Hair Loss Diagnosis

Hair loss can be temporal or long lasting. Alopecia areata is a hair-loss condition which generally affects the scalp. Alopecia areata influences both males and females. This type of hair loss is different than male-pattern baldness, an inherited condition. In men about 90% of all cases are caused by hereditary male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. It generally follows a typical pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown, and is caused by hormones and genetic predilection. Female pattern baldness includes a typical pattern of loss of hair in women, caused by hormones, aging, and genetic predisposition. Changes in the levels of androgens can affect hair production.

For example, after the hormonal alterations of menopause. Hair loss in patches, diffuse shedding of hair, breaking of hair shafts, or hair loss associated with redness, scaling, pain, or rapid progression could be caused by other conditions. Female pattern baldness is usually diagnosed based on the complexion and pattern of hair loss and by ruling out other causes of hair loss. Normally follicular units (natural hair groups) are made of preponderately of full-thickness, healthy terminal hair. Hair weaving, hairpieces, or change of hairstyle may masquerade the hair loss. This is usually the least expensive and safest technique for male baldness. Finasteride medication to treat male-pattern baldness is taken daily in pill form. Many people taking finasteride experience a slowing of hair loss.

Surgery is another method of transpose hair loss and baldness, though it can be regarded an extreme measure. Minoxidil used in tablet form as a medicine to cure high blood pressure. Minoxidil (Rogaine ) is treatment for hair loss in both men and women. Minoxidil was then tested for use as a topical application for regrowing hair. Hair transplants and scalp reduction surgery are available to treat androgenetic alopecia. Don't rub your hair too vigorously with a towel, either. Stress reduction can be helpful in slowing hair loss. Eating a balanced, healthy diet is important for a lot of reasons, and it really benefits your hair. L-Cysteine and L-methionine amino acids belived to improve quality, texture, and growth of hair.

Hair Loss Causes

Baldness or hair loss is naturally something only adults need to worry about. Hair loss may affect men, women and children. Female-pattern hair loss refers to the most common conferment seen in women and tends to be diffuse. The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also called as female pattern alopecia or baldness. It affects nearly one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause, though it can initiate as early as puberty. Normal hair fall is roughly 100-125 hairs per day. Providentially, these hairs are replaced. Losing hair can be stressful during a time when impression positively matters, but the good news is that hair loss which occurs during the teen years is often temporary.

Hormonal problems can cause hair loss. Hair loss may happen if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Hormones both provoke hair growth and cause hair loss, hormonal changes by far have the biggest impact on hair loss. Certain infections may cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp may cause hair loss in children. The infection is easily cured with antifungal medicines. Some medications which have hair loss as a side effect can be prescribed for teens. These contain acne medicines such as isotretinoin, and lithium, that is used to treat bipolar disorder. Trichotillomania is a psychological derangement in which people repeatedly pull their hair out, often leaving bald patches. It consequences in areas of baldness and damaged hairs of different lengths.

Women who have a genetic proclivity to suffer from Androgenic Alopecia can have it occur at a much younger age by taking birth control pills. The hormonal variations that occur trigger the onset of the Androgenic Alopecia. Hair loss can cause by both under active and overactive thyroid. In addition to the common male and female patterns from a mixture of these factors, other possible causes of hair loss, specially if in an unordinary pattern exists. Iron deficiency sometimes produces hair loss. Iron deficiency is common to women during menstruation and pregnancy and can be reformed through proper diet or iron supplements. Blow-drying can worsen hair loss. The reason is that extreme heat damages the proteins in the hairs making them flimsy and liable to break off.

Hair Loss and Thyroid

Hair loss is a common infirmity of thyroid patients. Many factors subscribe to hair loss. Some of them are hormonal variations, nutritional deficiency, mental and physical stress and various types medical conditions. One major cause of hair loss is problems with the thyroid. The thyroid gland is located in the base of the neck on both sides of the lower part of the larynx (voice box) and is shaped like a butterfly. Hair loss because of thyroid disease is in the form of general thinning of the hair. Its patterns are not patchy or in any pattern, but typically increased shedding over the scalp. Many times, the hair loss will decrease or evanesce after the body has balanced itself, however it may take some time. There are two causes why people with thyroid disease experience hair loss.

The first has to do with the body's response to the disease. The other reason why people with thyroid disease suffer hair loss is due to their medications. Levothyroxine, also known as Synthroid, is a thyroid hormone alternate that many take who have thyroid disease. Post-partum thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland which occurs following delivery, and it is appraised that this condition occurs in up to 20% of mothers. Women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease have an increased incidence of post-partum thyroiditis, which may revert with subsequent pregnancies. Thyroid nodules, or 'lumps' on the thyroid, are also more often in women than in men. The thyroid often functions normally in the setting of both benign and malignant nodules.

Multiple nodules within the same thyroid gland are normally benign. The TSH of around 1-2 is best for many people to neglect having symptoms of hyperthyroid such as hair loss. Thyroid disease recurs with much greater frequency in women than in men. Many various organ systems can be affected by the presence of abnormal levels of thyroid hormone resulting in a whole host of symptoms. Hair loss is the thwarting or frightening symptom of thyroid disease. People must confabulate with other people or online support group about hair loss with thyroid disease. Thyromine work well to provoke the metabolism, which is a key factor of your hair loss. Thyromine helps control your body's stress levels, increases the production of thyroid hormones and stimulates the immune system.

