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Written by Brian Warfield
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Wednesday, 25 November 2009 14:45 |
Many women don't know what to do or where to turn when their hair is falling out.
If you notice you are losing more hair than normal you should review your lifestyle and ask yourself several questions; have you started taking any new medications; are you pregnant; do you braid your hair frequently without allowing a break in between; are you eating properly; do you get enough exercise? You may want to go and see your doctor if none of the above apply to you. Taking good care of your scalp to prevent the formation of DHT is also a step in the right direction.
How do I treat hair loss? Depending on the cause the course of action will vary. You can go the doctor route with medication being prescribed. However, certain hair loss treatments cannot be used or even handled by women as they can cause birth defects. The hair loss drug Propecia, and similar DHT-blocking medications are high risk for women. Rogaine (containing minoxidil) can be used safely by women and is a popular hair loss drug.
There are other non-medical solutions as well. Various herbs have been found to stimulate hair growth and assist in re-growing your hair naturally and permanently with no side-effects. Herbal remedies can be used topically or taken internally. Red peppers, ginger, Aloe Vera, Onion and Safflower Oil can be applied externally. The increased blood flow nourishes the roots which in turn helps the hair to grow out healthier. Common herbs that can be taken internally are Ginko Biloba, Green Tea, He Shou Wu, Pygeum, Saw Palmetto and Stinging Nettle.
Your diet also plays a role in the health of your hair. Hair is made of hardened protein, so eating foods that are high in protein and amino acids (a type of protein) will be beneficial to the hair. Vitamins A and B, folic acid, beta-carotene and magnesium can be found in foods such as liver, eggs, fish, yogurt, soy protein, yellow and green fruits and vegetables and wheat germ. Stay away from fatty foods, caffeine, carbonated drinks and cigarettes. Getting plenty of exercise and rest will also help. Make a healthy lifestyle part of your daily routine and you and your hair will reap the benefits.
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