Treatment Mechanism of Saw Palmetto as a Hair Loss Remedy

Saw palmetto hair loss treatment is a type of herbal remedy that can be used to treat a type of hair loss and baldness called androgenic alopecia.

This condition is also called male or female pattern baldness. This is characterised by hair loss that is usually greatest at the top of the head or around the temples.

Saw Palmetto Hair Loss Remedy: Where It Comes From

The saw palmetto is actually a dwarf palm plant that is native to North America. It primarily grows along the Atlantic Coast of Florida and Georgia. It has been noted that the active ingredient that is responsible for preventing hair loss can be found in the black-brown berries of the saw palmetto plant.

This plant has been widely used by the Native Americans for its medicinal benefits such as treating urinary conditions in men and breast disorders in women. Later on, it has become an accepted treatment for a disease called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, which is one of the most common disorders occurring among men. The plant is popular for treating BPH in areas such as Europe and New Zealand.

Saw Palmetto Hair Loss Treatment: How It Works

Although there are no concrete research studies that have been made about this plant and how it works for hair loss, it is believed that the plant can block an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into another hormone called Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. This hormone is responsible for causing hair loss because it binds itself to the hair follicles, decreasing the amount of nutrients that the hair can extract from the blood. The follicles gradually shrink in size and the hair that grows on them consequently becomes thinner. If no action is taken against DHT, this could cause the hair to disappear completely.

Because saw palmetto inhibits 5-alpha reductase, there is no enzyme that can convert testosterone to DHT. This leaves the hair safe from this unwanted hormone.

There are other drugs that can inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT; however, these synthetic drugs are taken in orally and can produce side effects such as erectile dysfunction and gynecomastia. The good thing about saw palmetto is that it is an herbal treatment which has a similar effect to the drug finasteride, but does not affect the entire organism and therefore has no side effects associated with finasteride and other prescription drugs.

How to Use Saw Palmetto Hair Loss Treatment

Saw palmetto for hair loss can be purchased as an oil extract or as an ointment. When purchased as either, it can be used by directly massaging the oil or ointment onto the scalp. The massaging motion on the scalp also promotes blood circulation that brings life-giving oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting rejuvenation of the hair cells. The oil is also easily absorbed by the scalp, making it a very effective treatment.

How to Naturally Revive Healthy Hair Growth

Before you check out the numerous products and remedies in the marketplace to stop hair loss or regrow hair, it’s best to first understand hair loss and growth before deciding on the best avenue for you to pursue, as it may be possible to regrow your hair naturally. Here is a look at some steps to get you started on the right path:

1. Have a balanced diet

While this is a good idea for your overall health and body, this is also good for your scalp. Going on crash diets, starving yourself, or just general bad eating habits will cause your hair to be lacking in much needed nutrients it requires for growth and health.

Required daily amounts of B vitamins and healthy oils that contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are critical if you want to have healthy hair that’s nice and full. Because our bodies can’t manufacture omega-3 and omega-6, it’s important that we get them from foods.

Omega-3 is found in vegetables, cold-water fish and other food sources. Foods where you’ll find omega-3 include canola oil, soybean oil, lake trout, salmon, beans and walnuts. Omega-6 can be found in plant-based oils and animal-based foods. Omega-6 sources would include sunflower oil, safflower oil and corn oil.

If you don’t use any of the above products, you also have the option of taking omega-3 and omega-6 supplements that are available and you could use instead.

2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Long periods of stress can contribute to hair loss. Stress comes in multiple forms — physical, emotional, or psychological — which can be brought about by certain experiences or daily activities occurring in your life. It’s very important to find ways to reduce the stress you face either through meditation, prayer, exercise or recreational activities.

3. Get enough protein

Your hair is made up of almost 91% protein. The key amino acid in this is called cysteine. By including foods in your diet which include cysteine, it’ll provide your hair with the protein needed to help it grow. Here is a list of the some of the foods to target: eggs, milk, broccoli, granola, yoghurt, garlic, and onions.

4. Try aromatherapy

Using oils every day and massaging them into your scalp can help promote hair growth. Studies have shown that some people see a significant amount of re-growth in their hair after massaging a mixture of essential oil and carrier oils.

How to Get Your Hair Constantly Growing

Hair grows in phases. Any hair growth discussion would be incomplete without talking about the follicle. The follicle is the part of the scalp from which the hair grows. These are essentially skin organs that build the shaft of the hair and then the hair itself. During the 3 phases of hair growth — which last for varying durations of time and differ from person to person — the hair continues to grow, stops growing and then falls off.

According to accepted definitions, it is normal for the human scalp to lose 50 to 100 hair strands every day. However, when the amount of hair that is lost exceeds this number, the need for intervention to promote natural hair regrowth is desired.

What can you do to promote hair growth?

