HAIR LOSS and BALDNESS

Baldness or hair loss is not only adults concern, many teens are also having problems with this. This morning, when i was on public transportation, there were 4 girls sat next to me. They chatted enthusiastically so that i could listened clearly to what they are talking about. It was about one of them whose hair appeared to get thinning, and that she found it a little stressful since teens such age are already concerned about appearance.

Today i'm going to share some informations mainly discuss about hair loss; the so-called abnormal hair loss condition, common myths about hair loss, what causes hair loss and baldness, how to take care of your crown, hair loss remedies and treatment.

What condition does hair loss need to be worried?. Losing 50-100 head hairs a day are relative normal and no cause of worry, they grow back in the same follicle on your head. But if you're losing more than that, though, something might be wrong.

Common myths about hair loss or baldness
1. Baldness was inherited through your mother's male relatives. Actually, baldness can come from either side of the family, or both.
2. Longer hair puts a strain on roots and caps choke off the circulation to the scalp causing hair loss. Both are wrong.
3. You lose up to 100 hairs per day normally - some days a lot more; others, a lot less. These hairs have finished their 3-year life span and are ready to be shed, then replaced. Finding hair on your comb or in the sink, therefore, does not necessarily mean you're going bald.
4. Shampooing does not accelerate balding.

What causes hair loss
1. Illnesses or medical conditions. Hormonal conditions can interfere with hair production and cause hair loss. Severe or long standing illnesses like typhoid, syphilis, chronic cold, influenza, and anaemia could also promote hair loss.
2. Medications. Some medications that have hair loss as a side effect may be prescribed for teens. These include acne medicines like isotretinoin, and lithium, diet pills that contain amphetamines also can cause hair loss. Chemotherapy drugs for cancer are probably the most well-known medications that cause hair loss
3. Alopecia areata. This skin disease causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes elsewhere on the body.

It is thought to be an autoimmune disease, in which the hair follicles are damaged by a person's own immune system (In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs in a person's body.) Alopecia areata usually starts as one or more small, round bald patches on the scalp. These can get bigger, and in a small number of cases, can progress to total hair loss. Both guys and girls can get it, and it often begins in childhood. The hair usually grows back within a year, but not always. Sometimes people with alopecia areata lose their hair again.
4. Trichotillomania. Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder in which people repeatedly pull their hair out, often leaving bald patches. It results in areas of baldness and damaged hairs of different lengths. People with trichotillomania usually need professional help from a therapist or other mental health professional before they are able to stop pulling their hair out.

5. Hair treatments and styling. Having your hair chemically treated, such as getting your hair colored, bleached, straightened, or permed, can cause damage that may make the hair break off or fall out temporarily. Wearing hair pulled so tightly that it places tension on the scalp can result in a condition called traction alopecia. Traction alopecia can be permanent if the style is worn for a long enough time that it damages the hair follicles.

6. Poor nutrition. People with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are often lose their hair: The body isn't getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals to sustain hair growth. Some teens who are vegetarians also lose their hair if they don't get enough protein from non-meat sources. And some athletes are at higher risk for hair loss because they may be more likely to develop iron-deficiency anemia.
7. Disruption of the hair growth cycle. Some major events can alter the hair's growth cycle temporarily. For example, delivering a baby, having surgery, or going through a traumatic event can temporarily cause shedding of large amounts of hair. Because the hair we see on our heads has actually taken months to grow, a person might not notice any disruption of the hair growth cycle until months after the event that caused it. This type of hair loss corrects itself.
8. Androgenetic alopecia. Among adults, the most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, sometimes called male-pattern baldness. This condition is caused by a combination of factors, including hormones called androgens and genetics. Sometimes, the hair loss can start as early as the mid-teen years. It also can occur in people who take steroids like testosterone to build their bodies.

Taking care of your hair

Eating a balanced, healthy diet.

Try to use baby shampoo, shampooing no more than once a day, and lathering gently. Don't rub your hair too vigorously with a towel, either. Many hair experts suggest you consider putting away the blow dryer and air drying your hair instead. If you can't live without your blow dryer, try using it on a low heat setting.

Style your hair when it's dry or damp. Styling your hair while it's wet can cause it to stretch and break. And try to avoid teasing your hair, which can cause damage.

Finally, be careful when using chemicals — such as straighteners or color — on your hair, and avoid frequent use of chemical treatments.

Hair loss remedies
Rubbing of Scalp. A vigorous rubbing of the scalp with fingers after washing the hair with cold water is one of the most effective among the several home remedies for the prevention and treatment of hair loss. The scalp should be rubbed vigorously till it starts to tingle with the heat. It will activate the sebaceous glands and energise the circulation of blood in the affected area, making the hair grow healthy.
Lettuce and Spinach juice. Lettuce is useful in preventing hair loss. A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is believed to help the growth of hair if taken to the extent to half a litre a day
Coconut milk. The application of coconut milk all over the scalp and massaging it into the hair roots is also beneficial in the treatment of hair loss, you could apply the coconut milk at night and wash it in the morning. It nourishes the hair and promotes hair growth.
Onion. Onion has also been found beneficial in patchy baldness. The affected part should be rubbed with onions morning and evening till it is red. It should be rubbed with honey afterwards.

Medical treatment
Minoxidil This topical application is over-the-counter, no prescription is required. It works best on the crown, less on the frontal region. Available as a 2% solution, it may grow a little hair, but is better at holding onto what's still there. There are few side effects with it. This drug also comes in a higher strength, 5%, which may be more effective, but is also more expensive.
Propecia is a drug that helps men retain their hair but unfortunately has no use for women. Propecia is not safe for women of childbearing age and it just doesn't work for older women.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldness
http://www.llcheongskin.com/eng/mc_hair_loss.htm
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Loss-of-Hair.html
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/skin/hair_loss.html