Talking about hair loss with your GP is an important first step. For millions of people world-wide, each day is a "bad hair" day due to the predicament of thinning hair or hair loss. There are a variety of treatments offered these days that make hair loss or thinning hair easier to live with. Distressing situations and heredity can be the reason for hair thinning and loss and can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations, excessive physical force or poor nutrition. Alopecia is a worry not only experienced by men but by an increasing number of women, it is the disproportionate and abnormal loss of strong hair. While these factors can concern both men and women, hair thinning and loss usually happens for:
Men A thinning crown or receding hair line is the most common pattern of hair loss. Hair loss occurs due to the presence of a derivative or by-product of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone can shrink the hair follicles and has a greater effect in the mid-anterior scalp and temples. Some types of male hair loss are:Acute diffuse alopecia - occurs from physical or psychological factors such as hormones, nutritional deficiencies or medications.Chronic Diffuse Alopecia - can occur due to nutritional, metabolic or endocrine issues. Androgenetic Alopecia - occurs due to genetic sensitivity to male hormones. This rarely affects women.
Women Hormonal fluctuations, ie during pregnancy, childbirth or use of some methods of contraception can result in hair thinning and loss. Also experienced by females: Traction alopecia - this is caused by harsh hair styles, for example ponytails that are pulled too tight, cornrows, braiding or too frequent use of hair extensions. These actions pull at your hair over time but loss can be helped if recognized and dealt with early on. Anagen effluvium - this is due to chemotherapy. The matrix of the hair becomes broken and results in the hair shaft narrowing, eventually splintering.
Males and females can reduce or even halt hair loss or thinning, if found early enough, by using various over-the-counter treatments like: a). A shampoo that describes itself as "revitalizing/fortifying/energizing". These will nurture and guard existing hair while removing oils that can obstruct the follicles and stop re-growth. b). A daily vitamin supplement. Look for supplements labelled especially for hair and/or nails and are fortified with Vitamin B3 (niacin). These defend the hair shaft, and antioxidants, to ward off harm from free radicals. c). Weekly use, leave-in scalp treatment prepared with essential oils - oils such as lavender and orange will relax and unblock hair follicles to encourage growth, regulate oil production and sustain cell repair. Results will vary, as with any treatment, and may possibly need to be continued on a regular basis. Also, allow around 6-8 weeks before expecting to see results.
Techniques to hide hair loss: Perhaps it is time to think of some techniques to hide your hair loss if you are unhappy with your thinning hair. Whether you are a man or a woman losing hair due to heredity, stress, medication or a medical condition you can use these tips to help you cope. Use a Hair Thickening Shampoo or Conditioner Use a hair thickening shampoo and/or conditioner meant to disguise loss by making the hair appear to be thicker. Brush your hair gently after shampooing and conditioning to stop losing more hair, and allow hair to dry completely before combing or brushing it.
Hair Styling Methods for Thicker Looking Hair Here are a few methods and styling products that can be used, if your head of hair is not as thick as it once was, to keep your hair looking its best. Blow drying thin hair for a fuller appearance. For thinning hair, try blow drying your hair after you have washed and conditioned it and then comb your hair in front all the way back. Use a light hairspray or a mousse to keep your style in place. The blow drying will prevent your hair from matting and make it appear thicker than it is. Opt for hair texturizing lotions and creams that will provide you with abundance and volume. Use a leave-in hair conditioner as they can make your hair appear fuller and more textured. Pass up on hair gels as they matte your hair together and exaggerate your hair loss.
Extending your Hair Hair extensions are a quick and simple method for men and women with long thick hair to disguise the fact that they are losing some hair. Employ a salon for adding natural human hair to your head. This option can last for several weeks to several months.
