Future Hair Loss Treatment: Platelet-Rich Plasma, an Overview

Posted by Anna Collins on May 16th, 2012
platelet

In today’s technologically-oriented society, various methods of hair restoration techniques have emerged. Although the ultimate cure for hair loss is yet to be discovered, scientists and researchers are exploring new procedures which can help promote better hair regrowth.

Currently, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is considered one of the most promising future hair loss treatment options since it has the potential to prevent hair loss as well as stimulate healthier hair regrowth.

What Is PRP?

PRP is a concentrated blood plasma that contains a higher amount of platelets which is 5 times stronger than a normal circulating blood. It is rich in growth factors like PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and other bio-active proteins that are essential in healing wounds and encouraging the growth of healthier hair.

Beneficial Effects of PRP

In medicine, PRP is used in accelerating the healing process of tendon and muscle injuries, reconstructing jaws, treating osteoarthritis and preventing cardiovascular conditions.

The concentrated form of PRP also helps increase the body’s ability to repair damaged tissues and cells, accelerating the body’s healing process.

The ability of PRP to become a future hair loss treatment stems from this treatment mechanism.

PRP in Hair Transplant Surgery

In hair transplantation, PRP aids in healing the wound in the recipient sites and the donor incision sites. It also works to encourage and enhance tissue repair after the hair transplant procedure as well as reinvigorates the dormant hair follicles, stimulating healthier hair regrowth.

PRP in Follicular Biologic Therapy

Follicular biologic therapy is a new technique which makes use of PRP to reverse hair loss and stimulate thicker and healthier hair regrowth.

According to Dr. Joseph Greco, injecting PRP in the balding scalp helps stimulate the stem cells in the follicles, increasing the length and overall static density of the hair. 

Bottom Line

In the hair restoration field, PRP is considered a revolutionary procedure to promote hair regrowth. Although it is still new in the field of medical hair loss treatment, using platelet-rich plasma in hair transplantation and follicular biologic therapy shows a greater potential in being realized as a future hair loss treatment.

Hair Loss Tips from the Most Powerful and Influential Bald Men

Posted by Anna Collins on April 25th, 2012
hair loss

Most men who are balding tend to lose their self-confidence. They become shy and aloof, losing their identity and self-esteem in the process.

Only a few would stand and put a brave face on the camera and proudly show to the world that they are indeed experiencing hair thinning and hair loss problems.

So today, here is an article to celebrate some of the most powerful and influential bald men who, in spite of baldness, have made distinct and wonderful contributions in the world of sports, politics, business, and entertainment.

Ironic as it may seem, perhaps persons with male pattern baldness, or any balding guy for that matter, can take hair loss tips from these men. Who knows, these tips might just work better than hair loss products.

As what GQ magazine said, “These are the men who put the balls in bald and we salute you!”

The following are the men, though bald, who remind us that we don’t need luxurious locks to reach the top:

1. Barry Diller

Photo Credit: newsgroper.com

The chairman of the board and the senior executive officer of InterActiveCorp, director of Coca-Cola Company, and independent director of the Washington Post Company.

He currently ranks number 804 in Forbes magazine’s annual list of The World’s Billionaires.

Claim to Fame: Barry Diller is an innovative television executive who is best known for the creation of Fox Broadcasting Company and USA Broadcasting which challenged the domination of prime time television by CBS, ABC, and NBC.

 

2. Charles Barkley

charles barkley

Photo Credit: deadspin.com

A former American professional basketball player who played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets. He is currently a sports analyst on the television program Inside the NBA.

Claim to Fame: Charles Barkley established himself as one of the NBA’s most leading power forwards. He earned 11 NBA All-Star Game appearances, became the All-Star MVP in 1991, and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

 

3. Jeffrey Katzenberg

Jeffrey Katzenberg

Photo Credit: pastdeadline.com

An American producer and CEO of DreamWorks Animation, a prestigious studio that creates animated feature films, online virtual worlds, and television programming.

Claim to Fame: He is best known for delighting several generations of children with his stint as the chairman of the Walt Disney Studios when it produced mega blockbuster movies like Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Pretty Woman, Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act, and The Lion King.

