Protect and Restore Hair Health

UPDATE: 2 August, 2009 - The use of coconut oil as a hair treatment can be helpful to retain hair color.

"Coconut oil has been a popular oil treatment for thousands of years where coconuts are plentiful, like Sri Lanka and the Philippines. It keeps hair strong and vitalized against the signs of aging. If you visit India today, it's perhaps why you see women in their 70s who still have healthy black hair," says Blaire Kessler.

Apply coconut oil to hair and allow it to work overnight for best results. (Hint: Cover hair with plastic wrap or a plastic bag before bed). Rinse out in your morning shower.

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Originally Posted 12/8/08: The effective use of natural Vitamin E prior to certain treatments such as chemotherapy protects you from hair loss. Pantethine, according to 1940s biochemistry research protects hair color.

Vitamin B complex is an anti-stress nutrient, vitamin E an anti-oxidant.

Perhaps it is worthwhile to pursue nutritional support for this concern.

Hair colour loss 'reversal hope' People whose hair has turned white because of illness or extreme stress are being offered hope that scientists may be able to reverse the process.

Researchers from Manchester University and Lubeck University, in Germany, used a molecule to stimulate the pigment responsible for hair colour.

But they said the technique still had to be tested on humans and would not reverse the natural greying process.

However, experts said the development was an encouraging breakthrough.

The research team recreated a naturally-occurring molecule called K(D)PT, which is very similar to the hormones in the body that stimulate the hair pigment melanin.

The researchers took hair follicles from six women aged between 46 and 65 and mimicked two conditions which can turn hair white - a skin disease known as alopecia areata and stress-related disorder telogen effluvium.

While the research is still at a very early stage, these findings could potentially pave the way for new therapies that restore colour to white hair
Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists

They found that, once treated with K(D)PT, the amount of melanin in the follicle increased significantly.

Lead researcher Dr Ralf Paus said the melanin stimulation suggested the technique could be used as an "anti-greying agent".

But he warned it was still early days and it was not known if it could be used to restore hair to its full colour.

Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: "It's important to note that this is laboratory research and not yet ready for use on patients.

"However, while the research is still at a very early stage, these findings could potentially pave the way for new therapies that restore colour to white hair.

"At the moment, this research only applies to people whose hair has turned white following illness, but this is an important step for such patients."

Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/7727320.stm
Published: 2008/11/14
© BBC MMVIII

Borrowed in part from my favorite food and nutrition web sites.

What foods are best to promote healthy hair and prevent hair loss?

Unfortunately, no dietary interventions of any kind have been shown to universally guarantee healthy hair or prevent hair loss. Hair quantity and hair quality are whole-health, whole-person, and total-lifestyle issues. They also depend upon genetic tendency and family history. Diet can definitely be important in promotion of healthy hair, but there is no evidence for establishing diet as a primary approach to hair loss prevention.

The factors that can compromise hair health include severe stress, damaging effects of hair treatments, and the use of some types of prescription drugs such as blood thinners and medications for gout, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure. Excessive alcohol intake can also compromise hair health, as can decreased thyroid function. If you are concerned about hair loss that is presently occurring in your own health situation, we recommend a consultation with your healthcare provider to determine all the possible underlying reasons for this occurrence.

Our focus on the World's Healthiest Foods as the basis for a nutrient-rich, whole foods diet is an approach that we recommend for optimal health of all body systems, including the scalp and hair. With respect to the skin of the scalp, however, there would be specific nutrients that we would pay particular attention to as a foundation for health of this body system.

The first would be omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids aren't a part of your hair's composition, but they are a part of the scalp cells that are responsible for generating the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. You can optimize your intake of these important fatty acids by adding cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, or herring to your diet two to three times a week. To increase your omega-3 intake, you can also add about two tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily to cereals or salads. (Since flaxseed is fiber-rich, you may want to start out slowly with the amount you consume, building up to the two tablespoons over time, so that you don't increase your fiber intake too quickly for your digestive tract to readily handle.) You can go to the section on omega-3 fatty acids on the website for a detailed list of foods rich in this important nutrient. We would emphasize the fact that omega-3 fatty acids will not help you grow hair. They can, however, improve the integrity of your skin cells, including the cells of your scalp. The health of your hair depends in part upon the health of these cells.

Optimal hydration is also very important to the health of your skin cells and scalp. For this reason, you'll want to drink optimal amounts of clean, filtered water (or clean spring water) to support the health of your skin and scalp. Mineral waters can also be a good choice in this respect since hair itself is highly mineralized and sometimes used in lab measurements of mineral status.

