All About Hair

WHAT IS TRICHOLOGY

The word Trichology originates from the ancient Greek word Trichos meaning hair. Trichology can be described as ‘the science of scalp and hair in health and disease’.

A qualiﬁed trichologist is someone who has successfully completed the trichology educational programme of the Institute of Trichology , London, England. The programme’s subject matter includes anatomy and physiology of the skin and hair, anatomy and physiology of the systems of the body, chemistry, microscopy. nutrition, hair and scalp maladies, and electro-therapy.

The ﬁrst step in a consultation consists of diagnosing the exact nature of the problem. This is when their knowledge and experience is most called upon. Deeper analysis of the hair or skin may be necessary to help the trichologist determine the cause of the problem and the best way to treat it. Once the cause is established, the trichologist will decide:

If your problem requires treatment and, if so, what treatment would be most beneficial.

If your problem is such that referral to a medical doctor is necessary.
If surgical procedures are required, your trichologist will advise you on the best and most effective methods available.

Trichologists are trained to deal with conditions such as: Alopecia Areata, Totalis & Universalis, Diffused Hair Loss, Male – and Female Pattern Baldness, Telogen Efﬂuvium, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, Scalp Eczema & Psoriasis, Seborrhoea, Scalp Itching, Hair Breakage & Damage.

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HAIR STRUCTURE & GROWTH CYCLE

Each individual hair is formed inside a bulb deep in a hair follicle. The follicle is a tiny but powerful factory, which works continuously throughout your lifetime. From birth onward the follicle continues to produce hair. Each hair grows for many years: during this time it will be shampooed, conditioned, cut, blown dry, exposed to sun and wind, colored, bleached or permed. None of these treatments affect the growth of the hair in the hair bulb, even though some may seriously damage the hair shaft. Finally the hair spontaneously falls out. The follicle rests for a little while, and then starts to produce yet another new hair.

There are basically 3 stages that each hair follicle has to go through around 20 times in your life.

The ANAGEN Phase:

This is the ﬁrst phase of your hair growth cycle which is also known as the growing phase. At any one time, 80 -90 percent of the hair follicles on your scalp are in the ANAGEN phase. During this period:

Your hair grows continuously
The growth will continue for 3 to 7 years
Growth is at the rate of half an inch a month
The hair bulb produces your hair pigment
Blood supply provides nutrients and minerals to your hair
Hair looks thick and nourished

The CATAGEN Phase:

After the ANAGEN phase, your hair will go into a brief transitional phase before going to rest. This short phase is known as the CATAGEN phase and it lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. During this time:

Your hair detaches from the blood supply
The detached follicle slowly shrinks to about 1/6 its size
The hair bulb stops producing the colour pigment
The bulb is pushed upwards towards the surface by the new hair being formed
At any given time, approximately 2 – 3 % of the hair on your scalp are in this phase

The TELOGEN Phase:

This is the ﬁnal phase of your hair growth cycle. It is also known as the resting phase where your hair follicles will slowly fall off to be replaced by a new hair. Around 10 – 15 % of the hair on your scalp is in the TELOGEN phase.

50 – 100 hairs shed daily
This period lasts for 3 months before the hair falls out
The hair follicles become weak and thin and you can easily pull them out
New hair follicles emerge once the hair falls

NUTRITION ADVICE

A wholesome diet, rich in silica, calcium and iron will help reduce or prevent hair loss. Leafy, green vegetables are good mineral sources. Raw oats provide silica. Dried fruits and cherry juice are rich sources of iron.For women, thinning hair or hair loss can be a sign of a problem in the gastrointestinal tract. It could be a sign of insufﬁcient stomach acids; It could also mean a deﬁciency of protein, zinc, iron and /or other nutrients.

For men, the balding process can be slowed down by adopting a low-fat diet. Male pattern baldness has been linked to increased testosterone levels during puberty. A high-fat, meat-based diet raises testosterone levels, and that may adversely affect hair follicles. Eating low-fat foods may not stop hair loss; but it might help slow it down. Anaemia is one of the most frequent causes of hair loss. Eat plenty of iron-rich foods, like liver (unless pregnant) and other organ meat, whole grain cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, dates and raisins.

The hair is comprised mostly of protein. To encourage hair growth, adhere to a diet rich in protein. A recommended diet for this purpose includes calf liver, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, and two tablespoons of granulated lecithin. Along with protein, these foods are also high in B vitamins – an important nutrient for hair growth.

Studies have indicated that soy protein reinforces hair and stimulates its growth. Tofu and soy milk are good sources of soy protein. Other sources of protein are : low-fat cheese, eggs, ﬁsh, beans, brewer’s yeast and yogurt.

Another important nutrient for healthy hair is Silica. Organic silica added to Shampoo is believed to prevent baldness, simulate healthier hair growth and endow it with shine, lustre and strength. Silica can be applied externally to re-grow already lost hair.

Silica is found in the outer coverings of potatoes, green and red peppers and cucumbers. Bean sprouts are also high in silica..

Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron. Include a good serving of fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Vitamin E is important for healthy hair growth. Eat avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil on a regular basis.

If hair loss is due to thyroid dysfunction, eat more foods rich in vitamin A and iodine. Vegetables such as carrots or spinach. Unreﬁned, cold-pressed seed oils such as ﬂax, walnut or pumpkin seed and sea salt. Take turnips, cabbage, mustard, soy beans, peanuts, pine nuts and millet if there is a deﬁciency of iodine.

Caution: Excessive intake of Vitamin A can cause hair loss.

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