Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Why Does Hair Turn Gray?

Have you ever watched someone try to cover up gray hair by dyeing it? Or maybe you wonder why your granddad has a full head of silver hair when in old pictures it used to be dark brown? Getting gray, silver, or white hair is a natural part of growing older, and here's why.
Each hair on our heads is made up of two parts:
  • a shaft - the colored part we see growing out of our heads
  • a root - the bottom part, which keeps the hair anchored under the scalp
The root of every strand of hair is surrounded by a tube of tissue under the skin that is called the hair follicle (say: fah-lih-kul). Each hair follicle contains a certain number of pigment cells. These pigment cells continuously produce a chemical called melanin (say: meh-luh-nin) that gives the growing shaft of hair its color of brown, blonde, red, and anything in between.
Melanin is the same stuff that makes our skin's color fair or darker. It also helps determine whether a person will burn or tan in the sun. The dark or light color of someone's hair depends on how much melanin each hair contains.
As we get older, the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die. When there are fewer pigment cells in a hair follicle, that strand of hair will no longer contain as much melanin and will become a more transparent color - like gray, silver, or white - as it grows. As people continue to get older, fewer pigment cells will be around to produce melanin. Eventually, the hair will look completely gray.
People can get gray hair at any age. Some people go gray at a young age - as early as when they are in high school or college - whereas others may be in their 30s or 40s before they see that first gray hair. How early we get gray hair is determined by our genes. This means that most of us will start having gray hairs around the same age that our parents or grandparents first did.
Gray hair is more noticeable in people with darker hair because it stands out, but people with naturally lighter hair are just as likely to go gray. From the time a person notices a few gray hairs, it may take more than 10 years for all of that person's hair to turn gray.
Some people think that a big shock or trauma can turn a person's hair white or gray overnight, but scientists don't really believe that this happens. Just in case, try not to freak out your parents too much. You don't want to be blamed for any of their gray hairs!

What Can Doctors Do?

If you see a doctor about hair loss, he or she will ask questions about your health and family health (called a medical history) and check your scalp. In some cases, the doctor might take hair samples and test for certain medical conditions that can cause hair loss.
If medication is causing hair loss, ask the doctor if you can take a different drug. If your hair loss is due to an endocrine condition, like diabetes or thyroid disease, proper treatment and control of the underlying disorder is important to reduce or prevent hair loss.
If your doctor recommends it, a product like minoxidil that can speed up hair growth also might be helpful. Alopecia areata can be helped by treatment with corticosteroids. If nutritional deficiencies are found to be causing your hair loss, the doctor might refer you to a dietitian or other nutrition expert.

Catastrophic Hair Loss

Hair loss can be the first outward sign that a person is sick, so it may feel scary. Teens who have cancer and lose their hair because of chemotherapy treatments (especially girls) might go through a difficult time.
It can help to feel like you have some control over your appearance when you're losing your hair. When getting chemotherapy, some people like to cut their hair or shave their heads before the hair falls out. Some even take the hair they cut off and have it made into a wig. Many options can help disguise hair loss — such as wearing wigs, hair wraps, hats, and baseball caps. For most teens who lose their hair, the hair does return — including after chemotherapy.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Here are some of the things that can cause hair loss in teens:
  • Illnesses or medical conditions. Endocrine (hormonal) conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid disease, can interfere with hair production and cause hair loss. People with lupus can also lose hair. The hormone imbalance that occurs in polycystic ovary syndrome can cause hair loss in teen girls as well as adult women.
  • Medications. Some medications that have hair loss as a side effect may be prescribed for teens. These include acne medicines like isotretinoin, and lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder. Diet pills that contain amphetamines also can cause hair loss. Chemotherapy drugs for cancer are probably the most well-known medications that cause hair loss
  • Alopecia areata. This skin disease causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes elsewhere on the body. It affects 1.7% of the population, including more than 5 million people in the United States. Alopecia areata (pronounced: al-uh-pee-shuh air-ee-ah-tuh) is thought to be an autoimmune disease, in which the hair follicles are damaged by a person's own immune system. (In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs in a person's body.) Alopecia areata usually starts as one or more small, round bald patches on the scalp. These can get bigger, and in a small number of cases, can progress to total hair loss. Both guys and girls can get it, and it often begins in childhood. The hair usually grows back within a year, but not always. Sometimes people with alopecia areata lose their hair again.
  • Trichotillomania (pronounced: trik-o-til-uh-may-nee-uh). Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder in which people repeatedly pull their hair out, often leaving bald patches. It results in areas of baldness and damaged hairs of different lengths. People with trichotillomania usually need professional help from a therapist or other mental health professional before they are able to stop pulling their hair out.
  • Hair treatments and styling. Having your hair chemically treated, such as getting your hair colored, bleached, straightened, or permed, can cause damage that may make the hair break off or fall out temporarily. Another type of baldness that results from hair styling actually can be permanent: Wearing hair pulled so tightly that it places tension on the scalp can result in a condition called traction alopecia. Traction alopecia can be permanent if the style is worn for a long enough time that it damages the hair follicles.
  • Poor nutrition. Poor eating can contribute to hair loss. This is why some people with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia lose their hair: The body isn't getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals to sustain hair growth. Some teens who are vegetarians also lose their hair if they don't get enough protein from non-meat sources. And some athletes are at higher risk for hair loss because they may be more likely to develop iron-deficiency anemia.
  • Disruption of the hair growth cycle. Some major events can alter the hair's growth cycle temporarily. For example, delivering a baby, having surgery, or going through a traumatic event can temporarily cause shedding of large amounts of hair. Because the hair we see on our heads has actually taken months to grow, a person might not notice any disruption of the hair growth cycle until months after the event that caused it. This type of hair loss corrects itself.
  • Androgenetic alopecia. Among adults, the most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic (pronounced: an-druh-juh-neh-tik) alopecia, sometimes called male-pattern baldness. This condition is caused by a combination of factors, including hormones called androgens and genetics. Sometimes, the hair loss can start as early as the mid-teen years. It also can occur in people who take steroids like testosterone to build their bodies.

Natural Packs for Oily Hair

Natural beauty treatments are gaining a growing number of fans because of the fact that they reduce the use of harmful chemicals on your body. From natural hair packs to natural hair sprays there are a whole range of natural beauty products to pamper your body. Natural packs for oily hair help to make oily hair silky and lustrous. Using any of the natural packs for oily hair will make your hair manageable and help you to style your hair in any way you please.
Here, we have provided one of the most popular (and also one of the most effective) homemade natural packs for oily hair. This homemade natural hair care pack can be most effective when used with a scalp toner and a herbal shampoo.

Egg Fuller's Earth Natural Pack for Oily Hair

Ingredients:
  1. Eggs-2 (raw, with the yolks removed)
  2. Fuller's Earth (Multani Mitti)- 4 tbsp (heaped)
  3. Mint Leaves-1 cup (wet)
  4. Lemon Juice-2 tbsp
  5. Honey-1 tsp
Preparation:
  1. Use a blender to make a paste of the mint leaves. Leave aside.Put the chopped spinach in a blender. Add the water. Make a smooth, even paste of the spinach.
  2. Beat the egg whites in a rounded glass bowl.
  3. Mix the well-beaten egg whites with the Fuller's Earth, mint leaves paste, lemon juice and honey in the glass bowl. Mix thoroughly to get a smooth even paste.
Application:
  1. Remember this natural hair pack for oily hair should be applied on dried hair.
  2. Comb your hair and part it in the middle.
  3. Apply the natural hair pack evenly on your hair.
  4. Cover your hair with a shower cap.
  5. Leave this hair pack on your hair for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Rinse it off with water.
  7. Use a reetha based shampoo to wash your hair. (You may also use a baby shampoo. These are one of the mildest shampoos that you can get.)
Use this hair pack once every week. This will help to remove the excess oil from your scalp.

Reetha (Soapnut) Shikai Shampoo for Oily Hair

Ingredients:
  1. Reetha Nuts (Soapnut) -1 cup
  2. Water-1 liter
  3. Shikakai (Acacia Concinna)-2 tbsp (heaped)
  4. Lemon Juice-2 tbsp
  5. Honey-1 tsp
Preparation:
  1. Soak the reetha nuts overnight in 1 liter of water, in a plastic or glass bowl. The next morning, remove the stones from the nuts and mash the reetha nuts well in the water.
  2. Strain the solution.
  3. Add the shikakai powder to the solution. Mix well.
Application:
  • Shampooing

    1. Apply the mixture to your hair. Take care that it does not get into your eyes.
    2. Cover your hair with a shower cap.
    3. Leave this homemade natural shampoo on your hair for 5 minutes.
    4. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water.
  • Conditioning


    1. Mix the honey and lemon juice in 1 liter of water. Apply this natural conditioner to your hair.
    2. Remember you should apply the conditioner to your hair and not to your scalp.
    3. Leave it on for 2 minutes.
    4. Rinse your hair till it is squeaky clean.
  • Drying

    1. Dry your hair gently by patting it with a soft towel and then wrapping the towel round your head like a turban. Take off the towel after 5 minutes.
    2. Comb your hair gently with a wide-toothed comb to free the ends.
    3. Allow your hair to dry naturally. Do not use a hair dryer.

