Tag Archives: Hair Loss

Essential oils may be the centuries-old remedy for hair loss and stimulating new hair growth.

July 25, 2012 12:21 am /

For centuries, men and women have dealt with hair loss. Hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from hormones and stress to chemical damage. One of the early solutions for dealing with hair loss in many cultures was using herbs and oils. In 1999, a team of researchers from the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland demonstrated that essential oils can treat hair loss in some people.
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Hair Loss Study

In 1999, Scottish dermatologist Dr. Isabelle C. Hay and a team of researchers from the Department of Dermatology at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary studied the effect of essential oils on 86 patients who suffered from hair loss caused by alopecia areata. The double-blind, controlled study took place over a seven month active period with follow-ups at three and seven months after the treatment.

Researchers divided the 86 patients into two groups – active and control. Over a seven-month period, the active group massaged an essential oil recipe onto their scalps daily for two minutes. The control group used the carrier oils jojoba and grapeseed for their daily scalp massages.

At the end of the study, 19 of the 43 patients in the active group demonstrated significant improved hair growth while only six of the 41 patients in the control group showed some slight improvement. One man in the active group grew a full head of hair after being completely bald. Dr. Hay and the research team found that essential oils can safely treat hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

The Aberdeen Royal Infirmary study used the following essential oil recipe:

atlas cedarwood essential oil – 2 drops
thyme essential oil – 2 drops
rosemary essential oil – 3 drops
lavender essential oil – 3 drops
jojoba carrier oil – ½ teaspoon
grapeseed carrier oil – 4 teaspoons

Use a small glass oil dispenser jar. Mix the carrier oils, jojoba and grapeseed first. Add the essential oils one at a time and then place the lid on the jar. Shake the oils together to mix the recipe.

Essential Oils that Treat Hair Loss

Other studies have identified a number of essential oils that can potentially stimulate hair growth in hair loss patients. Some of the essential oils include:

lavender
arnica
rosemary
bay
lemon
Roman chamomile
basil
grapefruit

Lavender and rosemary are always considered hair growth essential oils. A 1998 Archives of Dermatology study found that rosemary essential oil can stimulate hair growth.

How to Use Essential Oils for Hair Loss

There are many ways to apply essential oil recipes for hair loss to scalps. Here are some tips on how to apply essential oils to the scalp:

Always mix essential oils with a carrier oil, such as jojoba. Undiluted essential oils are too harsh on skin.
Apply the essential oil recipe to the scalp when the hair is dry for the best distribution.
Pour a small amount of the oil mixture into a bowl and dip fingers into the bowl to wet fingers with oil during the scalp massage. Dip fingers into the bowl as needed to cover the scalp area.
Massage oil into the entire scalp at once or work on small section at a time. Dip fingers into the oil mixture at the beginning of each section.

The studies provide hope for people searching for possible hair loss treatments. It may not be the solution for everyone but it may help some individuals.

Article source :http://suite101.com/article/treat-hair-loss-with-essential-oils-a225827

Posted in: Beauty tips, Hair care, Uncategorized / Tagged: , ,

Hair Loss and Copper water

June 29, 2012 10:17 am /

Hair loss is a symptom and not disease itself. While allopathy touches the hair loss superficially, ayurveda considers it in depth. Hence the evolution of several hair oils, natural shampoos. While modern 21st century woman cuts her hair short like men, long, smooth and lustrous hair was an asset in beauty and personality, especially in oriental lifestyle, as seen by ancient history depicted in temples, pictures, idols. More than beauty, author feels that hair are given to us by god, as natural antennae for collecting cosmic energy emitted by universe. If the chakras are active, one can see dark plenty hair on the parts the body, where chakras are located. A well known example is Ramdev Maharaj, whom you can watch on T.V. in India, twice a day or on website divyayoga.com. The hair also indicates the hormonal status.

There can be many reasons for hair loss, other than hormonal changes. Fatigue, shortness of breath, simultaneous weight loss and colorless face indicate the possibility of anemia as the most likely reason.

