• leimo hair loss treatment

Best Hair Loss Treatment Comparison — Revealed!

May 15th, 2012 Cynthia Phillips
Image Credit: jupiterimages.com

No matter how much we take extra care of our hair, sometimes we still end up losing them. Since hair loss and hair thinning problems are multi-factorial conditions brought about by ageing, heredity, unhealthy lifestyle, environment and so on, more often than not, we tend to experience this problem at any time of our lives.

For this reason, millions of people are searching for the best hair loss treatment which is suitable for their type of hair loss problem. However, with the thousands of products available in the market, we need to take extra caution in deciding which product is good for us so as not to end up wasting our time, effort and money on the wrong type of treatment which may induce the further onset of our hair loss.

The easiest way to find the most suitable products to prevent baldness is to read the best hair loss treatment comparison. Reading comparisons of various hair loss products is the fastest and easiest step in finding the most apt solution to your hair loss problems.

Today, we will compare two of the most widely used products for hair loss. Though, in reality, these two products are totally different from each other, still we want to know in what areas do they exhibit various differences.

Best Hair Loss Treatment Comparison: Minoxidil versus Finasteride

Minoxidil Finasteride
For use in: Men, Women Men
Methodology: Topical Oral
Daily Dosage: 2% solution or 5% solution applied twice daily to the affected area 1-mg tablet or ¼ of a 5-mg tablet
Treatment Type: Antihypertensive vasodilator, Growth stimulant Anti-androgen, DHT Blocker
Brand Names: Rogaine Proscar, Propecia
Mechanism of Action:

A drug that dilates the blood vessels to allow proper blood flow in the scalp. This dilation process may increase the oxygen and nutrient supply to the hair roots, strengthening the hair follicles and producing thicker and fuller hair.

A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that
prevents further hair loss by reducing the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the scalp. It partially blocks the overproduction of DHT in the scalp, promoting an excellent environment for the growth of healthier hair strands.

With the above chart providing the best hair loss treatment comparison you can refer to, you can then narrow down your options and eventually decide on the best product for your hair loss condition.

Laser Hair Loss Treatment: Light Healing Technology for Hair Regrowth

May 2nd, 2012 Cynthia Phillips
red

Lasers — high-powered or not — are significant objects used for a variety of reasons. From military weapons to multimedia applications and even for the treatment of various forms of conditions, they are considered one of the most innovative and useful tools discovered by man.

Today, high-powered lasers are used to destroy hair follicles and remove unwanted hair, erase fine lines and wrinkles, get rid of birthmarks and sunspots, and to stitch up incisions in surgical operations.

On the other hand, low-powered lasers can be used to treat and prevent the onset of hair loss and hair thinning conditions. Although low-level laser hair loss treatment cannot treat extreme cases of hair loss like alopecia areata, studies show that at least in some cases of hair loss like androgenic alopecia or pattern baldness, this type of laser offers a serious method of preventing the further onset of the problem as well as encouraging healthier hair regrowth.

What is low-level laser hair loss treatment?

Laser therapy for hair loss makes use of low-intensity laser lights to rejuvenate dormant hair follicles and to stimulate the growth of healthier and stronger hair strands.

This ground-breaking treatment arouses cellular metabolism, rendering damaged cells to efficiently repair themselves. The methodology comes from the compressed beam rendered by the cold red part of the light spectrum that penetrates into the skin’s surface, stimulating the hair follicles’ mitochondria, thereby encouraging hair regrowth without causing damage to the tissues and cells.

Laser hair loss treatment promotes thicker, fuller and healthier growth of hair through phototherapy or light healing technology in two various forms — low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT).

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) — involves the application of low-level laser lights to increase the microcirculation of blood supply in the scalp, thereby increasing the number of red corpuscles that carry nutrients and life-giving oxygen to the hair roots, rejuvenating the hair follicles to produce healthier hair strands.

Light Emitting Diode Therapy (LEDT) — involves the application of non-coherent low-level monochromatic light to promote the natural self-healing process of the body, magnifying the quality, velocity and tensile strength of tissue and cell repair. In addition, LEDT reduces scalp inflammation as well as relieves tenderness of the damaged hair follicles.

Bottom Line

Low-level laser hair loss treatment is one of the most sophisticated methods of hair restoration of the 21st century. It offers a non-invasive approach to stop the early onset of hair thinning and hair loss problems at the same time to encourage the growth of healthier hair strands.