Currently as CEO of DreamWorks Animation, he is the brains behind the production of successful animated franchises such as Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and Shrek.

 

4. Mortimer ‘Mort’ Zuckerman

Mortimer Zuckerman

Photo Credit: therealdeal.com

A Canadian-born American businessman, magazine editor and publisher, and real-estate tycoon.

Claim to Fame: Since 1993, Mort Zuckerman is the owner of the New York Daily News and as of 2000 he is the editor-in-chief of U.S. News & World Report. He currently ranks number 616 in Forbes magazine’s annual list of The World’s Billionaires.

 

 

5. Richard Bruce ”Dick” Cheney

Dick Cheney

Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org

The 46th vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009, under George W. Bush. He served as the US House of Representatives for Wyoming and was selected to be the Secretary of Defense during the presidency of George H. W. Bush.

Claim to Fame: During his service as the US Secretary of Defense from 1989 to January 1993, he was the one directing the call for the US invasion of Panama. He was also the one leading the US in the First Gulf War, codenamed Operation Desert Storm, in the Middle East.

Subtle as they come, the hair loss tips that these men are giving include (1) accepting your condition, (2) staying true to your character, and (3) striving to live your passion despite the condition of your scalp.

The bottom line, however, for these hair loss tips is that the abundance or lack of hair is no determinant of your capabilities; instead, a strong determination leads you to make your mark in the world.

Hair Loss Treatment: The Truth about Tea Tree Oil

Posted by Anna Collins on April 18th, 2012
tea tree

Most of us are not aware of what health benefits tea tree oil has to offer. In fact, most of us do not know that this herbal medical plant can help us achieve healthier hair and body.

For the benefit of those who don’t know, tea tree has a long history of medicinal use—from healing cuts and burns during the ancient times to treating hair problems and skin infections in today’s modern world.

Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil is extracted from the leaves of the Narrow-leaved Tea-tree plant which is scientifically known as Melaleuca alternifolia. This oil is characterized by a pale yellowish color; sometimes, it is nearly colorless and clear.

Beneficial Effects of Tea Tree Oil

Commonly, tea tree oil helps treat and prevent ailments and conditions caused by infectious organisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. With its antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral qualities, it is of no wonder that tea tree oil serves as an effective medical agent which helps treat certain hair-related conditions like dandruff, excessive hair fall, hair thinning, and hair loss problems.

Tea Tree Oil for Hair Loss Treatment

Tea tree oil exhibits excellent properties that make it an effective natural hair loss treatment agent. The oil helps unclog and remove buildup of sebum in the scalp and the hair follicles, increasing the chances of producing fuller and thicker hair strands by providing a healthy environment for the hair follicles.

More than that, it cleanses, nourishes, and conditions the scalp, keeping the roots of the follicles free from potential fungal and bacterial infections. It also prevents hair dryness and brittleness as it moisturizes the hair and helps get rid of oil buildup, dead skin cells, and grime on the scalp.

When tea tree oil is massaged directly on the scalp, it helps encourage hair regrowth by stimulating the hair follicles. In addition, tea tree oil also helps reduce dandruff as well as get rid of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in the scalp.

Caution

Undiluted tea tree oil may cause allergic reactions like irritation, itchiness, and redness on sensitive skin. Hence, if your skin is sensitive, it is always advisable to dilute the oil with base oil such as olive oil to lessen its concentration.

Bottom Line

Using tea tree oil for hair loss treatment is one of the finest alternative solutions you can undertake since it is not only effective but it offers a safe and non-risk method of stimulating the growth of fuller, thicker, and healthier hair strands.

Yoga Postures as Solutions for Hair Loss

Posted by Anna Collins on April 12th, 2012
solutions for hair loss

If you are suffering from hair loss problems and you want natural means to treat and prevent its progression, then yoga could well be the answer to your problems.

Although hair loss is caused by various factors like malnutrition, medication, ailments, infections, or the environment, at times it can be due to an intense level of mental and physical stress.