Anemia means reduced Hemoglobin in the body. Hemoglobin is made up of certain proteins and Iron. It is carrier of oxygen to all our blood cells. We need oxygen to produce the energy and loss of Hemoglobin reduces the energy produced, resulting in the fatigue. If the anemia is treated, hair loss automatically gets treated. There are three primary reasons for anemia:

1. Inadequate production of RBC cells due to reduced nutrition, hormone unbalance or other diseases

2. Destruction of Hemoglobin carrying cells due to genetic disorders

3. Loss of blood through Menses, accidents etc.

Women become the victim of anemia mostly due to third reason. Even slight reduction in Hemoglobin causes thinning of hair, drying of hair, reduction in the dark shade ( the natural color of hair). While assessing the Hemoglobin quantity requires a costly blood test, ayurvedists examine it simply by color of the face, color of the nails when a finger is pressed. Hands and feet are very informative areas of the body which contain the information on state of the body, and also contain thousands of acupuncture points for whole body.

Our body requires copper as a catalyst for hydrogen oxidation, development of Melanin (the compound which gives natural color to hair) and also for releasing the iron extracted out of the old RBC cells accumulated in liver. Other than dates, raisins, copper water, copper is available in various foods such as mushrooms, grains, cereals, fruits having tough skins. Mushrooms contain a significant amount of copper.

Another variety of anemia is mostly noted in the age group above forty, as a result of deficiency of B12 vitamin and Folic acid. The deficiency of a chemical responsible for absorption of this vitamin causes this anemia. This vitamin is needed to produce more blood cells in bone marrow. This anemia shows similar symptoms. IN addition, bleeding through nose, loss of weight and appetite, thinning of hair, drying and/or hardening of hair can occur. In several cases, hair loss was reduced to negligible quantity by change of diet, and ayurvedic medicines directed at building up of Blood iron; e.g. Loha Bhasma, Saptamrut Loha, Kantloha Bhasma, Navayas Loha, Punarnava Mandur, Tapyadi Loha etc. Which of these should be used depends upon the specific case by case and one should consult the ayurvedic consultant nearest to him. Most of these are quite expensive medicines.

In general, most of the diseases cause reduction of blood iron, and drinking of copper water, soaked dates/raisins can be a general recommendation.

Dr Shirish Bhate

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Can Psoriasis Cause Hair Loss?

July 21, 2011 4:55 am /

Psoriasis Is An Autoimmune Condition:  Many people mistakenly think that psoriasis is very similar to dandruff or other conditions that involve excess sebum or androgens.  In fact, this is an autoimmune condition in which excess skin production causes scaly patches that sometimes take on a silvery white appearance. You’ll often see areas like the elbows and knees affected, but the scalp is not at all off limits.

It’s pretty well known that there are many autoimmune conditions that cause hair loss including alopecia areata, lupus, and Hashimoto thyroiditis.  Many doctors are reluctant to place psoriasis in this category, but  I personally think that you can make this argument as the timing between the two will often suggest a connection. The treatment for these conditions vary.  But in terms of hair loss, there is a European study that has shown promise using and rotating specific essential oils rubbed into the scalp.

Other Theories On Hair Loss, Hair Thinning, Or Shedding Along With Psoriasis:  Many doctors will tell you that when this condition occurs on the scalp, the plaque and scales can choke out the hair follicles and keep healthy hair from growing (only while there is a flare in place.)  Often, this doesn’t not occur over the entire scalp.  There will more often be patches that you can clearly see being affected and that is where you’ll see the hair being compromised or thinning.  (This process is pretty hard to miss and is pretty obvious upon close inspection.) However, typically when the area heals, the hair will become normal again.

The other possibility is that a flare has placed stress upon the body.  The body in turn will often shut down some functions to conserve.  One of these function is the hair growth cycle and what you will get as the result is a condition called TE (or telogen effluvium.)  This happens when a large number of hairs move from the growth cycle to the rest cycle. This is followed by a shedding of the hair.  What you’ll see is a lot of hair falling out at one time all of a sudden.  This is the same thing that happens to women after they give birth.  Typically, the shedding will stop in a few weeks or months and as long as their are not scales or patches on the scalp, regrowth should be fine.

Stopping Hair Loss Related To This Condition: Obviously the best course of action to stop the loss is to effectively treat the condition.  Often this happens with trial and error with your doctor.  Some doctors use medications and some use a laser or alternative therapies.  However, some folks find that treating the symptoms isn’t doing anything for the hair.  In these cases, you may want to look at lessening the inflammation on and in stimulating your scalp to produce healthy regrowth.  Sometimes, you will have diffuse thinning that doesn’t really present like TE shedding and / or doesn’t occur in the effected areas.  In these cases, you may want to look at other possibilities. It’s not inconceivable that the hair situation does not relate to the psoriasis in some cases.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-Psoriasis-Cause-Hair-Loss?&id=2312496

Posted in: Hair care, Psoriasis / Tagged: , , ,

Eat well; include all necessary food categories for healthier hair.

