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Preface- This Author is not a Qualified Trichologist, or Medical Practioner. The information given below is for general discussion purposes only and based on the authors personal extensive research only. Please see your Physician or local Trichologist for Professional advice.
The Body Builder and Hair Loss Connection
Firstly, before going any further, I strongly recommend anyone who is suffering thinning hair or sudden loss of hair to make an appointment with a Quailified Trichologist, who will carefully examine your hair and scalp through a microscope to thoroughly assess and diagnose your Hair Loss or Scalp Condition and explain the science behind the cause of your Hair Loss or Scalp Condition, then provide you with treatment options, thus allowing you to make an informed choice about treatment that suits your particular circumstances.
There are so many different causes and not all the same for each person!
In some cases treatment may require combination therapy and sometimes assistance from a Doctor, Naturopath or Endocrinologist may be required. In other cases treatment might not be necessary, just understanding of the Hair Loss or Scalp Condition and reassurance that things will return to normal.
Treatment by a Trichologist may involve topical applications to the hair and scalp, the use of nutritional therapy, laser light therapy or a combination of treatment modalities.
Common Causes of Hair Loss and Scalp Problems:
Possible Treatments of Hair Loss and Scalp Problems:
The most common type of hair loss is Female and Male Pattern Thinning and Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia).
There is no magic cure for Female and Male Pattern Hair Loss. Combination therapy focuses on the cause internally; topical application methods and treatments to reach the thinning hair bulb externally and correcting commonly associated hair cycle disruptions.
Women presenting with pattern hair loss or thinning may require medical assistance and the use of hormonal treatment to stabilize the hair loss where hormonal imbalance is present.
Hair Loss conditions such as genetic thinning can be stabilized, whilst other Hair Loss conditions can cause permanent hair loss due to follicle destruction, please understand this is rare.
Hair Loss is also a symptom of some other problem or variation in the metabolism of the body and for this reason should not be ignored. Your hair is a barometer of your health, DON’T IGNORE IT!
Hair loss causes great distress, and due to the demand for Hair Loss Solutions, there are many misunderstandings and misleading information about Hair Loss, Hair Loss causes and treatment for Hair Loss. Make sure you get professional advice and diagnosis from a certified Trichologist.
Now we approach the subject as to whether Body Builders suffer more hair loss than others. Regardless of which of the above causes you may relate to, all tend to affect the hair follicle, which can become damaged and fall out either temporarily or permanently. Although not always the culprits, it is fair to say that in most cases, the following two causes seem to be responsible for hair loss for most Body Builders.
DHT(Dihydrotestosterone) and Scalp/Hair Follicle Inflammation:
The process of body building increases testosterone levels in the body. Higher levels of testosterone are necessary to build muscle mass, which obviously is something that all body building enthusiasts strive for.
Why is DHT a problem?
Hair follicles naturally produce an enzyme called 5-Alpha Reductase. This enzyme reacts with testosterone and creates dihydrotestosterone, called DHT for short. DHT is toxic to hair follicles. DHT is what causes male pattern baldness in men and also, to a lesser extent, in women. In men, it may begin with a receding
hairline, horseshoe pattern hair loss, balding in the crown or general overall thinning. Women generally notice receding at the hairline or general thinning.
The level of testosterone in a body builder’s system is at its highest level immediately and up to 60 minutes after weight lifting.
Nutrition is another important factor or lack of nutrients, which we will discuss later.
Those Body Builders who take Anabolic Steroids are quite likely to lose hair if they are genetically susceptible (family history etc) but not all users will lose their hair and not all steroids cause hair loss. For example Winstrol is not known to do so but others such as Primolan & Anowar can. Many Body Builders say using Creatine has caused hair Loss and hair has returned once they stop using it, however it’s difficult to prove and again, supplements such as the above effect's everyone differently.
Due to the 3mth cycle of hair follicles naturally being replaced, often a temporary loss of hair due to any of the factors mentioned (eg stress), the hair will regrow again once cause has been rectified. Similar with improved nutrition.
The issue of chronic scalp/follicle inflammation needs to firstly be properly diagnosed then treated. Some of the reasons for scalp inflammation happening is using harsh chemical based Shampoo & Conditioners and Hair Styling products.
Artificial fragrances and colors have been proven to be the number one cause of skin allergy reactions and skin irritation. Used continuously, this becomes an ongoing chronic problem, eventually leading to hair follicle damage and falling out.
