Hair Loss Basics:  What you need to know

For anyone considering using a hair loss treatment, we've put together a short primer to cover some basic things you should be familiar with.  We'll cover subjects such as how and why hair grows, why some people lose their hair, and known causes of hair loss.  We'll also offer suggestions on ways to first stop hair loss and then how to get it growing again.

  Hair Growth:  How it occurs

Hair growth in humans is staggered, meaning some hair is growing while other hairs are resting (even on the same person).  In a normal, non-balding person, about 90% of the hair on their head is in a 2-7 year growth phase.  The other 10% is experiencing a 2-4 month resting phase.  As one hair is shed, a new one takes it's place.  This process repeats itself over and over again over many years in most people.

Hair loss occurs when this natural process becomes skewed.  Instead of the re-growth rate occurring faster than the shed rate, the opposite occurs,  Thus, the rate of shedding exceeds the rate of re-growth.  Although simplistic, this is usually what occurs in people who are bald or are balding.

  The Cause of Hair Loss

It is now known that hair loss is directly linked to the presence of DHT (dihydrotestosterone).  DHT is formed when testosterone and 5-alpha-reductase merge.  This overabundance of DHT leads to follicles that grow back shorter and thinner.  Over time, this DHT imbalance leads to baldness in many of its forms.

This DHT imbalance is believed to be caused by genetics or an underlying medical condition.  It is a situation that affects millions of men and usually occurs after puberty.

  Causes of Temporary Hair Loss

In addition to the above scenario, there are several factors that can lead to temporary hair loss or thinning.  Often, cases like this can be remedied by treating the underlying situation or trigger.  Some of these include:

1. Improper Nutrition

2. Medications

3. Damaging hair products

4. Medical treatments

5. Scalp Infection or disease

6. Disease

Most of these can be treated with a variety of products that are available over-the-counter or by prescription.  It may be wise to seek the counsel of a doctor or health practitioner to help diagnose the problem.

  Known Treatments for Hair Loss

There are basically 4 accepted methods to treat hair loss. Some of these hair loss treatments are designed to stop hair loss while others are meant to re-grow hair.  These now include:

1. Antiandrogens- prevent DHT from combining or binding with androgen receptors

2. Anti-Inflammatories- designed to prevent inflammation, redness, and itching that can occur on the scalp and make hair loss worse

3. DHT Inhibitors- designed to restore a healthy balance of shedding and re-growth by limiting the production of DHT, which leads to hair loss in some if left unchecked

4. Growth Stimulants- these treatments are designed to stimulate the growth of new hair

  Summary

Now that you understand a little bit more about how hair loss treatments work, the next step is to discover which hair loss products are most effective.  For that, we invite you to take a look at our study and reviews of the top products on the market.

Herbal Information: Some Important Considerations:

Before using an herb you are unfamiliar with, find out its medicinal properties. Research it thoroughly and/or consult with an appropriately qualified practitioner or expert. If you are taking prescription drugs, or have a medical condition check with an appropriately qualified practitioner before using herbs medicinally.

Herbs have shown overwhelming evidencethat they work. Just because a small amount works well does NOT mean that more is better. As individuals we all have different constitutions, sensitivities, allergic reactions and possible health conditions. The following are merely guidelines. They include herbs offered on many websites. This list does not help with administering information on possible interactions and contraindications with prescription medicine. This needs to be discussed with your physician.

SHOULD I CHECK WITH MY DOCTOR OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE USING A SUPPLEMENT?

This is a good idea, especially for certain population groups. Dietary supplements may not be risk-free under certain circumstances. If you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or have a chronic medical condition, such as, diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing or taking any supplement. While vitamin and mineral supplements are widely used and generally considered safe, you may wish to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these or any other dietary supplements. If you plan to use a dietary supplement in place of drugs or in combination with any drug, tell your health care provider first. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects and their safety is not always assured in all users. If you have certain health conditions and take these products, you may be placing yourself at risk.

SOME SUPPLEMENTS MAY INTERACT WITH PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES:

Taking a combination of supplements or using these products together with medications (whether prescription or OTC drugs) could under certain circumstances produce adverse effects. Be alert to advisories about these products, whether taken alone or in combination. For example: Coumadin (a prescription medicine), ginkgo biloba (an herbal supplement), aspirin (an OTC drug) and vitamin E (a vitamin supplement) can each thin the blood, and taking any of these products together can increase the potential for internal bleeding.

SOME SUPPLEMENTS CAN HAVE UNWANTED EFFECTS DURING SURGERY:

It is important to fully inform your doctor about the vitamins, minerals, herbals or any other supplements you are taking, especially before elective surgery. You may be asked to stop taking these products at least 2-3 weeks ahead of the procedure to avoid potentially dangerous supplement/drug interactions -- such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure and increased bleeding - that could adversely affect the outcome of your surgery.

