The Online Helper

Teenage Skin Care - Make a Clean Start
Cathy York

Some teenagers are so active, they don't have the time to even consider their skin. Factor in hormonal changes, and you have a breeding ground for a variety of different skin problems. The good news? With a proper and simple routine, a couple of changes (avoiding bad habits), teenagers can achieve clear and radiant skin.

Firstly, let's consider some quick and dirty tricks teens can incorporate into their daily lives. Some of the most simple changes can make all the difference.

Always wash your hands before cleaning (or touching) your face. Our hands come into contact with an awful lot during the day. The dirt that builds up on our hands can lead to clogged pores, and as a result cause breakouts. Washing your face with dirty hands can be absolutely counterproductive.

Check the cleanliness of everything that touches your face. Peaked caps and mobile phones are regular culprits. Be particularly cautious with any areas of the face where breakouts are common. Could you be touching those areas with grubby objects throughout the day? Take care to check that your skincare lotions or makeup don't contain ingredients that are known to restrict pores. Ingredients to avoid include:- lanolin, mineral oil, SD alcohol, fragrances and colour.

And eat healthily. Many experts think there is a correlation between your diet and skin. When we eat unhealthy foods, our skin tends to show it in the region between our foreheads, as well as on the chin. Wearing a quality SPF15 every day can really help. Of course, this is good advice for all ages, but teens should especially wear a moisturiser that has a full-spectrum sunscreen. The suns rays break down our collagen and elastin, which can lead to sun spots. These results don't tend to surface until years later, so an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The most beneficial way to optimise your skin health in the future is to start protecting it during the younger years. For instance, remove makeup every night. Most young women are guilty of not doing this in their teenage years, but sleeping in makeup is just not good. Especially, if you put up with an oily complexion. Congestion can build up in your pores and cause breakouts.

Using too many drying products is also likely to cause disappointing results. When the skin is oily, most teenagers tend to buy face wash, moisturisers and spot treatments that promise to remove oiliness. At first, you may see some results, but in the long run, the oil glands will begin to over accommodate for the lack of oil by producing even more oil than in the first place! Everything starts with good intentions, initially teenagers say they love drying skincare regimens. But after a while, they suddenly cease to be effective. Any creams with SD Alcohol are unquestionably part of the 'drying out' category.

Avoiding no, no's, such as using plain soap on the face. It is alkaline, and our skin is acidic. Meaning that it can make skin feel tight, dry and itchy. Taking hot showers is another tactic to be avoided. Whilst tempting, the heat can actually draw moisture out of the skin. This can cause your skin to either produce surplus oil (or look dry and flaky). We're sure that everyone can recollect being told not to pick spots, but picking really isn't a good idea. Infected and angered spots spread infection to other areas of the face when picked. Instead, try applying products containing Sulfur or Salicylic Acid to problem areas, just as you feel them starting. So, how do you develop a good skincare regimen in your teens? The answer is keep it simple but effective.

Choose a high quality cleanser. Dermalogica Clean Start is recommended, as it includes all of the ingredients necessary for a total regimen. For instance, a foaming wash containing salicylic acid, which reaches deep into pores to help exhaustively clean the skin.

For active teenagers, ensure any routine includes the body. Don't over exfoliate, usually 3 times a week is good enough. Excess scrubbing can lead to any infection spreading across the surface of the skin. You may consider using a leave-on exfoliant, containing salicylic acid. This can clean up the pores and cut through oil. When the pores are clear, breakouts are much less likely to occur. Treat breakouts as and when they take place.

Choose a spot treatment that is well regarded and has proven results. Some use sulfur to dry out infected areas, and some contain Benzoyl Peroxide to get rid of bacteria. You should apply as soon as you suspect a breakout forming. One common myth is that moisturising restricts pores. There are moisturisers available that will hold oil on the surface of the skin at bay and looking matte. The same applies with SPF protectors and sunblocks.

With the best will in the world any campaign to keep skin healthy can be met with the odd congestion or breakout. Utilising quality products and staying up to date with professional advice will go a long way to saving your skin in optimum health.

