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
Most cases of hair thinning and loss are as a result of hormonal fluctuations, ie during pregnancy, childbirth or use of some methods of birth control. Women can also experience:
Anagen effluvium - occurs due to chemotherapy. The matrix of the hair becomes damaged and, as a result, the hair shaft will narrow, eventually fracturing.
Traction alopecia - caused by severe hairstyles, such as ponytails that are too tight, braiding, cornrows or the frequent use of extensions. These procedures pull at hair over a period of time but loss can be prevented if recognized and treated early.
Men and women can minimize or even prevent hair thinning or loss, if detected early enough, by using several over-the-counter treatments such as:
Daily vitamin supplement - look for ones labelled especially for hair and/or nails and are fortified with Vitamin B3 (niacin), this protects the hair shaft, and antioxidants, to ward off damage from free radicals.
A shampoo that states "revitalizing/fortifying/energizing" - this will nourish and protect existing hair while removing oils that can block the follicles and prevent re-growth.
A weekly use, leave-in scalp treatment made with essential oils - oils such as lavender and orange will relax and unblock hair follicles to promote growth, regulate oil production and maintain cell repair.
As with any treatment, results will vary and may to need to be continued on a constant basis. Also, allow approximately 6-8 weeks before seeing results.
Disguising hair loss techniques:
Maybe it's time to consider some techniques to disguise your hair loss if you are dissatisfied with your thinning hair. Whether you're male or female losing hair due to genetics, stress, medication or a medical circumstance you can use these methods to help you cope.
Using a Thickening Hair Shampoo or Conditioner
Use a thickening hair shampoo and conditioner intended to camouflage hair loss by making the hair seem to be thicker. Brush your hair lightly after you have shampooed and conditioned to prevent losing even more hair, and let your hair dry completely before you comb or brush it.
Styling Techniques
If your hair is not as thick as it once was, there are a number of hair styling methods and hair styling products that can be employed to keep your hair looking its best at any age. Try to avoid hair gels as they only matte your hair and highlight your hair loss. Instead use hair texturizing creams and lotions that give you volume and fullness. Another good option is to use a leave-in hair conditioner that can make your hair emerge more textured and fuller. For a fuller look try blow drying your hair - For hair that is getting thin on top, try blow drying after you have washed and conditioned, then comb your hair in front directly back. Use mousse or a light hair spray to maintain the style. The blow drying will stop your hair from matting together and looking thinner.
Add Extensions to your Hair
Extensions are an easy way for women and men with long thick hair to hide the fact that they are losing some. Use a salon for getting natural human hair added to your hair. This 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. - 15255
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
Most cases of hair thinning and loss are as a result of hormonal fluctuations, ie during pregnancy, childbirth or use of some methods of birth control. Women can also experience:
Anagen effluvium - occurs due to chemotherapy. The matrix of the hair becomes damaged and, as a result, the hair shaft will narrow, eventually fracturing.
Traction alopecia - caused by severe hairstyles, such as ponytails that are too tight, braiding, cornrows or the frequent use of extensions. These procedures pull at hair over a period of time but loss can be prevented if recognized and treated early.
Men and women can minimize or even prevent hair thinning or loss, if detected early enough, by using several over-the-counter treatments such as:
Daily vitamin supplement - look for ones labelled especially for hair and/or nails and are fortified with Vitamin B3 (niacin), this protects the hair shaft, and antioxidants, to ward off damage from free radicals.
A shampoo that states "revitalizing/fortifying/energizing" - this will nourish and protect existing hair while removing oils that can block the follicles and prevent re-growth.
A weekly use, leave-in scalp treatment made with essential oils - oils such as lavender and orange will relax and unblock hair follicles to promote growth, regulate oil production and maintain cell repair.
As with any treatment, results will vary and may to need to be continued on a constant basis. Also, allow approximately 6-8 weeks before seeing results.
Disguising hair loss techniques:
Maybe it's time to consider some techniques to disguise your hair loss if you are dissatisfied with your thinning hair. Whether you're male or female losing hair due to genetics, stress, medication or a medical circumstance you can use these methods to help you cope.
Using a Thickening Hair Shampoo or Conditioner
Use a thickening hair shampoo and conditioner intended to camouflage hair loss by making the hair seem to be thicker. Brush your hair lightly after you have shampooed and conditioned to prevent losing even more hair, and let your hair dry completely before you comb or brush it.
Styling Techniques
If your hair is not as thick as it once was, there are a number of hair styling methods and hair styling products that can be employed to keep your hair looking its best at any age. Try to avoid hair gels as they only matte your hair and highlight your hair loss. Instead use hair texturizing creams and lotions that give you volume and fullness. Another good option is to use a leave-in hair conditioner that can make your hair emerge more textured and fuller. For a fuller look try blow drying your hair - For hair that is getting thin on top, try blow drying after you have washed and conditioned, then comb your hair in front directly back. Use mousse or a light hair spray to maintain the style. The blow drying will stop your hair from matting together and looking thinner.
Add Extensions to your Hair
Extensions are an easy way for women and men with long thick hair to hide the fact that they are losing some. Use a salon for getting natural human hair added to your hair. This 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. - 15255
About the Author:
Jennifer Summers is a great source of information on loss of hair, regularly providing informative advice on thinning hair.
