Everyone loses hair every day.  Most people lose between 50 and 100 strands per day.  This can sometimes be because hair loss runs in the family or is genetic.  If hair loss is genetic in your family, you may lose a lot more hair than the average person.

Doctor Talking to Patient

Other factors can contribute to hair loss too, such as medications and certain illnesses.  Either one can cause more hair loss than normal.  Hair loss can be extremely tough for some individuals, because it can so drastically change the way a person looks.

Causes of Hair Loss

Causes of hair loss are important, because some of them can be prevented.  Whether it has to do with heredity, stress or something else, if you can do something to prevent or stop the hair loss, you’ll be much better in the long run.  This is where your family doctor may come in handy.  Sometimes your doctor can help determine exactly why you are losing your hair and can help you fix the problem.

Common Causes of Hair Loss Include:

• Heredity:  In most cases, hair loss is inherited.  That means that it is passed down from one or both of the individual’s parents.  In these cases, it is called male or female-pattern baldness.
• Stress:  This includes stress from illness, physical stress from surgery and a high fever associated with illness.
• Chemotherapy:  Can also cause hair loss.  It is a powerful medicine used in cancer treatment that can destroy cancer cells.
• Damage from Hairstyles:  You can damage your hair by pulling at too tightly with tight braids and ponytails.  Constantly wearing these types of hairdos can cause too much tension on your hair, which may cause damage or breakage.

If you think you may be suffering from hair loss or thinning hair, you must first decide whether or not your hair loss is unusual.  Learn to identify your diagnosis:

• Is your hair just thinner?
• Is your “part” wider?
• Is your hairline receding or different in some way?
• Are there any bald spots or patches, which appeared recently?
• Does thinning hair or hair loss run in your family?

If you are having problems with thinning hair, talk with your hairstylist first.  There are some very normal reasons why your hair may be thinning and your hairstylist can be of help in figuring out why.  If your hairstylist isn’t helpful, speak to your doctor, or do a combination of both.  Your doctor can help you determine if your hair loss is a result of something you’re doing, your dietary habits or an illness or disease.

Man Having Hair Washed in Hair Salon

So what are these 5 steps and how do they re-grow your hair?

Step One: Moisturizing and Revitalizing: This is a moisturizing shampoo with special vitamins to cleanse the scalp.  This shampoo is supposed to revitalize your hair and strengthen the thinning hair you have.  The directions for this shampoo are specific to use a half of a palm size amount, shampoo in one direction beginning at the hairline and working backward on your scalp, rinse and repeat.

Step Two: An Enzyme Scalp Cleanser: This is a 100 percent organic cleanser that removes scalp buildup and sebum oils that can prevent hair growth.  With this cleanser, while still in the shower, you should spray 3 to 4 sprays on the thinning area of your scalp, rub it in and do not rinse it off.

Step Three: An Energizing Conditioner: Also while in the shower, you will use a conditioner that helps promote a healthy scalp. This condition has special proteins and wheat amino acids to protect your hair and scalp.  There is also a peppermint ingredient that stimulates the hair and scalp.  To proceed, again use a palm size amount, massage it into your scalp, leave it on your hair for 3 to 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

Step Four: Hair Revitalizing Complex: Finally, out of the shower, a hair revitalizing dietary supplement is taken. This supplement contains vitamins B3, D, and E, Biotin, saw palmetto and nettle root.  It is taken twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.  The ingredients are similar to the ingredients in a similar product Procerin or the natural ingredients used individually for hair loss (such as saw palmetto).

Step Five: Minoxidil (2% or 5%): Minoxidil is an active ingredient in Rogaine and Xandrox, the most common hair loss treatments.  It is an FDA approved hair regrowth formula and is used by many balding men and women with great success.   The 2 to 5 percent strengths are dependent on the success you wish to achieve, as the 5 percent may have more side effects.

It is unclear if there are any side effects with the use of this treatment; however, Minoxidil may cause scalp irritation or redness, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, faintness and unwanted facial hair growth.

