Diet for Healthy Hair

There are a few food items that need to be included in our diet to prevent the problem of hair fall. Our body requires calcium, silica and iron. Green vegetables and the seafood provide calcium to the body. Raw oats are rich in silica. Iron can be obtained from dried fruits and cherry juice.

The people who consume a lot of fatty foods face the problem of increased testosterone levels during puberty. Due to this the hair follicles are affected and they face the problem of alopecia.

Anemia is also one of the causes of hair loss. In order to stay away from this illness, it is better to eat plenty of green and leafy vegetables, dry fruits, eggs, whole grain cereals and iron-rich foods.

The intake of protein is very vital to the hair, as the hair mainly comprises of proteins. The foods that are rich in protein are wheat germs, calves liver and brewer’s yeast. Granulated lecithin besides being rich in proteins also contains Vitamin B in plenty.

Silica works out very effectively for hair growth. As per a study conducted by the Soviet Union, silica was added to shampoo. The results that were obtained were really promising. It prevented e hair loss, stimulated hair growth and the hair texture was sparkling and shiny.

This nutrient can be extracted from the outer covering of potato, green and red pepper and cucumber. Vitamin C readily improves the absorption of iron into the body. Therefore your food diet should include fruits like orange and sweet lime. It is advised to consume edibles like nuts, seeds, olive oil or avocados, as they are rich in vitamin E.

Sometimes due to the malfunctioning of thyroid system you may be undergoing the problem of hair loss. For this reason Vitamin A becomes really essential. Therefore use foods like carrots, spinach, flax, walnuts or pumpkins. For proper iodine intake eat turnips, cabbage, mustard or peanuts.

 How Does Hair Grow?

Human hair grows on our body except for feet soles, lips and palm. Each strand of our hair consists of three concentric layers - the cuticle, the cortex and the medulla. Our hair is made at the base of a hair follicle. Then how does hair grow on our head? - There are several thousands of hair follicles on our head, however; about 80% of hair follicles are producing hair. How does hair grow is that dormant hair follicles push out an old hair while making a new one. We could be losing about 100 hairs daily as part of the hair growth process. Read more on cause of hair loss.

3 stages on How Does Hair Grow

Our hair is constantly growing at a rate of 0.5 inch per month, in 3 distinct stages that happen concurrently named the Anagen, Catagen and Telogen:

How Does Hair Grow

Anagen: Refers to the 'growing' phase that lasts between 2 months to several years. This is the first stage of how does hair grow. Some of us who have long anagen growth is able to have long hair to be grown, while others who have shorter anagen phases unable to grow longer hair.

Catagen: Refers to the 'regression' phase that lasts between 2 weeks to 4 weeks. This is part of a renewal process where hair follicles stops receiving nutrients and stop growing but does not fall out.

Telogen: Refers to a complete state of resting phase, lasting between 2 months to 3 months. The hair does not grow but remains to the follicle, where hair follicles prepare for new activities.

Hair Follicles in How Does Hair Grow

Hair is made of a structural protein called keratin. This is the same protein that made up our nails and the outer layer of skin. A hair follicle is part of our skin that grows hair. At the base of the hair follicle is the papilla, which contains tiny blood vessels that nourish the cells on our head. The living part of the hair is the very bottom part surrounding the papilla, called the 'bulb'. The cells of the bulb divide betweem 24 hours to 72 hours, which is quicker than any other cells in our body.

This article on how does hair grow describes the natural hair growth process that is ongoing in our hair follicle. 

 Hair Loss Problems

Hair loss problems can affect both men and women, young and old. It can be caused by something like a vitamin deficiency or underlying health condition, or most commonly, it can be hereditary. However, there are also many diseases that can trigger hair loss.

Alopecia

Alopecia areata is a hair loss disease caused by an abnormality in the immune system. This abnormality makes the immune system attack the hair follicles, which disturbs the hair growth process. Alopecia makes clumps of hair fall out and creates patches of hair loss on one’s head, and it can affect both men and women. The hair loss caused by alopecia sometimes resolves in several months or a year, but sometimes, it is permanent.

Lupus

Lupus can also cause hair loss. Since it is an autoimmune disease, your body cannot tell the difference between healthy tissues, such as those in hair follicles, and bacteria. When this happens, the hair can fall out in clumps or become thin all over. Hair loss can also be experienced sometimes in the eyebrows and the body. Hair sometimes grows back when lupus is treated, but in some cases, lupus leaves lesions on the scalp that scar the hair follicles, causing permanent hair loss.

