Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern balding) is by far the most common cause of hair loss amongst men and a serious problem for many women. There are three important components which are responsible for both female and male balding:

1. A genetic predisposition for balding to occur.

2. Excessive presence of male hormones.

3. Aging - enough time for the first two factors to occur.

Both men and women produce male hormones that have a useful role to play in both sexes; but the fact that androgens occur in much higher concentrations in men explains why male pattern baldness is more common than the female balding.

DHT the root cause of hair loss
It is metabolism of male hormones (androgen/testosterone) which is main cause of hair loss and male and female pattern balding both in men and women.

The metabolism of androgen involves an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase which combines with the hormone (testosterone) and converts it to DHT (Dihydro-testosterone). DHT is a natural metabolite of our body.

The cause of male and female pattern balding
Some individuals, both men and women, are genetically pre-disposed to produce more DHT than the normal individuals. It is this accumulation of DHT and its effect on the cells inside the hair follicle and root which is one of the primary causes of male and female pattern balding.

When DHT gets into the hair follicle and root, especially a region called the dermal papilla, it changes the cell' activity and prevents necessary proteins, vitamins and minerals from providing nourishment needed to sustain life in the hairs of those follicles. Consequently, hair follicles are reproduced at a much slower rate. This shortens their growing stage (anagen phase) and or lengthens their resting stage (telogen phase) of the follicle. DHT also causes hair follicle to shrink and get progressively smaller and finer. This process is known as miniaturization and causes the hair to ultimately fall. DHT induced androgenetic aloepcia is responsible for 95% of all hair loss.

Blocking the synthesis of DHT at the molecular level forms the basis for the treatment of MPHL (male pattern hair loss) and FPHL (female pattern hair loss). There are many natural DHT blockers and a number of drugs which are used for medical hair restoration.

Source: http://www.spiritindia.com/health-care-news-articles-1857.html 

Posted by haircaretips at 1:26 AM EDT

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Indian scientists have found a natural-based ancient Ayurvedic remedy for hair loss that outperforms the commercial competition, cashing in on the growing popularity for natural products and the extensive market for hair loss treatments.

The three herbs Cuscuta reflexa, Citrullus colocynthis and Eclipta alba have long been known for their hair growth-promoting potential and scientists at the Dr H.S. Gour University in Madhya Pradesh, India, have recently tested various formulations of these herbs on laboratory rats. 

Three different polyherbal creams were applied topically to the shaven dorsal skin of rats, the most effective of which outperformed minoxidil (2 per cent) the active ingredient in one of the leading hair loss treatments Rogaine, a product that claims to prevent further hair loss in four out of five men.

Ram Kumar Roy and his team found that both the initiation and the completion of hair growth occurred earlier in rats treated with the most effective of the polyherbal formulations (day 4 and day 17 respectively) in comparison to those that had received topical applications of minoxidil (2 per cent) (day 6 and day 20) and control rats (day 12 and day 24).

It appears that the treatment primarily causes the hair follicle to switch from the telogen (rest) phase to the anagen (growth) phase along with encouraging the retention of the late anagenic hair follicles.

Furthermore the team noted the quality of the new growth as soft, silky and shiny, surprising as some of the previous tests of monoherbal fomulas containing C. reflexa and C. colocynthis had resulted in growth of coarse, rough hair, attributing this to the addition of the herb E. alba, similarly traditionally believed to improve the shine and texture of hair.

This suggests that the formulations may be helpful in the treatment of alopecia, caused by hair follicles moving prematurely into the telogen phase where they are abruptly shed, the most common form of which being male patterns baldness suffered by 60 per cent of men, according to a study by scientists at Vancouver General Hospital.

The biological mechanism that lies behind the success of this treatment is currently being investigated by the team, who are confident that the commercial applications of their formulations will be extensive.

The worldwide market for hair loss treatments was estimated in 2006 at $1 bn and Euromonitor has identified the area as having potential for further growth as it taps into the burgeoning market for male grooming products. 

Source: http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/ 

Posted by haircaretips at 5:54 AM EDT

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Imagine a soothing waterfall, relaxing music, a warm cup of coffee, a view of the hills, and no more bald spots.

Nationally recognized hair-loss expert John Vincent has teamed up with local dermatologist Dr. Bradley Kurgis to make just such a scenario a reality.

Central California Laser Hair Therapy opened in April at 1035 Peach St., suite 302. The office provides laser hair therapy to help San Luis Obispans with their hair-loss woes. The new method uses low-level lasers, which are cold to the touch and can't burn or cut, to stimulate cellular growth in weakened hair follicles.

"I know of which I speak," Vincent said. "I was bald for 15 years, and I've been counseling bald guys for 22 years."