As with all hair loss treatments, you should continue to care for your hair in the normal manner.  For example, you should wash your hair daily with a mild shampoo.  When your hair is dirty, the oil makes it looks thinner.  You should also use a conditioner, so as to not pull your hair.  And finally, in letting your hair dry naturally, you are saving your hair from heat damage.

So will you have results, your hair may appear thicker in about 4 to 6 months of use. In a study of individuals using this system, 90 percent have been shown to stop their hair loss or significantly reduce it and 35 percent had an improvement in hair growth.

It is also recommended that along with this program, you visit their area locations and undergo an in-house treatment.

Woman exercising at home

For some individuals, intense stress can trigger a certain type of hair loss called alopecia areata.  With this condition, white blood cells attack the hair follicle.  When this happens, this stops the hair growth.  The affected hair usually falls out within a few weeks.  The hair loss will typically begin with small round patches, but can eventually spread to the whole scalp.  Sometimes the body hair will be affected as well.  The hair will usually grow back, however, the cycle may repeat itself.

If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or more unusual hair loss, speak with your doctor regarding the situation immediately. You may notice this when combing or brushing your hair or during washing.  Sudden hair loss can be the signal of a medical condition, which requires treatment.  Your doctor can make suggestions and recommendations for treatment options too.

Ways to De-Stress

Stress is a common thing for people these days.  It can be difficult to figure out exactly how to unwind.  It doesn’t matter if you are a man or woman, an adult, or a child, you probably need to de-stress.  Some consider stress to be a silent killer.

One way to let go of stress is to read a good book.  Grab a book you think you’ll enjoy and your favorite cold or warm drink.  Tea works well with it or ice cold lemonade in the summertime.

Listen to music!  Music is a wonderful and easy way to de-stress.  Classical music is the best and most recommended music to de-stress.  Consider Mozart or Beethoven.  In this day and age, with portable MP3 players, it’s easier than ever to listen to music.

Exercise is also a very beneficial way to de-stress.  Exercising makes people feel energized.  Not only does exercise and physical fitness improve your mood, but it also improves your ego and your self esteem.

Mediation is a great way to de-stress and studies show that people who meditate live longer and healthier lives.  Meditation has been proven to help in anti-aging.

Get plenty of sleep.  Sleep is important.  You need to be getting at least six to eight hours of sleep a day.  Sleep is important, because it’s a time when our body revitalizes.  If you’re not getting enough sleep, your body can’t heal and you’ll likely become very stressed out.

Woman Running Hands in Hair

One common misconception is that hair should be brushed constantly.  With too much hair brushing, the hair is constantly being brushed against the teeth of the brush and this can be damaging to hair.  I remember my mother telling me to brush my hair for 100 strokes a day before bed for soft, glorious hair.  I also remember wondering if that was 100 strokes in total or per section of hair on my head.  Brushing your hair puts pressure on it, which can lead to breakage and other damage. Too much brushing can also pull hair from the scalp, which can lead to breakage.

Using a comb on your hair, particularly if you have long, thick hair, can also be bad for it.  Avoid combing your hair whenever possible.  Try styling your hair with your bare hands as much as possible and use combs, picks and brushes as little as possible. Add some safe product styling aids to style your hair with your hands.  Experiment a little until you find a style that works well for you.  If you absolutely have to use combs or tough brushes, go for it, but look for combs with wide-spaced teeth and smooth, round edges.

If you are too tedious when you style your hair, this can also contribute to hair loss. Braiding your hair can be bad for it and it pulls on your scalp.  This can all lead to unwanted hair loss.  Too much wear and tear is applied to the hair when it is constantly braided.

Wearing a ponytail all the time or constantly using rollers can also cause problems for some people.  If using rollers, use large rollers and wrap hair loosely to avoid damage.  Wearing caps can also cause excessive hair loss, particularly in men.  Any time you are doing something that is rubbing against your head constantly, you run the risk of wearing your hair away.

