Alopecia/Hair Loss
By
Jennifer Taubodo
Holistic Health Practitioner

Did you know that most people lose 50 to 100 strands daily? The average rate of hair growth is ½ inch per month. Hair grows faster in the summer due to heat and friction and slower in the winter due to the cold. Most people grow new strands of hair to replace the ones they shed, therefore, the shedding of hair during a good brush or comb is no reason to be alarmed.

The potential problem would be when there is noticeable thinning and balding. Genetics and hormones are the most common reason for hair loss. The second leading cause would be underlying disease or illness. The common name for hair loss is Alopecia.

Forms of Alopecia:

Hereditary alopecia or androgenic alopecia- known as male pattern baldness, hair loss from the crown and temples. This form of hair loss can also affect women especially, after menopause. The cause of this type of alopecia could be from an over production of the male hormone testosterone which is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicle. DHT is transmitted from testosterone and is activated by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which come from the prostate, the adrenal glands, and the scalp. The activity of this enzyme increases with age and mainly in men causing hair follicles to degrade.

Most follicles shrink and produce thinner hairs and some die.
Progesterone is another important hormone especially for menopausal women. Natural progesterone has been found to help with hair loss during this time of life for women.

Alopecia areata- sudden loss of a defined area of hair for no reason or an underlying affect from a health condition.

Alopecia universallis- loss of hair over the entire body.

Causes to consider :

Low thyroid function, menopause, hormonal problems, post pregnancy, autoimmune disease, aging, poor digestion, parasites, nutrient deficiencies (etc., iron and biotin), skin disease, secondary to trauma, low blood supply to the scalp, stress and chemotherapy.

It is important to note that large amounts of hair loss should be examined by a doctor.

Diet:
A good diet is a crucial part to having healthy hair. A poor diet could be the cause for hair loss and can aggravate alopecia. Include plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean poultry and fish, legumes, beans and nuts; whole foods that contain the outer skin such as potato skins, green and red peppers, sprouts and cucumbers should be consumed. These foods are high in silicon which gives strength to hair and nails. High iron is essential for hair growth. Foods such as lean meats, dried fruits, figs, and a spoonful of black strap molasses are good examples of food rich in iron. Vitamin C is essential for the absorption of iron. Be sure to include citrus fruits after you eat foods high in iron. Biotin promotes hair and scalp health. Foods such as organ meats, soybeans, cauliflower, eggs, mushrooms, nuts, whole wheat, brown rice, oats and brewers yeast are rich in Biotin. Kelp is another good source of trace minerals needed for metabolism, hair, skin, nails and thyroid functions.
Avoid high saturated fats and hydrogenated oil, refined flour, sugar and processed foods.

Supplements to research:
Consult your doctor before you make changes to your diet and supplements.

Essential fatty acids -Flax seed Oil or Fish Oil (omega 3 ) Primrose oil (omega 6) - promote healthy hair skin and nails.

Saw Palmetto- historically been used by herbalist for hair loss; it helps to block the DHT enzyme 5-alpha reductase and is very good for the health of men’s prostate.

Biotin- promotes healthy hair and scalp.

MSM- Methylsulfonylmethane- Natural sulfur you must obtain through diet. Helps promote hair growth.

Zinc- A mineral essential for hair growth.

Vitamin B complex- helps fight the effects of stress and helps provide healthy hair.

Trace minerals (kelp)- minerals needed for healthy hair, skin and nails. Helps with thyroid function and is needed for good metabolism.

Iron- a good liquid herbal iron will have folic acid and B12- the body can easily absorb this type of iron. Promotes hair growth.

Topical Treatments:

Massage scalp daily for 1 minute to help with circulation. Use infused oils (jojoba, hemp seed or olive oil) with herbs such as; nettle, horsetail, sage, thyme, rosemary and lavender to name a few. Get an aloe plant and use the aloe juice from the plant to massage in your scalp prior to applying herbal oil. Aloe has enzymes that help create hair follicles and reduce inflammation. Apple cider vinegar used as a hair rinse is known to stimulate hair growth.

It is important to keep your hair clean and your follicles unclogged. Here are a few products that Komaza African American hair care has to offer to help you achieve healing and re-growth:
Aloe Shampoo and Conditioner
Hair Nourishment Oil
Honey Comb Hair Rejuvenator Treatment
Herbal Tea Rinse

Reference: Prescription for Natural Cures, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
Alternative Medicine the Definitive Guide, by Deepak Chopra, M.D.

African American Hair Care!