In April 2012, scientists in Japan declared they have effectively grown hair on a bald mouse. The news brings hope to millions of men and women around the world who suffer from hair loss and baldness. The study was conducted by researchers at the Tokyo University of Science. 

University research bring hopes for hair loss sufferers

• Research began with the bio-engineering of various types of hair-follicle germs, which were grafted onto bald mice. The germs carried tiny nylon guides to nudge the growing hairs in the right direction.
• Within 2-5 weeks, most of the hair on the mouse grew back. The hair even went through normal growth cycles and regrew if it was pulled out. Connections were established to the nerves and muscle beneath the skin, as with normal hair.
• Once that proved successful, the team moved on to bioengineering human hair-follicle germs and transplanting them in mice.
• The human hairs grew in 21 days after transplantation. The growth of pigmented hair shafts was observed underneath the epithelium of the host skin.

This study was published in the Nature Communications journal. According to the lead scientist Takashi Tsuji, the breakthrough could lead to a possible cure for hereditary male pattern baldness and other forms of hair loss. However he pointed out that it could be at least a decade before this treatment is applied to human.

Tsuji explained that “The bioengineered hair follicle develops the correct structures (and) restored hair cycles”. Men and women with even a small amount of hair remaining on their hair could eventually take advantage of this treatment by using stem cells from existing hair that’s bio-engineered and applied to the bald skin.

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Another exciting bit of the study may even one day lead to a cure for greying hair, as the researchers were able to combine stem cells and adjust both the color and density of hair.

The team of Tokyo researchers join the ranks of scientists around the world attempting to understand and solve the problem of hair loss using mice. The year before, a team at the University of California – Los Angeles found a chemical compound that blocks the effects of stress on hair growth. After treating bald mice with the compound, the mice grew hair on their back and heads. While none of these studies have yet offered a cure for hair loss that’s been applied to humans, they’re all broadening the picture of why hair loss occurs and leading the way to possible new treatments for humans within the next decade.

Click here for the real solution today for your hair loss

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You won’t believe statistics! The average age for women dealing with severe hair loss or noticeably thinning hair is 25 to 35 and it is not related to menopause.

There may be a multitude of reasons for hair loss. Each of the reasons may require a unique blend of therapies in order to cure thinning hair:

• Genetic – about 80% of hair loss runs in family
• Stressful events or consistent more than normal pressure in your life
• Chemotherapy
• Mineral defficinecies
• Excessive level of androgens (androgenic alopecia)
• Thyroid gland disorders
• Hair loss during pregnancy

What’s the difference between thinning hair and hair loss?

Terms ‘Thinning hair’ and ‘hair loss’ have very similar meanings for many people. Let’s try to remove the confusion between the two.

1. Thinning hair refers to the early stages of hair loss, where hair shafts begin to thin with each growth cycle. Thinning hair is usually caused by the effects of DHT on the hair follicles.
2. Hair loss on another hand, is when thinning of hair has progressed to the point where some hairs have thinned so much that it turns from “terminal” (nice and thick) to “vellus” (fluffy, thinner, lighter hair).
3. Once thinning hair has passed the point of general hair loss and all or most of the hair on the top of the head has become vellus (the head appears shiny), this is referred to as baldness. It important to know that you need to lose more than 50% of your hair before hair loss becomes noticeable to others.

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s thinning hair?

Generally, the female version of hair thinning conditions are limited to women’s hair becoming diffusely thinner. However, there are exceptions of course, usually of hormonal nature. Female hair loss more often means a reduction in hair volume including the diameter of each hair strand, with an overall thinner appearance.

For guys for example male-pattern baldness occurs. This is where lots of hair fall out over time leaving a patch (usually at the crown of the head) with either no hair or a little bit of it left.  Men’s thinning hair will generally result in baldness. Although this is not always the case and depends on the severity of the condition.

Is there a solution?

1. Proper nutrition. Hair is made of many nutrients and minerals. In order for hair to grow those nutrients need to be delivered to the body. Foods to prevent hair loss can be found in oats, molasses, liver, and whole grains. Because water is comprised of water, it is important to stay hydrated to stimulate proper hair growth. Iron and other mineral defficiencies will cause hair loss.
2. Vitamin E can help prevent thinning hair. Vitamin E encourages circulation in the body and helps support and grow new blood vessels. All the nutrition to the hair follicles arrives through the blood vessels. Well nourished vessels will work better. Recent research has shown that even applying vitamin E to the hair follicles prevents hair loss and balding. To apply, open a capsule of vitamin E and massage into the scalp

What is coming soon to treat thinning hair?

• The drug company Allergan (creator of the most well known anti-wrinkle injectable in the world) is currently seeking FDA approval for a topical hair-loss treatment containing bimatoprost, the active ingredient in the eyelash-growing drug Latisse. Clinical trials are under way. Hair loss treatment could be available next year.
• Researchers have already shown – in mice – that it is possible to use stem cells to grow new hair. Stem cells would be removed from an area where you have dense hair growth, then injected into thinning areas to stimulate new growth. With many ethical issues on hand research is still slow in the area of stem cells.

How to conceal thinning hair? Solution for today

If your hair is thinning and it is an issue for you, it is likely you’ve already thought of a wig. Well…  think again. Wigs cause natural hair to fall out even quicker because they can ruin your scalp and hair follicles. To avoid losing you hair at a faster rate, you should consider putting any type of headgear such as hats, hair pieces or helmets away for the moment. Surely, wait for a definite cure but you don’t need to suffer while waiting.

SureThik tiny keratin fibers fill in areas with thinning hair instantly making it appear as if you have a thick head of hair. You simply choose the Hair Filler Fibers that are closest to your hair color: dark Brown/black, light brown, blonde, auburn, and grey and sprinkle it on.

Shake the fibers into the area of your hair that needs additional coverage and tap the fibers into place on the scalp. The fibers will stay in place even when it windy until you wash them out with shampoo. The application takes only a few seconds and is virtually mess-free.

Surethik helps eliminate the shine from exposed scalp and camouflages hair roots too, so it’s an excellent tool to conceal hair thinning.

The post Do you have a “thinning hair management plan”? appeared first on Hair Loss Melbourne.

We collected and share our 20 ways to maintain, improve and strengthen your hair

Good balanced diet and nutrition

1. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and walnuts. These foods are packed with protein and minerals, which has been linked to hair loss prevention in chemotherapy patients.
2. Iron and vitamin B deficiency causes a lot of hair loss. Recommending consumption of food which contains high iron like green and yellow vegetables, and fruits.
3. A high protein diet that includes egg whites, soy-beans, cheese, pulses, milk and curd is good for the hair.
4. A diet rich in zinc, selenium, biotin and essential fatty acids is necessary for hair growth.
5. Drink lots of water.
6. Antioxidants like Vitamin C and E and Beta Carotene are good for hair growth.

Hair maintenance

1. Be gentle with your hair. Use a wide toothed comb for brushing
2. Avoid making tight braids and pony tails or pulling your hair. The Traction Alopecia condition can be developed with that
3. Blow drying, ironing or rebonding can damage your hair and potentially lead to hair fall
4. Avoid excessive combing of the hair as it can lead to ‘weathering effect’ and cause hair split ends
5. Use good quality mild shampoo and conditioner to clean the scalp and condition the hair. Preferably organic ones
6. Avoid harsh chemicals and environmental chemicals like those present in hair colors and bleaching agents help in preventing hair fall.

Lifestyle changes

1. Chlorine water in swimming pools is harmful for the hair. Wear a head cap during swimming and take a shower after a swim to avoid hair damage
2. Gentle scalp massage increases the blood circulation and is good for hair growth
3. Protect your hair from sunlight. Excessive UV rays can cause hair damage and hair greying
4. Avoid self-medication. Some medicines and excess of vitamins like vitamin A can lead to damaged hair.
5. Do not crash diet or starve to reduce weight as it will have a harmful effect on hair.
6. Quit smoking. Smoking leads to decreased blood flow resulting in increased hair loss and hence.
7. If you are suffering from thyroid, control of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is essential.
8. Meditation and yoga are helpful in reducing stress which is a major cause of hair fall

PS. You can always visit a specialist for more solutions if you are concerned about hair loss

PS. PS. Share what you do to prevent the hair loss

The post 20 ways to stronger hair appeared first on Hair Loss Melbourne.

How Propecia works?

Propecia stops the conversion of testosterone into DHT a naturally occurring hormone known to be a catalyst in causing hair loss. Studies have shown that almost 80% of men using Propecia stopped or even reversed their hair loss to some degree.

Propecia and Rogaine typically only restore hair in the frontal areas. For reasons yet unknown these drugs only generally work in regrowing thinning hair in crown area of the scalp. These drugs require patients to take the drug daily for at least three months before any obvious changes will be noticeable. Most medical doctor’s advice taking these drugs for a year before evaluating their effectiveness

New research bazaar findings?

Dr Michael Irwig from George Washington University published an article in the Journal of Sexual Medicine about the connection between one of the ingredients finasteride in the hair loss medication Propecia and sexual dysfunction after taking the drug. He encountered several men who suffered from persistent sexual problems, including low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction and problems with orgasms.

Dr Irwig also interviewed 71 men between the ages of 21 and 46 who reported side effects after taking Propecia, and sought to find out how long they took the drug and the effect it had on their sex life afterwards. He discovered

• 94 % developed low libido
• 92 % developed erectile dysfunction and decreased arousal
• 69 % developed problems with orgasm
• Almost all the men had multiple sexual function problems

“Before finasteride use, the men experienced average sexual activity of approximately 26 episodes per month, but after use, it came down to approximately eight per month — an almost two-thirds reduction. 20% of patients I interviewed experienced persistent sexual dysfunction for more than five years, which makes me wonder if their persistent sexual dysfunction is permanent.”

Kevin Malley told US TV this week that he started taking the medication in May last year, and by October he was totally impotent and he lost his sex drive. The 30-year-old said: “I kept expecting the side effects to go away, but they did not, they only got worse.”

The drug’s manufacturer Merck said no evidence has proved a causal relationship between Propecia and long-lasting sexual dysfunction.

However UK and Sweden included the ‘persistent risk’ warning on the labelling of the drug.

And only in April this year, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated a warning to finasteride, Merck Co.’s drug marketed to provide both masculine settlement baldness – Propecia. The new warnings include a passionate side effects for a medication, such as problems with libido, ejaculations and orgasm, could final even after patients stop holding a drug.

What else can you do to help keep your hair loss under control?

• Find cause why hair loss occurred to you
• Eat more fish
• Maintain good iron levels
• Take B vitamins
• Manage your stress
• Use thickening fibers

The post Hairloss Drug Propecia Risks and Benefits appeared first on Hair Loss Melbourne.

Luscious thick shiny hair is directly linked to our self-esteem, femininity and beauty. It frames our faces and sets character and style. Just think back to one of your bad hair days. How depressing is that? Some women don’t even leave the house on a bad hair day – no kidding. Hair is often taken for granted but once the hair is gone, or hair thinning is visible a number of unpleasant feelings surface and they are are as much psychological as they are physical.

It is a myth that hair thinning or hair loss are men’s issues. Hair loss and various forms of alopecia do not discriminate too much and are certainly not limited to the male population.  The presentation though can vary between sexes. For example, typically, women do not get a receding hairline but they do get an overall thinning of the hair and baldness at the crown, as well as widening of the parting. An astonishing more than 40% of women experience hair thinning issues at some stage of their lives.

Main causes for female hair loss and hair thinning

• Heredity

Hair loss can depend on the genes contributed by both parents. Because hereditary hair loss is gradual, the sooner treatment is started, the better the results will be. Checking your family tree to see if you have a possible genetic predisposition to hair loss might help you recognize the symptoms early enough to slow the progression

• Stress

Chronic or long-term stress can wreak havoc on your body. If you notice your hair falling out, try a relaxing new hobby, or take your holidays

• Hair elastics and hair stretching

Too-tight ponytails and overuse of hair elastics can create a constant pull, and over time, this can cause a condition called traction alopecia. Try gentler styles, or let your hair down for a while. Tight braiding and weaving may cut off blood circulation that feeds the hair follicles

• Medical condition

Hair loss could be your body’s way of telling you that you have hypothyroidism, autoimmune disorders, or even certain heart conditions. Poor blood circulation, overactive thyroid gland may imbalance androgens and estrogen hormones, metabolite of testosterone

• Prescription Medicine

Chemotherapy, Isotretinoin, and other pharmaceuticals can cause hair loss. If possible, ask your doctor to consider a different medication, or perhaps he or she can adjust the dosage. Too much intake of Vitamin A. When take medication ensure that you eat a healthy diet and especially water. Some drugs tend to dehydrate your body which leads to dry and weak hair that falls off easily.

• Hormones

Puberty, menopause, aging, and hyperaldosteronism can all cause hair loss.

Effects of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone - male sex hormone) on the hair follicles. Hair follicles miniaturisation resulting in a shorter lifespan and the abnormal production of hair. How much DHT women produce depends on their genetics; the more hormone is produced, the greater and more widespread miniaturization is, hence the greater hair loss.

• Hair Products

Alkaline shampoos, chemicals, hair dyes, perms and bleaching irritate the scalp and the hair follicles. Same applies to oil treatments – they may radiate too deep and cause tissue and hair follicle damage. Also alcohol-based hairsprays and hair gels may dry out the scalp and the hair follicles.

 Not all hair loss condition can be treated the same way

With the wide variety of reasons, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. A treatment that affects DHT won’t work when it is caused by an immune response, or physical trauma. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s important to identify the underlying cause of your problem well before you begin to undertake treatment for it.

The post Women hair loss appeared first on Hair Loss Melbourne.

We are conscious about our hair and latest hair styles but many of us are not aware of gender based hair factors. Male and female hair are very different in terms of texture, flow and other attributes. So what are the differences

Hair Growth Rate

• MEN growth rate on average stands at 0.349mm/day which slightly greater than for WOMEN at 0.339mm/day
• However in children the differences in growth rate are more significant BOYS 0.34mm/day against GIRLS at 0.30mm/day

Hair Loss Pattern

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