Trichology - from the Greek words trikhos (hair) and logia (study).

Trichology deals with the scientific study of hair and scalp conditions which can result in premature hair loss, psoriasis, alopecia, dermatitis and dandruff, etc.

This page mainly deals with hair loss. For information on other problems, please see our hair and scalp conditions page.

Hair loss is one of the biggest contributors to stress in our culture.

Two out of every three men can expect to be bald (or balding) by the time they reach 50 years of age. As many as 36% of all women between the ages of 40 and 49 agonise over some degree of hair thinning or loss. And today adults aren't the only ones suffering from hair loss, even a small proportion of children face these issues. To make matters worse, researchers are finding that environmental issues are causing both men and women to lose hair at an earlier age than ever before.

Few things are more stressful than finding clumps of hair in your shower, on your brush, or on your pillow. Just a little shedding often drives men and women, both young and old, to utter despair.

But, if caught early, there is hope. With early detection, professional consultation and advanced products and technologies it is possible to bring solutions to the millions of people who suffer from the effects of thinning, fine and limp hair.

THE ANATOMY OF HAIR...

SKIN
The largest organ of your body. It's an immune organ designed to protect the body
Skin acts as a giant ventilation grid for the body and must be able to breathe for
the body to remain healthy

EPIDERMIS
The outermost layer of the skin that contains the hair follicle opening. This opening needs to be kept clear and protected through daily hygiene.

STRATUM CORNEUM
The outermost layer of the epidermis. A layer of dead skin cells that are designed to exfoliate and to provide a protective bearer to the internal body Excess oil and product build-up here can cause hair follicles to be blocked.

DERMIS
The layer of the skin lying immediately under the epidermis; the true skin. It consist of two layers, papillary and reticular. The corium dermis is composed of fibrous connective tissue made of collagen and elastin and contains numerous capillaries, lymphatics, and nerve endings. In it are hair follicles and their smooth muscle fibres, sebaceous glands and sweat glands, and their ducts.

HYPODERMIS
The hypodermis houses the hair follicles themselves as well as their smooth muscle fibres, sebaceous and sweat glands, and fat cells.

HAIR FOLLICLES
The sophisticated receptacles in the scalp from which hair grows. Rapid cellular activity within follicles makes the follicle sensitive to internal and external changes in its environment. They are found in the hypodermis.

HAIR BULB
The Hair Bulb is the bulbous expansion at the base of a hair from which the hair shaft develops. It provides a womb like environment where the hair cells, through protein and carbohydrate synthesis, are produced.

SENSORY NERVE FIBRE
Afferent nerve; a nerve carrying sensations from sensing organs to the brain.

HAIR PAPILLA
A projection of the corium that extends into the hair bulb at the bottom of a hair follicle. It contains capillaries through which a hair receives nourishment. The papilla is the manufacturing plant of the hair. It's at this level the keratin structure of hair is in a cellular state (as new cells are produced, older, dying cells are pushed up and become a keratinized fibre that we see).

CAPILLARIES
Hair-like, minute blood vessels that connect the arteries and veins to the papilla.
Capillaries carry oxygen and nutrients from your blood as well as carry toxins
away from the follicle.

SEBACEOUS GLAND & SEBUM
A hormone regulated, oil-secreting gland in the skin. The sebaceous gland secrets sebum, a fatty material that lubricates the follicle and skin. It is believed that they supply necessary nutrients and elements for hair growth and possibly carry toxins and pollutants into the follicle. Over, or under, production of hormones can form sebaceous plugs comprised of follicular debris. The sebaceous gland also sends sebum into the hair follicle which is the place where the Deinodex Folliculorum, a microscopic organism that infests the hair follicle and feeds on sebum, can live. This mite lives and dies in the follicle promoting follicle deterioration, hair miniaturization and hair loss. It is covered in sebum, which fools immune system into not recognizing the mite.

ARRECTOR PILI MUSCLE
A small fan-shaped smooth muscle located at the base of each hair that contracts when the body surface is chilled or stimulated thus erecting the hair, compressing the oil gland above each muscle, and producing the appearance of goose bumps. The muscle gives support to the hair follicle and direction to the hair shaft. The Arrector Pili Muscle is what makes your hair stand on end when you're frightened or excited.

TYPES OF SCALP HAIR...