Malt Vinegar Based Natural Toner for Oily Hair

Along with the natural hair pack for oily hair, you may also use a toner that will help to control the oil secretion

Ingredients:
  1. Malt Vinegar-2 tbsp
  2. Water-1/2 liter
  3. Salt-1/4 tsp
Preparation:
  1. Make a solution of the salt, malt vinegar and water in a clean, glass jar.
  2. You can keep this solution for a maximum period of five days.
  3. Take 4 tbsp of this solution and massage into your scalp every 3 days.
  4. Use gentle, rotating movements of your finger tips to massage the solution into your scalp.
  5. Leave it on for 50-60 minutes.
  6. Rinse it off with plain water.
  7. Ideally avoid the use of a hair dryer. If you have to use one—hold the hair dryer at a distance of 1 foot from your hair.
These natural hair treatments also prevent hair loss or hair fall, and make your hair soft, lustrous and shiny.

Caution: If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in these natural hair recipes then, do not use these natural packs for oily hair.

Source : http://www.beautytipshub.com/natural-beauty-treatments/hair-care-tips/natural-packs-for-oily-hair.html
   

Home Made Shampoo for Dry Hair, Oily Hair, Dandruff or Hair Loss

Making shampoo is not really any more complicated than brewing a cup of tea - all you have to do in preparation is to make sure that you have the following items available:
  • Distilled water
  • Castile soap
  • Herbs of your choice
  • Glass bowl
  • Strainer
  • Spray bottle

The Basic Ingredient of Natural Shampoo: Castile Soap

This soap is said to have originated in the Kingdom of Castile, a region now known as Spain. It was originally made purely with olive oil, but today there are many varieties including hemp, jojoba, almond, walnut, avocado and coconut.
Common for all castile soaps is that they are based on vegetable oils only, as supposed to most “other” soaps that are generally based on oils and fats of animal origin.

Hair Care Myths

  1. There are many advises about hair care that appear to be sound and worth to try, but actually they are nothing but myths. Following are some hair care tips that are supposed to be true but are only myths.
  2. Myth: Trim your hair to frequently to grow them faster and denser. Whether you trim your hair or not, they grow half an inch every 4 weeks. Trimming split hair ends improves the look of your hair.
  3. Myth: Stress is the main cause of hair loss
    We daily lose about 100 hairs daily even in the absence of stress. However, you may lose more than this, if you are very stressed.
  4. Myth: Plucking out grey hair will grow more grey hair
    Plucking grey hair may damage hair follicles and lead to infection on the scalp. But there is no connection between plucking and greying hair.

Oily Hair Care Treatment

Oily hair is a problem of the scalp and is often associated with an overactive oil gland due to the higher levels of hormones. Oily hair looks flatten and greasy!
It needs thorough washing to remove excess oil, dust and dirt which can make hair look dull, limp and lifeless. People who have fine, straight hair end to have oilier hair.
However, oil is good thing - it protects your hair shafts from breaking and keeps your scalp in good condition. The only problem is when there is too much of it.

Oily Hair Tips

• Wash it as often as necessary to keep it clean and in good shape.
• Use a gentle shampoo. Leave shampoo on the scalp for five minutes!
• Best shampoos for oily hair contain a detergent, such as ammonium or sodium lauryl sulfate. (These detergents are quite drying to hair.)
• Try shampooing every second day.
• Rinse on the off day. Rinse with cool water to close the pores of the scalp.
• Between washes use hair fresheners to avoid bad smelling.
• Try to avoid conditioner at the roots and scalp, apply in the middle or on the ends. Apply it gently with your fingertips.
• Towel dry before you blow drying to remove most of the dampness.
• Direct the blow-dryer to the hair strands and roots.
• Try to avoid oil in your daily food intake. Eat more vegetables.
• Avoid using styling products containing silicone. Do not use two-in-one shampoos and conditioners.
• Avoid brushing your hair too often or too vigorously, since brushing can help spreading oil from your roots to the ends of your hair.
• Have the hair colored or permanently waved. Color treated hair has enlarged strands and this can help reduce the oil from spreading through your hair.
• Avoid frequently touching your hair.
• Try highlighting your hair. This dries hair out slightly.
• In case you cannot wash your hair, apply a lot of powder to your oily hair in front on the scalp, and wipe it off with a dry towel. The powder will absorb the oil.
• Get a haircut that is easy to manage.
• Excessive oiliness is caused by hormones that trigger sebum production. To prevent excessive sebum production you should visit your doctor.

Homemade Oily Hair Remedies

• You can try some solutions at home for very oily hair, such as a dish washing liquid that contains degreasing agents. Just mix 2 or 3 drops of the dish washing liquid into a dab of shampoo in your hand. Be careful not to get it in your eyes!
• Mix juice from 1 lemon with 1 cup water and rinse through your hair. Rinse with warm water.
• Soak your hair in a small basin of water with 1/4 cup cider vinegar. Wash out with warm water.
• Use fresh beer as a setting lotion for greasy hair.
• What about holistic remedies? You can try a natural astringent such as witch hazel. It may help slow down the oil production of the sebaceous glands in your scalp. It’s good to mix witch hazel with mouthwash and apply it to your scalp with a cotton ball. If your hair is extremely oily, you can apply this homemade astringent each time you shampoo.
• You can also use essential oils to care for oily hair. Add 8 drops of rosegeranium essential oil and 8 drops of lemongrass essential oil to an 8-ounce bottle of your regular shampoo.

Hair Care Recipes

  1. Olive Oil Hair Mask or Pack
    Mix 5 tablespoon of olive oil with 2 eggs. Apply throughly to hair. Wrap head with plastic wrap or a shower cap. After 15 minutes rinse well.
  2. Honey & Olive Oil Hair Mask -1
    Mix 2 tablespoon honey with 3 tablespoon olive oil. Apply throughly to hair. Cover hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap. After 15 minutes shampoo and rinse well.
  3. Beautiful Gorgeous Hair Mask -2
    After you shampoo your hair, pour 1 cup fresh lemon juice or vinegar through hair and massage and rinse with water. Apply your usual conditioner and wash with water. It will remove all the dirt and your hair will be shine sparkling. Do not repeat this method before 2 weeks.
  4. Beautiful Gorgeous Hair Mask
    Grind fenugreek (methi) seeds soaked in water overnight. Massage this paste on scalp and hair and leave it for15-20 minutes. Wash it off with a mild shampoo. This paste is good for all types of hair problems, viz. dandruffs, falling hair, thinning of hair, baldness, split hair, etc.
    Make a hair pack by mixing one egg yolk, 1 Tbsp lemon juice and 1 Tbsp black gram flour in 1 cup yogurt and apply to your hair. Wash after 4 hours. Whenever possible, try to use an herbal organic shampoo.
  5. Hair Rinse for soft and shiny hair
    Mix 1 Tbsp of following herbs with enough boiling water and let it stand for 1/2 an hour. Add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and mix well. Shampoo your hair. Pour mixture over hair repeatedly. Vinegar will seal the hair cuticle.

    Use the herbs as following:
    For hair general care: rosemary leaves, nettle, burdock root, elder flowers
    For dry hair: chamomile flowers, comfrey root, nettle, elder flowers
    For oily hair: lemon peel, peppermint, lemongrass
  6. To Grow Long Hair
    Grind black pepper and lemon seeds in equal amounts and make a paste in water and apply on your hair and scalp. Wash after 15 minutes with cold water.
  7. For Shining Hair
    Mix juice of one fresh orange, water, 1 tablespoon Honey and a few drops (5-7) of sandalwood oil. Use as an after-shampoo rinse.
    Beat two eggs in a tablespoon of milk and apply on your hair. Rinse your hair after 5-7 minutes to get an instant shining.
    Add a 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water and rinse your hair.
  8. For Damaged Hair
    Mash a ripe banana with a few drops of almond oil and massage into hair. Leave it for about 15 minutes. Rinse with soda water and then shampoo and condition.
  9. Falling Hair, Hair Loss
    Rub Indian gooseberry (Amla) into the scalp regularly. It can show wonderful results, it will stop hair falling.
    Eat a protein rich diet inluding green leafy vegetables, carrots, mango, dried apricots, whole grain cereals, sprouts, lentils in the daily diet for the hair loss and falling hair.
  10. For Split End Hair
    Split ends in hair are caused when they are damaged by strong shampoo or heat from hair dryer. Following are some cures for split hair.

