Hair loss may be caused by physical damage to the hair itself or to the hair follicles, though the disorder is most often the result of changes to the hair's natural growth cycle. In some types of hair loss, the growth cycle is disrupted by a temporary situation such as a chemical imbalance or stress. The vast majority of cases of hair loss in men (male pattern baldness) and women (female diffuse baldness), however, are caused by genetics. This is known as androgenetic alopecia. Regardless of cause, it is possible to control hair loss, and in some cases reverse the problem, using natural remedies such as herbs and nutritional supplements.
Signs and Symptoms:
The signs of hair loss may appear differently in men and women, though some symptoms are universal. In men, common signs include thinning or absence of hair at the hairline and top of the head. In women, a gradual thinning of the hair occurs, especially on top of the head, though the hairline remains intact. Universal symptoms include:
Broken hairs, easily removed hairs or falling hair
One or more oval bald patches on the head
Causes:
Androgenic alopecia is caused by the hair follicles producing a substance that reacts with male hormones. As you grow older, the hair follicle often shuts down completely. Female diffuse baldness progresses much more slowly than male pattern baldness, likely because of the small amount of male hormones present in the female body. A hormone imbalance, however, may increase the severity of the problem in women.
Temporary hair loss has many causes, including shock, starvation, infection, childbirth, thyroid problems, drugs such as those given for chemotherapy, and stress. Hair follicles can also become destroyed by severe burns, scarring and scalp infections. Wearing tight hairstyles over a long period of time may cause hair loss, as well as chemical hair treatments and habitual pulling of the hair.
Conventional Treatments:
Conventional hair loss treatments include drugs such as minoxidil (Rogaine), usually applied as a topical lotion or cream, and finasteride (Propecia), which is taken orally. Either of these medications must be taken indefinitely to maintain any regrown hair. They can also cause significant and dangerous side effects, and should only be used as a last resort under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner. Surgical options include hair transplants, scalp reduction and grafting. Before turning to drugs and surgery, however, it is recommended that you try one of the numerous natural hair loss remedies, as they cause no side effects and often work just as well as the drugs listed above.
Natural Treatments:
The following natural treatments have shown success in treating hair loss in men and women.
Nutrition
Reduce your intake of inflammatory foods such as saturated fats and dairy products. Eat more fresh vegetables, whole grains and non-animal sources of protein such as beans, peas and legumes.
Taking 300 mcg of biotin and 2 to 6 tablets of blue-green algae daily may help increase hair growth.
For androgenic alopecia, taking 30 mg zinc daily, 50 to 100 mg vitamin B6 daily, and 1,000 mg gamma-linolenic acid twice daily inhibits the production of 5-alpha-reductase, the chemical substance responsible for shutting down hair follicles.
Herbs
Saw palmetto has been clinically proven to work just as well as finasteride (Propecia), and may even reverse hair loss. Take 100 mg twice a day for the best results.
Drinking 2 cups green tea daily may also help treat, prevent and reverse hair loss.
Herbs such as rosemary, yarrow and horsetail, known for their ability to strengthen the hair and hair follicles, can be taken as a tea. While only a supplemental treatment, any of these herbs will benefit sufferers of hair loss. To make herbal tea, steep 2 tsp. of dried herbs in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain and drink.
Massage
Therapeutic massage increases circulation to the scalp and decreases stress, which typically has a positive effect on the hair follicles. A scalp massage using certain essential oils has been proven in clinical studies to promote hair regrowth. Combine two drops rosemary essential oil, 2 drops lavender essential oil, and one drop each sage, thyme and cedarwood essential oil with 1 tbsp. jojoba or grapeseed oil. Massage the mixture into the scalp once a day and you should see results within a few months.
Female Hair Loss RemediesTag :