Hair Loss Let Us Discuss The Reasons 2015

Why should perfectly good hair begin falling down? When they do begin falling, we worry endlessly and try to find remedies. What are the reasons for hair fall? Let us try and find out as many of them as we can and find out how to stop that.

Hair loss – some reasons

The main reason other than genetic or a disorder is mishandling of hair. When we have good hair, we want to experiment with that. We get it colored. Go for perming. Get other heat and chemical treatments done to look good. Every treatment that changes hair does it by hurting the cuticle. After many treatments the cuticle cannot take it and breaks down. The cortex (inner part of hair) also fails and hair breaks. If the chemicals reach the pore and destroy the follicle growth there, you lose the hair.

Chemotherapy in cancer makes one loose hair. That is temporary and because of the therapy. After sometime the hair grows back. Some medicines cause hair loss. If you are on medication and are suffering hair loss, please ask your doctor about possible connection. Diet is another reason. Low iron or proteins may cause hair loss. Women lose hair after pregnancy but get them back. Unless you are suffering from alopecia aerta or genetic hair loss, you can easily find out the reason and rectify that. Please talk to your doctor about any supplements that can help you have healthy hair. Also discuss possible reasons specific to you for your hair loss.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Thyroid Problems and Hair Loss

Thyroid Problems and Hair Loss

If you are experiencing hair loss without any known conditions, you should undertake thyroid tests as hypothyroidism can be one of the potential causes. Here is more information on it.

Hair loss can cause social embarrassment for men and women alike. Although receding hairline is a natural phenomenon, it is definitely a cause of concern if it occurs at an early age. There may come a time, when you suddenly experience hair loss, and your hair start falling off in chunks. You consult your hair expert, change your hair care products, but, to no avail. When you consult your doctor, he will advise you to undertake thyroid tests. Here we will see more on hair fall caused due to disorders of the thyroid hormone.

Hair Loss as a Sign of Thyroid Problems

The thyroid is a small gland located in the throat region. It is shaped like a butterfly, and is one of the most important glands in the body. It is mainly responsible for proper metabolism in the body. Modulation of carbohydrates, fat and proteins; and energy production in the body takes place with the help of the thyroid gland. However, sometimes, due to some reason, the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient amount of hormone. This condition is known as hypothyroidism, or low thyroid. There are several symptoms associated with hypothyroidism; hair loss being one of them. Along with it, symptoms like weight gain, depression, irritability, fatigue and dry skin are also observed.

One should identify the symptoms of thyroid problems and consult a doctor immediately on the same. Lastly, if your thyroid tests prove normal, you can consult a hair care expert to find out the cause for hair loss, and look for proper treatment. Take care.

Zinc and Hair Loss 2015

Zinc and Hair Loss

Is there a connection between zinc and hair loss? Does zinc deficiency lead to hair fall? Read the following article to find out all related facts.

Well, Vanity of self is a pretty serious issue for most of us - we are always preoccupied with the concern that what will people think of us based upon our appearance rather than their opinion of us based upon our conduct or intellectual content. Now, if hair be the proving ground of such an important aspect of the personality as Vanity, it becomes all the more important to preserve its health and vitality so as to coax it never to leave the scalp and distance Vanity from her proving ground. Snapping out of all that drama, no matter what you consider it, the hair that grows on your head is something very dear to you no matter what color, texture or length it is. Ask someone with rough, gray, tangled-beyond-recognition and dry hair if he/ she would be willing to get rid of his/ her (seemingly) unattractive cranial mop and you'll invariably get an answer on the lines of "A hair in the head is worth two in the brush." (as famously quoted by Oliver Herford) or any variation thereof! Anyway, speaking of the connection between zinc and hair loss, it is a well-known fact that despite being made up of dead proteins cells, hair requires certain nutrients and minerals in order to grow in length and retain a healthy architecture. More of it in the next segment....

