A Balanced Diet for a Better Hair Day, Every Day

Many people don’t think much about the health of their hair — that is, until its starts thinning. If you’re noticing a significant increase in the amount of hair lost per day, you might take comfort in the fact that you are in good company: Hair loss affects about 35 million men and 21 million women in the US alone.

This equates to two-thirds of the male population that will experience noticeable hair loss by the age of 35, and that number jumps to 85 per cent by the time they reach the age of 50, according to the American Hair Loss Association.

Hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons. One permanent cause is genetic, but most people don’t realize that other causes may be temporary and reversible. Temporary hair loss may be caused by extreme stress, severe illness or childbirth; but the cause that is most easily treatable is a change in diet, according to the AHLA.

Hair needs many vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy. Among them are protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin A, but not too much: Excess vitamin A can actually cause hair loss, according to researchers at the University of Hawaii.

If you think diet may be the cause of your hair-related woes, try adding some of these hair-healthy foods to your recipes:

• Beans – Great source of iron, zinc and biotin

• Almonds, pecans and cashews – Rich in zinc

• Dark leafy greens (such as spinach, broccoli and Swiss chard) – Contain vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum (to condition hair)

• Carrots – Another good source of vitamin A

• Walnuts and salmon – Both rich in omega-3 fatty acids

• Brazil nuts – High in selenium (promotes scalp health)

Nutritionists reported on which foods are especially fabulous for your hair. These tips are good for thick, shiny, healthy hair no matter what. They recommend beans for iron, zinc and biotin; walnuts and salmon because they’re rich in omega-3; and dark leafy greens for vitamins A and C. It sounds like a delicious salad, right? Also on the list: Almonds, pecans and cashews, so if you like mixed nuts, you’re in luck.

However, if you’re not the salad-eating type, you can still give your hair a boost. There are tons of supplements out there that contain essential fatty acids and biotin. You will notice a huge difference in your hair — thicker and shinier — after taking them. They also make your mane grow faster, so if you’re trying to get rid of some unfortunate bangs, they may be the answer.

Short- and Long-Term Solutions to Hair Loss

Apart from stress, intense heat and pollution also cause hair loss. With these causes of hair loss, what are the apt solutions?

Hair Replacement

There are hair system makers who offer an ultra-customised non-surgical hair replacement system for both men and women.

There are makers who use real quality human hair and the treatment is custom made to suit each individual’s needs. The idea is to provide a system, which duplicates exactly the way one’s hair used to be. Alternatively, the system can be designed to create a new kind of hairstyle, including a combed-back look that exposes the hairline.

What is an ultra-custom non-surgical hair replacement system?

The systems are made according to the client’s needs. Factors like density, texture, colour, length, curl size, gravity splits of the original hair are considered and only then the new system is designed. The system is glued and taped to the scalp without any surgical procedure and only a replacement of hair is done. One can style, comb their hair the way they want to.

Does the process have any side effects, and how safe is it?

The glue and tapes used are FDA approved and there are no side effects to it. The system has enormous amount of pores, which allows the scalp to breathe, and in lieu of this, the client is able to use the system just like normal hair. It is effective and lasts up to more than three years. Plus it’s really easy to maintain.

What kind of cost is involved in this process?

The extent of hair to be replaced and the length determine the cost of each system. Maintenance of the system can be done at ease by the client, but if the client has other preferences on how to have the servicing done, then a nominal charge is levied. Every client is given due attention at the time of consultation.

What are some of the common reasons for people losing hair these days?

Hair loss, baldness in particular, can either be hereditary or due to one’s lifestyle changes that were not prevalent in previous generations. Hair loss is a perennial problem in men and women. Severe stressful life, exposure to intense heat, humidity, pollution, greasy fast food and many more add to reasons.

What are home remedies for hair loss?

If the hair loss is not due to heredity or any medical process side effects, then nutrient deficiency would be one of the major reasons. A major amount of water to cleanse your system, high-protein diet and iron-rich foods can be suggested and would give a good result too.

Remedy Scalp Itchiness before It Worsens to Hair Loss

Along with dryness of the scalp, negligence towards hair care is a main reason for scalp itchiness, which can be a forerunner of a worse condition such as hair loss. The other causes of an itchy scalp include a poor diet, too much anxiety and stress and lice. Cleaning and washing of hair in an improper way along with dandruff and scalp acne and allergies as a result of usage of chemical-based products like hair dyes are some of the other reasons.