There are two types of hair growing on our scalp. The first type of hair is vellus hair, which is approximately 1 mm long. This fine hair is present on the body after the soft hair of infancy is gone. Vellus hair is very fine and shallow-rooted. Sometimes described as "peach fuzz" when on the top of the head, around the hairline, or on the back of the neck. Vellus hair is shallowly rooted in the scalp and extremely fragile, easy to detach from the scalp and more susceptible to environmental conditions.

Something as simple as a vigorous shampooing or rough scalp massage can cause vellus hair to be damaged or fall out. When provided with an optimal scalp environment vellus hair, can remain in the anagen phase (growth cycle) longer and continue to migrate deeper into the scalp to eventually become healthy, more resilient terminal hair.

Terminal hair is thicker and stronger, it is the hair we all desire to have and keep. It's the only hair we are able to cut, style and chemically treat. Terminal hair is the mature, thicker, deeper-rooted hair that can grow up to 3 feet long. Terminal hair is deeply rooted thus closer to the blood supply (the prime source of essential nourishment). Think of it this way the deeper the root the more nourishment the hair receives and the healthier, fuller and thicker each hair will be. An open follicle free of debris is vital to vellus and terminal hair growth, development and a long life-cycle.

THE EFFECTS OF HORMONES & AGING ON HAIR LOSS...

Some scientific research shows that over the past decade hair loss has been on the rise in both men and women. And some surprising, new evidence has developed a link between rising scalp estrogen levels associated with age and hair loss.

Recently, with some ground breaking research, the application of this principle to human hair growth has proven to be exceptionally fascinating. Particularly interesting was the disturbing effects of pseudo-estrogens on hair and scalp, which are found in progressively higher concentrations as we age. Equally of interest is the steady increase in instances of thinning hair in women. This unfortunate condition is becoming progressively more common in women over the age of 35. In Asia, thinning hair has been noticed in women as young as 25. Although not scientifically provable, there is intuitive recognition that most adults in their fifties can not remember seeing classmates with thinning hair when they were in high school or even college. However, today it is common for a high school student to know several other students with thinning hair.


Several studies have drawn a distinct connection between aging and thinning hair which can be seen in the following graph:

Hair loss can begin as early as 17. Why can we begin to loose hair at this age? Testosterone levels are at their very highest at this time of life. Current thought strongly implicates dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an aromatization by-product of testosterone, in hair loss. DHT fills receptor sites faster and more completely than testosterone (it has an amplified effect). However, what is not commonly appreciated is the fact that aromatization is indiscriminate. In other words, it's equally possible for testosterone to be aromatized into estrogen or I)HT To prove the point, it's a fact that many boys going through puberty experience tender breasts and see some breast enlargement. This condition goes away as testosterone levels decrease with age. However, pseudo-estrogens (environmental pollutants which are also known as estrogen mimics) constantly bombard the body and have a rising impact with age. They are probably why hair loss is now occurring at earlier ages and is more progressive.

The next age range at which hair loss tends to occur is between the ages of 35 and 45. Why? An interesting physiological phenomenon occurs in this age range. Aromatization of testosterone begins to more commonly take the pathway leading to estradiol (a female hormone). Studies of males demonstrate a linear rise in estradiol levels with each succeeding decade. In some cases this increase is so dramatic that men can have serum estradiol levels as high as reproductively active women. New theories indicate that this maybe a factor in prostate enlargement, which commonly occurs in men during this age range. This theory has only been documented in outside clinical studies with dogs, its application to humans is mostly postulated at this point.

HORMONE RECEPTORS CAN BE FOOLED BY PESUDO-ESTROGENS...

Another factor involved with age and hair loss is the discovery of two different types of estrogen receptors. Every cell in the body has both alpha and beta receptor sites. Receptors are protein imbedded in the membrane of the cell. They are activated by a hormone, drug, chemical or another protein. As they relate to hair growth, the alpha receptor opens up the cell and allows substances in or out. Stimulation of an alpha receptor has very little effect on hair growth, hair generally remains in the anagen phase (growth cycle). Beta receptors, however, target different tissue responsive areas of the body They activate the cell membrane preventing substances in or out.

When psuedo-estrogens bind with beta receptors the beta receptor will often send the follicle into the telogen phase (resting phase).

One of the more intriguing observations noted by dermatologists in the last 20 years is the dramatic increase in thinning hair among women. Even more interesting is the fact that this syndrome is becoming a serious problem for women over the age of 25 in the industrialized regions of Asia. This is particularly striking as Oriental women are not known for losing their hair at any age.