In order to promote hair growth, what is required is an understanding of how hair grows, what are the problems that affect it and the causes for such problems. Today, many are faced with problems of male pattern baldness. It is prevalent in all countries and is a reason for concern for most men. Therefore, a lot of time, effort and money are spent on research in order to develop products that induce natural hair regrowth. Some of them can be used by people themselves at home while others may require the assistance of a specialist for administration.

How do you know if a product can work for you?

There is no definite way to know if a product that is known to induce natural hair regrowth can work for you or not. What you have, as an individual, to weigh if a product is good or not is the reputation of the product, the experiences of the people who have used it and of course your own reservations about trying it. It must be added here that your reservations for trying a product that helps the hair regrow naturally should be well founded, since most natural products do not have side effects. Hence most of them can be tried without worsening the problem. Unlike synthetic or artificial preparations which may cause unintended effects, natural products are safe for trying.

What are the commonly used natural extracts?

For natural hair regrowth, the commonly used extracts today include ginseng root, vital amino acids and vitamins that are required in the body, ginkgo biloba, rehmannia, horsetail plant and nettle extract among others. These extracts are not quick fix solutions. They are meant to help the body repair itself and so as to allow natural regrowth of hair. Hence, when you try them, you should not do so with the aim of achieving results in a restricted or predetermined span of time. Rather you should try them and measure results in a liberal manner, so as to ascertain their effectiveness.

Stem Cell Hair Regrowth: Revolutionising the World of Hair Loss Treatment

The world of stem cell research has extensive coverage — even delving into stem cell hair regrowth. Stem cell hair regrowth is all about using stem cells to treat hair loss.

The concept of stem cell hair regrowth is still currently a theory but scientists are looking into the possibility of using stem cells in order to produce healthy hair follicles. Scientists believe that placing stem cells near dying or damaged cells and stumped hair follicles will revive the said cells and follicles back into life. Since stem cells can grow and transform into specialised cells, it has been considered to be an effective means of regrowing hair.

Stem Cell Hair Regrowth: Innovative Treatment

Growing hair follicles by stem cells is an innovative treatment that can recover lost hair. The avenue is now open for stem cell hair regrowth and many clinics and doctors are immersing their practices in this brand-new concept. Stem cell hair growth is a promising non-invasive and non-surgical treatment but as effective as hair implants, which is the surgical treatment for hair loss.

The promise of stem cell hair growth is backed up studies and experiments done on mice, on the specific purpose of growing hair and combating hair loss. The stem cell hair regrowth treatment is still in its initial and research stage. Some say it may take a decade or more before stem cell hair regrowth can be perfected and used by men who have frontal hair loss. There is also a considerable amount of time before the treatment can be launched into mainstream medicine.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Hair Regrowth Solutions

In the mean time, there are available treatments, both surgical and non-surgical, aside from the possibility of stem cell hair regrowth. Surgical methods often include hair transplant wherein healthy hair follicles are transported from the back and sides of the head to the bald scalp areas. Non-surgical methods many include oral medication, creams, hairpieces and other means to cover the balding patches.

The costs of hair loss treatments vary from one kind to another but the most expensive remains to be hair transplantation. This is due to the price of hair grafts. A hair graft’s average cost revolves around 6 dollars per graft. If there are many hair grafts to be transported to cover a bald area, it would be costly for the patient and would require a number of sessions to complete the whole transplant.

Non-surgical methods are comparatively cheaper than a hair transplant but these require constant reapplication or ingestion, depending on the treatment’s mechanism.

For the meantime, these are the hair loss treatment options. However, with stem cell hair regrowth, treatment of hair loss will be revolutionised.

Proven, Approved, and Foremost Hair Loss Products

Studies show that more than three and a half billion dollars a year is spent on hair loss treatments. The bad news is that studies also show that nearly all of these products don’t work at all for most of the people who buy them.

Losing one’s hair is a very depressing situation that can affect both men and women. The American Hair Loss Association advises people who experience thinning of hair to only use products approved by the FDA. Excessive falling or thinning of hair and weak hair regeneration or growth can be caused by numerous things, from inherited genes to excessive use of hair products.

Getting professional hair loss treatment is common nowadays and is done differently between men and women. Hence, anyone experiencing a significant loss of hair would try some sort of treatment since a thinning hairline or going bald isn’t really appealing. With that in mind, here are some popular treatments for men and women experiencing thinning of hair.

Finasteride

This drug was first approved by the FDA to treat problems with the prostate glands, but it was noticed that it grew hair, so the company decided to see if that side effect could be turned into a way to help balding men.

In 1997, it was approved as an advanced hair loss treatment and is considered a successful drug in the pursuit of growing hair and helping treat male baldness. It was found to help in 85 per cent of the time in trials. Today, it is a widely used drug to counter baldness among men.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil was discovered similar to finasteride; it had a side effect of growing hair in its original use for high blood pressure. It caused people taking it to grow hair on their foreheads and even eyebrows. When rubbed onto the bald spots on the head, it was shown to slow down thinning of hair. Unfortunately, it also has been found to not give a permanent and a lasting effect.

