Monday 25 June 2007

How To Look After Black Hair.

The typical hair and hair follicles of those of African descent are tightly curled, thus producing hair that spirals. Black hair also typically has a larger diameter than Caucasian hair and retains less water, thus its relative “kinkiness." The many styling methods utilized on Black hair cause concern with hair loss. Black hair is very strong, fortunately so because Black hair styles cause a great deal of Stress on the hair and scalp.
For example, using a hair pick to pick the hair up to a bushy style is a very damaging process due to the constant pulling causing stress on the hair shaft as well as the follicle. In fact, combing Black hair in general can create high stress on Black hair and cause breakage, which perpetuates dryness. Conrowing and braiding are methods of hairstyling that pull the hair tight, and this can cause a great deal of stress on the hair and scalp resulting in hair loss. Braiding that results in the hair being pulled very tight can cause traumatic alopecia, a hair loss that is caused by trauma to the hair and scalp. Traumatic alopecia is usually reversible with proper hair care.
Hot combs and relaxers used to straighten hair can cause a great deal of heat and chemical damage to hair and scalp, which can also cause traumatic alopecia, and over time can cause permanent hair loss. This becomes especially true when the heat or chemically processed hair is pulled tight by rollers or a hot curling iron.
Hot oil conditioners are excellent for Black hair, as hot oil treatments contain proteins and polymers vital to repairing the hair cuticles. Hot oil treatments involve heating the oil and putting it into the hair and scalp, then covering the hair with a plastic cap to allow the oil to soak in. Follow the recommendations on the treatment you are using for the amount of time you should leave the treatment on the hair. This process can heal breakages and shinier stronger hair will be the result.
Consider that hair relaxers commonly used on Black hair contain lye or similar chemicals that break down the hair shaft. Left on beyond the recommended time, these chemicals would eat right through the hair and cause it to fall out in clumps. This is why these same products are used in products like Drano® to clean clogged drains which often are clogged by hair. No-lye relaxers are very popular today, mainly because it leads people to believe that the product is not caustic. This is far from the truth. The combination of calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate are combined to form guanidine hydroxide, which could just as easily clean a sink. Repeated use of such products can cause some degree of hair loss, and if scarring occurs while using these chemicals, the hair loss can be permanent in that area of the scalp. One must ask themselves is it wise to place such caustic chemicals in the hair on a regular basis for the sake of desired appearance? The question must be answered by each individual, however the facts should be known.
There is little that can be done to alleviate this syndrome without changing the typical hairstyles of African Americans. There is a catch-22 concerning relaxing Black hair, since combing natural Black hair causes so much stress and breakage of hair, while chemicals cause so much harm to the hair and scalp as well. There are a few hair-relaxing products on the market that use chemicals and are somewhat less harsh than sodium hydroxide (lye) or its popular equivalent in “no-lye" relaxers: calcium hydroxide (quicklime) mixed with guanidine carbonate. One such product is called Natural-Laxer® and Sahara Clay® by Baka ProductsTM that has been on the market since 1990. This product is all natural and because it does not contain many of the harsh chemicals of commercial relaxers and actually contains only a finely ground plant called Daphne Gnidium and clay from Africa it is figured to be relatively safe. Of course this product does not straighten hair in most instances the same way as commercial relaxers, however it does tend to make Black hair more manageable. There is yet another product on the market that is reported to be 92-96% natural which is called Naturalaxer Kit In A Jar™ that does not require the applicant to comb through the hair during the application, which results in a lot less damage.