NOT TO BE USED DURING PREGNANCY, OR IF YOU ARE NURSING:

Alkanet, Aloe, Angelica, Anise, Anise Star, Arnica, Ashwaganda, Barley Grass, Barberry, Basil, Bitter Melon, Black Cohosh, Bladderwrack, Blessed Thistle, Blood Root, Blue Cohosh, Blue Flag, Blue Vervain, Borage, Buckthorn, California Poppy, Cascara Sagrada, Catnip, Celandine, Celery, Chervil, Cinnamon, Club Moss, Comfrey, Coltsfoot, Cubeb, Dong Quai, Elecampane, Ephedra, False Unicorn, Fenugreek, Feverfew, Ginger, Golden Seal, Gravel, Guarana, Gymnema, Horehound, Horsetail, Hyssop, Juniper, Lemongrass, Licorice, Lobelia, Lovage, Lungwort, Mace, Motherwort, Mugwort, Muira Puama, Myrrh, Neem, Oregon Grape, Osha, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Pleurisy, Prickly Ash, Red Clover, Rhodiola, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Sassafras, Sarsaparilla, Senna, Shepherds Purse, Spikenard, Turkey Rhubarb, Turmeric, Uva Ursi, Vitex, Watercress, White Sage, Wormwood, Yarrow

NOT FOR PERSONS WITH HISTORY OF KIDNEY STONES, LIVER DISORDERS, RENAL DYSFUNCTION OR INFLAMMATION:

Cubeb, Essiac, Horsetail, Hydrangea, Juniper Berries, Kava Kava, Parsley Root, Pennyroyal, Sheep Sorrel, Shepherds Purse, Suma, Sumac, Uva Ursi, Yellowdock, Yohimbe

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PERSON CURRENTLY TAKING BLOOD THINNING MEDICATIONS:

Alfalfa, Angelica, Cramp Bark, Cubeb, Dong Quai, Ginkgo, Meadowsweet, Red Clover, Sarsaparilla, Yohimbe

NOT FOR PERSONS WITH STOMACH INFLAMMATION/ULCERS SERIOUS DIGESTION AND/OR LIVER PROBLEMS. MAY CAUSE GASTROINTESTINAL UPSET:

Black Haw, Blue Flag, Chaparral, Club Moss, Crampbark, Devils Claw, Eucalyptus, Elecampane, Essiac, Gentian, Ginger, Licorice, Lobelia, Parsley Root, Pleurisy, Pygeum, Solomans Seal, Tribulus, Turmeric, Yohimbe

NOT FOR LONG-TERM USE:

Bilberry Leaf, Black Walnut, Blessed thistle, Borage, Cascara Sagrada, Comfrey, Coltsfoot, Chaparral, Elecampane, Ephedra, Flax, Horsetail, Gentian, Goldenseal, Guarana, Juniper berries, Licorice, Lobelia, Lungwort, Mullein, Nettle Root, Rhubarb, Sage, Sassafras, Sarsaparilla, Senna, Sheep Sorrel, Wild Cherry, Wormwood, Uva Ursi, Yohimbe

TO BE USED ONLY UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN EXPERT QUALIFIED IN THE APPROPRIATE USE OF THIS SUBSTANCE:

Calamus, Horse Chestnut, Lobelia, Licorice, Mandrake, Poke, Tonka

DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE ABDOMINAL PAIN OR DIARRHEA, DISCONTINUE IF THESE OCCUR. CONSULT HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRIOR TO USE IF PREGNANT, NURSING, AND TAKING MEDICATION OR HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION. DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE. NOT FOR LONG TERM USE: 

Aloe, Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Senna, Turkey Rhubarb, Yohimbe

MAY CAUSE PHOTO TOXICITY IN SOME INDIVIDUALS AT HIGH DOSAGE. AVOID LONG EXPOSURE TO SUN IF USING INTERNALLY:

Angelica, Celery Seed, Orange Peel, Rue, St. Johns Wort

SEEK ADVICE FROM HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRIOR TO USE IF PREGNANT, NURSING, HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART OR THYROID DISEASE, DIABETES, DIFFICULTY IN URINATION DUE TO PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT, OR IF TAKING MAO INHIBITOR OR OTHER PRESCRIPTION DRUG. REDUCE/DISCONTINUE USE IF NERVOUSNESS, TREMOR, SLEEPLESSNESS, LOSS OF APPETITE OR NAUSEA OCCUR. DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN:

Ephedra, St. Johns Wort, Yohimbe

SEEK ADVICE FROM A HEALTH PRACTITIONER BEFORE USE IF YOU HAVE/MAY HAVE HAD KIDNEY OR LIVER DISEASE. DISCONTINUE USE IF NAUSEA, FEVER, FATIGUE OR JAUNDICE (DARK URINE, YELLOW DISCOLORATION OF EYES) SHOULD OCCUR:

l

Hair Loss Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
 

Safety

  Are there any side effects associated with hair loss supplements?

Some users have reported slight stomach discomfort when taking hair loss supplements.  This can usually be relieved by taking food with the supplements.  No serious side effects have been reported as far as we know.  The top-ranked products we review consist of all-natural ingredients that have not been shown to have any serious side effects.

  Are hair loss supplements safe?