That being said, engaging in yoga can help prevent further hair loss by relieving stress and anxiety, calming the nerves, and providing a healthy state of mind. More than that, yoga also improves blood flow, delivering enough nutrients and oxygen to the roots of the hair follicles, promoting proper hair regrowth.

The best thing about doing yoga is that it not only stops hair loss but it promotes a healthier mind and body.

The following are yoga postures that can serve as solutions for hair loss and hair thinning problems:

  • Cleaning Breath Technique (Kapalabhati). This is a yoga posture as well as a form of breathing exercise that promotes a state of well-being and prevents the progression of hair loss. Kapalabhati is a de-stressing tool that helps clear the mind of negative emotions, maintains good health, and fights against diseases.
  • Diamond Pose (Vajrasana). This technique is considered one of the most effective yoga poses for hair loss treatment.
  • Downward Facing Dog (Adhumukha Svanasana).This yoga posture promotes hair regrowth by triggering the nervous system as well as increasing the flow of blood in the head and the scalp region.
  • Headstand Pose (Sirshasana). This yoga posture promotes hair regrowth by encouraging good circulation to the scalp. It also improves brain function (intelligence and memory) as well as increases vitality and confidence.
  • Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana). This yoga posture is good at promoting proper blood circulation in the chest, upper back, shoulders, neck, and the head. It also helps invigorate and rejuvenate the whole body including the scalp and the hair follicles.
  • Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana). This yoga posture helps increase the blood flow into the scalp delivering sufficient blood and nutrients to the hair follicles, thereby preventing hair fall and further hair loss.
  • The Knee-to-Chest Pose (Pawan Muktasana). This yoga posture helps get rid of gas and constipation as well as improve appetite.

Practicing yoga postures and having a well-balanced diet are complementary solutions for hair loss that can be easily included in a daily hair loss regimen.

The Beneficial Effects of Rosemary in Hair Loss Treatment

Posted by Anna Collins on March 15th, 2012
hair loss treatment

Rosemary is considered as one of the oldest healing herbs recorded in history. In fact, references to rosemary which were written on Sumerian stone tablets date back as far as the 5th millennium BC.

During the ancient civilization, rosemary had been used as a spiritual, medicinal and seasoning herb. In Rome, rosemary was considered a sacred plant that was a gift from the gods. In Spain and Italy, it was known to ward off evil spirits and illnesses, and a safeguard against witches.

In the Alps, broken twigs of rosemary were used during funerals, christenings, and weddings. In China, rosemary is believed to ease headaches and even treat baldness.  In Greece, it is believed to improve digestion. In France, burning rosemary branches to sanitize the air was practiced in hospitals until the 20th century.

In modern times, however, rosemary is used by herbalists to assist in the treatment of ailments related to the liver and gall bladder.  This herb is also used in the treatment of flu, cold, rheumatism, and arthritis. It also helps lower blood sugar, alleviate cramps, and treat blocked menstrual flow.

In the hair loss treatment field, rosemary is recognized as a natural remedy to stop further hair loss and achieve thicker and healthier hair growth. It is also good for fine, thin, dry, brittle, frizzy, and oily hair.

This herb cleanses the scalp of all the impurities like dirt, dead skin cells and grime; removes dandruff; reduces hair dryness and scalp itchiness; and stimulates the hair follicles, thereby producing healthier hair growth. Rosemary essential oil is also useful in treating problematic hair conditions as it nourishes and conditions the scalp and the hair follicles.

  • Rosemary Hair Conditioner

Ingredients: 2–3 drops of rosemary essential oil and 1 teaspoon of slightly warmed carrier oil (sweet almond or olive)

Preparation:

Mix 2–5 drops of rosemary essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Apply the mixture into the hair and massage the scalp. Then, wrap the head with a warm towel and leave on for 45 minutes to deep condition the hair follicles. Afterwards, rinse the hair with cool water.

  • Rosemary Hair Growth Stimulator

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of basil oil and 6 drops of rosemary essential oil

Preparation:

Add 6 drops of rosemary essential oil with 1 tablespoon of basil oil. Massage the mixture into the scalp and leave it overnight so that the beneficial effect of this mixture can penetrate into the hair roots. This can help regain the vitality and strength of the hair.

