Hair is composed of a hardened protein called keratin. There are three types to hair: Cuticle – external layer of hair formed from hardened cells. It is scaly in nature and gives hair texture. Cortex – Under the scalp and related to hair volume. The cells of the cortex contain keratin and melanin (pigment). Medulla – Innermost center of hair, which is about 10% of volume, except in thin hair when the medulla may be absent. Root – the living part of the hair anchored in the scalp. At the end of the root is the bulb, a thicker whitish structure. Papilla – Empty area at the base of the bulb connecting the hair to the head. This is where the blood vessels and nerves give the hair its nourishment. Everyone has approximately 100,000 hairs, and hair cycles every 2 to 6 years (average is 3 years) and is genetically programmed. There are three phases of hair growth: Anagen Phase – the initial growth phase of hair, usually lasting about 1,000 days. It regularly occurs in most of the hairs on the human head. Approximately 85% of the hair on your head grows one inch per month. During this phase, hair is very sensitive to nutrition and environment. Catagen Phase – Is a period of arrest which causes the follicle (root) to form a club hair and fall out. Most hair regrows because the follicle remains As new hair grows from the root inside the follicle, it pushes out the old hair. Telogen Phase – Is a resting mode 3 to 4 months prior to the anagen phase starting all over again. This phase usually lasts 100 days. Approximately 10 to 15% of all hairs are in this state of rest at any given time.

Here are important actions to prevent abnormal hair loss. Never pull on your hair. It is ordinarily better to use a comb rather than a brush. Along the same lines, never dry your hair by rubbing it with a towel. Instead use the towel as a sponge. Do not wear any wig without the counsel of your trichologist or physician. Do not use permanents and colorants without the counsel of your trichologist or physician. Daily shampoos are acceptable if using Scalp Scripts shampoo. Al other detergent shampoos are likely to cause further damage. Only one application is necessary and always rinse thoroughly. Good nutrition is important. It must include adequate protein intake and be well balanced. Try to avoid fatty foods since they not only increase your serum lipids but also are liable to increase secretion of your scalp's sebaceous glands. In excessive amounts, Vitamin A has been known to cause hair loss. Raw eggs may decrease biotin in your body. Cook them well. Avoid any actions that tend to brutalize the scalp such as vibro massage. Always rinse your hair after bathing in chlorinated or salt water.

Most people who still have hair can keep what they have. 95% of hair loss is androgenetically based. The remaining 5% is from other causes. Testosterone is converted to DHT by 5 alpha reductase. DHT is an agent that creates seborrhea, causing oil, scales, and bacteria to build up. This inhibits the growth of a new hair follicle comparable in size to the one it is replacing. A low fat, sugar balanced diet is recommended. Why? Because high fat a) increases testosterone, changing normal hormonal balance levels, and b) decreases sex hormone binding globulin thus more testosterone circulates. Propecia and oral Anti-Androgenetic pills inhibit 5 alpha reductase conversion of testosterone to DHT, however it is also beneficial to modulate testosterone production with a low fat, sugar balanced diet. Females – adipose tissue metabolizes estrogen to testosterone; therefore decrease your fat intake and lose weight. The Sugar Balanced Diet- is based on keeping blood sugar levels at a more even level and avoiding very low or very high blood sugar levels. This means eating at regular intervals to avoid low blood sugar levels, and not eating high sugar foods to avoid high blood sugar levels. The amount of insulin your body manufactures is based on the amount of sugar you include in your diet. By controlling insulin production, one controls the production of an essential fatty acid called arachidonic acid which aids in the production of testosterone. Controlling arachidonic acid production, also helps in another hormonal system known as eicosanoids (eye-kah-sah-noids), key hormones that control many body functions such as blood pressure and synthesis of keratin proteins (the major component of hair). What should you eat? A balanced diet of lean protein, soy, and complex carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables and monounsaturated fats found in extra virgin olive oil and certain nuts. Carbohydrates-Eat lots of fruits and vegetables but avoid potatoes, pasta and bread as they immediately turn to glucose and elevate blood sugar. Monounsaturated Fats- found in extra virgin olive oil, almonds, avocado, macadamia nuts, cashews, pistachios, pecans, and hazelnuts. Alcohol- no more than one drink per day is advisable. Alcohol robs the body of zinc, vitamin B, folic acid, and vitamin C. It also acts as a diuretic and effects blood sugar levels. Caffeine- limit your use of caffeine as it depletes the body of Vitamins B and C, potassium, and zinc, causing stress to the adrenal glands by decreasing nutrients in the bloodstream and increasing DHT levels. Avoid nicotine.

Q: Are other analysis of the hair needed? A: Sometimes microscopic analysis is used to determine if your rate of loss is excessive, if the growing hair bulbs are normal, confirm the presence of fungal infections, or determine the severity of alopecia areata. Mineral analysis may be used to determine imbalances of calcium sodium, magnesium, and lead. However, today's blood tests are also very sensitive for these minerals. Q: Have you been shampooing with gasoline or dishwashing detergent? A: Most likely! Laurimide DEA is used in a shampoo to strip debris and add lather. It is also used in dishwashing detergent. If a person is experiencing hair loss or other scalp problems, it is advisable to avoid chemicals in shampoos such as: Sodium laurel, laureate or laureth sulfate (SLS) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or sulfeth which have 7 day ½ lives and damage follicles by acting as a degreasing agent. They are a gasoline derivatives. Nitrosol diethelanolamine (DEA) or cocamide DEA-(cancer causing angent). Alpha hydroxyl acids-glycolic, lactic or malic acids Ethelene oxide Isopropyl alcohol Mineral oil Sodium Chloride-(table salt causing dry scalp) These chemicals are found in over 95% of all commercial shampoos. There is evidence that these chemicals actually corrode the hair follicle and impair the ability of hair to grow. SLS seems to cause a dramatic decline in the hair growth cycle, prolonging the hair loss phase (normally three months) by factor of eight. Simply removing the corrosive and irritating effects of these ingredients begins to restore the healthy hair.

