February 21st, 2011
Chemotherapy and Hair Loss
Chemotherapy and hair loss are closely associated. When an individual is undergoing chemotherapy, all body cells which are rapidly dividing are targeted. This includes the cancer cells as well as healthy cells. The hair follicles are known to grow very fast and hence chemotherapy hair loss occurs. In normal circumstances, the hair follicles undergo division after 23 – 72 hours. However in individuals undergoing chemotherapy, the hair cells are targeted and destroyed. Hair loss usually occurs just a few weeks after starting the treatment.
Hair Loss Due To Chemotherapy
Hair loss due to chemotherapy may be gradual in some individuals. It can also occur quite dramatically in some people. Many individuals notice clumps of hair in combs, on the pillow and in the bathroom drain. This can be a disturbing side effect and is it important that individuals undergoing chemotherapy receive adequate support from family and friends. Some drugs used in chemotherapy may only affect the scalp hair. Other drugs can affect the eyebrows, eyelashes, underarms, arms, legs and pubic area. The type of drugs used in the therapy will determine how extensive the hair loss is. This is because there are many different classes of chemotherapy drugs and all have different effects. The scheduling of the treatment will also affect the manner in which hair loss occurs. Some chemotherapy treatments are administered every week in smaller doses. The hair loss is minimized in such cases. Other treatments may have to be administered after 3 to 4 weeks in higher doses. This is likely to increase the hair loss.
Unfortunately chemotherapy hair loss prevention is not possible. There are no medications or treatments that help to stop the hair loss. However, the hair does grow back about 6 – 8 weeks after the treatment. The hair that grows back after treatment may be different in texture and color. There are some ways that one can cope with hair loss caused by chemotherapy. It is advisable to keep the hair short as it is easier to maintain. Shorter hair makes wearing of wigs also easier. Some people prefer to shave their heads when hair loss starts occurring. Those who feel conscious about the hair loss can make use of hats and scarves. During chemotherapy, it is important not to use chemicals on the hair in the form of hair coloring or other styling treatments. Gentle shampoos are beneficial and can be used after 3 to 5 days to keep the hair and scalp clean.
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February 21st, 2011
Causes of Hair Damage
Improper care of the hair can lead to hair damage, breakage and hair loss. The hair is exposed to a number of harmful elements such as environmental pollution, dust, chemical fumes and harsh weather. Hair problems can also be a result of poor nutrition, stress, hormonal imbalances and genetics. There are many commercial products available for hair loss. The effectiveness of these may vary from person to person. A large number of people are also gravitating towards more natural remedies in an attempt to reduce the exposure of the body to chemicals. There are many such natural hair loss remedies which are believed to be beneficial in strengthening the hair.
In addition to natural remedies, it is also imperative that you follow a healthy, balanced diet as the hair follicles require nutrition for hair growth. In case you are unable to derive adequate nutrition through the daily diet, it is advisable to consult a doctor regarding the intake of vitamin supplements. Apart from a good diet, regular exercise is also necessary. It is also recommended that you drink plenty of water every day so that the body stays hydrated.
Hair Loss Remedies for Women and Men
Natural hair loss remedies for women and men are quite simple and can be used regularly for a positive effect on hair growth. To prevent hair loss and encourage good hair growth, you can drink a glass of spinach and lettuce juice daily in the morning. Another effective hair loss remedy is jojoba oil. It works well in alleviating hair conditions such as dandruff. It can be used safely by individuals with seborrhea, psoriasis and eczema as well. One of the most beneficial natural hair loss remedies for men and women is aloe vera. Aloe vera helps to clean clogged pores and also has a healing effect on the scalp. This is why it is used in many commercial shampoos, conditioners and hair care products. You can also use aloe vera in combination with wheat germ oil and coconut milk. Fenugreek seeds have long been used as one of the natural hair loss remedies. Grind some fenugreek seeds with a little water to make a smooth paste. Apply this to the scalp and hair and leave it on for one hour. Wash with lukewarm water. This treatment can be done twice every week. Another popular natural remedy for hair loss is Indian gooseberry. The juice of Indian gooseberry can be mixed with lime juice and applied to the hair.
You could also consult a hair care specialist in order to understand your hair type and thus settle on the best natural hair loss remedies for you.
Tags: natural hair loss remedies, natural hair loss remedies for men, natural hair loss remedies for women
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February 21st, 2011
There are several hair removal methods which can be done by both men and women. Body hair is also known as androgenic hair. It is hair that starts developing on the body during the onset of puberty. The amount of body hair that grows depends upon the levels of the male hormones known as androgens. Since men have a higher level of these hormones, they have more hair on their bodies.
Hair Removal Methods for Men
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular permanent hair removal methods. It can be done by men as well as women. In this hair removal method, a laser beam is used to direct light energy to the skin in order to cause destruction of hair roots. Further growth of hair is thus prevented. Laser hair removal methods can be quite expensive and depends on the area of the body that has to undergo treatment and the number of sessions which will be required. This method of hair removal is known to be effective, but can also have some side effects. Discoloration of the skin and eye inflammation is some of the side effects that some people experience after laser hair removal. Therefore it is advisable to do thorough research and have a proper consultation with a doctor before undergoing this treatment. One must also seek treatment only from a trained professional. One of the most popular hair removal methods for men is shaving. It is done to remove facial hair. Shaving is also done by women to get rid of hair on the legs. However the hair tends to grow back thicker and darker than before.