March 17, 2011 2:00 am /

The one problem that people world over seems to be facing is hair loss, and this hampers their normal life to a point where they become a recluse. If a person does not have good hair or has scanty hair, they are very conscious of this condition. At times they retreat into their cocoon and avoid contact with outside people. Hair loss happens to even those who have maintained good health, and have been following strict diet. When we go out, we are exposed to harsh sunlight or pollution, and all this will have a direct impact on our hair as it is the only part that falls in direct contact with them. And in order to battle this problem and increase hair growth, there are various good reliable natural hair products available. These are easily accessible for those who live in remote parts of the world too. Ever since internet came into existence, life has become far easier for all. They are able to do their shopping online, and some of the pharmaceutical companies are promoting their products through online shopping making it accessible to all.

The various forms of natural hair products or natural cure for hair loss are,-

Aromatherapy – One of the finest forms of treating hair loss and other illnesses is through aromatherapy. Various aromatic oils are used to massage the tired muscles in a body to rejuvenate the nerves and increase blood circulation. When a person is tried, or over worked, they are stressed out. Through aromatherapy, they can be relieved from stress thereby facilitating hair growth. The oils that work best are lavender, rosemary, and sandalwood.

Body and head Massage – After a long tiring day, when we get back home, if there was someone to massage our shoulder and neck muscles, it would instantly make us feel better. Another option is to visit a spa or health salon and get a full body and head massage done. This will activate all pores and cells in our body thereby stimulating our blood cells. This in turn would have a direct effect on our scalp and hair promoting faster growth. One can use home made oils or herb extracts for the massage.

Regulated diet – In this fast paced world, no one has time to sit and have a healthy breakfast; they are always grabbing a cup of coffee or a bagel from the coffee shop near their office. This will not give them the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Research indicates that if a person does not eat a balanced and regulated diet, it will affect every part of their body, from head to toe. Therefore it is essential to eat the required amount of calories, through protein, iron, mineral rich food items. One must also include plenty of soups and salads in their diet which would help energize the body giving it stamina to get through any kind of rough day.

Using a controlled diet as a natural hair product, one can also buy oatmeal bars, or fruit bars and eat them whenever they feel hungry. This way they are satisfying their hunger and eating healthy foods. This in turn will add to curbing of hair loss and once again bringing about healthy locks.

If a person keeps their body calm and relaxed, it will automatically help in hair conditions improving with every day.

Eat well; include all necessary food categories for healthier hair.

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Stress Related Hair Loss

November 20, 2010 8:29 pm /

One of the reasons for your recent hair loss may be due to stress. They are related. Hair loss is a by product of excessive and intensive physical or emotional Stress. When you are going through a stressful event or period, you may begin to notice that your hair starts to thin and eventually hair loss occurs. In such instances, the hair follicles will stop growing prematurely when the body system incorrectly treats the hair follicles as foreign tissues, thus resulting in thinning of hair and eventually dropping out.

Types of Hair Loss

There are 2 types of stress related hair loss.

1. The scientific term for the more common type of hair loss is called “telogen effluvium”. This type of hair loss prevents the hair from growing and the hair growing process remains dormant for a period or 3-6 months. After which, usually by in a period of 6-9 months, there is a high possibility that the hair will starts to grow back once the single event stress is over. In other cases the hair loss will continue until the stress is fixed.

2. A second and more serious stress related hair loss is known by the scientific name “alopecia areata”. It actually involves the white blood cell attacking the hair follicles, so much so that the hair falls out by large quantity. This could start with a small patch anywhere on your head (it does not necessary starts from the forehead) and ultimately spreads to the entire scalp.

While your hair may grow back on both occasions, it may require additional treatment.
Stress related hair loss is a sure sign that your health or body is unable to withstand the excessive stress.

Stresses Relating to Hair Loss

The following stresses may be one of the causes for hair loss:

a. Disease (such as thyroid gland infection, lupus disorders, diabetes, anaemia)
b. Poor-nutrition. (Especially if your diet contain insufficient of iron and/or protein)
c. Side effects of medications or treatments
d. Emotional Stress (work, lifestyle)
e. Scalp infection.

