One of the things men fear most is hair loss. After all, it has been estimated that nearly 50 percent of all men will experience hair loss during their lifetime. But there is hope as advances in the science of hair loss have spurred the evaluation of a class of drugs that targets an enzyme that plays a major role in this condition.
Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is a hereditary condition characterized by the miniaturization of follicles so that they produce vellus-like (short, fine, soft) rather than terminal (large, pigmented) hairs. This process is known as miniaturization. MPHL is by far the most common form of hair loss.
The process of miniaturization is a function of androgen metabolism in patients who are genetically predisposed to hair loss. Men who develop hair loss may have genetic differences that lead to an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Looking for that perfect cure for hair loss has been driven by strong consumer demand. The reason is simple: hair loss can be distressing. For many, it is a reminder of lost youth that can generate fear, pain and emotional vulnerability.
Recently, however, the scientific understanding of hair loss has made important advances, heralding the potential development of new therapies. The landmark science report on pseudohermaphrodites that did not suffer hair loss noted that their reduction in DHT was due to an unusual genetic defect – the lack of a particular enzyme, 5a-reductase. Conversion of testosterone to DHT in certain cells depends on the presence of 5a-reductase. These findings suggest that selective inhibition of the enzyme could interrupt the process of hair loss.
Finasteride, a specific inhibitor or II 5a-reductase, has been on the market for some years for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In men with male pattern hair loss, a new dose of finasteride has been found to have an effect in preventing hair loss and in stimulating hair growth in some men.
Baldness or hair loss is one of the most dreaded situations people can find themselves into. This is because this will not only affect their overall physical appearance but can also affect their emotional status as well.
Experts categorize hair loss into two types—the permanent hair loss and the temporary hair loss. Permanent hair loss is associated with hereditary factors. People who have a bloodline that is prone to baldness cannot do much anything about it since it is in their genes.
The pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia can affect both men and women. In men, pattern baldness can lead to thinning hair and receding of hairlines even at an early age. Eventually, this condition may lead them to total or partial baldness. In women, pattern baldness may come at a much later age and does not lead them to total baldness. Usually, the thinning hair manifests at their temples and hairlines.
When it comes to temporary baldness, it can be caused by certain factors such as illnesses, taking in medications for certain conditions, undergoing medical treatments wherein the drug that was used takes too much toll on the hair, hormonal changes which can either be caused by pregnancy or by taking in birth control pills, hairstyles that put too much pressure on the scalp and stops it from growing new strands of hair, and using hair products and treatments that may irritate the scalp and affect healthy hair growth.
Prevention as the key
People who have risks for pattern baldness cannot stop the condition but can slower the rate of hair loss through various treatments. But for those who are undergoing temporary hair loss, prevention can be the key to avoid total baldness in the long run. The following are some of the tips that can help prevent hair loss:
1. Proper diet.
Having a diet that is balanced is one of the major keys to prevent excessive hair loss. Eating foods that are nutritious especially for the hair can be an effective tool to fight against the signs of hair loss. People who are experiencing hair loss because they are under nourished should take time to make a diet plan which can provide sufficient nutrients not only for the hair but for the overall health as well.
2. Developing good hair habits.
Unhealthy hair habits such as improper handling of the hair can lead to excessive hair loss. People—especially those who have sensitive scalp—should ensure that they handle their hair gently especially when it’s wet. Proper handling to wet hair is very important because the hair is weaker when wet. If possible, opt for natural air drying methods instead of using electronic ones such as blower.
3. Stick to one hairstyle for a longer period of time.
This will really help you prevent hair loss because you are letting your hair undergo its normal growth cycle. If possible, try to avoid hairstyles that are tight like buns, ponytails, or braids because these put too much pressure on the scalp and hinder it from growing.
4. Don’t twist, rub or pull your hair.
People who experience hair loss are those who twist, rub, or pull their hair often. If it has become a habit, try to break it. You can do this by focusing on other things instead of putting too much pressure on your hair and on your scalp.
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Many people are confident in handling themselves in front of other people because they are satisfied with the way they look. But for people who are experiencing hair loss, being confident in front of others can be a difficult thing. This is because they cannot help but think that the people they are dealing with only focus on their falling crown of glory and not on what they are saying.
While it’s true that hair loss can greatly affect one’s overall physical appearance, this is not enough reason to lose self-confidence totally. If you are one of those persons who are slowly losing their self-confidence due to hair loss, one of the best things that can be done is learning how to cope with it.
Coping with hair loss can start with the acceptance that you might really be suffering from a condition that is really our of your control. Experts say that baldness or hair loss can be categorized into two—permanent hair loss and temporary hair loss. People who are suffering from permanent hair loss are those who have the condition in their genes. Since it is hereditary, one cannot really do so much about it but to learn how to accept it, and try to seek for alternative remedies that can slower the pace of losing hair. Other conditions where one cannot really do something about hair loss is if they are suffering from autoimmune illnesses such as cancer, thyroid complications or lupus. People who have to undergo treatments are also in greater risks of losing hair fast.
People who are suffering temporary hair loss are those who undergo hormonal changes such as pregnancy in women or taking in birth control pills as well as those who put to much pressure on their scalp by changing hairstyles often or those that are using hair products that are harmful to the hair.
Knowing the cause of your hair loss can help you cope with it easier. Of course, you cannot determine this on your own so you have to visit your doctor to address your concern. Once he or she had the final diagnosis, you can now ask for available treatment or options that will work for you.
Tips to be more confident
People who are losing their hair can still look good despite their condition. Since not so much can be done about their hair, they should try focusing on other aspects of their body and personality to look beautiful and be confident in facing others. The following are some beauty tips and regiments that can be done to boost beauty and self-confidence despite hair loss.