Alopecia Areata Treatment

Alopecia areata is a hair-loss condition that generally affects the scalp. Alopecia areata may happen at any age, including in childhood. Alopecia areata influences both males and females. This type of hair loss is dissimilar than male-pattern baldness, an inherited condition. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the body fallaciously treats its hair follicles as foreign tissue and suppresses or stops hair growth. As with most autoimmune diseases, Alopecia areata is related with increased risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, videlicetly systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE. Alopecia areata is erstwhile associated with other autoimmune conditions such as allergic disorders, thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.

Betimes, alopecia areata occurs within family members, suggesting a role of genes and heredity. It occassionally starts after a stressful event. It affects 1-2% of the population. About 2% of people in the United States, many of them children, undergo from alopecia areata, a skin disorder that causes hair to fall out in patches. First symptoms are small, soft, bald patches that can take just about any shape but are most normally round. There are several various treatment options for alopecia areata. The most common is cognizance. Steroid injections are commonly used in sites where there are small areas of hair loss on the head or specially where eyebrow hair has been lost. Minoxidil has been used to elevate hair growth and has shown cosmetically acceptable results in 30% of cases.

Minoxidil does not stop the disease process so belaying applications after hair has started to grow back can cause the hair to fall out again. Triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog) is used most commonly. The most successful treatment to date has been immunotherapy. Immunotherapy works by enraging a contact allergic dermatitis in affected areas by applying a low concentration of a material to which the patient has been made allergic. This is most often diphenylcyclopropenone (diphencyprone). Avoid reinjecting areas of denting, that oftem is enough to allow atrophy to regress. Betamethasone dipropionate cream 0.05% (Diprosone) showed similar effectuality. Steroid pills, or a special form of ultraviolet light treatment (PUVA), are formerly worthwhile, but may result in side effects.

Combination Hair Care Tips

Hair plays a major role in defining the personality of any human being. Hair is a filamentous outgrowth of protein, present only on mammals. Hair is a exceptionally tough material but over time abuse can wreak havoc with its natural properties. Hair is composed mainly of proteins (88%). These proteins are of a hard fibrous kind known as keratin. There are many different types of hair. There are curly ones and direct-falling ones. Some hair types are more prone to the assemblage of sebum (the natural oils that our skin secretes) than others, while some hair types are just naturally dry.

Combination hair is greasy at the roots but dry and sometimes disunion at the ends. Reasons of combination hair is over-exposure to sunlight ,overuse of heat-styling equipment ,such repeated abuse often stimulates a reaction in sebum secretion at the roots and a partial alteration in the scales, which can no longer fulfil their protective role.

The hair ends hence become dry. It is normally fairly long and the hair nearest the head is greasy awhile the ends are dry. If your hair is combination don't use the intense, most severe shampoo possible. Wiping away all of your sebum and drying out the scalp will only be temporary; your scalp.

Do not use too much shampoo to wash your hair. Use the shampoo directly on the scalp and just let the suds flow to the edges of your hair. Never apply the shampoo straight to the tips as the shampoo will wash off the oil that your hair tips need so much. Softly use your fingers or a pick to untangle any knots while your hair is drying.

Coloring your hair is another hair treatment choice. Void sleeping in hair accessories such as barrettes, scrunchies, head bands, etc. Never overclean your hair's tips and be careful in handling them. Wash the shampoo off carefully and wholly until it is not slippery any longer.

Combination Hair Care Tips

1. Avoid shampoos that contain sodium laurel sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate.

2. A hot oil treatment to deep condition your hair. Warm oil penetrates the hair shaft making the hair more flexible and giving it shine.

3. Eat right and consider taking vitamin and mineral supplements to encourage healthy hair.

4. Use a wide toothed comb, or your fingers to work with your hair.

5. Avoid sleeping in hair accessories such as barrettes, scrunchies, head bands, etc.

6. Hot air can be damaging to your hair so when using a hair dryer use the cool setting.

7. Apply the mixture of an egg white, 2 spoon of castor oil, 1 spoon glycerin, in the scalp and hair.

8. Coloring your hair is another hair treatment option. Color your hair regularly.

Hair Cutting Tips and Advice

Hair that is one length all the way around is a plainspoken trim. Hair is a natural role of genetic makeup, but can also be considered the main ingredient that completes our look. Cutting wet hair (especially bangs) can result in a too-short style. It is also easier to cut clean hair. If your face is round, you want to decry fullness, and the most flattering styles will keep hair off your face.

Always use extremely sharp scissors. The type of shears you use is not that necessary as long as they are razor sharp. One of the most important hair cutting tips to need is your hair type. For multi-length hair, initiate with your bangs. Comb them straight, being cautious not to include side hairs. Don't attempt to trim too much length at once.

Maintaining shorter lengths for cutting (1/4-inch) keeps the hairs firmly in place as you cut. Ready the hair first by thoroughly combing or brushing out all the snarls and tangles. Thick hair and long hair may need to be wet first. Coarse and/or super-straight hair should presumably be left to the professionals. This hair shows no leniency and be forewarned; any mistake at all will be very noticeable. This type requires a trained hand/eye, patience, very sharp scissors and is definitely easier to be done by someone other than yourself anyhow.

One of the best ways to assure that you get best haircut, every time, is to give a good tip. If you have a long face, neglect the popular bob hairstyle, which draws attention to facial length-particularly in the chin area. Also remain away from short bangs and excess volume on top. If you have a square face, don't cut your hair too short.