About The Author
Dailygrooming Ltd is a UK Salon and Official Platinum supplier of the Dermalogica skin care product. Dermalogica is a skincare system researched and developed by the International Dermal Institute. If you want advice on specific skin concerns, professional skincare advice is recommended. http://www.dailygrooming.co.uk/Dermalogica-Clean-Start-Teenage-Skincare.htm

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• Properly washing your face is one of the easiest ways to look your best.
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Hair Straighteners
by David Salt

Many people do not always have the perfect or ideal type of texture hair.

Many people find their natural hair is either extremely curly, wavy or just has random kinks and no fluidity to how it flows.

This is not a problem for many people however others find their selves dissatisfied and crave for a different look.

Hair straighteners have become extremely popular in the beauty industry and are being used by many females and males alike. Hair straighteners consist of an electrical appliance that contains two heated plates that effectively tame curly or frizzy hair into a straight texture. The way to use hair straighteners is to divide your hair into parts and slide different layers between the plates until they become straight. Once having done this your hair should look straighter and perhaps even longer for a certain amount of time.

The great thing about hair straighteners for many people is that it is not a temporary solution to curly hair and only has a short lasting effect. This is good for many people because they can then use them for special occasions rather then having to permanently change their hair style. Hair straighteners can be bought from many different cosmetic and other such stores and can be bought in many different models and designs.

Hair straighteners are also very affordable and whilst some work better than others many do have the same effect if spent longer using them. It is however important that when using hair straighteners that you do not burn and frazzle your hair.

If you constantly use straighteners it could lead to this if you do not apply any hair protection.
Heat protection for hair can be bought in the form of a spray and is not expensive. It is advised by many experts to use this spray before using your hair straighteners as protection against the heat. This sprays/protection will also leave your hair feeling silky and shiny once your hair is straightened and may also keep your hair straightened for a longer period of time. All in all hair straighteners are a great beauty product for those looking to create a different look.

About the Author
Make sure you buy the best hair straighteners for your hair by buying a genuine ghd product. Try the new limited edition ghd precious hair straightener for a stylish straightener that not only straightens, but also can curl, flick, wave and add shine to all hair types to give you prefect salon-styles every day. http://www.ghdhair.com/
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Female Hair Loss Treatment

Female Hair Loss Treatment: Hats are For Fashion Not to Cover-Up Your Bald Spots!

Nothing can be more devastating for a woman than to realize that her hair is coming out far more extensively and rapidly than is normal. (Normal is 100-150 strands a day). Each hair grows for a period of 2-6 years, goes through a short dormant period and then falls out as the follicle pushes through a new hair. When new hairs do not replace the old or when hair is coming out in clumps or sections, there is definite cause for concern. Female hair loss comes from a variety of causes – some temporary, some permanent.

Temporary causes include pregnancy, anxiety and stress, too many strong treatments (coloring, bleaching), too much manipulation, illness, disease, and infections of the scalp. Fortunately, re-growth occurs naturally when as these causes dissipate. Permanent hair loss occurs because of heredity and hormonal changes and unfortunately is not reversed naturally. Women usually see hair loss begin at areas of parts, where parts become wider. Female pattern baldness occurs primarily in the frontal areas; then, there is general overall hair loss, resulting in a continual thinning of the entire head with the scalp becoming more and more visible. Treatments for female hair loss include a number of things:

1. Diet plays some role in hair loss, so it is important to commit to a healthy well-balanced diet at all times.

2. Exercise increases blood circulation to all areas of the body, the scalp included. Some studies have shown that increased blood circulation to the scalp can assist in the stimulation of follicles to begin to produce hair again.

3. There are a number of natural herbal and oil remedies, most of which are topical, that is, they involve applying solutions directly onto the scalp with the effect of opening up closed follicles and enhancing the chance of hair production. These have varying degrees of success, dependent upon the individual.

4. Wigs and hair extensions can provide non-permanent relief for sufferers and, fortunately, these are considered acceptable fashion accessories today.

5. A number of medical products have also been developed specifically for females. It is important to state here that women must be certain that products they use are specifically designed for them. Male hair products often have ingredients which can be harmful to women, particularly those of child-bearing age. Medical products are available through prescription and over-the-counter. It would be wise to consult with a physician first, before using any of these, to be certain that they are not contra-indicated with any other medication currently being used and to be certain that the hair loss is not the result of some other medical condition. Provillus has products designed specifically for women, and is FDA approved. Research studies on the effectiveness of these and other products, in terms of both reducing loss and promoting regrowth, is readily available on the Internet, through a “Google” search. Some offer money-back guarantees, and most have testimonies from satisfied users. Success varies by individual, and success or lack of success from one customer does not necessarily relate to your body’s response.

