Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Information about Thin Hair and Hair Loss

By Jennifer Summers

Talking about hair loss with your GP is an important first step. For millions of people world-wide, each day is a "bad hair" day due to the predicament of thinning hair or hair loss. There are a variety of treatments offered these days that make hair loss or thinning hair easier to live with. Distressing situations and heredity can be the reason for hair thinning and loss and can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations, excessive physical force or poor nutrition. Alopecia is a worry not only experienced by men but by an increasing number of women, it is the disproportionate and abnormal loss of strong hair. While these factors can concern both men and women, hair thinning and loss usually happens 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 Anagen effluvium - due to chemotherapy this may occur. The matrix of the hair becomes damaged and, as a consequence, the hair shaft narrows, eventually breaking. Traction alopecia - caused by rigorous hairstyles, ie: ponytails that are too tight, frequent use of extensions, braiding or cornrows. These methods pull at hair over time but loss can be prevented if diagnosed and treated early enough. The majority of cases of hair thinning and loss result from hormonal fluctuations, ie: during pregnancy, childbirth or use of some types of birth control.

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.

Techniques to hide 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 Hair Thickening Shampoo or Conditioner Use a hair thickening shampoo and/or conditioner meant to disguise loss by making the hair appear to be thicker. Brush your hair gently after shampooing and conditioning to stop losing more hair, and allow hair to dry completely before combing or brushing it.

Techniques for Styling If your head of hair is not as thick as it used to be, there are some styling techniques and styling products that you can use to keep your head looking its best at any age. Avoid styling gels they will only matte your hair together and accentuate your baldness. Go for texturizing lotions and creams that will give you fullness and volume. Another great choice is to use a leave-in conditioner that can make your hair appear fuller and more textured. Blow dry thinning hair for a fuller look - For hair that is thinning on top, try blow drying after you wash and condition and comb the hair in front straight back. Use mousse or a light hairspray to keep the style in place. The blow dryer will keep hair from matting together and appearing thinner than it is.

Add Extensions to your Hair Extensions are an easy way for women and men with long thick hair to hide the fact that they are losing some. Use a salon for getting natural human hair added to your hair. This 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. - 16651

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