Layers, attended by volume on the top and sides, soften your look. Length in the back consistently works, as do bangs-as long as they're soft and subtle. If your hair is all one length leaving out for the side angles, you will be working along the sides of your style only, front to nape.

Select a top layer or side piece of hair approximately the same size and thickness as you did for your bangs. This smaller amount is easiest to work with. Dealing with the back of your hair might seem crafty, but you'll get the hang of it. Not at all take but a little section at a time; very little when it's curly or really wavy, pulling it stiff from the scalp as you would do any haircut.

Straight hair is the most effortful to cut, since there's nowhere for mistakes to hide. Curly hair shortens the most after drying, betimes significantly.

Hair Cutting Tips

1. No, cutting thin or fine hair will not make it grow in thicker.

2. Curly hair shortens the most after drying, sometimes significantly.

3. Use the correct shampoo for your hair type. Not all hair is created equal.

4. Keep in mind that it will be shorter when it dries.

5. Curly hair shortens the most after drying, sometimes significantly.

Hair Washing - Way To Wash Your Hair

Hair is part of your look. Hair is a remarkably tough material but over time abuse (excessive and wrongful misuse of anything) can wreak havoc (devastation ) with its natural properties. Hair plays a major role in defining the personality of any human being. Hair is possessed primarily of proteins (88%). These proteins are of a hard fibrous kind known as keratin. The first thing you should do is to comb the tangles out of the hair earlier you wet it so the hair would wash easily and the tangles would not decay.

When washing your hair, it is perfect if you get in the shower. Start by washing your hair to remove any leave-in conditioner or styling products. Wash your hair in hot or warm water to help remove dirt and build-up and to wash hair in cool water to close the cuticle and sum gloss. Apply a quarter sized dollop of shampoo and rub your hands together to disperse it. Apply the shampoo on your scalp, not the ends of your hair.

Concentrate on your hairline, nape and the edges of your hair, where it's required most. Many shampoos available in the drugstore have this ingredient as it is inexpensive and is what brings the shampoo to foam. It is an ingredient that some persons can be sensitive too. It is almost always the first constituent in many shampoos, which means the shampoo contains a lot of it. Do not pull or tug at the hair as the hair is at its most elegant when it is soaked.

When the extra water is out, apply a dollop of conditioner - mane event - and apply it along the hairline, the nape and the ends of the hair. Pile your hair then inside a shower cap and let the conditioner stay there for nearly ten minutes. And then, wash it off completely. When you wash your hair, you should consider applying shampoos that you find at natural food stores.

Some salon brands can make the cut, but you have to read labels to judge what ingredients they contain that may potentially irritate your scalp and skin. Actuate the coldest water you can stomach to rinse both your shampoo and conditioner. Always rinse for longer than you think is necessary - twice generally does the trick. And contrary to popular opinion, giving your hair a blast with cold water doesn't add any extra shine. Patting your hair softly with a towel and then letting it dry normally is ideal.

Check the hair frm and turn off the dryer when the hair is still slightly damp because completely drying out all the moisture will lead to split ends, breakage and brittleness. Apply a generous amount (half-dollar size dollop or more for longer hair) to make sure your hair is fully protected.

Hair Washing Tips

1. Wash your hair every day

2. Use shampoo according to your hair length.

3. Avoid using a blow dryer. Let your hair air-dry.

4. Apply gel or lotion and use the brush smoothly in one direction, always comb from the bottom.

5. Do not move the hair around too much.

6. Do not comb wet hair, as they damage hair. Massage your hair well.

Hair Straightening Tips

Hair straightening is just the same with hair relaxing. It can be done with the use of some chemically-made products or some hair straightening tools that can give temporarily effects of taming those curls on your hair. One major reason why people would want to straighten their hair is for the curls to be eliminated.

For a long lasting effect of hair straightening, the process should always be done on hair salon by hair professionals. Always remember that not all hairs with curls are advisable for all hair straightening processes and products. If your hair is fine, colored and lightened, a very mild formula of straightening should be applied.
Meanwhile if you have a hair that is medium-textured or normal, the hair straightening formula that should be used for your hair are those with regular strength relaxers.

Tips for Straightening Hair

With the advanced technology of hair straightening nowadays, there are many great options for men and women of getting their straight hair done. New methods and processes are now available that are less harmful and safer as well for the hair. One of these famous methods is the chemical process of hair straightening that can last between 6-9 months. With this method, you can easily your desired straight mane, shiny and smooth look for your hair.

Another technology that you can use for hair straightening is the use of hair straightening irons or good hair dryer. These tools are made up from the newest technologies of chrome-plated irons and ceramics that are best for straightening the hair. Ceramic material is best for minimizing static as well as eliminating frizziness of hair. Here are some tips you should know when buying a hair straightening iron:

• It should have some adjustable and various heat settings for the user’s desired temperature.
• It should be made of solid ceramic plates and not synthetic ones.
• It should be lightweight for the arms’ easiness.
• It should have a swivel power cord for quicker usage.
• It should be handy for travel.
• It should have protective heat resistant case for easier cooling down.