Most hair styling products and creams contain chemicals, which can be harsh and damaging for the hair. Before using such products, seek dermatological advice to make sure the products you are using are safe for your hair.  Organic products sometimes work better and there is a lot of information out there about how to make your own hair-care products, which are a lot safer than some of the over-the-counter products you can buy in the store.

If you are eating healthy, are not on any medication and are not currently suffering from any known medical conditions, make a doctor’s appointment to discuss what you may be doing to yourself that may be causing hair loss.

Boy Wearing Flat Cap

The main goal of the program is to help children regain self confidence and a sense of well-being.  The program guarantees that all donations and contributions made to the program will be used for the program completely.

The program selects one child per month.  A retail partner close to the child designs and fits the child.  Travel expenses are not included with the program.  The boy or girl who is selected is asked to tell their story on camera.  The child must also provide before and after pictures of themselves.  Children who participate in the program must be accompanied by an adult or guardian at all times.

Children must be between the ages of 11 and 18 years old to qualify.  The child must also have partial hair loss or be bald.  The program only serves children living in the United States at this time. Both the hair and the delivery of the hair are completely free, however, travel expenses are not covered.  The child and parent must sign a photo release allowing Hairloss.com to post the photos on the internet.  The photos will also be published on video and in print.  The photos and story are used to share the child’s experience.

Two visits are usually required to the local Hairloss.com retail location.  The first visit is usually designated for design and fitting.  The second visit is for the delivery and the training on how to properly care for the hair.  Photographs will be taken then.

Children who are selected once cannot reapply.  Each child only gets one chance.  Applications can be done online or through U.S. Postal Mail.

Hairloss.com retailers will suggest or recommend a hairstyle that suits the child’s needs.  The services provided are 100 % complimentary and because of this, Hairloss.com has a no tipping policy.  The child and the parents will be trained during the visit on how to properly care for their new hair.  Both boys and girls are edible as long as they are between the ages of 11 and 18 years old.

Visit the website, http://Hairloss.com, for further details, information or to fill out an application.  You can also check in with a local Hairloss.com retailer near you.  Even if you or someone you know does not qualify or does not need the donated services, it can still be fun to read through the stories and see what children’s lives have been changed.  Visit the website for further information and to learn more about how you can get involved, whether it be as a donor, a recipient or can make some sort of contribution.

If gene Sox21 missing, it is linked to thinning hair and baldness

During the study, the scientists managed to block the gene Sox21 in the rodents.  After about 15 days, the rodents started losing hair and within one week, the rodents were completely naked.  Normally, when someone loses their hair, new hair grows in its place, but with these mice, they remained bald.  Even as the mice grew replacement fur, the hair kept falling out.

The gene Sox21 has been linked to the formation of nerve cells.  In the past, this gene has been linked to the formation of nerve cells, but the Japanese study was the first to indicate its function in ensuring hair retention.  Some believe that the gene may be the cause of thinning hair in humans.  The study was conducted jointly with Hideyuki Okano, professor at the School of Medicine at Tokyo’s Keio University.

The study showed that the lack of the gene leads to the improper formation of the cuticles, which is the outer layer of hair.  Cuticles lock the hair into the scalp, normally.  When the gene was blocked in the mice, it made their hair fall out more quickly than normal.

Experts are attempting to use the findings of the study to the development of medical treatment against thinning hair.  As of right now, experts have no immediate plans for further research to develop the human application.

Many theories regarding hair loss and thinning hair have been disproved.  It’s true that hair loss can be a symptom of malnutrition or vitamin deficiency, but this is not always the case.  Other theories that have been disproved include:

• You can tell if you’ll lose your hair by looking at your grandfather or father and/or uncles.
• A 40-year-old man who has not lose his hair at this age will never lose his hair.
• Brushing your hair for 100 strokes a day will make your hair healthier and stronger.

According to experts, baldness is primarily the cause of a combination of factors, including aging, hormonal changes and family history.  Genetically, there are two different types of hair loss, permanent and temporary.

