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Hairs are very peculiar characteristics of mammalian groups in animal kingdom. It has a very important part to play in living beings. Humans also have hairs that serves important role in their lives. From very ancient times hairs have been a beauty symbols for both men and women. People are now days spending a great part of their earrings for hair care. People around the globe have passion for hairs. And hair care industry is growing day by day to fulfill the requirements of the people.

But first we should know what are hairs and how to they grow?

Hairs are the outgrowths from the follicles present on the skin. These follicles are situated on the dermis, the second layer of the skin and extend up to the epidermis that is the outermost layer of the skin. Through this follicle their grows out a hair. Hair is composed of keratin with chemical constituent like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen. Hair growth varies from person to person but on an average hair grows of about 5 to 10 mm per month. Maximum growth of hairs takes place at the age of about 15 to 30 years. It is seen that hair growth is more in summers as compared to winters.

Scalp (skin on head) consists of seven components. These are papilla of hairs, hair shaft, mouth of follicle, stratum granulosum, sebaceous gland and oil duct. Hair also possesses a life cycle. Firstly hairs grows from the follicle, then the hair enters a rapidly growing phase, then the hair enters a stagnant phase i.e. inactive phase and then hair dies off and ultimately fell off. An average life of hairs varies from 2 to 5 years.

Majorly seen hair related problems in general life are:

1. Hair loss

2. Premature graying of hairs

3. Alopecia

4. Dandruff

Hair loss

A disease common globally, which has really created chaos around the world now a days. A very common problem which as been faced globally. Recent data shows tendency of hair fall has increased in past two decades. Causes of hair fall are

· Deficiency of useful minerals and vitamins in body

· Mental and emotional stress

· Prolonged illness

· Hormonal imbalance commonly seen in hyperthyroidism, imbalance in androgen and estrogen.

· Usually after child birth due hormonal imbalance

· Certain medications like blood thinners, vitamin A if taken in excess amount, non-contraceptive pills, anti depressant drugs and medicines used in chemotherapy for treating cancer patients.

· Certain infections that can promote hair loss for example fungal infection on scalp

· Diseases like diabetes may also be a precipitating factor in hair loss.

· Poor blood circulation or excess blood loss

· Poor nutrition

· Lack of sleep and life style disorder

· Hereditary factors.

Premature graying of hairs

Very common problem especially amongst teens now days. Due certain factors there is early graying of hairs in young people. Color to hairs is provided by amount melalin content present in the body. More the melalin content darker is the hair colour and vice versa. Following are the causes due to which premature graying of hairs occurs.

· Faulty dietary habits

· Lack of sound sleep

· Stress

· Deficiency of minerals iron, copper and iodine

· Lack of vitamin B in diet

· Maintaing unhygienic condition of hairs

· Bad circulation of blood in scalp.

· Washing of hairs with hot water

· Drying hairs with electric dryer

· Use of chemicals like hair dyes, shampoos

· Hereditary factors.

Aloplecia

Aloplecia is a synonym of baldness. It is of many types.

1. Androgen aloplecia or male pattern baldness it is progressive thinning of hairs

2. Aloplecia areata- it involves loss of some hairs from head

3. Aloplecia trotalis- it involves loss of all the hairs from head

4. Aloplecia universalis it involves loss of all hairs from head and body

Causes of aloplecia

· Emotional stress

· Severe illness

· Hormonal changes

· Improper hair care

· Exposure to certain medication like antidepressant, blood thinning medicines

· Ringworm can also lead to aloplecia

· Fungal infection is also another reason by which aloplecia can occur

· Due to protein deficiency

· Iron deficiency can also lead to aloplecia

Dandruff

Dandruff is a condition of flaking of scalp. It is known as seborric dermatitis in common terms, is the inflammation of upper layers of skin causing scales on the scalp and other body parts. Dandruff appears when rate at which dead cells of the scalp shed and their replacement speeds up. Regular dandruff appears as white or gray flakes in sever conditions it may include oily flakes, which are yellow in colour. Dandruff begins at the age between 12 to 15years i.e. the age of puberty and is seen in old people. Most prominent age grouped people who are affected are people who are in age between 25 to 35 years. Dandruff can affect any part of the body possessing hairs like eyebrows, cheeks ears and chest

Following are the causes of dandruff

· Hormonal imbalance

· Poor health condition

· Poor hygiene of hairs

· Allergic reactions

· Emotional stress

· Consumption of high fatty and carbohydrate diet

· Consumption of innutritious food

· Hereditary factors

· Excessive use of chemicals on hairs like hair styling gels, colors, sprays etc.

