Performing a standardized 60-second hair count appears to be a reliable method for the assessment of hair shedding, according to a new report.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that hair follicles in adult mice regenerate by re-awakening genes once active only in developing embryos. These findings provide unequivocal evidence for the first time that, like other animals such as newts and salamanders, mammals have the power to regenerate. A better understanding of this process could lead to novel treatments for hair loss, other skin and hair disorders, and wounds.

Using an animal model, a research team led by Yann Barrandon at the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne) and the CHUV (Lausanne University Hospital) has discovered that certain cells inside the hair follicle are true multipotent stem cells, capable of developing into the many different cell types needed for hair growth and follicle replacement. In an article appearing in the Oct 3 advance online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, they demonstrate that these holoclones can be used for long-term follicle renewal.

Hair follicle stem cells are important contributors to the wound-healing process, according to new research by investigators at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Using an animal model, the researchers discovered that stem cells in the hair follicle are enlisted to help heal wounds in the skin. This finding, published online in Nature Medicine last week, may suggest a therapeutic target for the development of drugs to encourage and promote wound healing.

The most common cause of hair loss is low thyroid function, which is common among menopausal women. Other causes include, but are not limited to: changes in hormone levels (decrease or increase), increased testosterone, increased stress (physical or emotional), various medications, scalp/dermatological issues and heredity. Any time sudden hair loss is experienced, one must consider events which took place up to three months prior to the hair loss, as factors affecting hair loss can often take up to three months to have an effect, i.e., were you diagnosed with something new in the past few months? Did you start taking medication during the past few months? Did you go through a traumatic experience (death of a loved one/friend, divorce and any other event that can be categorized as 'traumatic'). Subsequently, any treatments for hair loss should be given at least three months to have noticeable effects.

The big question: Is there any connection between what you put in your mouth and keeping a full head of hair? For men, the answer is a resounding no. (Sorry, guys. Except in cases of extreme malnutrition, no amount of vitamins or minerals will regrow hair.) But for some women who have experienced hair loss related to physical trauma, crash dieting or heavy menstrual flow, the answer is yes.

Hair loss can range from mild hair thinning to total baldness. Hair can fall out for many different reasons. Medically, hair loss falls into several categories, including: Telogen effluvium — This common form of hair loss happens two to three months after a major body stress, such as a prolonged illness, major surgery or serious infection. It also can happen after a sudden change in hormone levels, especially in women after childbirth. Moderate amounts of hair fall out from all parts of the scalp, and may be noticed on a pillow, in the tub or on a hairbrush. While hair on some parts of the scalp may appear thinner, it is rare to see large bald spots.

When you research female hair loss, you should determine what is real and what are the myths when talking with your girlfriends. That is if you are even discussing these things with your girlfriends. I’ve heard women say things like: I know your salon could really help my friend who is going bald but it’s not something I’m comfortable talking with her about. Hopefully this friend will find out about Fantasia some how, some way.

Each year, millions of men and women suffer from unexplained hair loss. Oftentimes, this visible problem may be a sign of an internal medical problem that is even more serious than the hair loss itself. Fortunately, a dermatologist can help many get to the root of the problem. Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology's 2003 Annual Meeting in San Francisco, dermatologist Amy J. McMichael, MD, associate professor, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, discussed some of the serious internal diseases as well as drug side effects that are linked to hair disorders.

Alopecia refers to hair loss in areas of skin that normally have hair. There are two forms of alopecia: * Scarring—This is the loss of hair follicles, causing permanent hair loss. Cutaneous lupus erythematous and fungal kerions are the most prevalent forms of scarring alopecia. * Nonscarring—In this case, the hair shaft is gone, but the follicles are still present. Because the hair follicles still exist, it often is reversible. It can, however, develop into the scarring type. Alopecia areata is a type of non-scarring alopecia. It is an autoimmune process and the cause is not known. Hair loss lasts approximately six months

Since the beginning of time, long, luxurious hair has been associated with female beauty. This stereotype puts great pressure on women to achieve this trait. Hair loss, although prevalent in men, is not rare in women. Most often hair loss in women has been concealed with wigs or weaves. Ironically, traction alopecia is a form of baldness which is caused by the physical stress and tension be the continued use of wigs, hair weaves or use of corn rows.

Hair loss can be due to: male pattern baldness, the most common type of hair loss, which is usually inherited from one of the parents inflammation of the scalp, which can cause patchy hair loss and is often treatable medications, such as chemotherapy radiation therapy of the head, usually to treat cancer infections, such as a fungal infection of the scalp or a sexually transmitted infection called syphilis trauma to the hair or scalp, which may include certain hairstyles that constantly pull on the hair, such as tight braids.

Many conditions, diseases, and improper hair care result in excessive hair loss. People who notice their hair shedding in large amounts after combing or brushing, or whose hair becomes thinner or fall out, should consult a dermatologist. With a correct diagnosis, many people with hair loss can be helped. The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. Pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), the most common type of alopecia, affects roughly one-third of men and women. It's typically permanent. Another type of alopecia, alopecia areata, can be temporary. It can involve hair loss on your scalp or other parts of your body.

A recent study suggests that hair loss may occur in a few persons who have received vaccinations. This side effect, if confirmed by other studies, would be considered very rare. Other studies to further investigate these findings are underway. From 1983 to 1995, 60 reports of hair loss were identified and evaluated among persons who had received vaccines. These few cases of hair loss were out of the hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine that have been given to the general population. This study alone cannot prove that vaccines cause hair loss. There may be other health conditions responsible for the hair loss that could not be identified. The study of these cases was conducted using information gathered from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. VAERS reports can be submitted by anyone who has received a vaccine and has concerns about health problems that occur afterwards.