Did You Know . . .

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial plant with fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves which belongs to the mint family. Its name is taken from two Latin words: ros, which means “dew” and marinus, which means “sea”; hence, it is commonly called “dew of the sea.”

Hair Loss Myths: Separating Real from Reel

Posted by Athena on March 7th, 2012
hair loss

Thousands of years ago, our lack of knowledge and understanding on the nature and composition of the hair raised assumptions and theories on the cause of hair loss and hair thinning problems. With that, our ancestors created various methods of treatment to stop and prevent its progression. These wrong suppositions are passed on from generation to generation, even until these days.

Now, to help you in your quest to end baldness and hair thinning problems, we will help you distinguish the facts from the fakes. In this article, we will debunk some famous myths and validate others. Let’s take a look at some of them and separate which ones are real from reel.

Myth 1: Wearing caps or hats causes hair loss and hair thinning problems.

REEL: This myth probably started in the military where young men were required to wear hats showed signs of hair thinning problems. This is simply a coincidental timing, since the age when young men enter the military is also the age when male pattern baldness starts to occur. Pattern baldness is due to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) build-up in the scalp and not merely from wearing hats.

Myth 2: Baldness and hair thinning problems are due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

REAL: Vitamins and minerals are essential to produce and maintain the healthy growth of the hair. These are needed to help avert breakages and to add strength to the hair follicles. Hence, a daily dose of these vitamins can vitally aid in hair loss prevention. Also keep in mind that lack of these vitamins and minerals may induce a hair thinning and balding condition.

REEL: Taking vitamins and minerals alone cannot stop the onslaught of hair loss and hair thinning if the root cause of the problem is not nutrient deficiency. Remember, every individual varies from the nature and cause of hair thinning; hence, it is essential to consult a physician to find the real cause and to be given a suitable treatment for the said condition.

Myth 3: Sleeping with wet hair causes scalp fungus which can damage and irritate the scalp leading to hair problems.

REEL: Fungal diseases can’t be caught from sleeping with wet hair. In fact, scalp infections require prior involvement with infected sources like humans, tainted hair care tools or animals. Scalp infections are due to various pathogens or micro-organisms like bacteria, fungus, virus or parasites which infest the scalp.

Myth 4: Brushing the hair 100 strokes a day will speed up hair regrowth.

REEL: The only thing brushing the hair 100 strokes a day can do is damage the hair, causing it to become easily breakable. It can also be a cause for more split-ends.

Myth 5: Healthy diet helps prevent hair loss and hair thinning conditions.

REAL: Food is essential for survival, it is necessary for the body to function properly. With that, eating the right kinds of foods allows your body to make the energy needed to maintain stronger, fuller and thicker hair strands. Remember, a healthy and well-balanced diet ensures the intake of essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to the health and beauty of the hair.

The Vitamin Alphabet for Hair Regrowth

Posted by Athena on February 29th, 2012
hair regrowth

Nutrition plays an essential role in maintaining the health and beauty of the hair. In fact, men and women with poor dietary habits may experience hair loss, hair fall, and hair thinning problems as an outcome of nutrient deficiency.

Indeed, vitamins for hair regrowth are natural supplements to protect the hair follicles, thereby stimulating healthier hair. These vitamins help avert the breakages and also add strength to the hair follicles. With that, a daily dose and proportion of these vitamins can vitally aid in hair loss prevention.

If you are seeking vitamins for hair loss treatment and hair regrowth stimulation, here is a comprehensive listing:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A promotes healthy hair growth by nourishing the hair to keep it from being dry and easily damaged. This vitamin also regulates the production of retinoic acid, a metabolite of retinol which is essential for the health of the hair follicles. Lack of vitamin A  in your diet may contribute to hair loss, hair fall, and hair thinning problems.