· Cold and dry weather conditions

· In adequate washing of hairs.

Some hair maintenance tips:

· Take proper nutritious diet

· Shampoo your hairs regularly with non chemical base shampoo or mild herbal shampoo

· Always dissolve shampoo in water before using it.

· Use a conditioner after you use shampoo

· Always rinse off all the shampoo with clean and soft water

· Get your hairs trimmed regularly to avoid split ends

· Avoid using hairstyling gels, hair sprays, chemical based hair colors

· Comb and brush your hairs regularly

· Avoid usage of electric driers and let them air dry

· Gentle hair massage should be done regularly to improve blood circulation

· Avoid undue stress

· At least have a sound sleep for 6-8 hours

· Oil should be left on hairs and scalp for not more than 2 hours.

· Take proper amount of rest and about6-8 hours of sound sleep.

Hair growth and maintenance remedies by herbal methods:

Amla: A powerful hair growth promoter, which helps us in redefining our lost hairline. As this herb is sheet virya i.e. of cold potency it helps in suppressing pitta dosha, which is the main culprit in causing hair fall and premature graying of hairs. Indian women, for maintaing long and silky hairs have used Amla since ages and to deal with any kind of hair related problems. As it acts on enhancing liver functioning, which is very important in proper digestion, helps in creating a healthy environment in our body, which will lead to good growth of hairs, and body. It is a well-established fact that by using Amla regularly, graying of hairs can easily be delayed, as it is a well-known rasayan mentioned in ayurvedic texts.

Brahmi: a well-known herb in India used since time immemorial for enhancing hair growth and memory power. Due to its actions it helps in promoting hair growth faster. It possess certain properties which helps in repairing the damages occurred in hair follicles due to lack of maintenance and helps in normalizing the damage done to rediscover the lost persona of hairs. This is the only reason you can still trace out Indian women having very long, black and beautiful hairs inspite of old age. It is also categorized as rasayan in ayurveda and hence possesses the properties of delaying ageing signs in body like graying of hairs. Brahmi also helps in relieving mental fatigue and hence helps in maintaing proper bodily environment that leads to healthy hairs.

ZYX herbal hair cream: a unique blend of ayurvedic herbs, which are very effective in hair, related problems. A total solution to hairs and its related problems. ZYX contain certain powerful herbs that are used since centuries to rejuvenate the lost persona due to damage to hairs. It contains herbs like Amla, bhringraj, jatamansi, naleeni, shikakai, mahendi, gambhari, neem and satpodina. These herbs have been used extensively in hair related problems in ayurvedic system of medicine. It helps in revitalizing hairs, and provides new freshness and new power to hairs and hence is very helpful in rediscovering the beautiful hairs. This herbal formulation is completely free from any kind of side effects and chemicals that are the major cause of rise in hair problems in present era. It helps us in getting relieved from hair loss, premature graying of hairs, baldness, aloplecia and dandruff. Its powerful herbal action helps you in getting rid of day-to-day hair problems to make it shiny and healthier day by day. It also helps in promoting growth by stimulating hair follicles. So it can be said that ZYX is the new revolution in hair industry that will fade away all your problems and will make you more confident of yourself like never before when you find your hairs healthier and shinier.

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia (also known as baldness or hair loss) refers to loss or lack of hair on part of or the entire scalp and in some cases, other parts of the body. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent and can affect people of all ages. Although alopecia can occur anywhere on the body, it is most distressing when it affects the scalp. It can range from a small bare patch, which is easily masked by hairstyling to a more diffuse and obvious pattern [3, 4].

