Monday 26 March 2012

HTC Inspire 4G Android ICS Android 4.0.3 Firmware update- How to update

HTC Inspire 4G Android ICS Android 4.0.3 Firmware update- How to update

It is time to some good new for HTC Inspire 4G phone owners because HTC Inspire 4G Android 2.2 Froyo Smartphone now ready to gets an all new update of ICS firmware. The Android 4.0 ICS is most demanded firmware which is want every Android phone users to our phone. We are putting in this review not only How to Update HTC Inspire 4G with ICS Android 4.0.3 Firmware but all that features of this firmware which is support your phone. Before the update process we want to informed this update is not yet officially available. Since it’s not a final update, there will be some bugs which will be addressed in the coming versions.

Instructions of How to Update HTC Inspire 4G with ICS Android 4.0.3 Firmware below.
SMS- use “SMS Backup and Restore Apps” than Contact –Sync with the Gmail Application, Call Log and restore, Copy , internal and External SD card Songs and video files. Now note down the the path “Applications > Settings > Wireless and Network > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names

* Enable the USB Debugging Mode in your phone from the path “Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging. Confirm that the USB Debugging option is ticked as shown in the below screen picture.
image
* Before the next process, cheek you phone battery backup, Minimum battery level present in your phone should be 60% so as to ensure that the device doesn’t get turned Off in the middle of firmware update and also confirm that all the Antivirus suites in your phone are completely removed because these tools may interrupt the process of rooting.
HTC Inspire 4G with ICS Android 4.0.3 Firmware support these features:
  • Camera
  • Sound
  • Phone works 2G/3G
  • Touch
  • SD Card
  • Wifi
  • Sensors
  • Headphones
  • Bluetooth
  • EGL
  • Market
  • Gallery
  • 3D Acceleration
  • Video Playback
  • GPS
  • Tethering
  • Facebook contact sync
  • more..
So assuming that you have followed all the instructions, you can now head to the next process where we guide on how to root your device with the help of a simple steps.

Procedure to update HTC Inspire 4G with ICS Android 4.0.3 Firmware:

1-Step: First Download the ICS Android 4.0.3 Firmware from here to your computer. When it downloads are complete you need to connect phone to the computer and copy the Firmware Apps to your Device/phone’s SD card and after copy remove the connected USB cable.
2-Step: Enable the USB Debugging from the path “Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging” after which turn off your phone so as to enter the phone in the recovery mode.
3-Step: Now Disconnect the connected phone and switch off the phone then reboot to recovery mode. The Boot loader mode in HTC Inspire 4G can be entered by pressing Volume UP Key + OK button, and holding both simultaneously press the Power Button. Please note that just in case if the device boots up in the normal mode, you need to again try entering into the boot loader mode.
Step 4 : Now you can select the option “Recovery” to the enter the device in the recovery mode. In recovery mode . select install zip from SD card then choose zip from SD card, locate and select the file Android 4.0.3 ICS firmware package. Wait as the firmware is updated successfully, Once done, repeat this particular process (Step 4 only) but this time, select the file for the Google Apps Package.
Step 5: The phone will either restart automatically or will land up in the recovery mode screen. To reboot your phone, select the option for ‘++++ Go Back ++++’ then choose ‘reboot system now’. For rebooting the device in the ICS Android 4.0.3 firmware.
To check whether the firmware has been successfully updated or not, you can check the same from the path Settings > About Phone > Firmware Version where you will see that the firmware version as 4.0.3.

Hair Loss Drugs

There are many so called "remedies" for hair loss but only a few that are effective at slowing or stopping hair loss.
Hair loss drugs should always be taken under the care of a physician and directions should be followed closely for maximum benefit. The following medications are proven effective, backed by clinical data. Patients who are going to be receiving a hair transplant may want to strongly consider using hair loss drugs so that they can keep the hair they have and mitigate the necessity for further hair transplant surgeries.

