Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Boost Hair Regrowth with Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 has many functions in the body and one of these is to help regulate hormones. The correlation between hair loss and hormones has been widely established, leading to the speculation that vitamin B6 may help with hair regrowth. There is more than anecdotal evidence, as several small-scale clinical studies have shown positive results with vitamin B6 as a hair growth agent.

Vitamin B6 and Hair

Vitamin B6 does a number of things in the body that will aid the overall health of the hair, ranging from boosting the immune system to aiding in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 also plays a role in the conversion of the amino acid tryptophan into niacin and an adequate supply of vitamin B6 will reduce the need for niacin intake. People suffering from hair disorders are advised to take B-complex vitamins for stress, and vitamin B6 aids in the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters that can promote healthy hair regrowth.

Vitamin B6 and Hair Loss

Age and genetics play a role in hair loss, but the main mechanism into losing hair has been shown to be the hormone testosterone. Testosterone is converted by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which shortens the growth phase of the hair and shrinks the size of the hair follicle until it is unable to produce visible hair and eventually stops growing new hair completely.

As for the mechanism of vitamin B6 in treating hair loss, it is said to bind to the receptor sites of dihydrotestosterone and decrease its harmful effects on the hair follicles.

Evidence

While vitamin B6 has not been tested extensively as a hair regrowth treatment and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for that purpose, several clinic trials have used the vitamin in hair regrowth studies with pleasant results. Once study concluded that vitamin B6 injections improved hair condition and helped reduce hair loss in women.

Another study found that vitamin B6, zinc and azelaic acid when used together at low concentrations could inhibit 90 per cent of 5 alpha-reductase activity, which helps treat androgen-related conditions such as hair loss.

Methods of Obtaining Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it cannot be stored in the body, so excess amounts are eliminated through waste, which requires a constant replenishing of the vitamin. While taking a B-complex supplement will ensure you get the recommended amount of vitamin B6, it is also found in a number of foods. Good food sources for vitamin B6 include beans, nuts, meat and whole grains. As one of the functions of vitamin B6 is to break down proteins, you will need more vitamin B6 if your protein intake is high.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Hair Loss Solutions: Topical Products or Hair Transplants?

Hair loss treatments for men come in various forms, devices, and modes of application. So it becomes quite essential that you choose the appropriate one. A perfect hair loss therapy for men not only stops hair loss but also addresses the root cause of the hair loss and hair thinning problems.

A perfect hair growth shampoo is the very best option. When seeking to buy a shampoo, there are specific critical things that ought to be remembered. An excellent hair loss shampoo does not come as a single unit. It is normally accompanied by a scalp exfoliant and a conditioner, permitting for much better cleansing of the scalp and nourishment of the hair follicles and strands. It is good to opt for hair care shampoos and thickening conditioners that contain rosemary, fennel, and mistletoe extracts. These ingredients enhance balance, elasticity, flexibility, and strength of the hair shafts and act as moisturizing agents for the hair.

Surgery has become a common hair loss treatment option for balding men. In hair transplants, extremely tiny plugs of hair are taken from the side or back of the scalp, which are then transplanted onto bald spots. Usually, hair transplantation comes last in the list of hair loss solutions, considering the cost and risks that come with it. Getting a hair transplant is advisable for balding men with severe cases or advanced stages of hair loss.

Topical hair loss products, herbal hair loss remedies, or laser therapy for hair loss are ideal for mild to moderate cases of alopecia (medical term for hair loss). Hence, prior to looking into hair loss treatment options, the cause of hair loss and its severity ought to be determined. This is best done by consulting a trichologist, hair loss expert, physician, or a medical professional.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Why Herbal Hair Loss Treatments Help Hair Loss Sufferers Better

Hair loss is a very visible problem in the modern age as you can see it spreading rampantly in every social spectrum. The fundamental cause of hair loss is our modern way of living and substandard food and nutrition. In this regard, it is very important for you to find out some compatible hair loss treatments by keeping your eyes on the causes of the problem and its remedial measures. There are possibly hundreds of treatments available in terms of treating your hair loss problem; however, some have greater competitive advantage over others. The same goes for natural or herbal oil treatment methodologies.

In this regard, the first thing you need to do is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the service providers in the particular area. Then you compare their costs, advantages and competitive advantages. Once you are able to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the given treatment method, you will be able to avail the services of the best provider. However, before getting into the debate of which service provider is better, you need to analyze the fundamental causes of the problem and find the leading factor in your case. This will further make your life easier by offering you a comprehensive and focused output.