Whatever the underlying causes are for stress related hair loss, the condition will continue until the cause has been treated or eliminated. Exercises, meditation, yoga and change of job or environment, while common, are the most effective cure to stress related hair loss. The others being medication which may help one relax and stay calm. Understanding the cause of stress related hair loss is important and should lead to finding the cure if not total prevention.

Author -Adam Able; ableadam.com

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Home remedies to prevent hairloss and dandruff

September 17, 2010 4:04 am /

1. Applying juice of neem or margosa leaves to scalp prevent dandruff and hair loss caused by it.

2. Washing hair and scalp with decoction of neem leaves helps to prevent hair loss and stabilizes color.

3. Boil few pieces of amla, curry leaves and neem leaves in pure coconut oil till it becomes crisp. Massage this oil on scalp. This is best tonic for hair growth.

4. Rubbing scalp with equal quantity of amla juice and lime juice after washing hair help in hair loss and increases the luster.

5. Consuming fresh lettuce leaves or lettuce juice helps in growth of hair.

6. After washing hair with cold water, rub the scalp vigorously with finger tips till you feel the heat. This effectively controls hair loss.

7. Applying a pack of soaked and ground fenugreek seeds for half an hour help to prevent dandruff.

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Hair loss most commonly due to due to poor cosmetic grooming practices

September 17, 2010 2:07 am /

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/11515.php

While there are many causes of hair loss – including disease and genetic predisposition – the most common reason men and women lose their hair is due to poor cosmetic grooming practices. Coloring, styling, brushing and even scratching can all add up to damaged hair. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to get your hair back on track.

“Hair damage is a result of trauma to the physical structure of the hair that occurs every day,” explained Dr. Draelos. “The first step is to recognize the factors responsible for lack luster hair in order to learn how you can change your hair care regimen to improve it.”

1. Don’t give into the itch.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition marked by itchy, red, scaly skin that can occur on the scalp. While it does not cause hair loss, the itching associated with seborrheic dermatitis can weaken and permanently damage hair over time.

2. Don’t come up short with long hair.
Long hair is much more likely to be cosmetically damaged than short hair. People with extensive hair damage should consider a shorter hair style to improve the overall appearance of the hair. “In this case, it is extremely important to identify the cause of the hair damage so that the newly grown hair remains healthy and attractive,”

3. Grow old gracefully.

Since hair growth slows down with age, this also means that cosmetically damaged hair will be present longer on older individuals. The hair’s diameter decreases with age, predisposing thinner hair to damage from chemical processing. Dr. Draelos recommended that for this reason, all chemicals used on mature hair should be weaker than those used on younger hair.

4. Choose styling tools wisely.
Knowing when to comb or brush hair is important to proper grooming. If possible, hair should only be combed when dry. The reason is that wet hair is more elastic than dry hair, which means that vigorous combing of the moist fibers can stretch hair to the point of fracture. When choosing a comb, look for one made of a flexible plastic with smooth, rounded, coarse teeth that easily slips through the hair.

Extensive hair brushing also should be avoided while hair is wet. In general, brushing the hair should be kept to a minimum in order limit breakage. “The myth that the hair should be brushed 100 strokes a day and the scalp vigorously massaged with the brush is simply untrue,” said Dr. Draelos. When selecting a brush, look for bristles that are smooth, ball-tipped, coarse and bendable. Brushes used while blow drying should have widely spaced bristles to prevent increased heat along the brush, which could damage the hair.

5. Get a grip on using too many accessories.

While hair pins and clips are popular fashion accessories, the fact is that they all break some hair since they must hold the hair tightly to stay in place. Look for hair pins with a smooth, ball-tipped surface and hair clips with spongy rubber padding where they make contact with the hair. Looser-fitting clips also minimize breakage and should be worn in different parts of the scalp so that hair breakage is not localized in one specific area. “This problem is particularly apparent in women who wear a ponytail, and that is why I recommend that rubber bands should never used,” said Dr. Draelos. patients who wear ponytails report that their hair is no longer growing, when in fact it is repeatedly broken at the same distance from the scalp due to the trauma caused by the tight rubber band.” Rather than using rubber bands for ponytails use fabric scrunchies, which loosely hold the hair together, be used.

6. Get to know your hair.

Curlier hair tends to fracture more easily than straight hair. For this reason, the make-up of the hair can determine how aggressively hair can be groomed. African-Americans, for example, typically have kinky hair that should be gently groomed with a wide-toothed comb or hair pick. Dr. Draelos also noted that due to minimal friction, Asian hair is least likely to be damaged by combing.