Summer Hair Care Tips: How to Stop Hair Fall from Taking Its Course

April 24th, 2012 Cynthia Phillips
swim

This summer, we are all excited to plan our getaway in an exclusive villa or hotel with an amazing pool.

Due to prioritising the clothing ensemble that we are thinking of buying — from the sexy swimsuit to flaunt our lovely curves to a funky hat, a colourful scarf and a fashionable pair of sunglasses to protect our eyes — many of us forgo to give our hair some thought.

Yes, if you like to go swimming in the pool, you should know that the biggest precaution should be against hair damage. Indeed, certain steps need to be taken so that you can prevent having dry and brittle hair due to the harsh elements found in chlorinated water.

These hair care tips (fit for the summer season) will help you prevent hair damage and to stop hair fall from taking its course:

  • Shower before swimming. Before going for a swim, make sure to wet your hair with non-chlorinated water. By doing this, your hair will be saturated with clean water; and once you get into the pool, it cannot absorb too much chlorine.
  • Exit the pool every 30 minutes. Rinse the hair with non-chlorinated water every after half an hour or so. Doing this can keep the saturation of hair with chlorine to a minimum.
  • Apply a leave-in conditioner. This is another way to protect the hair from the damaging effects of chlorine. Doing this can prevent the absorption of too much chlorine by the scalp and the hair follicles. The oil keeps the water from the cuticle of the hair shaft. It also acts as a barrier between the chlorinated water and the hair.
  • Use a swimming cap. Donning a swimming cap is one of the most effective and easiest methods to prevent hair damage and to stop hair fall from being a problem. Due to harsh chemicals present in the pool, excessive hair fall may easily ensue.
  • Wash the hair after every swim. This is needed to further protect your hair from the chemicals present in the pool. Immediately after swimming, rinse your hair with warm and non-chlorinated water for 3–5 minutes and use a natural clarifying shampoo to remove the chlorine and other chemicals which are stuck on the hair.
  • Re-apply leave-in conditioner. Be sure to put on a leave-in conditioner after washing the hair to prevent the strands from becoming dry and brittle.

Word of Advice

By taking a few extra minutes before and after each swim to protect your hair, you can prevent hair damage as well as stop hair fall from becoming a concern. Keep in mind that due to the harsh chemicals in swimming pools, the scalp may be sensitive and more prone to easily shedding hair.

Hair Loss Causes: Common Hairstyles that Can Make You Bald

April 17th, 2012 Cynthia Phillips
dreadlocks

There are various factors that cause hair fall, hair loss and hair thinning problems. These hair loss causes range from heredity, ageing, underlying medical conditions, poor health habits, unhealthy lifestyle, infections and medications.

But do you know that there are certain popular hairstyles which can induce hair loss and hair thinning problems?

Indeed, there are certain hairstyles that paved the way for traction alopecia, a form of hair loss primarily due to the extreme force applied on the hair. The constant hair pulling over a long period of time may cause tension to the scalp and the hair follicles, leading to hair damage, or worse, hair loss and hair thinning condition.

Most people who are very fond of hairstyles such as tight ponytails and pigtails, cornrows and dreadlocks may experience hair loss due to the amount of stress applied to the scalp and the hair follicles.

Tight Ponytails and Pigtails

Ponytails and pigtails are the most common hairstyles in women and children. In reality, these hairstyles do not cause hair loss and hair thinning problems; but when these are done tightly, the extreme tension being applied on the hair might cause damage to the hair follicles and the scalp.

Cornrows

This conventional African style of hair grooming wherein the hair is tightly braided close to the scalp from front to back or from side to side in sections arranged in rows, is a very popular hairstyle due to its easy maintenance.

However, if this hairstyle is not carefully maintained through regular washing and oiling, it may result to the build-up of dirt and grime in the scalp, causing dandruff, itchy and irritated scalp as well as hair fall and hair loss problems.

Dreadlocks

This is a popular hairstyle among men wherein the hair is washed but not combed, and twisted into tight braids or ringlets hanging down on all sides of the head. Dreads or dreadlocks are among the many hair loss causes among men since this hairstyle provides extreme stress on the scalp and the hair roots.

The hair follicles become damaged since dreads are usually done on wet hair. Moreover, since dreads are twisted into tight braids, it can be difficult to wash the hair, making way for the build-up of dirt and oil in the scalp which might lead to hair loss and hair thinning problems in the future.

