Battle Against Bald | A Battle Against Hair Loss Through Hair Restoration

Itchy scalp question

A question posed at Ezine Articles:

Q: What natural remedies can I use to stop my itchy scalp and hair loss?

A: Itchy scalp and hair loss are fairly common problems that are sometimes distinct problems in themselves, or one can be the cause of the other.

Hair loss can be particularly difficult for the sufferer to deal with, especially if she is a woman - this is not to say that it's not difficult for male sufferers, but many women would identify their femininity with their hair. Also, hair loss can occur at any time in a person's life, it is not restricted by age.

Finding the right natural remedy for itchy scalp and hair loss will often depend on what the symptoms are, but there are a number of general good practices that you can begin to get in to which can greatly help the itchy scalp hair loss problem.

Check and Change Your Shampoo

In many cases an itchy scalp and hair loss will become aggravated and worsened by continual use of harsh oil-stripping shampoos. What may surprise you is how many of the so-called "soft and sensitive" shampoos contain strong industrial strength de-greasing chemicals.

By choosing a natural shampoo - ideally containing Zinc Pyrithione in its natural form, which is a great anti-fungal ingredient and can be effective for treating itchy scalp conditions such as Psoriasis, and Sebhorreic Dermatitis - you can begin to stop the irritation on your scalp and return the skin to its normal pH balance.

Essential Oils

Adding essential oils like Tea Tree and Rosemary to your shampoo will cleanse and soothe the skin, while Lavender will stimulate hair growth. (Please patch test all essential oils prior to use, as some people have certain sensitivities or allergies to natural oils).

Jojoba - great for treating seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis, or dandruff. Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) oil has been used for centuries by Mexicans and Southwestern Native American nations to promote hair growth and the control of dandruff. It's a great moisturizer and mimics the scalp's own sebum. It absorbs readily into the scalp and helps remove deposits of sebum from the hair follicles, neutralizes acidity, and nourishes the scalp with all the B vitamins, vitamin E, silicon, copper, zinc, chromium, and iodine.

Aloe Vera - used by Native Americans, Indians and many in the Caribbean to promote healthy hair and prevent hair loss. It can help the scalp by healing it and balancing the pH level while cleansing the pores. A common preparation of Aloe Vera gel with a small amount of wheat germ oil and coconut milk is used as a shampoo and has traditionally shown great benefit.

Massage

A vigorous rubbing of the scalp with fingers after washing the hair with cold water can help to stimulate hair growth. The scalp should be rubbed vigorously till it starts to tingle with the heat. By doing this you activate the sebaceous glands and energise the circulation of blood in the affected area, which can encourage the hair to grow back. Be careful with this technique if you have a very sore scalp or any broken skin, as you may aggravate your condition. Also, take care to avoid causing unnecessary damage with your fingernails. If you have long fingernails you can perform the massage using your flattened palm.

Finding out the cause of your itchy scalp hair loss is essential to finding the right treatment.

The Bald Report: Weekly hair loss and hair restoration news

Happy Monday, folks. How's the warmer weather treating you so far? Well, according to specialists, it's time to take care of your skin (it has all to do with hair loss too!). Some more on that, plus a couple of other interesting reads. Enjoy.

Summer skincare—According to this article from the Wall Street Journal, skincare is just as important during the summer as it is during the winter.

Male vanity—It really does exist. This article from ArabianBusiness.com claims that 1/3 of the people who visit plastic surgery clinics in Dubai are men.

Hair stylist/specialist—Two Coloradoan hair stylists recently became certified hair specialists so that they can offer informed advice to their clients. A growing trend?

Home remedies!

It's been awhile since we shared some ridiculous and odd treatments for hair loss. Our collective favorite: rubbing lettuce juice on your head! To anyone who cures their hair loss with lettuce (and can prove it), Battle Against Bald will sponsor a lifetime supply of lettuce for you and your family.

Thank the Times of India for these magical remedies:

Rubbing of scalp
A vigorous rubbing of the scalp with fingers after washing the hair with cold water is one of the most effective among the several home remedies for the prevention and treatment of hair loss. The scalp should be rubbed vigorously till it starts to tingle with the heat. It will activate the sebaceous glands and energize the circulation of blood in the affected area, making the hair grow healthy.

Using amla oil
Amla oil, prepared by boiling dry pieces of amla in coconut oil, is considered a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth. A mixture of an equal quantity of fresh amla juice and lime juice, used as a shampoo also stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.

Using lettuce
Lettuce is useful in preventing hair loss. A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is believed to help the growth of hair if taken to the extent to half a litre a day.