Why may this be happening? It should be noted that the reasons for women's hair loss are vastly different than those of men. Men generally experience patterned baldness while women experience diffused thinning. The presence of pseudo-estrogens has a more profound effect on women because they require estrogen as their sex hormone for normal function. Pseudo-estrogens fill receptor sites otherwise destined for estradiol. Pseudo-estrogens fill receptor sites faster and have a tighter fit than estrogen itself. The end result is an artificially engineered estrogen deficiency. In women, this results in hair loss due to inhibition of progesterone secretion as well as the inability of progesterone to fill receptor sites occupied by pseudo-estrogens. Progesterone is vital in women for normal hair growth and the prevention of hair loss. There have been studies which show that topical anti-estrogen treatments can help and that a number of naturally occurring fragrance compositions successfully oppose pseudo-estrogens. However, the most important aspect of prevention is cleansing. Most pseudo-estrogens are very difficult to remove from the scalp skin without specialized cleansers, but most of the problems associated with these pollutants can be eliminated.

DHT & IT'S IMPACT ON THE HAIR FOLLICLE...

Probably the most major threat to healthy hair growth is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Over time, the hair follicle naturally produces an enzyme named Five Alpha Reducatase. It is this enzyme, or complex of enzymes, that reacts with testosterone to create DHT (a toxin that is very difficult to remove from the scalp skin).

Testosterone, naturally present in the hair follicle, converts to DHT and has been found to cause deteriation of the hair follicle and can block the hair receptors, thereby inhibiting hair growth and renewal.

The natural bodily process of aromatization or conversion of estrogen into testosterone and testosterone into either estrogen or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) must be kept in balance for proper hair growth to occur.

In summary, pseudo-estrogens are believed to be created by pollution that clogs the receptor site (protein imbedded sites around the follicle that attract nutrients essential to hair production).

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a toxin that fills the receptor site and can't be removed by shampooing alone - it takes special cleansers to do this.

An increase in pseudo-estrogen and DHT levels can deteriorate the hair follicle causing miniaturization of the hair (the process of the hair becoming smaller, finer and thinner). This miniaturization, occurs when the hair follicle deterioration from pollutants and/or toxins cause individual hairs to become smaller and finer until the follicle remains in the telogen (resting phase) and is totally dormant.

Research has linked natural aging to increasing estrogen and DHT levels in both men and women - resulting in progressive age-related increases in follicle damage and hair thinning.

MINIATURIZATION OF HAIR...

Our hair follicle is sensitive to internal and external changes.

Therefore any changes in our diet, stress level, drugs, health, and living environment play a role in the miniaturization of our hair follicles.

Genetics also comes in the picture for many men and women.

What is miniaturization of hair? Simply, the hair follicle reduces in size there by producing smaller, finer hair.

When a healthy terminal hair goes through the normal life cycle, we have fuller, thicker more beautiful hair. When the terminal hair goes through an reduced lifecycle, we have a more miniaturized hair. And, as each life cycle occurs more rapidly, we can expect to see the hair becoming more miniaturized, eventually regressing to vellus hair.

The shallowly rooted vellus hair, due to a shorter life cycle, does not get the chance to mature into deep-rooted terminal hair. Terminal hair is thicker, stronger and better able to be styled. It’s deep rooted and closer to the nourishment from the blood supply The terminal hair also remains in the anagen stage much longer than vellus hair.

When the hair’s life cycle is shortened, thick luscious hair will be replaced with fine miniaturized hair.

Miniaturized hairs are easily epilated from the scalp, interrupting the life cycle and increasing the potential that new hair may not grow back.

DEFINING NORMAL & ABNORMAL HAIRLOSS...

Some loss or shedding of hair every day is normal for both men and women. We average 150,000 to 200,000 hairs on our scalps. Blondes generally have the most number of hairs followed by brunettes and then redheads.

At any given time, about 90 percent of your scalp hair is in the anagen stage (growing cycle) that lasts between 2 and 6 years. The remaining 10 percent of scalp hair is in the catagen stage (intermediate cycle) for up to 2 weeks before entering the telogen stage (resting cycle) which occurs over 5 to 6 weeks.

Conventional wisdom has indicated that the loss of 100 to 125 hairs a day is normal. However, recent research has shown that when cleansing daily, a loss of more than 50 hairs per day maybe excessive and an early indication of a thinning or hair loss problem. Obviously, hair must be replaced at the same rate as its daily loss to maintain existing hair density. And, following the telogen stage, it will take about 9 months for the dermal papilla's cells to produce new anagen hair.