Causes of Alopecia
Causes of alopecia include,
1. Genetics
2. Prolonged fever
3. Hormonal changes, such as childbirth, use of birth control pills or thyroid disease
4. Treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy
5. Continual hair pulling or scalp rubbing
6. Burns or radiation therapy
7. Emotional or physical stress
8. Ringworm of the scalp (Tinea capitas)
9. Some prescription medicine

(To mention a few)

Types of Alopecia
The different types of alopecia associated with loss of hair on the scalp include,
1. Androgenetic alopecia (Genetic hair loss)
Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss is a major problem affecting men and is such that by the age of 50, up to 50% of men who are genetically predisposed will be affected. It is characterised by progressive, patterned hair loss from the scalp and its prerequisites are a genetic predisposition and sufficient circulating androgens (steroid hormone such as testosterone or androsterone, which promotes male characteristics). According to Sinclair (1998) every Caucasian male possesses the autosomal inherited predisposition, and as such, 96% lose hair to some degree. Sinclair also mentions that Caucasian men are four times more likely to develop premature balding than Black men. Hair loss does not usually start until after puberty with an extremely variable rate of progression [1, 5].

The condition is also fairly common in women and is referred to as female pattern hair loss. In women, “it is characterised by a diffuse reduction in hair density over the crown and frontal scalp with retention of the frontal hairline” [6]. Birch et al (2002) make mention of the fact that in some women, the hair loss may affect a small area of the frontal scalp whilst in others the entire scalp is involved. In advanced female pattern hair loss, the hair becomes very sparse over the top of the scalp bit a rim of hair is retained along the frontal margin. The vertex (crown or top of the head) balding seen in men is rare in women; however, a female pattern of balding is not uncommon in men [6]. The androgen-dependent nature or the genetic basis of female pattern hair loss has not been clearly established, although a study carried out by Sinclair et al (2005) showed that androgens play an important role in the development of female pattern hair loss.

2. Alopecia areata (AA)
Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, immune-mediated, nonscarring form of hair loss, which occurs in all ethnic groups, ages (more common in children and young adults), and both sexes, and affects approximately 1.7% of the population [8, 9]. Alopecia areata is unpredictable and patients usually present with several episodes of hair loss and regrowth during their lifetime. Recovery from hair loss may be complete, partial, or nonexistent. It is thought that 34 to 50% of patients with AA will recover within a year whilst 15 to 25% will progress to total loss of scalp hair or loss of the entire scalp and body hair where full recovery is unusual [8, 11]. It usually presents as a single oval patch or multiple confluent patches of asymptomatic (without obvious signs or symptoms of disease), well circumscribed alopecia with severity ranging from a small bare patch to loss of hair on the entire scalp. Frequent features of AA patches are exclamation mark hairs, which may be present at its margin; the exclamation mark hairs are broken, short hairs, which taper proximally. The hair loss from AA may be the only obvious clinical abnormality or there may be associated nail abnormalities. Other less common associated diseases include thyroid disease and vitiligo [4, 10, 11].

Clinical presentation of AA is subcategorised based on the pattern and extent of the hair loss. If categorised according to pattern, the following are seen;
a. patchy AA, which consists of round or oval patches of hair loss and is the most common,
b. reticular AA, which is a reticulated (networked) pattern of patchy hair loss,
c. ophiasis band-like AA, which is hair loss in parieto-temporo-occipital scalp (middle-side-back of scalp),
d. ophiasis inversus, which is a rare band-like pattern of hair loss in fronto-parieto-temporal scalp (front-middle-side of scalp), and
e. diffuse AA, which is a diffuse decrease in hair density.
[Taken from Shapiro J and Madani S, 1999]

If categorised according to the extent of involvement, the following are seen;
a. alopecia areata, which is the partial loss of scalp hair,
b. alopecia totalis, which is 100% loss of scalp hair, and
c. alopecia universalis, which is 100% loss of body hair.
[Taken from Shapiro J and Madani S, 1999]