Blow-dry your Hair Consider blow drying if your hair is thinning on top to give it added texture and body and to give your head more coverage. Brush it into a quiff on top of your head by brushing it from the forehead up. Maintain the style with a little hairspray. If your hair is thinning throughout, this is a good way to make your hair look fuller. Chaps -Getting a Buzz from your Hair The buzz cut is a way to disguise the fact that you are losing hair. Businessmen, sports stars and actors all use this as a classy, style that is easy to maintain. Groom your scalp daily and remove the hairs you have left for a clean, fresh look by using a wet-dry electric razor. If you're disturbed about your hair loss or if your hair is starting to thin, make an appointment with your hairdresser or barber and request some advice on a fresh, new look. There are plenty of hair styles to choose from that have you looking great. - 17943
Men A thinning crown or receding hair line is the most common pattern of hair loss. Hair loss occurs due to the presence of a derivative or by-product of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone can shrink the hair follicles and has a greater effect in the mid-anterior scalp and temples. Some types of male hair loss are:Acute diffuse alopecia - occurs from physical or psychological factors such as hormones, nutritional deficiencies or medications.Chronic Diffuse Alopecia - can occur due to nutritional, metabolic or endocrine issues. Androgenetic Alopecia - occurs due to genetic sensitivity to male hormones. This rarely affects women.
Women Hormonal fluctuations, ie during pregnancy, childbirth or use of some methods of contraception can result in hair thinning and loss. Also experienced by females: Traction alopecia - this is caused by harsh hair styles, for example ponytails that are pulled too tight, cornrows, braiding or too frequent use of hair extensions. These actions pull at your hair over time but loss can be helped if recognized and dealt with early on. Anagen effluvium - this is due to chemotherapy. The matrix of the hair becomes broken and results in the hair shaft narrowing, eventually splintering.
Males and females can reduce or even halt hair loss or thinning, if found early enough, by using various over-the-counter treatments like: a). A shampoo that describes itself as "revitalizing/fortifying/energizing". These will nurture and guard existing hair while removing oils that can obstruct the follicles and stop re-growth. b). A daily vitamin supplement. Look for supplements labelled especially for hair and/or nails and are fortified with Vitamin B3 (niacin). These defend the hair shaft, and antioxidants, to ward off harm from free radicals. c). Weekly use, leave-in scalp treatment prepared with essential oils - oils such as lavender and orange will relax and unblock hair follicles to encourage growth, regulate oil production and sustain cell repair. Results will vary, as with any treatment, and may possibly need to be continued on a regular basis. Also, allow around 6-8 weeks before expecting to see results.
Techniques to hide hair loss: Perhaps it is time to think of some techniques to hide your hair loss if you are unhappy with your thinning hair. Whether you are a man or a woman losing hair due to heredity, stress, medication or a medical condition you can use these tips to help you cope. Use a Hair Thickening Shampoo or Conditioner Use a hair thickening shampoo and/or conditioner meant to disguise loss by making the hair appear to be thicker. Brush your hair gently after shampooing and conditioning to stop losing more hair, and allow hair to dry completely before combing or brushing it.
Hair Styling Methods for Thicker Looking Hair Here are a few methods and styling products that can be used, if your head of hair is not as thick as it once was, to keep your hair looking its best. Blow drying thin hair for a fuller appearance. For thinning hair, try blow drying your hair after you have washed and conditioned it and then comb your hair in front all the way back. Use a light hairspray or a mousse to keep your style in place. The blow drying will prevent your hair from matting and make it appear thicker than it is. Opt for hair texturizing lotions and creams that will provide you with abundance and volume. Use a leave-in hair conditioner as they can make your hair appear fuller and more textured. Pass up on hair gels as they matte your hair together and exaggerate your hair loss.
Extending your Hair Hair extensions are a quick and simple method for men and women with long thick hair to disguise the fact that they are losing some hair. Employ a salon for adding natural human hair to your head. This option can last for several weeks to several months.
Blow-dry your Hair Consider blow drying if your hair is thinning on top to give it added texture and body and to give your head more coverage. Brush it into a quiff on top of your head by brushing it from the forehead up. Maintain the style with a little hairspray. If your hair is thinning throughout, this is a good way to make your hair look fuller. Chaps -Getting a Buzz from your Hair The buzz cut is a way to disguise the fact that you are losing hair. Businessmen, sports stars and actors all use this as a classy, style that is easy to maintain. Groom your scalp daily and remove the hairs you have left for a clean, fresh look by using a wet-dry electric razor. If you're disturbed about your hair loss or if your hair is starting to thin, make an appointment with your hairdresser or barber and request some advice on a fresh, new look. There are plenty of hair styles to choose from that have you looking great. - 17943
About the Author:
Jennifer Summers is a great source of information on hair loss products, regularly providing informative advice on baldness.