Using mustard oil and henna leaves
Mustard oil, boiled with henna leaves, is useful for healthy growth of hair. About 250 ml of mustard oil should be boiled in a tin basin. About sixty grams of henna leaves should be gradually put in this oil till they are burnt in the oil. The oil should then be filtered using a cloth and stored. Regular massage of the head with the oil will produce abundant hair.

Using coconut milk
The application of coconut milk all over the scalp and massaging it into the hair roots is also beneficial in the treatment of hair loss. It nourishes the hair and promotes hair growth. Coconut milk is prepared by grinding the coconut shavings and squeezing them well.

Using onion
Onion has also been found beneficial in patchy baldness. The affected part should be rubbed with onions morning and evening till it is red. It should be rubbed with honey afterwards.

Research links environmental factors to hair loss

Research conducted at the University of London suggests that male pattern baldness is linked to environmental factors such as pollution and smoking. Toxins and carcinogens in air pollution can block the production of keratin, the protein which forms hair. While pattern baldness is hereditary, these outside factors appear to worsen the problem.

The positive side of the story—such effects of pollution may be avoided in the near future by topical creams. Environmental factors can be controlled, whereas hereditary factors cannot. Not yet, at least. Such treatments could only slow the hair loss process.

Can hair loss caused by arthritis medications be prevented or treated?

An interesting query on About.com:

Question: Can hair loss caused by arthritis medications be prevented or treated?

Hair loss is an unwanted side effect of some arthritis medications. Why does hair loss occur and what can be done to prevent or treat hair loss if you are taking one of these medications?

Answer:

What types of medications can cause hair loss?

Many different types of medication are associated with hair loss. Examples of arthritis medications that can contribute to this problem include:

Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)

Arava (leflunomide)

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

What actually causes the hair loss?

Hair loss from arthritis medication is typically secondary to what is called telogen effluvium. This type of hair loss occurs when some stress, such as a medication, causes hair roots to be pushed prematurely into a resting state, called telogen. Abrupt diffuse hair loss will typically be noticed after two or more months from the time the stress occurred (e.g. time the medication was started).

What can be done to stop hair loss associated with medication?

Once the offending agent is discontinued, the shedding will gradually resolve over 6-9 months. Consultation with your physician or a dermatologist may be helpful to make sure there is not some other reason for the hair loss such as:

iron deficiency

lupus

thyroid disease

There is no specific treatment for the hair loss that occurs secondary to medication except for discontinuing the offending agent. On the other hand, taking leukovorin (folinic acid) 8-12 hours after methotrexate may decrease this potential side effect without effecting the efficacy of the drug.

Related resources

Arthritis Medications - Test Your Knowledge

The Facts Of NSAIDs

The Facts Of DMARDs

Answer provided by Scott J. Zashin, M.D., clinical assistant professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Division of Rheumatology, in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Zashin is also an attending physician at Presbyterian Hospitals of Dallas and Plano. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology and a member of the American Medical Association. Dr. Zashin is author of Arthritis Without Pain - The Miracle of TNF Blockers. The book is a must-have for anyone on one of the biologic drugs (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira) or considering the biologic drugs. Read my review of the book.

Mike Cross and his Rogaine song

Here's a funny song by comedian/musician Mike Cross about Rogaine. Enjoy!

How to treat female hair loss

Here's a great piece from eHow.com explaining female hair loss:

Many people don't know that excessive hair loss can occur in women as well as men and children. Women may experience genetically based pattern baldness or temporary hair loss due to hormonal changes, thyroid or digestive conditions or other causes. If you exceed your normal hair loss for a sustained period of time, see a dermatologist.

 

Things You’ll Need:

• Consultation with a doctor or dermatologist
• Trusted reference material

Treat Temporary Hair Loss in Women

               

                   

Step 1

See a doctor when experiencing excessive hair loss following pregnancy, menopause, rapid weight loss, extreme illness or surgery. This often temporary hair loss may be controlled with prescription shampoos or dietary supplements.

               

                   

Step 2

Use a doctor-approved shampoo or topical treatment for temporary female hair loss due to stress, burns, injury or chemotherapy.

Treat Female Pattern Baldness

               

                   

Step 1

Buy an over-the-counter minoxidil product specially formulated for women. Taken as directed, it may boost the regrowth of hair.

               

                   

Step 2

Use a natural or synthetic (prescription) antifungal shampoo to keep the scalp healthy in combination with minoxidil or dietary supplements.

               

                   

Step 3

Consult an herbologist or trusted source for natural remedies, which may incorporate ingredients such as stinging nettle, saw palmetto, green tea or other organic ingredients shown to inhibit female hair loss. Follow the dosage carefully.

               

                   

Step 4

Get the hair you've always dreamed of by buying a quality wig. Pattern baldness that doesn't respond to treatment can be cosmetically improved.

