Hair Loss Health Articles

Male Pattern Baldness:

On average, there are 90,000 to 150,000 hairs on the scalp. The hairs grow from roots called follicles. Blood vessels at the base of each follicle provide nourishment vital for hair and hair growth. Hair growth in each root occurs in a cycle independent of each other. At any time about 90 percent of the hairs on the scalp are in the growth phase, while the other 10 percent are in the resting phase. The growth phase can last an average of up to five years, after which the follicle goes into a resting phase, which can last upto four months. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out and is replaced by a new hair. This is all a perfectly normal part of the growth cycle. In fact, on a typical day, up to 150 hairs can be lost. Baldness occurs when hair is lost at an unusually high rate and hair replacement occurs at an unusually slow rate and/or when normal hairs are replaced by weaker, smaller ones.

What is Male Pattern Baldness?:

Almost all cases of hair loss is the result of Male pattern baldness (or androgenetic alopecia). Male pattern baldness occurs much more frequently in men than in women. Even in mild cases It affects roughly 50 million men in the United States. Balding may begin at any age after puberty. While some types of hair loss is reversible, male pattern baldness tends to be permanent. It occurs in a very typical pattern on the scalp. Hair loss usually begins at the temples and at the top of the head toward the back, causing a receding hairline and a bald spot. Sometimes progressing further until the two sections become joined,leaving a horseshoe pattern on the sides and back of the head. Male pattern baldness progresses slowly and is not associated with any physical discomfort.

What causes male pattern baldness?:

Male pattern baldness is thought to be a combination of hormonal and genetic factors. Testosterone and its more potent derivative dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are the contributimg factors of the degree of balddness. Whatever the exact causes of male pattern baldness may be, it is hereditary. A tendency toward baldness on either side of a man’s family(mother or father) indicates The speed, pattern,and degree of the balding. Usually, the earlier it begins, the more severe the hair loss will be. Balding is not caused by wearing a hat, you cant regrow hair by Massaging or brushing, or excessive shampooing stimulate hair growth. These are thought to be false. Stress may contribute to a form of hair loss, but normal everyday stress does not contribute to balding.

What are the treatment options for male pattern baldness?

Herbal Shamppos
Herbal Remedies
Specialty Shampoos(for example Helsinki Formula)
Wigs
Transplants
Medication(Propecia,Minoxidil etc)
Home Remedies
Others

Hair transplantation:

In hair transplants, healthy live follicles are removed from a donor site on the scalp and transplanted to the balding area. The follicles are commonly taken in “plugs” of one hair to two hairs (micrografts) from the sides or back of the head and moved to the balding area, with the hairline being slowly reconstructed. Larger plugs may be used. Donor sites with full hair make transplants more successful. Some scarring may occur. Transplanted follicles are usually permanent. Synthetic hair has also been used for transplants but has been known for to have a high rate of infection and has been been banned.As with any surgical procedure, hair transplantation present certain risks. If you are considering a transplant, consult your doctor.

Wigs:

A hairpiece can be custom made to cover a balding area. Hairpieces may fade and over time. It is important to clean the scalp under the hairpiece regularly. Another option is a weave, in which fake(synthetic) hair is sewn into existing hair.

This just a quick run down of what happens when most men reach a certain age. Here are a couple of sites that we have found that will educate and inform and give you everything you want to know about Male Pattern Baldness. The reviews are very positive and even might give you possible solutions to this problem that has afflicted almost every man for generations.

A drug-free hair loss product, from a surprising source, may be the new answer to thinning hair, alopecia, and male pattern baldness.

“You have no idea what it’s like,” says Joe Rice, a 60-year-old professional from Fort Wayne, Indiana. “I started losing my hair in my twenties. It’s miserable. It has a way of shaping your whole life.”

Joe’s worn a toupee for years. No one sees him without it, not even his closest friends. He’s tried “just about everything” to stop hair loss, including Rogaine and Propecia, without success. But deep down, he still holds out hope.

“I know the drugs work for some people, but they didn’t work for me,” he sighs. “Just show me one new hair, and I’m a customer for life.”