Although you will need exercise, and possibly massage or other approaches to assure good circulation to your head and scalp, good circulation can also be supported by complete nutrition. A full complement of vitamins and minerals is required for proper functioning of your heart and cardiovascular system. One of your best ways for obtaining a full supply of all vitamins and minerals is to increase your intake of fresh, minimally processed vegetables-trying to stick with organically grown vegetables as much as possible. These foods provide the greatest number of nutrients for the least amount of calories.

Additionally, since hair is made up primarily of protein, adequate protein can be an important factor for healthy hair. Most adults need a minimum of about 45 grams of protein per day, and in some cases where protein needs are particularly high or protein has been chronically deficient, 75-100 grams may be at least temporarily required. Animal-derived foods-such as lean meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and eggs-are typically rich in protein and typically provide a complete array of amino acids. Plant-based food groups-whole grains, legumes/beans, nuts, seeds, and vegetables-can also support your protein needs and can provide a full array of amino acids if chosen properly and consumed in required amounts. If you eat a strictly plant-based diet, you may want to solicit the help of a nutritionist or other licensed healthcare practitioner to develop an optimal plan in the area of protein and amino acid intake. Protein metabolism can sometimes be hampered by low stomach acid, a condition also known as hypochlorhydria. Even though research studies have not shown that low stomach acid is in any way connected to hair loss, some healthcare practitioners have anecdotally reported hair loss as a symptom of low stomach acid in their patients. Any concerns you might have in this area should be expressed directly to your healthcare practitioner for evaluation.

We continue to believe that the full-spectrum of vitamins and minerals are important for scalp and hair health. Much of this research has been reported in the work of Adele Davis. In this context, we recommend that you try to evaluate your own potential dietary deficiencies in all vitamin and mineral areas and take steps to boost up intake of these nutrients in your meal plans.

One non-dietary step that's particularly important to remember is your choice of hair care products. You'll want to select products that are non-damaging to the hair, and you'll also want to use these products appropriately.
References:

Gonzalez-Reimers E, Aleman-Valls MR, Barroso-Guerrero F, et al. Hair zinc and copper in chronic alcoholics. Biol Trace Elem Res 2002 Mar;85(3):269-75.

Lachat CK, Van Camp JH, Mamiro PS, et al. Processing of complementary food does not increase hair zinc levels and growth of infants in Kilosa district, rural Tanzania. Br J Nutr 2006 Jan;95(1):174-80.

Oken E, Wright RO, Kleinman KP, et al. Maternal fish consumption, hair mercury, and infant cognition in a U.S. Cohort. Environ Health Perspect 2005 Oct;113(10):1376-80.

Trost LB, Bergfeld WF, Calogeras E. The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006 May;54(5):824-44.

The Causes And Treatment For Greasy Hair

By Jennifer Summers

Greasy hair can look oily and dull, and have a lank and
lifeless appearance. It can look flat and heavy, and it
never seems to stay clean and fresh. It takes on a stringy
appearance within a few hours of shampooing and refuses to
stay full and fluffy. Does this describe your hair? Do you
ask the question, why is my hair greasy? Greasy hair can
cause social embarrassment as others may judge that the
sufferer has poor hygiene and does not wash their hair
frequently enough, even if they actually wash it every day.

The grease found in hair is called sebum and is oil that is
produced natural by the body. Each of the hairs on your head
has a gland called the sebaceous gland immediately under the
skin, this gland produces sebum. Oil in greasy hair protects
each strand from split ends and dryness, and is in fact a
sign of healthy hair. Sebum is made as lubrication for the
skin and hair, providing a protective barrier and preventing
drying. Sebum is the body's own natural moisturizer.

Greasy hair is excess of sebum in the hair and comes as a
result of an over production of sebum (oil) from over active
sebaceous glands, stimulated by hormones called androgens.
Androgens are male hormones that are present in both men and
women, but are higher in men. Androgens do two things:
First, they enlarge the sebaceous glands in the skin.
Second, they cause these glands to increase oil production.

Fluctuating hormones can cause greasiness as hormones play a
part in sebum production. Greasy hair is most common in
women because of either pregnancy or monthly cycle, older
women going through the menopause, and teenagers
experiencing puberty. Stress can be a contributory factor in
greasy hair as it is known to affect hormone levels. People
with fine hair on their head may experience excessive greasy
hair as they have more hair follicles and more sebaceous
glands producing more sebum.

