Hair FactsWell-groomed, healthy-looking hair boosts self-confidence and our overall sense of well-being. Our hair scalp is the most absorbent part of the body's skin, particulary the very top. If you are looking for organic DIY treatment, below are few treatments you can use at home. Hair is body protein called keratin and it grows out of a minuscule opening of the skin called a follicle. The average human scalp has 100,000 hair follicles. Normal hair loss is 50 to 100 hairs per day. Hair is not critical for human survival, but it may serve some important functions. Some experts argue that hair protects the scalp from heat loss as well as from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. However, scientists are divided as to whether hair has a genuine and important role in thermo-regulation and photo-protection, or whether it is predominantly an evolutionary remnant associated with identity and sexual attraction. Hair is a tactile organ, and is associated with numerous free nerve endings that are sensitive to touch, At birth we possess all the hair follicles we will ever own. By the time we expire, hopefully many decades later, each of the 100,000 or so original follicles will have grown 20- 30 individual hairs. Over time follicles become exhausted and atrophy.
Causes of excessive hair lossAge: As we age we produce less hair, and the hairs are thinner. Older hair is also more prone to break. Illness and medication: Major surgery, illness, fungus infections of the scalp, and high fevers may cause excessive hair loss. Over active and under active thyroids also cause hair loss. Hair loss is sometimes related to an underlying disease such as lupus or diabetes. High doses of vitamin A can also cause excessive hair shedding. Since hair loss is often an early sign of disease, it is important to have a physical examination to find the cause, Medicines that may exacerbate hair loss include blood thinners, birth control pills, antidepressants, and medicines uses for chemotherapy. Hormones: Hormones have a great impact on hair growth. Many women notice changes during and after pregnancy and around menopause. After menopause, the ovaries may produce more androgens (male hormones) than estrogen, and this can result in hair loss. Male baldness is related to increased testosterone. Male-pattern baldness is usually an inherited trait. Iron: Iron deficiency may cause hair loss. Women that have heavy menstrual periods may suffer from iron deficiency. This condition can be detected by laboratory tests, and can be corrected by taking iron pills. Protein deficiency: Proper nutrition is essential to healthy hair growth. Fad diets low in protein may cause the body to save protein by shifting growing hairs into a resting phase. Trichotillomania: Twisting and pulling on hair is a bad habit that is often a coping response to stress. In severe cases, the help of a mental health professional is required. A less perplexing condition is traction. Tight ponytails, braids, weaves, extensions, heavy beads, tight curlers may result in hair loss. This condition may easily be rectified by loosening taught hair. Alopecia Areata: Hair loss usually results in small, smooth patches. Rarely does this condition cause complete loss of scalp hair. The exact cause of this condition is not yet known, but in most cases the hair grows back . Dermatologists may help expedite hair growth through a combination of topical medications, injections, special light treatments, and pills. Over processing: Repeated permanents, hot combing, and harsh bleaching may contribute to hair breaking and falling out. Stress: Physical traumas as well as mental traumas can cause hair loss. There is some new clinical evidence that psychoemotional events actually alters hair follicle growth by prematurely terminating the normal duration of active hair growth. Excessive hair loss has many different causes, and may indicate an underlying illness. If you experience rapid or continued hair loss, you are advised to consult with a healthcare professional .