Waxing Hair Removal - Waxing Hair Removal Methods and Tips

Waxing hair removal is one of the most popular. Waxing is an effective way of removing large totality of hair at one time. Waxing is a way of provisional hair removal which removes the hair from the root. It is less expensive, it can be done from home, and the results last for some weeks in most cases. This moves the wax along with the hair and dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth. Most parts of the body can be waxed, but other parts, not enumerated above are not given special consideration. Areas individuals would never wax present in the ears and nose as well as eyelashes.
Areas of the body that should only be waxed by a licensed proficient involve the female genitals, male genitals and the nipples. Many types of waxing are available. Some must be accomplished by a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. The hair becomes ingrained in the wax, which cools and firms up grasping the hair. The wax is then fastly pulled off in the opposite direction of the hair growth, pulling the hairs out of the follicles. Cold waxes are available generally attached to strips, which are cuddled onto the skin.
Wax that is still left on the skin must be peeled or grating off. Hair waxing should not be done on areas of skin mannered by warts, pimples, moles or rashes or on skin that is irritated, chapped or suffering from sunburn. Never use wax to peeling, broken skin or varicose veins. Never use wax to the nipples when removing hair from the breast area. The different types of waxing are Eyebrow waxing ,Bikini, Male genital, & Brazilian waxing ,Leg waxing ,Arm/underarm waxing ,Back waxing ,Foot waxing and Chest waxing. There are many gains of waxing versus other forms of hair removal. Waxing is a long-lasting method. Waxing completely lifts the hair from the follicle; this leaves an active area of cells. Over a period of 4-6 weeks depending on the potency of the hair and new hair will grow. In some areas the hair growth is stronger than others and will therefore require longer periods of waxing treatments than others. The rate of re-growth differs amongst individuals.
A cloth or paper strip is then pressed on the top and torned off with a quick movement against the direction of hair growth. Waxing leaves the area soft and is long lasting. Waxing kits are promptly available in drugstores and grocery stores. Hair regrowth looks lighter and less observable than it is after other methods of hair removal, such as shaving. Professional waxing is also costly as compared to other hair removal methods.
People with diabetes should void waxing as they are more susceptible to infection. Also, teens who use acne medications like tretinoin and isotretinoin may want to skim the wax as those medicines make the skin more sensitive. Teens having moles or skin irritation due to sunburn should also skip waxing. Waxing should not be done on areas of skin influenced by warts, pimples, moles or rashes or on skin that is irritated, chapped or suffering from sunburn.

Waxing Hair Removal Tips

1. Avoid showering and devising the hair wet later to waxing. Hair absorbs(take in and incorporate) the water making it soft and less likely to adhere well to the wax.
2. Hair should be at least 1/8 inch long. If it isn't wait until it reaches this length.
3. Heat the wax carefully so as not to overheat and thus burn the skin when applying.
4. Apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of the hair growth and peel back with a rapid movement close to the skin.
5. Do not pull up or out, rather pull back.
6. Clean the skin with a warm moist towel afterwards to remove excess wax.
7. Avoid wearing tight clothing over freshly waxed areas to minimize the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.

Facial Hair Removal Tips - Facial Hair Removal Methods

Hair is normally abstracted for social and causes related to the social purpose of hair in human society. Facial hair removal is the existent weapon in the hair removal arsenal. Facial Facial Hair Removal in women is our count one most popular technique at Ideal Image. The more normal hair removal approach include inexpensive options such as shaving and depilatory creams. Facial Hair Removal Plus, our staff is sensitive to your needs and diplomatic with regard to the confidentiality of your concerns and privacy of all guest information.

Facial hair removal can be an satisfactory or even preferable alternative in some cases, but Facial is normally not adequate by itself to remove all facial hair permanently. Mostly Facials are used for hair removal target melanin and are therefore designed to burn structures that contain melanin. The more melanin, the more damage.

The advent of hair removal by Facial has brought dream to thousands. Some women in Western cultures select not to remove hair from their bodies as an act of defiance against what they believe to be an repressive ritual. Some men shave their heads, either as a fashion declaration, to cover up male pattern baldness, or to attain enhanced cooling of the skull (particularly for people suffering from hyperhidrosis). A much smaller number of women also shave their heads as fashion or political declaration. Few women also shave their heads for cultural or social causes.

Facial treatment of various skin conditions has bloomed , as Facial technology has become more understood. Hair removal is a familiar application of Facial technology, but it is not permanent and not for everyone. Facials work by radiating light at various wavelengths, energy output, and pulse widths. It makes sense that Facial hair removal works perfect for light-skinned people with dark hair.

There are many techniques and products on the market. First is electrolysis works very well but can be expensive and generally takes many treatments. The benefit of using a home system is that you don't have to make appointments outside of your home. Another advantage of using a home device is the long term cost is low. Second is epilators pull the hair out of your skin.

There are many home devices and different brands. Applying an epilator is not a permanent solution to facial hair removal. One drawback to epilators is that the parts do wear out and need to be replaced. Third is hair growth inhibitors come in various forms such as lotions and sprays. Tweezing: Some women opt to tweeze unwanted hairs. Waxing has been one of the most popular reply for hair removal. Usually, it's an efficacious method to remove hair on the upper lip and fine vellus hair on the sides of the face, but it's not recommended for the chin area where hair tends to be more coarse.

Laser Hair Removal Tips - Laser Hair Removal Methods

Laser Hair Removal - For fast, easy removal of hideous and unwanted hair. Laser hair removal uses one of many special lasers, the Alexandrite laser is one, to cause harm to the hair follicles with a pulsating laser light. This procedure is relatively prick free, quick (under 20 minutes for some treatment areas) and permanent (after 4-6 treatments).