Zinc Deficiency and Hair Loss

There! The caption gave it away! Yes, hair growth and overall health is as significantly determined by the levels of zinc in the body as by the presence of any other hair-friendly nutrient. So, what could, possibly, be zinc's role in maintaining the health and well-being of these integumentary follicles that we consider our crowning glory? Well, first of all, zinc is an antioxidant that ensures that the body gets rid of all unnecessary free radicals and is able to absorb maximum amounts of beneficial minerals from dietary source. This automatically means that the body stays healthier and is able to better optimize from nutritional sources with, rather than without, adequate zinc levels. The results? Where do we start - stronger immune system, lower cellular stress, better resistance to diseases and infections, healthier metabolism...... you name it! As soon as the body gets rid of unsavory free radicals and is charged up to extract more nutrients form the same quantity of dietary intake, a healthful chain reaction ensues the result of which is exhibited by glowing, flawless skin, stronger and smoother nails, luxuriant hair growth and shiny hair and a decrease in the rate of hair loss. 

An interesting thing to note at this juncture is that our hair contains some amount of zinc naturally as it aids in the absorption of proteins. Hair being made up of proteins, this does not seem surprising at all. However, when the body finds itself deficient in zinc, it looks to the integumentary system for covering the zinc deficits, thereby, depleting hair and skin of essential zinc contents. This invariably results in hair loss and development of rough patches on the skin. Also, besides this relation between low zinc and increased loss of hair in women and men alike, zinc deficiency also leads to difficulty in healing wounds and scars as the body is unable to absorb sufficient proteins from dietary sources without which no tissue replacement, reparation or healing can take place in the body.

Beside aiding the absorption of proteins, various vitamins and other minerals by the body, zinc plays a significant in maintaining hormonal balance. As most of you must be knowing, any imbalance of stress and sex hormones can lead to abnormal hair growth patterns (such as alopecia, hirsutism, etc.) and this can be avoided by maintaining a normal zinc level in the body. On the flip side, that also means that overdosing on a zinc supplement for hair loss (okay, I can understand the hurry but trust me, it definitely won't be worth the unsightly aftermath!) can be detrimental to your overall physical health and appearance. It is, therefore, strongly advised to consult a trichologist, or your family physician, instead of going ahead and slathering your scalp with those much-advertised commercial hair-fall solutions. Remember, prescription medications may take longer than cosmetic solutions but their effects are more likely to last longer with fewer adverse side effects as your specialist will prescribe medications based upon your overall physiological suitability, and not just your topical condition.

Hormone Imbalance and Hair Loss

Hormone Imbalance and Hair Loss

Hormones help maintain both your looks and health. Hormone imbalance and hair loss go hand in hand. Most men and women who complain about excessive hair loss, suffer from the imbalance of the male hormone androgen and the female hormone estrogen, respectively. Read on to know how does a hormonal imbalance cause hair loss in women and men.


Everyone longs for strong and shining hair. Healthy thick hair helps enhance your looks in a big way. It is obvious that nutritional deficiencies can lead to hair loss. A few decades ago, thinning hair was considered as a warning sign of aging mechanism. These days, men and women of all ages complain about hair loss. They think that using expensive cosmetics would easily solve their problem. Very few people try to understand the relationship between hormone imbalance and hair loss. Usually, men are not much bothered about baldness, they consider it as natural. Women are more worried about hair loss than men. Baldness in women is a cause of cosmetic concern. It has been observed that now, men are also interested in innovative hairstyles. Good looks help boost the confidence of the person. These days, men also take care of their looks, especially hair and skin, just like women.

Hair Loss Due to Hormone Imbalance
Hair loss in women over 40 is a common cause of concern worldwide. Having normal hormonal levels in the body is essential; if you want to enjoy healthy and strong hair. Hormones, along with vitamins and minerals, promote hair growth. Women are more likely to suffer from hormone imbalance as compared to men. A woman's body goes through various phases like puberty, ovulation, menstruation, fertilization, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, menopause, etc. The pituitary gland controls the functioning of the thyroid, adrenal glands and sex glands; and the hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland.

Brittle Hair Breakage 2015

Brittle Hair Breakage

Having brittle hair that breaks at the drop of a hat can be a very annoying condition. Many women tend to spend a lot of money to prevent hair breakage. To avoid this problem, and to restore the health of your hair, it is essential to take care of your crowing glory in a proper way.

Every woman dreams of healthy hair that is long, thick and looks lustrous. But owing to the lifestyle and exposure to factors like dirt, dust and pollution, etc. hair begins to look dull and tends to lose its sheen. Improper maintenance of hair also leads to dull hair and breakage. Hair loss due to brittleness can also occur due to some underlying health problems. Brittle hair looks dry, frizzy and split ends may be seen not only at the tips, but even in the entire length of the hair. There are many causative factors for the occurrence of dry, dull hair which may snap even at a slight friction.

