Hair Loss Remedy

by Edward F. Group III, D.C., Ph.D, N.D.,CCN

Learning about hair loss is good in that it helps us to combat the problem of male or female pattern baldness. With knowledge also comes responsibility. This includes lifestyle changes. There are steps that you can take to stop hair loss and keep your hair healthy and beautiful.

Here are some free hair care tips than you can use to help stop hair loss and keep your existing hair healthy and looking great. Print these out and keep them handy for reference. Please don't take these tips lightly. They are very important and, best of all, they are free. The only thing they require is your time and commitment.

• Baldness

• menopause

Also consider chemicals and other applications that are applied to the hair. We all know that women use hair relaxers and hair dyes. When it comes to using such products the FDA encourages consumers to understand the risks that come with using hair chemicals, and to be careful in how they handle and use such products.

Both lye and non-lye relaxers contain ingredients that work by breaking away chemicals within the hair, and can burn the scalp if used incorrectly. Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide as the active ingredient. Non-lye relaxers have a combination of calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate, which mixed together produce guanidine hydroxide.

Recent research has proven that this combination in non-lye relaxers results in less scalp irritation than lye relaxers, but you still have to apply the same safety rules for both. They should be used properly, left on no longer than the prescribed time, carefully washed out with neutralizing shampoo, and followed up with regular conditioning. For those who decide to straighten their own hair, it's wise to get help simply because you can't see what you are doing with regard to the top and back of your hair. Without proper application, you could damage that part of the hair.

Some stylists recommend applying a layer of petroleum jelly on the scalp before applying a relaxer because it creates a protective barrier for the skin. Scratching, brushing, and combing can make the scalp more susceptible to chemical damage and should be avoided right before using a relaxer. Parents should be especially cautious when applying chemicals to children's hair and should keep relaxers out of children's reach. Consumers should be aware that applying more than one type of chemical treatment, such as coloring hair one week and then relaxing it the next can increase the risk of hair damage. As with hair relaxers, some consumers have reported hair loss, burning, redness, and irritation from hair dyes. Allergic reactions to dyes include itching, swelling of the face, and even difficulty breathing.

Coal tar hair dye ingredients are known to cause allergic reactions in some people. Synthetic organic chemicals, including hair dyes and other color additives, were originally manufactured from coal tar, but today manufacturers primarily use materials derived from petroleum. The use of the term "coal tar" continues because historically that language has been incorporated into the law and regulations.

The law does not require that coal tar hair dyes be approved by FDA, as is required for other uses of color additives. In addition, the law does not allow FDA to take action against coal tar hair dyes that are shown to be harmful, if the product is labeled with the prescribed caution statement indicating that the product may cause irritation in certain individuals, that a patch test for skin sensitivity should be done, and that the product must not be used for dyeing the eyelashes or eyebrows. The patch test involves putting a dab of hair dye behind the ear or inside the elbow, leaving it there for two days, and looking for itching, burning, redness, or other reactions.

When using all hair chemicals, it's critical to keep them away from children to prevent ingestion and other accidents, and to follow product directions carefully. It sounds basic, but some people don't do it. If it says leave on hair for five minutes, seven minutes doesn't make it better.

Avoiding hair loss is an important consideration for men and women. If proper steps are taken to avoid using products that can damage hair and promote hair loss, and focus your attention on using treatments and procedures that promote healthy hair is what will benefit you and your hair everyday.

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