When it comes to women who are suffering from baldness, it’s hard to know what sort of hair loss treatment to give since a lot of these treatments have androgen properties, which would end up causing women to develop male characteristics, so not many doctors would be advising those mentioned above to women.

Also, women need to tackle their baldness right when they first notice it or else many of their hair follicles will be permanently destroyed and any hair loss treatment would not help very much. The same goes if treatment is stopped. On the other hand, minoxidil is approved to be used by women topically in a two per cent solution only. The stronger five per cent used by the guys is not approved for women, but is still prescribed by some doctors.

A study involving women ageing from 18-45 with mild up to moderate balding showed 19 per cent had moderate hair growth, and 40 per cent had at least some hair growth. This was after using the minoxidil solution for eight months.

Other types of hair loss treatments for men and women could include natural treatments such as certain herbal treatments or special washes. There are plenty of hair thinning treatment products available today. If you are experiencing significant loss of hair and plan to use one of those mentioned above, consult your doctor first and have a clear and better understanding of what you would be getting into. Remember that these are actual drugs also used for something else.

Guidelines to Keep Your Hair Growing with Health

The hormone dihydrotestosterone is mainly responsible for male pattern baldness. However, medical science still does not have any concrete explanation as to how this hormone affects the hair of men. The researchers have only come to the conclusion that dihydrotestosterone leads to a condition known as follicular miniaturization. And that this condition is somewhat responsible for the thinning of our hair. But on the other hand, heredity is a strong reason for hair loss in men. And it is an established truth.

Are you experiencing severe hair loss? If your answer is yes, then you should immediately follow the guidelines mentioned below:

First of all, you should consume loads of protein to stop hair loss. A good protein diet will ensure healthy hair in your body. This is because our hair shaft is made out of keratin, and this is a type of protein. Therefore, the formula is pretty simple: increase the intake of protein in your diet chart. Include fish, egg whites, and milk for at least one of your meals. However, this does not mean that you should neglect the importance of vitamins and minerals in your diet at any cost. A combination of vitamins B and C, taken along with biotin, will definitely make your hair follicles healthier. On the other hand, minerals such as potassium will make your hair shafts stronger.

Secondly, you should not let yourself get stressed. Anxiety and worry is not at all healthy for your body. It is not at all good for the health of your hair. Therefore, you should keep your-work related worries at the office. Always try to keep your mind in a relaxed state. A session of yoga and meditation will definitely help you to achieve that state of mind. Your time spent on these age-old practices will surely reflect on the health of your hair.

Next, to stop hair loss, you must lead a disciplined lifestyle. Remember, drinking alcohol and smoking is never good for your hair follicles. Too much intake of caffeine and carbonated sodas is also not good for your hair health. Moreover, disturbances in your sleep pattern and insomnia are very damaging to the immune system, and they eventually make your hair shafts weaker. So, try to correct these practices and make a habit of going early to bed. Try not to work late at nights; it will help to strengthen the immune system and also improve your hair growth at the same time.

You must also not underestimate the importance of exercising. Regular exercise for about forty minutes a day will keep your mind and body healthy. Moreover, exercising will also help you to keep the stress levels under control. And this is always good for your hair health in the long run. You would be surprised to know that sweat plays an important role as far as the health of your hair is concerned. While too much sweat is not good for your hair follicles, drops of sweat on the other hand can unclog the hair pores.

For Safe and Effective Treatments for Female Hair Loss, Go Natural!

There are certain natural remedies which can be used to treat hair loss in females. While male hair loss is predominately caused by a combination of genetics and a by-product of the male hormone testosterone, in women it can be caused by a much wider variety of factors. Though not nearly as common as male balding, loss of hair (alopecia) in women is no less troubling to those who suffer from it. While some females go for surgical options or wigs, there are promising dietary and natural alternatives that can help promote healthy hair regrowth and reverse the effects of female alopecia.

Proper Diet

It is important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to prevent one of the root contributors to female hair loss. A diet which is low in fat but still provides sufficient protein is good for hair growth. High-fat intake can interfere with the natural growth mechanism of female hair, especially when combined with other environmental factors.

Since hair follicles are made from protein, inadequate protein intake can contribute to weakening the hair follicles; in turn, hair growth is at a slower pace and of poor hair quality. Sufficient dietary intake of protein can help reverse sudden shedding of hair.

B Vitamins

The B vitamins serve an important role in promoting hair growth. Women experiencing hair loss may have a vitamin B12 or B6 deficiency. Good sources of vitamin B6 include meat, eggs and poultry. There may also be a biotin, or vitamin B7, deficiency which can contribute to unhealthy hair follicles. Although found in a wide variety of foods, good sources of biotin include salmon, egg yolks and liver. It can be helpful to take a vitamin B complex supplement which provides a good daily amount of all B vitamins that contribute to healthy hair.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil has also been used to promote hair growth when the hair loss is due to the hair follicles being clogged by too much sebum. This type of alopecia can occur with certain hair conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. If the hair loss is due to genetic factors, jojoba can alleviate the effects of environmental factors that inhibit regrowth. Jojoba oil is also rich in vitamin E and antioxidants.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil has been used as a remedy for hair loss in both men and women. This is because lavender oil contains anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties which help treat thinning hair. This oil can be massaged onto the scalp and absorbs easily and cleanly.