Bottom Line

To ensure that hair loss and hair thinning problems can be avoided while wearing these hairstyles, it is recommended to practice good hair care habits like proper hair washing to avoid dirt and oil build-up in the scalp as well as careful ministrations while executing these hairstyles to avoid putting too much tension on the hair roots.

Hair Loss Causes: How Bad Habits Affect Hair Quality

April 4th, 2012 Cynthia Phillips
habits

Hair fall, hair thinning and hair loss problems are a few of the conditions that all of us don’t want to experience or greatly dread.

Since our hair adds charm and beauty to our personality, the lack of it can make us look less desirable and years older, creating a devastating effect on our self-confidence and attitude towards life.

Indeed, losing our hair can make us lose our self-esteem in the process. It can create emotional constraints that can make us feel vulnerable and sad.

Hair loss and hair thinning problems are due to various factors. Some hair loss causes might be attributed to diseases, medications, infections, heredity and ageing. Still other causes are due to improper diet, poor hair care habits and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Smoking, drinking and over-styling the hair are poor lifestyle and hair care choices that cause hair loss and hair thinning problems in both men and women.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking is believed to affect the quality of the hair in various ways. It makes the hair look dull, lifeless and brittle.

The harmful toxins present in cigarettes may build up in the body and attack the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. In addition, the microcirculation of the dermal papilla — the area at the base of the hair follicle, may constrict so less nourishment will arrive to assist in the hair growth process.

Drinking

Alcohol is one of the many causes of hair loss. It causes dehydration in the body, making the hair dull, dry and brittle.

Drinking too much alcohol leads to hair loss and hair thinning problems since the toxins found in alcoholic beverages stop the body from absorbing key vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium and protein that are essential for hair growth.

Over-styling

Over-styling the hair causes hair loss because some styling tools and hair treatment products place great stress on the hair. Heating styling tools like curlers, permers, straighteners and hair products like gels, hair sprays and hair dyes can make the hair brittle, dry and easily damaged.

Bottom Line

Hair fall, hair thinning and hair loss problems are not always due to heredity, ageing or medical conditions. Sometimes, it can be the effect of bad habits.

With that, in order to prevent hair loss and attain fuller, thicker and healthier hair, it is essential to stop your bad habits and change your lifestyle for the best.

Hair Loss Treatment: The Connection between Hair Loss and Vitamin D

March 29th, 2012 Cynthia Phillips
hair loss treatment

While most physicians recommend vitamin B for hair loss treatment, a recent study revealed a connection between hair loss and vitamin D deficiency.

In the said research, vitamin D is believed to have a great impact in the quality of the hair. However, the researchers did not conclude that vitamin D supplementation will lead to hair regrowth.

What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids bone growth and calcium absorption. Calcium is essential in the production of healthier hair strands. In fact, deficiency of calcium may cause hair dryness leading to damaged hair, or worse, hair loss and hair thinning problems.

Research Study on Mice

An article published in the medical journal Endocrinology revealed the results of a clinical test done on mice which were hereditarily programmed to be hairless. In the said clinical test, vitamin D3 analogs were found to help stimulate hair growth in the hairless mice.

The researchers revealed that the vitamin D3 compounds stimulated the formation of normal hair follicles in mice that would otherwise not grow any hair. With that, many scientists and hair experts believed that this clinical test could pave the way for a potential hair loss treatment of the future.

Potential

As of this very moment, scientists and researchers differ in opinions regarding the connection between vitamin D and hair loss. Others believe that a deficiency of vitamin D can contribute to hair loss while others think otherwise.

The bottom line, however, is that much work is needed to discover how this vitamin affects the health of the hair. Scientists and researches need to dig deeper in order to see the potential of vitamin D in hair loss treatment, since some points of the study were not entirely clear.

Sources of Vitamin D

Exposure to direct sunlight boosts vitamin D in our bodies. However, other sources of vitamin D are foods like salmon, milk, tuna, cereal, pork, egg, mushroom, beef liver, and Ricotta cheese.

Essential Oils: Excellent Agents for Hair Regrowth

March 13th, 2012 Cynthia Phillips
hair regrowth

A healthy and beautiful head of hair requires an ongoing care routine that starts with nourishing and conditioning with the help of essential oils.

Indeed, nourishing and conditioning the scalp using aromatherapy oils is one of the most basic and simplest ways to prevent further hair loss and stimulate healthier hair regrowth.

Essential oils are very good agents to make the hair grow stronger, fuller and thicker. They have the specific scents that can help soothe and calm the nerves as well as treat ailments and conditions such as hair loss.

