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Author:
Rudy Silva

Hair is the fastest growing tissue of the body, made up of proteins called keratins. Every strand of hair is made up of three layers: the inner layer or medulla (only present in thick hairs); the middle layer or cortex, which determines the strength, texture, and color of hair; and the cuticle, which protects the cortex.
Hair grows from roots, which are enclosed in follicles. Below this is a layer of skin called the dermal papilla, which is fed by the bloodstream carrying nourishments vital to the growth of hair. Only the roots of hair are actually alive, while the visible part of hair is dead tissue, and therefore unable to heal itself.
It is vital then to take care of the scalp and body in order to perpetuate hair growth and maintenance. Expensive treatments that claim to treat the visible hair and nourish it therefore are usually no more than bogus claims made to sell products.
Hormones called androgens, usually testosterone, can cause hair follicles to shrink, causing thinning of hair or eventual hair loss. Reportedly only bone marrow grows faster in our body than hair does. The average scalp contains 100,000-150,000 hair follicles and hairs, with 90% growing and 10% resting at any given time.
Hair actually grows in three stages:
* Anagen
* Catagen
* Telogen
The anagen phase is the phase where hair is actively growing, and of course this phase is longer for follicles in the scalp than anywhere else on your body, and lasts longer for women than men.
It is natural for follicles to atrophy and hair to fall out, and this is called the catagen phase. This phase is only temporary, and eventually the follicle enters the telogen phase where it is resting. These are the 10% at rest mentioned above.
Normal anagen phases last approximately five years, with catagen phases lasting about three weeks, and telogen phases lasting approximately 12 weeks. As you see it is natural to lose some hair. Natural hair loss is considered to be in the range of 100 hairs per day. It is not apparent to most people that hair is actually being lost until more than 50% of a person's hair is actually lost.
Although both men and women can suffer significant hair loss, over 50% of men will suffer with Male Pattern Baldness (MPB), also known as androgenetic alopecia, at some point in their lives. The reason behind hair loss is a genetically inherited sensitivity to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5-alpha-reductase. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone, a male hormone, to DHT, the substance identified as the end-cause for hair loss.
Despite any genetically inherited sensitivity, it is possible to lessen the amount of hair loss some people will experience; this done through use of supplements and hair cleansers that eliminate excessive DHT. Also, taking vitamins and minerals that strengthen hair will slow down the inherited tendency for hair loss. Finally, watch for stressful situations that last for months and take counter measures by increasing you hair supplements.
About the Author
Rudy Silva is a natural nutritionist. He writes a newsletter called "Natural Remedies That work." You can subscribe to his newsletter and read some of the back issues, which give you information of how to have better health. Read his latest newsletter at: http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com/nl-111.html For more information on hair loss go to: http://www.hair-loss-remedies.for--you.info

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A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Hair Loss... How to find the perfect hair loss products for your condition The worse part about getting older is things don't quite work they way they used to, your joints ache a bit more and you start losing your hair. There is a 50% chance that you will go bald if you are a male over the age of 50. If you experience male pattern baldness where your hairline starts receding and you lose you hair on the top of you head, this is genetic in most cases. Using the best hair loss products won't likely help. You do have some options however. Medical hair restoration or hair transplants are used by thousands of men and women every year with amazing results. If you opt for this procedure, using good hair loss products to keep what you have in place is a good idea. Male pattern baldness or alopecia is not a scalp problem rather a chemical reaction between testosterone and the oil glands found in the hair follicle. When the testosterone transforms into DHT, the reaction caused the follicle to shrink. This along with restricted blood floor to the scalp because it thickens, stresses the hair and causes it to fall out and never grow back. But there are products on the market that have been proven effective against the production of DHT. You want to buy hair loss products that contain ingredients such as zinc, pro-vitamin B5 and saw palmetto. They are specially designed to help keep your hair on your head. If it is too late and you are already bald or have had significant thinning, medical hair restoration may be your only option. Techniques have advanced dramatically from the days of hair plugs. Results are a natural, full head of hair. The process is not overly painful, but you will experience mild discomfort and some swelling. You dermatologist will be able to recommend the right hair loss products or hair transplant ...