    1. Make a pack by beating 1 egg yolk in a mixture of 2 Tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp honey. Massage on hair in thoroughly and then wrap head with shower cap for half an hour. Wash.
    2. Massage hair and scalp with warm olive oil and wrap head with shower cap and leave for overnight or for 8-10 hours. Wash.
      You can alternately do the following:
      Take 1/2 cup olive oil in 1/2 cup boiling water in a bottle and put its cap. Shake the bottle vigorsly. Massage thoroughly in hair and cover with a shower cap. Leave for 1/2 hour, then wash. Take care of your hands and head because the water is hot.
    3. A papaya pack is a great natural care of hair split end. Remove the skin and the seeds of a ripe papayaand blend it in a blender. Add to it half a cup of yogurt and apply thoroughly to your scalp and hair. Wash after 30 mintues with warm water.
    4. Grind half a cup of urad dal (black lentil) with 1 Tbsp of fenugreek (methi) seeds to a coarse powder. Add half a cup of yogurt and mix well. Apply generously all over the scalp. apply thoroughly to your scalp and hair. Wash after 2-3 hours with warm water.
    5. Oil your hair twice a week with coconut oil mixed with fresh lime juice.
    6. It is always better to keep the split end trimmed, otherwise, they may split further up the hair.
  11. Frizzy Hair
    Make an after-shampoo rinse by mixing one tablepsoon of honey to a liter of water. Use it after every hair wash with your usual shampoo.
  12. Greasy Hair
    Greasy hair are mainly due to becoming sebaceous glands overactive. You should avoid too much brushing of hair. Wash your hair frequently with a nourishing shampoo.

    http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/beauty/hair-care.html 
          

Homemade Hair Spray

Chop one lemon (or an orange for dry hair). Place in a pot with 2 cups water. Boil until half of the initial amount remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator.
If it is too sticky, add more water. Add one ounce rubbing alcohol as a preservative and then the spray can be stored for up to two weeks unrefrigerated.

Greasy Hair Solutions - Remedy for Oily Hair

There are ways you can help stop the grease from appearing but you have to work at it.
Do not wash everyday. The cleaner your hair is the more it can seep into your glands and harder it is to get rid of. When you do wash make sure you are washing with a cleaning shampoo and scrubbing the build up off. Take in mind that you also have to have a ph-balanced mild shampoo and lite scrubbing is recommended. Try to avoid conditioner at the roots, apply in the middle or on the ends.

Try to avoid oil in your daily food intake. And do eat more vegetables. You could visit your doctor but only after you check and consider your diet, drugs, alcohol, and your fatty food intake. Let's face it we see what McDonalds can do to your heart in a month, can you image your hair. You would be dripping everywhere.
Maybe it's time to change your shampoo. Ask your stylist what she or he would recommend. Avoid using shine products at all costs. Keep away from two-in-one shampoos and conditioners and any frizz serums.
To fix at the moment, rub a little Talcum Powder on your dried hair at the roots. Just make sure you wash it out. I wish they would event that magic product, but this will help until they do.

Source : http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/oily-hair.html
  
 

The best hairdo for your face

A woman's hair is her crowning glory. It frames her face and completes her appearance. She can talk with her hair, and there are so many ways that a person can tell about her by simply looking at her hair. It is therefore very important for a woman to take care of her hair, to keep it clean, moisturized and trimmed, so that it would remain soft, shiny and neat.
Most women cut their hair to different styles in an attempt to enhance their looks. Some like their hair long and straight, while others like to wear their hair long and with abundant curls and ringlets. There are others who go for the minimum, no-fuss look and always have their hair cut short and simple, while others wish to strike a balance between femininity and practicality and keep their hair at mid-length. And there are still others who like experimenting on color and highlights, not just with the length and cut of their hair.

Unfortunately, not everyone can wear the same hairstyle and look good in it. Some hairstyles look great on some women, but sadly look like bombs on others. Many things can be taken into account as to why this is so, but mostly it is because the hairstyle does not flatter the face.
The way you do your hairdos must flatter your face and enhance your best features. After all, that is what the hair is supposed to do, aesthetically speaking to frame your face and to help bring out your best features. Whether a hairstyle will look good on you or not depends on the shape of your face.
There are many, many types of hairstyles out there, but not all will look good on you unless the hairstyle fits the shape of your face. Below are the different hairstyles that are considered most flattering for each shape of face.

An oval face : The oval face is the perfect face. Almost any hairstyle will go with it, whether it is long or short, straight or curly. If you have an oval face, you will do well with having layers near your chin or cheekbones to draw attention to them. However, try to avoid hairstyles that add volumes to the top of your head � it will make your face look longer.

A long face : If you have a long or oblong face, you should create the illusion of width to balance it out. You can add width to your face by doing your hair with long, side-swept bangs or chin-length bobs. You will also do well with curls and waves that frame the face.
If you have a long or oblong face, you should avoid letting your hair grow extremely long or having your hair cut extremely short. Such extreme hairstyles will take the width from your face and emphasize its length.

A round face : If people with long faces need to add width to their faces, people with round faces need to take some of the width and bulk off by adding length. If your face is round you need to create the illusion of length, and to do this, you can have your hair cut just below your chin, or in graduated layers. Do not do your hair in short, one-length, blunt cuts, as it will only draw attention to the roundness of your face.

A square face : Having a square face means having an angular jaw. The hairstyle trick with having a square face is drawing attention away from that jaw. This is done by putting texture to your hair. Short curls do exactly this, as well as long layers that start just below the jawline. If your face has a square shape, you should try not to have your hair cut in one-length bobs or wear bangs that are cut bluntly. It will only emphasize the squareness of your face.

A heart-shaped face : Heart-shaped faces are pretty Valentines, but the pointed chin draws attention away from the eyes. If you have a heart-shaped face, you could bring focus to your eyes by wearing side-swept bangs, a fringe on your brow or long layers at the top. Or you could let your hair grow and have it done with layers that touch your cheekbones.

Source : http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hairdos.html
  

How To Add A Great Shine To Your Hair

Want great shine? Even perfectly healthy hair can get dull without a little extra something, especially if you do not use shampoo with silicone-based ingredients as these are made to promote shine, however they also result in a multitude of other hair care issues if you don't know how to use them.
 There are so many better ways to get that gorgeous shine that will really make your hair "pop". For this article we're going to assume that your hair is already healthy and just needs the shine added back in, if this is not the case you may want to research the different ways you can improve your hair's health through dietary supplements and adding moisture and protein as well as cutting out "hair care" routines that damage the hair.

Common Problems That Prevent Hair Shine 

When the cuticle (outside layer of the hair shaft) does not lie down flat, it can cause dullness and a course texture. This is a very simple one to fix, just rinse your hair in cold water when you're finished washing to make the cuticle lie flat. It's the same as closing the pores in your skin and will also help keep the hair from getting damaged from gunk or snagging.

The next problem that generally affects your hair's shine is buildup. This can be buildup from hair products, environmental factors such as smoke or smog, or just plain stubborn dirt and gunk. Many people who use only conditioner and no shampoo often have some dullness problems because there are no harsh detergents stripping everything out of the hair...no, you don't have to go back to the shampoo!

Steps For Natural Hair Shine

About 1tsp of apple cider vinegar diluted in 12ozs of water makes a great finishing rinse. When you've already washed and conditioned and have washed those hair products out, pour this dilution through your hair then rinse it in cold water. Now we're talking SHINE!

A few drops of essential oil can smooth the hair out, help prevent tangles, and really bring out the shine. Just apply a couple of drops to your palms, rub your hands together and then finger-comb through your hair (it should be groomed with a high-quality wide-tooth comb first). If your hair is wet and you have never used oil before, stick with just a couple of drops until you know if your hair will need more or not - it may not feel like much, but it only takes a tiny bit to coat lots of hair. If dry it will be much easier to tell how your hair is reacting to each amount of oil, just bear in mind that what you see is what you get, this stuff doesn't do any drying or anything so make sure you continue spreading the oil thinner until you get the look you want. Some of the favorite hair shining oils are jojoba, coconut, olive, grape seed and even broccoli seed oil.

Additional Hair Shine Secrets 

Honey is another big favorite in the shining arena. Typically, you'll want to add a couple drops of honey to a bottle of conditioner. Shake vigorously to make sure the honey is dispersed throughout the conditioner, then condition as normal. Honey also takes a big role in deep moisture treatments or super conditioning treatments.
You might also try taking silica along with your normal daily supplements as this is known to decrease hair loss and promote shine. If none of these suggestions work for you, there may be some other problems that need to be addressed that could be affecting your hair's ability to shine. Some hair, namely coarse hair or that found in people of African descent, is simply not meant to shine...instead, these types of hair should have a nice velvety sheen to them.  
  