Aloe Vera

Another safe and natural remedy for female alopecia which has been used effectively is aloe vera. An enzyme in aloe vera promotes hair growth. Aloe vera can come in a gel or lotion form which can be applied directly to the scalp. The aloe vera gel can also be combined with coconut milk and wheat germ oil to create a shampoo to wash the hair. Some studies have indicated that it may be beneficial for hair growth when consumed orally as well.

Making Your Way Out of a Maze of Hair Loss Remedies

People have been experiencing the issue of hair loss for a very long time. However, it has certainly increased in today’s times. A lot of people have to eventually go through this condition in their lives. The way of living of people, in today’s time, is the major cause of the condition.

With hair loss now becoming a very common problem, there are also many treatments available. The need to select a particular one, however, becomes somehow complex. Understanding the condition and finding out the hair loss cause is very important in order to select the appropriate treatment.

There are a variety of factors that lead to hair loss. Stress is one of the most common causes in both male and female hair loss. Hair loss can thus be prevented if one can bring stress under control.

Hair loss can also be brought about by certain critical illnesses. Hormonal imbalance is yet another factor that may lead to hair loss. If one experiences sudden unnatural loss of hair, then it is advisable to visit a doctor to know the cause, as it might be due to some fatal disease.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause hair loss in women. In such a case, excessive shedding of hair is only temporary. As time passes, healthy hair growth may resume. Inadequate intake of some nutrients can also be one of the reasons for hair loss. Thus, one must be more mindful of having a well-balanced diet. Adequate intake of necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is important. Consuming selected nutritional supplements is usually of help.

One of the most typical and effective remedies for hair loss is an everyday scalp massage. The blood supply in the scalp is enhanced due to the massage. It is worth noting that nutrients in the scalp are distributed via blood flow; hence, the hair follicles are able to absorb nutrients from improved scalp circulation through the massage. In turn, nourished hair follicles continuously grow healthy hair.

A scalp massage can be done by moving the fingertips in a circular motion, covering all areas of the scalp. There are also electrical massagers available in the market. Using a massager can be of further help.

Loss of hair is also caused as a result of constantly dyeing it. The dye used in coloring the hair contains chemicals which when excessively used, damage the hair to a great extent. Coloring of grey hair with non-chemical substances like henna is therefore advisable.

Hair transplantation is another treatment option. The procedure of transplanting hair involves harvesting hair follicles from the healthy parts of the scalp and transplanting it to the areas where there is less hair growth. The number of individuals choosing hair transplantation has increased over the years. It actually gives very good results if performed by an expert.

With the increase in the number of people suffering from hair loss or baldness, the number of treatments has also grown. However, before going for any treatment, it is always advisable to know the actual cause by consulting a hair care expert or a hair loss professional.

5 Vital Vitamins to Fight Hair Loss

If you’ve been trying out various topical products to regain the thickness or growth of your hair — but none worked — perhaps it’s about time that you try hair regrowth vitamins which can help you attain your desire. The secret to presenting nutritional vitamins for growth of hair comes, partly, from being aware of what naturally boosts new hair growth and follicle health.

The following vitamins will each play a part in developing healthy tresses:

1. B Vitamins

Making sure you have an adequate intake of vitamin B-12 will help new hair growth by maintaining a properly-functioning follicle. When the follicle is healthy, your hair is more capable to continuously grow hair.

Also required for healthy hair regrowth is a superb way to obtain oxygen. B-12 is important to maintain proper oxygen levels inside the blood. If you have good oxygen supply inside the blood vessels round the hair follicle, there exists a better chance for increased hair growth.

2. Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is often a boon for your body’s defence mechanism, and also beneficial to maintaining oxygen levels within the blood, and thus may help get the circulation of blood to the scalp. The advantage of having a healthy defence mechanism is the fact that several disorders and illnesses may result to baldness. There isn’t any better way to develop healthy hair than caring for oneself to prevent unnecessary baldness.

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the best hair regrowth vitamins. Vitamin E contains an antioxidant property and helps the uptake of oxygen in the blood towards the cells of the body. Using Vitamins B-12 and C to boost the volume of oxygen within the blood is extremely good. Vitamin E can increase the amount of oxygen that’s actually feeding your hair follicle.

4. Vitamin A

Vitamin A aids our bodies create sebum, which is essential for healthful hair growth. Lacking the necessary vitamin can cause you to have dry, brittle hair and dandruff. Be cautious, however, because a lot of sebum can actually cause harmful effects to the hair follicle, causing a lot more problems to hair that is struggling to cultivate.