Of course the bottom line is once again, if you can leave your hair in its natural state then you will experience less stress and damage to the hair and thus prevent at least one cause of hair loss. There is a growing segment of the Black population that is becoming comfortable with wearing their hair in natural styles. One such style is dreadlocks. There are many rumors and myths concerning dreadlocks, as there is little proper information available concerning this style, and as with anything that is misunderstood many myths arise around it. Dreadlocks can and must be washed; otherwise they will smell badly like any other dirty hair. The best process to use to wash dreadlocks is to use a residue-free shampoo. Most commercially made shampoos leave residue and can cause hair not to lock, lending fuel to the rumor that hair had to be dirty to form dreadlocks. Clean hair actually locks much better than dirty hair, as dirt is a residue in itself that will inhibit hair from locking. For best results one should use a fragrance free, conditioner free shampoo. Dreadlocks do not react well to oily and greasy substances, yet there are many good substances that are on the market today that will assist you in forming dreadlocks.
Dreadlocks are formed through a process, not simply by not combing or brushing the hair. Generally, one should start with hair about two inches in length, and the hair should be separated into even squares of hair and twisted gently together using a bonding or gel substance. Many use natural beeswax containing no petroleum, while others use loc and twist gels specifically formulated for locks. Once the hair is separated and twisted into small locks, it is important that they are left alone and allowed to bond naturally. The length of time it will take to lock will depend on the coarseness of your hair, but one can normally expect to wait several months before locks begin to form. While the hair is locking, it will need to be washed. Here is where washing should be extended for a while if possible, so that the hair can be allowed to lock for two weeks to about a month without manipulation. When you do wash your hair, use a stocking cap or “do-rag", and low-pressure water to make sure that the newly forming locks do not come loose. It will be necessary to rinse for a much longer time than you normally do, because of the lower pressure of the water and the lack of direct manipulation of your hair with your hands. The water is good for your hair and locking process, so this is not a problem. It is also imperative as indicated before that you use a shampoo that does not contain a conditioner and leaves as little residue as possible. A little research on your part will be necessary here; your health food store should contain a variety of natural shampoos. Have a skilled professional or a friend re-twist the hair gently, reapplying the twist gel or beeswax that you used previously. Repeat this process every two weeks to a month, the longer you are able to wait the better, and within a few months your hair will begin to lock.
Again, if you have a fine grade of hair rather than a kinky grade of hair, a beautician skilled at forming locks (“locktitian") or a friend who is very familiar with the hairstyle should be consulted. Even though dreadlocks are mainly a hairstyle for Blacks, there are other races that have people that enjoy the hairstyle. In general, it tends to be a style of hair that in the long run will give the hair and scalp needed rest from the rigors of chemical and heat treatments and rigorous combing and brushing, and therefore can contribute to longer life for your hair.
WWW.THEWESTMINSTERPRACTICE.COM