Source : http://www.haircarehints.com/how-to/add-a-great-shine-to-your-hair.html  

Friday, August 27, 2010

Hair Loss Thinning - The Top 3 Most Awesome and Little Known Secrets to Stopping Hair Loss

Going bald? Think your too young for it to happen to you? Been there, done that!
I mean it, I feel your pain. I started going bald at the age of 21. My hairline seemed to get higher by the day! To start with I kept telling myself that I had always had such an exposed hairline and that I wasn't actually losing hair. It wasn't until my Mother happened to mention that my hair was looking at little thin from the front that I came to the realisation that I was experiencing hair loss thinning.
Being a 21 year old who until now had always been fairly confident in his looks (I had always done well with girls etc) it was crushing news!
I wasn't about to sit there and let it happen! I immediately started looking into hair loss solutions. 2 months later I'm happy to report that not only has my hair thinning stopped but it has actually reversed!
Here are my top 3 tips to stopping your hair loss or thinning.
Scalp Massage!
It's a simple but effective method of increasing the blood flow to your hair follicles. This bring more nutrients and results in stimulating new hair growth. I had a scalp massage twice a week.
Change Your Diet!
Hair health is linked to what you eat! Fact! You need to start eating healthy. The more nutrients and minerals there are in you the more hair you will produce. Look for foods that are high in EFA, B vitamins and vitamin E. Avoid foods that contain caffeine and high in processed sugars.
Block That DHT!
DHT or Dihydrotestosterone is that main cause for Male Pattern Baldness. It's a derivative form of Testosterone that can be found in the human body. High levels of the chemical results in hair loss. There are products out there that reduce DHT levels. Just be careful which one you use as not all are equal!
The fact is that my hair loss was crippling for me! It managed to ruin my relationships with family and girlfriends several times over. Thankfully I discovered a DHT blocking solution that proved to be so powerful and effective that I reversed my hair loss thinning.

Eat Best Foods to Promote Hair Growth

Shiny, healthy and abundant hair is of great value to people. When hair starts thinning or falling out, it can cause panic, distress and anxiety for the individuals concerned. Many cures are put forward by the hair industry, yet dietary deficiencies, poor dietary choices, toxic hair care products and poor hair care are often the cause. Stress and chronic disorders can also cause hair loss. There is no overnight cure for hair that has been damaged by a bad diet. Encourage hair growth with natural "hair foods".

Alfalfa Sprouts for Hair Growth

Alfalfa sprouts are a good source of vitamins A, B2, B5, C and K. Alfalfa sprouts contain phytochemicals and folic acid. In addition, the sprouts contain trace elements such as zinc, copper and magnesium, all necessary for strong hair and a healthy scalp.
Don't bother with shop bought sprouts, which may have been standing on the shelves for days - grow these exceptionally nutritious sprouts at home:

Method:
Measure 3 tablespoons of alfalfa seeds, rinse under cold water and drain. Place the seeds into the bottom of a wide necked glass jar. Add cool, pure water to the jar so it covers the seeds. Allow the seeds to soak overnight.
In the morning, attach a piece of cheesecloth over the jar opening with a rubber band. Strain the water through the cloth. Ensure that all the water is out or it may cause the seeds to rot. Do not remove the seeds from the container.
Rinse the seeds and jar every day with pure water. After 5 days or so, sprouts should be ready to eat. Add to salads, sandwiches or stir fried vegetables.

Vegetables for Hair Growth
Eat leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, regularly and raw if possible. Dark green vegetables provide iron and calcium, as well as Vitamin A and C. These vitamins assist in the production of sebum, which conditions the hair and promotes hair growth.
Carrots also provide vitamin A. Good for vision as well as hair, these vegetables will encourage follicles to increase their production.

Wheat Germ for Hair Growth

Wheat germ is a part of the wheat kernel. Wheat germ is very high in protein, but that is not all. It contains potassium, calcium, zinc, thiamine, niacin and vitamins that are necessary in order to maintain healthy hair and skin.

Foods to Avoid
Avoid dead foods, such as white sugar and processed foods. Cut down on excess caffeine and alcohol, which retards hair growth.

Sources:
http://haircare.suite101.com/articl...
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-al...
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-whe...
 

What Causes Dandruff? How Can I Treat Dandruff?

The exact cause of dandruff, also known as scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii is unknown. However, most experts do agree that it is not caused by poor hygiene.
  • Not enough hair brushing - People who do not comb/brush their hair regularly have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff - this is because they are not aiding the shedding of skin that combing/brushing provides.
  • Yeast - People who are sensitive to yeast have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff, so it is logical to assume that yeast may play a part. Yeast-sensitive people who get dandruff find that it gets better during the warmer months and worse during the winter. UVA light from the sun counteracts the yeast. Some say, though, that during winter the skin is drier because of cold air and overheated rooms (exposure to extreme temperatures), making dandruff more likely. So, it is sometimes not that easy to know whether it is yeast or just dry skin.
  • Dry skin - people with dry skin tend to get dandruff more often. Winter cold air, combined with overheated rooms is a common cause of itchy, flaking skin. People with dandruff caused by dry skin tend to have small flakes of dandruff; the flakes are not oily.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis (irritated, oily skin) - People with seborrheic dermatitis are very prone to dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis affects many areas of the skin, including the backs of the ears, the breastbone, eyebrows, and the sides of the nose, not just the scalp. The patient will have red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.
  • Not enough shampooing - some people say that if you don't shampoo enough there can be a buildup of oil and dead skin cells, causing dandruff. However, many experts doubt this is true.
  • Certain skin conditions - People with psoriasis, eczema and some other skin disorders tend to get dandruff much more frequently than other people.
  • Some illnesses - Adults with Parkinson's disease and some other neurological illnesses are more prone to having dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Patients recovering from heart attacks and strokes, and some people with weak immune systems may have dandruff more often than other people.
  • Reaction to hair/skin care products - Some people react to some hair care products with a red, itchy, scaling scalp. Many experts say that shampooing too often may cause dandruff as it can irritate the scalp.
  • Malassezia - Malassezia is a fungus that lives on everybody's scalp. Generally, it will cause no problems at all. However, it can grow out of control. It feeds on the oils our hair follicles secrete. When this happens the scalp can become irritated and produces extra skin cells. These extra skin cells die and fall off; they mix with the oil from the hair and scalp, and turn into what we see as dandruff.
  • Diet - Some experts say that people who do not consume enough foods that contain zinc, B vitamins, and some types of fats are more prone to dandruff.
  • Mental stress - Experts believe there is a link between stress and many skin problems.
  • HIV - A study found that 10.6% of people with HIV have seborrheic dermatitis.

Diagnosis of dandruff :

You do not need a doctor to diagnose dandruff. You can do this yourself. If you see the characteristic white flakes on your scalp, you have dandruff.
If you still want to see a doctor, no special preparations are needed to help the doctor diagnose dandruff. Diagnosis will be confirmed by looking at the scalp and skin. Anybody who has started using some new hair care product may find it useful if they bring the bottles with them.
If your dandruff gets no better after some weeks of self-treatment, you should then consider seeing your doctor, especially if there are red, swollen patches on the scalp.

How can I treat dandruff?

Two factors should be considered when you treat dandruff: 1. Your age. 2. The severity of your dandruff. Your aim will be to stop the dandruff by slowing down the reproduction of skin cells, and/or counteract the yeast production that might be the cause.

Shampoos and scalp preparations
Shampoos and products for the scalp are available OTC (over-the-counter, no prescription needed) at most supermarkets, pharmacies and many corner shops. It is important to remember that seborrheic dermatitis can be controlled, but not cured with these products.

Before using an antifungal shampoo see if you can remove any scaly or crusty patches on your scalp - do this with care. If you manage to remove them the shampoo will be more effective.
If you have dandruff on your beard you can use dandruff shampoo on it.
Most anti-dandruff or anti-fungal shampoos contain at least one of the following active ingredients:
  • Zinc pyrithione - an ingredient which slows down the production of yeast.
  • Selenium sulphide - this reduces the production of natural oils your scalp glands produce.
  • Coal tar - this has a natural anti-fungal agent. If your hair is dyed or treated remember that long-term coal tar usage can stain the hair.
  • Ketoconazole - a very effective anti-fungal. Most people who use this are pleased with the results. Experts say shampoos with this ingredient can be used with young and elderly people.
  • Salicylic acids - these help your scalp get rid of skin cells. It does not slow down the reproduction of skin cells. Many "scalp scrubs" contain salicylic acids. Some people find salicylic acid treatments leave their scalps dry and eventually make the flaking of the skin worse.
  • Tea-tree oil - This oil comes from the Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). A growing number of shampoos now include tea-tree oil as one of its ingredients. It has been used for centuries as an antifungal, antibiotic, and an antiseptic. However, some people are allergic to it.
  • Green Tea potential - Researchers from the Medical College of Georgia, USA, found that green tea may have potential for the treatment of dandruff and psoriasis.
Ideally, select a shampoo that has one of the above ingredients and shampoo your hair with it every day until your dandruff is under control. When that happens use them less frequently. You may find a particular shampoo stops being so effective after while, if this occurs switch to one that has another ingredient.

