1. May I use anti-hair loss products during pregnancy and while breast-feeding?
No research studies in pregnant women and nursing mothers using Fitoval products have been carried out. According to the data from available studies neither the substances in capsules nor cystine are harmful. We recommend that pregnant women and nursing mothers consult their doctor before using Fitoval capsules or Fitoval anti-hair loss lotion.
2. Why do men suffer from a specific form of hair loss, the temporal-frontal loss?
Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern hair loss is one of the most common forms of hair loss. In men it usually occurs at the front hairline and in women as central thinning on the crown of the head. In most people this pattern reflects the characteristic distribution of androgen-sensitive hair follicles (male sex hormones). In people who are prone to androgenetic alopecia, androgens may, starting at puberty, begin to shorten the growth (anagen) phase and to reduce the number of follicles, which leads to hair thinning. The male hormone testosterone plays an important role. In the hair follicle cell, testosterone converts by means of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme into its biologically more active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone binds to androgenic receptors in the hair follicle and triggers cellular processes which shorten the hair cycle growth phase.
3. It is often said that hair loss is hereditary. Who is it inherited from?
Hereditary hair loss can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side of the family. Since several other genetic factors can play a role, it may skip a generation and reappear later.
4. My hair is thinning. Is there a way to prevent my hair loss?
There are temporary and permanent types of hair loss. Temporary hair loss may, for example, be induced by prolonged stress, insufficient nutrition, hormone changes related to pregnancy, and deficiencies in the function of the immune system. Permanent hair loss usually results from a gradual reduction in the number of active hair follicles, from permanent weakening of activity of hair follicles, or from different skin diseases.
In temporary hair loss the condition can be restored to normal by finding and eliminating the cause. Hair growth may be enhanced and promoted by adequate care, while medical treatment is necessary only in rare cases. In most cases of permanent hair loss it may be difficult or even impossible to stop the process. Medical treatment as well as adequate and proper care is required.
5. What causes dandruff?
Dandruff is age-related. It is rarely seen before puberty, but often coincides with the onset of puberty. Usually it first appears in the early twenties and recedes in the middle or mature age. Dandruff appears to be seasonal – it is worse in the winter months and milder in the summer. It is equally common among males and females and there are many factors that may impact dandruff, including climate, diet or use of different head coverings.
6. Why do some people suffer from dandruff and others never do?
The mechanism behind dandruff formation has not as yet been completely clarified. The Pityrosporum ovale fungus, which is commonly found in healthy scalp skin, is generally believed to be the potential cause of this problem. Dandruff appears when skin conditions and a person's general health status are favourable for its development. Different factors such as hormonal and digestive disturbances and stressful situations may bring about a change in the quantity and composition of sebum and, as a result, a change in the pH of the scalp skin. This creates suitable conditions for an overgrowth of the fungus. The fungi disintegrate sebum fats, whereby free fatty acids are formed, which irritate the scalp. This results in a quicker cell division and increased production of epithelial cells, manifested as excessive skin scaling and annoying flakes on the shoulders.
7. Besides dandruff I also have an itchy scalp. What can I do?
Dandruff is usually accompanied by itching, which results from slight inflammation induced by the fungus. It is recommended to use products which combine both, antifungal active substances and active substances which soothe the itchy scalp. Scratching of the scalp should be avoided, as it increases irritation of the scalp and triggers scalp flaking.
8. I suffer from severe dandruff. How often should I wash my hair, without additionally irritating my scalp?
When using anti-dandruff products, it is recommended that you follow the manufacturer's instructions, especially those concerning the frequency of hair washing, duration of anti-dandruff care or therapy and the contact time of shampoo on hair and scalp during washing.
9. What causes the greatest damage to the hair?
The most common type is mechanical damage induced by combing. Combing dry hair makes the hair cuticle thinner; however, combing wet hair causes even greater cuticle damage. A very common type of damage is due to environmental effects such as strong sun's rays, temperature differences and changes in air humidity.
10. My hair ends are badly split. Can hair care products improve this?
In severely split hair ends the most effective measure is to cut off the ends. The next best step is to use a suitable shampoo which regenerates the damaged hair surface, smoothes the surface and restores the hair's natural shine.
11. What sort of a brush or comb should I use to cause the least damage to my hair?
Combing always causes damage to hair, but unfortunately it is an indispensable part of hair care. The least damage is done by using a wide-toothed comb or a natural fibre brush.
12. What is keratin?
The hair fibre or shaft structure is composed primarily of the protein known as keratin. The hair's mechanical properties depend on the composition and organization of keratin fibres which are located in the cortex and give the hair its firmness and suppleness. Keratin is unique because it contains a large amount of cystine, an amino acid, which is rich in sulphur and which via disulfide bonds ensures a cross-linking of keratin chains, thus accounting for much of the strength and firmness of the hair.