Brittle Hair Causes

Dry, frizzy hair that looks like bristles is one of the signs that denotes hair damage. Brittle hair can be caused due to a variety of reasons, most of which can be resolved.
Persistent washing of hair can result in dry, damaged hair. Daily washing of the hair can strip the natural oils that are produced in the scalp, leading to loss of moisture and luster. Certain shampoos contain harsh chemicals that tend to make the scalp drier. So individuals having dry hair must rinse their hair with a mild shampoo.
Climate can also hamper the health of your hair. Over exposure to sun, dust and pollution can make the hair lose its essential nutrients, thereby damaging the hair and making it dry and brittle.
Styling your hair with flat irons, perms, hair colors, overuse of blow dryers and relaxers can damage the hair.
Malnutrition and anemia are two factors that lead to dry, brittle hair. Dry hair is an indication that the hair does not get the omega 3 essential fatty acids, that give the hair a glowing sheen. A malnourished person does not get the beneficial nutrients that are required by the body. Anemia can also lead to frizzy and dry hair. Anemia and malnutrition can also lead to brittle hair in children, as well as adults.
Anorexia is another health condition that leads to damaged hair. Depriving the body of food can make your hair lose its shine, softness and luster. In fact, dull hair is a symptom of anorexia.
Thyroid hormone deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, along with fatigue, weakness and thinning of hair. If this condition is left untreated it can lead to several other complications.
Brittle Hair Treatment

Improper hair care, stress, illness and poor nutrition can lead to breakage. This condition is reversible if you follow certain natural methods for treating this hair problem. These remedial measure can help you get back your crowning glory,

Applying flaxseed oil to your hair is beneficial as it is rich in vitamin E. Massaging the scalp 

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• also helps in improving blood circulation and supports healthy growth of hair.
• Olive oil for hair is an excellent home remedy to improve the health of hair. Applying warm olive oil to the scalp helps nourish dry, brittle hair.
• Apply a mixture of lime juice, lime water and warm coconut oil to the hair to repair split ends and strengthen the roots.
• Include foods like green leafy vegetables, fish like salmon, chicken and eggs in your diet to promote healthy hair growth. These foods have a rich content of protein that help repair brittle hair. Apart from these foods make sure your body is well-hydrated. So drink sufficient water to compensate the loss of moisture.
• A healthy intake of vitamins A, C, E and biotin (also referred to as vitamin H) will also help get rid of hair and scalp problems.
• Avoid over exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun. Cover your head with a scarf or carry an umbrella before stepping out in the sun.
• Dryness in hair makes it look unkempt and unsightly. Brittle hair breakage can be avoided by following a proper hair care regimen, eating a well-balanced meal and avoiding hair styling products as much as you can.

Alopecia in Children 2015

Alopecia in Children 2015

The condition of hair loss is clinically known as alopecia. It is not only a common condition in adults, but it affects children too. This article outlines some of the common causes of alopecia in children and their treatment measures.

Baldness, or hair loss can occur in many forms and affect people of all ages. Although not common in children, alopecia can be quite traumatic for both the affected child as well as the parents. However, the good news is, in most cases, it is curable. Almost 60% of the children with one or the other form of hair loss get their hair back; this may take a few months to over a year. For those who do not, various cosmetic remedies are available to camouflage the hairless spots.

What Causes Baldness in Children?
 Fungal InfectionOne of the most common causes of alopecia in children could be linked to a fungal infection that affects the scalp. It is called tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp). Fortunately, once the infection resolves, hair starts growing back. Mostly common seen in toddlers and school-aged children, this highly contagious infection commonly causes the following symptoms:

• Scaly, itchy bald patches on the head
• Bald patches are mostly round and may seem to expand
• The patches may be painful and become red and swollen

 Autoimmune ProblemsAlopecia areata, a type of baldness, is believed to be an autoimmune condition. Here, the immune system of the body damages the hair follicles, resulting in patchy baldness. This condition, however, does not cause permanent baldness; in most cases, hair starts growing back within a few months or a year. This type of baldness is more prevalent in people with chronic, autoimmune conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and vitiligo to name a few. Symptoms that indicate this condition include:

• Hair loss that starts occurring suddenly
• Circular bald patches that may overlap
• Pitted fingernails and toenails (in some people)

 Traction AlopeciaOne more common cause of alopecia in children is known as traction alopecia. Not an illness, traction alopecia occurs from injury caused to the hair roots, when they are being subjected to constant pulling force. People with tight braids and ponytails are more prone to experience this problem.

