Ethnic Hair Types & Hair Care Products
Posted on | April 15, 2010 | No Comments
Nowadays we have so many hair care and hair loss products that claim to be made for certain hair types that it’s quite easy to get confused. What’s important here is that there are real scientific differences between various ethnic types of hair and it is strongly advisable to use the product that is developed for the certain type. Basically, there are three main racial hair types:
- Asian or Mongoloid;
- African, also known as Afro-Caribbean or Negroid;
- European or Caucasian.
So, what’s different between these hair types and why do we need different approaches, products and treatments for them? Actually, all types of hair are made of the same components (cuticles, cortex, medulla). The difference lies in the way and ratio those components are arranged and structured. Because of this, the needs of one hair type are different from those of the other. Some hair is kinkier what prevent the sebum secreted from the scalp to reach the ends of the hair. Some hair can have up to twice the amount of the out layer (cuticles). What even more important, the structure of our hair can cause it to be more subjected to breaking and dryness and, thus, requires special treatment and care.
Speaking about different hair types, we can take several points for comparison. For example, it can be a number of cuticle layers, their flatness, distance between them, the way how the hair breaks and its cause, color, shape, growth cycle, etc. All these make the range of different types of hair enormous. What makes it even more complicated is that a great many people nowadays are of mixed heritage. Therefore, there may be different hair types even within one head of hair. But still one of the basic three racial types usually prevails and it should be the starting point.
Asian hair is round in shape and typically straight. It has more cuticle layers (up to 10) than the other types. Asian cuticles are also wider, thicker and more densely arranged. The interval between them is narrower than in European hair. When Asian hair is pulled or stretched, the cuticles break off in large pieces, which keep their original shape. Averagely, Asians shed fewer hairs a day than the other types. Moreover, they tend to experience less balding.
African hair is kidney shaped and is generally very curly. Supposedly, you might think that African hair appears tougher than the other types of hair, but in reality it is more fragile than Asian or European hair. The thing is that the actual number of hair shafts if this type is fewer. But each strand of African hair grows in a tiny spring-like shape what make this texture appears denser. Comparing with Asians and Europeans, there is an average percentage of Africans experiencing male pattern hair loss.
European hair is oval in shape and commonly waves easily. It has a straight and soft texture. The hair of this type appears thinner but the actual number of hair shafts (density) is the biggest. There are about 5 cuticle layers and they are flatter. In the majority of Europeans colour and texture appear to be closely linked, as blondes usually have the finest hair, while redheads tend to have the coarsest. As for hair loss, Europeans have the highest occurrence of male pattern baldness.
So it is useful to know what type of hair you have. It is recommended to treat your hair in accordance with its type. Fortunately, today there is a wide range of hair care and hair loss products on the market that are made particularly for the needs of different types of hair.
Tags: African hair > Asian hair > Caucasian hair > cuticles > ethnic types of hair > European hair > hair care products > Hair Loss Products > hair types > male pattern baldness > products for hair loss > racial hair types > types of hair
Products for Male Pattern Baldness
Posted on | April 3, 2010 | No Comments
Male pattern baldness (also known as alopecia) is the most common type of hair loss in men. It can be very discouraging for many men (and sometimes women) and can really take down their self-respect.
It’s important to note that male pattern baldness is not a scalp-associated trouble. It is principally caused by hormones and genetic predisposition. Male pattern hair loss occurs because of the chemical reaction between oil glands of the scalp and male hormone testosterone. When testosterone converts into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), this reaction makes hair follicles shrink.
When the first symptoms of male pattern baldness occur – bald patches, receding hair line, thinning of hair – it’s high time to take some action. This is generally the point when you will need to do something about your hair condition and try to get the most proper hair loss product before it’s too late.
As far as the main reason for male pattern hair loss is the over production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) it would be a reasonable act to attack it first. Fortunately, there are many products and treatments available on the market, which work effectively against the production of DHT. Among the natural, or herbal products of this kind (also known as natural DHT inhibitors) there are saw palmetto, nettle root, pygeum, green tea, emu oil, pumpkin and soy. Using these natural hair loss treatments will help you control the production of DHT by keeping it to a safe level.
The synthetic hair loss products include finasteride (also known under the trade name Propecia). Finasteride is an antiandrogen that inhibits type II 5-alpha reductase, thus blocking the formation of DHT. Another popular synthetic antiandrogen is Minoxidil (also sold under trade names Rogaine and Regaine). This topical hair loss product works by dilating blood vessels in the scalp, thus restoring proper blood circulation and unshrinking hair follicles. In general, hair loss products of synthetic origin bring quite good and quick results, but comparing to natural DHT blockers and depending upon the patient, they may have certain side-effects.
As far as you eliminate the high levels of DHT, your hair follicles will be capable of absorbing the essential vitamins and minerals to start fast hair regrowth. You just can’t underestimate the importance of proper nutrition here. It is often advisable to take an everyday multivitamin pill. This is just as true for your hair as it is for any other part of your body. Such vitamins and mineral as magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamin B6, iron, and biotin are particularly vital for prolonged follicle starvation.