As we know, DHT is implemented as being possibly one cause for BPH ( enlargement of the Prostate), as its converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5AR.
Some medical supplements such as Proscar can help inhibit this conversion. As does the DHT blocker -Propecia.
Then there are highly effective natural herbal supplements such as Saw Palmetto, Epilobium & Pygeum. Rosemary, Horsetail and Stinging Nettle.
These herbs contain plant sterols such as beta-sisterol, that have all been shown to block the conversion of Testosterone to DHT. Ginseng, selenium and zinc are worth taking daily , not just for improving circulation, blood flow and hair growth but also for male virility, stamina and energy.
Copper peptides have been shown to also help reduce follicle inflammation when applied topically in a shampoo. Tricomin is one such product.
Proper Nutrition: A huge subject that needs a separate article, but suffice to say, a diet of fresh fruit and raw vegetables will supply the necessary nutrients via the blood stream to the scalp capillaries to feed and nourish the scalp. Scalp & hair Follicle inflammation needs to be addressed. Get rid of all chemical based hair products and start using natural brands that offer scalp cleansing, calming & soothing of scalp inflammation.
VitaMan offers a great range of natural pH balanced plant & herbal based Shampoo's and Conditioners for all hair types, and contain all the herbs mentioned above. They also have an excellent Scalp Treatment and Hair Food Tonic. These contain both Saw Palmetto and Quandong Seed Oil - which is a natural anti-inflammatory, so here you will find products that will gently cleanse both hair and scalp while reducing chronic scalp and follicle inflammation, whilst additionally helping to block DHT topically at the follicle site.
**broken link removed**
**broken link removed**
VitaMan also has a Volumising Shampoo which helps strengthen the hair follicle along with adding thickness and volume.
**broken link removed**
Lastly when towel drying wet hair make sure to press gently to the scalp to blot excess moisture. Never use friction or use a “shoe shine action” to the scalp because hair is like jelly when wet and is very soft – this action will cause unnecessary breakage.
Combining several options mentioned above may be required overall to see either a slowing of hair loss or regrowth itself, but again, it’s best to initially seek professional advice and guidance to find the existing causes.
The Body Builder and Hair Loss Connection
Firstly, before going any further, I strongly recommend anyone who is suffering thinning hair or sudden loss of hair to make an appointment with a Quailified Trichologist, who will carefully examine your hair and scalp through a microscope to thoroughly assess and diagnose your Hair Loss or Scalp Condition and explain the science behind the cause of your Hair Loss or Scalp Condition, then provide you with treatment options, thus allowing you to make an informed choice about treatment that suits your particular circumstances.
There are so many different causes and not all the same for each person!
In some cases treatment may require combination therapy and sometimes assistance from a Doctor, Naturopath or Endocrinologist may be required. In other cases treatment might not be necessary, just understanding of the Hair Loss or Scalp Condition and reassurance that things will return to normal.
Treatment by a Trichologist may involve topical applications to the hair and scalp, the use of nutritional therapy, laser light therapy or a combination of treatment modalities.
Common Causes of Hair Loss and Scalp Problems:
- Genetic
- Hormonal
- Nutritional
- Physiological
- Autoimmune
- Psychological
- Environmental
- The taking of certain medication or a combination of medication
- Over processing hair colour
- Any combination of the above
Possible Treatments of Hair Loss and Scalp Problems:
- The problem may be temporary and self-correcting
- The problem may require nutritional supplementation
- The problem may need hormonal intervention
- The problem may have multiple causes and require combination therapy
- The problem may require internal and external treatment to combat the cause
The most common type of hair loss is Female and Male Pattern Thinning and Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia).
There is no magic cure for Female and Male Pattern Hair Loss. Combination therapy focuses on the cause internally; topical application methods and treatments to reach the thinning hair bulb externally and correcting commonly associated hair cycle disruptions.
Women presenting with pattern hair loss or thinning may require medical assistance and the use of hormonal treatment to stabilize the hair loss where hormonal imbalance is present.
Hair Loss conditions such as genetic thinning can be stabilized, whilst other Hair Loss conditions can cause permanent hair loss due to follicle destruction, please understand this is rare.
Hair Loss is also a symptom of some other problem or variation in the metabolism of the body and for this reason should not be ignored. Your hair is a barometer of your health, DON’T IGNORE IT!
Hair loss causes great distress, and due to the demand for Hair Loss Solutions, there are many misunderstandings and misleading information about Hair Loss, Hair Loss causes and treatment for Hair Loss. Make sure you get professional advice and diagnosis from a certified Trichologist.
