Category: Cosmetic Health

Male Pattern Baldness – Causes, Symptoms Treatment

Androgenetic alopecia, better known as male pattern baldness, is a fact of life for millions of men. The most common type of hair loss for men, it is best identified as a pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown. It is estimated to affect 90 percent of men by the age of 50 as a consequence of hormonal function and genetics.

Many different treatments exist to combat pattern baldness, including medicines such as finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine) and procedures such as hair transplantation. More than ever before, men with male pattern baldness are seeking out companies such as Bosley to perform hair transplant procedures for a permanent restoration of their natural hairlines.

Causes

Male pattern baldness is related to hormones called androgens, specifically an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It attaches to receptor cells on the scalp and hair follicles, interrupting and interacting with the normal mechanics involved with continual, healthy hair growth. Men whom display male pattern baldness typically have lower levels testosterone, but a proportionately higher level of DHT in their body. Other factors such as lifestyle factors and terminal illness may cause hair loss as well.

Symptoms

The most notable symptom of the onset of male pattern baldness is hair loss along the hairline that gradually recedes into an M shape. The hair at the crown begins to thin, eventually meeting the receding hairline and creating a horseshoe pattern of hair around the sides of the head. Male pattern baldness is typically diagnosed by the appearance of this pattern. Other diseases such as alopecia areata or folliculitis may cause dissimilar balding patterns and should not be diagnosed as male pattern baldness.

Treatment

Medicinal treatments for male pattern baldness include Propecia and Rogaine. Both are more successful at slowing hair loss than exhibiting new hair growth. Needless to say, unlike hair transplantation as offered by companies like Bosley, no medicinal treatment is a permanent solution for male pattern baldness. Of the two, Propecia is most successful with male pattern baldness as it inhibits the growth of DHT androgens. Take a look at the Propecia and Rogaine sections on BattleAgainstBald.com to learn more about how the treatments work and their effectiveness.

Hair transplantation is very effective at treating male pattern baldness. Since hair follicles from the side and back of the head are resistant to the DHT androgens, hair simply must be transplanted from healthy parts of the scalp to the affected areas.

The surgery has become increasingly popular in the last few years. Since 2004, there has been a 34% increase in hair transplant procedures, according to a survey conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). The increase is a result of an increase in effectiveness of the procedure and the natural results it yields. In 2006-2010, approximately 87% of hair restoration surgeries were for patients with pattern baldness.

F. Ex. Bosley Medical has performed over 200,000 of such procedures, making it one of the most reputable resources for victims of male pattern baldness to seek treatment.

Is Saw Palmetto Used For Male Pattern Baldness?

Many nowadays prefer a natural hair loss remedy rather than treat their hair loss with drugs and medication. If you are looking for a natural hair loss remedy for male pattern baldness, you can try saw palmetto.

Saw palmetto is a particular type of fruit that has been shown to help in hair loss according to some studies.
Having some information about saw palmetto, its use and its benefits can help you decide if this natural hair loss remedy is the type of treatment that you are seeking for.

Saw palmetto is a red fruit that grows in warmer climates throughout the world. It is most often seen in South Eastern regions of the United States. Studies into the use of saw palmetto was first done for research on prostate health. However, it was also noticed during the clinical trials that this popular fruit have positive benefits to those with male pattern baldness.

Male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition that afflicts more men than women. Hair loss in male pattern baldness is characterized by a receding hairline and that continues in a horseshoe pattern. Hair on the sides and back of the head are mostly unaffected. The exact reason for male pattern baldness is still not very clear.

Some studies suggest that excessive conversion of testosterone to another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may be an underlying cause. In the studies for prostate health, saw palmetto was shown to block the production of DHT in men suffering from enlargement of the prostate.

So how much saw palmetto should you eat for your hair loss? Unverified sources say that if you are eating the fruit, then one per day would in most instances be effective with treating your hair loss. However, if you are taking an extract, then a dosage of three hundred and twenty milligrams per day is recommended. Supplements containing nutrients of saw palmetto are also available to help with hair growth.

One of the advantages of taking saw palmetto is that there are no known side effects. This is obviously better than taking synthetic drugs or medication that may have potential adverse results. In fact, these side effects include fast heart rate, headaches, impotence, and decreased libido.

Saw palmetto should preferably be taken with other foods or substances. Otherwise, you may end up with a headache or stomachache. In addition, if you observed that you are getting allergic reactions, you should stop consuming saw palmetto immediately.

In addition, if you are female and pregnant, then you should not use saw palmetto without medical supervision.

Is Saw Palmetto used for Male Pattern Baldness? Currently, there is no known cure for male pattern baldness. Both conventional and natural treatments can help control the hair loss as long as one maintains the treatment. However, once the treatment is discontinued, there is the chance of recurrence.