Remedies

1. Make a mixture of one part of eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, German chamomile natural oil with four parts of water and gently dab it on the areas affected.

2. Application of lemon juice on the scalp is believed to be very effective in treating an itchy scalp caused by dandruff. Mixing curd with lemon juice diluted in water is

also found to be very efficient in cases where the dandruff is severe.

3. Massaging your scalp with a combination of cedar vinegar and warm water can be beneficial in curing itchy scalps.

4. Tea tree oil is found to have anti-bacterial properties. These help in treating scalp acne, rashes and pimples which subsequently help in reducing the itchiness.

5. Oil obtained from Neem plant is very good since it has fungicidal properties. Apply a mixture of Neem oil, rosemary oil and tea tree oil on the scalp on a regular basis.

Tips for Itchy Scalp:

• We may feel like scratching our scalp, but avoid doing this as this will only aggravate the problem.

• The right kind of comb is also very important. Wooden combs with wide teeth should be preferred as these are known to increase blood circulation.

• Identification of the reason for the occurrence of itchy scalp will prove beneficial in its treatment.

• The right kind of shampoo is also very important. It is a myth that the costliest shampoo is the best. It may be good but may not be the answer for you. So go for a shampoo that best suits your hair condition.

• Washing your hair regularly will help in preventing dirt and dead skin cells from accumulating on your scalp which in turn will prevent infections and an itchy scalp.

These simple tips and home remedies for itchy scalp will be of immense help as they are effective and not very costly as compared to the chemical-based products available in the market. Apart from being light on your pocket, they are easily available, easy to prepare and use. However, one must never forget that all the remedies mentioned will be effective if and only if they are used regularly.

Manage Stress to Maintain the Health of Your Tresses

Turns out that stress and bad habits such as smoking, drinking and even tanning could contribute to hair loss, especially in women, according to preliminary findings from new research.

Two new studies found that women’s hair follicles are particularly vulnerable to the wear and tear of a stressful lifestyle. One study found that women who had suffered the stress of a divorce or death of a spouse were at the highest risk of losing their hair at the midline, meaning a widening of the parting in the middle of the scalp. This type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium, which refers to hair loss induced from severe stress – may it be physical, emotional, or psychological stress.

Men can chalk balding mostly up to genetic luck of the draw, although smoking, alcohol consumption, daily stress, and sun exposure contribute as well. According to the research, such habits contribute to poor blood flow in the scalp, affecting the health of the hair follicles since it is through blood circulation that the follicles obtain nutrients.

While you can take preventative measures such as wearing a hat when exposed to the sun, quitting smoking, and reducing your alcohol consumption, researchers add that adopting healthier lifestyle choices could possibly help your hair grow back.

‘Part of it is to manage what you can’, shares a New York City dermatologist. ‘The sooner you address it, the better your chances of recovering the former healthy state of the hair follicles’.

Prior research and clinical studies have also linked stem cells to balding, finding that some stem cells in the scalp are incapable of developing into the type of cells that make hair follicles. The discovery, published earlier this year in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, could give hope to men and women with hair loss, said the researchers in a release.

Homemade Hair Loss Treatments that Suit the Needs of Your Scalp

Hair loss may worsen with ageing and a variety of other factors — including genetics, stress, disease and hairstyling tools. While a variety of commercial and medical products offer hair loss treatments, homemade products have the advantage of being less toxic than most found on the market. Homemade treatments are commonly less expensive than commercial products and you have the advantage of knowing exactly what is in the formulation and customising it for your needs.

Vitamin Treatment

Vitamin E has long been touted as an aide to circulation and used in heart ailments. Because of its ability to rebuild capillaries and arteries, vitamin E is a useful treatment for hair. Though the vitamin can be added to shampoos and conditioners, the most efficient treatment is to apply the nutrient directly to the scalp. Puncture a capsule of vitamin E and apply directly to the scalp. This can be repeated daily.