3. Telogen Effluvium (TE)
Telogen effluvium is an abnormality of hair cycling, which results in excessive loss of telogen (resting phase of hair cycles) hairs and is most common in women. Women with this disorder would usually notice an increased amount of loose hairs on their hairbrush or shower floor. Daily loss of hair may range from 100 to 300 hairs. It is thought that TE may unmask previously unrecognised androgenetic alopecia. The most common underlying cause of TE is stress; other causes include certain diseases such as thyroid and pituitary diseases, some medication and child birth, to mention a few. In many cases however, no cause can be found. TE usually begins two to four months after the causative event and can last for several months [4, 12]. Unlike some other hair loss conditions, TE is temporary and hair regrowth is possible [4]. Telogen effluvium presents in about three forms;
a. Acute telogen effluvium, where shedding of hair is expected to cease within 3 to 6 month
b. Chronic diffuse telogen hair loss, which is telogen hair shedding persisting longer than 6 months. Common causes include thyroid disorders, acrodermatitis, profound iron deficiency anaemia, and malnutrition.
c. Chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) is the most common cause of hair loss in women, affecting 30% of females, between the ages of 30 and 60 years old, in the UK. CTE is such that there is a relative change in the proportion of growing to resting hair and in most cases, excessive shedding of hair has been present for at least 6 months. According to Rushton et al (2002) studies have shown that 95% of CTE cases arise from a nutritional imbalance involving the essential amino acid L-lysine and iron. Other common causes of CTE include drugs, thyroid disease and childbirth [1, 11].

4. Cicatricial alopecia (scarring alopecia)
Circatricial alopecia, also known as scarring alopecia, refers to a group of rare hair disorders resulting from a condition that damages the scalp and hair follicle. They present as areas of hair loss in which the underlying scalp is scarred, sclerosed, or atrophic. In other words, the disorders destroy the hair follicle and replace the follicles with a scar tissue consequently causing permanent hair loss. Conditions associated with circatricial alopecia include autoimmune diseases such as discoid lupus erythematosus, scalp trauma, infections such as tuberculosis and syphilis, and radiation therapy. Circatricial alopecia affects both adults and children, and may present as primary or secondary circatricial alopecia [4, 13].

5. Chemotherapy-related alopecia
Alopecia caused by chemotherapy may vary from slight thinning of the hair to complete baldness. The extent of alopecia depends on the choice of drugs and its dose. Drugs which cause severe alopecia include methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin, ifosphamide, vincristine, and taxoids to mention a few. When drugs are used in combination, which is usually the case with many treatment regimes, the incidence and severity of alopecia can be greater than usual. According to Randall et al (2005) “chemotherapy-related alopecia has been rated by patients as one of the most severe, troublesome and traumatic chemotherapy-related side effects”. Hair loss due to chemotherapy is not permanent and as such, the hair will grow back once treatment has ended [14].

6. Traumatic alopecia
This is usually a very common cause of hair loss in women of some ethnic backgrounds (particularly women of African/Caribbean descent). It is caused as a result of hair grooming techniques by the use of hair reshaping products such as relaxers, straighteners, hot combs, foam rollers and permanent wave products, as well as hair braiding methods. These techniques damage hair follicles over time [15]. Traumatic alopecia is divided into three categories;
a. Traction alopecia, which results from persistent pulling of the hair by tight rollers, tight braiding or ponytails. The use of blow-dryers, vigorous combing or brushing and bleaching of the hair can also contribute to hair breakage. Thinning begins above the ears and the forehand, and if the causative styling methods are not stopped, irreversible hair loss can result as the hair follicles are destroyed [15, 16].
b. Chemical alopecia, which results from the use of commercial relaxer and styling products. These products contain chemicals such as thioglycolates, which create curls or straighten the hair by destroying the disulphide bonds of keratin. Apart from curling or straightening the hair, these chemicals may have irritant effects on the scalp, which can result in hair shaft damage, inflammation of the scalp and loss of hair roots. All these can lead to irreversible damage of the hair follicles [15, 16].
c. Hot-comb alopecia, also known as follicular degeneration syndrome, results from the excessive use of pomades with a hot comb or iron, which leads to a gradual destruction of hair follicles. When pomade comes in contact with a hot comb or hot iron, it liquefies and drips down the hair shaft into the follicle. This results in chronic inflammatory folliculitis, which can lead to scarring alopecia and consequently permanent hair loss. Thinning usually begins at the crown and then spread evenly throughout the head. The condition is irreversible [15, 16].