7. Be sure your stylist makes the cut.
The hair should always be cut with sharp scissors, as any defect in the scissor blade will crush and damage the hair shaft. Crushing the end of the hair predisposes it to split ends.

8. Style your hair with care.

“Even though many salon owners would disagree, there is no hair style or procedure that can reverse hair damage,” explained Dr. Draelos. “Hair is basically a textile – it looks the best when new and degrades with age and use.” In general, the less that is done to the hair, the healthier it will be. Hair styling products can help improve the cosmetic appearance of the hair, but should always leave hair flexible. Stiff styling products that promise a long-lasting hold can actually precipitate hair breakage when trying to restyle the hair with combing.

9. Avoid excessive hair color and bleaching.
Hair coloring and bleaching are universally damaging to hair. It is sometimes said that chemical processing adds body to the hair. This means that the dyeing procedure allows the hair to stand away from the scalp with greater ease. This is not due to healthier hair, but rather to hair damage that makes the hair frizzy and more susceptible to static electricity. “The basic rules of hair dyeing are always staying within your color group, preferably dyeing the hair no more than three shades from the natural color,” said Dr. Draelos.

10. Don’t make waves with hair texture.
Hair relaxing and permanent waving are two procedures that can be damaging to hair and should only be used on a limited basis. While hair relaxing can weaken hair, it also can actually facilitate hair length in patients with kinky hair since the hair is less likely to break when combed. The relaxing procedure straightens the hair and makes it easier to groom,

When using permanent waving, the curls should be as loose as possible with the interval between procedures being as long as possible. For patients with damaged hair, the perming solution should be weak and left in contact with the hair for as short a period as possible.

“If you notice that your hair is becoming brittle or looking dull or damaged, you should consult your dermatologist immediately to determine the cause and how to treat it,” explained Dr. Draelos. “Repairing damaged hair takes time, so the sooner you address it, the sooner you’ll notice results.”

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Few myths about hair care

September 16, 2010 12:28 am /

Myth 1 – Blow drying increases hair volume

Real fact – The high heat from blow drying damages hair shaft. The hair becomes dry and brittle. The hair should be allowed to dry naturally and hairstyles can be made when the hair is partially dry.This increases hair volume.

Myth 2 – As age advances the color treatment should be stronger.

Real fact- As age advances the hair growth slows down.The hair shaft becomes thin as age advances. Hence any treatment for ageing hair or grey hair should be mild and has to be finished in little time. The chemical should not be allowed to stay on hair for a long time.

Myth 3 - Dandruff does not cause hairloss
Real fact – A fungus called malazzesia globosa causes Dandruff.It is found floating in air. This fungus causes scaling of scalp skin and hairloss.

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Hair Care Tips.

April 27, 2010 6:22 am /

•    Avoid over massaging of scalp and hair. This may increase production of sebum which leads to clogging of hair follicles and hair loss
•    It is advisable to massage scalp and hair at night and wash it off in morning. Or else excess oil may attract dust and dirt paving way for dandruff.
•    Wash your hair at least twice a week.
•    Eat well balanced food which is rich in minerals, vitamins and nutrients. Nutritious food leads to healthy hair growth.
•    Take utmost care of your diet during pregnancy, nursing, menopause and while using oral contraceptives.
•    Massage hair regularly with suitable hair oil.
•    Dry hair naturally. Avoid blow driers.
•    Do not brush excessively. It may lead to hair loss and splitting of hair.
•    Cover your hair with cotton scarves to protect from hot sun or cold drying air.
•    Avoid tight caps and hats. This may disturb blood circulation to hair follicles.

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Uses of Coconut Oil

March 23, 2010 5:32 am /

Ayurveda recommends Coconut oil or naarikela taila (in ayurveda) in conditions like dry skin and skin diseases. It has been found that application of coconut oil is beneficial in psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.

Massaging coconut oil on body has myriad benefits. It prevents formation of wrinkles, ageing of skin and pigmentation. It is known as varnya in ayurveda. Varnya means restoring the complexion and glow of skin

It relieves stress when massaged on scalp and rejuvenates scalp and hair. It is classified as keshya. Keshya signifies its action as a hair friendly herb.

Application of coconut oil helps to prevent hair loss, dandruff and increase hair growth. It also acts as a natural hair conditioner.

Massaging foot with coconut oil helps to soften cracked heels and increases the beauty of foot.

Application of coconut oil accelerates the process of wound healing. It is very safe to apply on cuts and wounds

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