Hair Loss and Balding Stressful for Men and Women - What Can Be Done?

In the previous article about hair loss, dandruff and bald spots, we determined that there is no real harm involved with these hair conditions, but that it may behoove us to check with our physicians regarding care and treatment. Sometimes there is an underlying condition that should be treated.

This article will continue to discuss other hair conditions of concern such as male and female baldness and ways to help yourself have healthy lovely hair. Everything we can do in this arena is to our benefit.

Baldness is hereditary, the trait is much more in you mother's line. So you should be aware of how much hair your maternal grandfather had to determine what might happen for you. Usually men will notice a thinning at the temples then receding hairline across the forehead. Next usually a pronounced thinning and then balding at the crown of the head. The balding pattern may advance to include the entire skull. But it doesn't always have to. You may stop once you reach partial baldness and remain at this stage the rest of your life. Some men for vanity sake will go ahead and shave their heads as part of their daily grooming. A well shaped head that is bald is very appealing to men and woman. And it beats being teased for your balding pattern. Other men will groom their balding hair and look very distinguished by growing additional facial hair to balance it out. Either way, it is what it is. There are medications like Rogaine and Propecia, which help with hair loss. And of course there is also hair transplant as an option, a surgical procedure that has proven to have some success.

Women can also have significant hair loss, but it is seen as hair thinning instead of actually going bald. The hair can become so thin that the scalp is easily visible with just what appears to be a few hairs covering it. 40% of women will have significant hair loss by the time they are 40. This is very devastating for a woman's self image. There is a Women's Rogaine that help preserve hair. Many woman will have natural hair wigs made for themselves. Some will cut their hair short and let it be natural to cover what it will. And in today's world many woman will simply shave their heads as well. It is a look and an attitude that is very appealing to some.

There is a lot that we can do to preserve our hair. To make it beautiful and luxurious. Yes there are some genetic issues that can not be helped. But most do have a head of hair worth preserving.

The sun is not our hair's friend. Too much sun can turn our hair into a haystack. Dry, brittle, easily broken, filled with split ends. And don't forget the scalp burns too. So if you do have thinning or balding hair, you'll get a sunburn on your head. There are some products with sunscreen that you can put on your hair, but it is pretty much hit or miss as to whether you will cover everything. Just wear a hat. It works for men and woman and can be quite a fashion statement.

Also what we put our hair through just to look good is sometimes tormenting to our hair's health. Blow drying, using a flat iron, bleaching, even over-brushing -- all can damage the outer layer (cuticle) of your hair. When you do so much damage to the hair follicle that the inner core is exposed because the outer protective core has been stripped away, the hair is lifeless, limp and dull. Although this is not permanently damaging to the hair, sometimes the only solution is to cut it all off and let it grow back in healthy again.

You also need to feed your hair. Your hair needs protein and iron and omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin A. Now do you think you are getting those precious nutrients on a crash diet, or a fad diet. And eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa cause serious loss of nutrients and hair damage and hair loss.

Surprisingly enough there are medications that have the side effect of hair loss. Such medications as
Coumadin (warfarin); Lopid (gemfibrozil); antidepressants; beta-blockers; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); and drugs for gout, arthritis, birth control, and high blood pressure. It is certainly necessary to take these medications as directed by your physician but you may wish to speak with your doctor about this side affect and see if perhaps a different medication to be used instead. The good news is that usually the lost hair will grow back when the medication is stopped. But remember some drugs can cause permanent hair loss and can trigger early balding patterns for men and women. Be sure to check with your doctor about these potential side effects before taking the medications. And be sure that the necessity of the medication outweighs the potential side effect.

So obviously there is a lot to having a luxurious head of hair. You must remember that your hair is part of your total body and health and vitality is dependent on good care and nutrition. So take care of yourself and hopefully you will have a beautiful healthy head of hair, a little or a lot, for your whole life.

Sources:

Understanding Hair Loss

Female Pattern Baldness

Male Patten Baldness