1. Maximize the potentials of make-up.
For women, make-up greatly affects their overall appearance. If you are losing your hair, try to get your confidence from your beautiful face with the aid of some cosmetics. To do this, knowledge in the proper use and application of eyeliner, eye shadows, lipsticks, blush ons and foundations is a must to help you flatter your features and enhance your overall aura if done properly.
2. Take good care of your skin.
Since the skin is the largest organ of the body, having radiant and youthful skis despite hair loss can make a lot of difference. To achieve good skin and fair complexion, make it a habit to use sunscreen to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, avoid smoking, get enough rest and proper nutrition, learn to relax to avoid too much stress, and get regular exercise.
To some people, they consider their hair as their best asset. But to those who are suffering from hair loss, this is not the case. Instead of being a source of pride and confidence, this very condition serves as a factor that lowers their self-confidence.
Contrary to common belief, age alone does not cause the hair to fall. In fact, more and more experts agree that there are more particular factors that cause hair loss both in women and men regardless of age, race, and status in life.
Studies show that it is healthy for people to lose at least 100 strands of their hair everyday. This is because this very phenomenon is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. Usually, the stands of hair the fell are replaced with a new set of hair stands in less the sixteen weeks or four months.
However, people who experience more amount of hair loss on a daily basis should consider seeking medical advice. Visiting the doctor about this is very important not only to find out what causes it but also to ensure that there is no related complication along with the excessive hair loss.
Risk factors of hair loss
Experts say that almost all people are prone to losing their hair especially if they don’t pay attention to the risk factors involved. It is said that the primary cause of hair loss can be traced to heredity. People whose parents have baldness genes are said to have the strongest risk factor. Hair loss for these people is quite inevitable since nothing can be done when it comes to their genes. The thinning of hair and receding hairlines usually manifest once one ages.
Aside from heredity, people who are suffering from terminal illnesses such as cancer and auto immune diseases such as those related with thyroid also have greater risks for hair loss because the disease themselves weaken the immune system and affect hair growth. Taking in medications and medical treatment for certain illnesses and conditions also increases the risk to hair loss as well as alopecia areata, which is may cause permanent baldness brought about by stress as well as other infections in the environment.
People who do not pay attention to proper nutrition also have higher risks for hair loss especially those who are low in protein intake. Women who are pregnant may also experience temporary hair loss since the nutrition in their bodies is shared with the growing fetus inside. Those who are taking in birth control pills also experience this condition because of the hormonal changes that take place in the body. People who change hairstyles often and those who use too much hair treatments may also undergo temporary hair loss.
The needed medical attention
A person who has at least three risk factors of hair loss should seek medical advice immediately to prevent further complications. When you go to the doctor, make sure that you point out all your concerns so he or she can make the right diagnosis and recommend possible treatment option for you.
The doctor will run some tests to find out what causes your excessive hair loss. Once all the tests have been made, she or he will then explain your condition and will try to give you medication or offer you treatments for temporary hair loss. Since no treatment can cure permanent hair loss such as those caused by heredity and medical conditions, the doctor can give you options to at least slow down the rate of hair loss.
It is common for people to lose strands of their hair especially when it is wet or when they comb it very often. Experts say that there is a need for some strands of hair to fall so these can be replaced with a new set of hair strands. The average strands should at least be a hundred. Once there is excess in this estimate, then you might be suffering from hair loss.
If you think you are suffering from hair loss, the best way to deal with it is to visit an expert to ensure that he or she will give proper diagnosis. People who are prone to permanent baldness caused by genes or those that are caused by skin disorders, they should consult a doctor what treatment options are available.
But for those who are experiencing temporary hair loss, they can deal with it even if they are at home. The following home remedies can be used to deal with hair loss at home:
1. The wonders of massage.
Ancient people have proven that massage can help stop excessive hair fall because it makes the follicles of the hair stronger. Aside from that, it is also good because it aids hair growth by putting the right amount of pressure on the scalp. Usually, this is done manually. You can do it your self or you can ask somebody to massage your scalp at home. If you don’t have enough energy to do manual massage on your own scalp, you can opt for electric hair massage available in most wellness stores.
2. Hot oil treatments.
Experts say that people who are prone to hair loss can benefit so much from hot oil treatments because these can help prevent falling hair and can cure minor scalp disorders as well. To get effective results, at least three treatments are advised weekly. You can do this at home with the use of a shower cap. You can buy ready-to-use hot oil treatments that contain oils of several herbs such as sesame, olive, and coconut. For more relaxing hot oil treatment at home, opt for those that contain essential oils such as thyme, lavender, and others.
3. Aloe vera extracts.
Considered as a “wonder plant” aloe vera is popular to many people—especially those living in tropical countries—as a remedy for hair loss. Depending on the degree, aloe vera can be used as a shampoo by using fresh pulp that is directly applied on the hair and scalp, as a hair tonic along with other herbs, and a drink or oral aloe juice for the body to absorb its ingredients faster.
4. Mixture of cinnamon and honey.
Many people say that one of the effective home remedies for hair loss is the combination of cinnamon powder and honey with olive oil because these contain properties that make the scalp as well as the hair stronger. By coming up with a paste that can be applied directly to from the hair’s roots down to the scalp, people can make use of it before they use their favorite shampoo.
5. Extracts of ginger.
A piece of ginger, once chopped and directly applied to the area of the head that has bald spots, can be an effective hair remedy for hair loss because it aids the healthy growth of hair follicles. Since it can be smelly, you can also use its extract that is combined with fine lead powder to get best results.