The duo understands self-esteem issues and embarrassment caused by hair loss.

"We have to be sensitive to people's emotions," Vincent said. "We've made everything low-key and chose a discreet location."

Patients sit under an in-office laser in visits over a period of six to 12 months and use a handheld laser hairbrush at home to maintain results. Vincent uses it on a regular basis.

"In all cases, it's kind of like turning off the hair-loss switch. We promise results in six months, but we've seen results after only seven weeks. Hair will start looking thicker, fuller, and shinier."

Treatment plans cost between $2,500 and $4,000 and include the laser hairbrush and hair products. The brush can also be purchased separately for $399.

"If money can buy self-confidence, then I don't think money is an issue," Vincent said.

The office offers interest-free financing for up to two years, and 80 percent of patients choose financing. They also provide a free scalp analysis, consultation, and initial laser treatment.

According to Vincent, hair loss happens to men and women ages 18 to 80. Most of his local clients, however, are men between the ages of 25 and 45.

Vincent and Kurgis believe that all available hair-loss treatments, including Minoxidil (Rogaine), Propecia, hair transplant surgery, and laser hair therapy, can be used to complement each other depending on the individual hair-loss case. The duo plans to open a few more offices in California.

"We know it will be successful," Vincent said.

Low-level lasers are being developed in other areas as well, such as stimulating blood circulation to actually repair tissue.

According to Vincent, the lasers will start being used to kill bacteria and treat acne. They're also used in pain management, to treat cramped muscles, burns, and cuts.

"It's really quite simple," Vincent said. "It's light."

Source: http://www.newtimesslo.com/index.php?p=showarticle&id=2594 

Posted by haircaretips at 1:07 AM EDT

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Now in most stores, right along with pills just for women, there are shelves just for men. The gold standard for health for many Americans is regular exercise, good nutrition and supplements.

Women buy the most herbal products, but Art Gara is among a growing number of male customers. "Today, I bought some Co Q10 for the heart. I bought some green tea as an antioxidant," said Gara.

Now in most stores, right along with pills just for women, there are shelves just for men.

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital's Dr. Don Novey is a national expert in complementary medicine.

"The classic men's issues are things like prostate health, and they may have problems with male-patterned baldness," said Dr. Novey.

The remedies that most nutritionists agree upon for prostate health are saw palmetto and lycopeine.

For muscle building there is creatine.

For blood circulation and the heart, there's evidence that ginkgo biloba, omega fish oils, picnogenol and L-arginine work.

Flaxseed spread on your food may help protect against heart disease and cancer, and Dr. Novey says it may even slow hair loss.

"It's very useful for decreasing some of the male hormone effects that lead to male patterned baldness," said Dr. Novey.

Dr. Novey believes that it is crucial patients follow the directions on the bottles and tell their doctor they are taking them.

"If I had to make one comment, it's that herbs are drugs, and all the same rules apply," said Dr. Novey.

One other thing that Dr. Novey and nutritionist Neil Levin agree upon: supplements cannot cure serious diseases.

They're best used along with medicines you take or to try to keep from getting sick.

Source: http://www.wcsh6.com/news/watercooler/article.aspx?storyid=65013 

Posted by haircaretips at 1:44 AM EDT

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I've been using Rogaine (minoxidil) for more than 12 years to slow hair loss. I started taking the oral medicine Proscar when I heard that this drug could also help. It worked well, better than Rogaine, but with side effects: Climax during intercourse was diminished. So I ground up five 5-mg tablets and put them into a one-month supply of Rogaine liquid. I put the solution on my scalp. It works like a charm, and I have no more sexual side effects. I tried not using the Proscar, and my hair began falling out immediately, so the mixture is better than Rogaine alone.

Finasteride is the active ingredient in both Proscar (for prostate enlargement) and Propecia (for male pattern baldness). It blocks conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes both problems.

Oral finasteride has been linked to sexual side effects. Your experiment might have sidestepped this problem. We could find no scientific study of this.

One caution: Finasteride in any form must be kept away from pregnant women. DHT is essential for a male fetus to develop masculine characteristics.

Source: http://www.newsday.com/ 

Posted by haircaretips at 5:41 AM EDT

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Rogaine, for those that are searching for hair loss treatments, this is a solution. To obstruct hair loss from becoming a major problem medications are available by prescription for those that are losing their hair. Prior to taking a decision for purchasing this product it is better to understand this medication and how it will influence you and your hair growth. Then you are free of coming to a conclusion on how effective it will be for averting you hair loss.

Side affects

Topical Minoxidil is also sometimes known as Rogaine. The emergence of this relates to the treatment of high blood pressure which is a different type of medication. Excessive growth of hair is one of the side effects of this medication. Starting from this point, researchers began to seem into how the Minoxidil affected hair growth and alienated out the specific supplements that helped to treat the symptoms. Then the FDA approved the medication, judging that it is effective with not as many side effects.