Hair loss treatmentsThere are no miracle cures for hair loss. Even surgical hair transplants do not cure the problem. Surgical restoration simply redistributes permanent hair to balding areas. The allopathic medical view most often treats hair loss with surgical intervention, cortisone injections, or drugs such as minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). These medications promote hair growth in a significant minority of patients, especially those with male pattern baldness and alopecia. In most cases these drugs are safe but adverse side effects can occur. Side effects of Rogaine include some dryness and irritation of the scalp. Reported side effects of Propecia include some cases of diminished sexual drive and impotence. Propecia is not approved for women because it can cause birth defects. Alternative and complementary medicine treats hair loss and shedding not only with allopathic modalities, but also with a combination of diet, nutrition, herbs, vitamins, exercise, and stress management. A well balanced diet can help reduce or prevent hair loss. Nutrition is a critical factor in hair loss. Hair is a reflection of your overall health, and good nutrition means better hair growth. Nutritional factors not only affect hair but also the skin and scalp. Eliminating scaling problems is often critical to improving hair quantity and quality . Like the body, healthy hair demands a well balanced and nutritious diet. A healthy hair food plan should contain fruits and leafy vegetables containing vitamins and antioxidants, whole grains for minerals, nuts and seeds for minerals and vitamins, and protein for iron. The fiber from fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes is good for your body and your hair. Water not only hydrates your body, but also helps keep your hair silky and shiny. 8 to 10 glasses of water and juice are recommended daily. The fiber from fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes is good for your body and your hair. Soy products contain phytoestrogens - estrogens from plants help boost your health. Increase protein intake. Many peoples shun protein sources like nuts and cheese because of their high calorie content. As a result they depend on carbohydrates and suffer from protein related hair loss, along with fatigue, lowered immunity, and blood sugar imbalances. A low-fat diet may slow down hair loss. A high-fat meat based diet raises testosterone levels in men. This may adversely affect hair growth. In Japan , prior to World War II, male pattern baldness was quite rare, The change of the Japanese diet from a lean and healthy diet to a Westernized diet rich in animal fat appears to have caused a substantial increase of baldness among Japanese men. Low-fat foods may not stop hair loss, but it may very well slow the hair loss process. You may try drinking herbal hair tea that contains ingredients such as rosemary, nettle and horsetail. You may wisht to combine them with other herbs such as peppermint for a refreshing and pleasant taste.
In addition to a well-balanced high protein low fat diet, vitamins, minerals, and herbs are critical to the health and growth of hair. MD Healthline' Super Hair Care has been specially formulated to provide basic nutrients for hair growth, vitality, improved circulation to the scalp, improved hair texture, finish, and color. Click Here to Order Super Hair Care. Super Hair Care contains essential nutrients for healthy hair, Click Here for more information.
Brushing of Hair
Here's a DIY no-rinse conditioner you can try.
Combine all the above herbs in a large container and pour 1 pint of boiling water over the herbs and allow to steep for 30 mins. Strain the liquid and add 1 tbsp of vinegar. After shampooning, pour the liquid over your scalp and hair, leave it on without rinsing.
Treatment for Thining Hair Massage into freshly washed, damp hair, then cover with a plastic shower cap or cling flim and a warm towel over the top. Leave on for 2 hours and rinse hair thoroughly with warm water; shampoo and condition as normal.
Banana Hair Mask for Dry & Coloured Hair Mash the ingredient together and smooth it onto the hair from the roots all the way to the ends with your hands. It may be messy but it's well worth it. Massage the mask into your hair and scalp and wrap your hair in cling film or hot towel for 15 mins and then rinse, shampoo and condition as normal.
Hair Treatment for Dry & Coloured Hair Beat the egg white and place in a bowl with all other ingredients. Apply to wet hair, massage well and leave for 10 mins. As the mixture is very runny, use it while you are bathing. To remove, shampoo your hair twice or until the mixture has all washed away and condition as usual.
Simple Avocado Mask (for all hair type except oily hair)
Mash one avocado and massage into the hair, cover with a shower cap and rinse out after 30 mins. Shampoon and condition as normal. The natural oils in avocado make this fruit an excellent moisturizer for every hair type except oil hair.
Honeydew Melon Treatment for Oily Hair
Mash or blend a quarter of the fruit and run the juice through your hair. Leave on for 10 mins and then shampoo and rinse out.
Treatment for Dandruff
Mix 2 tbsp of mineral water, olive oil and lemon juice and massage into the scalp and leave for 15 mins. Shampoo and rinse. Olive oil helps to remoisturize the scalp and prevent build-up of dead skin cells and lemon juice act as antibacterial and helps the skin to exfoliate.
Use fresh or bottled apple juice and massage into the hair, from roots to tips after each shampoo. Rinse with 2 tbsp of apple juice diluted in a litre of water.
Cause of Dandruff is due to dry scalp.
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