Approximately 30 million women (or one in four) experience hereditary women's hair loss and baldness 50% of women will experience a woman's hair loss by middle age Your hair is at its thickest by age 20. Once you pass 20, however, your hair gradually begins to thin, shedding more than normal 40-100 hairs a day. 40% of women never expect women's hair loss, or baldness to happen to them. Fine hair is both a precursor for and consequence of hair thinning. Women who experience hair loss have a disproportionately high rate of fine hair before they start losing hair. The chance of experiencing hair loss is almost twice as high for women with fine hair as for women with thick/full hair. In fact, even those who did expect women's hair loss to occur are caught by surprise, facing hair loss nearly five years earlier than anticipated. Not only is woman's hair loss an appearance issue, but it also caused sever emotional stress for most women. The study reported that women have a difficult time confronting women's hair loss. For example, women 50 and under report feeling a "severe emotional blow". They admit to feeling scared (29%), embarrassed (47%), unattractive (15%), and paranoid (28%). Before you consider using products such as Herbel Propecia, Laser or Rogaine, consult the Hair Loss Control Clinic for hair treatment solutions. We have answers and products to the women's hair loss that you have been experiencing.

It is important to understand how the body produces healthy hair. The scalp is composed of 3 basic layers of skin. The Epidermis-the Dermis- and the Subcutaneous Layers. Within these three layers of skin are blood vessels, nerves, muscles, glands, millions of cells, and of course, the hair. The hair, like any other part of the body, is supported by the flow of blood. As blood brings oxygen and nutrients into the papilla area it promotes cellular activity for the hair, and as these cells reproduce, they build a flexible substance called Keratin (hair). As the hair grows in the follicle, it is then lubricated by the sebaceous gland that secretes oil in the follicle, which coats the hair for smooth growth and provided luster and sheen. There are many causes for hair loss. Certain diseases, prescription drugs, illness and exposure to chemicals can cause hair loss. Heading the list of causes is Male Pattern Baldness, which affects more than 40% of the adult male population as well as thousands of women. Male and Female Pattern Baldness The interaction of DHT with androgen receptors in scalp skin and follicles appears to cause male and female pattern baldness. DHT miniaturizes hair follicles by shortening the anagen (growth) phase and/ or lengthening the telogen (resting) phase. This is usually a gradual process of converting terminal to vellus-like hair. The net result is an increasing number of short, thin hairs barely visible above the scalp. It's just that simple- where there is no blood- there is no life! A constricted blood supply prevents certain nutrients from coming into the papilla area where vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are necessary for proper cellular reproduction. Good nutrition is vital for strong, healthy hair. When blood and nutrients are not reaching the papilla area, cells reproduce at a much slower rate. This slow cellular activity produces a thinner, poorer quality hair, but this fine hair is a good sign that there is still life in the follicle, so there's still hope for your hair. Stress is another contributor and causes of hair loss. While under stress, the pituitary gland can produce hormones and enzymes that can constrict the vascular system, thus hindering the oxygen, nutrients, and blood flow to the hair. It is very important to bring stress levels under control to stop it as a cause of hair loss. Probably the most talked about cause of hair loss is Sebaceous Oil Build –up-referred to by many as sebum plug. The function of the sebaceous gland is to supply oil (sebum) to the hair follicle, which lubricates the hair for smooth growth. The problem occurs when thin, poor quality hair is being produced in the follicle. If the hair is not in its proper condition, oil fills up in the follicle, hardens, and can hinder proper hair growth. K The secret to stimulating good hair growth is: An adequate blood supply, proper nutrients, and neutralizing the damaging effects of DHT. Element Purpose Food Group Protein Building blocks of Keratin synthesis Dairy, Soy Fats Health of your hair (HDL) Fish, lean meat Vitamins A (Beta Carotene) In moderation retards aging Fish, parsley, spinach, carrots B (Biotin, Folic acid, Niacin, Thyamine) Essential for hair growth and vitality Brewers Yeast, green veggies. B2 (Ribofavin) If lacking, allows sebaceous gland production Milk, Peanuts B5 (Panthenol) Fosters growth in Alopecia And produces anti-inflammatory action Wheat germ, soy beans B6 (Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal, Pyridoxamine) B6 is an anti-seborrheic and inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase, your body is unable to store B6 Cooking & processed foods destroys B6 C Antioxidant Citrus fruits E Antioxidant Wheat Germ Pycnogenol Potent antioxidant OPC-3 pine bark, seed, red wine Trace Elements Zinc Keeps nails and hair healthy Dried beans, fish Calcium Prevents brittle nails and reduces dandruff Dairy, Fish, Almond Magnesium Necessary for proper absorption of calcium Wheat, cocoa Water Needed for proper hydration Drink 8 glasses per day

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