Why You Have Hair Loss

By 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

Source: http://www.isnare.com