Archive for posts tagged with ‘Hair Follicles’


Aug 27 2010

Information On Womens Hair Loss

Food - 1 year ago -

Introduction

A popular misconception is that only men suffer from hair loss. A related fallacy is that only a very small percentage of women experience hair loss. Both assertions are not true; it is estimated that six out of ten women will undergo some degree of hair loss. This process is even more devastating for women because it seems that it is not as prevalent (as hair loss in men) and a womans beauty is closely tied in with lustrous, full-looking hair.

Probably one of the most traumatic experiences that can affect a woman is losing her hair. Baldness occurs when hairs begin to fall out (which is normal- about 100-150 per day), but do not grow back. Science is still tackling with exact reasons for the start of the process, but we know that genetic predisposition, aging, and diet are closely (if not directly) related.

Reasons for Hair Loss

Genetic hair loss and increased shedding (chronic telogen effluvium) is responsible for the majority of hair loss grievances by women (up to 95% before menopause). Unlike men, women are more likely to experience thinning from behind the front hairline to the crown.

There are two types of hair loss: telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium. The latter is due to medications or processes such as chemotherapy. The former is due to an abnormal number of hair follicles being in the resting stage. The following are reasons for telogen effluvium:

- Stress on the body due to surgery, illness, anemia, rapid change in weight, etc.
- Stress on the mind due to mental illness, death, depression, etc.
- Thyroid abnormalities
- Medications such as high doses of Vitamin A, blood pressure pills, gout medications, etc.
- Hormonal causes such as birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause

The following could be reasons for temporary hair loss:

- Too little protein or iron in the diet
- Alopecia areata
- Traumatic stress or illness
- Childbirth
- Ringworm

When these above causes are remedied, a return of normal hair growth will follow.

Diet

A good, healthy, and well-balanced diet contributes to voluminous hair. Large amounts of vitamin A should be avoided. Protein and iron rich foods will contribute to healthy hair. Vegetarians and Vegans often may be targets for hair loss because of their modified diets. Protein, iron, and zinc supplements should be ingested on a daily basis if you are a vegan or vegetarian.

Physical and Emotional Stress

Undergoing severe illness and emotional stress can contribute to hair loss. The body begins to break down and normal functioning is altered. The body knows that hair production is not vital to survival, so it will devote its energies elsewhere and in effect create hair loss. In most cases there is a three month delay between an event and the advent of hair loss. It may take up to three months for hair to grow back after the resolution of a traumatic event.

Health conditions such as anemia, low blood count, and thyroid abnormalities attribute to hair loss. These conditions can be combated and can easily be indicated by a blood test.

Hormonal Change

Hormonal changes can cause hair loss in women. Pregnancy and the discontinuation of birth control pills can cause hair loss. When a woman is pregnant their levels of the hormone progesterone becomes high and causes hair to be in a dormant state. When hormone levels re-balance, the woman will experience re-growth of the hair. Ironically, when a woman undergoes restoration, she will see a great deal of hair falling out. This is the dormant hair being replaced by healthier, fuller hair.

Remedies

- A well balanced diet including foods high in protein and iron
- Regular doctor check ups
- Counseling for stress (especially after a traumatic event)
- Hair weaves, changing hair style, and or wigs.
- Hair transplants
- Minoxidil (Rogaine)

The good news is that if you are experiencing hair loss, most likely the cause can be remedied. It is up to each woman to take care of herself and be proactive to fight hair loss. Because it takes some time to overcome and re-grow hair after many of the instances of hair loss, finding a great looking wig is suggested, so that you will not experience a lack of confidence and cause more stress (which is bad for the hair) while your hair is growing back.


Apr 30 2010

Alopecia

Food - 1 year ago -

Alopecia is described as a condition in which the immune system eradicates the hair follicles. Alopecia can lead to hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. In most cases, the hair is lost in small, quarter-sized amounts and usually does not exceed the amount of a few patches. In more extreme cases, Alopecia can progress to cause complete hair loss of the scalp and other areas of the body. White blood cells in the immune system rapidly attack cells in hair follicles that make the hair grow. These affected cells become small and slow down hair production.

A fortunate aspect of this process is that the stem cells that constantly provide hair follicles with new cells are not targeted, so the potential to re-grow hair always exists. Scientists believe that people may be genetically predisposed to this condition and is caused by a possible virus or something in the immediate environment.

Living with Alopecia can be very difficult and socially intimidating, but www.wigshop.com is both educated and concerned for their consumers and offer an extensive selection of wigs and accessories. Wigshop.com has links and references to books and resources that offer empathetic and informative information to those suffering through hair loss. Their site conveniently has a section specifically devoted to wigs due to medical hair loss.

Wigshop.com realizes that those who suffer from Alopecia may not be in need of a complete wig, but pieces and extensions to cover certain areas of hair loss. There are pieces specially crafted to fit any area of the head. One can choose from either the 100% natural hairpieces or synthetic fiber for shake and go ease. Whether the coverage you need is top, front, or a combination of both- you will feel confident about how great you look. These hair integration pieces are a simple and luxurious way to adding body, volume, andor highlights to your hair.

Some may be concerned about how comfortable and safe their wig from the Wigshop.com can be. Innovations in the business have led to wigs becoming even lighter and comfortable than ever before. Thinner fabrics and lighter cap construction allows for a greater circulation and feel. Other features such as velvet bands can contribute to softness and the versatility in sizes and shapes ensures that anyones wig will feel and fit perfectly.

Other concerns have spawned from those with medical conditions which contribute to hair loss and who worry about the wig further worsening their condition. This is simply not something to be of concern, but quite the opposite. Wearing a wig will not harm the scalp nor inhibit the growth of natural hair.

Wearing a wig promotes better mental health and protects the scalp from sun and other damaging exterior factors. Wigshop.com realizes that its customers buy wigs to make them selves feel and look better and it is their mission that the consumer continues to do so.