A Serious Problem

Joe is not alone. Millions of men and women suffer in silence from alopecia, baldness and thinning hair. And while hair loss isn’t fatal, it is a serious condition with profound psychological effects. For many, hair loss brings feelings of shame, despair, and crippled self-esteem.

New Hope from the Orient

Since 1999, a group of scientists in Japan, led by researcher T. Takahashi, has been studying botanical extracts looking for a safe, effective solution for hair growth. After testing over a thousand different extracts, they found three promising natural chemicals. One was from barley. One from Chardonnay grapes. And one- by far the most potent- was an extract from ordinary apples.

Move Over Minoxidil

One year later, the scientists announced even more striking findings to the international community. They compared the apple extract, known as procyanidin B-2, to the proven hair growth drug minoxidil in cell cultures.

Their results seemed almost impossible: in head-to-head tests, the apple chemical proved to be twice as effective as minoxidil in stimulating new hair growth.

In further experiments on mice, the apple procyanidins, as well as minoxidil, repeatedly produced “extensive hair growth.”

Proven in Double-Blind Clinical Trials

In clinical trials on humans, the results were even more exciting. The procyanidins from apples consistently grew new hair in men with male pattern baldness, the most stubborn form of unwanted hair loss- and without any of the side effects of hair loss drugs.

Scientists are normally conservative when it comes to conclusions. But the statements from the Takahashi group were unequivocal. “Procyanidin B-2 therapy,” they wrote, “shows potential as a promising cure for male pattern baldness.”

For Joe, and 60 million other men and women, this research means new hope. “Of course I’ll try it,” he says. “Just show me one new hair…”

For nearly 10 years now, medical lasers have been used for such things as tattoo removal, clearing up acne scars and other blemishes, and removing dark spots on the skin. Now they are increasing being approved by the FDA and used for such things as wrinkle removal, tooth whitening, and hair removal.

Is it really permanent? Many laser hair removal providers tout their processes as “painless” or “permanent.” The FDA says there must be enough evidence to support those claims and it is actually giving some manufacturers authorization to state “permanent hair reduction” but not “removal.” Be careful if you select a provider who says their process is permanent and painless. If you have the manufacturer and model number of the laser, you can directly call or write the FDA to see if they have approval for medical use.

Still, laser hair removal can be a great option for anyone wanting to remove unwanted hair from anywhere on their bodies. It works for both men and women, and is more effective if the hair is noticeably darker than the skin.

How does it work? As laser light passes through the skin, it is converted to heat and is absorbed by the pigment melanin in the hair follicle, effectively disabling the follicle itself and thus preventing further growth. Some clinical trials have been successful in preventing hair re-growth for up to two years, making laser hair removal one of the longest-lasting hair removal methods.

There are a number of advantages of laser hair removal over other forms of hair removal such as waxing, sugaring, depilatory creams, tweezing, etc. For one, the procedure is non-invasive, and does not require creams or needles. Another benefit is that the light beams can move quickly, and effectively treat larger areas in a small amount of time. And don’t forget the long-term results.

Although most insurance policies will not cover laser hair removal procedures, it pays to shop for price as well as methodology. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported an average single treatment cost around $388. Many areas require multiple treatments to gain the maximum benefit, so the cost can add up. That should be weighed against the cost of alternative methods of hair removal which would have to be done more frequently.

If you suffer from unwanted hair, that hair is dark, and your skin is at least a few shades lighter than your hair, you should look into this long-lasting hair removal method.

Alopecia Areata is the name given to a condition where round bald spots appear on your skin and scalp. The hair loss is very sudden and quite often drastic. Alopecia is a disorder that causes a patient’s immune cells to attack their own hair-growing tissue for unknown reasons. Usually a trigger is needed to start the process (often in the form of a virus).

There are three basic stages of Alopecia Areata

1. Sudden hair loss. The patient will notice a bald spot. Which may appear minimal at first. 2. The bald area will enlarge; hair loss will increase in the immediate area of sighted balding. 3. New hair will grow in place of the lost hair. This process is different for everyone. Hair may start growing in a matter of weeks, months, sometimes more than one year. Nevertheless, it’s very rare that hair does not grow back.