5. Biotin

Technically, biotin is part of the B group of vitamins. An insufficient amount of biotin inside the system could cause dry, brittle hair that appears dull and lifeless. Additionally, it may cause thinning hair. If you suffer from either of the conditions, you could be in a position to increase hair growth by taking a biotin supplement.

Hair growth vitamins are mixed together from the foods we normally eat, but when you're looking to boost the effect of such vitamins, a great supplement will really help.

Herbal Hair Loss Supplements

Herbal supplements to treat hair loss have gained the preference of many balding people since this form of treatment has been proven to be effective and safe to take — that is, no harmful side effects are to be obtained from taking them.

There are numerous herbal hair loss supplements you can take for early balding and even for hair thinning. Horsetail and nettles contain organic silica, which is absolutely essential to maintain hair and cell walls. Most foods are silica deficient due to soil erosion and use of incomplete chemical fertilizers; therefore, nettles and horsetail are best taken in supplemental form.

Saw palmetto is thought to inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone into destructive dihydrotestosterone. Saw palmetto inhibits 50% of the binding of DHT to receptor sites, blocks the uptake of DHT into the nucleus of cells and inhibits the action of testosterone and 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT. Saw palmetto has also been shown to reduce inflammation, a common factor seen in tissues involved in androgenic alopecia or early balding.

Ginkgo biloba has been proven in many studies to increase blood flow to the scalp’s capillaries. This herb has been reported to inhibit 5-alpha reductase activity as well as protect small blood vessels and micro-capillaries against fragility and loss of tone.

Whether you choose to try herbs for premature balding or conventional hair loss treatments for early balding or take any of the supplements mentioned above, keep in mind that your condition is unique to you and what may work for one person may not work for another.

If you are suffering from early balding, be sure to rule out any other underlying medical condition. Also keep in mind that oftentimes, severe stress, nutritional deficiencies and certain medications can lead to your hair falling out. Before embarking on any hair loss treatment, be sure to understand your particular cause of early balding, and you will have a much greater success rate.

Which Hair Loss Treatment Is Best for You

There are different types of hair loss in men, some of which are more prevalent compared to others. The amount of loss differs from person to person, depending largely on individual genetic makeup. The average male loses between seventy-five and one hundred strands of hair every day, though new hair is typically produced to replace the lost hair. The trouble begins when new growth production lags behind the amount of hair lost.

Regardless of the type, loss in men can affect confidence and the self-image. Fortunately for men today, shaved heads have become quite popular and balding men now find themselves in good company with young and old who appreciate the bold look of a shaved head. Still, there are options for those who don’t want to sport a shaved head. Lucky for those, the market is flooded with products aimed at hair loss treatment for men.

There are plenty of supplements, shampoos and creams that purportedly slow down hair loss. Most supplements and other over-the-counter treatments work by slowing down the rate of loss but don’t help promote new growth. It’s important to carefully review each product, as many don’t have concrete proof of their effectiveness.

Hair transplant is highly effective as a hair loss treatment but this is a surgical procedure. Many men prefer more practical and less painful ways to treat their hair loss problems — especially if they’ve one of the many health plans that don’t cover this type of procedure. Wigs are a non-surgical and quick way to cover hair loss. The downside to wigs is that they can be difficult to get used to, can be expensive and require frequent maintenance.

Which treatment you select will depend on many factors; cost and comfort typically play a large role in the decision. It’s most important to review the benefits and risks associated with each option and make an informed decision based on your personal preferences.

Prevent Hair Damage and Hair Loss: Cosmetic Ingredients for Scalp Care



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There are millions who battle some form of hair loss, spending upwards of $3.5 million annually on treatment solutions that oftentimes are ineffective. Though hair loss is commonly due to genetics, it can also stem from unhealthy or aged scalp conditions. Research recently conducted by Rhonda Allison — founder and CEO of Rhonda Allison cosmetics — found many of the cosmetic ingredients used to maintain skin health produce the same rejuvenating benefits when applied to the scalp and hair.

The scalp ages much like the rest of the body’s skin. It loses tone and elasticity, and cell production declines. As the scalp ages, the hair weakens. It is part of the life cycle of the hair follicle, but that lifespan can be extended when the same methods and ingredients for skin care are applied to the scalp.

‘Through research, we now know that many of the ingredients traditionally used in aesthetic treatments also have the power to inhibit the progression of hair damage and loss’, Allison said. ‘Using cosmetic-grade peptides, amino acids, antioxidants, and organic stem cell technology, we can stimulate the mitochondria, support keratin, fight free radicals, and maintain a healthy hair cycle’.

In healthy conditions, hair strands go through three stages – the anagen (active growth) phase, catagen (transition/end of active growth) stage, and the telogen (resting) phase. The hair falls out and is usually replaced by new hair. The cycle continues like clockwork, but as the scalp ages or is affected by a disorder or disease, the cycle can be disrupted.