Hairfacts is a reliable non-commercial website that give quality information on all kinds of hair removal procedures having laser hair removal. Laser hair removal relies on a laser light to damage the hair follicles that produce hair. Some choose other hair removal treatments like electrolysis, shaving, waxing, and the use of depilatory creams.

Electrolysis is also time-consuming. It may be however painful and leave scarring. Electrolysis works very well but can be costly and usually takes many treatments. One is to apply ice on the area before to the laser session. Generally, laser hair removal treatments do not need pain medications or sedatives. Laser treatments are operated by a professional technician or a nurse, and can last from a quarter of an hour to an hour and a half.
Depilatories-Cream or lotion depilatories chemically dissolve the hair above the surface of the skin. The advantage of using a home system is that you don't have to make nominations outside of your home. Another advantage of using a home device is the long term cost is low. Some women opt to tweeze unwanted hairs. Waxing has been one of the most popular solutions for hair removal.

Another hair laser removal shaving is the most common way that most people remove their undesired body hair. Applying shaving cream or soap helps preclude the razor from slipping or dragging causing cuts or "razor burn". Shaving or trimming your beard and mustache are customary grooming tasks you're used to. Many side effects of hair laser removal.

Some redness and swelling, alike to a sunburn, blistering may occasionally be seen and more serious side effects are very rare. People who are dark-skinned or tan may have several loss of pigment. The similiar area would need more than 40 hours of needle electrolysis.

Hair Lasar Removal Tips

1. Laser hair removal is not a painless procedure.
2. It is also more common in patients with a tan.
3. The risk of bacterial infection is extremely low.
4. Scarring is unlikely except in cases of overaggressive treatment or postoperative infection.
5. Lightening of tattoos and loss of freckles or pigmented lesions is not uncommon.

Hair Color

Hair color is the result of pigmentation due to the presence of the chemicals of melanin and phaeomelanin. Coloring your hair is perhaps the quickest and most dramatic way to change your look. It is also an excuse to go out and buy a new wardrobe of clothes, because you'll find that what suited you as a brunette looks rather drab on a new blonde.

Human beings have many variations in hair color and hair texture. In general, the more melanin, the darker the hair color; the more phaeomelanin, the lighter it is. Usually the color of children's and adults' hair varies from pale yellow (blonde) to deep black. Hair may also come in more than one shade of color on one's head. As an example, the shade of one's hair color may change from a light shade to a darker one as time elapses.

The ethnic distribution of colors has historically varied by geographic area. For example, black hair prevails in the Middle East , North Africa , and Southern Europe . Brown, blonde, red and black hair occurs in white Europeans and their descendents.

Considerable differences in hair color and texture exist between individuals of similar ethnicity , and immigration and global travel have greatly increased the diversity of hair characteristics in many countries. People also dye their hair to colors that do not occur naturally.

Alopecia

Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss from areas of the body, usually from the scalp. In most cases, hair falls out in small, round patches about the size of a quarter. Because it causes bald spots on the head especially in the first stages, it is sometimes called spot baldness. The most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia which is thinning of the hair caused by androgens (male hormones) in those who have inherited a genetic tendency towards balding. In 1-2% of cases, the condition can spread to the entire scalp ( Alopecia totalis ) or to the entire epidermis ( Alopecia universalis ).

Hair loss can be an extremely distressing condition for men and women but there are now treatments available that can treat some types of hair loss. In some people, hair loss is more extensive. Although uncommon, the disease can progress to cause total loss of hair on the head (referred to as alopecia areata totalis) or complete loss of hair on the head, face, and body (alopecia areata universalis). People are born with about 100,000 hairs on the scalp. Each day about 100 hairs are shed from the scalp and about the same number enter the growth cycle. With alopecia, the hair growth cycle is shortened, and the follicles produce shorter and finer hairs.

Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles which is where hair growth begins. It can occur at any age and affects 1% of the population, most commonly children. Although the exact cause is not known, this is thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system, the body's own defense system, mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, the tiny structures from which hairs grow. This common but very challenging and capricious disease affects approximately 1.7 percent of the population overall, including more than 5 million people in the United States alone.

Due to the fact that much of the public is still not familiar with alopecia areata, the disease can have a profound impact on one's life and functional status, both at work and at school. Alopecia areata usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth bald patches on the scalp and can progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis). Although not life-threatening, alopecia areata is most certainly life-altering, and its sudden onset, recurrent episodes, and unpredictable course have a profound psychological impact on the lives of those disrupted by this disease.

Causes of Alopecia

The common Causes of Alopecia :

• Stress may be the cause of Alopecia Areata but it is rarely observed.
• Alopecia areata is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly treats its hair follicles as foreign tissue and suppresses or stops hair growth.
• Exact cause of why the hair follicles undergo these changes is not known, but it is considered to be genetically passed or triggered.
• The disease is not contagious but may be hereditary.
• Immune system cells called white blood cells attack the rapidly growing cells in the hair follicles, resulting in smaller follicles and immense reduction in hair production. Fortunately, the stem cells that continually supply the follicle with new cells do not seem to be targeted. So the follicle always has the potential to regrow hair.

Symptoms of Alopecia

Some Symptoms of Alopecia :

• The hair stops growing and then falls out from the roots.
• Hairs that look like exclamation points are sometime seen at the edges of a bald patch.
• Some people become self-conscious , anxious or distressed by the appearance of the hair loss.
• The nails are affected in about 1 in 5 cases and become pitted or ridged.
• Sometimes several small bald patches develop and merge into a larger bald area.