 TrichotillomaniaAn idiopathic condition (no known cause), trichotillomania is an irresistible urge to pull one's hair from the head and other areas. This results in patchy bald areas. This condition is found more in children between the ages of 11 and 13, and men and women are equally affected by it. Symptoms that may accompany the constant pulling of hair include:

• Chewing or playing with the pulled out hair
• Exhibiting relief after having pulled out some hair
• Eating hair, rubbing it across the face or playing with it

 Telogen EffluviumThe normal growth hair cycle has three stages. This cycle starts with anagen -- the growth phase, catagen -- the short transition phase when the hair follicles degenerate, and ends in the telogen phase -- the resting phase. After the resting phase is over, new hair grows pushing out the older strands of hair. However, medical conditions, stress factors, or certain medicines may sometimes disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and cause hair follicles that were in the anagen phase to prematurely enter the telogen phase. Once the person recovers from the illness, the hair (follicles had earlier gone into a resting phase) are shed. This results in excessive hair loss, which is known as telogen effluvium. Fortunately, this is a type of temporary hair loss.

Anagen effluviumChildren or adults undergoing treatment, such as chemotherapy or other cancer treatments may experience hair fall. The hair that is lost is said to be in the anagen stage; thus this condition is known as anagen effluvium.

Treatment Offered
Treatment for alopecia depends upon the underlying cause of the condition.

If the underlying cause is tinea capitis, then oral antifungal treatment is required. Topical antifungal creams and shampoos containing 2% ketoconazole may also be recommended. These topical applications need to be used about 2 to 3 times every week. Although these treatments may decrease scaling, the infection may reappear.

In case of alopecia areata, which is incurable, various treatment measures are available. However, as in most cases, hair usually grows back within a year; so doctors ask patients to follow a wait-and-watch approach. It is important to note that this type of baldness is different for different people. In some people, hair growth may resume but they may experience hair loss again later, while in some, after hair starts growing, they stay. When the condition does get treated, it mainly comprises off-label medicines, such as corticosteroids; children with alopecia areata are usually treated with topical corticosteroids.

Hair loss due to telogen effluvium usually doesn't require any treatment. Once a child recovers from the condition that triggered hair loss, hair grows back into the areas from which they were shed.

If your child's hair loss is due to trichotillomania, then the treatment may mainly comprise psychotherapy. It basically helps the affected person to recognize their urge to pull hair and substitute it with other behavior. For instance, when there is an urge to pull hair, the person may clench their fist or redirect their hand somewhere else, rather than the hair. Sometimes, antidepressants may also be recommended to manage trichotillomania.

Traction alopecia can be reversed by avoiding hairstyles, like braiding, ponytails, and anything that may keep the hair tightly bound and in constant tension.

For people with anagen effluvium, it may take several weeks before their hair growth resumes. In most cases, when the hair starts growing back, it may have a different texture or color from what it used to be earlier. There are certain treatment methods in place which may help prevent hair loss during or after chemotherapy, but they do not guarantee satisfactory results.

Alopecia in children may also be genetic, which unfortunately does not have any cure. Some options for treating the condition may include arresting hair fall, or promoting hair growth.

Does Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

Does Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

Is vitamin D deficiency linked with hair loss? Some studies indicate a connection, but there is no specific dosage of vitamin D that is recommended for preventing loss of hair. Moreover, though exposure to sunlight helps in the production of vitamin D, dermatologists don't advise it specifically against hair fall.

An unhealthy lifestyle, dietary deficiencies, and stress are among the prominent reasons behind hair loss. Male pattern baldness is linked with genetics. Vitamin D recipients are found in the hair follicles. Though their exact function is unknown, it is evident that vitamin D is linked with the hair cycle. Though a conclusion hasn't been drawn, studies show that 

vitamin D deficiency contributes to hair loss.