It's a good stimulant

The effectiveness of the Rogaine is in treating hair loss that occurs at the top of the head for both men and women. It is known to do this as a stimulant that helps to encourage hair growth. This is for external use only in which the solution is applied to the head where there is loss of hair at least twice per day. After four to six months of use as a spray it will begin to affect hair growth in the particular areas. The Rogaine will probably not force your hair growth at all if you don't see improvement later.

Consult physician

Prior to deciding to use Rogaine you should consult your physician to ensure that the side effects will not be harmful. For some people the ingredient Minoxidil is known to cause allergic reactions. At the same time it could also respond with other drugs and medications. If you are pregnant, you may also not desire to take Rogaine as a way to aid in hair loss. More severe diseases that you have experienced in the past may also affect your body after you take the medication. The affect of the reaction from Rogaine include things such as heart, kidney, liver or scalp disease.

Other side affects

Frustration on the scalp is another side affect that is somewhat common for Rogaine. It may become red or commence to itch. It may also begin to become scaly or start to have flakes. There may also be a burning that occurs after taking the medication. If this is result of the Rogaine, you should stop taking the medication. ultimately, these symptoms should disappear without complications.

Know how it works

If you are looking into probabilities for hair growth from your hair loss, then you may want to consider Rogaine. In order to give you with the proper cures for your hair loss this works as a stimulant. By considering how Rogaine works, as well as what is in the medication and how you may respond to it, you can decide if it is an efficient medication for treating your hair loss.

Source: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=30009 

Posted by haircaretips at 5:08 AM EDT

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Thanks to recent advances in hair transplant technology, natural hair restoration can be achieved for most individuals!

Are you tired of your hair loss? Are you ready to take the next step toward growing your own hair again? Then you’re invited to attend a free seminar with Sara Wasserbauer, M.D. on Wed. June 20th, in her office from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Today, hair loss is an option. Thanks to recent advances in hair transplant technology, natural hair restoration can be achieved for most individuals. A hair transplant surgeon is able to replace literally single hair follicles, replicating prior hair growth in a totally undetectable manner. Hair maintenance drugs such as Propecia and Rogaine can restore some hair, and more importantly slow or completely stop future hair loss.

Dr. Sara Wasserbauer, is one of the few hair restoration surgeons in the world who is board certified by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery and a fellowship trained hair surgeon.

Growing up in a family that experienced severe hair loss in both the men AND women, she found herself drawn to hair restoration and the dramatic change it could have on one’s appearance. She has dedicated her professional career to the medical restoration of hair for both male pattern and female pattern hair loss. she believes that when performed properly, by a skilled and artistic surgeon, modern follicular unit hair transplants can have dramatic results for the patient, not only restoring their hair, but giving them back their lives and dignity.

Dr. Wasserbauer’s office is located in Walnut Creek, CA, and patients come from throughout Northern California, the Bay Area and across the United States. Each patient's treatment plan is unique and developed by Dr. Wasserbauer to achieve that particular patient's cosmetic goals.

Source: http://www.prlog.org/ 

Posted by haircaretips at 1:40 AM EDT

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Here are five things you didn't know about female hair loss:

1Unkindest cut: By now, beleaguered pop princess Britney Spears is sporting a cute pixie. Isn't she the lucky one; her baldness was by choice. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 30 million women in the United States have extensive hair loss.

2Mane in motion: Hair is one of the fastest-growing tissues in the body -- second only to bone marrow. The average scalp has 100,000 strands. A typical person loses 15 to 40 hairs per day. You need to lose 50 percent before it's noticeable.

3Genetic jolt: Typical locks grow at the rate of about one-half an inch a month -- each lasting two to six years. At that point, the hair "rests" for a period, falls out, then the follicle from which it sprang grows a new one. In women who are genetically predisposed to shedding (the majority of sufferers), hormones called androgens interfere with this process. The condition is medically known as androgenic alopecia.

4More causes: Some autoimmune disorders result in a less dramatic condition -- alopecia areata -- when hair comes out in clumps. Others suffer from telogen effluvium, following pregnancy, unsafe diets, surgery or severe stress. Thyroid disorders, anemia and some medications are also culprits.

5Don't wig out: Laser therapy stimulates cell metabolism and repairs damage. The Methode Trapeze procedure bridges the gap between thinning hair and donor hair. In graduated enhancement therapy, the hairline is reconstructed.

Source: http://www.star-telegram.com/167/story/100706.html 

Posted by haircaretips at 6:13 AM EDT

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Demand is very strong for hair removal or depilatory treatments in Spanish salons and estimated to be increasing at approximately 20% per annum.

