Friday 27 January 2012

Prior to Remedying Hair Loss, Pinpoint the Reason behind the Condition

Millions of dollars are spent annually on remedies for hair loss with varying degrees of success. Remedies for hair loss have ranged from complex and intricate to downright ridiculous and absurd. There are few FDA-approved systems for the remedy for hair loss which are backed by solid research results confirming benefits.

It is normal to lose between 50–100 hairs a day with some reasons for hair loss being reversible. If hair loss is occurring beyond this point, it becomes a problem. Certain medications may contribute to hair loss. Remedies for hair loss have a sketchy history at best. Hair loss itself is caused by several factors. Pinpointing the reason behind hair loss is a good first step to devising an effective treatment.

Common reasons for hair loss range from genetics to stress. Hormonal factors play another key role in hair growth or lack thereof. This extends to women, who generally experience milder forms of hair loss. High fever, infection, the flu, certain medications, thyroid disease, dietary deficiencies, fungal infections of the scalp, major surgery and chronic conditions are other factors that may impede hair growth. Hair loss is a condition not limited to males. Women experience degrees of hair loss in much the same way men do.

A fuller head of hair is not just for cosmetic reasons or a lesson in vanity. Studies show men and women are more confident when they have a fuller head of hair. Self-confidence is a big part of self-image. Treating hair loss can lead to confidence in many other aspects of life, both personal and professional. Confidence leads to making more decisions without hesitation. Several studies link hair loss to depression and some level of dysfunction. Some people with hair loss issues may avoid social interactions due to self-confidence issues.

Remedies for hair loss that do not work can also lead to depression and confidence issues. It can also be downright frustrating to try remedies that do not produce results. That is why it is important to have realistic expectations and do a little research before trying any hair loss solutions. Do your homework and ask the right questions of any product that offer remedies for hair loss.

Tuesday 24 January 2012

How to Stop the Sneakiest Cause of Female Hair Loss

Not to belittle what men go through when it comes to thinning or balding hair, but it’s about time someone started studying/talking about the topic as it relates to women. Female hair loss can be incredibly devastating, and shockingly, there really isn’t all that much attention given to the cause. Thankfully, new studies shone some light on a few things that can trigger hair loss in women: excessive drinking and/or smoking and divorce.

We all know drinking and smoking won’t exactly do anyone’s health a favour, so that’s no surprise. But divorce? Clearly, that’s an illustration of how women’s hair loss is often attributed to stress — something so many of us, dealing with divorce or not, face on a daily basis but can’t necessarily put words to or ‘treat’ all that easily.

The study also found that ‘excessive sleeping patterns’ and other stressful situations such as ‘having multiple children and/or getting married’ can spark hair loss in women. Wow, assuring, right? In other words, being a mom and/or wife and/or tired is basically a recipe for a hair loss disaster. The key here shouldn’t be some kind of hair transplant treatment I’m sure plastic surgeons would love to sell women on. It’s obvious from these findings that stress management is really the solution. Unfortunately, that’s something that’s easier said than done.

It’s something women personally grapple with every day of their life (even for those who are not moms yet!), and something that has taken a toll on their hair from time to time. When there are more strands in the hairbrush or making their way down the shower drain, it’s probably because of being stressed out about work or something else going on in their life.

Hair loss isn’t the only thing that freaks women out about stress, but it is something very physical that can illustrate a woman’s state of mind. It really does show what a strong connection there is between mind and body, and it’s a relief to hear researchers discussing it and considering it. With hope, the idea of a ‘solution’ — sustainable, holistic stress relief — is treated with the seriousness it deserves, as well.