Hello, mimi25!
It is maddening when everyone else in your family seems to have taken
all the "best genes" and left you with the spares, isn't it? In your
case, if you have grown up with thin hair and not noticed a recent
trend toward progressive thinning or unusual hair loss as a result of
a medical condition or hormonal or nutritional deficiency, it may just
be that you will eventually come to accept that your hair will never
be as thick as you would like.
However, there are some alternative methods you can try if your thin
hair is very bothersome to you. I cannot vouch for their effectiveness
but that does not mean they are not worth investigating. These methods
run from the simple (nutritional supplementation) to the extreme (hair
transplantation) with more moderate suggestions in between. Be aware
that the more extreme measures such as Rogaine (Minoxidil) and hair
transplantation are likely * not applicable to your situation at the
present time. * However, if your hair continues to thin or recede,
they may be a consideration for the future.
Since you are only 21, I have to stress that the years surrounding
young adulthood can wreak havoc on your hormonal and metabolic
systems. While it sounds, from your question, as though you have
always had thin hair, the late teens and early twenties, in my
experience, seem to be beset by mental and nutritional stress. I
mention this only to lend some credence to the additional suggestions
I have provided for nutritional supplements that "might" help to
improve your hair.
I am going to start with the simplest measures and end with the most
extreme. Although you are not interested in volumizing shampoos, I did
include some specialized topical treatment programs which are a "step
up" from ordinary beauty products by utilizing special vitamin/herbal
formulations which might be worth a try.
Out of all the suggestions that follow, I think the most promising
and least expensive, initially, are the nutritional supplements and
the special, "natural ingredient" topical applications that are
designed to produce healthier and thicker hair. Give these a decent
try - several months to half a year before you move to something more
expensive like the laser comb.
***************************************************
NUTRITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
***************************************************
First - an overview of some dietary considerations that affect hair:
From "Hair Growing Tips," by Karen M. Shelton. Hair Boutique. last
revised 7/24/04 http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip214.htm
Protein Is Important:
"Since hair is protein, a diet that is too low in protein may cause a
thinning in hair or a retardation in the growth cycle. The converse
is true, If you eat a protein-rich diet it will often result in
improved hair growth. Some nutritional experts suggest the dietary
utilization of calves liver, brewer's yeast, wheat germ and a daily
dose of two tablespoons of granulated lecithin to maximize hair
growth, strength and beauty.
"Other good food sources for protein include fish, eggs, beans and
yogurt. Soy protein has also been found to be helpful in stimulating
hair growth. One study of the results of soy on the hair found that it
not only strengthened the hair but caused it to grow. A great source
of soy is tofu."
In addition to making lifestyle changes, taking the following
supplements every day can boost hair growth for many people:
Vitamin B-complex - 50 mg. of the major B-vitamins (including folate, biotin
and inositol)
Vitamin B-6 - 50 mg. of vitamin B-6
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids - one to two grams daily
Vitamin E - 400 to 800 IU daily
Beta-Carotene - 10,000 to 15,000 IU of beta-carotene daily
One recommended daily dose of magnesium, sulfur, zinc
Silica (horsetail) - 300 mg. daily
Nettle - 250 mg. three times daily
Flaxseed oil - one tbsp daily or one tablet
Beta-Carotene - 10,000 to 15,000 IU of beta-carotene daily
(Read further....
Nutritional Supplements for healthier hair
===========================================
** Please be assured that I do not endorse any of these products. They
are merely for your consideration as an initial and less expensive
treatment option.
Hair Formula 37
----------------
http://www.salonweb.com/37/vitamins.htm
"Full of vitamins and amino acids necessary for optimum growth, Hair
Formula 37 vitamins are 100% money back guaranteed to be the best hair
vitamin supplement program you can own. Results are seen in 30-45
days. Your hair will grow faster, healthier, stronger, and overall
have a better texture."
