HAIR LOSS SHAMPOO
Hair Loss Shampoo - A Natural Approach to Hair Loss
The condition of the hair, in an individual, is a reflection of the overall constitution of him. It is well known that if the person is not healthy then the health of the hair will be deplorable. Lifestyle factors, such as poor nutrition, stress and even restless sleeping can hamper hair growth. Poor diet, illness and deficiencies of any particular vitamin and mineral affects the quality of hair and problems like dandruff, thinning hair, balding, premature graying etc. spoil the hair.
Herbs play an important role in traditional Indian and Chinese medication. In recent times herbs have come to dominate the western world as natural remedies. The reason for their popularity is that they have fewer side effects and they can work very well. Though there is no overnight fix for hair loss, you may notice a difference in the thickness, strength, volume and sheen after using herbal hair growth remedies. Herbal remedies increase circulation, disinfect the scalp and stimulate hair growth. Unfortunately, there are numerous products available online and in stores that claim to provide herbal remedy for hair loss, but are actually made of harsh chemicals which further damage the health of your hair.
To judge whether a product or a herb can actually help or effect your hair, you must understand some basic biology of hair structure.
Hair Structure
Hair is composed of strong structural protein called keratin. This is the similar kind of protein that makes up the nails and the outer layer of skin.
Each strand of hair consists of three layers:
An innermost layer or medulla which is only present in large thick hairs. The middle layer which is known as the cortex provides strength and both the colour and the texture to the hair. The outermost layer is known as the cuticle. The cuticle is thin and colourless and serves as a protector of the cortex.
Structure of the hair root
Below the surface of the skin is the hair root, which is enclosed within a hair follicle. At the base of the hair follicle is the dermal papilla. The dermal papilla is fed by the bloodstream which carries nourishment to produce new hair. The dermal papilla is a significant structure for hair growth because it contains receptors for male hormones and androgens. Since, Androgens regulate hair growth, therefore, Androgens in scalp may cause the hair follicle to get progressively smaller and the hairs to become finer in individuals who are genetically predisposed to this type of hair loss.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair follicles grow in repeated cycles. One cycle can be broken down into three phases.
Anagen Phase - Growth Phase:
Approximately 85% of all hairs are in the growing phase at any one time. The Anagen phase or growth phase can vary from two to six years. Hair grows approximately 10cm per year and any individual hair is unlikely to grow more than one meter long.
Catagen Phase - Transitional Phase:
At the end of the Anagen phase the hairs enters into a Catagen phase which lasts about one or two weeks, during the Catagen phase the hair follicle shrinks to about 1/6 of the normal length. The lower part is destroyed and the dermal papilla breaks away to rest below.
Telogen Phase - Resting Phase:
The resting phase follows the catagen phase and normally lasts about 5-6 weeks. During this time the hair does not grow but stays attached to the follicle while the dermal papilla stays in a resting phase below. Approximately 10-15 percent of all hairs are in this phase at an one time.
At the end of the Telogen phase the hair follicle re-enters the Anagen phase. The dermal papilla and the base of the follicle join together again and a new hair begins to form. If the old hair has not already been shed the new hair pushes the old one out and the growth cycle starts all over again.
Herbs used for Hair Loss Treatment
There are lots of natural herbs for hair available or in fact being used since hundreds of years by the different countries all over the world. Here is the list of regularly used herbs:
- Aloe | - Marigold |
- Arnica | - Nettles |
- Birch | - Parsley |
- Burdock | - Rosemary |
- Catmint | - Sage |
- Chamomile | - Southernwood |
- Horsetail | - Stinging nettle |
- Licorice |
Ayurvedic Herbs:
- Bacopa | - Stereospermum chelonoides |
- Indian spikenard | - Desmodium gangeticum |
- Roots of Aegle marmelos | - Uraria picta |
- Gmelina arborea | - Solanum indicum |
- Oroxylum indicum | - Solanum surattense |
- Clerodendrum phlomidis | - Tribulus terrestris |
Chinese Herbs:
- Psoralea seeds | - Oyster |
- Mulberries |
Do Herbal Hair Shampoo Work?
There are thousands of herbal hair shampoos available in the market. However, it would be wrong to present herbal hair loss remedies or shampoos as miracle solution or for that matter all herbal hair shampoos which are projected as herbal products may contain harmful chemicals. At the same time there is growing evidence to support the view that some herbal remedies offer real hope to many people. Ideally, a herbal shampoo should have all herbal ingredients. IHT-9 is one such 100% natural herbal shampoo which actually promote hair regrowth. IHT-9 Herbal Hair Shampoo is an ayurvedic solution from an India based company.
How to Find Real Herbal Hair Shampoo?
You must look at the lable on hair loss shampoo packaging and read it carefully, if purchasing over the counter. Similarly, read all the details available online if you plan to buy a herbal shampoo through an online store. Read the list of ingredients and judge wheather any chemical is present. A real herbal shampoo will clearly state '100% Natural or Herbal' on its packaging or promotional material. Similarly, 100% chemical free herbal shampoo manufacturer will proudly declare this fact wherever required. Discard the hair loss shampoo which is promoted as a herbal product but contains any or more of following chemicals:
- propylene glycol or glycol - a cheap petrochemical.
- cetearyl alcohol - emulsifier that can be synthetic or natural.
- methylparaben or propylparaben - typical synthetic preservatives.
- distearate this is polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol which are petrochemicals.
- isopropyl alcohol - used as a cheap solvent to carry synthetic oils.