Common baldness/hair loss myths
Several myths about hair loss exist, some serious, others not so serious. These myths include;
1. Male pattern baldness (as well as female pattern baldness) is inherited from the mother’s side of the family: This is not true as studies have been conducted, which conclusively suggest that it can come from either side of the family.
2. Cutting the hair can make it grow faster and stronger. When hair grows longer, it is worn down by normal wear and tear and as such gets slightly thinner around the diameter of the shaft. Cutting the hair cuts it back to where there is less wear and tear and subsequently the hair shaft is slightly thicker, giving the impression that cutting the hair makes it thicker. It would also not grow faster as hair grows almost exactly half an inch per month regardless of whether it is cut or not.
3. Wearing a hat can cause hair loss. This can only happen if the hat is prohibitively tight as any form of pulling or tightening of the hair can have some effect on hair loss; however, wearing a hat on its own cannot cause hair loss.
4. Towel drying your hair rigorously will make your hair fall out faster. This can only occur if the hair was due to fall out anyway; however you won’t be promoting additional hair loss by towelling rigorously
5. Rubbing curry on the head will help hair loss. Not only will it not work, you’re likely to smell afterwards as well.
6. Split ends can be repaired. This is not true as split ends cannot be repaired and should be cut off immediately to avoid them splitting higher and causing more damage to the hair.
7. Having a cow lick the top of your head can help hair loss. This would not help your hair loss, but might be entertaining to watch.
8. Standing on your head, or hanging upside down will increase the blood flow to the head and reduce hair loss. It is true that standing on your head or hanging upside down will increase the blood flow to the head; however, it won’t do anything to hair loss.

Quality of life and psychological aspects
The hair constitutes an integral part of our self and our identity and as such hair loss may cause a wide range of psychological problems related to our identity. Alopecia in itself has few physically harmful effects; however, it may lead to problems such as high levels of anxiety, social phobia, paranoid disorder and serious depressive episodes. The extent of alopecia is one of the predictors of the severity of psychological distress [12, 17].

There is an important link between hair and identity, especially for women. Feminity, sexuality, attractiveness, and personality, as reiterated by Hunt et al (2005), are symbolically linked to a woman’s hair and as such hair loss can seriously affect self esteem and body image. Hunt et al (2005) also stated that about 40% of women with alopecia have had marital problems as a consequence whilst about 63% claim to have had career related problems [18].

Psychological problems can also be experienced by children affected by alopecia.

Management of Alopecia
Alopecia can be managed in different ways, depending on type and severity. The various methods of management include;
1. Medical treatment such as the use of topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, topical tretinoin, exogenous estrogen, spironolactone and anti-androgens for androgenetic alopecia. The type of treatment and dose may vary depending on gender and age (i.e. adult or children).
2. Medical treatment such as the use of immunomodulatory agents (e.g corticosteroids, 5% minoxidil, and anthralin cream) and topical immunotherapeutic agents (e.g dinitrochlorobenzene and diphenylcyclopropene) for alopecia areata.
3. For hair loss caused by telogen effluvium, the underlying cause is usually treated first.
4. Cicatricial alopecia is sometimes managed using both systemic and topical therapy, this includes the use of hydroxychloroquine, topical immunomodulators (e.g tacrolimus and pimecrolimus), intralesional injections of triamcinolone, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, and isotretinoin, to mention a few.
5. When hair loss is extensive, wigs may be worn; there is also the option of hair transplantation (using minigrafts).
6. To reduce the risk of traumatic alopecia, techniques for hair grooming should be used with caution bearing in mind the sensitivity of the scalp and hair follicles. Discontinuance of styling practices may result in an abatement of hair loss and partial hair growth; this depends on the length of insult to the roots. Complete re-growth is possible if hair loss is managed early [15].
7. The use of laser phototherapy, which offers a respite from drugs, chemicals, lotions, visits to hospitals, dermatologist centres and surgery, is non-toxic, safe and can be used at home (see our new Hairbeam Phototherapy product).