FAQ's
http://www.salonweb.com/37/questions.htm
Ingredients
http://www.salonweb.com/37/formula.htm
==
Hair Essentials - faster hair growth vitamins
---------------
http://www.naturalwellbeing.com/nwbproducts/product_info.cfm/prod/34
*********************************
LASER THERAPY AND THE LASER COMB
*********************************
Low-level laser light therapy has been used to nourish existing hair
follicles and stimulate hair growth. Since the laser comb requires a
significant investment for a device that may or may not work for you,
may sure you think it over carefully!
From "The Laser Haircomb," by Carolyn Clifford. June 29, 2004
http://www.wxyz.com/wxyz/health/article/0,2132,WXYZ_15919_2999443,00.html
"The Lasercomb might sound like a gimmick that?s too good to be true.
You hold a device to your head for ten minutes a day, and voila, you
have more hair. But is it the answer to hair loss?...While the verdict
isn?t in on whether the comb works, it doesn?t cause harm, because it
uses a low level laser. In fact, most people who use it say they don?t
feel a thing."
"David Kingsley is a hair loss specialist who recommends the comb. He
helps clients with male pattern baldness, female hair loss, and an
autoimmune condition called alopecia areata. "The laser seems to help
the cells of the follicle work more efficiently and encourage the
follicle to get larger," he explains.
* "In other words, the hair itself gets thicker."
"Dr. Neil Sadick is a professor of dermatology at Cornell. He says
studies are needed, but calls the comb, "promising technology." "I
don?t think there?s any downside to this," Dr. Sadick advises. "What I
would say to my patients is, if you want to try something that is
non-invasive, and has no side effects, I think this is an option that
can be utilized."
==
From Lasercomb:
http://www.lasercomb.net/scientificevidence.htm
"Laser PhotoTherapy or "Low-Level Laser Therapy" has been in use over
the past twenty years in exclusive clinics around the world with great
success. * Anecdotal evidence indicates that patients have seen
improvements in hair quality and thickness with healthier scalps."
Read more...
==
From "Laser Therapy FAQ's." Continental Hair
http://www.continentalhair.com/LaserFAQ.php
"Laser hair treatment works for everyone, but it varies. It can slow,
stop, or reverse the hair loss. It can increase the size of the hair
shaft's size, elasticity and strength. One of the main variables in
determining the effectiveness of the laser therapy is the length of
time the person has been experiencing thinning. Dr. Martin Ungar, one
of North America's most renowned hair transplant surgeons, who also
has worked on the laser hair comb, likens it to a car battery. If you
don't start your car for a month the engine will not turn over
immediately, but eventually it will start. Leave the car for six
months and it simply will not start. This is the same with the hair
follicles. If they have been dormant for many years then the laser's
effectiveness will decrease. The sooner you start the better."
"The laser treatments have an overall good effect on the hair. It is
recommended for men or women, at any age."
==
More about the laser comb from Versacchi Europe including questions/answers:
http://www.hairlaser.co.uk/
What Is Laser PhotoTherapy? - "Laser PhotoTherapy (LPT) is compressed
light of a wavelength from the, red part of the spectrum of
electromagnetic radiation. It is different from natural light in that
it is one precise colour; it is coherent (it travels in a straight
line), monochromatic (a single wavelength) and columnated (it
concentrates its beam in a defined location or spot). These properties
allow laser light to penetrate with no heating effect, no damage and
no known side effects, making it an excellent source of energy for
people experiencing thinning hair or hair loss."
FAQ's about the Laser Comb
http://www.hairlaser.co.uk/faq.php
(You can view some before and after pictures, and there is a message
board on the site)
==
More from "Laser Hair Comb Test," by Shelly Croft. News 5 kpho.com
http://www.kpho.com/Global/story.asp?S=1862076&nav=23KuFw8F
"The comb's maker says the lasers stimulate the blood vessels in the
scalp. So new hair grows, any more hair loss is prevented and the hair
already there is significantly strengthened.
Eight weeks later, after religiously using the comb twice a week, Dr.
Kassenbrock is back in the barber chair and tells us he's not sure
about the progress, "Maybe a little thicker...?"
While Dr. Kassenbrock is a little leary about the progress, he admits
he looks at the spot every day and may not notice any difference. He
says, "I try not to pay that much attention to it or I just get
depressed" as he tries to laugh.