Hair removal is one of the top five salon services and can account for approximately a third of beauty salon and spa revenues in Spain. Spending is aesthetically driven as people use salon depilatory services to enhance their personal appearance by removing unwanted hair.

However, there is evidence that the traditional beauty salon, which specialises in waxing, is losing hair removal sales to the new market entrants, among them, the medspas (or medical spas) that specialise in laser and IPL hair removal treatments.

Spending on, and prices of, hair removal will increase, largely due to the greater demand for the more expensive laser, and IPL treatments.

Body areas or zones depilated include legs, brows, upper lip, underarms, groin (“Brazilian”) and bikini line.

Hair removal treatments include waxing, laser, laser diode, electric and tweezers.

Source: http://home.businesswire.com/ 

Posted by haircaretips at 3:28 AM EDT

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I’m a 49-year-old guy, and when I met my girlfriend of six months she told me she was 30. Our 19-year age difference worried me, but she said it was cool with her. A few weeks ago, I inadvertently discovered she’s really 39. She admitted it, apologized, and said she didn’t know why she didn’t tell me. I’m glad she’s 39, but should I be worried about this kind of dishonesty spilling over into other areas?

“Beauty is truth,” wrote Keats. Clearly, Keats never experienced underwire, implants or those little silicone patties women stick in their bras. (There’s a reason they don’t call them “truthsies.”)

The truth is, beauty is rarely truth, and typically the product of a massive disinformation campaign. If you think about it, even deodorant is a lie—and may be a “gateway drug” to lipo, Botox and lips by Goodyear. For liars on more of a budget, there are those pantyhose that squeeze a size 16 woman into a size six woman—until she passes out and has to be removed from her nylons by paramedics wielding the “Jaws of Life.”

Men, too, lie about their looks—with Rogaine, hair plugs, socks in the crotch and the untucked shirt hiding the really big gut. And then, because women are into fiscal good looks, a man’s more likely to introduce himself as “a consultant” instead of “unemployed,” or to live in a treehouse he’s sublet from some kid so he can make the payments on his Jag.

Accordingly, a girl who turns the clock back nine years is lying, but there are lie-lies and there are like-me lies, and they shouldn’t be assigned the same point value. Back when you were, say, just some cute stranger in a bar, her age-shaving was a like-me lie. But then you started dating. There was a grace period (two dates, three dates) in which she could’ve played the silly girl card and said, “Tee hee, I have a confession to make. I liked you so much I told this stupid lie!” Instead she stuck to her deception—even though she knew that the truth would’ve made you feel much better. The coverup turned it into a lie-lie—a sign of questionable character—and probably led to some fast-talking about how old she was when she got her first mullet.

Will her dishonesty spill into other areas? It’s possible. Let’s look at the area you’re probably most worried about—some other guy’s bedroom. Researchers Todd Shackelford and David Buss gave a battery of tests to 107 married couples and found three personality traits common to those more susceptible to infidelity. The first is narcissism—being self-absorbed, self-important, lacking in empathy and prone to exploiting others. Next on the list are low conscientiousness and high “psychoticism,” clinical terms for a personality marked by impulsivity, unreliability and an inability to delay gratification.

Even if some or all of this sounds disturbingly familiar, it doesn’t necessarily mean she’ll stray. Don’t bother asking her whether you can trust her. (What’s she going to say, “Probably not”?) Just act like you can so you can observe her in unguarded moments and learn the truth without her knowing she’s telling it. In time, you should get a sense of whether she’s just insecure—and insecure about admitting to it—or inclined to take those “little shortcuts of life” more accurately known as lying, cheating and relocating to the Caribbean with the contents of your bank account.

I’ve been with my girlfriend for six months. Everything’s going well, except that I’ve never really been attracted to her, which makes it difficult to be physical. My friends say I should stay with her but cheat to fill my need to be with someone I’m attracted to. It was hard just to find a good relationship, and I feel shallow and mean following their advice, but I don’t want to let her go.

Do your dates typically take place under a giant sneeze guard? Because you seem to be confusing your relationship with a salad bar. You claim you have “a good relationship,” yet six months in, you’re already eyeing the booty buffet. You say you don’t want to let your girlfriend go—meaning, you’d rather chance her catching you in bed with some skank so she can run out, screaming and crying, of her own accord? (Shall we cue the cartoon lovebirds now, or wait until she stops using your bat to reconfigure your car?) Dump her—it’s the sweetest thing you can do. Let her find a guy who also appreciates her for what’s inside—but manages to look at what’s outside as more than a reminder to have sex with somebody else.

Source: http://artvoice.com/issues/v6n18/advice_goddess 

Posted by haircaretips at 2:14 AM EDT

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