Factors that can disrupt the cycle and trigger hair loss:

·         disease and illness

·         stress

·         thyroid diseases and hormones

·         nutritional deficiencies

·         medications and surgery

‘Nutrition inside and out is vital to correcting and avoiding disruptions’, Allison said. ‘Internally healthy hair thrives on micronutrients including vitamin B, amino acids and proteins. Externally the hair and scalp need a system of preventative and corrective care that includes cleansing, strengthening, building and restoring’.

Some ingredients that can actively inhibit the progression of hair damage and loss include the following:

·         peptides and amino acids – like extracts from the bark of Indian Kino Tree (Pterocarpus marsupium), they improve hair density, increase the number of follicles, prevent scalp disorders, and stimulate the cells that improve root anchoring and strength;

·         antioxidants – thioctic is a powerful dual antioxidant that maintains protection of extra-cellular proteins, fights free radicals and limits lipid oxidative degradation;

·         vitamin B – an example is inositol, which is part of a complex that stimulates protein biosynthesis and cell vitality, proliferates cell growth and increases energy production;

·         enzymes and proteins – ingredients like Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Milk Protein and Lactose can stimulate protein biosynthesis and cell vitality, increase energy production in scalp tissue, and anchor hair to the root. Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein also works to slow hair loss and encourage nutrient assimilation to help hair growth.

‘While these ingredients are vital, it’s important to take into consideration ingredient levels and how they are being combined’, Allison said. ‘Just as with skin care formulas, be sure to look beyond ingredient listings and learn what levels are being used and what, if any, research supports the formulation’.

Q and A: 5-ARIs Induce High-Grade Prostate Cancer

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States informed the public of new safety information for drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs). Men who take these drugs may have an increased risk of being diagnosed with a more serious form of prostate cancer (high-grade prostate cancer). The Warnings and Precautions section of the labels for all FDA-approved 5-ARIs has been revised to include information about this risk.

Q1. What should men do if they are currently taking 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs)?

A. Men who are currently taking 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) should consult a healthcare professional to discuss the risks and benefits of these medications. Men should not stop taking their medication unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.

Q2. How should men taking 5-ARIs be screened for prostate cancer?

A. There is no universally accepted screening test for prostate cancer, including high-grade prostate cancer. The most commonly used screening method is prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood testing combined with a digital (finger) rectal exam.

A PSA test checks for elevated serum PSA levels, which may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. A digital rectal exam involves a healthcare professional inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for enlargement, hardness or growths.

It is important to note that 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) decrease serum PSA levels by approximately 50%. Any confirmed increase in PSA in men taking 5-ARIs, even if the value is within the normal range for men not taking 5-ARIs, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Men taking 5-ARIs should discuss the need for prostate cancer screening with a healthcare professional.

Q3. Are there other medications to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or male pattern baldness?

A. Yes. Another class of medications called alpha-blockers is approved to treat the symptoms of BPH. Medications in the alpha-blocker class include tamsulosin (Flomax), doxazosin (Cardura), terazosin (Hytrin), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and silodosin (Rapaflo). However, 5-ARIs are the only medications that have been shown to reduce the risk of urinary retention or surgery related to an enlarged prostate.

Minoxidil is a topical product that is available over the counter in various formulations to treat male pattern hair loss.

Sporting Baldness

Soccer star Wayne Rooney might not seem like the most vain man we have ever met, but he must be sensitive about his thinning hair.

The Manchester United player, who is distinctly having a receding hairline than most 25-year-olds, has admitted that he has undergone a hair transplant.

He made the admission via Twitter after he was spotted visiting a specialist hair loss clinic in London’s famous Harley Street.

He tweeted: ‘Just to confirm to all my followers, I have had a hair transplant. I was going bald at 25, why not. I’m delighted with the result.

‘It’s still a bit bruised and swollen. When it dies down, you will be the first to see it. Anyone recommend any good hair gel? Ha-ha’.

The Sun had quoted a source as saying: ‘Wayne booked in for a two-day treatment. He’ll look five years younger.

‘Wayne has been thinking about treatment for some time. He asked to meet a model who had the procedure and was so impressed he booked in for a two-day treatment. Doctors have told him to expect significant improvement’.

Rooney is claimed to have previously tried pills and lotions with no luck, so is now thought to have resorted to follicle transplants.

Hair follicle transplantation involves the removal of a part of the scalp—like the back and sides of the head—containing active hair follicles and placing it on a balding area of the head. Hair transplantation is deemed to be a very expensive yet effective means of obtaining hair regrowth. This is usually the last resort for balding persons, including Hollywood stars, sports celebrities, and famous businessmen.

Aside from the high cost, hair transplants—though considered to be a minor surgery—still entail risks such as excessive bleeding and getting a ‘doll’s hair’ look. This hair restoration procedure, however, has proven to be successful for many.

The Science of Temporal Hair Loss

Most people these days are aware their parents are the cause for genetic baldness and fortunately all those old snake oil cure-alls are disappearing. Most ‘cures’ that were peddled were for vasodilators (opening blood capillaries), while at the same time creating heat. The principal being that when the ‘tonic’ would heat the scalp, blood vessels would open to disperse this heat and in so doing would feed hairs, but it wasn’t until transplanting hairs came along that it was realized your own body shut down the blood to the bald scalp where the hair roots no longer needed the strong sub-epidermal capillary supply.

