For most people hair loss is a traumatizing experience. Hair thinning and loss not only affects your appearance, but self-esteem and emotions when the situation is recognized. Many people think hair loss only affects men, but approximately 50% of women experience it as well.
Men typically experience male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) which is characterized by a receding hairline and thinning at the crown of the head. Men can start losing hair as early as in their late teens, but more commonly in their twenties and thirties.
Women, on the other hand, usually experience general diffuse thinning across the scalp which affects the volume of the hair. The initial affect may be a noticeable widening of the part line or a feeling the hair is not as thick as it used to be. While areas of the scalp may be visible, the hairline does not usually recede. Female-pattern hair loss tends to start at the part line. Women usually start to notice hair loss in their 30’s or 40’s which often accelerates after menopause.
Hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons. Genetics is a major contributing factor for both men and women. If hair loss runs in the family, the likelihood of experiencing it increases. Women may not experience balding to the same extent as men, but significant thinning can still be pronounced.
For men, genetics and hormones, particularly testosterone and it’s derivative DHT are the most common reasons for hair loss.
For women the situation is a little different. While hair loss is also influenced by genetics, other factors can play a major role. Hair loss can be influenced by hormonal changes throughout life such as during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause. Estrogen levels can significantly affect hair growth. For example. a drop in estrogen during menopause often leads to significant hair thinning. In addition, some specific female medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and some autoimmune disorders can cause sudden, patchy hair loss. These can affect hair on the scalp and other areas of the body. Vitamin deficiencies such as low iron, low vitamin D, and insufficient protein are also factors. Physical and emotional stress can trigger some temporary hair loss. A poor diet, and certain medications including those for cancer, arthritis, depression, and blood pressure may exhibit hair loss as a side effect. Hair loss can result due to inflammation that damages the follicle leading to permanent hair loss. Fungal infections, and scalp psoriasis are also possible causes. Lastly, even mechanical forces that pull the hair tightly such as brushing, combing and hair styles that stress hair (e.g., coloring and perms) can be factors. These are widely discussed online and preventative steps are available for consideration.
The hair growth cycle is well documented and consists of three phases, the growing phase (anagen), the transition phase (catagen), and the resting phase (telegen). The growing phase is the longest and can last many years depending on the type and location of hair on the body. About 80% to 90% of the hair on your head is in this phase at any given moment in time. Hair follicles are actively producing new hair during this cycle. However, as people age the hair growth cycle naturally slows down. The anagen phase tends to become shorter leading to slower hair growth and potentially thinning hair. The transition phase is short, lasting only a couple of weeks. During this phase hair stops growing and the hair follicles begin to shrink. The telegen resting phase takes a few months. During this phase hair is shed and thinning becomes more noticeable. Factors like stress, hormonal changes, or other triggers can cause more hair to enter this phase, leading to increased shedding. At the end of this phase the hair falls out. Hair loss occurs when new hair does not replace the hair that falls out. Age related hair thinning manifests itself as the resting phase lasts longer and the hair growth cycle continues to slow.
High levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in hair follicles can lead to shorter and slower hair growth cycles and are associated with hair loss in both sexes. Since DHT is derived from testosterone, men are usually more affected and the impact can be more significant. Women also make DHT but typically in much smaller amounts. Too much DHT will make the follicles shrink, making hair brittle and easy to break. Over time, continued exposure to DHT can cause the follicles to become so miniaturized that they stop producing hair altogether. Eventually, this can lead to permanent hair loss.
There are several ways to treat hair loss associated with high levels of DHT. Inhibitors reduce the body’s production of DHT allowing for normal growth cycles and less restriction of the follicle. Blockers are a second approach preventing DHT from binding to the receptors at the follicle and preventing follicle shrinkage. Targeting DHT production is an effective approach to hair loss. But hair loss also occurs for many other reasons as well. So providing nutritive ingredients and vasodilators complete the package.
Desert Botanicals uses this multifaceted approach to treat hair loss in both men and women. The key ingredient in our serum is Trichogen VEG LS 9733 manufactured by BASF. This ingredient is a mixture of selected components used in Traditional Chinese Medicine in combination with amino acids and vitamins. Trichogen incorporates multiple ingredients that block or inhibit DHT production. Amino acids and vitamins are also incorporated to stimulate growth, increase metabolism, improve cellular oxygenation at the scalp, and increase skin and scalp blood circulation. In addition to Trichogen, our Hair Restoration Serum supplements the formulation with added arginine amino acid (a potent natural vasodilator like minoxidil), biotin, beta glucan, and aloe vera.
Not only does Desert Botanicals Hair Restoration Serum reduces hair loss and stimulates the regrowth of hair with Trichogen, but it also improves the overall condition of the scalp, keeping the scalp moisturized and decreasing dandruff and itching sensations.
BASF has conducted and published several efficacy and clinical tests demonstrating the effectiveness of Trichogen on hair regrowth and improving the appearance and sensorial properties of hair as well as overall improvement in scalp health.
Desert Botanicals Hair Restoration Serum is made from:
Panax Ginseng Root Extract is a Chinese medicinal herb with powerful DHT blocking properties and that accelerates the hair regrowth cycle. Ginseng is considered one of the ten best natural herbs for hair growth and contains B vitamins and peptides which stimulate new hair growth.
Niacinamide is a vitamin that promotes healthy blood flow and blocks the negative effects of DHT. It is an active ingredient in many anti-hair loss preparations by preventing oxidative stress senescence and premature catagen entry of hair follicles. It works well in combination with other nutrients such as biotin making them both more effective when combined.
Acetyl Tyrosine is an important inhibitor against DHT and is extremely successful in stimulating regrowth in areas of Alopecia.
Arginine an essential amino acid that acts as a bio-precursor of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) which is a potent vasodilator (like Minoxidil). Vasodilators widen blood vessels and allow blood to circulate more easily. Additional blood flow helps to shorten the resting phase and stimulate hair growth. Arginine also strengthens hair, resulting in less breakage with wet combing.
Citrulline is a second bio-precursor to nitric oxide production that stimulates and enhances hair growth and regrowth.
Arctium Jajus Root Extract an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative stress associated with aging. When applied directly to the scalp, it can prevent hair loss and act against dandruff. This extract is a topical remedy for many skin related problems such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
Biotin (Vitamin B7) and is conducive to improved hair density and growth. It improves hair density by normalizing the ratio of anagen and telogen hair growth phases.
Beta glucans are soluble fibers that help in the absorption of key nutrients while reducing inflammation. These materials act on the cuticle forming a natural moisture holding protective coating avoiding hair dryness. They improve hair elasticity restoring properties and hair strengthening performance. They are also an anti-inflammatory agent reducing irritation and itching.
Soy Protein is a water-soluble protein that binds to hair strengthening and helps to mend partially broken fibers. It increases the ability to hold moisture and adds shine and smoothness.
Desert Botanicals Hair Restoration Serum can be applied to wet or dry hair using the provided dropper. Usually about 1 milliliter (about 0.03 oz) is applied once or twice daily. It should be applied directly to the scalp and not washed off after application. Hair regrowth serums can be used with other hair growth products like minoxidil. The benefits are complementary. However, as some people experience reactions to minoxidil, db Hair Restoration Serum provides a natural, effective alternative. All legitimate hair regrowth serums require to be used for a period of months with sustained usage as benefits take effect over the stages of the hair cycle. Stopping usage will cause the benefits of the product to gradually cease effect as the rate of hair regrowth declines to its pre-usage state.