Hair Loss Is Depressing For Men - For Women It Can Be a Disaster.

In a survey of women who had suffered from noticeable hair loss, half said they had seriously considered suicide and the other half said it had badly affected their marriages. It’s obviously a condition that deserves to be taken seriously by the medical profession, yet until recently there has been a marked disinterest.
‘A lot of people get the feeling that doctors aren’t interested if you go to see them about hair loss,’
‘It’s not life-threatening, it’s not even painful. But it can ruin people’s lives.’
Hair naturally changes in thickness and quality at different times of life. After childbirth, for example, many women find they’re temporarily ‘moulting’ as their hormones change. After the menopause, too, reduced hormone levels usually leave hair a little thinner. But if your hair starts falling out, don’t just accept it.
‘It’s a medical problem, not a cosmetic problem,’
‘It should always be investigated to determine whether there’s a background condition that needs treating.’
Hair loss can take one of several different forms. With alopecia areata, hair starts falling out in patches. This may continue till there’s none left on the body – though a third of sufferers just develop a one-off bald patch, after which the hair grows back and never causes any further problems. Alopecia areata (thought to be an auto-immune condition, in which the body attacks itself) can be triggered by thyroid conditions, anaemia, vaccinations or stress. A tendency to this kind of hair loss sometimes runs in families, along with asthma and eczema.
Male-pattern baldness, or alopecia androgenetica, can affect women too. The hair becomes thin or leaves a bald patch on top of the head. This can be a sign of hormone problems, either caused by a medical condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome or as a reaction to the progestogens in some contraceptive or HRT pills.
Some people lose their hair in the aftermath of a severe shock such as a serious accident or bereavement – a condition called telogen effluvium, in which trauma disrupts the hair’s natural growth cycle so that it all falls out at once. This can also be triggered by unhealthy eating.
‘The commonest cause in women is a nutritional deficiency.’ Avoid yo-yo dieting and crank diets. If you’re not eating animal products, make sure you have enough protein, zinc and iron from other sources, and take vitamin B supplements.
Things have moved on since a GP said not to worry since there were some very nice hats in the shops. Hair loss causes as significant an impact on quality of life as severe illness such as psoriasis.
Treatments for Hair Loss A lotion called minoxidil has been shown to help alopecia areata when used with the steroid drug prednisolone. Though steroids can have serious side effects, including raised blood pressure and bone-thinning when taken for long periods.
Another course of action is to try to irritate the scalp into producing hair again – amazingly enough, this often works. We use a chemical called diphenylcyclopropenone (Diphencyprone) or leaves from the plant primula obconica.
Minoxidil has been shown to help alopecia androgenetica, with a success rate of two thirds reported for the 5% prescription formula and about one third for the 2% over the counter version. Drugs such as the contraceptive pill Dianette can be used to bring the hormones back into balance.
A new drug called finasteride (Propecia) is available on prescription for men, though it has not yet been tested enough to rule out possible harmful effects on women, and it is suspected of causing damage to babies in the womb.
Whatever your hair-loss problem the first step is to make an appointment with a trichologist.
http://www.thewestminsterpractice.com/

Everybody Will Experience Some Hair Loss or a Scalp Problem - What To Do? What Advice? Who To See?

Everybody will experience some degree of trouble with his or her hair or scalp at some time; we include some names of a few of the common disorders below.
However, in order to treat your hair and scalp effectively we would recommend that you have a diagnosis made as soon as possible by one of our experienced trichologists. Close examination of the hair and scalp and a thorough check of your medical history will allow us to diagnose your problem correctly and recommend the correct treatment.
Complaints of the hair and scalp are very common and we would always recommend that you treat any problem as soon as it appears as a minor problem can develop into a more serious condition if left untreated. Early diagnosis will give us the best possible opportunity to help you by providing you with the most effective and up-to-date trichological medication.
Complaints of the hair and scalp are very common and we would always recommend that you treat any problem as soon as it appears.
Hair Loss & Thinning
Hereditary:
Androgenetic thinning (FPB) Female pattern balding Androgenetic thinning (MPB) Male pattern balding
Alopecia:
Alopecia areata Alopecia universalis Alopecia totalis
Physical:
Traction alopecia Friction alopecia Weathering (trichorrhexis nodosa)
Other Disorders:
Late onset thinning (age related) Diffuse thinning Telogen effluvium Pseudopelade Anaemia Hormone imbalance Thyroid Polycystic ovarian syndrome Fibroids
Scalp Disorders
Genetic:
Seborrhoeic dermatitis Seborrhoeic eczema Pityrisias simplex (dandruff) Pityriasis amiantecea Psoriasis Acne necrotici milaris
Infection:
Folliculitis Folliculitis decalvans Mycotic Infection
Other Disorders:
Pruritis Seborrhoea Seborrhoeic cyst
HAIR LOSS AND SCALP TREATMENT What causes hair loss?
Alopecia is the general medical term for hair loss, and it has many different causes. Normal human hairs can be classified according to their phases of growth. Anagen is the growing stage of hair, while telogen is the sleeping stage of hair. About 80 percent of the hairs in the human scalp are growing hairs and about 20 percent of them are sleeping hairs. It has been estimated that the scalp normally contains about 100,000 hairs. Therefore, the average number of hairs that can be lost in a day is about
100. Contrary to popular belief, neither shaving nor hormonal changes, such as menstruation, has any effect upon hair growth. Hair loss can be broken down into several different types, including alopecia areata (temporary hair loss in a coin-shaped patch), telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss secondary to a stressor on the system), and androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss). For the purposes of our discussion, we will focus on male-pattern hair loss. It generally shows itself in the 20s or early 30s by gradual loss of hair, chiefly on the top of the head and in the angles at the frontal hairline. There are several different patterns to this hair loss, but male-pattern hair loss is the most frequently encountered type. The exact mechanisms are still unknown. We have no doubt, however Science Articles, that inherited factors and the effect of androgens (male hormones) on the hair are most responsible.