Molasses Treatment

Molasses has been shown to help regrow hair. Blackstrap molasses contains a variety of B vitamins that help reduce stress, which is one of the leading causes of hair loss. Molasses also softens the hair and adds lustre. It can be applied directly to the hair but because of its stickiness, molasses is best applied diluted in water.

Add four ounces of molasses to one cup of warm water and use as a rinse. Wrap the head with a towel and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing off and drying.

Herbal Remedy

Herbal tinctures and oils are beneficial for the follicles on the scalp and for the hair shaft itself. Massaging the scalp with a combination of herbal essential oils — including rosemary, lavender, cedarwood and thyme — can nourish the scalp within and on the surface. This combination helps increase circulation in the scalp and is especially beneficial for those suffering from alopecia.

Protein Treatment

Hair is made up of protein. Adding protein to the diet can help hair grow, as can adding protein directly to the hair. Eggs and mayonnaise are both sources of protein that can be used as hair treatments.

Mix one egg into a half cup of mayonnaise and apply to the hair. Leave on for 15 minutes to a half hour, then shampoo as usual. This will not only add protein and strength to the hair but moisturise the scalp as well. An avocado can also be added to increase the moisture content of the hair.

Home-Made Remedies for Male Alopecia

Male pattern baldness is a very common problem. Close to ninety per cent of cases of male hair loss falls in this category. Most males who have crossed the age of fifty suffer from this type of baldness. However, like many other conditions, if you are able to detect the problematic condition at an early stage, you would be able to control it to a great extent.

Nutrients, vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy hair growth and will prevent and stop hair loss. If you realise that you are not getting enough nutrients then try supplementing your diet with zinc, vitamin B and biotin. A secret home remedy for healthy hair is drinking half a litre of lettuce, spinach, carrot and alfalfa juice in equal proportions daily. This mixture is natural and very effective as a natural supplement.

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for our health in so many ways, have also been shown to prevent hair loss. Consuming substantial amounts of omega 3 can help you avoid hair loss in the first place.

A daily 10-minute scalp massage will stimulate the follicles as well as increase blood circulation to the scalp.

You can also make some simple and effective home remedies for hair loss using natural oils. Combine henna, jojoba, and aloe vera and mix it all together with wheat germ oil. Use the mixture with a natural shampoo to cleanse your strands.

Take one cup of mustard oil with some henna leaves and boil for a few minutes. After boiling, strain this solution and keep it in a bottle and massage it to the scalp every day; this will help you to reduce the baldness. This solution can help prevent further hair loss and may be used for hair care.

Apply the oils of cedarwood, rosemary, lavender combined with jojoba seed oils on to your hairs and scalp. Daily massage of 30 minutes with all these oils will give excellent results for people suffering with hair loss. In the cases of alopecia areata, this remedy also holds effective.

Wash the hair with lukewarm water every week. Make sure to massage the scalp as well. For better results, mix the warm water with either coconut or olive oil and then apply to hair and scalp. Spend about 15 to 20 minutes massaging these areas to ensure that the oil gets absorbed well.

Female Hair Loss: How to Deal

Often, hair loss or balding is thought of as a problem men alone encounter. But often overlooked is the fact the many women also encounter the problems of hair loss. It doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom though since in a lot of cases, hair problems in women can be treated fairly easily.

The loss of hair in women may start at any age, even in teenage years. It may start because of a stressful experience, new medication, hormonal imbalances or it may be hereditary. These are only a few of the causes the hair may begin to fall out excessively.

Any woman who suffers from female pattern baldness will usually have their self-confidence lowered. Everyone tends to judge a female by their hairstyle. If a man is going bald, this is seen as normal but unfortunately it’s not the same for women.

This is often an important piece of this issue. But there are a number of female pattern baldness treatments for sale which you can use in the privacy of your own home. Many of these treatments are unisex or designed for men but rebranded and aimed at women. These are the products you need to steer clear of as men and women lose hair for different reasons. And any treatment should be specific to females since using a unisex or male hair loss treatment may end in even more hair being lost.

There are a few good female pattern baldness treatments which will effectively help with hair and scalp problems. If you’re suffering from any type of female pattern baldness, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. In many cases, the body corrects itself and the hair begins to regrow. This can take anything from weeks to months as a best-case scenario.

And do not forget to speak with your doctor if you need help in deciding what will be the best type of treatment for you.