Avoid   Baldness

Baldness always brings up the ever-popular questions: Where does baldness come from? What causes baldness? Is baldness hereditary? Over the year, scientists have studied every possible chromosome and gene related to baldness.

However, as of now, there is still nothing certain available in terms or results from scientific research other than the fact that baldness is hereditary and that maternal genes most probably have a bigger effect on making us men bald. Nevertheless, nothing concrete has been deduced from research yet.

One interesting find is that if a woman has a bald father, she tends to carry that bald gene which in most probability will show up in her son who will be bald, like his grandfather. This however, does not apply to every case, but does in happen in most instances.

This is caused by the mother’s X-chromosome, which a child gets in womb, while the Y-chromosomes are from the father. Scientists say that baldness is carried by the X chromosome.

However, these theories are much debated, with some experts being doubtful of the fact that baldness is inherited from the mother’s genes. However, time has proven to some that this theory is true for their unique cases. New research revealed in October 2008 however, countered this and says that one male out of every seven males carries the X-chromosome and chromosome 20 variants, making these men seven times more likely to be bald.

However, with research still being carried out, the final say is yet to be revealed. Baldness could be hereditary, could be from your mom’s side and who knows, perhaps more than one gene is responsible for male pattern baldness. Who knows!

Every man dreads the day he will go bald. Male pattern baldness cannot be avoided but one can try a few treatments.

Almost every man faced with baldness tries several products that are advertised, be it a spray on, lotion, oil or even a toupee. Everyone wants a cure, but there is not one, not yet at least. What is comforting though is the development of a few new-fangled treatments to counter hair loss and could be available in the next few years.

Hair cloning (hair multiplication)
Hair cloning (also referred to as hair multiplication or follicular cell implantation) is the reproduction process of healthy hair follicles while distributing them widely enough to eliminate baldness. This is advanced version of hair transplants - as the formula is the same: borrow healthy hair from your head and fill in the spaces. This new treatment does not involve just the moving around of hair on your scalp, but also has the possibility to recreate thick, healthy, wavy hair.

Hair follicles are like plants. If a hair follicle is split into two and cultured properly, it will grow another strand of hair just like the first one. This can be carried out a few thousand or million times after which it can be reintroduced to the scalp. This will give new life to current hair follicles. This treatment is still in the development stages, but a British company developing it in June 2008, announced the successful completion of the Phase II trial of its hair implantation tests. The company expects the treatment to be available by 2013.

Genetic testing
Males who gain two particular genetic variants due to hereditary terms are seven times more like to lose their hair. An Icelandic company is in the process of developing a personal genotyping service. If the reports indicate that you do have those genes that could cause baldness, then you can immediately take advantage of any preventative treatments. This ‘crystal ball’ service is critical to the cracking of the androgenic alopecia code, which could lead to better treatments.

The company currently offers personal genotyping, but baldness diagnostics should be available sometime around 2010-2011.

Natural regeneration
Once thought to be only possible on selected animals like newts and salamanders, natural regeneration of hair follicles is now possible. Discovered by scientists working for the University of Pennsylvania, this process not only ‘reawakens’ hair follicles but apparently can be carried out with minimum or no scarring. The actual treatment though will be only be available around 2015-2018 and is being worked on by Follica Inc.

The statistics of genetic hair loss experienced by women has risen over the years. Hair loss in females is not as prevalent as it is in males - but it remains a problem. Outlined below are a few pointers to assist you - and ensure that you do not suffer from hair loss problems.

Female pattern baldness, which is the most common type of hair loss, is also called Androgenetic Alopecia. This hair loss issue involves the thinning of hair that can make you feel extremely self-conscious and create emotional issues and social anxiety.

Step One: Make sure that your intake of the necessary vitamins and minerals is within the recommended levels. Deficiencies of iron, copper, magnesium, zinc and vitamins A, B, C & E can all lead to hair loss in females. You need all these vitamins and minerals to ensure that you have a healthy scalp that will nourish your hair follicles, which in turn, encourages a good growth of hair.

Step Two: The root cause for female pattern baldness is DHT or Dihydrotestosterone. This hormone which is found in your bloodstream, if found over and above average levels in your scalp will choke your hair follicles -making it impossible for the absorption of nutrients from your blood. This is what makes your hair thin - and then eventually your hair follicles die. If you notice your hair thinning out, then look for a good herbal supplement that will fight DHT and prevent its formation on your scalp.

Step Three: The medication Minoxidil was initially developed for blood pressure. It helps to dilate blood vessels and ensures that the blood flow to the body is within normal levels. A side effect of Minoxidil is excessive hair growth. This medication is the only FDA approved medication for female pattern baldness.

Hair loss (also known as alopecia) is increasingly becoming an issue amongst men as well as women. This condition is the cause for the loss of hair and is estimated at affecting at least 35% of the global population. Although commonly associated with hair loss on the scalp, alopecia also refers to hair loss on other parts of the body as well.
Like any other condition - hair loss is best treated at its early stages. During this phase, non-surgical solutions are possible to counter hair loss while they are also inexpensive and less painful. These treatments also have a higher hair re-growth success rate.

If you are unsure, as to whether you have alopecia or not - keep reading for some of the initial symptoms:

Receding hairline - men are most commonly affected by a receding hairline. It begins at the temples and can start as early as when they are teenagers. If a thinning of hair at the top of the head is noticed or even bald sections - then it is time to act fast.

Thinning hair - Women will usually have thinning hair on the front and sides of their head. Women do not experience receding hairlines.

Patchy hair loss - This is painful and hair loss happens in patches. These portions of the scalp tend to be painful and scratchy. This patchy hair loss pattern is referred to as ’scarring’ alopecia, which could also be caused by traction alopecia. This happens when hair is pulled tightly during styling.

Round and smooth patches of hair loss - Look at your hair loss pattern. If you have smooth and round patches, then it might be alopecia areata. This is the kind of hair loss experienced in not only the scalp area but also other areas of the body such as the beard, eyebrows and even eyelashes. These areas might also be itchy.

A handful of falling hair - This symptom is not that severe, as it does not cause bald patches. It occurs when you brush your hair or even wash it. The medical term for this is telogen effluvium.

If you are a Canadian with chipped or cracked teeth who is looking to improve your smile, dental bonding could be the right solution. This is a procedure where a resin is applied to teeth and hardened using a special light. Top dentists in Toronto use dental bonding as a simple and effective way to improve minor imperfections in the smiles of their patients.

Along with smoothing over chips and cracks in teeth, a cosmetic dentist might use dental bonding to whiten teeth that have been discolored by smoking or drinking soda, coffee or tea. Dental bonding can also change the shape of the teeth, including lengthening teeth that have been worn down by use or grinding, along with closing gaps between teeth.

Dental bonding is not appropriate for all purposes; the resin is not as resistant to stains or as strong as porcelain veneers or crowns. However, for minor cosmetic work on front teeth, dental bonding can provide a quick, painless and affordable solution that immediately improves people’s smiles.