Make sure the shampoo has time to stay on your scalp before you rinse it off - perhaps about five minutes. If you rinse it off too quickly the ingredient will not have enough time to work.
If after several weeks of treating yourself you still have dandruff, you should consider seeing your doctor or a dermatologist (skin specialist).

A study carried out by European researchers suggested that the addition of llama antibodies to shampoo could be a new strategy for fighting dandruff.

What are the possible complications of dandruff?

A person with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis will hardly every experience complications. If one were to occur, it would more likely to be caused by one of the dandruff treatments. If you find one of your dandruff shampoos, or scalp treatments is causing irritation, stop using it and ask your pharmacist to suggest another one.
Bacteria can get in under your skin if there is a break on the skin of the scalp. If this happens, and you feel unwell, or that area of skin is red, tender and swollen, go and see your doctor.

Article Source : http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/191260.php
 

What Is Dandruff? What Are The Symptoms Of Dandruff?

Dandruff, also known as scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii, affects the scalp and causes flakes of skin to appear - it is a common condition. Our skin cells are forever renewing themselves. When the skin cells on our scalp are renewed the old ones are pushed to the surface and out of the scalp. For a person with dandruff the renewal is faster, meaning more dead skin is shed, making the dandruff more noticeable. Dandruff can also occur if the scalp is frequently exposed to extreme temperatures.

Dandruff can be chronical (long-term) or the result of certain triggers. People with dandruff may also experience irritation and redness on the scalp.

Excessive flaking may be caused by an underlying illness or condition, such as psoriasis, a fungal infection (Malassezia), seborrheic dermatitis, or even head lice.

Some individuals with severe dandruff may have social or self-esteem problems. Therefore, treatment may be important for both physiological and psychological reasons.

The word dandruff comes from (most likely) dand (origin unknown) and E. Anglian (England) dialect huff, hurf, meaning "scab". This is probably linked to the Old Norse word hrufa, meaning "scab". The Old High German word hruf means "scurf".

According to MediLexicon's medical dictionary, dandruff is:

"The presence, in varying amounts, of white or gray scales in the hair of the scalp, due to excessive or normal branny exfoliation of the epidermis."

A myth - some people think their dandruff is caused by their scalp being too dry. They try to deal with this by not washing their hair with shampoo, or wash it less often, believing that washing worsens the problem. This is a myth (not true). Dandruff differs from a dry scalp in that it usually gets better when you shampoo more frequently (with the right shampoos).

A significant number of people with dandruff find it improves as they get older.
It is estimated that about 50% of people in Western Europe and North America suffer from dandruff.
Dandruff is more common in men than in women, and in people with oily skin.
Some studies have suggested that diets that are too salty, sugary or spicy and accompanied by excessive alcohol may exacerbate dandruff.
Dandruff does not contribute to hair loss.

Seborrheic dermatitis

This is a skin condition in which the skin becomes inflamed or flaky. Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is a severe form of dandruff. When it affects the scalp most people refer to it as dandruff. When babies have it, it is referred to as cradle cap. Seborrheic dermatitis causes larger, greasier flakes than most other types of dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis affects not only the scalp, but the skin in other parts of the body too.

What are the signs and symptoms of dandruff?

The hallmark sign of dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, is white flakes on the scalp and in the hair. If the person is wearing dark clothes, the flakes will be more noticeable when they fall on their shoulders. The scalp may also feel itchy, tight or sore.

Adult individuals with seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp may have red, flaky, greasy patches of skin.
  • There are while flakes of skin on the scalp, and in the person's hair
  • Flakes may be oily looking
  • Head may feel tight and itchy
  • Head may feel tingly
  • Head may feel sore
  • Red, flaky, greasy patches of skin (adults, Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in adults)
  • Crusting and scaling rash on scalp (babies with Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap)
Most cases of dandruff do not require a visit to the doctor. However, those who still find themselves scratching their scalp, if parts of the scalp become red or swollen, after a few weeks of self-treatment should see their doctor. The person may have severe seborrheic dermatitis or another condition that has dandruff symptoms.

Signs and symptoms in babies and children

Often referred to as cradle cap, signs and symptoms may appear when the baby is between 2 weeks and 6 months of age, especially between the ages of 3 to 8 weeks - this usually disappears after a few weeks; in some cases it may take months. Although cradle cap may be alarming to parents, it is not dangerous.

A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, drowsiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign.


Article Source:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152844.php
    
        

Natural Remedies Treat Dandruff

Take the time to read the ingredients on a bottle of anti-dandruff shampoo. These shampoos usually contain harmful chemical substances that can have damaging effects on health. Instead, alleviate dandruff naturally by using herbs, essential oils, vitamins and minerals.

Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff occurs when the fine cells of the outer layer of skin on the scalp are shed at a faster rate than normal, causing flakes to fall and settle like snowflakes on one's shoulders and face.

Dandruff is caused by a disorder of the sebaceous glands. If too little sebum is secreted, the hair is dry and dandruff appears as white flakes; if too much sebum is produced, the hair is greasy and the dandruff is a waxy yellow. Flaking occurs when the hair is brushed or combed, which loosens this dead skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis, a severe form of dandruff, causes inflammation and itchiness in addition to flaking.
Eczema, allergies to hair products and psoriasis may also cause dandruff.

Herbal Treatments for Dandruff

An herbalist may recommend rubbing rosemary-infused oil into the scalp before washing. Rinse greasy hair with rosemary vinegar or add a few drops of rosemary essential oil into rinsing water.
Take herbs such as burdock, kelp and heartsease internally to improve the condition of the scalp.

Aromatherapy for Dandruff

In addition to rosemary essential oil, cedarwood, tea tree or patchouli can be massaged into the scalp. Blend a few drops of therapeutic grade essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba.
Massage the scalp with a few drops of lavender oil and almond oil to eliminate dandruff.

Tissue Cell Salts to Combat Dandruff

Tissue Salt No. 5 - Kali. Mur. White, flaky dandruff shows a need for this mineral salt, but it should be taken over a long period. Flakiness may increase initially. Foods rich in Kali. Mur. are green beans, carrots, beetroot, fresh corn, kale, asparagus, pineapples, lemons and plums.

Tissue Salt No. 6 - Kali. Sulph. This is one of the most useful tissue salts for sticky, waxy dandruff; flaky, dry patches on the scalp as well as alopecia (hair loss). Eat plenty of parsley, linseed, mustard, watercress, salad burnet and melissa.

Tissue Salt No. 12 - Silica. This tissue salt treats dandruff and improves the condition of lusterless hair. It generally keeps the scalp healthy. Herbs and foods rich in silica are stinging nettle, dandelion, comfrey, wheat, maize, barley, oats, apples, guavas, spinach, chicory and celery.

Vitamins and Minerals
Increase intake of zinc, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B complex.

Use Natural Solutions and Styling Tips for Hair Loss

Scalp inflammation, poor diet, dehydration, stress, genetics and hormone imbalances are factors that can cause hair to fall out. Toxic hair products and over-styling can also damage the hair, causing it to thin. Incorporating vitamins and whole foods and choosing all natural hair products can prevent hair loss, thinning and balding.

Condition of the Scalp and Hair Loss

Since hair grows from a healthy follicle, treatment needs to address the condition of the scalp and the reasons why hair is falling out in the first place. Many people have adverse reactions to many of the toxic ingredients found in shampoos, which can corrode hair follicles.

The chemical ingredients found in shampoos, such as sodium laurel sulfate (kerosene based) or propylene glycol (a base for antifreeze) are absorbed by the body. They have been proven to impair the hair's ability to grow.

When these chemicals are absorbed into the tissues, the blood flow to the hair follicle is reduced. Over a period of time, the sebum of the hair shaft crystallizes, damaging follicles and provoking hair loss.

As a first step in restoring scalp health, get rid of all toxic hair shampoos and conditioners. Resolve to buy only all-natural hair care products. Watch out for fake organic products, read all labels and undertake some research to find out what exactly goes into the average bottle of shampoo or conditioner.

In addition, incorporate plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables into the diet so that the body gets all the essential nutrients it needs. Flush toxins from the body by drinking plenty of pure water.

Styling Tips for Thinning Hair

While hair recovers and re-grows, consider cutting it short. A trendy, short hair cut will look more natural and more than likely make the individual concerned feel more confident.