Thyroid diseases

In hair loss caused by thyroid diseases, the thyroid hormones may be out of balance, which causes hair to fall out. Hair loss caused by thyroid disorder is spread out through the entire scalp rather than specific areas. In this case, hair appears evenly thin. Hair loss becomes noticeable several months after the onset of thyroid disease. Hair regrowth can happen through successful treatment of the thyroid disorder. However, the regrowth process will take several months and might not even be complete.

Homemade Shampoo - Improve Scalp Conditions

Shampoos contain detergents which remove dirt and grease from your hair and which can be rinsed off with water. There are shampoo’s formulated for all types of hair. Washing hair on a regular basis with the right shampoo will not damage your hair.

From generations people have been using readily available products from the kitchen to wash their hair. However the mixture prepared should be used immediately because the ingredients may spoil if kept for a long time.

Egg Shampoo – Egg has excellent cleansing properties. It clings to the dirt and while washing hair it drags the dirt away with it. Prepare egg shampoo by beating the white and yolk of the egg together in a mixing bowl. Massage the mixture into dry hair and after 5 minutes wash your hair well with cool water.

How to Shampoo Hair

Always use the right quantity of shampoo for washing your hair. If you use more shampoo than your naturally black hair may become dull. For long hair you need a walnut sized dollop of shampoo for short hair its grape sized dollop.

To begin with, first brush your hair to loosen dead skin cells and dirt. Then lean over and wet your hair with warm water.

Dilute shampoo with some water in the palms of your hand. Work up some lather with your palms. With your fingertips massage the shampoo into your hair. The ends of your hair are not greasy so concentrate on the hair nearest to your scalp.

Massage your scalp with small circular motions to stimulate blood circulation for healthy hair. If you have long hair dot pile it on top of your head and scrub as they may entangle.

Now rinse your hair with clean water from the tap or shower as bath water maybe contaminated with soap residue and dead skin. Shampoo for a second time only if your hair is very dirty.

Remove excess moisture from your hair by wrapping a towel around your head or patting it dry.

Shampooing, Conditioning Benefits

Shampooing: Washing your hair with the right shampoo can prevent hair loss. Proper cleansing clears the hair follicles of unwanted debris of dead cells and washes away excess oil from hair and scalp.

Conditioning: Healthy hair can be damaged by extreme weather conditions, while styling with heated appliances or while brushing or combing your hair. After washing, your hair may look ragged. The may interlock with other hairs and cause knots. Conditioner coats each hair and smoothes it down avoiding tangles and hair loss. Conditioner gives a healthy, shiny look to your hair by adding moisture and strengthens it; improves hair texture and make them easily manageable.

Homemade Mayonnaise can condition your hair and make it shine. Mayonnaise is made with eggs, oil and vinegar. You can prepare mayonnaise by mixing 1 tbsp of vinegar, with an egg yolk and 8 tbsp of olive oil. Beat the mixture till it becomes creamy. Apply it over your hair, wait for 5 minutes and then shampoo.

You can pamper yourself further with quick rinses. After washing your hair you can add extra volume, brightness or shine by applying a rinse.

Add 4 tsp of lemon juice to a litre of cool water and pour it over your hair as final rinse. This will brighten blonde hair.

Add ½ cup of vinegar to a litre of water and pour it over your hair, rinse thoroughly. This gives extra shine to dark hair.

Infusions – An herbal rinse is called an infusion. Herbs have different curative properties. To prepare an herbal rinse place 25gm of the required herb in a container and pour 300ml of boiling water. Close the container for several hours. Strain the liquid and pour over wet clean hair.

Thickening Conditioner

Certain hair products contain ceramide or panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) which coats the cuticle of the hair making it look thicker by adding moisture. These conditioners’ restore body and adds volume to hair. They are usually creams and balsams applied after shampoo and rinsed out with water. The materials include protein and polymer fibers and add volume to hair.

Shiners, Glossers, Anti-Frizz Shampoo

Shampoos and conditioners that contain oil or silicone restore the acid mantle and removes snarls from frizzy hair. Special cream rinse conditioners are designed to untangle frizz in the hair. It also gives glossy look to the locks. It keeps breakage and split ends under control by minimizing the stress on the hair while combing, brushing and setting.