Food Sources

Animals — beef, chicken, eggs, fish, cheese, and seafood

Fruits — apple, apricot, cantaloupe, mango, orange, plum, peach, kiwi, and watermelon

Vegetables — broccoli, carrots, peppers, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato, and turnip

Vitamin B Complex

This water-soluble vitamin helps prevent hair thinning and hair loss by promoting blood circulation in the scalp, making the hair follicles grow healthily. Vitamin B complex also strengthens weakening hair follicles, thereby making it a good agent for hair regrowth.

Food Sources

Animals — pork and chicken liver, sardines, salmon, pork, and chicken

Fruits — berries, nuts, avocadoes, bananas and soybeans

Vegetables — green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli

Vitamin C

This vitamin prevents hair loss and encourages hair regrowth by improving blood circulation in the scalp. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron, which is needed to regrow healthier hair. Vitamin C deficiency makes the hair weak and vulnerable to such problems as breakage, split ends, hair fall, and hair loss.

Food Sources

Animals — goat’s milk, chicken and pork liver, and raw oysters

Fruits — lemon, grapefruit, raspberry, tangerine, mango, pineapple, and watermelon

Vegetables — lettuce, cucumber, carrot, spinach, and cabbage

Vitamin D

This essential fatty acid aids in calcium absorption. Calcium is an essential mineral that helps strengthen the hair follicles for proper hair regrowth. A lack of vitamin D will result in dry and easily damaged hair.

Food Sources

Animals — sardines, mackerel, shrimp, tuna, cheese, cod liver oil, and salmon

Fruits — orange

Vegetables — shiitake and button mushrooms

Vitamin E

Vitamin E has the ability to moisturize, hydrate, and improve the hair and scalp condition. This vitamin builds capillaries in the body,  improving blood flow on the scalp, hence encouraging hair growth and reversing the hair loss process.

Food Sources

Animals — eggs, herring, turkey, bacon, and sardines

Fruits — blackberry, avocado, breadfruit, papaya, pomegranate, nectarine, and kiwi

Vegetables — butternut, parsnip, potato, pumpkin, and squash

Natural Methods to Stop Hair Loss and Stimulate Hair Regrowth

Posted by Athena on February 22nd, 2012
hair regrowth

Today, thousands of hair loss treatments are available within our reach. However, majority of the people still prefer a natural means to stop the further onslaught of their hair loss, hair fall, and hair thinning problems. Why? The answer is clear: Natural hair loss treatment offers an alternative solution to prevent hair loss — safely and cost-efficiently.

Indeed, natural hair loss treatment methods provide a cheaper means of stopping hair loss and stimulating hair regrowth than those offered by hair clinics and commercialized hair loss products. More than that, unlike its medicated hair loss treatment counterparts, a natural treatment alternative offers a non-invasive approach to reverse hair loss and stimulate healthier hair growth without the risk of side effects.

The following are some natural methods of preventing hair loss and hair thinning problems that will help you in your quest to stop hair loss:

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an alternative hair loss prevention method which makes use of aromatic oils made from herbal essences of plants for the purpose of altering a person’s mind, mood, cognitive function and health. The use of essential oils helps prevent and stop hair loss in a safe, effective and inexpensive manner. Jojoba, rosemary, basil, lavender, coconut and olive oils are the most common aromatic oils used in treating hair loss and hair thinning problems.

Exercise

Exercise not only improves the health of the body but it also helps deliver nutrients to hair follicles by stimulating proper circulation of the blood in all systems of the body including the scalp and the hair follicles. This physical activity also reduces the effect of stress, thereby preventing the onslaught of hair loss. Hence, it is recommended to add an exercise program to your daily routine. The easiest exercises anyone can do are walking, running and stretching.

Scalp Massage

Scalp massage works wonders on your hair because like exercising, it lessens the stress levels and promotes an overall feeling of relaxation. If properly executed, it promotes proper blood circulation which increases the amount of nutrients available for the healthy growth of hair. Massage involves the act of kneading, rubbing and putting light pressure on the scalp using your palms and fingers.