Follow these two steps (blocking DHT and nourishing your hair) and remember, pretty much can be controlled from early stages of male pattern baldness as far as you take some kind of action.
Tags: dihydrotestosterone > finasteride > Hair Loss Products > hair loss treatments > hair regrowth > male pattern baldness > Minoxidil > natural hair loss products > products for hair loss > saw palmetto > synthetic hair loss products > vitamins for hair loss
Natural Products For Hair Loss
Posted on | February 18, 2010 | No Comments
A lot people choose natural or organic products for hair loss nowadays. Natural hair loss products and treatments have become very popular as they are effective and safe. Contrary to medicals that contain strong chemical substances, which damage our hair in many ways, natural products for hair loss are made from organic components. They are also known as herbal hair loss products. Among the most common benefits of the use of these treatments is a very low risk of by-effects. In comparison with chemical treatments, herbal products are safer to use. Another advantage is that they’re really cheaper than chemicals and surgical operations. Let’s make a survey of natural hair loss products.
Aromatherapy is an alternative hair loss treatment that is getting more and more popular in our days. Aromatherapy is based on the use of essential oils. The oils are taken from such plants, fruits and herbs as cedar wood, lavender, bay, Roman chamomile, lemon, jojoba, grapefruit, rosemary, and thyme. Users rub these oils into their scalp. When they are absorbed, they stimulate hair regrowth.
Another alternative to treat thinning hair, hair loss or baldness is homeopathy. Homeopathy can be called a natural way of treating hair loss because this method makes use of organic substances. It has a number of treatment options. Among the components that homeopath can use are natrum mur, fluoric acid, lycopodium, tissue salts, kali carbonicum, phosphorus, selenium, etc. Depending on the nature of the problem, a homeopath prescribes this or that option.
Ayurveda is a medical approach, which takes its origin in ancient India. Basicly, it involves massages with and ingestion of certain herbal formulations. Ayurveda has prooved to be effective natural alternative to stop hair loss and regrow hair faster. It must be said that ayurvedic methods really work only when a professional practitioner is involved.
As a matter of fact, aloe vera, arnica, birch, parsley, rosemary, burdock, catmint, chamomile, horsetail, marigold, nettle root, and sage are the most common herbaceous plants that are used for preventing hair loss and promiting hair growth. These products increase blood circulation in the scalp. Such treatments as aloe vera and stinging nettle also effectively clean the blood. Some of these herbs promote delivery of necessary substances to hair follicles. There are even such natural products as mulberries, honey, and Brahmi, which are considered to be very effective in hair regrowth. Generally speaking, herbal hair loss products can be taken either in liquid or solid form. The examples of the liquid form are juices, teas, or oil extracts, etc.
There is a herb that deserves special attention in this survey. Hair loss or alopecia is often believed to be because of the derivative hormone that is called dihydrotestosterone. There is a natural product that can effectively fight dihydrotestosterone. It’s called saw palmetto. It has been found to be a natural DHT blocker. Saw palmetto interacts with the DHT enzyme reaction in the scalp and prevents alopecia.
One more interesting fact. Do you know that green tea is also a great natural hair loss treatment? It surely is! The way it affects the problem is much similar with saw palmetto but, contrary to the latter, it can be taken by both men and women. Four cups of green tea a day can significantly lower the level of DHT and promote hair regrowth.
So, when it comes to finding an effective and safe treatment for hair loss, more and more people turn to natural products. Due to many advantages of natural products for hair loss, they are a better alternative for a great number of balding men and women.
Tags: alopecia > aromatherapy > ayurveda > hair loss tratments > hair regrowth > herbs for hair loss > homeopathy > natural hair loss products > natural products for hair loss > saw palmetto
Main Types of Hair Loss Products
Posted on | February 12, 2010 | No Comments
Hair loss affects the majority of human beings sooner or later in their lives. It may cause many social troubles and personal traumas. People refuse to be bald and at the first sights of hair loss symptoms many of us start searching for the cause of hair loss. It is necessary to realize that the 2 most common reasons that lead to hair loss and hair thinning are the high level of the dihydrotestosterone (DHT hormone) and lack of essential nutrients. Therefore, the most beneficial products for hair loss and thinning should be focused on these two causes.
We have a tremendous choice of products for hair loss that are in stores nowadays. So, it very hard to pick up the proper hair loss treatment without some knowledge of them. We offer you a short but rather comprehensive survey of hair loss products that you can choose from. Generally speaking, there are 3 options available:
- Drugs for hair loss treatment
- Natural, or herbal, hair loss products
- Home products for hair loss
So, let’s speak of them in succession.