You can enhance the gloss and color of your hair with this homemade conditioner. Grate few onions and some cabbage in a copper utensil and leave it overnight. In the morning add few drops of herbal oil and apply the mixture and wash your hair after 20 minutes. You will notice tremendous change in the texture of your hair.

Color Enhancing Shampoo

Hair can be damaged by chemicals used to color or perm hair. Hair treated with chemicals often becomes dry, brittle and very difficult to manage. Color care shampoos and conditioners maintain the chemical balance of the hair and prevent it from fading.

You can even enhance the color of your hair with Henna Conditioners.

For Dry Hair: Mix Henna, 1 tbsp oil and some warm milk to from a paste. Apply the mixture and rinse after 20 minutes.

For Oily Hair: To Henna, add 2tbsp of yogurt and a pinch of sugar and some water if required. Apply the paste and rinse after 20 minutes with clear water. Henna provides excellent color and body to the hair.

How To Condition Your Hair:

A Conditioner adds moisture to your hair and strengthens it. After washing, your hair may become dry, so you need to condition them.

Conditioner can be applied to towel dried hair. The effect may be less on wet hair as the conditioner may get diluted. Long hair requires 2 tbsp of conditioner and for short hair it is 1 tbsp. Massage the conditioner into your hair, concentrate on the ends. Then distribute it with a comb.

Now wash your hair properly, as shampoo and conditioner together will make your hair look lifeless and dull. So rinse till the water leaving your hair is completely clear.

Wet hair gets easily stretched and breaks off. So first pat your hair dry and then comb with a wide toothed comb, starting at the ends and working up the scalp.

Dandruff and Medicated Shampoo:

Dandruff often occurs due to stress and poor diet. White flakes (dead cells) lie close to the roots of your hair and cause itchiness. Avoid scratching your scalp and wash your hair with Anti-dandruff shampoo. These shampoos contain chemicals that slow down the cell multiplication that causes dandruff. Shampooing leads to dry hair condition. Use it only once a week, alternating with ordinary shampoo.

Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can cause spot baldness. This can be treated with medicated shampoos. They have antiseptic properties that help to eradicate the infectants and thereby prevent hair loss.

Moisturizing and Hydrating Shampoo: 

If your oil glands do not produce enough oil than your hair is dry and brittle and may break easily. External factors like bleaching, heat styling and perming can also lead to lack of moisture.  Use a shampoo for dry hair that has added moisturizer.

These shampoos are usually made of mild detergents to clean your hair and droplets of conditioner to moisturize your hair. These are quick and result oriented, as your hair can be shampooed and moisturized at the same time

Hair Removal Treatments - Solutions For the Men and Women of Today

 

 

 

Permanent Hair Removal Treatment

Home remedies can be used for temporary hair removal. Permanent hair removal treatment involves the use energy or chemicals on the areas of hair growth. However these are imperfect methods and complete success cannot be assured. There may also be some risks for the person undergoing them. A popular method of permanent hair removal is electrolysis, which involves inserting a metal probe into the hair follicles. This does not puncture the skin since the probe is hair-thin. Electricity is then passed through the probe into the follicle. This results in damage to the areas which regulate hair growth. There are other techniques as well such as laser hair removal. This too has a risk of injury associated with it and is not entirely permanent.

 

 

 

The best hair removal treatment for facial and body hair is to use natural remedies. There are many remedies that you can select from. You may select one remedy or a combination of remedies that is best suited to your skin type and amount of hair growth.

 

 

 

The most common hair removal treatment is waxing. Waxing is very effective and reduces hair growth considerably in the long-term. You can even use the sugaring technique at home by making a mixture of two cups of sugar, half a cup of water and a quarter of a cup of lime juice. Heat the mixture until it becomes thick and brown. Apply the wax to the skin and using strips of cloth, pull in the direction opposite to hair growth.

Facial Hair Removal Treatment

 

For an effective facial hair removal treatment you may apply a paste of sugar, lemon and water and rinse after 10-15 minutes. A beneficial face mask could also be made with a mixture of one tablespoon of fresh lime juice and four teaspoons of honey. To naturally bleach and lighten facial hair, apply a paste of two teaspoons of fresh lime juice and half a teaspoon of sugar. Do this thrice a week for about a couple of months. One can also deal with excess growth of hair on the skin using a paste of turmeric and milk. Apply to the affected areas using circular motions. For hair on the legs, you can apply a mixture of fresh ground white pepper with camphor and a few drops of kerosene and leave for 10-15 minutes. This would cause the hair to fall off. You can also scrub the hands and legs using soap and a pumice stone. This is a method called friction hair removal and is effective in reducing hair growth if continued for a long period of time. However, this method may result in pigmentation of the area and may also result in irritation of the skin.

