Why do women experience hair loss after giving birth?

Shedding is a normal part of the hair cycle. It is normal to lose up to 200 of strands a day.

One type of shedding that many women experience is postpartum shedding.  Not every woman experiences changes in their hair during or after pregnancy but many do.

If you are a new mother and notice that you are losing more hair than usual after you have given birth, this is normal and there is nothing to worry about.  

Each strand of hair goes through a cycle, where the hair goes it goes through a growing phase and then a resting phase.  All strands do not go through the same phase at the same time. Normally after the resting phase a hair will start to shed and a new hair begins to grow. 

During pregnancy, there are higher levels of hormones that extend the growth phase and there is less hair in the resting phase. This causes a decrease in shedding and is the reason many women experience longer, thicker hair during pregnancy.  

About three to six months after a woman gives birth, hormones decrease and more hairs go into the resting phase and begin to shed. All the hair that was not shed during those nine months of pregnancy begins to fall out. There is nothing you can do to stop the shedding but do not worry; the shedding should stop within a year of your baby’s birth.

If your child is older than a year and you are notice that you are still shedding, please see a doctor to find out if something else can be contributing to your hair loss .  

In the meantime, you can experiment with styles that give the illusion of thicker hair.       

What is alopecia and what causes it?

Alopecia is the word that is used to refer to any type of hair loss or baldness. This can occur in any hairy region of the body. 

At present, there is no known cause of Alopecia. It is speculated that the disease may be hereditary since most people who have it, have relatives who also suffer from the condition. It is also believed to be a form of autoimmune disease. How so? Well, that’s because Alopecia occurs when the body’s immune system rejects its’ own hair follicles – thus, causing hair to fall out. It has also been observed that Alopecia affects patients with other autoimmune disorders such as SLE (Lupus), Thyroid problems, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis and others.

Who is at Risk for Alopecia?

Both men and women suffer from Alopecia. It can affect people from every race and nationality. The disease can also strike at any age – but, most of the time symptoms present themselves in the teenage years. As mentioned, there is evidence that the disease is hereditary. That is why individuals who have relatives with Alopecia are at risk for developing the disease. People who presently suffer from autoimmune conditions also have a chance of developing Alopecia.

The Patterns of Alopecia

Alopecia Areata, is a form of Alopecia that causes bald spots on the scalp. This can  occurs anywhere on the body, but it usually occurs on the scalp. It is also referred to as Spot Baldness. Total loss of the scalp is known as Alopecia Totalis. Alopecia Barbe refers to spot baldness on beard region and Alopecia Universalis is when a person looses all bodily hair. Early symptoms of Alopecia often include tenderness (pain to touch) on the bald spots.

How is Alopecia Diagnosed

Diagnosis of Alopecia often involves a biopsy of the affected scalp tissue. This will determine if the hair fall has been really been caused by Alopecia and not by other causes. Another telltale sign of Alopecia is referred to as – Exclamation Point Hair. It means that the strands of the affected hair taper off towards the roots.

Treatment

There is no known cure for alopecia. The majority of people diagnosed with alopecia areata will notice that their hair will grow back after a year. In the cases where the hair has not grown back, there are some treatments that may help. Steroid injection and steroid creams and common treatments. New ‘experimental’ treatments for alopecia include drugs that subdue the autoimmune system.

If you think that you might have alopecia or hair loss, please contact a dermatologist or trichologist.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benedict_Yossarian

 What is causing my hair loss?

It is normal to shed about 150 -200 strands of hair each day. When the shedding is excessive it may be known as hair loss or alopecia.  

Hair loss can be caused by several factors. If your hair is coming out in clumps the following factors could be why:  

Poor diet or nutritional deficiency- Diet is very important for healthy hair. Iron deficiency also known as anemia can cause excessive shedding. Eating disorders such as anemia and bulimia can cause hair loss.  

Stress- Stress cannot only cause you to lose hair but it can cause premature graying.  

Hormonal Imbalances-Women can experience hair loss or thinning hair during menopause. Many women also notice that they are losing more hair than normal after childbirth. This is known as postpartum shedding. This is usually temporary. An underactive or overactive thyroid can also affect hormone levels, therefore causing you to lose more hair than normal.  

Poor hair care practices- Improper use of chemicals such as relaxers can cause hair loss. Braids and weaves, if they are done too tightly, can cause the hairline to recede.  This type of hair loss is known as traction alopecia and it is usually found in women. Tight buns and ponytails can cause this as well.  