Saw palmetto may be the answer to providing your body with the necessary balance of the hormones and enzymes beneficial for combating hair loss. Do research more into this option if you are looking for a natural hair loss remedy for mild to moderate male pattern baldness.

Invigorate Your Damaged Hair With Split Ends Prevention Tips

Hot air and dry weather makes your hair loose its moisture and become brittle. The worst condition to every girls eye is the occurrence of split ends on hair.

Split ends generally mean the splitting of hair fiber. It happens when the protective portion of the hair called cuticle, gets damaged. They can occur anywhere on the hair shaft, but mostly they are seen on the tips of the hair.

First of all it is important for one to understand what causes the hair ends to split. There are various causes of split end in hair. Over dispensation of the hair with gels, chemicals etc. and brushing the hair harshly can cause split ends on hair.

Using a brush on wet hair or combing the hair with uneven teeth in combs can also harm the hair. Coloring the hair often, also damages them.

Split ends stop hair growth and result in broken hair. You can make your hair glossy and grow longer by simply following a certain tips on hair care to prevent split ends and broken hair. To keep your split ends in check, you do no require going to a salon every week. Fashion and beauty industry has invented certain home remedies for treating your dry and damaged hair.

Follow the subsequent hair care tips to rejuvenate your broken hair.

Split ends once occurred cannot be repaired. They have to be removed. Take small sections of hair and twirl them gently in a downward motion. The split ends will automatically split out. Then carefully shear the split ends with a sharp scissors. Be cautious while removing the damaged cuticles and do not cut the thick layer.

Make a protein-shake recipe. Mix 2 tablespoons of soy protein powder with a cup of milk, cup of fresh fruits in a blender. Make a smooth paste. Apply this paste on your hair once a week to silken them.

Do not go in to the open heat without covering your hair.

Take a balanced diet.

Drink plenty of water.

Trim your hair at regular intervals.

Do no forget to apply a conditioner after shampooing your hair.

Massage the scalp with warm oil at least twice or thrice a week.

Using mayonnaise or beer on your hair can add up to the lost moisture.

Do not use a brush on wet hair. Use a wide toothed comb instead.

A variety of hair care products are also available in the market. Shop around and select an appropriate product for treating your damaged and broken hair.

Healthy hair adds grace to your beauty. Take good care of your hair to avoid the occurrence of split ends. Follow the split ends prevention tips and enjoy having long silky hair.

How Modern Hair Restoration Can Be Successful

Before seeking the services of a hair replacement center, it is important to understand some basic information about hair loss and what can do about it.

Hair Loss Background

Approximately 95% of the estimated 60 million men and women in the United States who experience abnormal hair loss suffer from a hereditary condition called androgentic alopecia. This is the gradual loss of hair that usually begins somewhere between 30 to 40 years of age in men and is essentially a cosmetic disorder, which is relevant because most health insurance plans will not pay for cosmetic care.

In women, the onset of hereditary hair loss usually does not occur until after menopause.

The incidence of androgentic alopecia is highest in white males but can also be found women, Asians, and African Americans. Usually, the thinning hair begins in the frontal area and progresses back over the head. In general, the growth transition begins with large, thick healthy hair, then progresses to thinner, shorter, indeterminate hairs, and finally, short, nonpigmented vellus hairs cover the area sporadically.

During this transition, the patient may notice more shedding than normal. Some shedding is natural, as up to 10% of a persons hair so prone to shedding at any given time. Lab studies can be done to determine whether the hair loss is genetic or caused by other sources.

What can be done about it?

Once the cause of thinning hair is determined, a hair replacement center can offer several viable solutions for hair restoration.

If the cause is not genetic, changes in medication, diet, or hairstyle products may take care of the problem without any significant out-of-pocket cost to the patient. In the event the patient is loosing hair due to genetic reasons or the changes mentioned above do not create a regrowth of hair, other options are still available.

Surgery offers a couple of solutions. One is a scalp reduction. This is where a portion of the bald scalp is removed, and then the skin is stretch to cover the area of the scalp where the skin was removed. The other option is probably the most commonly considered option. Hair follicles can be transplanted from a donor or from thickly haired sections of the head. The main problem with hair plugs is covering the bald area with enough plugs to provide satisfactory results.

The last option is hair weaving. Hairpieces are weaved into the patients natural hair to create a prosthetic method of covering the baldness. While the hairpieces of the past were often horrendous failures, many of the modern prosthetics are indistinguishable from the patients own hair.

Conclusion for modern hair restoration technologies

Now that you have a general idea what to expect from a hair replacement center, you can more effectively prepare a list of questions for the doctor. You can also go prepared to ask questions about your family history, medical history, current medications, diet, and general hair care regime.

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it is also an integral part of self-image. As such, concern over hair loss is a normal reaction and should not be taken lightly.