Question 1

Q. What causes hair loss?

Accepted Answer

A. Hair loss and hair thinning can be caused by a number of factors. These include genetics, hormones, medical conditions, pregnancy, lifestyle influences like stress and diet, scalp disorders, heat and over styling.

You may have hair loss and thinning as a result of one or more of these factors. To know the best way to treat hair loss and thinning, you must establish the cause.

In men – but also in women – genetics and changing hormones can lead to hair loss called male (or female) pattern baldness. This is when hair is lost along a typical pattern, usually a receding hairline and thinning on the crown.

Question 2

Q. What are products for hair growth?

Accepted Answer

A. Hair growth products and supplements help maintain healthy hair and boost the hair-growth cycle (see next question). They improve scalp and hair health, which help combat hair loss and promote hair growth, and hair is strengthened and thickened.

The best products for hair growth include shampoos, conditioners, targeted treatments like masks and oils, and supplements. Remember, a product that works for one person might not work for another. Usually, a combination of products used over time brings the best results.

Question 3

Q. How does the hair-growth cycle work?

Accepted Answer

A. Skip if this is too much science for you, but it helps to understand how hair grows when treating hair loss and thinning.

There are four stages of hair growth: anagen, catagen, telogen and exogen. During the first three stages, a hair grows and matures. The exogen stage is when the hair is shed.

During the anagen phase, a hair follicle pushes out hair that continues to grow. As much as 90% of your hair is in this stage, which can last up to seven years, depending on your hair length.

The catagen is a transition phase when the hair follicle shrinks and growth slows. It lasts about 10 days. The hair separates from the follicle but stays in place. About 5% of all hairs are in this stage.

The telogen phase is when hair rests. They don’t grow but don’t fall out. When a hair is in the telogen phase, a new hair begins to grow in the follicle that released it.

The exogen phase is the latter part of the telogen stage and hair is shed. This is often during brushing or washing. It’s normal for around 50 to 100 hairs to shed each day.

Question 4

Q. How do hair-growth products promote hair growth?

Accepted Answer

A. Hair health starts with a healthy scalp. If you have dandruff, scalp psoriasis, an itchy scalp or any other scalp condition, you should address this with a doctor.

Hair-growth products work by helping to promote scalp and hair health, improving blood circulation to the scalp and stimulating the hair follicles.

Question 5

Q. What ingredients do hair growth products contain?

Accepted Answer

A. Hair growth products contain natural extracts, vitamins, minerals and herbs that stimulate and promote hair growth.

Look for products that contain the best ingredients to stimulate hair growth, such as saw palmetto, horsetail and vitamin B3.

Question 6

Q. Which oil is best for hair growth and thickness?

Accepted Answer

A. A number of oils work well to promote hair growth and thickness. This is because they’re full of nutrients like vitamins, fatty acids, minerals and proteins that nourish the scalp and promote the growth of thicker hair.

Look for products that contain argan, lavender, rosemary, thyme, tea tree and cedarwood oils. Carrier oils like jojoba, castor, coconut, avocado, olive and almond also improve scalp and hair health.

Question 7

Q. What do products like minoxidil do?

Accepted Answer

A. The hair growth products at Hairhouse Warehouse are over-the-counter products that promote healthy scalp and hair.

Minoxidil (solution or pill) and other medications, such as finasteride, are used to treat male pattern baldness. They can have strong side-effects and vary in their success. Some of these treatments require prescriptions from a doctor. Others are found in smaller doses in OTC products.

Question 8

Q. What is male pattern baldness?

Accepted Answer

A. Male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is a hereditary form of hair loss that happens on the top and frontal regions of the scalp, causing the hairline to recede over time. For every five men it impacts, three women suffer from female pattern baldness too.

As well as genetic factors, increased levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) play a part in this type of hair loss. High levels of DHT can shrink the hair follicles and shorten the hair-growth cycle, resulting in hair loss. New hairs grow finer until there’s no hair and the follicles become dormant.

Question 9

Q. Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?

Accepted Answer

A. The causes of hair thinning and loss are complex but deficiencies in vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well as zinc, iron, selenium and folic acid, have been associated with hair loss. A protein and amino acid deficiency can also lead to hair loss.

Speak to your doctor if you fear you may have a vitamin deficiency. Blood tests could confirm this.

Question 10

Q. What are the best supplements for hair growth and thickness?

Accepted Answer

A. If hair loss and thinning is caused by a deficiency, your doctor may recommend a supplement. Many supplements for hair health contain biotin, a B vitamin. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that supports the growth of hair by helping to break down fats and carbohydrates.

Supplements that directly target hair growth also contain combinations of biotin, zinc, folate and vitamins A, B, C, D and E.

While many supplements are formulated to promote hair health, it’s always wise to speak to a doctor before starting a new supplement or vitamin regimen.

Question 11

Q. Does rosemary help with hair growth?

Accepted Answer

A. Rosemary is used in many cultures as a topical application to promote hair growth, which is why it’s found in many hair growth products. But does it actually work?

It might, depending on the cause of your hair loss. The essential oil’s anti-inflammatory properties are thought to improve and strengthen circulation, which could prevent hair follicles from being starved of blood supply, dying and falling out. Some studies have shown its properties can possibly restore hair growth.

As an added ingredient in hair products, it can also help a dry, itchy scalp, another cause of hair loss.

Question 12

Q. Does folic acid help hair growth?

Accepted Answer

A. Folic acid (vitamin B9) is one of many nutrients that are thought to promote hair growth and volume. A deficiency is often associated with anaemia, which can cause thinning hair.

While there aren’t studies that unequivocally prove it promotes hair growth, folic acid is associated with new cell production (it’s prescribed during pregnancy to promote the development of a baby’s nervous system) and thus contributes to the growth of hair and nails.

Question 13

Q. Can bleaching hair cause permanent hair loss?

Accepted Answer

A. Bleaching doesn’t cause permanent hair loss. However, it can and usually does cause permanent damage to your hair. It makes hair more porous and dry, which increases the chance of breakage.

Also, the bleach can seep into your hair follicles, which causes inflammation that can lead to hair loss. So, if you do have any hair loss as a result of bleaching, it won’t be permanent. The hair will grow back.

Month: September 2023

The Best Hair Growth Products in South Africa

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