A new anagen stage hair first appears as shallowly rooted vellus hair. If protected, the new anagen hair matures into a stronger, deeper rooted terminal hair. It is crucial to new hair development that the follicle stays open and clean during this stage.

Conventional hair care and styling products often contain sticky animal proteins and resins that weigh down fragile, thin or fine hair and often fill or block the follicle. This prevents the new anagen hair from getting oxygen and the nutrients necessary for healthy growth. By blocking the follicle, it has the potential to prevent this new fragile hair from coming through the skin. The key is to keep the follicle clean and free of debris so that new anagen hair can grow and mature into fuller, thicker, stronger, healthier and longer-lasting terminal hair.

SIX REASONS FOR ABNORMAL HAIR LOSS & MINIATURIZATION...

1. GENETIC PREDISPOSITION

Scientific research shows that over the past decade hair loss has been on the rise in both men and women. A genetic predisposition of hormonal balances and imbalances, as well as the conversion of testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can be inherited from either your mother’s or your father’s side of the family. Aging plays a natural part in follicle deterioration and hair loss. Throughout our lives testosterone and estrogen levels in men and women go through dramatic changes. These hormonal fluctuations and the conversion to DHT can cause hair loss. The identification of a bald” gene only exists in rare cases of Alopecia Totalis and Universalis. What is more common is an age-related, family predisposition to hormonal changes that can cause hair loss.


2. STRESS/TRAUMA

Increased levels of stress produces increased levels of testosterone, which converts to DHT and interrupts the hair growth cycle. Stress or trauma also constricts the blood supply to the capillaries, causing a lack of oxygen and nutrients uptake as well as poor vitamin and nutrient assimilation for the hair follicle.


3. NUTRITION & DIET

High consumption of animal fats (such as found in fast food), vitamin A or rapid weight loss reduces the amino acids and vitamin assimilation needed for hair growth. Poor nutrition, limiting food intake, and liquid protein diets can cause hair loss. Deficiencies in biotin, iron, protein and zinc are particularly damaging to healthy hair growth.

4.  HEALTH

Not all healthy bodies produce beautiful, healthy hair! Malfunctions of the hormone producing Thyroid gland (which cause hyperthyroid and hypothyroid disease), is one of the oniy known health related causes of hair loss. The side effects of the medications used to treat thyroid diseases can also cause hair loss problems. Pregnant women, generally considered healthy, can also experience hair loss that is generally associated with temporary hormonal changes in the body.

 
5.  MEDICATIONS
 
The side effects of drugs can cause hair loss as the hair follicle is super sensitive to changes. Birth control pills, for example, contain hormones. Almost any hormonal therapy can potentially cause hair loss. Steroids, specific chemotherapies as well as many blood pressure, diabetic, heart disease and even acne medications can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.

6. ENVIRONMENT
 
Our scalps are continuously exposed to air pollutants, chlorine, metals, minerals and water pollution. Pollutants from the environment such as pseudo-estrogens (estrogen mimics) and toxins from within our body, can combine to play a role in hair loss. 
The sun is also a major contributor to follicle damage. Through the photo toxic effects of sunlight, free radicals are formed when ordinary sunlight (or the light from florescent tubes or tanning beds) strikes and penetrates the skin. These harmful UV-A rays can unnaturally age the skin cells.

OTHER COMMON CAUSES OF ABNORMAL HAIR LOSS

Demodex Folliculorum
Demodex folliculorum, a microscopic mite, has also been associated with hair thinning or loss. It was originally discovered by Richard Owens in the 1840's and has long been known to inhabit the scalp, eyebrows and forehead area. However, NIOXIN Research Laboratories first discovered a link between the presence of thinning hair and Demodex in 1997. It has since been corroborated in a study done by Tulane University in 1999.
Demodex is not present on every person's scalp. This tiny, almost microscopic organism, produces a digestive enzyme called lipase. Lipase is needed in order for the Demodex to break down and feed on the sebum produced by the sebaceous gland. Scalp skin with excessive amounts of sebum appears to be the most likely to have Demodex colonies. This ecto-parasite has a hard outer shell, which the oily sebum sticks to tenaciously. Demodex robs the developing hair of essential nutrients by feeding on the sebum. It is believed that Demodex is born, lives, reproduces and dies within 15 days in the hair follicle. Demodex Folliculorum is an alien to the follicle and the lipase it produces is believed to adversely affect the quality, condition and appearance of your hair. The presence of Demodex has also been associated with inflammation, which is believed to also shorten hair's life cycle.