Hair Loss and Vitamin D
A study was done on a type of mice that were genetically programmed to be hairless. The study results showed that when vitamin D3 was given to these mice, they showed improvement in hair growth with stimulation in the hair follicles. Research is yet to be done on how it would affect human genes, and whether it would really curb hair fall in humans. However, people on vitamin D supplements have experienced a gradual decrease in hair fall. Vitamin D helps in the development and growth of healthy hair and in the maturity of hair follicles. It helps in eliminating dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and also hair loss by regulating the flow of oils that nourish the collagen (a tissue that holds your hair beneath the skin). It helps in the absorption of calcium, which is also important for hair growth.

Other Causes of Hair Loss
Human beings generally lose 50 - 70 strands of hair everyday. A 'pull test' helps determine whether one is suffering from excessive hair loss. If about 100 strands are pulled, the coming out of one to three hair per pull is normal. Anything more than that indicates hair loss. Genetics, hormonal imbalance, stress (both emotional and physical), thyroid disorders, and sudden weight loss are among the other common reasons for hair loss. Chemotherapy results in loss of hair, which grow back after the treatment stops. Certain skin disorders may lead to hair loss. Hair fall can be a side effect of certain medicines and may be the result of certain underlying health conditions. Harsh hair treatments may also lead to hair damage or loss.

Sources of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is found in cow's milk and soy milk, sardines, pink salmon, tuna fish, egg, liver, beef, cheese, ready-to-eat cereals fortified with DV for vitamin D, and pure cod liver oil. The most important source is sunlight. A 5-10 minute sun exposure in the morning hours is advisable to get a daily dose of vitamin D.

Hair Falling Out in Clumps

Hair Falling Out in Clumps 

Hair loss can be due to various reasons. However, hair falling out in clumps should never be ignored. You hair speaks volumes about you.

Hair gives your face a shape and an elegance. It makes you look suave, gentle, young, slender, sporty, smart or chic. Your look is defined by the way you wear your hair. This is the reason why we fuss over those fibers so much. Hair fall is embarrassing and distressing. Increased hair loss from the scalp is a very common problem among young men and women owing to drastic and often unhealthy lifestyle changes.

Fortunately, hair falling out in large clumps is a reversible change. Other than lifestyle there are various other changes happening in our body, which manifest themselves in the form of hair loss. Let's see what are the various reasons for this...




In ShowerLosing hair in shower is the most common type of hair fall. Your hair becomes vulnerable when they are wet. Often women notice hair falling out in clumps after conditioning. The hair fall in shower is more because, you shake the lose ends on your scalp that are about to fall. Hence when you wash them your hand gets stuck in clumps of hair.

After Giving BirthHair loss after pregnancy is a very common type of hair loss. Hair has its own growing and shedding cycle. Hair goes into resting during pregnancy. However, this period ends within 3-4 months after delivery. Losing hair after giving birth is related to drastic hormonal changes in the body. Some women may suffer from normal hair loss and some may suffer from abnormal falling out of hair. In any case, do mention this problem to your doctor.

Due to StressBusy lives and work pressures add a lot of stress to our bodies. Stress is directly related to many hormonal changes in our bodies. Stress related disorders such as depression and anxiety can cause hair fall. Stress leads to major hormonal imbalances. This is one of the main causes of abnormal hair loss. The medications for such disorders may again lead to loss of hair. Making a few lifestyle changes like regular exercising, meditation, cutting down on unhealthy eating habits and time management can provide adequate stress relief.

Due to ChemotherapyChemotherapy helps kill cancerous cells that divide rapidly. While doing this, the drugs also damage other healthy cells that divide rapidly, for example, bone marrow cells, cells in the digestive tract and hair follicles. The cells in the hair follicle get affected, while they are in the growing phase. As the metabolism of hair follicle gets affected due to chemotherapy, the person experiences severe hair loss.

Deficiency
Vitamin and / or mineral deficiencies can cause hair loss. Lack of minerals like, zinc and iron lead to weak and dry hair. Other nutrients like vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B12 and proteins are also essential to cope up with the loss. Lack of essential nutrients leads to improper functioning of the bodily systems, which often results in hair loss.

Other ReasonsUsage of faulty hair care products
Menopause
Birth control pills
Tight hairstyles
Hereditary
Blow Dryers
Thyroid
Intake of illegal drugs
Excessive styling (making hair curly or straight)