But our stylist, Michael Francis, sees a change immediately. He says,
"Just looking, I'm seeing more hair."
Francis says the doc doesn't have a head full of hair just yet, but
comparing the before and after, there does seem to be less scalp and
healthier hair, "It looks darker, it looks richer and i just see a
little bit more activity going on in there."
********************************************************************
ALTERNATIVE HAIR AND SCALP TREATMENTS MADE FROM NATURAL INGREDIENTS
********************************************************************
Nu-Hair Anti-Thinning and Hair Loss Formula
--------------------------------------------
http://www.nu-hair-hairloss-balding-formula.com/
"If you are experiencing thinning hair and/or hair loss, Nu Hair, hair
restoration and hairloss treatment offers safe, effective and proven
results for both men and women of any age. NuHair hairloss treatment
has already helped thousands of men and women regrow and thicken their
hair safely and effectively, while restoring their confidence and
youthful appearance. NuHair hair restoration treatment is 100% pure
and natural. There are NO side effects and no prescriptions or doctor
visits. Nu Hair Anti-Thinning and hairloss treatment offers permanent
results for all types and stages of hairloss for hair restoration."
Ingredients
http://www.nu-hair-hairloss-balding-formula.com/technical.html
Questions
http://www.nu-hair-hairloss-balding-formula.com/questions.html
==
Hair Prime
----------
http://www.unibio.com/
* This formulation is a natural alternative to Minoxidil. While many
products claim to grow new hair, the company is quick to point out
that the key to their product "is not so much as to grow (new) hair,
rather it is to allow hair (whether new or old) to continue to grow
healthy to full maturity. Thus, we prefer to say "HairPrimeŽ Promotes
a Healthy Environment for Hair to Grow" rather than claiming that it
grows hair."
(This product is a two-pronged approach using both a special herbal
shampoo and herbal scalp primer with a nutritional supplement)
"HairPrimeŽ is promoted as a thinning hair program that is
distinguished from finasteride (PropeciaŽ ) and minoxidilŽ (RogaineŽ )
as it is cited as a natural herbal preparation having 5-alpha
reductase (DHT) inhibition properties and responsibly claims to
establish a healthier environment for hair to grow, rather than
claiming that it grows hair."
"Independent clinical tests have been conducted on the patented
HairPrimeŽ Formula for Thinning Hair for the past eight years with
amazing results. In a year-long, double blind study, HairPrimeŽ was
proven to promote thicker, healthier hair growth for 9 out of 10
people tested."
"HairPrimeŽ works by encouraging normal growth patterns through a
consistent supply of nutrients that are important for healthy hair
growth."
"This patented Thinning Hair Program was developed by doctors,
scientists and herbalists at Universal Biologic Enterprises, Inc. - a
leading, biotech research firm, and it's effectiveness has been
confirmed in repeated clinical trials by dermatologists associated
with Stanford University Medical Center, the University of California,
San Francisco, and the University of Tel Aviv. They found the formula
helps promote normal, healthy hair growth in 9 out of 10 subjects -
even some who have been losing hair for 20 years!"
* Click on left-hand links for FAQ's, Why Hair Primer, What to Expect
and Ingredients.
==
Pro-Genesis
-----------
http://www.e-hair-loss.com/?AID=1485035&PID=412780
PRO-GENESIS is an odorless, topical cream prepared using the highest
quality ingredients and herbal extracts specifically formulated to
promote growth of thick, healthy hair for men and women.
Ingredients
http://www.e-hair-loss.com/html/ingredients.htm
==
Revivogen
---------
http://www.stophairlossnow.co.uk/products/Revivogen.htm
"Revivogen Scalp Therapy Formula for hair loss and thinning hair is a
topical solution made from the nature's most powerful ingredients to
attack the cause of hair loss safely and effectively."