Other reasons someone may experience hair loss include:

• Physical stress
• Emotional stress
• Thyroid abnormalities and problems
• Medications
• Hormonal changes

Approximately 95 % of permanent hair loss is due to a hereditary condition, affecting millions of men, women and children.  This condition is characterized by pattern baldness, which generally starts with a receding hairline.

Most people lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair a day.  It can be difficult to estimate how many strands of hair you’re actually losing.  If you think you’re losing more hair than you should be, schedule an appointment with your doctor and/or hairdresser.

Inadequate protein in the diet can cause hair loss

Both men and women have been known to use chemical treatments on their hair.  These treatments include dyes, bleaches, straighteners and permanent waves.  When done correctly, these types of treatments will typically not damage hair.  The hair can, however, become weakened from continuous treatments.

Hair loss can start at any age.  When hair loss occurs in young children or teens, it is often because there is some sort of deficiency, such as nutrition or an illness.

There are many different reasons why someone might suffer from excessive hair loss. Hair spontaneously re-grows with some forms of hair loss.  Sometimes a dermatologist can treat other types of hair loss.  There are several different types of hair loss, which cannot be cured.  Though there is currently no cure, new research looks promising.  Hair can sometimes become brittle from chemical treatments.  If this is the case, individuals should stop the chemical treatments until the damaged hair grows out.

Some illnesses which cause hair loss include:

• High fever, severe infection, severe flu
• Major surgery, chronic illness
• Thyroid disease
• Inadequate protein in the diet
• Low serum iron
• Medications
• Birth control pills
• Cancer treatments

Some forms of treatment include cortisone injections into the scalp where the hair loss is occurring, topical medications, a special kind of treatments and pills.

Hair Restoration Surgery

Both dermatologists and dermatological surgeons perform hair restoration surgeries.  This type of surgery is performed in order to correct hair loss.  Patients who have well-defined baldness, thinning hair, limited hair loss or scalp injury, such as burns, are good candidates for hair restoration surgery.

Hair Transplant Surgery

Donor dominance is the basis of hair transplant surgery.  Most people consider a decision regarding hair restoration a very important decision that is not to be taken lightly.  This form of treatment will permanently alter someone’s appearance.  The patient should become well-educated regarding the procedure before the surgery in order to make sure they know exactly what to expect.  A good rule of thumb is to ask for names and phone numbers of at least six satisfied patients.  Give them a call and ask them about their experience and the overall outcome of the procedure.  Look for patients who have had similar surgery and have similar skin characteristics, if possible.  This will be extremely helpful in determining whether or not the surgery is right for you.

Woman Washing Man's Hair

Someone who notices thinning hair should speak to their hairstylist about what they may be doing physically that may be causing the hair loss.  Many hairstylists are great at helping their clients appropriately deal with thinning hair.

Some people don’t realize this, but many women suffer from hair loss too.  Unfortunately, men are more highly publicized.  In the 1980s, there weren’t many options for women, except for wigs.  Today, we now know that there are things that can be done if we discover hair loss or hair thinning early.  Sometimes the hair follicles can be revived before they die.

If you think you are losing more than 50 to 100 strands of hair a day, make a doctor’s appointment immediately to discuss possible options for treatment or to find out if treatment is even needed.

Things to Check for if You Hair is Thinning

• Pay attention to your doctor’s visits.  Do you have a hormonal imbalance?  Perhaps this is something you should have your doctor check out.  If you are already on medication for hormonal issues, this may also be the cause of your thinning hair and should be checked into.
• Pay close attention to how well you treat your hair on a regular basis.  Are you doing anything to your hair that may be causing permanent damage?  Tight ponytails and headbands can be bad for your hair, as well as chemical treatments, improper use of a heated styling tool and other tools, which can cause damage.
• What medications are you on? Sometimes medications can be the cause of thinning hair.  Check all of your medications to determine whether or not hair loss is a possible symptom.  Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
• Check your stress levels. Stress can cause hair to thin or fall out.  The reason stress causes hair loss is because stress affects the major organs, such as the heart.  Physical and mental traumas can also cause hair loss and thinning hair.
• What’s going on with your scalp? Talk to your hairstylist.  He or she can help you figure out what’s going on with your scalp that may be causing hair loss.