           

Tips & Warnings

• Don't pay too much for ineffective or unnecessary treatment! Many hair loss conditions in women are temporary. See a doctor to be sure you get the right diagnosis.
• The Food and Drug Administration has approved only the drug minoxidil to treat female hair loss, not the alternate treatment, finasteride.
• Female pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is similar to male pattern baldness in that hair follicles shrink over time until they can no longer support hair growth.
• All drugs, herbs and topical solutions may have side effects. Consult product literature before using.
• Check your sources. There are many disreputable sources of information, advice and treatments about hair loss in women.

            

How to talk to a friend about their hair loss?

In a recent column posted on Philly.com, a reader sent this query into their advice columnist Amy Dickinson:

Dear Amy: A 21-year-old friend is slowly but undeniably losing his hair. He seems unable to admit it to himself. I'd like to suggest he start treatment, but I'm afraid he will get angry. Is there any way to broach the topic without harming our friendship?   
                                                                                                                                - Worried

Dear Worried: I find it hard to imagine your friend isn't aware of his hair loss. Men seem to have an extra-special connection to their follicles. Perhaps he's accepted his emerging scalp and just doesn't feel like discussing it with you.

If you have experience and have reversed the inevitable, share your treatment with your friend. If you want to point out the obvious and make suggestions based on infomercials, it would be best to keep your thoughts to yourself.

Manipulating hair growth in the near future?

Science might be able to change the kind of hair that we have in the near future. Geneticist Angela Christiano and her team have been studying the genetics of hair, specifically the mutation that causes "woolly hair." Their research has led to the belief that a topical drug may be the answer to manipulate hair one way or another (whether you have too much hair or too little). But it doesn't end there. Christiano foresees a future where people can switch from curly to straight hair.

More from Elline

Elline continues her talk about dealing with alopecia. This time, she talks about how others respond and how to cope with that.

HairDX adds women to the list

In their announcement today, biotech company HairDX, LLC claims that they now have an accurate test to predetermine whether or not a woman will experience hair loss. This announcement comes just months after their similar product for testing men was released.

Specifically, the HairDX test for woment tests for the likelihood of Female Androgenetic Alopecia, or female pattern baldness. The test kit costs $149 and can be done at home with a simple swab of the cheek. After the swab is sent to the lab, results are sent anonymously back to the patient.

The Bald Report: Weekly hair loss and hair restoration news

Happy Monday, everybody. Here's our weekend recap. Some pointers, some news, some more scandalous professional athlete behavior, and all the other usuals. Have a great week.

Learn to live with alopecia—Here's the story of how one woman learned to cope with her alopecia universalis.

Baldness a disability—A court deemed hair loss caused by an underlying illness as a disability. If someone suffers from hair loss not associated with pattern baldness they are regarded as suffering from a physical impairment that affects their ability to carry on normal day-to-day activities.

Scandalous—NFL offensive lineman Matt Lehr has been pointed out as one using hair loss drugs to mask steroid use.

Dandruff management 101—A great article from The Korea Times about how to handle your dandruff problem.

Total Body still causing illness

Last month it was reported that Total Body Formula dietary supplement contained toxic amounts of selenium and was causing all sorts of health issue, hair loss included. Health officials are now investigating another 180 reports of illness since last month's report.

The product has been recalled since March 27, but the high number of new cases is a sure sign that the message is not spreading quick enough. 

IF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE YOU KNOW IS USING TOTAL BODY FORMULA, STOP!

The ingredients of the supplement include up to 200 times more selenium than is suggested for healthy use. Symptoms include hair loss, discolored and painful fingernails, muscle cramps, joint pain, diarrhea and fatigue, and are usually onset between five and 10 days after use.

An alopecia sufferer speaks out

Alopecia patient Elaine Surianello speaks about her condition, one that she has struggled with since she was a teen, and how to cope with self image.

Naomi Campbell ever-shrinking hairline

Model Naomi Campbell's disappearing hairline has been getting quite a bit of attention recently. A picture of her that was snapped at the opening night of La Fille Du Regiment at the Metropolitan Opera in New York yesterday reveals the significant recession of her hairline — the obvious starting point of her hair extensions make it a bit obvious.

According to sources, her significant hair loss may have occurred during the past month and a half. Just six weeks ago she was spotted in Brazil with a full-intact mane atop her head. Now, we can't help but wonder — could the hair loss be a consequence of her use of extensions? That's called traction alopecia, and we've written about it a few times in the past.

Traction alopecia is caused by the constant stress from hair extensions, or wearing a pony-tail to tightly. It can result in permanent hair loss, but is reversible if caught early on.