Synthetic products for hair loss. There are quite many synthetic solutions that are available in stores nowadays and even more are being researched and tested. These products reduce certain chemicals levels in the organism that slow down the hair growth. As a matter of fact, most of them require a prescription, but some are still available over the counter. The most popular synthetic hair loss products are Rogaine, Minoxidil and Propecia. All of them are approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Rogaine (a similar trade name Regaine) has proved to be effective for both men and women. It significantly slows down or stops hair loss and promotes hair regrowth. The first thing that has to be said about Rogaine is that it is for genetic hair loss only. Minoxodil is the main active component in Rogaine. It reduces the level of dihydrotestosterone in the scalp preventing hair follicles from shrinking. It also opens and revitalizes shrunk ones. So, Rogaine, as well as Minoxidil, are the treaments that are applied topically on the scalp (commonly twice a day). Hair regrowth will usually starts in a few months and is more obvious on the crown of the head.
Contrary to Rogaine and Minoxidil, Propecia (also marketed as Proscar, Fincar, Finpecia, Finasteride, etc.) is not a product intended only for hair regrowth. It was initially developed as a synthetic antiandrogen that acts by inhibiting type II 5-alpha reductase, controlls DHT and shrinks the prostate. Surprisingly enough, this product has shown its ability to work even better then Rogaine and Minoxodil in regrowing hair on the back of the head. It also grows hair back on the front of the scalp as well.
Although, synthetic hair loss products bring quite good results in a short period of time, they usually has a number of side-effects because of toxic constituents in them. These components may result in some disorders and bring harm to other organs. What is more, synthetic drugs are mainly focused on the activity of dihydrotestosterone keeping other hair loss causes, including deficiency in essential nutritious substances, on the background.
Natural/herbal hair loss products. A lot of people don’t know that apart from the conventional treatments of hair loss, such as synthetic medicine, there is also the natural approach to the problem. The natural method is based on supplying certain organs with vitamins and nutritional substances to enhance their function and to increase the immune system of the body. Natural treatments for hair loss usually have few or no side-effects. Therefore, those who have preference for natural/herbal treatments may find them much more beneficial. There is one more advantage of natural hair loss treatments – they are often cheaper than chemically based products.
There are such natural products for hair loss as: saw palmetto, aloe vera, nettle root, pygeum, green tea, polygonum multiflorum, and many others. Some of these are taken in tablet form and some are made into preparations that you massage into your scalp. Some of them, for example, saw palmetto, has a DHT inhibiting effect and works in a similar manner as some synthetic inhibitors.
Home hair loss products and treatments. These are all kinds of products and home-made preparations, tips and methods that have been traditionally resorted to since ancient times. They belong to the so called folk medicine and sometimes are disregarded as something that can really work. But still some of these products and methods of treatment show positive results in stopping hair loss and promoting hair regrowth. Here are some examples of them: a mask of egg yolks with honey, solution of apple cider vinegar and sage tea, scalp massage with essential oils, aloe vera or coconut milk, all sorts of home-made shampoos, etc.
Summing it up, there is a great amount of hair loss products available on the market. Some of them are more effective, others are less. Some are safer, others are less. Some are more expensive, others are less. But we hope that this humble survey will help you choose if not a certain product but at least the direction.
Tags: DHT > dihydrotestosterone > hair loss > hair loss causes > Hair Loss Products > hair loss treatments > hair regrowth > home hair loss products > Minoxidil > natural products for hair loss > products for hair loss > Propecia > regrow hair > Rogaine > saw palmetto > synthetic products for hair loss
Don’t Get Confused About So Many Products For Hair Loss
Posted on | February 8, 2010 | No Comments
One of the most difficult conditions that both men and women have to face is gradually going bald with age. Though, even young people nowadays start losing hair and it can hurt their confidence to a greater extend and bring much distress in their lives. Today many people are really care much of how they look and the majority of them can’t put up and live with the bald head. Thus, it turns out quite dissonant for them to start experiencing hair loss and maintain their self-esteem at the same time.
Nowadays hair loss and hair thinning are among most widespread and disturbing disorders of the modern world occurring in various forms. There are numerous types of hair loss and one of the most prevalent is the so called male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia. It is sometimes also called receding hairline, as hair receding from the lateral sides of the forehead is the typical characteristic of it. Statistically, this condition starts to develop by age of thirty in twenty-five percent of men, though, it can occur in some men even in late teens. And by the age of fifty-five there are more than two-thirds of balding men with this pattern.
As a matter of fact, there are certain signs of this forthcoming condition. The most evident is that it is preceded by gradual hair thinning. And this is an early hair loss symptom that should be taken seriously. The sooner you start hair loss treatment, the better it is. But despite the fact that there are heaps of books, tips, methods, and recommendations, the personal choice of proper hair loss product seems to be a difficult challenge.
Hair loss industry is a flourishing business that produces both chemical and artificial remedies and natural products for hair loss. There are actually tons of hair loss products available on the market nowadays. But because of the huge amount of brands and label on the market, choosing the right product has become a hard task especially for those who don’t really know what to try first (or next). This very fact that it is not easy to find a suitable hair loss product that really works for one often results in frustration and emotional discomfort what even aggravates the condition. But still, if you have tried a few brands without getting any good result, never lose hope. Fortunately, there are always a few products for hair loss that are worth learning more about and giving them a try.