Can A Thyroid Dysfunction Cause Hair Loss? What Are The Symptoms And Signs?

There are many factors that contribute towards hair loss: hormonal changes, diet and nutritional deficiency, stress and poor health. A major cause of severe hair loss is developing a thyroid problem. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are responsible for causing severe early onset of hair loss in both men and women of all ages. Everyone seems to believe that these problems will never happen to them and that a thyroid dysfunction is something that happens to old people. This is far from the truth. We see male and female patients from all age groups. Ask your GP for a blood test immediately if you have a suspicion and consult one of our trichologists early on for advice. Early trichological treatment can prevent severe hair loss from this condition and its associated prescription drugs. Hair growth has a three phase growth cycle: anagen, catagen and telogen dormant phase. When a person suffers from hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism, the general mechanism of the hair growth process shuts down and loses balance. Thyroid malfunctions can force hair follicles to remain in the dormant phase for a longer period of time than normal. This leads to stalled hair growth and eventually to hair loss.
The thyroid is an endocrine gland, which is located on both sides of the trachea. It secretes the thyroid hormone, known as thyroxin, which regulates the rate of the metabolism. Any disruption in the mechanism can have great impact on overall metabolic activities. Once the metabolism is disturbed, it has been found to cause a series of abnormalities, one major factor being hair loss. Hypothyroidism has often been seen in women. It is often characterized by problems such as lethargy, menstrual imbalance and deceleration of metabolic rate. All of these factors contribute to hair loss. On the other hand, highly excessive functional activities of the thyroid gland can also cause hair loss.
Hormonal dysfunction within the body has a massive effect on hair loss. Hair loss occurs when dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shrinks the hair follicles and eventually causes them to disappear completely. The problem of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism both encourage the conversion process of testosterone into DHT which accelerates hair loss in both men and women of all ages.
Hair loss induced by hormonal abnormalities is serious. This requires immediate action. We suggest that if you are in any doubt then simply feel free to call one of our trichologists for advice.
www.thewestminsterpractice.com
Gary Heron is one of Europe's leading trichologists for the past 20 years dealing directly with every type of hair loss and scalp disorder for both men and women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Gary has had over twenty years’experience in dealing with every type of hair or scalp problem. For example, he helps people suffering with scalp disorders such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, folliculitis or from hair loss and thinning caused by genetic baldness, alopecia or through chemical or physical damage.http://www.thewestminsterpractice.com
Gary says," Everybody will experience some degree of trouble with his or her hair or scalp at some time. However, if you are experiencing hair loss or an irritating scalp problem you do not need to just tolerate it. You can take an active step today and seek help from The Hair Centre". All treatments products supplied are formulated especially for The Hair Centre by leading trichologists and chemists. They have undergone exhaustive clinical trials and testing to ensure.

6,000 Visitors A Week - Hair Loss News Desk.