Now we approach the subject as to whether Body Builders suffer more hair loss than others. Regardless of which of the above causes you may relate to, all tend to affect the hair follicle, which can become damaged and fall out either temporarily or permanently. Although not always the culprits, it is fair to say that in most cases, the following two causes seem to be responsible for hair loss for most Body Builders.
DHT(Dihydrotestosterone) and Scalp/Hair Follicle Inflammation:
The process of body building increases testosterone levels in the body. Higher levels of testosterone are necessary to build muscle mass, which obviously is something that all body building enthusiasts strive for.
Why is DHT a problem?
Hair follicles naturally produce an enzyme called 5-Alpha Reductase. This enzyme reacts with testosterone and creates dihydrotestosterone, called DHT for short. DHT is toxic to hair follicles. DHT is what causes male pattern baldness in men and also, to a lesser extent, in women. In men, it may begin with a receding
hairline, horseshoe pattern hair loss, balding in the crown or general overall thinning. Women generally notice receding at the hairline or general thinning.
The level of testosterone in a body builder’s system is at its highest level immediately and up to 60 minutes after weight lifting.
Nutrition is another important factor or lack of nutrients, which we will discuss later.
Those Body Builders who take Anabolic Steroids are quite likely to lose hair if they are genetically susceptible (family history etc) but not all users will lose their hair and not all steroids cause hair loss. For example Winstrol is not known to do so but others such as Primolan & Anowar can. Many Body Builders say using Creatine has caused hair Loss and hair has returned once they stop using it, however it’s difficult to prove and again, supplements such as the above effect's everyone differently.
Due to the 3mth cycle of hair follicles naturally being replaced, often a temporary loss of hair due to any of the factors mentioned (eg stress), the hair will regrow again once cause has been rectified. Similar with improved nutrition.
The issue of chronic scalp/follicle inflammation needs to firstly be properly diagnosed then treated. Some of the reasons for scalp inflammation happening is using harsh chemical based Shampoo & Conditioners and Hair Styling products.
Artificial fragrances and colors have been proven to be the number one cause of skin allergy reactions and skin irritation. Used continuously, this becomes an ongoing chronic problem, eventually leading to hair follicle damage and falling out.
As we know, DHT is implemented as being possibly one cause for BPH ( enlargement of the Prostate), as its converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5AR.
Some medical supplements such as Proscar can help inhibit this conversion. As does the DHT blocker -Propecia.
Then there are highly effective natural herbal supplements such as Saw Palmetto, Epilobium & Pygeum. Rosemary, Horsetail and Stinging Nettle.
These herbs contain plant sterols such as beta-sisterol, that have all been shown to block the conversion of Testosterone to DHT. Ginseng, selenium and zinc are worth taking daily , not just for improving circulation, blood flow and hair growth but also for male virility, stamina and energy.
Copper peptides have been shown to also help reduce follicle inflammation when applied topically in a shampoo. Tricomin is one such product.
Proper Nutrition: A huge subject that needs a separate article, but suffice to say, a diet of fresh fruit and raw vegetables will supply the necessary nutrients via the blood stream to the scalp capillaries to feed and nourish the scalp. Scalp & hair Follicle inflammation needs to be addressed. Get rid of all chemical based hair products and start using natural brands that offer scalp cleansing, calming & soothing of scalp inflammation.
VitaMan offers a great range of natural pH balanced plant & herbal based Shampoo's and Conditioners for all hair types, and contain all the herbs mentioned above. They also have an excellent Scalp Treatment and Hair Food Tonic. These contain both Saw Palmetto and Quandong Seed Oil - which is a natural anti-inflammatory, so here you will find products that will gently cleanse both hair and scalp while reducing chronic scalp and follicle inflammation, whilst additionally helping to block DHT topically at the follicle site.
**broken link removed**
**broken link removed**
VitaMan also has a Volumising Shampoo which helps strengthen the hair follicle along with adding thickness and volume.
**broken link removed**
Lastly when towel drying wet hair make sure to press gently to the scalp to blot excess moisture. Never use friction or use a “shoe shine action” to the scalp because hair is like jelly when wet and is very soft – this action will cause unnecessary breakage.
Combining several options mentioned above may be required overall to see either a slowing of hair loss or regrowth itself, but again, it’s best to initially seek professional advice and guidance to find the existing causes.