Have you noticed a gradual and progressive increase in the number of hairs lost when combing or brushing? Perhaps after months or years of vain denial, you have realized that the mirror does not lie, visible thinning has occurred. You’re not alone if you’re experiencing breakage, increased hair shedding or significant hair loss.

Many women may cover it up with wigs, hair extensions, hats or scarves. Others choose one of the several approved medications or surgical procedures that are available to treat baldness.

Excessive hair loss or balding is mistakenly perceived as a strictly something that happens to men although women actually make up to forty percent of American hair loss sufferers. In America, one in four, or over 30 million women will seek solutions and treatment for hair loss annually.

First of all, don’t panic! Hair loss or hair shedding is consistent within the hair growth cycle and it is normal to lose some scalp hair each day. The average human scalp has roughly 100,000 to 150,000 individual hairs and the normal hair growth cycle results in the loosening or shedding of about 100 to 150 hairs on a daily basis. New hair growth then emerges from these same previous dormant hair follicles, growing at the average rate of about half an inch per month.

Hair is composed of two separate parts: the follicle and the hair shaft. The follicle lies below the scalp and produces the hair strands that we see growing out of our head. The follicle is alive, however the hair strand is simply composed of dead cells that have no regenerative ability.

For most people, 90% of our scalp hair is always in a to six year growth phase (anagen) while the remaining 10% is in a dormant period (telogen), which lasts about three months. When the dormant period ends the hair is shed; these are the worrisome hairs we obsess over in our comb, hairbrush, on our pillow or down the shower drain. Relax, some hair loss is perfectly normal.

Baldness or Alopecia happens when the normal pattern of hair growth is disrupted. The normal pattern of human hair growth is growing, resting, shedding and growing again. If the growth pattern is out of balance, hair does not grow back as readily as it falls out. A family history of androgenetic alopecia increases your risk of balding. Heredity also affects the age at which you begin to lose hair and the development, pattern and extent of your baldness.

What concerns us is not these normally shed hairs, but the noticeable thinning we confront in the mirror. For a woman, thick, vibrant hair is our crowning glory, our vanity visible. A luxuriant full mane epitomizes the beauty of a woman and is integrally woven into our self image. Our culture strongly identifies femininity with a thick, silky head of hair. Throughout recorded history, images of shining, full bodied hair are associated with female beauty, youth, desirability and good health. Society unfairly identifies dry, lack luster and thinning hair with old age, sickness and poverty.

A dramatic decrease in self esteem is evident in women when their hair begins to fall out. Hair shedding is not physically painful, however it often causes severe emotional distress. We obsess over our thin tresses as we battle depression and self loathing. Women frequently become introverted and withdraw from the world. We avoid intimate contact and make futile attempts to disguise the quality and quantity of our hair.

Hair loss is especially injurious to those who have professions or careers where physical appearance plays a significant role. A young woman is especially vulnerable to the stigma of balding. Not until we are confronted with the loss of our hair do we fully realize how essential hair is to our overall perception of ourselves.

A woman’s hair is at its thickest by age 20. Once we pass 20, however, our hair gradually begins to thin, shedding more than the normal 100-150 hairs a day. With aging, hair strands hold less pigment and become smaller so that what was once the luxuriant and thick hair of our youth becomes thin, fine and lighter in color. For even the elderly woman, significant hair loss can threaten self image. A woman’s sense of sexuality and femininity as well as her establish place in family and society are often undermined by hair loss.

It is hardly surprising when a man starts balding. By the age of thirty-five about 25 percent of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss and about 75 percent are either bald or have a balding pattern by age 60.