6. There are also a number of surgical procedures available for women, including transplants and grafts. These are expensive and should be explored carefully before committing to the cost.The distress over hair loss is an individual matter. If yours bothers you on a daily basis and you are beginning to avoid normal social activities due to embarrassment, you owe it to yourself to take action.

Life is to be enjoyed!
For more information visit: http://www.femalehairlosstreatment.biz

Black Wedge Boots
by Mary Allen

Black wedge boots are a great staple to have in your closet. A sure fire way to heighten the sophistication of any outfit, black wedge boots are versatile, polished, and unique. A wedge heel is traditionally more comfortable than a stiletto because of the way your weight is distributed. With a more even keel on a wedge heel, you will feel better after a long day at work or a full day running errands. These hot styles in black wedge boots are polished and sleek! These hot styles in black wedge boots are a great choice for work, travel, or play!

Black wedge boots from 80%20 are the picture of sophistication. The Jackie black wedge boots from 80%20 is designed with luxuriously soft nappa leather. These black wedge boots have a hidden wedge heel, so these black wedge boots maintain their sleekness. The great pull on design of these black wedge boots plays down the formality, leaving the options for these black wedge boots up to the fashionable wearer. During winter with wool tights, a mini-skirt, and a leather motorcycle jacket? Sexy chic. What about in spring with a pair of distressed jeans and a vintage silk blouse? Sophisticated bohemian. All in all, endless possibilities.

For casual black wedge boots with class, take a look at the Sunny black wedge boots from Frye. With a small 1 ' wedge, these black wedge boots give just the right amount of lift to up the ante on casual black wedge boots. With an informal ankle height, these black wedge boots are perfect for those winter days when you want a fresh look. Break from monotony with these black wedge boots. In high quality distressed leather, these black wedge boots will be your favorite everyday boot. Keep these paired with long pants like jeans or slacks. If worn over pants, keep it monotone with a pair of black jeans or slim black leggings. A break in color will shorten your legs, creating an undesirable look.

The Air Reina black wedge boots by Cole Haan are super chic. With bold black patent leather and buckle detail, these black wedge boots have a militant appeal that will keep all eyes saluted to you. With a short ankle height and a 1' wedge heel, these black wedge boots are unique, yet surprisingly traditional. Designed with Nike Air technology for ultimate cushioning, these black wedge boots were definitely made for walking. Perfect if you live in a metropolitan area where walking is major party of your daily routine, these black wedge boots will keep you at the height of sophistication and comfort.

Want great black wedge boots for summer but aren't a huge fan of cowboy boots? Look no further than the Annie black wedge boots by 80%20. It's no surprise 80%20 was mentioned twice in this list, they know black wedge boots! The Annie ankle black wedge boots feature the trademark 80%20 hidden 2 3/4 wedge heel and is designed with beautiful perforated details at the shaft. These black wedge boots are anything but ordinary. With a hint of western elements, these black wedge boots are perfect for the summer months. Pair these black wedge boots with a sexy mini-skirt and a draped sheer shirt and your look is rocker model. Pile on the jewelry and your inspirational look is sure to stop traffic.

With these hot styles in black wedge boots, your staple looks for all seasons are covered. From professional in black patent to punk-rocker in perforated leather, these hot styles in black wedge boots are at the height of fashion and sophistication.

About the Author
Like.com is the web's premier fashion shopping experience where you can find women's Black Wedge Boots.

Hair Inhibitors or Removers

Hair inhibitors are gaining tremendous popularity these days. Learn about their secret for success and everything you wanted to know about Ultra Hair Away – the most advanced and effective hair inhibitor solution.

Inhibit the growth of unwanted hair with Ultra Hair Away

Hair inhibitors are the buzzwords in hair removal industry these days. Read this article to learn all about hair inhibitors, how these work and what their unique benefits are. Also, find out why Ultra Hair Away is one of most successful hair inhibitor solution on the market.