The main reason essential oils are used to stimulate hair growth is that they have cleansing attributes as well as moisturizing properties that relieve damages done to the scalp.

Listed below are some essential oils which are widely used in aromatherapy to encourage better hair regrowth:

  • Almond Oil — clears dirt and grime in the scalp, reduces irritation as a result of inflammation, and allows the scalp to breathe, encouraging reactivation of dormant hair follicles.
  • Coconut Oil — keeps the hair from losing proteins which are needed for hair growth. Coconut oil prevents hair breakages, keeps the hair strong and damage free, and conditions and moisturizes the scalp to keep it healthy.
  • Emu Oil — makes the hair thicker and stronger due to its high contents of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are essential for stimulating hair regrowth.
  • Jojoba Oil — moisturizes, nourishes and dissolves hardened build-up in the scalp and hair shafts. It helps cleanse residues that may have accumulated on the scalp to ensure a healthier environment that keeps hair follicles active.
  • Lavender Oil — prevents further hair loss and improves the health and quality of the hair. Lavender oil helps heal abrasions in the scalp, promoting faster and healthier hair regrowth.
  • Olive Oil — impedes the ageing process of the body with its antioxidants properties. With its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal nature, hair loss and hair thinning problems due to the application of topical styling products with harsh chemical content can be treated effectively.
  • Rosemary Oil — removes dandruff, dry and flaky scalp. Rosemary oil is most notably used for stimulating hair follicles and fighting premature hair greying.
  • Tea Tree Oil — unclogs and reduces sebum in the hair follicles, thereby promoting an excellent environment for optimum hair growth. Tea tree oil also moisturizes the hair and protects the scalp from fungal and bacterial infections.

Hair Loss Problems: The Inevitable Side Effect of Medications

March 6th, 2012 Alison
hair loss problems

Medications are intended for the relief of a variety of diseases and health conditions; however, sometimes they have unwanted side effects like the onslaught of hair thinning and hair loss conditions.

Indeed, numerous drugs can cause hair brittleness, dryness and dullness. Some of these drugs may also trigger hair discoloration and worse, excessive hair fall leading to temporary or permanent hair loss problems.

With that, if your doctor prescribes you with a medication, it is always advisable to ask for a prescription drug that does not have hair loss as a possible side effect. Make sure to look for drugs that cannot interfere with the normal cycle of hair growth.

Here is a list of the most common medications that can trigger the onslaught of hair fall, hair thinning and hair loss problems:

  • Antineoplastics. These drugs inhibit or prevent the development, maturation and proliferation of malignant cells known as neoplastic. Antineoplastic drugs are used in chemotherapy to kill cancer cells; however, some of its side effects include nausea, vomiting and hair loss. Alkylating agent, cytotoxic drug, floxuridine, lomustine, procarbazine, thioguanine, and thiotepa are examples of antineoplastic drugs.
  • Anticoagulants. These are drugs that prevent coagulation (clotting) of blood in the artery, vein or the heart. Warfarin and heparin injections are some examples of anticoagulants that trigger hair loss problems.
  • Anticonvulsants. These are drugs used in the treatment of epileptic seizures and other convulsant disorders. Anticonvulsants are increasingly being used in the treatment of neuropathic pain and bipolar disorder since they act as mood stabilizers. Some anticonvulsants include aldehydes, barbiturates, hydantoins, propionates, sulfonamides, triazines, and ureas.
  • Antidepressants. These are psychiatric medications used to alleviate mood disorders (e.g. major depression and dysthymia) and anxiety disorders (e.g. social anxiety disorder). Anti-drepressants that cause hair thinning problems include clomipramine, amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline, fluoxetine, doxepin, trimipramine, imipramine, protriptyline, and sertraline hydrochloride.
  • Beta-blockers. These are drugs that treat angina and other heart rhythm disorders, migraines, high blood pressure, panic attacks and tremors. Atenolol, metoprolol, nadolol, timolol maleate and propanolol are examples of beta-blockers that may trigger the onslaught of hair thinning and hair loss problems.
  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs are used to treat inflammation, fever and pain. Common nonprescription NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen and naproxen) and prescription NSAIDs (e.g. diclofenac, celecoxib, fenoprofen, etodolac, ketoprofen, indomethacin, nabum­etone, oxaprozin, and sulindac) may trigger the onslaught of hair thinning and hair loss.