In men, hair loss is often perceived as a sign of virility, a demonstrable sign that his male hormones are functioning at maximum capacity. To project strength and masculinity, men often choose to shave their heads.

Although many men are quite dismayed by a receding hairline, research indicates that the phycological pain of hair loss does not affect men as adversely as it impacts women. What makes coping with hair loss so difficult is the frightening lack of control, the feeling of the inability to do anything to make our hair stop falling out.

Causes Of Hair Loss In Women

As we age, women face a multitude of changes and challenges: wrinkles, a widening waist, cellulite deposits and thickening ankles. It does not seem fair that for many of us hair loss is yet another blow to our self esteem.

Female pattern baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in women and is genetic in nature. This type of female balding is caused by the chemical Dihydrotestosterone or DHT which builds up around the air follicle and over time destroys both the hair shaft and the hair follicle. Pregnancy or the onset of menopause may cause a fluctuation in the production of estrogen. Lacking sufficient estrogen to produce testosterone-blocking enzymes, testosterone is then converted to DHT on the scalp. The result is a shorter hair growth cycle, finer hair and excessive hair loss from shedding and breakage. Some women experience an increase in hair loss several months after delivering a baby.

Genetics aside, there are many other reasons why women lose hair. Surgery, extreme physical or emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, chemotherapy and scalp infections are but a few. Female hair loss can also be triggered by birth control medications, certain prescription drugs or result from the use of harsh chemicals or aggressive styling that can cause permanent damage to the fragile hair follicle. Excessive hair shedding may also be symptomatic of rapid weight loss from dangerous fad-dieting or an eating disorder such as anorexia. The use of street drugs such as cocaine will also exhibit sudden and severe hair shedding.

When To Contact A Medical Professional

Reacting intensely to the physical state of our thinning hair may seem like excessive vanity, but it is not. Baldness is not usually caused by disease, but is more commonly related to heredity, aging and hormone function. However, changes in hair appearance, texture and growth patterns may indicate serious health concerns. Hair is one of the first areas, along with skin and nails, to reflect nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance and illness. It is wise to pay attention.

Women’s hair seems to be particularly sensitive to underlying medical conditions so it is important that women with undiagnosed hair loss be properly evaluated by a physician. If your thinning hair is a result of a medical condition, your doctor will treat these ailments and as a result you may experience significant growth of new hair.

Once you and your doctor have identified the cause of your hair loss you may be referred to a hair specialist or implant surgeon to learn about the treatment options available such as or hair transplant procedures to promote growth or hide loss. For some types of alopecia, hair may resume normal growth without any treatment.

A healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, hydration and rest can go a long way towards preventing hair loss and maximizing the potential of your hair growth cycle.

Although medical research is on going, the following have proved beneficial in growing and maintaining a healthy head of hair.

Nutrition

Poor nutrition is often an underlying cause of hair loss as the hair is a reliable indicator of nutritional well being. Discuss with your health care provider your diet, all medications and any supplements you may be taking. Dull hair color or dry and brittle hair may be indicators of a deficiency in essential fats in the diet, oily hair may be a sign of a B vitamin deficiency.

Recent medical studies have found that a high percentage of women with thinning hair are deficient in iron and the amino acid lysine. It is difficult to obtain sufficient lysine through diet alone. Lysine is important in the transport of iron and necessary to support hair growth. Lysine is found in eggs and red meat so vegetarians needs to be aware of this potential shortfall in their diets.

The amino acids L-Cysteine and L-Methionine are believed to improve hair texture, quality and growth.

Low-fat foods that rank high in protein, low in carbohydrates, can play a vital role in sustaining healthy hair growth and aid in preventing hair loss. Important essential fatty acids for maintaining hair health are found in walnuts, sunflower seeds, sardines, spinach, soy and canola oil. Omega 3 and Omega 6 Oils protect the heart as well as your hair so include salmon in your diet on a regular basis.

Herbal Remedies Offer Hope For Hair Loss

Discuss with your nutritional advisor or medical professional the benefits of herbs. The following natural plant derivatives have properties to encourage a healthy head of hair.

