Hair Loss in Black Women

Generally, hair loss is not a really a notorious problem in women as much as it is in men. However, in black women, it is a different story. Many black women suffer from terrible hair loss. One of the most common conditions is called central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia or C.C.C.A. Initially, experts thought the main culprits include hair extensions, hot combs, chemical straighteners, tight braids, and weaves. However, it was later known that follicular degeneration is the cause. It is marked by inflammation and scarring around the hair follicles, which may never produce hair again. 

In effort to evaluate its prevalence in black women, researchers have found out that more than 100 out of 326 women have centrifugal cicatricial alopecia or C.C.C.A. Interestingly, the condition appears to be almost exclusively in black women. A study published in Archives of Dermatology suggests that with severe hair loss comes an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and bacterial scalp infections. Those with hair loss due to harsh hair grooming practices experience a more extensive hair loss condition.

Read more on Hair Loss in Black Women

3 Common Synthetic Ingredients in Hair Loss Products

Studies revealed that ninety-five percent of hair loss cases are due to the overproduction of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp.

DHT, which is produced by the interaction of the male hormone testosterone and the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, causes the hair follicles to shrink, resulting to the growth of smaller, finer and thinner hair strands. When the build-up of DHT is not properly controlled, the hair follicles may become inactive or dormant, leading to their eventual death.

Luckily, the advancement of science and technology made way for the rise of thousands of hair loss products in the market. These products are specially formulated with active ingredients to hinder the onset of hair loss and hair thinning problems by blocking the formation of DHT.

Apart from finasteride and minoxidil, which are the only FDA-approved substances for hair loss treatment, three of the most common active ingredients found in various hair loss products are copper peptides, dutasteride, and ketoconazole.


Read more on 3 Common Synthetic Ingredients in Hair Loss Products

Attain Shinier and Healthier Strands with Stinging Nettle

For hundreds of years, stinging nettle served as a natural agent to promote the growth of shinier and healthier hair strands. In fact, the ancient Greeks have long recognized stinging nettle’s ability to promote healthier locks, as well as enhance the luster of the hair strand.

Origin

Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, is a perennial flowering plant which is native to Europe, Asia and the northern parts of America and Africa.

Components

Stinging nettle is rich with nutrients like calcium, iron, copper, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, silica, and beta carotene, as well as vitamins E and C.  It also contains active compounds such as flavonoids, riboflavin, amines, and thiamine which are all necessary for proper hair regrowth.

Read more on Attain Shinier and Healthier Strands with Stinging Nettle

Can a New Hairstyle Fix My Balding Head

Men also tremble at the sight of the early signs of hair loss. In fact, when they do, they tend to panic and then resort to measures that are completely inappropriate, not to mention unnecessary. A new hair cut alone can fix the damaged caused by hair loss on the appearance. Here are some hairstyles which could actually help.

Smooth-Shaven

Have you heard the news? Well it’s not exactly news to everyone but Bruce Willis finally did it. Not that he was in a rush to show his entire dome. In fact, he advises, ‘Before you shave your head, you better know what it looks like under there. Unless you know for sure, you could end up walking around with “nothing but zucchini”, as Jon Stewart so eloquently put it’. So when should you get completely shaven? A completely bald look is actually a great option for men with very thin surrounding hairs and with severe hair loss. A clean shaven look will not only eliminate the hassles of styling your hair again, it also presents a personal statement.

Read more on Can a New Hairstyle Fix My Balding Head

3 Steps to a Beautiful and Healthier Head of Hair

Hair loss and thinning hair conditions may occur due to a number of reasons: genetically pre-determined hair loss, hormonal imbalance, damages caused by hair treatments or extensions, or lifestyle factors which include poor nutrition and improper hair care.

Yes, lifestyle factors like the ones mentioned above may trigger hair loss in both men and women. Fortunately, the good news is that you can keep your hair healthy, shiny and strong by frequently nourishing, moisturising and protecting your hair.