A short, pixie cut works well for women of all age groups. A spiky bob haircut, accented with soft bangs, can be interesting, as can a spiky, layered haircut. Ask a professional hairstylist for advice.

For men, shaving all the hair off is seen as perfectly natural and acceptable these days and can be a far better option than trying to disguise the fact that hair is thinning.

Avoid using styling products such as gel which not only contains toxic ingredients, but also makes thin hair clump together, exposing the scalp and accentuating the fact that hair has been falling out. Hair dyes are notoriously toxic. Use a natural product to color hair, such as henna for dark hair and lemon juice for blond hair. Again, be wary of fake products. Some brands of henna contain metallic compounds and many henna producers have incomplete or false labeling on their products.

The Most Popular Hair Loss Treatment For Men Today

Almost everyone dread any signs of aging. Generally, for women, the most common signs of aging are the wrinkles and the appearance of the gray or white hairs. For men, baldness or thinning hair means aging. Then again, some men may begin to experience thinning hair as early as the 30's or even earlier. So, what can be the effective thinning hair treatment for men?
It's good to know that there are a number of ways for treating men who are experiencing hair loss. Likewise, in view of the fact that men have been disgruntled with baldness the whole time, you can find many treatments that were used in the old times as well as in the present time. In the past, they use some kinds of treatments for hair loss that are now considered as superstitious since they don't really work.
The treatments that are deemed to be more logical today are the ones being presented by modern Science. Moreover, the modern hair loss treatment for men has different levels of efficiency, whether it is laser treatments, medications, or surgeries.
Among the most preferred means of treating baldness these days is the topical medication. The most well-known names in this field are Propecia and Rogaine, and they are FDA approved. These medicines were proven to slow down thinning hair and promote new hair growth. On the other hand, there are a few men who do not find them effective.
The hair transplant is a surgery procedure for making the hair fuller. This option is most suitable for men who want extensive results. But as with other surgeries, there are risk and this is one type of hair loss treatment for men that can be very expensive too. Then again, the success rate of this treatment is quite higher compared to other remedy.
Another treatment for hair loss in men is the laser therapy. This is the newest hair loss treatment to be discovered. If you do not have time to visit your doctor for laser treatments, then the use of the laser therapy comb can be a substitute. But remember, before you buy this comb, be sure to consult with your doctor first as there is only one kind of laser therapy comb that has been approved by the FDA.
While these treatments are the typical hair loss treatment for men, there are still other remedies that you should have a look at. Even simple changes in lifestyle can be a big help in preventing baldness. For instance, as stress was discovered to be one of the causes of hair loss, you can change your way of life by trying to be stress-free.
Finally, since these treatments will react differently to different men who use them, then it is recommended to consult your doctor to be able to know which one will work better for you.

Why is My Hair Falling Out Every Day?

It doesn't matter whether I comb my hair or brush it, it always falls out. I had tried to use different combs and brushes and have been as gentle as possible. Despite this, I continue to lose my hair. This is rather disturbing. Why is my hair falling out every day? Embarking on a research is the only way to know whether I should be worried or not.
Interestingly, the scalp sheds hair every day. The number of hairs varies but should not exceed the 100 mark. This would be difficult to count but you can estimate. The scalp gets rids of old hair so that new hair can grow. This phenomenon can be best noticed in babies. When a baby is born, there is silky hair on the head. As time goes on, the hair becomes coarser as it is replaced. If the hair loss is abnormal, then you will see signs of thinning. If you see this happening, then you need to find out what is happening.
Hair can start falling out when you have nutrient deficiency. Malnutrition is often seen in third world countries, which are always almost face with droughts and hunger. Nutrient deficiencies are common even in the first world. This is because of the diet that people choose to eat. Once there is a nutrient missing, there is a problem. The tissues and cells use nutrients for different functions including maintaining the hair. The body will tend to divert nutrients to the most important parts of the body and not to the scalp. If hair cells are not fed, then they die. Make sure you eat well for every meal.
Hair loss may be an indication of a disease. People affected by HIV or autoimmune diseases lose their hair rapidly. The cells of the hair tend to be attacked by the immune system. A loss of hair cells automatically means a loss of hair. Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy also stop the activity of the cells. The cells of the hair have to be active in order for growth of hair to occur. Once inhibited, there is no replacement of hair and before long, one is bald. This is why people suffering from cancer lose all of their hair.
Taking care of the hair is also important to keeping it long and flowing. There are remedies that one can make at home which will help immensely in keeping the hair healthy. There are rinses that can be made from herbs, such as rosemary. You can buy shampoos that contain natural ingredients like aloe vera or caffeine. There are also oils made from herbs, such as lavender, which you can make or buy. You can use the shampoo to wash off dirt and oil. There may also be dandruff or lice which you will need to be rid of. Rinsing is done after shampooing. You can then massage in the oils. Find out what is wrong, rather than to ask why your hair is falling out and doing nothing about it. Solutions will come for the problems you know.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Farikani  

Hair Transplant Before and After - The Things That a Person is Supposed to Do

A person who decides to try out hair restoration surgery should be prepared to do all things associated in a hair transplant before and after the procedure. This will allow a person to obtain all the benefits the surgery offers to its patients. This will help him get all the positive effects that he is supposed to get from the entire treatment. Following all the necessary advices before and after the treatment will contribute much in getting the most desired result possible. This will help you, if you are one of the potential patients for this surgery, get the result that you need without wasting all your time, money and effort.
Following the advices involved in hair transplant before and after the procedure will allow every patient to get the kind of restoration that he wants his hair to achieve. No longer will he regret paying a fortune for the procedure if he strictly follows the advices given out by those hair specialists. As one advice prior to the hair transplant, a potential patient is expected to search the most professional specialist in the field of hair restoration surgery. One should be able to sort out from the many hair specialists available who can perform the surgery for him the most effective way without giving him too much trouble. As a suggestion, one may search in their local directory or he may browse the net for some information about these hair specialists. In no time, he will be able to pick out the right hair specialist that has a good background in terms of restoring a person's hair by using the surgery.
After the procedure, the patient is also expected to take all forms of caution with respect to his hair. He is expected to follow all the medical advices the hair specialist has provided him. This will allow him to gain the most favorable result in the treatment. By strictly following all the advices available in a hair transplant before and after the procedure, one may be able to rave about the positive impact the surgery has done to his hair. He will no longer have to worry about his money being put into waste because he will witness the effectiveness of the entire surgery by just being a good patient.

Why Consider a Natural Hair Loss Treatment?

It could happen to anyone, whether you are a man or woman. The time that you discover that whenever you comb or brush your hair, you notice that you lose more strands than usual. Then you look into the mirror and discover that you have a receding hair line or patches on your scalp that are visible due to your hair thinning out. There are two things you can do: do nothing and watch your beautiful hair fall out daily until you are bald or start a treatment to help prevent your strands from falling out and grow some new hair.
Fighting hair loss doesn't have to be stressful. If you don't care to seek out surgery or plan on wearing any wigs or toupees, there's always seeking out a hair loss treatment that can help grow back hair naturally. And you don't even need to have a doctor's prescription; you can just walk into a pharmacy or even shop online to find a treatment that will work for you.
So what exactly should you look for when shopping for products that prevent losing hair? So many brands claim to have accurate results but you don't want to fall for any scams and waste your money. But it is best to seek out a treatment that has minoxidil, the FDA approved ingredient that helps grow back hair. These hair loss treatments have easy instructions, usually having to use the products twice a day for the best results. When used on a daily basis, you can start seeing actual results within a month or more. Take a closer look into the mirror and you can start to see the new hair growth coming out of the roots. You may even notice that your hair loss has been reduced and your hair is starting to become more thicker, thanks to the treatment. Be aware that once you stop using the products completely, there's a good chance that your will not be losing hair again.
So don't feel as though suffering from hair loss is the end of the world. Once you consider a natural remedy and start following it, you will one day regain a luxurious, thick head of hair. It is possible to achieve when you follow directions properly and continue to use the hair loss treatment for life.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The Way You Can Prevent Your Hair Loss and Baldness

At your early age when you face the problem of Hair Loss it may pose serious for your social and personal life. But don't you worry! You the solution is in your hand. So many are the ways that can you out! This article will help you out find the solutions.

Common way is the Hydrotherapy. This will unblock the hair follicles. And the procedure is very easy and convenient. You can do this easy process at your own home. Just apply hot and cold cloth on your head.

For your hair nourishment you should have or take healthy foods and proper diet. Food rich in Biotin are really beneficial for this. You can think of herbal foods along with foods that give your hair proper nutrients and help you prevent loss of hair or balding. Think of Ginko, saw palmetto, green tea. Besides vegetables, fishes, cuds, pulses and milk are the natural ingredients that can help you provide hair nourishment for your hair. They all are full of high protein and keep your hair growing constantly and balance the growth healthily.

