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Essential oils may disrupt normal hormonal activity

New research suggests that the chemicals contained in essential oils such as lavender oil and tea tree oil may disrupt the normal functioning of hormones, leading to a condition called male gynecomastia in prepubescent boys.The seemingly harmless lavender essential oil may pose health risks to young...

Does biotin for hair growth work?

Biotin, or B7, is an essential B vitamin that helps the body get energy and nutrients from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Gastrointestinal bacteria usually produce enough biotin to meet bodily needs. Many foods also contain small amounts of biotin, including whole wheat, egg yolks, nuts, and le...

Hair loss: how does it affect women?

On seeing a bald man walk past, most of us wouldn’t take a second glance. But would this be the case if a bald woman walked past? It is doubtful. Hair loss – although distressing – is generally more accepted in men, despite women accounting for 40% of all hair loss sufferers in the US. In this Spotl...

Can a vitamin D deficiency cause hair loss?

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a role in many of the body’s functions. A vitamin D deficiency may cause numerous problems, including hair loss. In this article, we look at how vitamin D and hair growth are connected, if a deficiency causes hair loss, and if it is reversible.Does vita...

What to know about hair loss and Accutane

Accutane was a brand name of the drug isotretinoin, which healthcare providers used to prescribe for treating severe acne. This drug can cause a number of side effects, and some people have concerns that taking isotretinoin can lead to hair loss. Although Accutane is no longer available under that ...

What to know about hair growth

On average, hair tends to grow between 0.5 and 1.7 centimeters per month. This is equivalent to around 0.2 to 0.7 inches. This estimate comes from The Trichological Society. However, lots of different factors affect the speed of hair growth. Males, for example, may find that their hair grows faste...

Are sulfates in shampoo dangerous?

Sulfates are a class of chemicals that manufacturers use as cleansing or foaming agents. Many household products, such as foaming cleansers, toothpaste, and shampoos, contain sulfates. Sulfates provide the foamy texture that occurs when a person mixes a product, such as a shampoo, with water. Some...