Not Just the Scalp

Patients who start losing hair from their body (including eyebrows and eyelashes) are very frightened. They have every reason to feel this way. Alopecia Areata acts in such a way that it’s very unnatural. But these patients are not alone in their experiences. Most patients do not realize that the symptoms that they’re experiencing are all attributes of Alopecia-a temporary condition.

Common Misconceptions

While many patients blame stress, medication, and poor diet; there is not any clinical proof that these claims coincide with the balding disorder. Unfortunately, doctors do not know why a patient’s immune cells turn on the body and cause this condition. Despite this lack of information, studies do show that Alopecia Areata commonly occurs in patients whose family members have had the condition. Alopecia Areata is not contagious.

Treatment

While patience is an important asset with this condition, your physician may suggest cortisone shots (which promote and stimulate hair growth). Although Cortisone shots have been very successful with Alopecia patients, these shots are very painful. The average patient who opts for this treatment receives twenty to thirty shots into each patch, once per month. This treatment is only effective for the immediate area that has been injected. It does not assist hair growth in other bald areas. Unfortunately, doctors can not predict if this treatment will work for you. There are no guaranteed results. A prescription cortisone cream is another solution, which can be applied to the bald area. Cortisone cream is not painful and can be applied easily in the privacy of your home.

It’s normal to feel the way you do about hair loss. Men experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and unattractiveness when they realize that they’re losing their hair. It’s not healthy to have self-pity party for one. Instead you need to grasp your feelings on the situation and make a proactive decision. If your hair loss has not been gradual, but instead very sudden, you should schedule an appointment with a family physician. A doctor will be able to describe the reason for your hair loss and suggest possible treatments to remedy the balding.

Every man experiences some form of hair loss. As a matter of fact, it’s completely normal for a man to shed up to 100 hairs in a single day. Hair loss can occur for many different reasons. While some men experience hair loss because of stress, injury, sickness, and/or disease, others lose hair at an early age due to inheritance (Don’t get angry at your folks!).

You may feel confused and vulnerable to over the counter ‘remedies’ that promise fabulous results. Be wary of these advertisements. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. These products can aggravate the condition; or worse-have side effects that will require additional treatment. As mentioned earlier, a proactive decision is necessary in terms of dealing with hair loss.

Fortunately, you live in a society where bald men are not only accepted, but embraced! Take a look around. Clean-shaved heads can be found as far as the eye can see. Print advertisements, commercials, movies, and music videos all include men that proudly flaunt their bald heads. In 2006, bald means beautiful for men of all ages and backgrounds.

Before you can fully understand the feelings you may have about your condition, you need to discover the cause of your hair loss. Perhaps your hair loss is only temporary. Maybe it’s a sign of something more serious. Whatever the cause-if it’s something that happened quite suddenly; it should be checked out. Other reasons to call a physician immediately, include:

* Rash or redness of scalp which accompanies a large amount of shedding when brushing/combing hair.

* Pain and/or tenderness to the scalp along with hair loss.

* Red circles/marks, abrasions in the area that is balding.

* Fever of 100° (37.8°) accompanied by hair loss with no known cause.

Patients that opt for treatment need to be pragmatic and realistic. Use of pills, shots, lotions, and shampoos will have different results for everyone. If you choose to accept your hair the way it is, than more power to you! There are a number of hairstyling techniques that may help you cover a bald spot.

Nevertheless, your health always comes first. Remember, men with thinning hair and or bald heads have a higher risk of sunburn and skin cancer. If you’re heading outdoors for a soak in the sun, don’t forget to wear a hat or lather up with sunscreen.

Hair plays an important role in most people’s overall appearance. Hair, teeth, and nails are all admired and emulated as a sign of beauty in our society. Unfortunately, when we see signs of appearance slipping, we are devastated. As men and women, we have to realize that sometimes these things are out of our control. Hair loss does NOT imply that we’re ’slipping’ or ‘aging poorly.’ Instead, hair loss can be caused by a hereditary trait, a hormonal imbalance, stress, a reaction to medication, or a symptom of sickness.