Yes.  Most top herbal hair loss treatments are comprised of all-natural ingredients that do not include any harmful chemicals, hormones, steroids, or drugs.  They must also be taken as directed on the label of each individual product.

  Can women use herbal hair loss treatments?

No.  Most herbal hair loss formulas are designed to inhibit DHT, which does not exist in large amounts in most females.  At this time, DHT is not believed to lead to hair loss in women.  Thus, most women will be better off trying a product like Rogaine.

  Can I use herbal hair loss products at the same time I am using Propecia or Rogaine?

Yes.  Hair loss supplements are considered safe when used with many other supplements and medications for the treatment of hair loss. Many users have reported great success using Propecia in conjunction with a herbal hair loss treatment, since both products target different phases of DHT production. Topical treatments such as Rogaine will not interfere with the effectiveness of other hair loss supplements and may help to increase the rate of hair re-growth.
 

Effectiveness

  Are the results of hair loss supplements permanent?

That depends.  For some men, especially those who are younger, hair loss stops being a problem after using these treatments.  For others, usually older, hair loss may resume after a certain time after the product is discontinued.  Some trial and error is usually needed to discover the best program of hair loss supplementation for maximum efficiency.

  How long will it be before I notice results?

Due to the number of factors that determine hair re-growth and hair loss cycles while taking these supplements, the time frame will vary for each person.  It generally takes 3-6 months to reach maximum results, although we've seen some men respond quicker.
 

Company Information

  Are the results of hair loss supplements guaranteed?

Yes, all of the products we reviewed come with some sort of 100% money back guarantee.  If a company stands behind its product, they will offer a guarantee.

  Are the companies offering hair loss supplements reputable?

Yes, most of the top ones are.  The companies that made our list of the best hair loss treatments all seem to have strong reputations.

  Do I need a prescription for herbal hair loss treatments?

No.  The hair loss products reviewed on this site are offered as nutritional supplements and therefore do not require a prescription.
 

Maximizing Results

  Can I take more than the recommended dosage if I want it to work better or faster?

No, this is not a strategy we would recommend.  Leave it up to the manufacturer to decide how best to use their product.  Recommended dosages will be printed clearly on the label.

  How long should I use hair loss supplements?

Our study was conducted over 6 months and that is how long we would follow a program designed to stop hair loss and begin re-growth.  Obviously, hair won't grow overnight, but you should expect to see results over a 6-month period.

Click here for our list of the

Hair Loss Glossary

  Alopecia Areata: Immune system disorder in which hair follicles stop producing hairs.

  Anagen: One phase of the hair growth cycle, during this stage hair is actively growing.

  Androgens: Male hormones that produce and protect male characteristics within the male body.  The common being testosterone. 

  Canites: Term given to grey hair, it is actually a mixture of white and colored hairs.

  Catagen: Transition phase of the hair growth cycle.  It lasts approximately 2-3 weeks, and signals the end of active growth.

  Cortex: The middle layer of hair, the pigment of the hair is contained here.

  Cuticle: The outer layer of hair, typically comprised of 6-8 layers of overlapping cells.

  Dihydrotestosterone: or DHT is a hormone produced from testosterone present in the scalp.

  Germinal Matrix: The source of hair growth.

  Hair bulb: The base of a hair.

  Hair follicle: The hole in the scalp through which a hair grows.

  Hair root: The portion of the hair that stretches from the surface of the skin to the hair bulb.

  Hair shaft: The section of the hair that extends above the surface of the skin.

  Keratin: The protein that hair is composed of.

  Male pattern baldness: The natural occurrence of hair loss in men.

  Pigment: Substance that gives color.  There are two types of hair pigments, melanin (black or brown hair color) and pheomelanin (red or yellow hair color).

  Sebum: An oily substance that is produced by the sebaceous glands.

  Telogen: resting stage of the hair growth cycle just prior to hair growth recommencement.

  Toxic Alopecia: Sudden loss of hair resulting from exposure to chemicals or radiation (one example is chemotherapy).

  Traction Alopecia:  Loss of hair ensuing from regular pulling.  Some examples are tight braiding (corn rows), over exposure to chemicals (bleach, permanent waves), and extreme heat.

Where To Buy  

Although we do not sell any of the products reviewed on our site, we have compiled a list of the official websites for each of our top-ranked products.  Each of these websites allows interested consumers the chance to not only buy the featured product, but also get some additional research and information.  Most offer easy navigation, multiple payment options, security, and money back guarantees.

Provillus.com: Official site of the top-ranked hair loss product, Provillus.  Currently offering a buy 4 get 2 free discount.

NisimBioFactors.com: Offers the very effective hair loss treatment, Nisim BioFactors.  Volume discounts apply to orders over 3 bottles.

Profollica.com: Offers a three-step product solution for thinning hair.  Discounts available when purchasing multiple kits.

Advecia.com: Home of the popular herbal hair loss product, Advecia.  Currently offering volume discounts.

Procerin.com: Website of the unique hair loss treatment, Procerin.  Volume discounts currently available on multiple bottle orders.

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