting together and looking thinner.
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-drying your Hair Think about blow drying your hair if it is thinning on top to give it more texture and body and to give your head more coverage. Brush your hair into a quiff by brushing it from the forehead up. Preserve your hair style with a touch of hairspray. If your hair is thinning all over, this is a good and effective technique to make your hair look fuller. Get a Buzz Cut - Guys Actors, sports stars, and businessmen all employ the buzz cut as a method of hiding the fact that they are thinning on top. It is a trendy, popular style that is easy to keep up. Purchase a wet-dry electric razor to groom your scalp every day and to remove the hairs you have remaining for a fresh look. If you're worried about losing your hair or if your hair is beginning to thin, pay a visit to your barber or stylist and ask for suggestions for a new hair style. There are plenty of hairstyles to choose from that will permit you to look your very best. - 16463
Men Hair loss is due to the presence of a derivative or by-product of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone can shrink the hair follicles and has a greater effect in the mid-anterior scalp and temples. A thinning crown or receding hair line is the most common pattern of hair loss. Some types of male hair loss are: Androgenetic Alopecia - occurs due to genetic sensitivity to male hormones. This very rarely affects females. Acute diffuse alopecia - caused by physical or psychological factors like hormones, nutritional deficiencies or prescriptions. Chronic Diffuse Alopecia - due to nutritional, metabolic or endocrine matters.
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.
Males and females can reduce or even halt hair loss or thinning, if found early enough, by using various over-the-counter treatments like: a). A shampoo that describes itself as "revitalizing/fortifying/energizing". These will nurture and guard existing hair while removing oils that can obstruct the follicles and stop re-growth. b). A daily vitamin supplement. Look for supplements labelled especially for hair and/or nails and are fortified with Vitamin B3 (niacin). These defend the hair shaft, and antioxidants, to ward off harm from free radicals. c). Weekly use, leave-in scalp treatment prepared with essential oils - oils such as lavender and orange will relax and unblock hair follicles to encourage growth, regulate oil production and sustain cell repair. Results will vary, as with any treatment, and may possibly need to be continued on a regular basis. Also, allow around 6-8 weeks before expecting to see results.
Methods to disguise thinning hair and hair loss: Perhaps it is time to think of some techniques to hide your hair loss if you are unhappy with your thinning hair. Whether you are a man or a woman losing hair due to heredity, stress, medication or a medical condition you can use these tips to help you cope. Use a Specific Thickening Shampoo or Conditioner for your Hair Using a specific hair thickening shampoo and/or conditioner that is intended to conceal hair loss by ensuring the hair appears to be thicker and more voluminous. After shampooing and conditioning make sure that you brush your hair gently to halt the loss of more hair. Before combing or brushing your hair permit it to dry thoroughly.
Styling Techniques If your hair is not as thick as it once was, there are a number of hair styling methods and hair styling products that can be employed to keep your hair looking its best at any age. Try to avoid hair gels as they only matte your hair and highlight your hair loss. Instead use hair texturizing creams and lotions that give you volume and fullness. Another good option is to use a leave-in hair conditioner that can make your hair emerge more textured and fuller. For a fuller look try blow drying your hair - For hair that is getting thin on top, try blow drying after you have washed and conditioned, then comb your hair in front directly back. Use mousse or a light hair spray to maintain the style. The blow drying will stop your hair from matting together and looking thinner.
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-drying your Hair Think about blow drying your hair if it is thinning on top to give it more texture and body and to give your head more coverage. Brush your hair into a quiff by brushing it from the forehead up. Preserve your hair style with a touch of hairspray. If your hair is thinning all over, this is a good and effective technique to make your hair look fuller. Get a Buzz Cut - Guys Actors, sports stars, and businessmen all employ the buzz cut as a method of hiding the fact that they are thinning on top. It is a trendy, popular style that is easy to keep up. Purchase a wet-dry electric razor to groom your scalp every day and to remove the hairs you have remaining for a fresh look. If you're worried about losing your hair or if your hair is beginning to thin, pay a visit to your barber or stylist and ask for suggestions for a new hair style. There are plenty of hairstyles to choose from that will permit you to look your very best. - 16463
About the Author:
Jennifer Summers is a great source of information on hair loss, regularly providing informative advice on thinning hair.