About hair inhibitor

Hair inhibitors or hair growth inhibitors are wonderful solutions for men and women who want to get rid of unwanted body hair but are frustrated with conventional hair removal methods. These products help to inhibit the growth of unwanted hair so that you’ll have to deal with hair removal much less often. In some people, hair inhibitors may actually prevent the growth of new hair completely.

Use of hair inhibitor products are gradually gaining popularity in the modern society, which is obsessed with smooth hair-free skin but does not have the time or patience to deal with body hair removal so frequently. A large number of hair inhibitor sprays are currently available on the market. Both men and women may make use of these advanced formulations to inhibit the growth of unwanted body hair.

How do hair inhibitors work?

Typically, hair inhibitors are topical solutions that make use of plant enzymes. These work by changing the structure of the hair follicle and making it turn weak until it eventually stops producing hair altogether.

Hair inhibitors need to be applied after a hair removal session. To get most effective results hair inhibitors should be applied after removing hairs by hair removal methods that take hair out by the root such as waxing, sugaring, tweezing and threading.

About Ultra Hair Away

Ultra Hair Away Hair Inhibitor Spray is one of the most advanced hair inhibitor products introduced by famous cosmetics company Skin Doctors. The scientifically advanced all-natural formulation has been tested and tried in various clinical studies and has been proven safe and effective solution for keeping unwanted body hair at bay for a long time.

Regular use of Ultra Hair Away is known to inhibit the growth of new hair, and in some people, it has helped to prevent the growth of new hair completely. Moreover, new hairs that re-grow are finer, lighter, softer and therefore much less visible. Men and women using Ultra Hair Away will therefore need to go for body hair removal much less often. For instance, women who wax every 6 weeks may have to wax every 6 months when taking Ultra Hair Away treatment. This will save them time and money and make their life much more convenient.

How does Ultra Hair Away work?

Skin Doctors Ultra Hair Away Hair Inhibitor Spray works by blocking the dermal papilla where the hair begins to grow underneath the skin. This slows down the growth of new hair and changes its structure as well as the texture. After few weeks into Ultra Hair Away treatment, you’ll notice new hair that comes is finer, lighter and softer.

Ultra Hair Away can be used by both men and women on most parts of the body including legs, face, arms, upper lip, shoulders, back, abdomen, underarms and bikini line. As it is a natural formulation, Ultra Hair Away does not cause any side effects. Although the results may vary in individuals, most people see noticeable difference after 4 or 5 weeks, depending on the thickness of your hair. To get effective results, you’ll need to use Ultra Hair Away twice daily initially and thereafter only once in a day.

docstock brianthomas

Help Losing Belly Fat

Honestly, everywhere you look there is someone peddling a new method to get rid of belly fat. However, a straightforward method to ridding yourself of that pesky stomach fat is a three part regime.

This simple regime involves:

1. A healthy diet

2. An exercise program

3. Staying relaxed and stress-free

These ideas look and sound simple, but we both know its not. Fortunately, it does not matter if you have a lot of belly fat to lose because the method remains the same; but, you might have to work a little harder. Now, let's look at each component individually.

A healthy diet

A healthy diet includes the necessary daily intakes of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, fibre, vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet also means avoiding over-indulging in foods full of sugar and fat. Take the time to read labels which will help you make healthier eating decisions. Keep in mind that "fat-free" labels might not be better in the long-run because these foods include more sugar to compensate for the reduction in fat. Here are a few tips to start off on the right track towards a healthy diet:
Healthy snacks between meals will make you less hungry 2. Eating smaller meals will make you less inclined to over eating 3. Be aware of high-calories drinks like power shakes and energy drinks

An exercise program

A regular exercise program will motivate you into action and most importantly will provide you with satisfactory results. Ultimately, in order to lose that belly fat you need to burn more calories than you are taking in. Start with 45 minutes of cardio training that includes activities like walking, running, swimming, and step aerobics and include some core strengthening exercises.

Stay relaxed and Stress-free

Unfortunately, losing the belly fat will not happen overnight. Realistically, you can expect to lose a pound or two a week. Avoid obsessing about getting rid of that stomach fat because it could lead you to over-eating. Instead positively reinforce yourself with rewards like a movie, a day-out, or night-out.

