effect on the hair follicles. The estrogen in women is able to counteract Testosterone, which prolongs the thinning process until after menopause. This is why most women begin thinning around the age of 30, approximately 10 years later than when the average male pattern of balding sets in.
More than 85 percent of hair loss is heredity, but we speed up the process when we subject ourselves to physical and emotional stress and drug usage. Anti-arthritis drugs, beta blockers, blood thinners and even aspirin, when taken over a long period of time, will promote hair thinning. If you experience an unusual pattern of hair loss, see a medical physician or dermatologist who specializes in hair and scalp disorders. Your hair can tell a lot about your overall health.
According to Nioxin research laboratories in Atlanta, there has been a new discovery about thin, lifeless-looking hair and its link to an eight-legged bug called Demodex. This microscopic bug nestles inside the hair follicle and feeds off the sebum. In order to digest the sebum, the bug produces an enzyme called lipase, which seems to have an adverse effect on the strength and condition of our hair.
Although the scientific world has known about Demodex since the 1800's, Nioxin made the connection between Demodex and thinning hair in 1997. While conducting studies at Nioxin's Biotechnical clinic, researchers discovered "Demodex Folliculorum" on the scalps of 100 percent of men and women with thinning hair. For more information, contact the Nioxin Laboratory or a doctor who specializes in hair and scalp disorders.
Hair deformities can be detected when there is a significant change in the shape, strength or texture of the hair strand. Like hair loss and breakage, hair deformities may be hereditary or self-induced through the use of hair additions, braids, weaves, and repetitious designs. If your hair texture changes and becomes thin, grainy, soft or springy, more than likely some kind of abnormality has developed.
If we were to pull an abnormal hair strand out of the head and lay it on a piece of white paper, we would see peculiar irregularities. One common deformity is referred to as Beau lines. Beau lines are defined as an indentation within the hair shaft that occurs when the hair is locked in a permanent configuration for an extended period of time. Beau lines are evident throughout the strand, especially after the hair is braided or secured with a stitch of thread. Wherever the locking mechanism is fixated on the hair, it will decrease the diameter of the strand, causing the appearance of Beau lines.
TRICHORRHEXIS
I want to address another hair deformity called Trichorrhexis. This is when the hair is severely fractured and shredded but has not yet broken off. Each strand holds the other together, and if examined under a microscope, they would look like the bristles of two paint brushes being pushed against one another. Unlike Trichoptilosis (split ends), in which the hair breaks on the ends, with Trichorrhexis, the hair can break at any point throughout the hair strand.
Trichorrhexis is mainly caused by excessive pulling of the hair and heat application. Oftentimes, hot irons are too hot and singe or fracture the hair. In many of these cases the hair does not fall out right away, but is vulnerable to breaking off the next time you style your hair.
HEALTH AND HAIR
Although the hair root is living, we must remember that the hair has no self-repairing ability and little can be done to reverse the condition of damaged hair. Conditioning treatments and kutting off portions of damaged hair are among the most beneficial alternatives to restoring damaged hair. The reproduction of hair cells is dependent upon proper nourishment and oxygen. When the bloodstream provides the hair with nourishing elements, it grows long and strong. The average growth of healthy hair is a quarter inch per month. If inadequately nourished, hair will become weak and hair loss eventually will occur. That's why good eating and exercise habits are so important.
A healthy diet is well balanced, rich in vitamins and minerals, abundant in fruits and green vegetables and generous in natural fluids. Two vital nutrients for healthy hair are vitamin B complex and vitamin C. Without these vitamins, hair growth will be minimal. When we are under extreme pressure our body will deplete its supply of vitamin B complex and vitamin C. Proper exercise will help the body release excess energy. Map out a vigorous but brief exercise routine and follow it daily. Also, take time out of each day to relax.
Another vitamin that is a tremendous benefit to the hair is vitamin A. This vitamin benefits the skin as well and relieves the scalp from itching and flaking. Vitamin E is an essential fatty acid and contributes to the sebaceous gland in producing sebum.
The following tips are also recommended:
•Avoid excessive quantities of salt.
•Take a teaspoonful of cod liver oil, enriched in vitamin A, on a daily basis.
•Avoid cigarette smoking.
•Avoid eating animal fats and hydrogenated fats.
•Avoid refined carbohydrates, i.e. white sugar and white flour.
•Maintain a basic diet, including foods that are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins.
Living good keeps us feeling good, and feeling good helps us to look good. Proper care of hair and skin surrounding it will result in one's total health and beauty for life. Check with a doctor that can tailor a personalized dietary plan for you.
ADDITIONAL THINGS YOU CAN DO
There are several additional remedies that have been known to strengthen the hair and reduce hair loss and breakage.
Biotin is a well-known B vitamin that helps to control dry scaly, scalp, depression, hair breakage and loss.
Equisetum Arvense, also known as Horsetail Tea, is rich with silica and other minerals, and is essential for strong resilient hair.
Standing on your head will help increase blood circulation. We recommend doing this exercise two to three times a week for 30 to 60 seconds. If the headstand seems a bit extreme, we suggest that you use a slant board.
SLANT BOARD
Slant boards can be purchased or created by slanting a board on top of a chair. The purpose of the slant board is to reverse the body's gravity and to force blood, oxygen and nutrients through the capillaries to feed the hair roots.
For best results, while in a slanted position, massage your scalp with a hand-held vibrating massager for 5 to 15 minutes once or twice a day. When performed properly, finger massages can be very effective as well. Place both hands on the head, using all 10 fingertips, push the scalp toward the center of the head and massage in a circular motion. You might want to practice the flat-handed palm style. Both methods are relaxing and will not damage your hair.
Chapter 2
Nutrition and Hair
by Barry L. Fletcher
Herbs, vitamins, minerals and increasing hair growth.
Hair is a cellularly active follicle, and just like the remaining cells and organs in the body, it needs vitamins, minerals and proteins to grow. Hair cells rely on the lymph or fluid portion of the system for their nourishment. As the blood circulates throughout the body, it transports and distributes proteins and nutrients to the hair cells through vessels known as capillaries. These capillaries
then feed the nutrients directly to the root of the hair strand.
The World Health Organization estimates that herbs are the primary medicine for two thirds of the world's population, some four billion people. Amongst them are some of the healthiest populations in the world. Most U.S. physicians are trained to rely upon high-technology, laboratory-based medicine, but