Medications- Some medications  can cause thin hair. Hair loss usually stops once the medication is no longer being taken.  

Genetics- For men who suffer from male patterned baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, genetics is usually the cause. Male patterned baldness causes a receding hairline and/or baldness on top of the head.  

Scalp Inflammation- Infections such as ringworm are known to cause hair loss. Ringworm can be treated with medication and the hair usually grows back. Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause inflamed skin. If it is located on the scalp it can cause temporary hair loss.  

If you are noticing that you are losing more hair than normal, please contact a dermatologist or a trichologist to assess the cause and possible treatment for hair loss.  

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How protein affects hair growth

Many people that suffer from hair loss take protein supplements in hopes of accelerating their hair growth. Although protein deficiency is not usually the cause of hair loss, adding protein and amino acids to your diet can improve the rate at which hair grows.

All cells found in our bodies are composed of protein. Protein absorbed from our food is broken down into amino acids during digestion. Amino acids are essential components in the make up of protein.
Hair growth is stimulated by a continuous flow of amino acids received from our blood stream. The hair follicle requires allot of energy because the hair follicle is one of the fastest growing cells in the body. If the hair follicle is not receiving enough amino acids, the rate at which the cell grows will decrease.

Types of Protein

Protein is either classified as complete or incomplete. Complete proteins are those sources of protein that contain adequate amounts of all nine amino acids. Some common sources of complete protein in our diet are meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and cheese. Incomplete proteins are lacking on one or more of the nine amino acids. Sources of incomplete protein in our diets are plants, grains, nuts, seeds and vegetables. As a result, Vegans may intake a considerable amount of protein but lack all of the nine amino acids. This is one reason that Vegans may need protein supplements.

What is the most important amino acid in hair production?

Cysteine is the most important amino acid when considering hair growth. An extension of a keratin protein bong, the sulfur molecules within this amino acids work together to produce disulfide bonds. These bonds are responsible for stronger hair. In order to see the benefits of faster hair growth, you have to retain what you grow. Stronger hair will allow you to retain more hair.

This article was written by Olivia Crawford, Editor at ProteinSupplementHelp.com, where she talks about various protein supplements and the overall affect on the human body. For more information on protein supplements visit her at www.proteinsupplementhelp.com.

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We all want hair that’s healthy and looks beautiful. Dr Oz, who has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey show, has shared health and anti-aging tips and he is now giving hair advice for those seeking healthy hair.  

According to Dr. Oz, your outer beauty is a reflection of your health. Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and having a poor diet can lead to weak hair. Illness and disease can also cause hair loss or dry hair . If you are experiencing difficulties with your hair, it’s best to examine what you have been putting into your body. If you are noticing that you are losing your hair, it would be best to consult a dermatologist or a trichologist.
Dr Oz also states, “You’ve got to treat [your hair] like a fine silk blouse that got wet…if you’re blow-drying your blouse that got a little wet or if you’re combing it backward over and over again, or if you’re too rough with it, it begins to fray. Your hair has to be dealt with extraordinarily gently.”  This is especially true for damaged hair which tends to be fragile. Rough handling with your hair can lead to thin hair and split ends.

Dr. Oz also mentions the effects hard water can have on the hair.  He suggests the best thing you can do is to “get a charcoal filter and put it in your showerhead,” he says. “When chlorine is present in the water in your shower, it can dry you up a lot. A filter is an easy fix”. Chlorine and other minerals present in water can cause your skin and hair to become dry and dull. To prevent dry hair from hard water, you can use a shower filter and you can also use a chelating shampoo to remove the minerals from your hair.  

The article also states, “Finally, only shampoo when your hair is dirty—not every day”. Many shampoos contain sulfates that can strip the hair of moisture leaving it dry. Many find it helpful to use conditioner to wash their hair (if they wash several times a week) and to only use shampoo once a week.  

Environmental factors such as the sun can cause damage to the hair as well. Dr Oz explains, “the sun actually fries the hair and will take away that lovely body it’s supposed to have.” Exposure to the sun can also cause your hair to become lighter and duller. Try covering your hair when you are in the sunlight, especially during the summer time.

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What hair styles can I wear for my thin hair?

Don’t let thin hair get you down. While you are still nursing your hair back to health, try having fun with the hair you have. Getting your hair to a healthy state does take time but there are things you can do to make your hair appear fuller.