When hormones are more readily able to enter the cells in the follicles and the hair roots where they will combine with enzymes, they are able to stimulate a chemical messenger that can then trigger the ageing factors of the DNA. This consequence of ageing of the hair follicle cells will result in hair follicles reducing in size, and as a result a decreased hair root cell activity.

These two actions also decrease the available blood supply at the hair roots. The sub-epidermal area can carry three quarters of the scalp blood (and is always the first area affected as the scalp tightens). When the hair follicles start to die, they will increasingly draw the blood from the dermal area. Consequently, the decreased requirement for sub-epidermal blood results in calcification of the capillaries, which obviously results in less blood available, slower healing, less hair and receding hair loss.

Follicle length also determines the length of the growth phase for that particular hair—shorter follicles produce shorter hairs like those found on the arms and face of a child. In the adolescent male, the facial and main trunk hairs which are genetically designed to grow are stimulated by the production of testosterone to produce deeper follicles resulting in stronger hair in those areas.

How to Achieve Faster Regrowth after Hair Transplantation

Instead of waiting 9 months or more for a hair transplant to grow in, hair transplant patients may have a way to achieve faster regrowth. Dr. Larry Shapiro found a nutritional supplement that can result in complete growth in 6 month for 89 percent of patients. The supplement contains nutrients specifically chosen for their positive effects on hair, in a whey protein concentrate base.

South Florida hair transplant doctor Larry Shapiro presented a paper demonstrating how a nutritional supplement containing whey protein concentrate and other nutrients can make transplanted hair grow in more quickly, giving hair transplant patients faster results. This new research is based on the theory that increased anabolic metabolism can affect regeneration of the hair follicle.

A hair transplant involves removing healthy hair follicles and placing them in balding areas of the scalp. The presentation examined how hair loss can be connected to lifestyle products, specifically an anabolic that elevates testosterone and DHT. These products include growth hormones, steroids, weight gainers, creatine, and whey protein isolate.

Research on how whey protein isolate could possibly contribute to hair loss was presented. Whey protein isolate is the most common source of protein in workout products.

Dr. L. Shapiro’s goal was to create a workout supplement that does not cause hair loss. He researched whey protein production and questioned whether processing whey protein concentrate into whey protein isolate could increase testosterone when ingested. Increased testosterone might contribute to hair loss in men who have the gene for male pattern balding.

As a substitute for whey protein isolate, the doctor used whey protein concentrate as the base for a nutritional supplement that would not contribute to hair loss. He researched minerals, traditional herbs, and vitamins that may enhance the hair. The result was his enhanced whey protein concentrate formulation.

Dr. L. Shapiro noticed when his patients took the nutritional supplement after a hair transplant, their transplanted hair grew in more quickly than he expected. Typically, there is a dormancy phase and hair transplant patients need to allow time for the hair to grow in—usually nine months or more.

‘This is a huge breakthrough in the field of hair transplantation’, said Dr. Larry Shapiro. ‘Patients want faster results! Using the supplement results in faster regrowth. No one else has explored this aspect of hair transplantation’.

A user study of 115 hair transplant subjects was conducted. Dr. Shapiro gave them the supplement to take twice daily after their hair transplant. The subjects then experienced ‘significant’ growth 12 weeks after their hair transplant. However, the control group had no significant growth at that time period. A follow-up study of 52 of these subjects showed most patients (89 percent) had complete growth 6 months after their hair transplant, while the controls took 9 months to have complete growth.

Hair transplant doctors from Australia, Brazil, Finland, Germany, Norway, Poland, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, and Turkey have recognized the significance of the nutritional supplement for accelerating follicular restoration after a hair transplant. Dr. Shapiro has offered to train these doctors to become AFR (accelerated follicular restoration) physicians so their hair transplant patients can have faster results.

Dr. Larry Shapiro is a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss treatment. He has been in practice since 1989 in the same South Florida locations and has performed over 11,000 hair transplant procedures. Dr. L. Shapiro was the first to do a ‘strip incision’ and the first doctor in the Southern U.S. to specialize in micro-mini grafts.

Steps to Take for a Woman Dealing with Hair Loss

Hair loss plagues not only men. It can happen to women too. It is not easy finding the right treatment for female hair loss. There are a few medical options, and there are many supplements that claim to be able to solve the hair loss problems of women. Here are some reminders to help you find a good female hair loss treatment:

Know the Hair Loss Cause

Before you put your hand on any female hair loss treatment, it is important to first determine the cause of your condition. This will ensure you get the right treatment that is specially designed for your hair loss. It is true that most cases of hair loss in women are known as androgenic alopecia and has something to do with genes and hormones, but you can be part of the minority who need a particular type of hair loss treatment for women.

