Introduction...

Hair loss occurs for a variety of reasons affecting both men and women. An estimated 40% of men in their twenties suffer from premature hair loss.

Fortunately there are steps you can take to help prevent hair loss, promote hair growth and increase the condition and lustre of your hair.

Turning to science and looking at hair loss from a biological perspective, genetic predisposition of hormone levels as well as the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can be inherited from either parent. What this means is that you inherit genes which as your body goes through natural age related hormonal changes cause hair loss.

We recommend the following products

Six major reasons for premature hair loss

Acne

Acne is an indication of hormonal imbalances which often lead to premature hair loss. Acne is the inflammation of the sensitive sebaceous glands (small oil glands) and commonly occurs during adolescence but can continue into the mid forties. When pubescent hormonal changes take place there is an increase in the production of sebum (oil). Retained secretion and associated hormone by-products (bacterial waste products and fatty acids) irritate the sebaceous glands and cause the inflammation.

Seborrhoea

Seborrhoea is a functional disease of the sebaceous glands that produces excess sebum which builds up on the scalp. An over production of sebum is a warning sign indicating the same hormonal imbalances that lead to hair loss.

Alopecia Areata

Alpoecia Areata is a systemic condition in that hair can be lost from all or some parts of the body, but usually the scalp. Evidence suggests that it is hereditary and can also be caused by diet and stress. It is characterised by bald spots which can occur in one or more places throughout the scalp. Hair loss and re-growth is sporadic and permanent hair loss may also occur.

Excessive Daily Hair Loss

Excessive daily hair loss; when fifty or more hairs per day are lost and not replaced indicates potential hair loss problems.

Excessive Body Hair for Men

Excessive body hair for men indicates a greater chance of premature hair loss. Statistics show that there is a 50% greater risk if a man has complete chest hair, a 70% greater risk if a man has chest, shoulder and back hair, and a 90% greater risk if a man has total body hair.

Other contributing factors

Stress and trauma can produce increased levels of testosterone, which converts to DHT, interrupting the hair growth cycle by constricting the blood supply, oxygen and nutrient uptake and vitamins to the hair follicle.

Nutrition and diet play a significant role in hair loss. A high consumption of animal fats, rapid weight loss and liquid protein diets can create a lack of amino acids, biotin, iron, protein and zinc; all of which are essential to healthy hair.

Health issues such as a malfunctioning of the hormone producing thyroid gland, and natural hormonal changes in women due to pregnancy childbirth and menopause can trigger hair loss.

Medications such as birth control or any hormone replacement therapy can contribute to hair loss. The hair follicle is incredibly sensitive to changes, steroids, chemotherapy as well as blood pressure, dietetic, heart disease and acne medications which can all cause temporary or permanent hair loss.

Environmental factors such as toxins, air and water pollutants, chlorine, metals and minerals may be left on the scalp and hair as we wash with water everyday. Pollutants such as pseudo-oestrogens and toxins from within our body can also contribute to hair loss.

Solutions

• Scalp massaging stimulates your scalp and is very effective in stimulating hair growth as well as improving hair condition and lustre.

• Do not use commercial shampoos containing sodium lauryl sulphate as it is known to damage the hair. Use a shampoo that is specifically designed to prevent hair loss and contains the words DHT blocker, the hormone found in the body which binds to hair follicles and causes hair loss.

• There is not one fast proven solution out there - no matter what anyone claims!

• Prevention is better than cure. Begin to address the problem as early as possible and before the hair follicle dies.

• Seek medical advice from your GP if you experience abnormal or heavy hair loss.