Hair loss is an alarming condition associated with many “young” women today. This condition may occur by excessive shedding, thinning or balding. Hair also naturally sheds 80 to 100 hairs per day. The trick is to know the difference before you get to the “point of noreturn.” An increasing number of women today are losing their hair, and it has nothing to do with age. In this article we will explore the different types of hair loss, and what can be done, if any, to combat that. First, let’s explore some different types of hair loss.
Abnormal hair loss is called alopecia. The most common types are androgenic alopecia and aloecia areata and postpartum alopecia, and most recently, traction alopecia.
Androgenic Alopecia is result of genetics and age, and hormonal changes. It can begin as early as the teens and is usually seen by the age of 40. By age 35, almost 40 percent of both men and women show some sign of hair loss.
Alopecia Areata, that the sudden falling out of hair in round patches, or baldness in spots, which can occur on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It is highly unpredictable and affects almost 5 million people in the United States alone.
Postpartum Alopecia, that temporary hair loss experienced at the conclusion of pregnancy. Sudden and excessive shedding from 3 to 9 months after delivery is experienced. Although this is usually very traumatic to the new mother, the growth cycle generally returns to normal within one year after the baby is born.
Traction Alopecia is the most common among African American women suffering from hair loss today. This is caused when the hair follicle has been traumatized due to aggressive hair styling technique. This the type of alopecia that can be treated and the type that we will focus on.
So what is it that we do to contribute to traction alopecia? The first thing we must understand is that simplicity is the key to healthy hair. When trying to help women come back from traction alopecia hair loss, I so often hear “I get bored with same hair style day in and day out.” Well, let me let you in on a little secret. The more frequently you change your hairstyle, the higher the risk of losing it. If you pay attention to celebrities that have a full, beautiful head of hair, meaning their own hair such as Oprah Winfrey, you may hear comments like “her hair is pretty, but it’s always the same, she rarely changes it.” That’s why she has hair. It’s OK to change from the norm for a special occasion, or get braids for the summer so that you can have carefree vacations. But to make these hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, freeze styles, and constant roller wraps set with setting lotion with a high concentration of alcohol, you step into dangerous territory. I sense you asking the question “What exactly is traction alopecia?” Well I’m glad you asked. Here it is, and I will try to make it as plain as possible.
Each hair strand is held onto your head by a muscle. This muscle is called the arrector pili (ah-REK-tohr PY-ly) muscle. When this muscle has too much strain put on it, it gives way, and the hair strand falls out. It’s kinda like if someone leans on your shoulder. If they lean on it for a short period of time, it doesn’t bother you, but, if someone leans on your shoulder for a long period of time, you will give way and have to rest for a spell. That’s just how the arrector pili muscle responds to aggressive hair styling techniques. Take braids for instance. The reason most women begin to thin around the edges is because there is a certain amount of tension that has to be applied for the braid to be stable. The perimeter around your head, or the hairline, is the one of the weakest areas of the head as far as hair is concerned. You pull, or “lean” on the muscle too much, it gives way. The same goes for ponytails, freeze styles, and many hairstyles women wear where they don’t have to “comb it.” Take freeze styles. There is a certain amount of alcohol, heat, and steam that goes into achieving these styles. The muscle is under so much strain, pressure, and heat from the steam that is created, that it just “gives way.” Don’t be too disappointed over this information. The good news is that in most cases of traction alopecia, the follicle is not dead, and the muscle that assist in keeping it in place is just lying dormant.
How can we get it back? We “wake it up.” There are many ways this can be achieved. Getting the blood circulating again can begin to strengthen the muscle, and stimulate the follicle so new hair can begin to grow. The Hair Care Company™ has a wonderful, all natural, Follicle Rejuvenating System that will accelerate the stimulating process. The key is once the hair grows back; don’t fall back into the same vicious cycle. Remember, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different outcome. If you want to have beautiful tresses on your head, it’s going to take a little effort on your part. Yes, this means that you will have to “comb and brush” it every day. Keep it simple. A nice wrap or flat iron style, or opt to get rid of the chemical altogether. We will discuss in the future the fact that all heads of hair are not compatible to a relaxer, and that yes you too can have a thermal texturizer. (Press and Curl) For more information on Follicle Rejuvenation visit us on the web at.... Until next time, here’s to healthy hair.
