How Emu Oil Helps with Hair Growth - Separating Fact from Fiction
Australian aborigines used emu oil for centuries to heal wounds. Emu oil does have scientifically backed research documenting the anti-inflammatory properties of the oil. Because of this alone, you can help with dry, itchy scalp from using emu oil. But does it help hair growth no matter the cause? This article will help you separate fact from fiction and learn all about the benefits of emu oil, particularly emu oil for hair growth.
Causes of Hair Loss
If you notice your hair falling out, or thinning for no reason, it can be embarrassing and worrysome. This is specially so with women, who often resort to wigs thinking there is no way to reverse the thinning hair. But finding the cause can be a great help in finding the right remedy or treatment to bring about normal hair growth. The causes of hair loss include:
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Mental or physical stress, such as divorce, death of a loved one, car accident, or sudden onset of illness can contribute to hair loss or thinning of your hair. However, these types of situations can be a temporary situation, with hair growing again once you've recovered from what ever the cause of your stress.
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Childbirth, high fever, medicines for arthritis, depression, gout, heart problems or high blood pressure, are also associated with hair loss.
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Ringworm of the scalp, fungal infections can also result in thinning hair.
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Too much of certain vitamins or not enough of others can lead to hair thinning or loss. One such supplement is vitamin A, which according to American Academy of Dermatology is needed for healthy skin. Too much of it can be unhealthy, including for your hair. The amount needed is 5000 IU (International Units) for adults per day. Dermatologists recommend anti-oxidant vitamins of A, C, B vitamins along with Biotin for healthy hair growth. Too much other than recommended daily, can lead to unhealthy hair growth. Not enough iron that causes anemia, can also lead to hair loss.
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Heredity is another factor that may be why you have hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia is the term applied to female hair loss that is found also in other family members at a certain age.
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Diet that is too low in protein will affect normal hair growth.
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Hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy can bring about temporary hair loss. Menopause, or birth control pills can also bring about hair loss, specially if you have a heredity predispositon to family thinning hair.
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Men experience hair loss mostly after the age of 60. Genes and male sex hormones contribute to this pattern of hair loss, as well.
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Certain medical conditions can contribute to hair loss. Hypothyroidism represents an underactive thyroid gland. Your thyroid gland produces hormones that are important for growth and development. As a result of not producing enough of this hormone from your thyroid gland, hair loss can result. Other conditions that can contribute to hair loss include Lupus, autoimmune disorders, yo-yo dieting, and treatment for cancer with chemotherapy or radiation. Medications such as antidepressasnts and blood thinners can also lead to hair thinning.
Emu Oil and Hair Growth
There are no magic natural treatments for hair growth or to reverse thinning hair. It's important to find the cause, and then determine if your situation of hair thinning or loss is a temporary one, of if you need medical advise and treatment with medications such as mioxidil (Rogaine) or finasteride (Propecia). In severe cases, hair transplantation may be a permanent treatment option. However, emu oil has shown some promise towards a natural way of reviving hair follicles towards health and growth, particularly due to the anti-inflammatory properties it has.
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Boston University School of Medicine led by Professor Michael Hollick, M.D., Ph.D., found treating scalp with emu oil resulted in 20% increase in hair growth activity, compared to skin treated with corn oil.
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Emu oil is rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) specially oleic acid, which penetrates deep into the skin, and suspected of promoting healthy hair follicles.
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Studies reported from England, indicated that there was an average of 8% per month and 48% over six months of hair regrowth with emu oil. The participants were told to apply emu oil on their scalp and to leave it on for at 30 minutes before rinsing. Hair growth became evident after following these instructions for 30 - 90 days.
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There is no doubt that further research is needed to determine how effective emu oil is for hair growth. Researchers at UMass Lowell have been undertaking studies to determine whether the claims tied to emu oil are fact or fiction. According to Professor Robert Nicolosi, who is heading the research project at UMasws Lowell, "I really think there's something there. But we don't know where it is, or what it is."
Hair Care to Prevent Hair Loss
Overstyling your hair that requires pulling your hair too tight, such as tight braids, hair weaves or corn rows can damage your hair. Frequent use of chemical relaxers to straighten your hair, perms, hot-oil treatments and using products with harsh irritating ingredients can also contribute to hair damage. Daily use of hot blow driers or curling irons can lead to problem hair.
Focus on daily gentle routine of taking care of your hair, eating properly and using emu oil as needed to help prevent hair damage, and hair loss through keeping your scalp from over drying.
