Hair Growth Vitamins

____________________________________________________

It is an unfortunate fact that many men, and a surprisingly high number of women, will suffer from some form of hair loss during their lives. Too often people believe that their hair loss will be permanent. To fully understand hair loss we need to look at how hair grows and what factors can interfere with this natural process.

Hair growth occurs in two distinct phases, the growth phase known as the Anagen phase and the resting phase known as the Telogen phase. The vast majority of hairs on our head (as high as 90%) at any one time are in a 2 to 7 year growth phase. The remaining hairs are in a resting phase that can last anywhere from two to four months.

A normal rate of hair loss is between 50 and 150 hairs a day. Once a hair has been shed, that particular follicle begins a growth phase, and a new hair grows. If everything goes according to plan this cycle of growth and rest continues through many cycles during our life.

Hair loss problems can result when this natural cycle is disrupted and the fallout rate exceeds the natural re-growth rate. Additionally, certain factors can lead to hair re-growth that is much weaker and thinner than the hair that is being replaced.

In this case the problem can go unnoticed for many years. Since each hair is being replaced there doesn't appear to be a problem; however, over the years each re-growth of shed hair is getting progressively weaker and thinner. This can result in baldness and hair loss that appears to be a very sudden onset, but it is something that has been ongoing for several years.

Fortunately from the point of view of being able to treat and prevent the problem, science has pinpointed the true cause of hair loss.

Research has shown that the most common cause of hair loss is an increased level of testosterone that eventually leads to an excessive imbalance in another hormone, DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

If there are large amounts of DHT present, blood supply to the hair follicle is reduced and over time the blood vessels themselves begin to shrink, making blood flow to the hair follicles even more difficult. A deficient blood supply leads to weak, thin hair re-growth, which gets progressively worse over time. The eventual outcome is hair that is wispy, short, and barely visible.

At this stage the person is suffering from a condition known as androgenic allopecia, more commonly known as male pattern baldness.

Specifically why and how these levels of DHT get to the point where they create a problem with hair loss is not completely understood. At this point the cause is largely attributed to genetic factors.

There are also several factors affecting men and women that can cause temporary hair loss. Some of the more common cause of temporary hair loss are: scalp infections; improper use of hair care products; side affects of some medications and medical procedures (surgery and chemotherapy for example); and inadequate nutrition for healthy hair growth.

Usually, once the cause of hair loss is established and the appropriate treatment given, hair growth can return to normal. For someone experiencing hair loss now or someone who could reasonably expect hair loss in the future, preventive measures should be taken sooner rather than later.

At the very least an appropriate hair care regime should be in place. As part of this regime adequate nutrition should be stressed, including nutrients that have a known hair growth function such as Biotin, Zinc and the herb Saw Pallmeto.

Today there are many hair loss treatment options available. There is a range of natural over the counter preparations that have undergone some clinical trials and have had some success in stopping hair loss and promoting re-growth of normal healthy hair.
____________________________________________________