Studies at Tulane University have confirmed a link between Demodex and thinning hair. Although Demodex is not present on every scalp, the study found that Demodex was present on 88% of men and women studied with thinning hair. Demodex was not found on 91% of men and women studied with normal hair density.

Artificial Hormone Level Changes
Hair loss has also been found with fluctuations in hormone levels associated with pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause and home treatments (over the counter drugs and occasionally herbal supplements).

Poor Circulation
Poor blood circulation depriving hair of proper nutrition and toxin removal.

Rough Scalp Treatment
Mechanical aggression such as rigorous hair brushing and styling or rough scalp massage. Pulling, twisting and binding hair too tight (including improperly done hair extensions) often cause temporary or even permanent hair loss. Improper scalp hygiene, build-up of conventional hair care and styling products containing resins and polymers on the scalp.

Excessive Body Hair (Hirsutism) Or Sudden Appearance Of Facial Or Body Hair On Women
An imbalance in hormones is often the cause of the excessive facial or body hair on women. It's a warning sign because the same hormonal imbalance can cause premature baldness.

THE TYPES OF HAIR LOSS...

MALE PATTERN BALDNESS

Male Pattern Baldness is the most common type of hair loss. It typically appears as a receding front hairline or thinning on the top of the head (the crown). It also appears as a loss of hair in a horseshoe pattern (called Hamilton Pattern Baldness). Male pattern baldness can begin in the teen years. It's generally caused by a combination of factors: A genetic pre-disposition to excessive DHT and hormone production, Demodex Folliculorum, and age related changes in the body.

ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA

In men, Androgenetic Alopecia can run the gambit from spot hair loss to total baldness. In women, diffused thinning appears over the top or sides of the scalp. Basically, androgenetic alopecia is caused by inherited hormonal fluctuations that result in DHT toxicity. Most male and female pattern baldness is associated with androgenetic alopecia.

ANDROGENIC ALOPECIA

Male and female pattern baldness associated with pseudo-estrogens and inherited hormonal imbalances in the body The appearance of androgenetic and androgenic alopecia are the same, but the cause is different. Androgenic alopecia is not inherited and can run the gambit from spot hair loss to total baldness.

MITOGENIC ALOPECIA

Male and female pattern baldness associated with a mite named Demodex Folliculorum. This type of hair loss is usually associated with excessive sebum production and inflammation. Mitogenic alopecia can appear as pattern or diffused thinning, or simply a receding hairline.

ALOPECIA AREATA

Alopecia Areata generally appears on the scalp, but may occur or spread to facial and body hair as well. It is generally believed to be an autoimmune disorder, even though no one is exactly sure. What is known is that once you have it, you always have it. A change in your nails like ridging, roughening, or a loss of sheen may be signs of a predisposition to alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata usually appears as a few small circular patches that are totally void of hair. The condition may be temporary and may actually correct itself within a few months. Alopecia areata is generally a limited and localized hair loss problem caused by the hair follicle going dormant. However, it can in extreme cases progress to total scalp hair loss (Alopecia Totalis) or total scalp and body hair loss (Alopecia Universalis).

ALOPECIA TOTALIS

An advanced form of Alopecia Areata, it refers to the total loss of scalp hair.

ALOPECIA UNIVERSALIS

An advanced form of alopecia areata, it refers to hair loss over the entire scalp and body.

SCARRING ALOPECIA

An uncommon form of alopecia caused when the hair follicle becomes inflamed due to infection. It usually appears as rough circular patches on the scalp. It has been linked to and is believed to be caused by a variety of skin disorders.

DISCOID LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

A connective tissue disease that creates small lesions surrounded with or without scaling. If not treated, skin becomes smooth and hair will not renew.

LICHEN PLANUS

A rare skin disease that attacks the skin and mucous membranes. It usually appears as itchy patches on the wrists and forearms, legs and ankles, or lower back. It can, however, appear on the scalp as reddish raised bumps.

PSEUDOPELADE

A very rare skin disease that generally affects older people that results in permanent hair loss. It shows itself as small bald patches that appear smooth, soft and slightly depressed.

ALPLASIA CUTIS CONGENITA

A rare skin disorder that appears at birth as a small blistered area on the scalp. It usually heals itself over time.

CONGENITAL ATRICHIA

Quite common and present at birth, congenital atrichia usually appears as small spots where the follicle does not grow hair.

TRACTION / TRAUMATIC ALOPECIA

Generalized hair loss brought on by aggressive brushing, styling or hair weaving. It is also caused by prolonged stress or tension (pulling) created by overly tight weaving, extensions and corn rowing styling techniques placed on weak hair. It can result in permanent hair loss. Extreme heat styling and strong chemical services like beaching, coloring and permanent waving can also cause temporary rapid hair loss.