If you’re concerned about your hair loss, you should contact your family physician. He/she may suggest a blood test and/or refer you to a dermatologist. A doctor can diagnose the cause of your condition through blood testing, history, and categorization.

Get the facts. The most common types of hair loss include:

Alopecia Areata: this condition is characterized by the loss of hair, which results in hairless, round patches on the scalp. In extreme cases, this condition may cause the complete loss of body hair. It is commonly found in people under the age of thirty.

Androgenetic Alopecia: this condition has been coined “pattern baldness.” It’s common is men and women over the age of forty and affects both men and women differently. Men tend to experience a receding/thinning front hairline. In women, this condition may result in thinning to the top of the scalp. Typically, the front hairline is preserved.

Telogen effluvium: Also known as “resting hair loss,” can be a little trickier to diagnose as it doesn’t effect one particular area of the scalp. Men and women who experience diffuse hair loss quite commonly experience this condition. It occurs often after childbirth, surgery, infection, and can accompany autoimmune diseases.

Did you know that hair products can cause hair loss? It’s true.

- Men and women who wear tight ponytails and braids on a regular basis are prone to receding hairlines and thin hair. – Use of heavy styling products, including sprays, hairs, and gels (which contain alcohol) weather the hair and promote breakage. – Hair perms and dyes dry the hair and cause breakage. – Hair Loss in hair stylists is exceptionally high as they tend to use an excessive amount of cosmetic hair products.

Today, there’s a number of treatments available to men and women experiencing balding and/or hair loss. You name it, it’s available. Topical creams, oral medications, injections of cortisone, scalp reductions, and hair transplants are all accessible to the man and women who wish to change their appearance.

Nevertheless, what works for one person may not work for another. Consult with your physician to see which option (if any) would suit your condition.

In our culture, hair loss remedies come with hefty price tags, painful surgical procedures, ingestion of tablets, and the application of creams. It seems like a whole lots of work just to keep a person happy with their physical appearance. Doesn’t it? But men and women have shed hair since the beginning of time. Being ‘bald’ isn’t a new concept. It makes one wonder what remedies other cultures use to prevent and interrupt the balding process.

Take a glance at some of these historic remedies. They may seem ridiculous to us-just like some of our remedies will seem laughable to someone in the year 2070.

In Victorian America

Can you picture yourself applying cologne, spirit of camphor, and a pigment of cantharides to the roots of your hair each night? This is one concoction that was used to treat hair loss. An additional ‘treatment,’ was the vigorous brushing of hair. Stiff brushes were used to promote soft and shiny hair, while soft hair brushes were believed to promote the growth of hair.

In Ancient Egypt

Oh, boy! The ancient Egyptians had some remedies for hair loss that may appear pretty wacky to us reader. For instance, the Egyptians believed that the application of chopped lettuce (to the bald area) would promote hair growth. Why lettuce, you may ask. Well, to the Egyptians, lettuce was associated with virility.

Another ‘remedy’ the Egyptians swore by was the application of castor oil to the scalp. Because the castor oil didn’t exactly smell pleasant, they often mixed this with sweet almond oil to create a soothing aroma.

In India

How far would you go to re-grow your hair? Indians once believed that by boiling sage leaves in coconut oil, that the liquid’s residue (once applied to hair) would cure balding.

In The Amazon

A banana a day keeps the surgeon away? Get this one: In the South American rainforests, the Taiwano Indians believed that hair loss and scalp problems could be treated with the heated extracts of bananas.

Modern Day North America

As you can see, we’ve come a long way. Or have we? Today our hair loss remedies promise consumers the moon. But are we ever happy with results? If you have a genetic disposition for balding early in life, it’s your choice to try pills, products, and surgical procedures. But ask yourself: will these treatments make you happy? Can one physical alteration make you feel young and virile?

Men that do not have genetic balding traits; who are experiencing hair loss; should take the following into consideration:

* Tight hats, ponytails, and braids promote receding hairlines and thinning hair. * Bathe and groom yourself regularly. * Excessive worrying and stress can cause redundant shedding of hair and balding. * Healthy diets and a clean lifestyle can reduce the risk of balding.