Dealing With Hair Loss
Hair has been called our "crowning glory." Society has placed a great deal of social and cultural importance on hair and hair styles. If hairlines recede or hair thins, both men and women may become very concerned. Without understanding why their hair is falling out, they may resort to so-called "magic potions," megavitamins, scalp massage and electric treatments to encourage new hair to grow. Hair loss is common - nearly two out of every three men develop some form of balding. An even higher percentage of men and women have some form of hair loss during their lives. With correct diagnosis, many people with hair loss can be helped. Normal Hair Growth About 90 percent of a person's scalp hair is continually growing.
The growth phase lasts between two and six years. Ten percent of the scalp hair is in a resting phase that lasts two to three months. At the end of its resting stage, the hair is shed. Shedding 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. When a hair is shed, it is replaced by a new hair from the same follicle and the growing cycle starts again. Scalp hair grows about one-half inch a month. As people age, their rate of hair growth slows. Natural blondes typically have more hair (140,000 hairs) than brunettes (105,000 hairs) or redheads (90,000 hairs). Hair is mostly made up of a form of protein, that is also found in fingernails and toenails. Everyone, regardless of age, should eat an adequate amount of protein to maintain normal hair production. Protein is found in meat, chicken, fish, eggs, some cheese, dried beans, tofu, grains and nuts.
Excess hair loss can have many different causes. People who notice their hair shedding in large amounts after combing or brushing, or whose hair becomes thinner or falls out, should consult a dermatologist. It's important to find the cause and whether or not the problem will respond to medical treatment. Dermatologists, physicians who specialize in treating diseases of the hair and skin, will evaluate a patient's hair problem by asking questions about diet, medications including vitamins taken in the last six months, family history of hair loss, recent illness and hair care habits. The dermatologist may ask a woman about her menstrual cycles, pregnancies and menopause. After examining the scalp and hair, he or she may check a few hairs under the microscope. Laboratory tests may be required which sometimes includes a biopsy or sample of the scalp. Childbirth. When a woman is pregnant, she does not lose as much hair as usual. However, after a woman delivers her baby, many hairs enter the resting phase of the hair cycle. Within two to three months, some women will notice large amounts of hair coming out in their brushes and combs. This can last one to six months, but resolves completely in most cases.
High fever, severe infection, severe flu are some causes of hair loss. For example, four weeks to three months after a high fever, severe infection or flu, a person may be shocked to see a lot of hair falling out. This shedding usually corrects itself.
Thyroid disease can also contribute to hair loss. Both an overactive thyroid and an underactive thyroid can cause hair loss. Thyroid disease can be diagnosed by your physician with laboratory tests. Hair loss associated with thyroid disease can be reversed with proper treatment.
Hair loss is also associated with inadequate protein in diet. Some people who go on crash diets that exclude protein, or have severely abnormal eating habits, may develop protein malnutrition. The body will help to save protein by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase. Massive hair shedding can occur two to three months later. Hair can then be pulled - by the roots - fairly easily. This condition can be reversed and prevented by eating the proper amount of protein and, when dieting, maintaining adequate protein levels in diet.
In conclusion, hair loss has many possible causes. While I am not talking about alopecia(a devastating disease where you lose patches of hair), you must carefully look at your lifestyle and your habits to determine the cause for you! Certain products like Nioxin, Minoxidil, Rogaine , Propecia and PowerPlus can help stop excessive hair loss.
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