Hair Loss 911 - Remedy, Treatment, How to Prevent Hair Loss

While there is little we can do about inherited predisposition for hair loss both in men and women (androgenetic alopecia) a wide range of factors, other than genetics can result in hair loss, and many of these conditions are temporary and can be effectively treated.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Hair Loss

Nutritional deficiencies play a large factor in hair loss and health. The human body essentially comprises of three basic tissues: carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Remembering that the hair shaft is made up of 97% protein, it is useful to realize that the processes of synthesizing proteins requires a great deal more energy than that of carbohydrates and fats. Several studies have examined the relationship between iron deficiency and hair loss. See more information below under "Essential Hair Vitamins"

Essential Hair Vitamins and Minerals

Eating right is one of the best ways to repair hair. But with things the way they are today supplements have become increasingly important. The idea, according to Dr. Gary Ross, is to capture essetial amino acids, which the body can't manufacture, in the form of supplements. Hair follicles need these amino acids in order to continually produce keratin - the protein that makes up hair.

Biotin, one of the or vitamins B, functions in the manufacture and utilization of fats and amino acids. Without biotin, these processes are severely impaired. Biotin is manufactured in the intestines by intestinal bacteria. A biotin deficiency is characterized by dry, scaly skin, loss of appetite, seborrhea and hair loss. The best sources of biotin are brewer's yeast, organ meats, and soybeans. There is no official RDA for biotin, but a daily intake of 100 micrograms is believed to be adaquate. A 3.5 oz of cooked beef liver contains 96 mg of biotin, soybeans - 61 mg, peanut butter - 39 mg, walnuts - 37 mg.

A study involving 60 people treated for hair loss with a new product called Hair & Skin Gain, based on a marine protein, minerals and vitamins, demonstrated significant improvement in hair growth. The product contains a proprietary protein complex; a mixture of extracts from red clover, soya and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum, Mexican Bamboo) which supply hair and skin with essential plant hormones (isoflavon genistein, daidzein, and glycetein), phytoalexins (resveratrol) and antioxidants in the form of vitamin A, C, and E. It also contains important minerals such as zinc and silica. Resveratrol has proved to be particularly effective in preventing cancer cell growth in colon and breast cancers. Silica is as important to the skin and hair as calcium to the skeleton. Its function is to provide strength and stability.

In one recent study it was reported that one of the green tea components, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which is a major constituent of polyphenols, might be useful in the prevention or treatment of androgenetic alopecia (boldness). It appears that EGCG promotes hair growth in hair follicles [10].

Hair Shaft Breakage and Hair Loss

Hair shaft breakage, damage to the hair itself, can also result in hair loss. Several things can cause breakage. One of the worst offenses is in use of hair styling chemicals, particularly the inexpensive isopropyl alcohol-based gels, sprays and mousses you can find at just about any supermarket or drug and thrift store. Hair dyes, bleaches, relaxers (straiteners most frequently used by African-American) and permanent wave solutions can wreak a lot of damage, especially if you use them with any sort of regularity. See more information below under "Hair Care Products Ingredients - Take A Closer Look"

Brittle hair may result from frequent using of curling irons and rollers. More about brittle, limp hair and hair loss here

Hair Care Products Ingredients : Take A Closer Look

The following ingredients are used in a wide range of hair care products. Your hair will be much safer if you do not use shamppoos, styling gels, mousses, or sprays that contain the following:

Blow dryers and curling irons can make the hair shaft highly prone to breakage. Excessive heat causes the shaft to become weak and brittle.

Improper Grooming Techniques and Hair Loss

Improper grooming techniques cause damage as well. Using a comb or brush when your hair is wet, and at its weakest, should never be done. In fact, never use a brush on wet hair. Use a wide-toothed comb, or your fingers!

Men who part their hair are particularly susceptible to hair loss. Parting the hair, which is usually done with a comb while the hair is wet, causes a weakening of the follicles and hair shafts in the crown where the hair is combed.

Excessive shampooing with inexpensive store-bought products can dry out your hair, making it brittle. The same can be said for vigorous shampooing, improper scalp massage, or towel-drying techniques.

Chlorine and sunlight weaken the hair shafts, too. When swimming, you should cover your scalp with a swimming cap to avoid exposure. If you don't like swimming caps, wash your hair immediately upon leaving the pool, or ocean.

Prescription Drugs and Hair Loss

If your doctor prescribes any of the following drugs, ask if one that does not have hair loss as a possible side effect can be substituted. You may also want to look into the possibility of using an effective natural treatment instead of a prescription drug, and you can discuss this with your doctor and naturopathic physician or health-care practitioner.

The brand name of the drug is listed first, followed by the drug's generic name in parentheses. The drugs are listed by category, according to the conditions they treat. In some categories, individual drugs are not listed, and you will want to discuss the possibility of hair loss as a side effect of using drugs that treat that particular condition, since many of them do contribute to hair loss. The following drugs may cause hair loss: