Future Hair Loss Treatment: Gene Therapy, an Overview

Posted by Stephanie Cook on May 11th, 2012
future hair loss treatment

State-of-the-art innovations and in-depth experimentations offer a greater possibility of finding the best treatment for conditions like hair loss and hair thinning problems.

Indeed, today, with the advancement of technology, we may be on the fast track of finding the best treatment which could someday end hair loss and hair thinning problems once and for all.

Gene therapy, deemed to be a future hair loss treatment, may have the potential to actually cure inherited pattern baldness in both men and women.

Description

This future hair loss treatment revolves around the theory of correcting defective genes responsible for disease development, in this case—hereditary hair loss.

Gene therapy is a method that can change the genes of the existing cells in the body in order to alter their cellular functions. It requires learning how an inherited medical condition will occur at the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule level and then going in to try to fix the problem.

Aim

According to hairlossdoc.com, gene therapy aims to turn the hair follicles with DHT-sensitive cells into follicles with DHT-resistant cells to prevent hair loss at the same time encourage the hair follicles to continue to growth healthier hair strands for a lifetime.

Hair experts may use one of several methods of correcting faulty genes:

• A healthy normal gene may be inserted into a non-specific location within the genome to replace a non-functional gene.
• An abnormal gene could be traded with a normal gene through homologous recombination.
• The abnormal gene could be fixed or repaired through selective reverse mutation, which returns the gene to its normal healthy function.
• The regulation—the degree to which a gene is turned on or off—of a particular gene could be changed.

Current Status

In spite of all the advances in mapping genes in the past decade, researchers are still a mile away from knowing what most of the genes are capable of doing. Hence, a great understanding of all the genes that affect the cycle of hair growth—especially those that are responsible for inherited hair loss—is necessary.

Currently, researchers have been making a gradual progress in gene identification. There are various areas of gene therapy research that need refinement; these include the following:

• identifying genes and determining exactly how to change them to code for the desired proteins
• avoiding an immune response when the viruses are injected directly into the organism
• getting an adequate quantity of target cells to take up the altered DNA regardless of how it is delivered
• getting the cells to express the characteristics coded by the altered genes once the new DNA is inserted

Bottom Line

Though more work is still needed before this future hair loss treatment can be realized, gene therapy is considered one of the most promising solutions to stop hereditary hair loss in both men and women.

Natural Hair Loss Treatment: Horsetail for a Healthier Mane

Posted by Stephanie Cook on May 4th, 2012
horsetail 2

Whether you are experiencing a receding hairline or you are suffering from hair loss, the herb horsetail can help with your alarming hair situation.

Oftentimes, when we are looking for inexpensive, safe, and natural hair loss treatment alternatives, we turn to herbal medication.

When we are talking about herbal and natural hair loss treatment options, horsetail is always on top of the lists of herbs which help prevent further hair loss and encourage the growth of fuller and healthier hair strands.

Origin

Horsetail is scientifically known as Equisetum, which is taken from two Latin words, equus and seta. Equus means “horse” and seta means “bristle.” The name is an indication of the plant’s resemblance to the tail of a horse.

This herb is a relic of a dominant group of plants of the mid-Paleozoic age which were in their prime 350 million years ago. This perennial plant is characterized by tall stems with fern-like leaves that resemble a bottle brush.

Today, horsetails are commonly found in Europe and North American territories. It is commonly known as Dutch rushes, paddock pipes, pewterwort, snake grass, bottle brush, and puzzle grass.

Components

Horsetail is considered one of the highest sources of naturally occurring silica. Both silica and silicic acids are essential elements for a natural hair loss treatment since they support the amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.

This herb also contains high levels of potassium which is helpful in encouraging blood circulation. Proper blood flow helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the hair roots so that the hair follicles are fed enough to grow stronger and healthier hair strands.

Horsetail contains minerals like manganese and selenium, as well as active compounds like saponins and flavonoids which stimulate hair regrowth.

Benefits

Horsetail is one of the most recognized herbs for hindering hair loss and encouraging the growth of healthier hair. It also promotes thickness, durability, and luster of the hair.

The mineral silica which is abundant in horsetail herb supports hair regrowth and makes the tissues in our body stronger. Silica is highly beneficial to help strengthen teeth, bones, skin, nails, and hair.

Potassium which is also present in horsetail keeps the hair strong. It also reduces sodium in the scalp, helping in the development of healthier hair. A high level of sodium in the scalp weakens the hair, eventually leading to hair thinning and hair loss problems.

In addition, apart from being a natural hair loss treatment, horsetail is also good for the skin and organ tissues. For decades, it has been used to heal blisters, frostbites, ulcers, and wounds as well as to stop wound bleeding.

It also prevents infections, eliminates fleas, lice, and other bugs that can be harmful to the skin and hair.

Caution

Horsetail herb may lower the level of thiamine, a water-soluble element of the vitamin B-complex family. Lack of thiamine may cause fatigue, psychosis, nerve damage, and weakness.

Pregnant and nursing women as well as people with heart arrhythmia or under digoxin medication are advised not to use horsetail herb.

Almond Nuts for Healthier Hair Regrowth

Posted by Stephanie Cook on April 27th, 2012
almonds

Almond, which is scientifically known as Prunus dulcis, is one of the most popular and nutritious kind of nut. This plant is among the earliest cultivated foods in history.

Origin

The English word almond is derived from the Old French word “almande” or “alemande,” taken from the old Latin term amygdalus, meaning “tonsil plum.”

Though almonds are thought to have originated from the Mediterranean climate region of the Middle East, they had spread extensively and have been widely used for culinary and other purposes in various parts of the world.

Today, almonds are cultivated in Northern Africa and Southern Europe and more recently transported to other parts of the world, especially to California, United States.

Components

Almond nut has gained a reputation as being a super food since it is high in protein as well as vitamins A, B-complex, and E. It also contains good amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, fiber, and zinc. In addition, almonds are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat.

Almond Nuts for the Hair and Scalp

Vitamin B-complex aids in promoting healthier hair regrowth. It helps in the function of hemoglobin, a hemoprotein which carries oxygen and nutrients to the scalp, feeding the hair follicles, thereby producing thicker, fuller, and healthier hair strands.

Vitamin E, on the other hand, is a good source of antioxidants that prevent free radicals. This vitamin has the ability to moisturize, hydrate, and improve the condition of the scalp and the hair follicles.

In addition, vitamin A regulates the production of retinoic acid, a metabolite of retinol which is essential for the growth of stronger and healthier hair. It is also rich in antioxidants which assist in the healthy development of skin cells and membrane augmentation.

Furthermore, almond oil can be used in aromatherapy, which in turn can also stimulate healthier hair regrowth. Like olive oil, almond oil provides thermal protection and moisture.

Though almond comes in two forms — bitter and sweet — both these types of almonds may be used in nourishing the scalp and hair.

A scalp massage using almond oil mixed with amla extracts can prevent the onset of hair thinning and hair loss problems. Since almond oil softens dead skin on the surface of the scalp as well as cleanses dirt build-up, the hair follicles can then “breathe” properly, enabling them to take in enough nutrients to foster healthy hair regrowth.

Bottom Line

Almond oil for the stimulation of hair growth has been recommended by many experts. This is because this nutritious nut promotes healthier hair and skin.

However, it is important to exercise caution when eating too many almonds since like other nuts they can cause allergic reactions and they are also high in calorie.

The Essence of Using Eucalyptus Oil for Hair Regrowth

Posted by Stephanie Cook on March 27th, 2012
hair regrowth

The beneficial effects of eucalyptus in treating ailments and conditions can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, decongestant, and other medicinal properties.

Eucalyptus, or Eucalyptus globulus as it is known in the botanical world, is a tall evergreen tree commonly found in Tasmania and Australia. It is also referred to as blue gum tree, fever tree, or stringy bark tree.

Eucalyptus oil which is taken from the eucalyptus tree treats various ailments such as cold, sore throat, flu, fever, diabetes, and muscle pain. It is commonly used as an ingredient in skin and hair care products ranging from shampoos, conditioners, skin creams, and soaps. The oil extracted from the twigs and leaves of the eucalyptus tree has a sweet scent like that of camphor.

In the hair loss treatment field, eucalyptus oil helps get rid of dandruff and promotes healthier hair regrowth. It is believed that this oil enhances the elasticity of the hair due to the increase of ceramide production. Ceramides are natural lipids (fats) of the skin which create a protective barrier around the hair, allowing the hair to hold in moisture and protein.

Eucalyptus oil when applied directly on the scalp helps stimulate proper blood flow. This oil also nourishes, moisturizes, and cleanses the hair follicles, encouraging optimum hair regrowth. It contains rejuvenating and regenerative properties that are essential in producing shinier and thicker hair strands.

The following are ways on how to use the eucalyptus essential oil for stimulating healthier hair:

  • To reduce dandruff, mix 10 drops of eucalyptus oil in an organic shampoo. Then, shampoo your hair using this mixture. Regular shampooing using this mixture not only helps reduce dandruff but also promotes shinier hair strands.
  • To stimulate hair regrowth, engage in a weekly scalp massage using the eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil can be applied onto your hair and scalp overnight.
  • To encourage the production of shinier and healthier hair strands, mix eucalyptus oil with olive essential oil. Warm the mixture in a microwave for 15 seconds and apply it on your hair and scalp. Wrap your hair in a soft towel and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing the hair to remove the residue.

Caution

Excessive usage of eucalyptus oil may cause skin irritation. Some side effects of overusing eucalyptus oil include drowsiness, nausea, stomach pain, seizure, muscle pain, and vomiting.

It is advisable not to use eucalyptus oil among children and pregnant women, unless prescribed by a doctor. Moreover, people with epilepsy and high blood pressure should avoid using this treatment.

Stop Hair Fall with a Sprinkle of Spice in Your Daily Diet

Posted by Stephanie Cook on March 17th, 2012
stop hair fall

From home-cooked foods to restaurant cuisines, the smell and taste of spices add a burst of flavor to our meals to quench our appetite. Indeed, dishes are not as savory without spices added as ingredients.

However, did you know that spices have various beneficial effects on our health? In earlier days, spices were used to heal the body, mind, and spirit. They act as anti-oxidants, provide anti-inflammatory benefits, balance the blood sugar level, and improve circulation and cardiovascular health.

Today, spices are used as flavoring ingredients to our breakfast meals, lunches, and dinners. More than that, they help stop hair loss and achieve a fuller, thicker, and healthier head of hair.

Here is a list of spices from China, India, and the Caribbean which when added on your daily meal can surely help maintain healthier and beautiful hair strands:

  • Cayenne pepper

Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum

Other Names: Guinea spice, cow-horn pepper, bird pepper, and red pepper

This hot fiery spice is high in vitamin A content and is an excellent anti-oxidant which helps prevent hair loss and hair thinning problems by encouraging the production of healthy sebum in the scalp.

Cayenne pepper also contains vitamins like: riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin C, and vitamin E; and minerals like potassium and manganese. In addition, it contains an active substance called capsaicin which is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that stimulates proper circulation in the scalp, promoting better hair growth.

  • Cinnamon

Scientific Name: Cinnamomum

Other Names: dalchini (Hindi), kayu manis (Indonesia), and kurundu (Sri Lanka)

This spice is obtained from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum which is native to Southeast Asia. Cinnamon contains potent fragrant essential oils like cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol which help remove blood clots and diseases from the blood vessels. These elements boost blood flow, delivering nutrients to the hair roots for healthier hair growth.

  • Clove

Scientific Name: Syzygium aromaticum

Other Names: dīng xiāng (China), Chiodi di garofano (Italy), and cengkeh or cengkih (Indonesia)

Clove is an aromatic flower bud of a tree in the family Myrtaceae which is native to the Maluku islands in Indonesia. This spice which is used as tea and curry ingredient can help increase the circulation of the blood, delivering nutrients to the hair roots and strengthening the hair follicles to stop hair fall and hair thinning conditions.

Ginseng: A Potent Herb for Hair Loss Treatment

Posted by Addyson on March 9th, 2012
Hair Loss Treatment

In traditional Chinese medication, ginseng has been used for thousands of years to treat disorders like asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, impaired fertility, and sexual dysfunction. Today, however, ginseng is known as one of the most widely available herbal supplements for hair loss treatment and prevention.

Ginseng can refer to both American and Asian ginseng, which is characterized by a tan, gnarled root that resembles the shape of a human body. According to Chinese doctrine, this herb has the ability to restore harmony to the entire body.  It is believed to help eliminate anemia and fatigue; helps prevent diabetes, neurosis, cough, tuberculosis, and asthma; and an excellent hair loss treatment.

Composition

Ginseng contains ginsenoside, a steroid-like plant compound which gives the herb its medicinal properties and has similar characteristics as a human steroid hormone. Other substances which are found in ginseng are B vitamins, volatile oil, flavonoids, and peptides. These four substances are all particularly significant in hair loss treatment because they act as messenger proteins within cells to stimulate new cell growth, thereby inducing hair regrowth as well..

In addition, this herb has an antioxidant property which can contribute to the health of the cardiovascular system and encourages proper blood flow for the optimum health of the hair follicles. Ginseng is also an adaptogen, which helps the body cope with stress. Being able to cope with stress stops hair loss, hair fall, and hair thinning problems.

Availability

Ginseng is available in capsules, powders, tinctures, and as an alcohol or water-based liquid extract. Ginseng preparations should be standardized to contain 4–5 percent of ginsenosides.

Caution

Ginseng should not be given to children or taken by a nursing or pregnant woman. Furthermore, you need to avoid using ginseng if you have a history of bipolar disorder, diabetes, high blood pressure, and hormone-driven cancer. Anxiety, headache, increased blood pressure, gastrointestinal complaints, nose and vaginal bleedings are some if its side effects.

Discovering the Science of Laser Therapy for Hair Loss Treatment

Posted by Addyson on March 2nd, 2012
hair loss treatment

Laser therapy offers new hope for millions of men and women suffering from weak, thinning, and damaged hair.

Years ago, the only proven methods to hide or stop hair loss have been toupees and cover-ups, topical and oral medications, and surgical operation. While each of these options offered diverse cosmetic results, the users often felt that the risks may outweigh the benefits.

Laser therapy for hair loss offers a non-invasive approach to help people stimulate thicker and healthier hair without the risk of side effects. Extensive research has proven that low level laser light can be used safely yet effectively for hair restoration.

Although nothing can be done to revive dead follicles, laser hair loss treatment can excite dormant and weakening hair follicles by rendering low level laser light which stimulates red blood cells to increase blood flow. The increased blood flow in the scalp delivers nutrients to the hair roots, thereby invigorating the hair follicles to produce thicker, fuller, and healthier hair strands.

In clinical studies, low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been proven to arouse cellular metabolism, causing damaged cells to repair themselves. The science behind laser hair loss treatment comes from the compressed beam of the cold red part of the light spectrum which is completely different from natural light.

This low level laser light penetrates into the skin’s surface without damaging the tissues and cells in the body. And because it does not give off heat, it cannot harm the body; hence, there is a guarantee that no adverse effects may occur.

However, because people differ in the forms and stages of hair loss, the outcome or result of laser therapy may vary from person to person. But studies showed that 90% of people who have undergone this therapy achieved positive benefits. And, over 40% noticed improvements in their hair 2 months after starting the treatment.

The following are the benefits of laser therapy for hair loss:

-        increases the blood supply to the scalp by 54%,

-        increases hair strength and elasticity,

-        increases the hair strength by 78% and hair volume by 25%,

-        increases the healing process for post–hair transplant operations,

-        repairs damaged hair caused by chemicals (colorants, permers, dyes),

-        renders a non-invasive method of hair loss treatment,

-        relieves irritating scalp conditions,

-        stops the progression of hair loss in 85% of the patients,

-        stimulates the hair follicles to grow hair, and

-        treats pattern baldness and chemically-induced hair loss.

 

Bottom Line

Laser hair loss therapy is one of the most sophisticated and innovative methods of hair restoration in the modern world. It is an advanced form of treatment which offers a safe and effective approach to rejuvenate the follicles by stimulating the metabolism of the cells, resulting to thicker and healthier hair regrowth.

5 Herbal DHT Inhibitors for Excellent Hair Regrowth

Posted by Addyson on February 24th, 2012
hair regrowth

Nature provides us with a variety of herbs that are helpful in preventing the further onslaught of hair loss and stimulating healthier hair regrowth. These herbs target the most common cause of hair loss known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is a by-product of the male hormone testosterone combined with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This metabolite exhibits a very damaging effect on the hair follicles. When DHT bonds to the receptor sites of the follicle, these follicles will shrink, producing thinner and finer hair. Worst of all, the overproduction of DHT in the scalp renders the hair follicles dormant, eventually causing their death and cessation of hair growth.

With that, to effectively stop the onslaught of hair loss and hair thinning problems, you need DHT blockers. DHT blockers in the form of herbal essences of plants counteract the effects of DHT and promote an optimum scalp condition for healthier hair regrowth.

The following are five of the widely used herbal DHT blockers:

1. The Effective 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor: Emu Oil

Emu oil has high level of linolenic acid which is an effective 5-alpha reductase inhibitor and a potent anti-androgen. These two properties of emu oil are key factors in treating hair loss and stimulating healthier hair regrowth. The anti-inflammatory properties of emu oil also help ease hair loss resulting from inflammation of the hair follicles.

2. The Potent Anti-oxidant: Green Tea

Green tea is a potent anti-oxidant that helps reduce the levels of DHT in the scalp. Epigallocatechin 3-gallate, or EGCG, is the most important antioxidant found in green tea. A 2007 study by the Seoul National University College of Medicine showed that EGCG helps increase hair follicle elongation and hair growth and strengthens proliferation of dermal papilla cells.

3. The Excellent DHT Inhibitor: Pygeum

Pygeum extract is rich in derivatives of natural fatty acids and phytosterols which inhibit the production of DHT. This herb is used to alleviate urinary symptoms caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It is also believed that like saw palmetto, pygeum is also an excellent DHT inhibitor by hindering the conversion of the male hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

4. The Powerful Anti-Androgen: Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a powerful anti-androgen that aids in hair loss prevention and treatment by blocking the 5-alpha reductase enzymes, thus reducing DHT levels in the scalp. This herb is probably the best known DHT blocker to help prevent hair loss and stimulate healthier hair growth.

5. The Efficient Hair Regrowth Stimulator: Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle’s roots contain properties that improve blood circulation, thereby making it an efficient hair regrowth stimulator. Stinging nettle also helps treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) which has the same root cause as hereditary hair loss, which is DHT. Research showed that stinging nettle helps block the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, lessening the overproduction of DHT in the scalp.

3 Lifestyle Changes to Achieve Healthier Hair Regrowth

Posted by Addyson on February 16th, 2012
hair regrowth

Millions of men and women are worried about the worsening of their hair loss and hair thinning conditions. If you’re one amongst them, then you need to learn methods and ways to help you prevent the onslaught of your hair loss.

Rather than drastically resorting to expensive surgical hair restoration, one thing you can do to stop hair loss and achieve fuller and healthier hair regrowth is to have a healthy lifestyle. Here are three lifestyle changes you need to make in order to prevent the progression of your hair loss and stimulate fuller, thicker, and healthier hair regrowth.

1. Eat healthily

Having a well-balanced diet can prevent the early onslaught of hair loss. Supplementing your diet with vitamin- and mineral-rich foods can reduce the amount of hair loss at the same stimulate healthier hair growth.

Lack of nutrients in your diet can lead to hair thinning and hair loss problems. Hence, you should eat a diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to achieve thicker, stronger and healthier hair.

2. Proper relaxation and sleep

Like proper intake of nutrients, getting an adequate amount of sleep is necessary to help prevent hair loss and to reverse the hair loss process. Sleep helps clear the mind and is a great stress reliever.

Lack of sleep makes you feel tired and worn out all day, hence causing stress. According to studies, factors like stress and sleep deprivation actually cause hair loss and hair thinning problems. So, to avoid stress-induced hair loss, try to relax and get as much as 6 hours of sleep daily.

3. Engage in exercise

Building muscle tone through exercising causes the body to release the same growth hormones that are essential for regrowing hair. Hence, you need to have a daily exercise routine in order to keep your hair and body healthy. Daily exercising also reduces the effects of stress on your body.

By performing a yoga routine or other forms of exercise on a daily basis, you can relax and reduce your stress levels, thereby attaining proper circulation which is helpful in hair regrowth.

Hair Loss Causes: Does Callista Gingrich Have a Helmet for a Hairstyle?

Posted by Addyson on February 1st, 2012
Callista Gingrich

While Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich is out convincing the Americans to cast their votes on him, people’s attention is focused somewhere else — on his third wife, Callista, whose hairstyle has been attracting negative and positive media attention lately.

Callista Gingrich’s hairdo is without a doubt making her a head-turner. The frozen, sleek platinum blonde hair of the Republican presidential contender’s wife seems to spark fascination whenever she appears in public with her husband. Though many are wondering whether Callista is wearing a very stiff platinum helmet-like blonde hairstyle or an actual wig, in truth, these tresses are real.

All week long, Callista Gingrich’s hair has been a trending topic. So, we jumped in the bandwagon and offered some interesting facts about her controversial hair.

Callista reportedly gets her hairstyle done at Sugar House in Old Town, which is believed to be a salon in Alexandria, or at the Andre Chreky salon in Washington D.C. Regardless of which salon she favours, an estimated calculation shows that she spends around $3,000 annually to maintain the health and shine of her hair.

Callista’s helmet-like hairdo does not come cheap, as the dye is believed to cost $400 or more.

Michael Angelo, the owner of Wonderland Beauty Parlor in New York, when asked by gawker.com’s Brian Moylan on how to achieve hairstyle like Callista Gingrich’s, he said, ‘The reality of a hairstyle like that is that it takes masterful skill. You have to know every quirk of a person’s hair growth to get it to work and be exactly the same every time. You can’t trust that to a random stranger. She must have someone full time or close to it’.

Hair loss experts note, however, that such hairstyle can be a precursor to alopecia or hair loss. Having the hair constantly exposed to hair treatments such as dyes and perms can eventually harm the hair follicles in the scalp and cause hair loss.

Angelo also added that Callista Gingrich is probably dying her hair once every two weeks to maintain her platinum blonde hair.

Callista’s helmet-like hair wasn’t always the sleek coif it is now. In 2000, when Callista married Newt, she wore her hair longer and curlier. However, over the past 12 years, her haircut has changed slowly into her signature disciplined helmet-like bob.

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