In the end, keep in mind that a good diet that limits your intake of fatty foods and regular exercises that target your stomach muscles will provide lasting results. Just keep a realistic goal in mind and stay focus on what you want. Good luck!Also Pay Close Attention

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A Promise Of A Perfect Smile

If someone would have asked 4 years ago if I ever thought it possible that I could ever lose my teeth I would have told them they were totally insane! No way! Not me, I brush, floss, clean my tongue and the roof of my mouth and keep all of my dental cleaning appointments.

In my lifetime I've spent the price of a down payment on a house or the purchase price of a really nice new car on my dental care. Being the mother of two I set an example for my kids and made sure they both had perfect smiles. I volunteered at the grade schools to teach proper dental care to the kids and supplied them with new toothbrushes and small tubes of toothpaste. So you'd think I'd be one of the last people on earth to face losing all of their teeth.

All of the excellent dental practices, teaching my own kids and good deeds for the kids at the schools could never prepare me for what was to come.

Here's what happened

One year on November 30th I went to my doctor for my annual checkup I told him I had pain in my collar bone areas and a stiff neck he said I must have strained my neck. He told me all was fine.

By the next morning I was taken to the emergency room with sharp shooting pains around my collar bones, shoulder blades and a very high fever. I was so dehydrated that they tried 17 times to insert an IV needle to no avail. Finally on the 18th try they succeeded at placing the IV in the underside of my upper arm. I don't remember much because my temperature was 104 degrees. I spent the next 10 days in the hospital with severe bacterial pneumonia.

The doctors placed me on combined antibiotics, Prednisone (a very nasty steroid) and other medications given through my IVs. I began to swell around my hands, face, legs, and ankles. By the 5th day the doctors discovered that the bacterial pneumonia had damaged my heart and lungs.

It all happened so quickly, one day a visit to my doctor and all is fine and the next day a visit to the emergency room and my life would change forever, I just didn't know how much.

In defense of my family doctor I should tell you that bacterial pneumonia can strike very quickly and be raging within 12 to 18 hours, and so my doctor's only possible mistake was not taking a blood sample for testing. But, by the time the lab would have given him the results (2 days later) I would have already been hospitalized.

I was released from the hospital on the 11th day and that's when the "A Promise To A Perfect Smile" journey began.

The doctors placed me on steroid based inhalers combined with Albuterol a fast acting inhaler, heart medications, potassium, and Lasik to help rid my body of the excessive fluids.

Within 4 months I noticed my gums appeared red. By the end of the 5th month they became sore so I went to my dentist. He informed me that the Prednisone, the inhalers, and other medications were attacking my gum tissues and the enamel on my teeth.

I rinsed thoroughly after each use of the inhalers and couldn't understand what was happening. My dentist took time to explain and gave me a special toothpaste and a fluoride based oral rinse (both prescription and very expensive) and each time I used my inhalers I had to brush, floss, scrape my tongue, and rinse using the prescription toothpaste and oral rinse. He scheduled an appointment for 4 months later. I should tell you that I was born allergic to milk and I can't take calcium supplements so over my lifetime caring for my teeth and bones have been a hard task.

When I went back for the appointment he took an x-ray and discovered I had developed 7 cavities hidden under the gums. Over the next month I had all of the cavities filled. I became even more obsessive about my oral care.

6 months later I went back to the dentist for my checkup and x-rays revealed another 4 cavities hidden deep under the gums. I spent the next 3 weeks having those cavities filled.

My dentist started scheduling appointments for every 3 months but finally the cavities started coming faster than he could fill them and they weren't just forming under the gums.

I went from hearing people say "You have a nice smile" to hearing people ask "Why don't you smile anymore?" It was devastating to say the least. I went through root canals and crowns and the horrible high price of them both financially and emotionally, not to speak of the pain involved. Then I began losing a tooth here and a tooth there, thank God they weren't lost in the front of my mouth because I really don't think I would have been able to bear that.

As I lost teeth I found myself becoming less social, I didn't want to be around where I might slip and smile, because I felt my smile was no longer attractive. I found all kinds of creative excuses to keep from being part of social situations. I now have a better understanding of what heavy people, people born with birth defects, people who don't have a nice smile or can't afford dental care must feel like.