Bottom Line

Every time a physician prescribes you with a medication, always ask him or her if the prescribed treatment may cause hair loss and hair thinning problems as its side effect. If it does, then you can always request for alternative medicine in order to prevent the onslaught of hair loss and hair thinning conditions.

Hair Loss and Treatment: Why Now?

March 2nd, 2012 Alison
hair loss

“Ugly is a field without grass, a plant without leaves, or a head without hair.”

This quotation was taken from a comedy written by the renaissance playwright Ben Jonson titled The Silent Woman. When baldness is ugly, matters of hair loss and treatment become problems a concerned person should take very seriously.

Because nobody wants to be ugly, every living individual experiencing hair loss understands the desperate importance of seeking an effective baldness treatment.

Topics concerning hair loss and treatment rain down on the internet, provided by both vanity-driven industries and genuine companies promising to restore hair health and thus self-esteem. Yes, there are effective treatments available today but the challenge is choosing the right product. It is imperative to talk to your medical practitioner in order to assure safe procedure and medication.

For male or female pattern baldness, there is no cure yet. However, there are treatments available to regrow your hair, stop hair loss, and in some cases reverse the hair loss process. A number of treatments suggested for hair loss include scalp massage, vitamin supplements (e.g. zinc and amino acids), and herbal remedies (e.g. saw palmetto).

Despite the advances in science in developing the best hair loss solutions, there are limits to current treatments. In particular, age-related hair loss and inherited forms of hair loss are difficult to reverse, although treatment may prevent it from getting worse.

Hair plays a very important role in a person’s life ever since the beginning of time and it tells a lot about the individual before he or she can astonish the world with his words. People do judge, and probably will continue to do so because our judging is not only inculcated into our culture but also apparently into our brains.

This is why hair loss and treatment should be dealt with as early as possible. If you are experiencing hair loss right now, it is important to take action immediately.

Hair Growth Cycle: The Structure, Composition and Stages of Hair Development

February 28th, 2012 Alison
Hair Regrowth

Oftentimes we wonder why after using the best hair loss treatments, we find no hair growing at the speed we want it. The answer is plain and simple: like everything else, the hair follows a natural cycle of growth.

With that, it is essential to know the hair growth cycle for us to stop wondering how long it takes before we can see new hair strands. More than that, by understanding and learning how the hair grows, we can learn how to prevent hair fall and hair thinning from occurring unnaturally or how to reverse hair loss.

Structure and Composition of the Hair

Hair is made up of keratin, a family of fibrous structural proteins. Each hair consists of three homocentric layers, namely: the cuticle, the cortex, and the medulla.

The cuticle is the outmost part of the hair shaft composed of hard shingle-like layer of overlapping cells that serves as the hair’s protective covering for the softer inner structures like the medulla and cortex.

The cortex is situated underneath the cuticle. This layer determines the strength, texture and elasticity of the hair and contains the melanin, the enzyme responsible for the natural colour of the hair.

The medulla, on the other hand, is the hair shaft’s deepest layer which is comprised of very soft keratin. This layer is responsible for transporting gases and nutrients on the other layers of the hair.

Stages of the Hair Growth Cycle

The hair growth cycle consists of 3 stages, namely: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase.

1. Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)

This stage is commonly known as the growth phase which may last from 2 to 8 years. During the anagen phase, the hair follicles start to grow back to their full sizes and extend deeper into the skin. A new hair bulb is formed at the base of each hair follicle; and inside the follicle, the specialised dermal papilla cells begin to grow new hair shafts. Around 90% of hair is in the anagen phase at any given time, and the hair grows approximately 1/2 inch per month.

2. Catagen Phase (Transitional Phase)

After the anagen phase, the hair enters into the catagen phase which lasts about 2–4 weeks. During this transitional period, the hair follicles require less nourishment from the blood supply and these follicles will disintegrate slowly. The hair follicle shrinks to about 1/6th of the normal diameter. The root is diminished and the dermal papilla cells will detach from the base of the follicle.

3. Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)

After the catagen phase, hair goes into a resting phase known as telogen which lasts 2–4 months. During this phase, although the hair does not grow, the dermal papilla will stay in the resting phase below the scalp.  Around 10–15% of all hairs are in the resting phase at any one time. At the end of the telogen phase, the hair follicle re-enters the growth phase.

The base of the follicle and the dermal papilla will then unite and new hairs will start to grow.  In some cases, if the old hair has not been shed, the new hair pushes the old hair out and the hair growth cycle starts all over again.

« Older Entries