Are you noticing your hair loss?  What makes you think you’re losing more hair than you should be?  You may consider keeping a log or a journal regarding your hair care and practices.  It can help you determine what may be causing the hair loss.

Doctor Treats Patient for Baldness

An individual’s family doctor may be able to help with this type of baldness.  Sometimes baldness is related to a person’s diet, medications and illness.  Even how well (or not) someone takes care of his or her hair can be related to baldness.  For some women, it can be related to menstrual cycle, pregnancies and menopause.

Some doctors want to do a physical examination in order to look for causes of hair loss.  Blood tests and/or a biopsy may be in order also.  In some cases, with a biopsy, a small sample of cells is taken from the person’s scalp and is looked at underneath a microphone.  Treatment options will vary according to the type of hair loss the person is found to be suffering from.  Some doctors prescribe various medications.  Sometimes the hair loss is due to some type of infection and recognizing this may help to put a halt to the hair loss all together.  Correcting a hormone imbalance may also help prevent further hair loss.

There are many medications, which can help with hair loss. There also medications, which can prevent hair loss or baldness.  Rogaine is a common over-the-counter treatment for hair loss or baldness.  It is available without a doctor’s prescription and is applied directly to the scalp.  Both men and women can use Rogaine.  Propecia is another brand name used to fight hair loss.  This is available by prescription and is only available to men in pill form.  It can take up to six months before a male will notice a difference or be able to tell the difference.

In some cases, adequate treatment is not available. In these types of cases, people will try different hairstyles in order to try to mask the problem. Some people will use wigs or hairpieces.  There are also some natural remedies, which may be very beneficial to some individuals.  If you are concerned about hair loss or don’t know where to turn, make an appointment with your family doctor for further help and information.  Your doctor should be able to help you make necessary lifestyle and dietary changes as well as put you on the right track to the correct over-the-counter or prescription medication to combat your hair loss.  As with any medical condition, dealing with it in the early stages is better than waiting until it gets to be a real problem.  The longer you let it go, the harder the problem is to correct.

Woman Brushing Her Hair

On average, a person’s hair grows approximately ½ an inch per month.  This number can vary according to genetics and the age of the person.  Different hair strands go through different phases of growth at different times.  Each hair has a maximum amount of growth and it will never exceed that, no matter what.

Androgens, which are testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone are extremely important to hair growth.  This controls human hair growth.  Androgens must be present in order for a beard, pubic hair or underarm hair to grow.  Scalp hair is not considered to be androgen-related.

Most people lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, on average.  This is nothing to be concerned about.  There is no real way to determine how much hair you are losing a day, but if you feel you are losing more than 50 to 100 hairs, you may want to seek medical attention.

You could be losing hair because of a chemical or hormonal imbalance, a nutritional deficiency or an illness.  This is especially true for young children and teens who are experiencing a great deal of hair loss.  Stress can also cause hair loss.

Hair loss can be very difficult for someone to deal with.  When people think of hair loss, they often think of men’s hair loss, but women lose hair too.  Whether you are a male or a female, it can be devastating and difficult to deal with.  Loss of self-esteem and an extreme amount of stress can all be factors

More recently, people have been provided with a lot of new choices for hair loss restoration.  There are some very effective over-the-counter medications that work as well.

Hair loss in both men and women can sometimes be a result of some types of disease. Hair loss can also be triggered by excessive weight gain or weight loss over a very short period of time.

Some people confuse hair growth with hair length.  Your hair may be growing, but it may be breaking off, so it appears as if the hair is not growing.  One thing you can do to improve your hair is to get enough sleep and to drink plenty of water and eat a well balanced diet.