STEP 1: MOISTURISE

A healthy head of hair could be achieved if it is well-hydrated inside out.  To avoid hair breakages, it is essential to saturate the hair strands with a moisturiser on a daily basis.

Safflower Hair Moisturiser - safflower oil is a good hair moisturising agent

1. Take 1–2 drops of safflower oil on your palm and gently apply it on your hair.

2. While applying the oil, start with the roots and then towards the scalp.

3. You can leave the oil in your hair for a softer and shinier effect.

Read more on 3 Steps to a Beautiful and Healthier Head of Hair

What Are the Alternatives to Finasteride

When the Food and Drug Administration approved the hair loss drug Propecia in late 1997, male hair loss sufferers thought Propecia was the wonder drug they always needed. It was when researchers discovered an epiphenomenon - which was hair growth - while the drug finasteride was being tried out in the management of enlarged prostates.

However, users cannot deny the side effects they experience. According to one recently published study, 23% of patients experienced sexual dysfunctions. Additionally, the study reported that many users continue to experience the same side effects although they already weaned off the medication. Hair loss sufferers are not unaware of its side effects which is why much of the balding population are clamouring for alternatives and of course, for a cure. But since there is no cure for hair loss . . . yet, patients can only go for alternatives.

Non-surgical and non-drug treatments

There is a wide array of choices when it comes to non-surgical and non-drug treatments. Low level laser therapy, for one, is a good choice. It is based on the principle of using a therapeutic artificial light source, particularly low level laser, for treating mild to moderate cases of male pattern baldness. Laser treatments are safe and not gender selective (unlike finasteride).

Read more on What Are the Alternatives to Finasteride

Tips on Boosting Hair Regrowth

There are many ways of looking after your hair and making sure that it maintains a healthy growth. If you are experiencing increased hair loss, worry not, for this article is going to reveal to you the secret of boosting hair regrowth.

The best way to deal with hair loss is to nip it in the bud and stop it from continuing, then you can concentrate on making it grow back. The first and most simple way to control hair loss is to start using some cosmetic chemicals, oils and shampoos. Cosmetic products are very essential for they supply the hair with natural nutrients and oils that are extracted from plants which help strengthen hair strands making it much difficult for them to break. These cosmetic products also help fortify the foundation that holds hair strands. Doing all this will ensure that further hair loss is minimized, and what's next is to boost further hair growth?

The first and most simple way to boost hair growth is to make changes to your diet. You can make simple changes to your diet by including vegetable and some sea products. The aim is to include in your diet products that supply nutrients and minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, amino acids, and so on all of which are very essential in the production of hair strands. Another adjustment that needs to be made in a diet is to reduce foods that contain too much cholesterol. Such foods affect the blood circulatory system, thus hindering the free circulation of blood to the scalp region. Once a good blood flow rich in nutrients and minerals is assured to reach the scalp, hair regrowth is assured.

Another possible way of stimulating hair regrowth is by using a low laser intensity comb. These laser combs are available for sale in some outlets. These laser combs can stimulate hair follicles to come out of the resting state. These combs also further stimulate active hair follicles to strengthen already present hair strands. The result is that hairs begin to thicken while those that were in the resting state begin showing signs of regrowth.

Another good way of boosting hair regrowth that is safe and is risk free is scalp massaging. Scalp massages are effective in promoting increased blood circulation. This helps the circulatory system to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the scalp, which boosts hair regrowth. Massages also help relax the mind, relieving stress. Stress is one of the causes of baldness. Stress can trigger the release of hormones that will affect the normal function of hair follicles, thus causing hair loss.

Another option of boosting hair regrowth is chemotherapy. There are some drugs available on prescription that can be used to boost hair regrowth. Some of these drugs include the likes of finasteride, minoxidil, dutasteride and many others. These drugs have different functions some of which include the inhibition of enzymes that are involved in the production of substances that cause hair loss. The result is that these drugs boost hair regrowth, getting rid of baldness.

Are you looking for the best Boosting Hair Regrowth?