Making Thin Hair More Substantial With Curls, Waves, And Color: Probably the first line of defense is to add volume by adding curls and waves.  This is going to help your strands cover much more ground and territory than they normally would.  You have to be careful though.  If you’re shedding or easily losing hair, you don’t want to have to use curlers that are going to pull more hair out.  And if you’re going to perm your hair, you should chose a stylist who understands what you are facing so that you are using products that are working with you rather than against you.  You have a unique challenge in that often thinning hair has problems holding a curl.  You’ll have to use special products for this, which can be harsh. So you’ll need to make sure that your specialists at least understands thinning hair and ideally specializes in it.

Curls and waves are great ways to make your hair look thicker but you don’t need to rely on curling irons to give you that volume. Try roller setting your hair with while it is wet and sit under a hooded dryer. Another good way to get wavy hair is by braiding small sections of your hair. Let the braids stay in overnight. When you take the braids out in the morning your hair will have pretty waves and more volume!

Some people find that adding color to the hair helps because color can coat the strands to make them look thicker. If your hair is in a fragile state, I would not recommend using any dyes or bleaches. A safe way to add color to the hair would be to use a semi permanent color that does not contain any ammonia or peroxide. A semi permanent lasts 6 to 8 shampoos before the color fades.

The Right Hair Cut For Skimpy Or Thin Hair:  There is a right hair cut for each head of hair.  You must find yours.  Your ideal cut is going to depend on what your texture can best pull off. People who have a fine texture won’t be able to pull off layered or feathered cuts because the strands will eventually fall flat against your head. 

There’s a huge amount of debate as to whether long hair helps or hurts.  Again, this really depends upon the texture.  Fine hair will just look stringy and limp if it is too long.  This is the same with women and with men.  On the other hand, if you cut the hair too short, this will only showcase the white of your scalp in some cases.  So you should ideally keep your hair long enough so that you’re assured of coverage, but not too long that you start to develop stringy hair that you can see through on the backs or sides.

Speaking of not working anymore, the best case scenario is to find out why your hair is thinning and then to address and fix that.  Sure, you can work with what you have.  But, it would be better to start stimulating a healthy scalp and healthy regrowth so that what you have to work with provides more coverage and volume and is therefore easier to deal with altogether.  

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ava_Alderman

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Thin hair can make you feel unattractive and it can be frustrating. Many people at some point in their lives have dealt with hair thinning. This can be a result of aging, illness, poor hair care practices, etc. This week we will be focusing on why hair can become thin and what can be done about it.

Does your hair look stringy and thin? Does your hair look limp and flat? Hair loss can be caused by genetics, medications, health issues and other factors. For the purpose of this article we will focus on hair thinning that occurs on the ends of the hair. This is usually caused by poor hair care practices.

Many factors can cause hair breakage and leave you with thin hair.

Heat- Using heat on a regular basis can eventually cause your hair to break off and thin out. Frequent usage of heat appliances can cause damage to the cuticle, the outer layer of the hair, making it difficult for the hair to retain moisture. In short, using heat appliances too often will eventually lead to dry hair  that will break off the ends of your hair.

Chemicals- if you use chemicals such as hair relaxers, dyes, and bleaches, you must proper caution to protect your hair. When applying chemicals like these, it is best to only apply them to the roots (unless it is a virgin hair application). Applying chemicals to previously processed hair will cause you hair to become weaker.

When you are washing the chemical out it comes in contact with previously processed hair, therefore it is important to apply a barrier such as an oil or conditioner to the ends of the hair.

Make sure that the chemical is thoroughly rinsed out and neutralized (if it is a relaxer) from the hair to avoid hair loss.

Environmental Factors and Elements- If your hair is shoulder length or longer it is most likely rubbing against your shoulders causing your ends to thin. Hair that is frequently exposed to wind and to the sun can be more susceptible to breaking off because the sun and wind can cause the cuticle to break down.

If your ends are damaged and thin, you can choose to cut them off all at once or you can cut little by little to avoid losing several inches at once.

Remember the ends of your hair are the oldest therefore they are more fragile and most likely to become dry and break off. Try not to misuse chemicals and heat. Make sure to protect them and to keep your hair well conditioned to prevent your hair from thinning.

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Hide your damaged hair with protective styles!

Losing your hair can be shocking and depressing. When your hair is damaged and you see the damage in the mirror everyday you might often wonder “when will my hair grow”?  When you are at the point where feel impatient and discouraged about your hair journey, protective styling can be beneficial.

Protective styles are styles that protect or hide part or all of your hair. Examples of protective styles are buns, updo’s, braids, weaves, rollersets, and wigs.