Hair Removal Methods for Women
Some of common best hair removal methods for women are waxing, threading and use of depilatory creams. Waxing is a quick and effective method which involves applying a sugar based wax on the skin and pulling off the hair using strips of cloth. The strips must be pulled off in the direction opposite to that of hair growth. One can also use disposable strips instead of cloth. Apart from minor redness and pain, there are no other side effects of waxing. Threading is usually done to trim the eyebrows and get rid of fine hair from the upper lip. Since it involves the facial skin, some amount of redness, pain and burning is likely to occur. Depilatory creams help to remove the hair from the skin surface. Since the roots remain intact, the hair is likely to grow back faster.
Tags: hair removal methods, hair removal methods for men, hair removal methods for women, permanent hair removal methods
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February 14th, 2011
Women with straight hair often wonder how to get curly hair. Having your hair curled gives you a completely different appearance. Curls also soften the face and jaw line. There is a wide variety of hair curling products available in the market today such as curlers, rollers and styling gels. One can also have permanent curling done. There are also some natural ways to curl the hair.
Tips for Curly Hair
Here are some simple tips for curly hair.
The most common way of curling the hair is to use a curling iron. Before using the iron, it is advisable to first wet the hair, scrunch it and rinse with warm water. Then take some milk, work it into the hair and rinse. Shampoo and condition the hair as you normally would. This helps to keep the hair hydrated and soft. You can also get curly hair by using curlers. After shampooing and conditioning the hair, put on the curlers and leave them on overnight. Blow-dry the hair the next morning and take off the curlers.
How to get curly hair naturally?
If you are wondering how to get curly hair naturally, all you have to do is wet the hair with lukewarm water, shampoo and then rinse. Dab the excess water from the hair with a soft towel. Then use a wide toothed comb to remove the tangles. It helps to apply a small amount of leave in conditioner to add smoothness and shine. For fewer curls, plait the hair into 3 to 4 braids. If you want tight curls, make more braids. Blow-dry the hair and leave the braids on overnight. The hair should not be combed after plaiting it. The next morning you can remove the braids. This technique works well for long hair.
Curly hair is prone to frizz and hence there are some precautions you need to take after curling the hair. Heat increases dryness and frizz and hence if you have got a perm done, it is best to avoid using blow dryers. Even women with naturally curly hair should avoid using heat appliances. Also don’t rub the hair when drying it with a towel. Curls look their best when left alone. This means that you should avoid touching or scrunching them repeatedly so that friction is reduced. It is also advisable to go to a hairstylist who specializes in curly hair. Deep conditioning is very good for curly hair as it prevents dryness and reduces frizz.
Tags: how to get curly hair, how to get curly hair naturally, tips for curly hair
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February 14th, 2011
Some amount of hair is shed from the scalp on a daily basis. This is a perfectly normal occurrence as hair undergoes the natural process of growth and resting. During the resting stage, the old hair fall off and is replaced by new hair. However in some cases hair loss may take place excessively. This is usually due to advancing age or underlying health problems. Let us explore what causes hair loss in women.
Female Hair Loss Causes
Age is one of the most common female hair loss causes. The hair starts thinning as an individual grows older. Hormonal fluctuations can also affect hair growth. During menstruation and pregnancy, the hormonal changes taking place in the body often lead to hair loss. This condition subsides by itself once the hormonal levels are balanced again. Thyroid problems also lead to changes in hormonal levels and hair loss. Hormonal imbalances occur even when an individual suffers from excessive stress. Intake of birth control pills is another cause of hair loss in women. Improper hair care can lead to damage and neglect of the hair. This in turn leads to hair fall. Excessive use of styling appliances and styling products can cause long term damage and hair loss. Poor diet also has an effect on the hair. Excessive consumption of junk food, carbonated beverages and caffeinated drinks can deprive the hair follicles of nutrition and result in hair loss. Hair loss may also run in families. Another cause of hair loss is chemotherapy. The chemicals used to destroy the cancer cells can dry out the scalp and lead to thinning and falling of the hair. Medical conditions that affect the scalp such as fungal infections, lice and dandruff could also be accountable for hair loss. Hair loss and balding in women is also caused by alopecia. One of the causes of hair loss in women over 40 is androgenetic alopecia which is also referred to as female pattern baldness.
How to prevent hair loss in women?
Proper diet is essential to prevent hair loss in women. In case one is not able to derive adequate nutrients from the food, it is necessary to consult a doctor regarding the intake of nutritional supplements. Use of aromatherapy is also known to be helpful in reducing hair loss. Oils such as lavender, rosemary and thyme are known to be especially beneficial. Hair problems can also be prevented by massaging the scalp with nourishing oils on a regular basis.
Tags: causes of hair loss in women over 40, female hair loss causes, prevent hair loss in women, what causes hair loss in women
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