TRICHOTILLOMANIA

The unnatural and irresistible urge to pull out one's own hair caused by certain psychological disorders. Its estimated that 8 million Americans are affected by this compulsive action. These disorders can actually cause people to impulsively pull out their hair in large clumps. There are prescribable drugs that have been effective in treating this condition. However, hair re-growth is not always successful.

TINEA CAPITIS

A patchy hair loss caused by Trichophyton Tonsurans, a fungal infection of the scalp. This common scalp fungus causes hair to break off at the scalp. Flaking and scaling on the scalp is a symptom of tinea capitis. If treated early, hair loss can be minimized.

TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM

A generalized hair loss that occurs after physical trauma, emotional stress, or thyroid abnormalities usually within 2 or 3 months of incident. High levels of stress, surgery, infections, high fevers and sudden hormonal level changes (like from childbirth) can trigger this form of hair loss in both men and women.

ANAGEN EFFLUVIUM

Hair loss caused by the radiation and chemotherapies used to treat cancer. Radiation and chemicals used in cancer treatments work to kill the cancer and often cause hair to stop growing as well: They are designed to kill cells that reproduce very rapidly like those produced in the hair papilla. Hair cells, like cancer cells, are readily effected by the toxic effects of select chemotherapy and radiation. Hair usually starts to fall out in clumps at a rapid rate within 3 weeks of the first treatment. Hair can literally fall out overnight. Hair growth generally becomes normal shortly after treatments are stopped.

CHEMOTHERAPIES THAT CAN CAUSE HAIR LOSS

• Amsacrine

• Cisplatinum

• Cytosine Arabinoside

• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

• Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

• Epirubicin, Etoposide (Taxol)

• Ifosfamide

• Vincristine (Oncovin) 

CHEMOTHERAPIES THAT MAY NOT CAUSE HAIR LOSS

• Actnomycin

• Bleomycins

• Carboplatin

• Methotrexate

• Mitomycine C

• Vinblastine

HAIR LOSS PREVENTION...

It is always a good idea if you're experiencing excessive hair loss, scalp inflammation or developing bald spots to consult with a medical professional.

While your hair stylist maybe one of the first people to notice a problem and can be your first line of defense, a physical illness, medication, diet, or predisposition could be an issue.

You should seek treatment, and be treated as early as possible, as the cause of your hair thinning or balding problem may be a symptom of greater underlying issues.

Stress and trauma, high consumption of animal fats, rapid weight loss can all cause deficiencies in biotin, iron, protein and zinc (essential to healthy hair). An over consumption of vitamin A and thyroid problems will also cause hair thinning and loss. As in all medical or internal disorders, the earlier you recognize and address the symptoms and deficiencies at work the better your chances are for protecting your health and stopping hair loss.

When loss can't be avoided, today's hair extensions and new cutting and styling techniques can help you have thicker looking locks. Manufacturers of many hair care and styling products are specifically designing products to cosmetically' give your hair a more voluminous appearance. These products should be carefully scrutinised, as they often simply coat the hair and build-up on the scalp. This can cause the follicle to become blocked thus enhancing the overall problems associated with hair follicle debris.



It is NIOXIN's belief that the most effective technique is one of prevention.

We have preventive dentistry, prenatal care and physical exams to detect and solve issues, before they become problems. The old adage an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, holds a lot of truth to it. This is very important to remember when dealing with hair thinning or loss.

Identifying problems early helps maintains hair density. Daily scalp hygiene should be an important part of your hair's preventive maintenance. It does matter what shampoo you use! Conventional products are formulated to clean the fabric or fibre of hair. What is needed is to cleanse the hair shaft, the environment on the scalp skin and the follicle tissue itself.

Then it's important to moisture and energise the cellular activity of the living hair & scalp skin and nourish the hair follicle and surrounding tissue. That takes unconventional ingredients and unconventional products. You need to select cleansers, conditioners, treatments, supplements and styling products that contain bionutrients like vitamins, proteins and amino acids. These provide the nourishment living hair and skin need to be healthy.

NIOXIN believe you should avoid products with sticky animal proteins, polymers, plastic resins, alcohol, or that claim to volumise the hair. They may help you achieve the look you seek, but they can also build up on the scalp and block the hair follicle.

"Take care of your living hair, scalp & inner-self... it will serve you long & true".