* Promotes Thicker, Fuller, and Healthier Hair
* Natural Ingredients Proven to Inhibit Both Type 1 and Type 2 forms of 5-Alpha
Reductase and Decrease DHT Production
* Natural Ingredients Proven to Block the Androgen Receptors
* Natural Ingredients Proven to Stimulate Hair Growth
* Safe and Effective with no Known Side Effects
* For Both Men and Women
"By decreasing the DHT levels and its destructive effects on the hair
follicle, your own weakened hair can become thicker and stronger
again, leading to a fuller and healthier head of hair."
Ingredients:
http://www.stophairlossnow.co.uk/products/Revivogen2.htm
The active ingredients of Revivogen are natural compounds proven to
inhibit of 5-Alpha-Reductase (the enzyme that produces DHT), block the
androgen receptors and stimulate hair growth. These active ingredients
include Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA), Alpha Linolenic acid (ALA),
Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Azaleic acid, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Saw
Palmetto Extract, Beta-Sitosterol and Procyanidin Oligomers. Revivogen
is the only product that contains these ingredients in one easy to use
topical formula."
*************
MEDICATIONS
*************
Women's Rogaine (Minoxidil)
----------------------------
http://www.womensrogaine.com/snap.asp
* Depending on the degree of thinning, this may or may not be a
product that is applicable to your situation. It is used primarily on
areas of the scalp where hair is visibly sparse or absent - primarily
on the top of the head. I don't think this applies to you, but it may
be a future consideration if you experience progressive thinning.
"For years, only men were acknowledged when it came to hair thinning
and hair loss, but now we know that hereditary hair thinning is almost
as common for women. In fact, one in four women in the United States
experiences hair thinning.
Women's Rogaine is the first FDA-approved treatment clinically proven
to regrow hair. Simply by applying it to your scalp once in the
morning and once in the evening, this solution works to revitalize
hair follicles in areas where you have thinning. Women's Rogaine can
be used on permed or color-treated hair. Generally, after just four
months* you may begin to see new growth followed by a greater volume
of hair."
Take an online self-assessment to see if Rogaine is right for you:
http://www.womensrogaine.com/rfm_sa.asp
Dermatology FAQ's
http://www.womensrogaine.com/expert_derm.asp#1
==
From "Current Medical Treatments for Hair Loss." NY Daily News Transcript
http://nydailynews.healthology.com/nydailynews/15770.htm
KEN WASHENIK, MD, PhD: Minoxidil has been around as a hair growth
medication for coming up on the end of the second decade.
MICHAEL L. REED, MD: The latest research shows that minoxidil
typically increases the weight of the average hair in the treated area
about 30%. It also increases the numbers of hairs in the treatment
area about 30%, but the main thing it does is make the hair better. It
gives you heavier, coarser hair.
******************************
SURGICAL HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
******************************
This is an extreme measure that should only be considered if your
hair is so sparse that you are, indead, a likely candidate for such a
procedure. It is primarily for those who have thinning patches of hair
as opposed to fine hair all over the head. From your question, I don't
think this applies to you. However, it may be a consideration in the
future if you do, in fact, experience hair loss or large patches of
extremely thin hair.
Follicular Unit Transplantation involves the grafting of hair from a
donor site taken from the back of a patient's head. Individual
follicular units are then transplanted into thinning areas for natural
hair regrowth.
See "Follicular unit transplantation." Hair Transplant Advisor.
http://www.hairtransplantadviser.org/follicular_transplantation.htm
======
I hope these suggestion provide some useful information for your
consideration. I believe I have covered all the bases for currently
avialable products (both natural and medical) that hold some promise
in providing thicker hair over time. I did wade through numerous
products that were simply topical beauty products that provided a film
for a one-day fix, but I know these are not the type of solutions you
want. One other tip - don't discount the right haircut. Fine hair
often responds to layered cuts that provide more volume.
If you need additional clarification, please don't hesitate to ask. I
will be happy to help if I can. Otherwise, I wish you the very best!
Sincerely,
umiat
Google Search Strategy
cosmetic surgery for thinning hair
follicular unit transplantation
medicine for thinning hair
medicine to make hair thicker
does laser comb work?
supplements for healthy hair
thinning hair AND nutritional deficiencies
Rogaine for thinning hair
PubMed site for relevant search terms |