There are several external causes of greasy hair. Washing
your hair too frequently can cause more sebum to be produced
as frequent washing can strip the hair of oils. To combat
this sebaceous glands excrete sebum. Sebaceous glands can be
stimulated through vigorous scrubbing of the hair and scalp
while washing. Touching your hair can also stimulate
sebaceous glands, along with vigorous hair brushing which
carries oil throughout the hair. The over-use of styling
products can cause hair to look greasy as the products can
build-up at the roots. Everyday environmental pollutants can
also cause hair to look greasy.

There are also many internal causes of greasiness too. I have
already mentioned fluctuating hormone levels, but one of the
main culprits when it comes to internal causes of greasy
hair is diet. Western diets that tend to be greasy, high in
fat and sugar, processed and containing additives can
be a major cause of greasy hair as the high fat content
increases oil levels in and on the skin. Hormones can be
found in meat in the western diet, adding to the unbalanced
hormone levels. A diet lacking in vitamin B can also
contribute towards greasy hair.

The best way of avoiding, preventing, treating and getting
rid of greasy hair is to treat it from the outside and the
inside. On the outside: steer clear of brushing your hair
too frequently, and too vigorously. Avoid using a
moisturizing shampoo as this can leave some oil in the hair.
An extra cleansing or clarifying shampoo that has a mild-ph
is the best shampoo to use for greasy hair. When shampooing,
massage you hair and scalp lightly and do not scrub your
hair and scalp.

For the best results, the longer you leave the shampoo in,
the better. If necessary, rinse your hair and shampoo again.
The question of how often to wash your hair is as unique as
the individual. The ideal frequency is 1-2 times per week,
but to find your own balance start with washing everyday,
then reduce that to find a good balance of washing and oil
production. If you use a hairdryer when styling your hair
don't let it get too hot as heat will stimulate more oil
production. When it comes to conditioning your hair, again
use a conditioner designed for greasy hair. Apply
conditioner to the mid and ends of your hair, but not the
roots.

With the inside: do all that you can to reduce and eliminate
any and all stress. In your diet, consider using a vitamin B
supplement. Make sure you eat plenty of whole grains, seeds,
nuts, leafy green vegetables, salads and fresh fish. Reduce
the amount of fatty foods that you eat, avoiding greasy,
fried and fatty foods as much as possible. Reduce the number
of white flour based foods in your diet, foods like
pastries, pasta and bread. Lastly, avoid sugar and sugary
foods like biscuits, cakes and soft drinks.

Scared Of Losing Your Hair?

Although perhaps not desirable, hair loss is quite normal.
The list of all the possible causes is exceedingly long but
it is a common problem that affects millions of men, women,
and children. Although there are a number of fancy names for
types of hair loss, the correct medical term is Alopecia.
The most common type of hair loss in men is genetic; known
as male pattern baldness, it affects close to 95 percent of
males.

What most people don't know is that if your hair loss is
only moderate, it may be that your eating habits are causing
the problem and your diet needs to be assessed. The reason
for your condition may be at your work place if you deal
with chemicals or cosmetics, but some other reasons may be as
a consequence of personal situations such as stress, mental
tension or a hormonal imbalance.

In fact, hair loss is also common among women as they age,
although with women a thyroid condition is one of the more
common causes. By the time they reach sixty, forty percent
of women around the world will have experienced loss of some
form or another. Some women also have a hair loss problem
when they are pregnant; often lasting many months after the
child is born. In America approximately thirty million women
suffer from female pattern, hereditary baldness at some
point in their lives.

People who suffer with permanent hair loss now have a
relatively new but popular treatment called surgical hair
restoration which is considered to be the ultimate solution
to an increasing problem. It involves the process of
transplanting hair follicles from one area of the scalp to
another. Hair follicles that are healthy and undamaged are
taken from the scalp and transplanted to an area where the
follicles have been damaged for whatever reason. The
process only requires local anesthesia and is carried out on an
out-patient basis but has become one of the most regular
forms of hair restoration for men. Many women are now deciding
on hair transplant surgery as a method to hide scarring cause by
facelifts for example.

The most successful hair transplants are those where the
recipient tries to maintain his original looks and not to
attempt to appear like someone else. Existing medical
conditions could cause problems so these must be sorted out
before any hair transplant treatment is considered.

Even though hair restoration is a cosmetic procedure,
aspects involved are different from other forms of cosmetic
surgeries. Fortunately, the science of hair loss and hair
restoration is constantly advancing, so if you do not
respond to other medical treatments, surgical hair
restoration may be the only truly permanent solution to
baldness.