Going Bald – Our hair actually acts as a “buffer”, protecting us from the environment, assisting in the dissipation of body heat (to keep our temperature normal) and helps act as a barricade against infection.

Evidence suggests that hair loss may be mainly caused by dihydrotestosterone, or DHT; a potent hormone that is closely related to testosterone. Body hair normally emerges from tiny pockets of follicles embedded in the skin’s epidermal layer. When you are born, you have about 100,000 scalp follicles.

This number generally remains constant throughout your lifetime. If you are genetically predisposed to thinning hair or baldness (androgenetic alopecia, or AGA), however, DHT kills the scalp follicles and they produce short, fine, non-pigmented (white) hair, if any, instead of the normal long, thick, strands of your natural hair color. About 50% of people, both men and women, will experience AGA by the time they reach the age of 50.

It is possible to treat the damaged hair follicles. According to a review published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the prescription drug Finasteride may slow or reverse follicle shrinkage by blocking an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. However, it does have some undesirable side effects.

Women who are or may become pregnant should not even touch the drug because it can cause deformities in male fetuses. In men, finasteride has been known to cause decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.

Surgery, including hair grafts and scalp reduction are more drastic alternatives. Clearly the use of natural substances would be of extreme benefit to both men and women.

Natural Herbs for Beauty and Shine

Herbs have been used throughout history for a wide variety of afflictions, including loss of hair. The most successful have been found to include:

• Saw Palmetto – Saw Palmetto, effective against BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy) has also been known to effectively inhibit hair loss. It helps keep the hair shaft from absorbing follicle-killing DHT.
• Fo-Ti – Fo-Ti is an ancient Chinese herb that is believed to have powerful revitalizing properties. It is used to help stop hair loss and the graying of hair and also to promote new and healthy hair growth.
• MSM – MSM is an organic source of sulfur. Organic sulfur has been known to promote hair growth and also help keep skin soft, supple and smooth.
• L-Cysteine – L-Cysteine helps to fortify hair and nails to keep them strong. It also helps to keep the skin firm and smooth with increased elasticity.
• L-Methionine – L-Methionine is another organic sulfur source. L-Methionine is also an essential amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which is essential for lustrous hair, smooth skin and strong nails.
• Gelatin – Gelatin has been used to help nourish and protect the hair shaft and nails, giving them sheen and strength.
• Biotin – Biotin has been used internationally to promote thick and bouncy hair, soft skin and healthy nail growth.
• Horsetail – Horsetail contains Silica, which is used to promote healthy, shiny nail growth.
• Vitamin C – Vitamin C is important to the natural production of Collagen. Collagen is a crucial element to all of our body tissues, both inside and out. Collagen from Vitamin C has been known to help develop and protect the skin, bones, teeth, gums and more.