From the age of just 19 I realized that I was already losing my hair. Due to the fact that I am incredibly vain, I immediately wanted to slow, if not stop, the process of baldness. I consulted The Hair Centre some 2 years ago and after a meeting with one of their Trichologists I started a Programme treatment using Vitastim and a combination of prescribed tricho-active shampoos.
Initially, I was very skeptical as I am sure most people are, but what the hell, it’s only money, and if it actually worked, well, then it’s money well spent. This course, although slowing the balding process, did not stop my hair fallout. However, in the last year or so I have started using Biostim with Vitastim twice a day. I am now delighted to say that my hair is thickening and, believe it or not, growing back! The wonders of science. Having used the No.2 cream and No.4 shampoo for just a few weeks for psoriasis, I was very surprised how quickly these products worked after years of struggling with this complaint. The overall condition of my hair and scalp improved greatly and I found it very reassuring to know that only natural products are used in the manufacture of The Hair Centre products. I feel very satisfied and that I am in professional hands.
In 1999 I made an appointment to see my doctor because I had discovered a couple of bald patches at back of my head right on the hair line, they were about 2 to 3 inches in diameter, I was panic stricken and didn’t know what to do. The growth rate of my hair had also slowed down considerably. My doctor diagnosed that I had alopecia areata and prescribed a steroid cream. I was told that my condition was stress related. After having used the cream for sometime my condition worsened with the largest patch getting larger and starting to meet up with 2 new patches that I had not had before, these other patches appeared behind each of my ears. I had been using the cream diligently for 6 months. Frighteningly, the only other alternative treatment my doctor could offer me was steroid injections into the patches on my scalp, which I refused. Meanwhile, a friend of mine had told me about this fabulous new website called The Hair Centre.
Being a naturally suspicious person this prompted me to telephone them for advice, as by now I was beginning to get worse and starting to feel desperately depressed as I could see my appearance deteriorating almost daily. I spoke to this really helpful trichologist, who informed me that the cream prescribed by my doctor was completely useless and would probably cause further damage because it was a strong and aggressive steroid. After a long conversation about my condition the trichologist advised me to use the Vitastim hair re-growth stimulant in conjunction with the No.1 shampoo and No.5 conditioner. I started to use the stimulant twice a day at home.
I also used the No.1 specially formulated shampoo for hair loss and No.5 intensive hair recovery conditioner three times a week as directed. My hair loss slowed up and stopped almost immediately (3 to 4 months) and the condition of my hair and scalp had vastly improved. I am delighted to say that 12 months on I have fully recovered. Although, it has taken a long time (12 months) I am extremely pleased with the results. My hair is growing at its usual rate, all of the patches I had, have completely re-grown and my hair feels normal again. I have no hesitation in recommending The Hair Centre trichologically balanced treatments and shampoo products, really are first class - they are the best.
Gary Heron is one of Europe's leading trichologists for the past 20 years dealing directly with every type of hair loss and scalp disorder for both men and women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.
Gary has had over twenty years’experience in dealing with every type of hair or scalp problem. For example, he helps people suffering with scalp disorders such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, folliculitis or from hair loss and thinning caused by genetic baldness, alopecia or through chemical or physical damage.http://www.thewestminsterpractice.com
Gary says," Everybody will experience some degree of trouble with his or her hair or scalp at some time. However, if you are experiencing hair loss or an irritating scalp problem you do not need to just tolerate it. You can take an active step today and seek help from The Hair Centre."
All treatments products supplied are formulated especially for The Hair Centre by leading trichologists and chemists. They have undergone exhaustive clinical trials and testing to ensure.

Tuesday 19 June 2007

Male Hair Loss - Tom’s Story.