Two of the most common types of hair loss in women are alopecia areata and traction alopecia. The first is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles. The latter refers to hair loss due to tight braiding or hairstyling products containing harsh chemicals.

Other specific conditions of women seeking female hair loss treatments can be caused by diseases such as diabetes, lupus and anemia. Hair loss can also result from certain drugs like those used in chemotherapy.

Examine the Pattern of Hair Loss

One of the best ways to determine androgenetic alopecia is to examine the pattern of hair loss. Always remember that female androgenetic alopecia does not occur as it does in men. Men may eventually lose much of their hair, which is a clear bald spot at the crown area and a receding hairline. Hair loss in women, however, appears as a diffuse thinning of hair all over the scalp.

Choose between 2 Modes of Treatment

Choose between two ways of dealing with hair loss in women after determining the cause of the condition. You can go for medical treatments or natural remedies. Natural or organic-based hair loss treatments, however, are much more preferable since drugs for hair loss usually cause harmful side effects.

Do Your Own Research

Keep yourself well informed about the latest breakthroughs about hair loss studies and recent innovations of treatments. You can research about the herbs and nutrients that are to be ideally contained in a hair loss product. This will ensure you have the right ingredients for a woman’s sensitive scalp. Also, remember that men and women have different systems. Some ingredients of hair loss treatments for men may not be safe or advisable for women.

Hair Loss in Men: Hair Transplantation or Hair Loss Products?

The market is full of hair growth products for men. Now it depends what suits you the best. Not all will produce the desired results. If that would be the case, all men would have been resorting to hair growth products to save themselves from baldness. Always read reviews or trust a person who has tried a product and gives a positive feedback about the same. Also check for the ingredients, if you are allergic to any of them, avoid using it. Moreover, check if the product causes any side effects; if yes, refrain from using it altogether. Most of these products block the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is the root cause for hair loss in men. They not only block DHT, but also fight hair thinning and hair loss.

Restoring hair in men through hair transplantation has gained a lot of press in the last few years. Men seem to be looking at it as a convenient and easy option to replace their hair loss. There is nothing to feel ashamed about wanting your lost hair back. Celebrities (Mel Gibson, John Travolta, and Jude Law) too get hair transplants done, and are not ashamed going public about it. Although it is not bad to give hair transplant a thought, but you may do so only after trying hair growth regimes for a solid 2 years without the desired results.

In a hair transplant surgery, hair is taken from the back of your head, where the hair tends to grow continuously and planted on the front side of the scalp, where there is no hair. This very process can actually restore your hair and disguise baldness, provided you are getting it done from a renowned doctor or institution, as quality matters here. Hair transplants cost a big buck no doubt, but it is worth all the money if you want to do away with your baldness and look desirable again.

Finding the right solution for hair loss, and more importantly following the treatment religiously, is very important to treat baldness and the hair loss problem.

Leimo Shampoo The Suitable Treatment for Your Hair Loss Worries

Leimo Hair Loss Shampoo The Suitable Treatment for Your Hair Loss Worries

Can a shampoo actually regrow all your hair? This is the most common question asked by hair loss sufferers. Realistically the answer is no, but what a good shampoo can do is slow down or possibly even stop the progression of hair loss. 

Searching for a suitable shampoo for hair loss can be a tedious task. However, you should know that the key factor in effectively choosing a hair loss shampoo is the ability to minimise the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — which is believed to be the common culprit for 90% of hair loss cases. Shampoos which are DHT blockers can help prevent damage to the hair follicles and help deliver proper nourishment to the hair roots.

A good hair loss shampoo may also help clear out the pores of the scalp to allow nutrients to reach the hair follicles more effectively. The appropriate shampoo for improving the state of your hair is the one which consists of natural elements, because such shampoos contain less chemical ingredients. The organic hair loss shampoos importantly contain natural ingredients that will help revitalise and improve the growth of hair. A clean scalp will give your hair a greater chance of being healthy and stop or prevent hair loss.

One of the most preferred hair loss shampoos in the market is the Leimo Bio Cleansing Shampoo or commonly known as the Leimo Shampoo. This shampoo is formulated with the powerful Bio Growth System that utilises mistletoe and fennel ingredients to moisturise and improve the hair and scalp condition. 

The Leimo Shampoo gently cleanses and removes sebum and DHT in the scalp, thereby creating an excellent environment for a thicker, fuller and healthier head of hair.  It is also specially designed to contain essential bio-active nutrients that nourish, moisturize, and improve the hair. With every wash, the active natural concentrate cleanses the hair shafts and follicles from excess sebum, both deep within and on the surface of your scalp and hair.

The Leimo Shampoo is the most appropriate shampoo for improving the state of your hair. This shampoo consists of natural elements that help revitalise and improve the growth of hair. With the help of the Leimo Shampoo, you can be sure to achieve better hair results.  

Remember, a suitable shampoo for hair loss like Leimo should help promote hair regrowth and contain elements which help influence the scalp in such a way that hair regains its former glory!