 Are Hair Loss Pills the Answer to the Re-Growth Or Stopping the Loss of Your Hair? 

 

Dealing with a hair loss problem is not something that you should lose sleep over, especially since there are many treatments available that you can use. One of the more popular treatments is hair loss pills. If you need something effective that can reduce hair loss and improve hair growth at the same time, you can consider taking hair loss pills. Here are some of the most effective hair loss pills available in the market that you can choose from.

 

 

Minoxidil, commonly referred to as Rogaine, is an over the counter medication that is medically proven to treat alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. Since it is in liquid form, you can simply rub it on your scalp regularly every day. You can expect to see good results within three months of usage. Once you see positive results, it is recommended to keep the treatment and not stop it fully at least for six months.

Another type of medication to help with your loss of hair problem is the Finasteride – also known as Propecia. This medication, however, is geared specifically toward the males to help the treatment of male pattern baldness. Since it is in pill form, it will need to be taken orally. The positive effect you feel by taking the pills regularly can be long term, so this makes it an ideal choice for your loss of hair treatment.

 

While the two medications above have been medically proven to work, results may vary between individuals. Keep in mind that apart from taking the medication, there are other things that you can do to reduce hair loss and improve hair growth.

 

 

 

You can start eating healthily – by following a good and well balanced healthy diet – and drink enough water every day. Make sure you include fresh fruits and vegetables on your daily menu. Doing regular exercises will also do wonder in helping improve the blood circulation on your body.

 

Going to the doctor at the early stage of the problem could help the doctor in identifying the cause of the hair loss. A more accurate diagnosis will help decide what treatment would be best for you to take. For your safety, make sure you consult with your doctor regarding the medications you plan to take so that any potential allergies could be detected and avoided. Remember, there is nothing more important in the world than your overall health condition.

Suffering From Hair Loss After Pregnancy? What's the Best Solution? Find Out Now!

 

When it comes to pregnancy, it is common to notice your body going through an incredible amount of changes. While a lot of the changes are expected, not many women are prepared for hair loss after pregnancy. Many are aware that the hair may do some funny things during pregnancy but were unaware that the main amount of hair loss will generally happen after pregnancy.

In fact, it is about three months after giving birth that most of the hair loss takes place. This is because there is an increase in hormones during pregnancy, which helps to make sure that women do not lose a lot of hair during those nine months. About three months after a woman delivers her hormones will start to go back to normal.

As the hormone levels go back to normal, there will be some hair that will fall out. There is nothing to really panic over as this is a natural thing.

The hair thins a little with the hormone changes and then the normal cycle for your hair will be back on track. You may find though that it could take anywhere from six to twelve months to get your hair completely back to normal. Like mentioned before, this is completely natural and it happens to many women after pregnancy. Consider maybe just the price one pays for having that luxurious head of healthy hair that comes while pregnant.

What you can do

 

If you are really concerned about an extreme amount of hair loss some things can be done. You can talk with your doctor to make sure that your level of hormones is where they are supposed to be. Also try to avoid pigtails, braids, or tight hair rollers. Anything that pulls on your hair and gives it stress should be avoided.

 

You should also make sure that your diet is high in vegetables and fruits.  This is because these food items contain antioxidants and flavonoids that help protect hair follicles. Make sure that the shampoo and conditioner you are using contains silica and biotin.

When using a blow dryer make sure that you are using the lowest setting, as wet hair is very fragile and can be easily damaged. Also, make sure that you are not brushing through wet hair with a fine toothcomb as you could be setting yourself up for a lot of hair loss later down the road.

 

 

Take vitamin supplements if you feel as though you are not getting enough nutrients and vitamins in your diet already. Make sure that you are taking all of the precautions that you can and you will be a lot better off.

Just make sure that you keep in mind that it is probably going to be impossible to completely stop any hair loss after pregnancy from happening. The best you can do is try to protect your hair and make it as strong as possible to lessen the amount you lose. And remember, if everything fails you, it is only a matter of a few months before you have the head of hair that you are used to and you stop noticing the loss of hair after pregnancy.