Talking about hair loss with your GP is an important first step. For millions of people world-wide, each day is a "bad hair" day due to the predicament of thinning hair or hair loss. There are a variety of treatments offered these days that make hair loss or thinning hair easier to live with. Distressing situations and heredity can be the reason for hair thinning and loss and can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations, excessive physical force or poor nutrition. Alopecia is a worry not only experienced by men but by an increasing number of women, it is the disproportionate and abnormal loss of strong hair. While these factors can concern both men and women, hair thinning and loss usually happens for:



Men

Hair loss is due to the presence of a derivative or by-product of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone can shrink the hair follicles and has a greater effect in the mid-anterior scalp and temples. A thinning crown or receding hair line is the most common pattern of hair loss. Some types of male hair loss are:

Androgenetic Alopecia - occurs due to genetic sensitivity to male hormones. This very rarely affects females.

Acute diffuse alopecia - caused by physical or psychological factors like hormones, nutritional deficiencies or prescriptions.

Chronic Diffuse Alopecia - due to nutritional, metabolic or endocrine matters.

Women

Anagen effluvium - due to chemotherapy this may occur. The matrix of the hair becomes damaged and, as a consequence, the hair shaft narrows, eventually breaking.

Traction alopecia - caused by rigorous hairstyles, ie: ponytails that are too tight, frequent use of extensions, braiding or cornrows. These methods pull at hair over time but loss can be prevented if diagnosed and treated early enough. The majority of cases of hair thinning and loss result from hormonal fluctuations, ie: during pregnancy, childbirth or use of some types of birth control.

You can minimize or even stop hair thinning or loss, if you identify the symptoms early enough, by using a variety of pharmacy or store treatments such as:

a). A weekly use, leave-in scalp treatment made with essential oils - oils such as lavender and orange will relax and unblock hair follicles to promote growth, regulate oil production and maintain cell repair.

b). Daily vitamin supplement - look for ones labelled especially for hair and/or nails and are fortified with Vitamin B3 (niacin), this protects the hair shaft, and antioxidants, to ward off damage from free radicals.

c). Use a hair shampoo that has "energizing/revitalizing/fortifying/" on the label. This type of hair shampoo will feed and protect your existing hair whilst eliminating oils that can block the follicles and prevent re-growth.

Allow approximately 6-8 weeks before expecting to see any firm results. Like any treatment, results can vary and may to need to be used on a prolonged basis.

Disguising hair loss techniques:

Maybe it's time to consider some techniques to disguise your hair loss if you are dissatisfied with your thinning hair. Whether you're male or female losing hair due to genetics, stress, medication or a medical circumstance you can use these methods to help you cope.

Using a Thickening Hair Shampoo or Conditioner

Use a thickening hair shampoo and conditioner intended to camouflage hair loss by making the hair seem to be thicker. Brush your hair lightly after you have shampooed and conditioned to prevent losing even more hair, and let your hair dry completely before you comb or brush it.

Techniques for Styling

If your head of hair is not as thick as it used to be, there are some styling techniques and styling products that you can use to keep your head looking its best at any age. Avoid styling gels they will only matte your hair together and accentuate your baldness. Go for texturizing lotions and creams that will give you fullness and volume. Another great choice is to use a leave-in conditioner that can make your hair appear fuller and more textured. Blow dry thinning hair for a fuller look - For hair that is thinning on top, try blow drying after you wash and condition and comb the hair in front straight back. Use mousse or a light hairspray to keep the style in place. The blow dryer will keep hair from matting together and appearing thinner than it is.

Extending your Hair

Hair extensions are a quick and simple method for men and women with long thick hair to disguise the fact that they are losing some hair. Employ a salon for adding natural human hair to your head. This option can last for several weeks to several months.

Blow-dry your Hair

Consider blow drying if your hair is thinning on top to give it added texture and body and to give your head more coverage. Brush it into a quiff on top of your head by brushing it from the forehead up. Maintain the style with a little hairspray. If your hair is thinning throughout, this is a good way to make your hair look fuller.

Guys -Get a Buzz Cut

Sports stars, actors, and businessmen all use the buzz cut as a way to hide the fact that they are losing hair. It is a popular, classy style that is easy to maintain. Buy yourself a wet-dry electric razor to groom your scalp daily and remove the hairs you have left for a clean look. If you're stressed about losing your hair or if your hair is starting to thin, visit your barber or hairdresser and ask for advice on a new hairstyle. There are plenty of styles to select that will allow you to look your very best.