Besides the natural ways you can think of some medication or washing up liquid or soap or different kinds of hair loss products. Strong shampoos can be found tough on your hair and scalp. Shampoos that are light the greatest recommendations to be mild to your hair. Because they are not tough on skin or scalp and do not have any destructive effect on hair growth.

A wash with conditioner after shampooing would moisturize as conditioner contains natural oils and minerals. Having Aloe Vera features the shampoo good that keeps your head full of hair, makes them stronger and healthier. But in case of dry skin you should not use shampoo daily basis.

Different hair loss products made by- Iron, zinc, and protein rich foods are good for healthy hair. These prevent the lack in vitamins, minerals. Just these minerals can grow the hair properly without the need of a therapy or expensive surgery.

Aromatherapy - is using of natural oils that smell sweet for controlling pain or for rubbing into body during massages a good massage therapy for your hair and scalp.

It prevents or at least resists excessive hair fall. Oils extracted are enriched in lemon, roman chamomile, bay, jojoba, cedar wood and rosemary. These are also used to made hair loss products. They take a good care of hair and scalp, make them healthy and give you balanced blood circulation. Continuation of this results in good.

If you want to prevent your hair fall keep in mind that smoking, alcoholism and caffeine are the evil habit and element that do a great harm to your hair and lead you to way of baldness. So try to be away from them if wish to have healthy shinning hair on head.

Hair fall starts while shampooing, combing or brushing; then it would be consistent. Your hair becomes dry; scalp will be tight until you find visible signs of excessive hair fall. So be sure that you take a good care of your hair from very start of balding. Let not the signs with their symptoms get worst.

Hair fall is getting a serious problem around the world. To preserve to your personality if you think balding is a great hindrance prevent it.

Hair Loss Dos and Don'ts

Many people are unsure about which everyday routines, such as brushing your hair and using hair gel, are good for your hair and which are bad for your hair. In this article I explain some of common the day to day things you should avoid and also the things that can benefit your hair.

Washing your hair everyday
Often, people who are suffering from hair loss decide to wash their hair less frequently. Sometimes this is because hair loss becomes more noticeable when washing the hair so people presume that the act of washing is causing hair loss. And sometimes people believe that it's a good idea to let the natural oils condition your hair, rather than washing them out daily.
In truth the majority of people (especially those experiencing male pattern baldness) should wash their hair and scalp thoroughly everyday. Why? Because gels and other cosmetic products can build up and impact into the scalp overnight, which can block the scalps pores. Furthermore those natural oils that condition your hair (sebum) may contain 'DHT', which attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss. If you use gel or notice that you get a lot of sebum on your scalp (making your scalp shiny) you should make sure you wash your hair and scalp thoroughly everyday. If you're concerned about DHT there are anti-DHT shampoos available that can help.

Brushing your hair
Again, because people often notice their hair shedding when they brush, they presume the two are connected. But in reality hairs that are shed when brushing were probably on their way out anyway. The act of brushing will not caused increased hair loss, unless you are actually forcefully pulling hairs out that get tangled in your brush. Providing you're not doing this, brushing your hair will not cause hair loss.
In fact, brushing your hair can help prevent or slow hair loss down. By brushing your scalp fairly vigorously you encourage blood flow to the scalp, which benefits the hair because nutrients are carried to the hair via the blood. Furthermore, brushing the scalp helps exfoliate the skin, which helps prevent pores from becoming blocked.
Avoid brushing your hair while it is wet as this can damage the hair but other than that regular brushing will not harm your hair.

Wearing a hat
Generally you're OK wearing a hat, unless the hat pulls at your hair for sustained periods. If you wear a hat or helmet regularly and it pulls at the hairs, it can result in the roots of hairs gradually growing closers to the surface of the skin, until eventually they stop growing.
If you wear a hat or helmet regularly make sure it isn't pulling at your hair. If you're suffering from hair loss, it's probably worth avoiding hats anyway, in order to give your skin a chance to breath.

Working out / bodybuilding
Generally speaking you're OK to work out regularly without having any negative effect on your hair. However if you take supplements that increase your testosterone levels, it is possible that this might effect your hair. DHT is a by-product of testosterone, which can cause the body to treat hairs as foreign bodies, which the body begins to reject. If you increase your testosterone levels you might increase your DHT levels, and thus you stand the chance of effecting your hair.

Cardiovascular exercise
While weight lifting can have a negative impact on your hair, cardiovascular exercise on the other hand will in most cases be beneficial for your hair. Cardiovascular exercises helps get the blood pumping to your skin. This helps send nutrients to your scalp, where they are used to grow hair.
If you're doing a lot of exercise make sure you eat well so that your body has a good supply of nutrients for recovery and for your hair. Excessive exercise can drain the body of B vitamins, so you might consider supplementing with B vitamins if you're looking a little run down.

What is Saw Palmetto and How it Helps in Preventing Hair Loss?

Saw Palmetto is mostly found in North America also called as Serenoa repens . Extracts obtained from fruits of saw palmetto contain fatty acids (lauric acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid), polysaccharides) and phytosterols(plant sterols).Extracts are usually bought by men and women as aphrodisiac. An aphrodisiac is considered to increase increases sexual desire.
Saw palmetto is used in many circumstances including treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) a condition marked by enlarged prostrate, other urinary tract problems, skin conditions, thyroid defeciences, genital, impotence, hormonal imbalance, bladder inflammation etc. It may also be used to revive skin, improve urinary flow in men, breast enlargement in women and clear chest congestion caused due to cough, asthma and bronchitis.

It has been broadly acknowledged as a very successful herbal treatment to reverse hair loss and treat situation like alopecia. . It is the best organic hair loss treatment currently available. It is advised by Scientific evidence that Saw Palmetto bio active contents put off conversion of testosterone into DHT and apart from that avoids DHT from binding to androgen receptors hence helps to control male hair loss .

Thus, it helps to revitalize hair follicles, perk up hair strength, body and shine, make scalp less sensitive to stress and irritation. If you are seeking for safe and sound products for hair loss Saw Palmetto is a good option that you may consider first. It is not so prominent in aiding sudden hair shedding but if it is used or taken for some period of time, it may certainly help to prevent alopecia and may extend a situation in which many people go for surgical option such as transplant for restoration of their crown. Taking it alongwith some beneficial vitamins and minerals will help further.
There is not any side effect due to use of Saw Palmetto both externally and internally. However if there is any problem with its use you need to consult your physician.

Uses of Saw Palmetto:

1. It may be taken orally, dosages between160mg/day to 320mg/day are recommended.
2. It may be bought as oil extract from the market that can be massaged into hair roots. If it is applied earlier to hair was, leave it for half an hour to absorb. If it is warmed up ,then it would be easily absorbable. It would be better if it is applied before you go to slip and left it overnight whose result would be better due to better absorbtion.

Don’t Take Stress Just Care - Tips to Prevent Hair Loss

Your drain is full of hair and you find hair strands scattered everywhere in you home. This is very common problem most of you facing these days - Hair fall. Loosing few hair strands is very normal cycle but, if you finding more hair on your comb or hair band than on your head then it’s alarming.

Beautiful and shiny hairs are everyone’s dream but to get such quality of hair you have to maintain your scalp and take good care of health. Many of you might not know the reasons behind hair fall. Try to identify the causes of hair loss before opting for treatment.

Recognize the changes you brought in the past few weeks. It could be your oil, shampoo, comb or may be use of color. You would not have noticed that even your comb can be one of the main reasons for hair fall. Here are the few tips which would surely wok wonders to treat your hair loss problem.

Identify your hair type – dry, oily, damaged, curly or normal. Select the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair. Most of you just go by the brand name, friend’s recommendations, new shampoo in the market…don’t make such mistakes. Your hair needs care and not others references. Once you have known the right shampoo just stick by it. Condition your hair regularly and take oil massages.

Pollution and dandruff are the major reason of most of you. Cover your hair properly with scarf during long drives and wash them immediately. Improper hygiene is another reason of dandruff. The cause of dandruff is mainly because of poor diet which makes the hair very dry but, pollution increases it. Scalp cleaning is very essential every time you go out in dust and pollution.

Practice ‘yoga and meditation’ to reduce stress. Hyper tension does not only increase the blood pressure but leads to hair loss. Stress can weaken the hair roots and ultimately you loose hair.

Natural treatments - Hair care :

Use almond oil for hair massage. This is very good hair moisturizer and prevents hair drying and damaging.
Grind fenugreek seeds in water to make paste. Apply this on your scalp and rinse after 45 minutes. You can try this every week or fortnight. Regular application would result in soft and shiny hair.
Slightly heat the castor oil and mix it with almond oil. Gently massage it and wrap hot towel around the scalp. This would not only prevent hair fall but reduces dandruff.