Proper Diet

The simplest way to stop hair loss and hair thinning problems is to eat a well-balanced diet coupled with the right vitamins and minerals for the healthy growth of the hair. Changing what you eat is necessary to stop hair loss and reverse the hair loss process. One should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables because they contain lots of vitamins and minerals which are vital for hair regrowth.

Bottom Line

These are some of the common natural hair loss treatment alternatives to help stop hair loss and stimulate healthier hair regrowth. However, it is to be noted that the effectiveness of these alternative treatments for hair loss may vary from one person to another.

Asiasari Radix, the Most Potent Hair Loss Herb?

Posted by Athena on February 20th, 2012
asiasari radix herbal medicine for hair loss

Since earlier times, hair loss has always been treated through herbal medicine. A few of these herbs are saw palmetto, stinging nettle, and horsetail. Today, the number of herbs purported to posses the potential to stop baldness is increasing.

Not very recently, there is another herb which has been discovered to possess the very same potential although it works in a different mechanism of action, unlike the more popular herbs. This herb is called Asiasari radix.

The use of Asiasari radix to treat hair loss and restore hair has become increasingly popular since the publication of a study from the Journal of Dermatological Science in 2005. Scientists have investigated the potential of 45 herbal extracts for hair loss prevention and hair growth stimulation and came up with the conclusion that A. radix is the most potent of them all when it comes to hair growth stimulation.

In a vitro study, A. radix has been observed to do two functions that influence hair loss and hair growth. First, it increased the protein synthesis in the hair follicle cultures. Hair is essentially protein. Through using A. radix, the intake of cysteine, an essential amino acid that has been linked to hair follicle growth, has increased. Second, it increased the proliferation of the  immortalized human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and human dermal papilla (DP) cells.

In addition to that, it increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) development and expression in human DP cells. VEGF plays an important role in the production of new blood vessels from pre-existing blood vessels. As was observed, VEGF development tends to be higher in the anagen or growth phase while lower in the catagen (shedding) and telogen (resting) growth phases in the hair growth cycle.

From this perspective, it has been noted that A. radix induced telogen follicles to enter the anagen phase.

Apparently, unlike other popular herbs used to treat hair loss, A. radix does not inhibit the action of type II 5-alpha reductase on testosterone to convert it into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the known cause of androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness. A. radix grows hair through mechanisms other than reducing DHT. Hence, A. radix can definitely parallel minoxidil in effective hair regrowth.

Unfortunately, there aren’t so many products that include A. radix in them primarily because it is not easily accessible.

Nevertheless, to obtain results from using A. radix, apply its oil every day onto the scalp. Let it stand for at least an hour or two. Rinse it with a herbal shampoo.

Looking for the Right Hair Loss Treatment? Read Product Reviews

Posted by Eris on February 20th, 2012
hair loss treatment

Premature or not, hair loss is something we don’t want to experience firsthand. After all, our hair greatly plays a role in enhancing our physical appearance.

Luckily, the market offers thousands of hair loss products to help stop and prevent the onslaught of this problem. However, with the wide array of products we sometimes feel confused and frustrated on choosing which of them are safe and effective.

One essential thing to consider before you go shopping for the right kind of treatment is to read product reviews. Keep in mind that you are looking for an effective hair loss treatment so this is not something you should take lightly.

Before you purchase anything from stores, be a smart shopper. Make yourself knowledgeable by finding out what other people are saying about a particular hair loss product. If what you are thinking of buying is something you are unfamiliar with, then gathering information would help you understand the product’s quality. Remember, most genuine reviews provide you with details of the advantages and disadvantages of the hair loss treatment. More than that, reading hair loss product reviews offers benefits such as the following:

  • Determining the right brand to use.

Most articles will give you an idea about what is good or bad with a particular item. Knowing the disadvantages and advantages can give you ideas on which ones would be best for you.

  • Relevant information about the product.

A good review must come with test results that are provided by the makers or conducted by private sectors. The information may vary depending on the age and gender of people who have tried a certain hair loss product. For instance, there are items that can prevent further hair loss specifically for people between the mid twenties to late forties. In other studies, there are products that are suitable for middle-aged men. Based on these relevant information, you can easily determine which item you should purchase.

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