Abnormal hair loss is called alopecia. The most common types are androgenic alopecia and aloecia areata and postpartum alopecia, and most recently, traction alopecia.
Androgenic Alopecia is result of genetics and age, and hormonal changes. It can begin as early as the teens and is usually seen by the age of 40. By age 35, almost 40 percent of both men and women show some sign of hair loss.
Alopecia Areata, that the sudden falling out of hair in round patches, or baldness in spots, which can occur on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It is highly unpredictable and affects almost 5 million people in the United States alone.
Postpartum Alopecia, that temporary hair loss experienced at the conclusion of pregnancy. Sudden and excessive shedding from 3 to 9 months after delivery is experienced. Although this is usually very traumatic to the new mother, the growth cycle generally returns to normal within one year after the baby is born.
Traction Alopecia is the most common among African American women suffering from hair loss today. This is caused when the hair follicle has been traumatized due to aggressive hair styling technique. This the type of alopecia that can be treated and the type that we will focus on.
So what is it that we do to contribute to traction alopecia? The first thing we must understand is that simplicity is the key to healthy hair. When trying to help women come back from traction alopecia hair loss, I so often hear “I get bored with same hair style day in and day out.” Well, let me let you in on a little secret. The more frequently you change your hairstyle, the higher the risk of losing it. If you pay attention to celebrities that have a full, beautiful head of hair, meaning their own hair such as Oprah Winfrey, you may hear comments like “her hair is pretty, but it’s always the same, she rarely changes it.” That’s why she has hair. It’s OK to change from the norm for a special occasion, or get braids for the summer so that you can have carefree vacations. But to make these hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, freeze styles, and constant roller wraps set with setting lotion with a high concentration of alcohol, you step into dangerous territory. I sense you asking the question “What exactly is traction alopecia?” Well I’m glad you asked. Here it is, and I will try to make it as plain as possible.
Each hair strand is held onto your head by a muscle. This muscle is called the arrector pili (ah-REK-tohr PY-ly) muscle. When this muscle has too much strain put on it, it gives way, and the hair strand falls out. It’s kinda like if someone leans on your shoulder. If they lean on it for a short period of time, it doesn’t bother you, but, if someone leans on your shoulder for a long period of time, you will give way and have to rest for a spell. That’s just how the arrector pili muscle responds to aggressive hair styling techniques. Take braids for instance. The reason most women begin to thin around the edges is because there is a certain amount of tension that has to be applied for the braid to be stable. The perimeter around your head, or the hairline, is the one of the weakest areas of the head as far as hair is concerned. You pull, or “lean” on the muscle too much, it gives way. The same goes for ponytails, freeze styles, and many hairstyles women wear where they don’t have to “comb it.” Take freeze styles. There is a certain amount of alcohol, heat, and steam that goes into achieving these styles. The muscle is under so much strain, pressure, and heat from the steam that is created, that it just “gives way.” Don’t be too disappointed over this information. The good news is that in most cases of traction alopecia, the follicle is not dead, and the muscle that assist in keeping it in place is just lying dormant.
How can we get it back? We “wake it up.” There are many ways this can be achieved. Getting the blood circulating again can begin to strengthen the muscle, and stimulate the follicle so new hair can begin to grow. The Hair Care Company™ has a wonderful, all natural, Follicle Rejuvenating System that will accelerate the stimulating process. The key is once the hair grows back; don’t fall back into the same vicious cycle. Remember, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different outcome. If you want to have beautiful tresses on your head, it’s going to take a little effort on your part. Yes, this means that you will have to “comb and brush” it every day. Keep it simple. A nice wrap or flat iron style, or opt to get rid of the chemical altogether. We will discuss in the future the fact that all heads of hair are not compatible to a relaxer, and that yes you too can have a thermal texturizer. (Press and Curl) For more information on Follicle Rejuvenation visit us on the web at.... Until next time, here’s to healthy hair.
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