On one of the 3 month visits to my dentist I told him I would experience some pain and then seem to run a fever for a couple of days in a row. He took an x-ray and found infections of various stages trapped between the roots and bones, and the bones and tissues (abscesses) and that was when he informed me I would eventually lose all of my teeth, it was just a matter of when. We both ruled out the possibility of dental implants, because of the cost, medications, my being allergic to milk and my inability to take calcium supplements.

I put off the inevitable as long as possible.
I went on and off of expensive antibiotics, felt tired all of the time, and even tried taking those forbidden calcium supplements which sent me to the bathroom a 100 times a day with diarrhea! As the enamel on my teeth eroded the stains and cavities took its place. Even the best antibiotics became less and less effective against the infections, and eventually I had to face the horrid fact of losing all of my remaining teeth and the expensive crowns on them.

In the beginning I agreed to let them remove the teeth 2 at a time every month thinking I would somehow be able to adjust to losing all of my teeth if it was done little by little. Every month they did x-rays to see just where I stood with the infections and cavities and every month the results were the same the antibiotics and impeccable dental care were losing the battle.

Finally an appointment to remove the remaining total 20 teeth top and bottom was scheduled. I ask that they give me a month to adjust to the idea of having no teeth at all, and they honored my wish.

You would have thought by now I'd been through enough but that wasn't to be the end to this dilemma.
The surgeon had decided that because of my heart and lung problems caused by my bought with bacterial pneumonia it would be better to keep me awake during the removal of the rest of my teeth. I remember thinking "Oh My God could anything be worse than losing all my teeth?" Then I remember thinking "Yes having to be awake while they are all taken!"

So today here I sit recovering from one of the worst ordeals of my life and wondering what I'll look like when the swelling goes down and my neck and head are finally back in place. I can't seem to get the hang of waking up and not brushing my teeth or the fact that I can't bite into anything. It's amazing how much we take the things our teeth enable us to do for granted.

It's a totally new world!

But the story doesn't end here, it's just the beginning.

Here's What I Have Discovered

• I have to learn to speak again so others can understand me. I don't even recognize my own voice.
• Those tiny bone chips are totally excruciating to deal with.
• Having no teeth - even while still swollen - changes a person's entire facial appearance.
• No matter how diligent someone is about their dental care they can still end up losing all of their teeth.
• That to postpone the inevitable does only that - postpone it.
• That I never want to be awake for surgery again, it felt like they were pulling my tongue out when they extracted the two bottom front teeth. I can take a lot of pain but that really made me want to scream!
• The last thing I discovered is that after all of your teeth are gone and you entire life seems changed the dentists are happy to say they can finally give you "A Promise To A Perfect Smile". The perfect smile is called dentures - I guess that's better than no teeth at all.

So as I go along the dreaded and at the same time anticipated journey of adjusting to life with no teeth and "A Promise To A Perfect Smile" I'll keep a journal and write a few articles to let everyone know what life is really like without natural teeth.

If you learn nothing else from this article at least learn this - no matter how great your teeth and smile are there are things which can cause you to lose all of your teeth.
So share your smile every chance you get!!

Hair Loss In Women: Myths And Truths

Hair Loss: one of the most confounding conditions men and women have ever struggled with. People consider their hair as kings consider their crown; an important part of one’s identity, an important part of one’s self. Hair and hair loss are often considered as indicators of one’s youth. That is why people are always appalled whenever faced with the possibility of hair loss. Hence we often do whatever they can and believe whatever we hear just to make sure that we get to keep that precious hair of ours as thick and as healthy as can be.

Hair loss can be common in females and is more common following the menopause; however, alopecia will not manifest in all cases. In many cases the sufferer will simply notice increased hair loss and thinning of the hair; early treatment can improve the outcome. Although alopecia tends to be socially accepted in males it is unacceptable in females and in many cases it can have devastating effects on the sufferer’s emotional state and confidence. But you should not despair – hair loss can be prevented and stopped once you know what causes it and what you should do.
The real causes of hair loss or alopecia, as it is clinically known, have already been explained by science, however, before we proceed to know the real causes of hair loss, let us first see and examine the prevalent myths about why hair loss occur in women.

There are many websites that try to dispel the "myths" of womens hair loss but some of these so-called "myths" do have a basis for truth. Let's now examine many of these popular "myths" and provide a balanced response.