Treatment of Alopecia

• Some patients of alopecia areata respond well to drugs that promote hair regrowth, containing minoxidil and finasteride.
• Injections of steroids directly into hairless patches on the scalp and sometimes the brow and beard areas are effectively in increases the hair growth in most people.
• A cream or ointment containing anthralin has also been found to stimulate new hair growth in those with mild cases of alopecia areata. Anthralin which is a synthetic tar-like substance altering immune function in the affected skin makes the condition better.
• Cortisone pills may be prescribed in cases of substantial hair loss.
• Patchy alopecia areata generally clears up on its own within several months to several years.

Hair Structure

Hair grows from a follicle that is located below the surface of the skin. The skin of the scalp is exactly similar to the skin on any other body part. The part of the hair we see above is dead, the actual living part is very small which is knows as root of the hair which exists in the part known as the papilla. In the papilla, cells multiply and produce a protein called keratin - this is responsible for the hardness of the hair.

Each hair has a spong inner core, the medulla, which is surrounded by a stronger layer called the cortex. The cortex is reponsible for the strength, thickness, and flexibility of the hair. It also contains melanin, the pigment that determine hair colour. Any product designed to bring about permanent change, such as bleaches, tints and perms, must penetrate the cortex to restructure a hair's characterstics.

Each hair is made up of three layers the cuticle or the outer most layer which has tiny over lapping transparent scales. When the scales lie flat against each other, the hair appears shiny, but when the scales are lifted, hair seems rough and dull. Conditioning rinses help to keep the scales positioned correctly, giving it a smooth and shiny appearance. Also oily hair is less porous than dry hair.

The porous nature of hair allows for the penetration of chemicals. The agents used in bleaches, tints and perms capitalise on this nature of the hair - the chemicals used are quickly absorbed and bring about the necessary changes in colour and curliness.

Hairs are elongated keratinized structures. The hair shaft, which is the only part we see, is composed mainly of keratin and is entirely dead. In the papilla, cells multiply and produce a protein called keratin - this is responsible for the hardness of the hair.

If the hair is coloured it is due to the presence of pigments- either melanin (black or brown) or pheomelanin (red or yellow). If these pigments are lacking the hair is white. Canites is the term given to grey hair, it is an illusion created by the mixture of white and coloured hairs. Actual individual "grey" hairs do not really exist. Hair grows from a follicle.

The lower part of the follicle widens out to form the hair bulb that contains the germinal matrix, the source of hair growth. Dermal tissue projects into the follicle base to form the dermal papilla, and this has a network of capillary blood vessels to supply oxygen, energy and the amino acids needed for growth.

In the follicle the hair is surrounded by an inner root sheath that has three layers. Henles layer is one cell thick and lies to the outer root sheath. Huxley's layer is two or three cells thick and is in the middle of the sheath. The cuticle of this inner root sheath interlocks with the cuticle of the hair. Both the hair and the inner root sheath grow at the same rate, but the inner root sheath breaks down about two-thirds of the way up the follicle, so only the hair emerges past the skin surface.

Hair Loss

Dermatologists comment that scalp hair loss seems to provoke more distress than many severe skin conditions. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp and can be the result of heredity, certain medications or an underlying medical condition. Anyone men, women and children can experience hair loss. About 30% of people have hair loss by age 30 years, and about 50% have hair loss by age 50 years.

Hair loss is so common that most of the time it is considered a normal variation and not a disease. Some people prefer to let their baldness run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the medications and surgical procedures that are available to treat baldness.

Before pursuing any of these treatment options, talk with your doctor about the cause of and best possible treatments for your hair loss. Hair pulling (trichotillomania) is the habitual pulling out of normal hair. The habit is most common in children but may occur in adults. The hair pulling may not be noticed for a long time, making doctors and parents think that an illness such as alopecia areata or a fungal infection is causing the hair loss.

Partial or complete loss of hair is called alopecia. If you have a worrying amount of hair in the basin after shampooing, you may think you are on the way to baldness. Toxic alopecia is hair loss resulting from physical or psychologic stress.

Sudden weight loss, many severe illnesses (particularly those that involve a high fever), or surgery may cause hair loss. Some drugs including chemotherapy drugs, blood pressure drugs, lithium valproate oral contraceptives, vitamin A, and retinoids also cause the condition. Toxic alopecia may also result from an underactive thyroid gland or pituitary gland and commonly occurs after pregnancy.
The hair may fall out soon after the disease or condition that is causing the hair loss occurs or as long as 3 or 4 months later. Usually, the hair loss is temporary, and the hair grows back. Scarring alopecia is hair loss that occurs at scarred or damaged areas.

The skin may be damaged from burns and other physical injuries or from x-ray therapy. Diseases that cause scarring include lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, and persistent bacterial or fungal infections. Skin cancers also may scar the skin.

Causes of Hair Loss

The common Causes of Hair Loss :

• Illnesses or medical conditions.
• Medications.
• Alopecia areata .
• Mental stress and strain.
• Trichotillomania .
• Hair treatments and styling
• Poor nutrition.
• Disruption of the hair growth cycle.
• Lack of personal hygiene like unclean conditions of scalp.
• Male-pattern baldness.

Symptoms of Hair Loss

Some Symptoms of Hair Loss :

• Hair fall on clothes after combing .
• Gradual appearance of bald patches.
• Receding hairline .