I started treatment in October 2005 after the fact that I was losing my hair was brought to my attention by someone that would probably have loved to have seen me go bald. It seems that the people that do care about you probably have noticed that you’re losing your hair, but are afraid to bring up the subject. After realising that indeed I was receding, I began researching as to how, or if I could rectify the problem. I was pretty clueless in terms of treatment procedures but was hoping that the Elton John option was a thing of the past! I had a few consultations before attending the Westminster Practice. The previous clinics had all told me that there was a strong chance that I would recover and get a full head of hair again. At the Westminster practice I was told that if I did treatment right, I would have my hair back again. Easy choice in the end.
So I started a course of treatment for 12 months combining a morning and evening massaging of treatments into the hair plus specialist shampoo and conditioner. I began using the treatments, kept to the routines as set out by Gary and hoped that soon when the wind blew I wouldn’t be feeling that bald patch that I had previously ignored! After a while there was a definite sign of improvement and I could see that the treatments were having an effect. I went for monthly check ups to monitor the progress and it was good to see the difference from month to month. I kept up the treatment for the 12 months and then decided to extend the course for another 6 months to guarantee that I would get all my hair back. During the treatment Gary asked to bring pictures in of myself to see when the receding had started. He identified that I had been losing my hair since the age of seventeen. That dispelled the myth that baldness only happened to the over 30’s!
After the initial 12 month period had passed I had definitely seen a vast improvement in the condition of my hair. The hairline was no longer receding, it was regaining a lot of its thickness and the colour had changed. Unfortunately, I then took it upon myself to think that I had crossed the line and that I didn’t need to continue the treatment so vigorously. From using it day and night I began to only use it once or twice a week. I continued my monthly check ups and there were no visible differences at first, but when I went for a check up in January 2007 the signs of my negligence were apparent. The hair had stopped growing again and it was getting worse. I had come to a point where I thought that I didn’t need to use the treatment as I had been doing before. However, my laziness had caught up with me and I now realised that to fully recover I needed to go back to the routine of day and night treatment and not take my recovery for granted.
Thankfully after realising the error of my ways, I now can see a vast improvement again and am closer to the finishing line once more. I have a couple of months left and then I can go onto stabilizers. No magic potions, no quick solutions, just tried and trusted treatment. It works-providing you work at the treatment.

Hair Loss - Peter’s Story.

In my mid-twenties I became concerned with the amount of hair I was shedding…in the shower; in bed; at my desk etc. I made some enquiries and had a few consultations. I decided to go with the Hair Centre. They are a small friendly team, with a flexible approach to making appointments, working around busy lifestyles.
Mixing a family history of Male Pattern Baldness with day to day stress and a general dryness to my hair, I was put on a course of treatment.
Within a few months the shedding had dramatically decreased, re-growth had started to take affect, and the hair was looking stronger and healthier. 4 yrs on, there has been substantial re-growth…my hair is tighter, thicker and I am very happy!
Peter

The Hair Centre - Trichologists - Launches Hair Loss Blog.

Welcome to The Hair Centre Blog. We will bring you all the latest news and views from around the UK and the rest of the world regarding hair loss news and the latest scientific developments and breakthroughs.
(PRWEB) June 2, 2007 — Welcome to The Hair Centre Blog. We will bring you all the latest news and views from around the UK and the rest of the world regarding hair loss news and the latest scientific developments and breakthroughs. What’s new in hair loss and scalp problems; medications; products and all the on going research and developments within The Westminster Practice and the many other independent Hair Centres and Hair Clinics that we feel will benefit those experiencing hair loss or a scalp problems. Our views will be completely unbiased and impartial - hopefully we will be truly objective.
The Hair Centre as a company specialises solely in hair loss and scalp problems, ensuring that its patients’ needs are met specifically. We offer a full range of trichologically formulated products that have been subject to exhaustive clinical trials and testing (not on animals) to make sure they target disorders of the hair and scalp effectively.
The Hair Centre has had over twenty-five years’experience in dealing with every type of hair or scalp problem. For example, we help people suffering with scalp disorders such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, folliculitis or from hair loss and thinning caused by genetic baldness, alopecia or through chemical or physical damage.
All treatments products supplied are formulated especially for The Hair Centre by leading trichologists and chemists. They have undergone exhaustive clinical trials and testing to ensure we can target disorders of the hair and scalp effectively.
All ingredients are extensively researched and meticulously sourced to make sure that these products are of the highest standard.
The Hair Centre Blog Launched!
The Westminster Practice - Articles Aimed to Help, Inform and Educate. Here’s a link to our blog - http://blog.thewestminsterpractice.com/