Home made remedies - Conditioners :

Mix one egg, 2 tbs Castor oil, one tsp vinegar and one tsp glycerin. Beat this mixture thoroughly till you get a frothy pulp. Massage this over your scalp and wrap a hot towel. Leave it for half an hour and then wash your hair with mild shampoo. You would definitely find difference within and month. Regular usage would result in thick, shiny and soft hair.

Beat two eggs (or may be one, as per you’re your hair length), one tsp honey and two tsp olive oil. Massage this mixture over your scalp and use hot towel. Wash it after an hour and get soft and manageable hair.

Mix two tsp of brandy with two beaten eggs. Massage this over your scalp and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash after this and get nourishing silky hair.

How to Prevent Hair Loss in Its Different Stages?

Step 1: Before you start treating your hair loss, you need to identify its phases. Check whether it's in the preliminary stage or has reached the next few phases. The treatment can be chosen accordingly. If you are unsure about your hair loss consult your doctor.

Step 2: If your hair loss has been identified as being in the preliminary stage, you are going to experience a receding of the hair at the temples and also in the crown. Many a times, hair loss in its preliminary stages can be treated and you might experience a decrease in hair loss after going through the process of treatment.

Step 3: If you are looking for drug therapy for treatment for hair loss in this phase, Propecia can be a prescribed option. It"s a medication that reduces the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is considered by experts to be primarily responsible for hair loss.

Step 4: The next phase of hair loss is characterized by the progressive balding at the top of the scalp as well as the crown. There is a substantial increase in hair loss at this stage and if you are passing through this phase, you can think about using a hair piece and continuing your drug therapy.

Step 5: If your hair loss has progressed to the next phase, you could be suffering from extensive hair loss. In such cases, you can think about using hair transplant surgery as an option for treatment. Hair is transplanted onto the thinning or hairless scalp by using hair from the donor area.

Step 6: This is the final phase of the hair loss, and by this time you have lost most of your hair. If at all, visible hair can only be seen at the back of your head. In many cases, even the final phase of hair loss can be treated through follicular hair transplant.

Tips and Warnings

  • It's important to identify hair loss in the early stages. There is a chance that the most severe forms of hair loss cannot be treated.
  • Don't get started on a treatment option without consulting your doctor. Some treatment options might have no effect on your hair loss, but lead to some serious side effects.
  • You also need to look at it from the price perspective. Look for an option that comes within your budget. If you choose an expensive product and it does not work for you, the disappointment is all the greater
  • Thoroughly research the products available on the market before you go ahead and use them. There are products that have been designed to act on the specific phases of hair loss. So, choose accordingly.

Hair Loss Isn't Just for Men

It's true, hair loss happens to women as well as men. This may come as a shock, but hair loss in women is not as rare as you might think. The fact is, women do experience hair loss, but they may not realize it until later in life.

Just like with men, hair loss in women comes on gradually. Unless you are paying attention, you may gaze into the mirror one morning and be shocked that your hair appears to have lost its fullness; there may be thinning spots, which upon close inspection reveal balding areas.

1 Out of Every 3 Women Will Lose Hair

When a woman begins losing her hair, it is usually due to a condition known as androgenetic alopecia. The result of this form of hair loss is a thinning of the hair in the top, and front areas of the head. Androgenetic alopecia is hereditary and can be inherited from either side of the family. It is estimated that about 33% of postmenopausal women experience hair loss that can be contributed to androgenetic alopecia.

Additional causes of hair loss in women include, stress, birth control pills, and hormone imbalance. Though distressing, hair loss due to these causes normally only lasts about a year. After giving birth, a woman may also experience some hair loss, and a number of women are extremely shocked when it occurs, but can take comfort in knowing that it is not usually permanent.

Permanent hair loss can occur if the hair follicle dies, but if the hair follicle is in a dormant state, there is still hope to stop, and possibly even reverse hair loss. Fortunately there is a way to combat hair loss.

Incredible Discovery: A Natural Nutrient Can Stop or Even Reverse Hair Loss

Research has shown that by applying a tissue nutrient such as Emu oil, the tissue becomes healthier and more lively. In addition to restoring health to tissue, the regular use of Emu oil has shown to bring up to 80% of the hair follicles out of their doormat state. This allows for additional hair growth, and not only that, the hair is healthier.

For hair loss in women, it is recommended that a small amount of  Emu oil be massaged into the scalp about three times daily. At least twice a week, a heavy application of  Emu oil should be applied and kept on the scalp for approximately 20 minutes, before washing the hair with a very mild shampoo.

With regular use of Emu oil, there should be noticeable re-growth within 1 – 3 months. The best part about using Emu oil to fight baldness is that it is a completely natural alternative to some of the more expensive and intrusive treatments available today.

Hair loss may be slowed by adding soy milk to your diet, says new research

New research published in the journal Biology of Reproduction reveals that consuming soy milk and other soy products could reduce hair loss and male pattern baldness. How? When the body breaks down isoflavones from soy products, one of the resulting compounds is equol, which blocks a form of testosterone called DHT that has been linked with hair loss and baldness. The hair loss prescription drug, Propecia, works in much the same way by blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT.
Naturally, soy milk is far less expensive than prescription drugs, and there are a great number of health benefits derived from consuming products made from soy. But does this latest research mean that men suffering from hair loss should switch to soy milk?
Here's my take: soy milk may be able to stop hair loss, but that's only part of the picture. Hair loss also results from premature aging, which is caused by consuming metabolic disruptors in foods and drinks. These are chemical ingredients like white flour, high fructose corn syrup, sodium nitrite, hydrogenated oils, aspartame and MSG that slowly poison the human body. One of the best ways to avoid hair loss is to start choosing healthy whole foods instead of eating the standard junk foods consumed by most people.
Another point here is that soy milk is good for you regardless of whether it helps with hair loss. I consume it on a daily basis and wouldn't think of touching cow's milk. Cow's milk, it turns out, causes chronic sinus infections, asthma, constipation and a whole host of other health problems that all fall under the category of "stagnation." Giving up cow's milk and switching to soy milk is a good nutritional strategy for both men and women regardless of their risk of hair loss.
The bottom line? Soy milk may in fact help with hair loss, and that's one reason to start drinking it, but there are many, many more. And, frankly, it may not stop your hair loss outright, either. But it sure doesn't hurt to try it and see. Give yourself several months to determine the result.

Ten Natural Ways Grow Hair and Reduce Hair Loss

Vitamins and lifestyle changes have been shown to encourage hair to grow and reduce hair loss. Balding is a genetic trait but good nutrition can play a part in hair growth. Hair products, such as masks, shampoos and leave on conditioners can also prevent hair loss and restore healthy, vibrant hair. Adding nutrients will help regrow hair.

1. Protein Grows Hair
Because the hair is made of protein, a protein deficiency can cause hair loss. Add protein to the diet by including animal products, such as meat and dairy, or protein shakes made from whey.

2. Vitamin C is Needed for Healthy Hair
Vitamin C is also a component of healthy hair. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are especially high in vitamin C, as are green peppers. Suggested dosage is 1,000 to 3,000 mg a day.

3. B Vitamins Increase Hair Growth
Biotin and the complex B vitamins are needed to grow hair. B3 helps increase circulation to the scalp, thereby encouraging hair growth. It is best to take a supplement that includes all of the B vitamins, called a B complex supplement, as the nutrients work synergistically.

4. Iron Reduces Hair Loss
The mineral iron helps increase circulation in the scalp as well, which then fuels hair growth. Foods that are high in iron include liver, apricots and raisins.

5. Drink Water to Grow Hair
The hair shaft is comprised of one quarter water. Drink at least 4 to 8 cups of water a day to stay hydrated and grow healthy hair.

6. Reduce Alcoholic Beverages to Reduce Hair Loss
Drinking alcohol reduces hair growth. Reduce or eliminate alcohol from the diet and you will see an increase in hair growth.

7. Hormones Influence Hair Growth
Hormones influence the production of hair. Hormones decrease with age and slow hair growth. Increasing hormones can increase hair growth. Adding bio-identical hormones for women is a possibility, but accurate blood tests are needed to identify and balance the various hormonal components in the body. Natural foods contain some hormones as well, for instance, wild yam is a natural source of estrogen.

8. Vitamin E Grows Hair

Vitamin E is another nutrient needed to grow hair. It stimulates the circulation in the scalp and can be taken internally or applied to the scalp.

9. Smoking Causes Hair Loss
Smoking cigarettes reduces the blood flow to the scalp and this causes a reduction in hair growth. Stop smoking to help hair grow.

10. Vitamin A Feeds Healthy Hair

Vitamin A helps create vibrant shiny hair because it works with the fat synthesis in the hair follicles and spurs hair growth. Foods that contain vitamin A include eggs, kale, squash, and carrots.