Treatment of Hair Loss

• Herbal preparations that contain zinc, magnesium, iron, vitamin E and other substances in various combinations can help. 
• Finasteride (Propecia) is the latest drug treatment. It comes in tablet form and works by slowing down hair loss; it's also reported to cause new hair growth. In the UK it's only available on private prescription from your GP.
• Wigs and hair transplants are, obviously, the most direct form of treatment. Different hairstyles can create the appearance of a fuller head of hair.
• During this surgery, your health professional will move small grafts (pieces of skin with hair follicles ) from areas of your scalp with full hair to areas of your scalp that are bald or thinning. The grafts may include single hairs or up to 30 hairs in one graft. This is the most common type of surgery used to treat hair loss.

Hair Extensions

Hair extension is adding hair (human or synthetic) onto your own hair by means of Weaving, Braiding, Strand-By-Strand, or Bonding. When well matched in color and texture, and professionally applied by a competent extensionist, hair extensions mix in and move naturally with your own hair, making it difficult to tell you are wearing them. They can provide volume, extend hair, and add highlights or lowlights without the harshness of coloring your own hair. Hair extensions come in many colors, textures, styles and lengths to match any hair type.

Natural or human hair extensions are more expensive because they can be colored, set, curled or treated. Hair extensions have become very popular in the last 10 years with many celebrities taking advantage of the instant volume and length. The extensions used for this method have a latex plug meant to be glued to your own hair for short terms use. Because this method is fast it's also inexpensive. However, to remove extensions, oil and heat must be used to dissolve the bonding agent, which messy and time consuming. If not removed with care the latex can pull your own hair out. Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock, and Nicole Kidman are just a few famous women who have worn hair extensions. However, this is an expensive process and there are a few things to watch for.

An inexperienced extensionist can make poor choices that could result in damage to your own hair. The extensionist should know how to carefully test your hair for strength so that it is not taxed by the method used. Cutting, placement and many other factors come into play to get a natural, great looking head of hair.

 
Extensionists should be licensed cosmetologists. Extensionists generally work off commission so they will naturally want to sell you on a method they know. Tiny braids hold hair extensions against the scalp, like cornrows, except these braids are hidden. A concern with this method is that it applies tension and uneven weight to the natural hair where attached, especially when washing the hair or when wet from swimming or other activities. This can not only loosen the weave but it can tug on your natural hair and break it. It can also be difficult to dry the hair beneath the braids and some people will avoid washing their hair as often. If they only know one method it may not be the best one for your hair. Also, the extensionist should be able to show you certificates received from classes taken for each different method.

Hair Braids

Hair braids can be simple, elegant, and you can have one hair braid or many according to the style you wish to achieve. It is a popular style for summer for women with long hair because it allows the air to circulate to the scalp and helps to keep the wearer cool.

Many women and some men choose to don the tiny braids that often reveal their most recent escape from corporate life. Braided hairstyles are common in a number of other tropical locations, including Jamaica and countless other island destinations.

How to Braids Hair ?

Begin with clean, dry hair. You may want to blow-dry wavy or curly hair straight to give the braid a more even texture. Add some styling gel or pomade to hair to smooth flyaways and make hair easier to manage.

Divide tangle-free hair into three even sections. Place the left section between your left index finger and thumb, let the middle section hang free and place the right section between your right index finger and thumb.

The middle section with your right middle finger and pull it so it passes behind the right section. Extend your right thumb and index finger so the portion of hair therein becomes the middle section.

Use the left middle finger to pull the middle section behind the left section. Extend or straighten the left index finger and thumb to make the left section become the middle section.

Continue until you achieve the desired length of the braid. Make a tighter, more compact braid by pulling the middle section into a horizontal line as you pull it to the right or left. For a loose, elongated braid, simply shift the middle section to the right or left, letting it remain in a vertical line.

Greying of Hair

Greying hair, like wrinkled skin, is a manifestation of the ageing process. The main cause of the greying hair is the genetic inheritance. When hair starts greying permaturely, it can cause a great deal of anxiety and hopelessness. But in half of all Caucasoid people, half the hairs on the scalp are grey by the age of 50. However, as a person grows older and reaches middle age, more and more of these pigment cells die and colour is lost from individual hairs.

Grey Hair, gives the indication of improper protein synthesis. The pigment melanin is responsible for the change of hair colours. The pigment cells are located at the base of each hair follicle produce the natural dominant colour of our youth. The hair has a tendency to lose its natural colour with advancing age and turn grey, but premature greying is a morbid condition and it makes even the young look older. The hair is an appendage of the skin. It is composed of the same kinds of cells as are found in the outer layer of the skin, which is known as the epidermis.

Grey hair is one of the familiar sign of aging. The stem is generally rounded and varies greatly in thickness, while in the case of a curly hair, it is oval or tlattened in section. The hair has a tendency to lose its natural colour with advancing age and turn grey, but premature greying is a morbid condition and it makes even the young look older. This causes a great deal of concern to affected persons, especially women.

The hair is an appendage of the skin. It is composed of the same kind of cells as are found in the outer layer of the skin, known as epidermis. It grows from a hair follicle which is a deep recess in the epidermis. The sebaceous glands of the scalp secrete an oily substance called sebum, which is the source of nutrition, lustre and blackness of the hair. The hair cannot be fed externally, for such nourishment as the scalp requires must come to it from the bloodstream.

Causes of Greying of Hair

The common Causes of Greying of Hair :

• Lack of certain vitamins in the body.
• Genetic factors.
• Worries and tension .
• Dietic errors .
• Unhygienic habits like unclean scalp . 

