Hair loss can be common in females and is more common following the menopause; however, alopecia will not manifest in all cases. In many cases the sufferer will simply notice increased hair loss and thinning of the hair; early treatment can improve the outcome. Although alopecia tends to be socially accepted in males it is unacceptable in females and in many cases it can have devastating effects on the sufferer’s emotional state and confidence. But you should not despair – hair loss can be prevented and stopped once you know what causes it and what you should do.

The real causes of hair loss or alopecia, as it is clinically known, have already been explained by science, however, before we proceed to know the real causes of hair loss, let us first see and examine the prevalent myths about why hair loss occur in women.

There are many websites that try to dispel the “myths” of womens hair loss but some of these so-called “myths” do have a basis for truth. Let’s now examine many of these popular “myths” and provide a balanced response.

Myth Number One: Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss. Many websites say this is “rubbish”, however, in textbooks of trichology it is recommended that “extra care” should be taken for fragile and thinning hair. These measures include using gentle shampoos as heavily medicated shampoos can affect the scalp and brushing should be gentle as well. Any tangles of hair should be separated without pulling of the hair. So, it’s not so much how frequently you wash your hair but what you wash your hair with!

Myth Number Two: We often hear that bad blood circulation starves the hair follicles which make them fall out. Although patients with poor blood circulation do not appear to be more likely to suffer from alopecia, tight fitting hats and wigs may cause hair loss in a very small minority of people. The mechanism is still unclear but if it occurs, this may be due to the impairment of blood flow in the scalp. That is why extreme care should be taken by alopecia sufferers who wear these garments on their heads.

Myth Number Three: Hats and wigs cause hair loss. This is untrue on the whole, all hats and wigs do is just cover your hair. Hats may even help shield your hair against the damaging causes of direct sunlight. However, if you are a sufferer of alopecia you should avoid tight fitting hats and wigs in our opinion.

Myth Number Four: 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair. Brushing your hair does stimulate the glands on your scalp to produce oil that will keep your hair healthy. However, a hundred brush strokes does more damage to your hair than what you wish intend. A hundred brush strokes on thinning and fragile hair will be more devastating than helpful. It is important to look after thinning and fragile hair and gentle brushing should be sufficient to maintain the condition of your hair and can be of benefit. Tangles should be separated by fingers without pulling the hair.

Myth Number Five: Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic treatments. Whilst treatments on hair can damage the nutrients and make it less healthy it will not lead to permanent alopecia. However, should hair loss be experienced after perms etc. then you should avoid them. That is why you have to scrutinize whatever you use in your hair since improper use of products may cause potential hair loss.

Myth Number Six: Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if they are healthy. Utter rubbish.

Myth Number Seven: Shaving one’s head will cause the hair to grow back thicker. This is just not true. In fact, if you are suffering from androgenetiic alopecia, this will actually severely quicken your hair loss.

Myth Number Eight: Standing on one’s head will cause increased circulation and thereby stimulate hair growth. We’re afraid not; although poor blood circulation may cause some hair loss, increasing blood circulation just does not stimulate hair growth either.

Myth Number Nine: Dandruff causes permanent hair loss. This is simply not true. Dandruff is a condition of the scalp, not the hair. Dandruff occurs because of the excessive shedding of cells on your scalp skin. For dandruff sufferers, the natural process of scalp-cell renewal is accelerated when fighting off P. ovale, a normal fungus found on every human head.

Myth Number Ten: We often see TV personalities and even some doctors say that stress makes your hair fall out! Although it is unclear whether stress coming from severe life events can cause alopecia, there are case reports indicating that this may be so. It is however very rare and frequently no cause can be found for severe and rapid developing alopecia. Patients who have suffered hair loss following a stressful event may still benefit from specific treatment to assist in hair re-growth.

Myth Number Eleven: Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early twenties. Whilst fairly rare this is not true. Alopecia or hair loss may happen to anyone regardless of their age.

Both women and men will come to show the sign of aging through wrinkling, sagging skin. For this simple reason, eventually everyone starts to become concerned about products that retain the health and youthful appearance of the skin, and many seek them out. Most people look first and foremost for a product that can help them to reduce these signs of aging, and restore a healthy, younger appearance to their skin.

Anti-aging skin care products can both reduce wrinkles and keep new wrinkles from forming. This is often the first choice (if not the only choice) for keeping skin young and healthy. There are several key areas that people today consider in finding the right product: easy and gentle application, good prices, natural ingredients, and visible results.

Some products should be used overnight. They are designed to absorb into the skin for long lasting action. Day creams often contain useful and important sun screen ingredients, protecting the skin from both ultra violet A and B rays. These can help to reduce the risk of skin cancer, as exposure to the sun increases chances that caner will develop. The health and beauty benefits make this an important skin care addition.

These products also must contain a good moisturizer, as properly hydrated skin is resistant to the formation of new wrinkles (and even hides existing wrinkles better!) Drinking plenty of liquids every day will help you achieve this. It is crucial to always moisturize with your chosen skin care product after washing, to preserve the moisture present in the skin. A simple, affordable an effective way to do this is with petroleum jelly.

Antioxidants rich foods (look for Vitamin A, D, E and lycopenes) are sometimes used as ingredients for skin care products. These will help to keep skin looking younger by repairing past damage and protecting it in the future.

As we age, our skin looses the firmness and elasticity of youth. This is caused by layers of proteins breaking down, shrinking, and penetrating the skin. Look for products with ingredients that will help build these layers up, such as collagen, aloe vera (which is particularly helpful as the shape of its proteins easily penetrates the skin.)

Botanical and Natural ingredients are becoming very popular in anti wrinkle creams. many people prefer the natural ingredients, such as green or white tea extracts, that contain these antioxidant healing properties

Most products available are made of manufactured ingredients, like alpha hydroxyl acids which help to remove dead skin cells and build up to reveal smother, healthier skin. Another way to achieve this result is with a mild peel. For those people who would rather use products with only natural ingredients, remember that not every natural ingredient is gentle to the skin or safe for the body. Sometimes it is best to use manufactured products instead.

When choosing a product that is right for you, do it based upon your own research, the advice of friends, and reliable articles from trusted sources. Be willing to experiment. Something that may sound strange to you, like a cream which shrinks piles, actually helps to reduce wrinkles and eye puffiness for hours on end.