Myth Number One: Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss. Many websites say this is "rubbish", however, in textbooks of trichology it is recommended that "extra care” should be taken for fragile and thinning hair. These measures include using gentle shampoos as heavily medicated shampoos can affect the scalp and brushing should be gentle as well. Any tangles of hair should be separated without pulling of the hair. So, it's not so much how frequently you wash your hair but what you wash your hair with!

Myth Number Two: We often hear that bad blood circulation starves the hair follicles which make them fall out. Although patients with poor blood circulation do not appear to be more likely to suffer from alopecia, tight fitting hats and wigs may cause hair loss in a very small minority of people. The mechanism is still unclear but if it occurs, this may be due to the impairment of blood flow in the scalp. That is why extreme care should be taken by alopecia sufferers who wear these garments on their heads.

Myth Number Three: Hats and wigs cause hair loss. This is untrue on the whole, all hats and wigs do is just cover your hair. Hats may even help shield your hair against the damaging causes of direct sunlight. However, if you are a sufferer of alopecia you should avoid tight fitting hats and wigs in our opinion.

Myth Number Four: 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair. Brushing your hair does stimulate the glands on your scalp to produce oil that will keep your hair healthy. However, a hundred brush strokes does more damage to your hair than what you wish intend. A hundred brush strokes on thinning and fragile hair will be more devastating than helpful. It is important to look after thinning and fragile hair and gentle brushing should be sufficient to maintain the condition of your hair and can be of benefit. Tangles should be separated by fingers without pulling the hair.

Myth Number Five: Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic treatments. Whilst treatments on hair can damage the nutrients and make it less healthy it will not lead to permanent alopecia. However, should hair loss be experienced after perms etc. then you should avoid them. That is why you have to scrutinize whatever you use in your hair since improper use of products may cause potential hair loss.

Myth Number Six: Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if they are healthy. Utter rubbish.

Myth Number Seven: Shaving one's head will cause the hair to grow back thicker. This is just not true. In fact, if you are suffering from androgenetiic alopecia, this will actually severely quicken your hair loss.

Myth Number Eight: Standing on one's head will cause increased circulation and thereby stimulate hair growth. We're afraid not; although poor blood circulation may cause some hair loss, increasing blood circulation just does not stimulate hair growth either.

Myth Number Nine: Dandruff causes permanent hair loss. This is simply not true. Dandruff is a condition of the scalp, not the hair. Dandruff occurs because of the excessive shedding of cells on your scalp skin. For dandruff sufferers, the natural process of scalp-cell renewal is accelerated when fighting off P. ovale, a normal fungus found on every human head.

Myth Number Ten: We often see TV personalities and even some doctors say that stress makes your hair fall out! Although it is unclear whether stress coming from severe life events can cause alopecia, there are case reports indicating that this may be so. It is however very rare and frequently no cause can be found for severe and rapid developing alopecia. Patients who have suffered hair loss following a stressful event may still benefit from specific treatment to assist in hair re-growth.

Myth Number Eleven: Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early twenties. Whilst fairly rare this is not true. Alopecia or hair loss may happen to anyone regardless of their age.

Now what really causes androgenetic alopecia or hair loss in women?

The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause, although it may begin as early as puberty. Normal hair fall is approximately 100-125 hairs per day. Fortunately, these hairs are replaced by the mechanisms in the body. True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not re-grown or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parents’ side of the family.

There are two different types of hair loss, medically known as Anagen effluvium and Telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium or loss of hair that is in the anagen or growing phase is generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicles. Telogen effluvium on the other hand, is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage. The most common causes of Telogen effluvium are: (1)Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change; (2)Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member; (3)Thyroid abnormalities; (4)Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure medications, Gout medications; and (5)Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause. When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.

Hair loss in women: androgenetic alopecia, anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium can be lessened and reduced, even stopped. All you need to do is know the right information about alopecia and do the right things to combat these conditions. There are lots of hair loss treatment medicines available out there; all you need to do is to know which one is the right one for you, depending on the extent of the hair loss. Remember, that the longer you wait to treat your hair loss, the harder it will be to achieve good results. So if you want to win this battle, stand up and do it now! The quicker you take action the easier it’s going to get.

Combat Hair Loss

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