Hair fall problem is common, but its underlying causes will be different from person to person owing to various reasons. Primarily it is regarded as a genetically inherited problem which travels from one generation to the next. However, there are plenty of other issues as well which may also cause hair fall or at least sluggish hair growth. Sometimes, some factors do not cause hair fall; instead, they cause your hair growth to slow down.

There are many service providers that are offering their services to the large customer base for various reasons. This means that you can have the treatment of your choice and demand. People choose surgical processes, medical treatment and natural solutions for the same problem. However, treatment of the problem with hair oil is very useful in various respects as it is a natural treatment, so it is always free from any kind of side effects. Moreover, the natural treatments are not only reliable but they are more comprehensive as well, because they not only address the problem but its underlying cause as well.

In short, there are hundreds of solutions available in the market; however, you should go for the one that is not only reliable but comprehensive and does not cause any side effect. The natural and herbal treatments have gained repute because of the very fact that these are not only reliable but also free from any type of side effects.

A natural hair loss treatment is regarded the best because of its ability to root out the causes of the problem and provide a sustainable solution.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Herbs and Hair Care Tips to Treat and Prevent Hair Loss

Your hair is your crowning glory although many do sport the crew cut or bald style sometimes. While that is your choice, natural hair loss is not and that can be very disconcerting. It could be caused by various factors such as your poor diet and stressful lifestyle.

Hair loss is more common in the West with the rich fatty foods that are consumed daily; such foods do not provide the necessary nutrients to give you healthy hair. There are many natural hair loss treatments that you can adopt to ensure strong and healthy hair.

Natural Supplements
It is always good to consider natural treatments for hair loss as chemical-based products may do more harm than good. And it is quite easy to obtain natural supplements from the natural or organic ingredients which you can get from your garden or your nearby grocery store.

Saw Palmetto
The main ingredient in any effective natural hair loss treatment is saw palmetto which has a high potential in reducing DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Tests have been conducted with positive results from using saw palmetto to lower DHT levels to encourage hair growth.

Nettle Root
Another popular ingredient in hair loss products is nettle root where it can block 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into DHT. It is slightly stronger than saw palmetto but may have certain side effects too. Consult your doctor before using.

Dong Quai
Dong Quai is a Chinese herb that can also block DHT formation; hence, hair loss is prevented if you use dong quai in topical creams or hair serums.

Avoid Chemical-Based Products
If you find your hair still excessively shedding after using some new hair loss product or treatment, chances are the new product or treatment contains harmful chemicals that are affecting your hair. You should stop those treatments or products immediately.

Also, chemicals used in perms, relaxers and hair coloring can cause your hair to be dry and brittle while damaging your scalp and hair follicles.

Physical Factors
There are many physical factors that can affect hair loss; hence, the best way to prevent hair loss is to remove these physical factors or reduce them as much as you can. These include frequent blow drying, rough brushing and dandruff existence.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Herbs that Can Free You from Hair Loss

Aloe vera is an herb that makes hair healthy and is used as a hair loss treatment. Castor oil is another natural product that nourishes hair and prevents the scalp from drying, as it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Ricinoleic acid is present in castor oil which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which protect the scalp from infections that can cause hair loss. If castor oil is applied regularly on the scalp, it helps in the regeneration of healthy hair. Almond oil helps in maintaining the necessary oil concentration in the hair; it also nourishes the scalp and reduces the chances of hair loss.

Including green tea in one’s diet also helps in the prevention of hair loss. Green tea can be used to rinse the scalp as it is one of the best natural conditioners and it also prevents scalp irritation. It has sufficient concentration of vitamin C, vitamin E and panthenol that are required for conditioning the hair and scalp and preventing loss of hair.

Onion has high sulfur content; hence, it can also be used for preventing hair loss. A half-cut onion can be rubbed on the scalp for half an hour before taking shower. The process when repeated on a daily basis for a few days helps in reducing hair loss.

Mustard oil along with henna is also a very good defense for hair loss. Mustard oil can be mixed with finely sieved henna and left for cooling down at room temperature; the paste that will be produced can be used for application on the scalp twice or thrice a week to prevent hair loss.

Spinach consists of omega fatty acids. It helps in the regeneration of new hair and is an effective alternative hair loss remedy. Coconut milk is also a sure shot remedy to hair loss. Coconut milk can be obtained by grinding coconut meat and squeezing the juice. This milk should be massaged on the scalp and hair roots gently for proper blood circulation and stimulation of new hair growth.