What is your mane problem?

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Lifestyle

Hair loss and baldness have been a problem for both men and women since the dawn of time. Although there is no definite cure, improved medical and surgical methods of hair restoration developed over the years have undone the effects of "androgenic alopecia" for tens of thousands of people.

Our hair is made up of keratin - an extremely strong protein, which is also a major component in skin, nails and teeth. A single hair consists of a hair shaft, a root below the skin and a follicle, from which the hair root grows. At the lower end of the follicle is the hair bulb, where the hair's color pigment, or melanin, is produced.

It is normal for most people to lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair daily. These hairs are replaced - they grow back in the same follicle on your head. However, if you are experiencing excessive hair loss, something may be wrong.

So, what are some of the most common causes of hair loss?

Androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and telogen effluvium are some of the most common hair loss conditions. Androgenetic alopecia (commonly coined male or female pattern hair loss) is due to a combination of factors influenced by genes and hormones, namely dihydrotestosterone. Alopecia areata, often appearing as coin-shaped or patchy hair loss, is an autoimmune condition, often stress related. Lastly, telogen effluvium is a reactive hair loss due to some underlying medical cause such as thyroid diseases.

The actual causes of hair loss, though, may include stress, emotional trauma, exposure to chemicals (for perming, coloring, bleaching), poor nutrition and medical treatments such as chemotherapy.

How can it be treated?

There are medical and surgical methods to help hair loss problems. Medically, there are a host of do-it-yourself hair products such as lotions, creams, scalp stimulants and other "wonder treatments" (all promising to prevent hair loss).

Determining which medicine is right for you will depend on your age, degree of hair loss and other factors. Not everyone who is experiencing hair loss can seek the same treatment; only a doctor can determine why your hair is falling out and suggest a treatment that will correct the underlying problems.

If considering surgical treatment, you should always consult a dermatologist or doctor to assess your hair condition. Hair transplants are usually performed for a moderate degree of hair loss or for patients with scars on the scalp, face or body such as the eyebrows.

Hair restoration surgery techniques are similar for men and women, with slight differences according to the area of concern: While men tend to be troubled by a receding hairline, women are more concerned about the diffuse pattern.

Hair restoration surgery is a major decision for most people as it can result in improved self-esteem and create a more youthful and vigorous appearance. Once the hair transplant is completed, the hair will be restored and it will grow naturally, requiring styling and cutting.

During contemporary hair restoration surgery, the patient is given a local anesthesia to numb the area of the donor site and the planted site, as well as oral and intravenous sedation, so will not be aware of any pain during the entire procedure. Patients are able to resume work 48 hours after surgery.

Side effects of hair restoration surgery are also relatively minor, usually limited to slight discomfort; serious problems are rare and results are excellent.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the procedure has gained popularity in Singapore and across Asia. Depending on the severity of hair loss or baldness, prices can start from S$5.00 per hair graft.

The availability of such state-of-the-art technology means men and women with hair loss problems do not have to endure the devastating and frightening experience of balding, which can be damaging to one's self-image and confidence. Help is now readily available - but nevertheless, prevention is always better than a cure.

How can you help prevent hair loss?

Your hair is the reflection of your overall physical condition. If your body is well nourished, your hair will be your shining glory.

Nutritional deficiencies can lead to thinning hair or even total baldness (notice how sufferers of eating disorders such anorexia and bulimia lose their hair).

Therefore, the right vitamins and minerals play a major role in keeping your hair healthy.

Eating a healthy diet rich in protein such as fish, eggs, beans and yoghurt will really benefit your hair. Soy protein has also been found to be helpful in stimulating hair growth. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and fat.

Give up smoking and caffeine as these weaken the body and hinder maximum hair-growing potential. Get plenty of rest and sleep.

Proper hair care is equally important. Avoid using hot water, blow dryers or other hair care tools that may stress your hair. Pamper yourself with a weekly scalp massage to stimulate the hair follicles. Have regular trims to eliminate split ends for healthier-looking hair with a series of hot oil treatments to protect the hair shaft.

Most importantly, avoid unnecessary brushing and styling especially when your hair is wet as this can cause it to stretch and break. As with the rest of our bodies, our hair is healthiest when we exercise and protect it from too much sun.

cFlyFreeForHealth2009

Articles in this column, which will appear every two weeks, are provided by a panel of doctors from www.flyfreeforhealth.com, a leading multimedia medical tourism platform dedicated to providing adopters of healthy lifestyle with travel and lifestyle incentives. The doctors include: Dr. Beh Suan Tiong, a pioneer in gynecological "Key Hole" surgery, President of the Obstetrics & Gynecologic Society of Singapore; Dr. Leslie Kuek, plastic surgeon in private practice, ex-president of the Singapore Society of Cosmetic (aesthetics) Surgeons; Dr Kevin Chan, Medical Director of Hyperbaric & Occupational Medicine Pte Ltd and Flinders Practice Pte Ltd, Singapore. Email us at info@flyfreeforhealth.com.

Additional information:

From web
Menopause and Hair Loss/Thinningn
Men's Hair Loss Information - Baldness Treatment For Thinning Hairn
Treatment For Thinning Hair, Hair Loss Treatments, What's Best For Youn
Female Hair Loss Treatment for Thinning Hair in Womenn
Male Pattern Hair Loss, Thinning Hair or Baldness in Men known asn
Thinning Hair Products & Shampoos for Women and Menn
What Causes Thinning Hair?: Hairstyles & Braiding , eHow.comn
Thinning Hair Treatment, Thinning Hair Prevent and Solutions, Hairn
Thinning Hair Remedies You Should Know Aboutn
Complete Thinning Hair Information - Causes, Treatments and Hairstyles

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