Protective styling can help:

• protect your ends from rubbing against your shoulders and causing them to split or break
• prevent dryness from being exposed to elements such as air and sun
• protect against harsh winter air which can cause extreme dryness and breakage
• your hair retain length by preventing dryness and breakage
• help you get over the shock of hair loss
• can give damaged hair a “break”

Protective styles involves less manipulation of the hair, which is important because damaged hair can be fragile. No matter what protective style you choose to wear, the style you wear should not require you to use direct heat (flat irons, curling irons, etc) and you should continue to deep condition regularly and take care of your hair.

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Dryness can cause hair breakage. Dry hair often has split ends and can be caused by a number of things.

Product Buildup. Some hair products contain ingredients called silicones, petroleum, or mineral oil. These are used to make hair appear shiny however using too many of them will cause a build up on the hair and will not allow moisture to penetrate the hair. Using a clarifying shampoo once a month can combat product buildup and can allow your products to work better.

Diet. A poor diet will produce hair that is dry and weak. Eating a balanced diet that includes healthy proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will ensure that the hair coming out of your scalp is healthy. If you are not drinking enough water or you are lacking in essential fatty acids, these might be reasons your hair is dry.

Chemicals and Heat. Hair that has undergone a chemical service is more likely to be drier than hair that is not. Perms, bleaches, and dyes work by lifting the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair). Using these chemicals too often or leaving them on for too long can result in the hair being over processed and the cuticle being lifted and therefore moisture cannot stay in the hair strand. When this occurs hair has poor porosity. Porosity refers to the hair’s ability to retain moisture. Damaged hair can have a lifted cuticle which will cause hair to always feel dry because it cannot retain moisture. Using heat appliances too frequently can cause damage to the cuticle layer as well. Using a light protein conditioner can help mend the scales along the cuticle and allow the hair to retain moisture better.

Hard water. Water that is hard contains minerals such as calcium that can leave a buildup on the hair. A chelating shampoo works similar to a clarifying shampoo but is especially made to remove buildup cause by minerals in hard water.

Sulfates. Shampoos contain ingredients called sulfates that are used to remove dirt and oil from the hair. Ammonium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate are two sulfates that very harsh on the hair. While they do help remove buildup on the hair, they can leave hair feeling very stripped and dry. Clarifying shampoos usually contain these sulfates and their purpose is to remove buildup from the hair. However, using shampoos that contain sulfates daily or even weekly can cause your hair to become dry. When you are not using a clarifying shampoo aim for a shampoo that is sulfate free. Applying conditioner to your hair before you wash it or diluting your shampoo with water can reduce the drying effect of sulfates on the hair.

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Healthy hair starts with what you eat. Your hair, skin, and nails are the last to receive nutrients because we do not need them to survive. If you diet is poor, your hair can become thin, dry, lifeless, and brittle. A poor diet can also cause hair loss.  A balanced diet that includes the following things will allow your hair to grow stronger and healthier.

Water. Water makes up a quarter of the hair strand. Not drinking enough water can cause hair to become dry and dull and can also slow down hair growth. Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day will allow you hair to become hydrated and shiny.

Essential Fatty Acids. Essential fatty acids are also known as omega 3 and omega 6. Our bodies cannot make them and we need to obtain them from our diet. These acids are responsible for making our hair shiny and soft. People with dry hair can be deficient in these fatty acids. Foods like tuna, mackerel, salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed oil all contain omega acids.

Protein. Hair is mostly made out of protein. Without enough protein in the diet hair can become weak and can grow slower. Many people find that when they eat healthy proteins their hair become stronger and it grows faster. Eat healthy proteins like fish, chicken, nuts, seeds, beans, and low fat dairy for your hair.

Vitamins and Minerals. Eat a well balanced diet with fruits, veggies, and whole grains to ensure your hair is getting the proper nutrients it needs to be healthy. Vitamins A is good for a healthy scalp and is found in dark green vegetables, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Iron is responsible for carrying oxygen to the hair. Dark green vegetables, beans, and meat are rich in iron. Copper is responsible for improving the natural color of your hair. You can get more copper in your diet by eating more meat, seeds, and vegetables.

Keep in mind that it will take two to three months before you see any changes in your hair from your diet. Also make sure to take a multi-vitamin to ensure you are getting nutrients as well. Vitamins and a healthy diet will not help repair damaged hair but you will have healthier and stronger hair growing from your scalp.

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