Archive for April, 2015

Hair loss, and its potential treatments are frequently a popular topic in some of Australia’s top publications, especially those that operate on the side of tabloid journalism. Stories published usually have a sensational element to them, and can at times feature new or emerging companies with significant claims to treating the condition.

This is interesting, because while there are proven hair regrowth treatments, there is certainly no “silver bullet” or “magical cure” for complete reversal of the condition. That’s one of the most important facts to note about hair loss in general.

Why are there so many options available?

Being that hair loss is so common, it’s only natural for people to seek solutions for it. But a common problem does not necessarily equate to abundant expertise on it; hair loss is primarily a medical condition, and as such requires medical advice.

Hair loss treatments come in three different categories: surgical, medical intervention, and non-surgical hair replacement.

In countries all around the world, there are robust structures in place to ensure that the only people practicing medicine are those who are entirely qualified. If a person were to become ill with a cold, or a sore throat, they’d know precisely where to go – the local medical centre. But hair loss is a different condition altogether, and people, in many cases, are not so well-informed on where to go.

In fact, many may not even realise the difference between medical and non-medical companies!

Dispensing treatments

The issue for those experiencing hair loss, whatever the cause, is how it can impact on their mental wellbeing. Self-esteem may drop and confidence can erode, which creates a certain vulnerability. That’s what non-medical companies are capitalising on, making bold, at times outrageous claims about their ‘treatments’ and often without the data to back it all up.

For example, minoxidil is common in hair loss treatments, and there is a lower-grade version of the drug available over the counter at a pharmacy. However, that does not remove the need for it to be sold by educated and experienced professionals. When non-medical companies dispense ‘treatments’ like this, they are not only breaking the law; they are endangering their clients.

What to Look For?

Ultimately, all one really needs to know is that hair loss is a medical condition, and it demands a medical solution. That means consulting a doctor for whom the area is a specialty. It also means being advised by pharmaceutical experts on treatments.

If a company cannot offer these things, or produce the appropriate credentials, then they’re simply not worth your time. Ashley & martin, on the other hand, is a company with doctors and pharmacists at its core, which has allowed it to flourish and provide tailored hair loss solutions to patients.

Millions of people around the world experience hair loss due to different reasons. While there are some who don’t need to do anything to maintain a healthy mane, others may require hair loss treatments to deal with the issue.

If hair loss is gradual and consistent, then it may be hereditary. However, if you experience premature hair loss then the reason may be your poor health. That’s right! Health and hair loss are closely tied together. Your health affects the quality, texture and strength of your hair. Poor health habits and prolonged illness can throw your body out of balance and trigger hair loss.

Putting Things in Perspective

Let’s take a deeper dive to understand the connection between hair loss and your overall health:

Our body requires a healthy balance of different factors, like a nutritious diet and ample sleep, to name a few, and any imbalance in these can result in problems like hair loss. You may experience significant hair loss after a prolonged illness like severe infection, surgery, high fever or even flu. In medical terminology, this type of hair loss is referred to as telogen effluvium.

Other underlying diseases that can also cause hair loss are:

• Over or under active thyroid glands
• Anaemia

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation and hair loss may appear to be two different problems but actually they are not. Where sleep helps body to repair and revitalize, it also influences hair growth. Poor sleep patterns, insomnia and narcolepsy can influence the health of your hair and lead to hair breakage and loss over time. In fact, lack of sleep is one of the reasons for Male Pattern Baldness in male adults.

Diet Matters

Poor diet can impact the whole body and deteriorate your health, often resulting in hair loss. Simply put, what you eat not just impacts your overall wellbeing but also the health of your hair. The effects of your diet on the appearance, texture and growth of your hair should not be underestimated.

That being said, it is important to understand that striking a nutritional balance is the key. Scalp and hair problems may occur either due to nutritional deficiency or excess intake of nutrients.  Other reasons include iron deficiency. Iron is necessary to maintain healthy hair and nails and deficiency can thereby trigger hair loss. And according to the University of Hawaii, overdose of intake of vitamin A can also result in hair fall. [URL http://www.livestrong.com/article/334045-hair-loss-due-to-a-vitamin-overdose/]

For some people, a healthy diet is one that includes vegetables, fruits and minimal proteins, while others believe high protein diet with no carbohydrates (Atkins diet) is the best.  These types of diets may be healthy, but for optimum hair growth and health, it is imperative to strike a balance of all the nutritional elements like iron, vitamins, minerals, proteins and complex carbohydrates. Make sure your diet includes all these essential nutrients for healthy hair and growth.

Bad Habits

You may find it strange but hair loss problems can be associated with smoking, drinking and excess consumption of caffeine. Smoking puts men at a greater risk of going bald. Here’s how: hair basically grows out of follicles underneath the scalp. These hair follicles require oxygen, essential nutrients and blood circulation to function properly and trigger hair growth. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals and toxins which affect the blood circulation, and disrupt  hair growth resulting in thinning and loss of hair.

When you experiences hair loss, you might see two things escape down the drain– hair and confidence. Thanks to medical and technological advancements and breakthroughs, a plethora of treatments is now available to tackle hair loss. But, as they say, prevention is better than cure, so why not do your best to prevent hair loss in the first place?

Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to prevent hair loss.

Avoid Hair Exposure to Chemicals and Heating Tools Frequently

Extended, regular use of chemical-heavy shampoos, hair styling products and heating tools like hair dryers and straighteners may damage hair beyond repair by weakening the proteins inside it.

Shampoos that contain a lot of silicone, parabens and other artificial ingredients make hair rough, dry and fragile, which eventually leads to hair falling out and sometimes even scalp irritation. And heating tools are even more dangerous than you can imagine. The heat generated from styling tools can burn the scalp and damage hair follicles.

Try to switch to organic and chemical-free products and don’t over-shampoo – reducing hair washing frequency can actually improve the health of your hair. It would be extreme to tell someone to never use heating tools on their hair, rather, it’s best to practice moderation. When you do feel like styling your hair –such as for a special occasion or event – make sure to use a heat protection spray to minimize hair damage. Get haircuts regularly to get rid of split or dead ends – this can instantly improve the look of your hair.

Eat Healthy

Your diet directly affects your hair health. Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet comprising of vegetables, proteins, carbohydrates, and omega 3 fatty acids will help keep your hair in good shape. Extreme diets and dramatic weight loss can cause hair to fall out. For women in particular, iron is very important.

Stay Stress-Free

Stress can alter the natural hair cycle: it forces hair follicles into their resting phase, causing them to fall out prematurely. If you suffer from stress, look into things like meditation, yoga and cardio exercise and try to avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.