Dandruff

Dandruff (also called scurf and historicaly termed Pityriasis capitis ) is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. The skin of the scalp has many layers. The skin cells on the scalp are constantly renewing and the old cells get pushed to the surface by the new ones. If you have dandruff, the process of skin renewal (or skin turnover) speeds up to twice the normal rate, so a greater number of dead cells are shed. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers , experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation.

Most cases of dandruff can be easily treated with specialized shampoos. Excessive flaking can also be a symptom of seborrhoeic dermatitis , psoriasis , fungal infection or excoriation associated with infestation of head lice. The scalp becomes scaly and the skin cells shed and collect in clumps. They are noticeable when brushing the hair and can gather on the shoulders. The condition mostly occurs after puberty, usually between the ages of 20 and 30 and affects males more than females.  Dandruff responds very well to treatment, but will commonly recur if treatment is stopped.

Dandruff is the common term used for white skin flakes shedding from the scalp, or in some cases, other hair-covered skin. Seborrhea can present as a variety of conditions such as dandruff, thick scales on the scalp, redness on the face or in the armpits, or raw, red patches below the breasts. In other cases the skin may seem oily or even oily and dry at the same time. Skin is naturally shed from the scalp, but in dandruff sufferers it becomes noticable on the shoulders and causes an itchy scalp. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is the technical term for this common condition.

Dandruff is usually due to the overworking of the sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil and help shed dead skin. In the case of a dandruff sufferer, the sebaceous glands are overactive, shedding more skin than usual. Some people say their dandruff gets worse when they are stress, anxiety and tension.
The best way to control dandruff is to use a shampoo that contains a medication, such as selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue), zinc pyrithione (Head & Shoulders, ZNP), or Nizoral AD. For best results, buy 2 or 3 and alternate them. Since dandruff is a natural process, it cannot be eliminated; it can only be controlled. When scaling of the scalp is accompanied by redness, or when the redness and flaking spreads to cause greasy scaling on the face, eyebrows or sides of the nose, one may have seborrheic dermatitis . Severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are really related conditions and can often be controlled by prescription medications

Causes of Dandruff

The common Causes of Dandruff :

• Heredity predisposition .
• Emotional stress.
• Poor Hygiene.
• Lack of rest .
• Hormonal Imbalance.
• Allergic hypersensitivity.
• Excessive use of hair sprays and gels.
• Cold weather and dry indoor heating .
• Stress and anxiety.

Symptoms of Dandruff

Some Symptoms of Dandruff :

• Itching.
• Scalp may turn red resulting from scratching.
• Skin lesions.
• Hair Loss.
• Redness
• Skin Scales.
• Plaque.

Treatment of Dandruff

• Scalp treatment (ozone treatment).
• Hot oil therapy.
• Henna treatment .
• Herbal shampoo.
• Use of antiseptic lotion.
• Dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Zinc pyrithione.
• Anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredient Selenium sulfide.

Hair Care Tips

The structure of hair is like the scales on the skin of a fish that has overlapping scales around a central core called the cortical. The way your hair looks can make or ruin your appearance completely. Smoother overlapping more shiny and smooth the hair looks. This also leads to easy combing while a tangled or roughed-up structure makes the hair look rough and dull.

Diet and lifestyle are two major factors that influence the health of the hair. Poor diet, illness and deficiencies of any particular vitamin and mineral affects the quality of hair and problems like dandruff, thinning hair, balding, premature graying etc. In an individual the condition of the hair is a reflection of the complete constitution of him. If the person is not healthy then the health of the hair will be deplorable.

If a person has vata constitution, the hairs are dark, dry, coarse, wiry or frizzy and tend to tangle easily, are prone to dullness, split ends and dandruff. The constitution comprising of Pitta has hair that is light brown, blonde or red and tend to grow gray or thin prematurely and are fine and silky with a tendency to become oily. Regularly cleaning and brushing the hair is very important. This natural oil makes the hair glossy and healthy. To give extra shine to the hair, after washing rinse the hair with some lemon juice mixed in a cup of warm water.
Hair Care Tips

Brush your hair regularly before going to bed each night.

Take a calcium supplement or drink two glasses of milk a day.

Add iron and minerals in the natural form in your diet.

Restrict blow-drying your hair. The process of blow-drying is harsh on hair as it robs it of moisture.

Avoid dyes. Use mehandi (henna) instead as a conditioner and colouring agent.

Trim your hair once in 7 weeks to avoid split ends.

If your hair is oily, cut down on fried food and fat. Drink plenty of water.
Hair Types

Normal hair is shiny yet not greasy, and fairly easy to manage.

Greasy hair looks good for a day or two after shampooing, but then quickly becomes lank.

Dry hair is difficult to control after shampooing, looks dull and has ends that are dry and split.

Greasy dry hair is usually fairly long and the hair nearest the scalp is greasy while the ends are dry.
Beautiful Hair Tips

1. Use a hair oil with Vitamin E which has a vitalising cause on hair.

2. Avoid sleeping in hair accessories such as barrettes, scrunchies, head bands, etc.

3. Avoid shampoos that having sodium laurel sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate.

4. Drink coconut water at least twice a week. It is good for hair.

5. Essential oils such as rosemary, ylang-ylang and west indian bay help to stimulate hair growth.

6. Lemon juice mixed with water can also be used as a last rinse to give your hair a shiny and bouncy look.