Aloe
Arnica
Birch
Burdock
Catmint
Chamomile
Horsetail
Licorice
Marigold
Nettles
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Hair Care

Always choose organic natural products to avoid the chemicals and toxins found in many hair care products. Harsh chemicals may strip the natural oils from your hair and lead to breakage and poor hair growth. Dye, hair straightening and permanent solutions are highly destructive to the hair shaft and follicle as well as the delicate sebum balance of the scalp.

Be gentle with your hair. Allow hair to dry naturally rather than using a hair dryer. A natural bristle brush is helpful in preventing damage. Do not style until completely dry. Wet hair is weak hair so handle with care.

Avoid or break any bad habits you may have that pull or twist the hair. Try not to constantly run your fingers through your hair, tug at the hair and avoid hair clips or rubber bands that pull at and break off the hair. Minimize the usage of mousse, gels and hair sprays. These products dry and weigh down the hair shaft and dull the natural luster of your hair.

Avoid salt and chlorinated water when swimming. If exposed, always wash the hair with cool water and an organic gentle shampoo and apply a mild conditioner. Sun worshippers should make sure that hair care products have sunscreen properties to protect hair from the damaging affects of UV rays. Remember to wear a hat to prevent sunburn of the scalp.

Healthy Lifestyle

Hair loss is traumatic, however our hair is only part of who we are. I remind myself to keep my obsession with my hair loss in perspective and be happy with all the other areas of my life that are going right and in balance. Focus on the positive, eat well, rest well and be at peace with who you are. Remember, that for some, hair grows back as mysteriously as it disappeared.

QUESTION: My name is Maria. I’m a 40 year-old woman. I have been experiencing acute hair loss for about two years and have been using Mira hair oil for about a month now. I can see new hair growth and my hair has grown a few inches but I still see hair falling especially when I comb it after a wash. Please advice on what I can do to further stop the hair loss and hair fall

Thanks

Maria

“Stop hair loss and hair fall” ANSWER:  you can’t grow hair and lose it at the same time, meaning that your new hair growth indicates that your hair is in the Anagen phase (growth phase) so stick with the Mira hair oil. Be aware that hair fall is natural, about 100 hairs falling a day is ok, and anything more and you can be worried.  As you have thinning hair when you see the hair fall you get worried. So check to see if it is more than 100. Also how does the hair fall? Does it fall in chunks or when in the shower?

If it falls in chunks then it is severe hair loss, if in the shower to some extent it is natural

So stop combing your hair when wet this causes hair loss

Also stop using hot water on your hair, it also causes hair fall and hair loss as it expands the hair pores and allows the hair to fall off easily

Use a wide toothed comb when combing your hair, these combs will not pull at your hair and will prevent less hair fall and hair damage

If you can get it, get a bristle boar brush which allows you to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and therefore promotes even faster hair growth

Be sure to give yourself a good scalp massage, massage the Mira hair oil onto your scalp and massage as follows: using your fingers simply massage in small circles and start from the back of the scalp to the front of your forehead, use firm fingers and massage your scalp thoroughly

Next way to stop hair fall is to stop using commercial shampoos as they cause hair fall

Next take hair vitamins like prenatal pills , these are cheap but works to help stop hair fall and hair loss, they will also promote fast hair growth, also use biotin and vitamin C and B to stop hair loss and hair fall

Be sure to keep your body hydrated; you need at least 8 glass of water in a day to clean out your system and boost your immune system

Understand that hair fall is a disease and i6t takes time to grow hair, there is no magic formula and so stick to Mira hair oil, it will promote faster hair growth and allow healthy hair growth. As it took time to lose hair, it will also take time to grow hair back. Do not stick from product to product, be consistent with a good one –which you already have –Mira hair oil

Do the above stop hair loss and hair fall techniques and your hair will stop falling- above all be patient and believe in Mira hair oil, it will not let you down

If you wsih to stop hair fall and hair loss then you need Mira hair oil to stop hair falling and limit the amount of hair loss, Mira hair oil will first stop hair fall; and then promote hair growth –you will see changes in as little as 2 weeks

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