Minoxidil

The hair loss medication Minoxidil was approved in 1988 for the treatment of pattern hair loss. Early studies showed significantly improved hair counts in both men and women using a 2% minoxidil solution.
In 1997, the FDA approved a 5% solution which was shown to provide even greater hair growth stimulation for men (studies show 45% greater hair growth).
In women, a 2% topical solution is most often used to minimize side-effects (women seem more susceptible to Minoxidil's side-effects than men).
Minoxidil is often the choice of treatment for female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and alopecia areata in women because Finasteride is not recommended due to the potential for birth defects. Minoxidil's effectiveness depends on the extent of hair loss and cannot restore full hair in those cases where hair loss is severe. Milder cases often see a greater improvement with treatment than severe cases.
Minoxidil 2% solution is available over-the-counter. Minoxidil 5% solution is available over-the-counter in the USA but by prescription only in Canada.

Propecia & Proscar (Finasteride)

Finasteride is approved for use in men only. Women should not use Finasteride, or handle tablets, doing so could cause birth defects in a male fetus.
Finasteride is administered orally. Studies indicate that Finasteride is an effective hair loss medication, slowing hair loss in addition to stimulating hair growth. Finasteride is best used to slow hair loss as soon as it is noticed, though is also effective in slowing hair loss detected at later stages.
Finasteride is available by prescription only.
Both Minoxidil (for men and women) and Finasteride (for men only) are often suggested as an ancillary treatment to those receiving hair transplants.

Rogaine, the brand name for minoxidil, was the first FDA approved medication for the treatment of hair loss. Rogaine is a topical solution that is applied directly to the scalp. It can now be purchased without a prescription and in generic formulations in concentrations of 5% (for men) and 2% (for women).
Rogaine was developed from the oral blood pressure medication minoxidil (Loniten). Minoxidil taken orally has potential serious side effects on the heart and circulatory system and is used only when other blood pressure medications have been unsuccessful. It was observed that patients who were taking minoxidil began growing body hair and it was reasoned that applying minoxidil directly to a bald scalp might cause hair to grow in this area as well. Studies showed that this was indeed the case, although the growth was generally modest.
The original studies on Rogaine were performed on the crown, so there is a misconception that it only works in this area. Although minoxidil usually works best in the crown, it also works to a lesser degree in other areas, such as the front of the scalp, as long as there is some fine (miniaturized) hair in the area. It does not work when the area is totally bald. The greatest benefit from the medication is seen from 5 months to 2 years, with a gradual decrease in effectiveness after that. Those using minoxidil long-term will continue to lose hair, but at a somewhat slower rate.
Minoxidil increases the duration of the hair follicle growth cycle (called anagen). This improves the quality of the hair by increasing the diameter and length of fine (miniaturized) hair. It can also induce a new anagen cycle to begin. Minoxidil is a direct stimulator of follicular growth (via VEGF and prostaglandin synthetase1) and also stimulates the proliferation of dermal papilla cells2. Unlike finasteride, its effects are not related to androgens. The simultaneous use of minoxidil and finasteride, which directly inhibits the formation of DHT, may have some synergistic benefit in the treatment of hair loss, although finasteride is significantly more effective.

Using Minoxidil

Minoxidil should be applied to the scalp twice a day. The medication only works if it is in direct contact with the scalp (not the hair) and only works in areas where it is applied. Therefore, it is important to use the medication in the front part of the scalp if this is an area of thinning.
The 5% formulation is twice as effective as the 2% solution, but contains propylene glycol, a compound that can irritate the scalp and can make the hair feel sticky and difficult to manage. If this is a problem, one should consider using the 5% solution at bedtime and the 2% solution (which is alcohol based and less sticky) in the morning. When using minoxidil, it may take 6-12 months before any results are seen. The majority of patients who see an effect from minoxidil experience a delay, or decrease, in the rate of hair loss. The drug also serves to thicken already existing hair, but most patients who do have results, grow only short, thin fuzz. It will not grow any new hair on a bald scalp.
Rogaine Foam is a new form of 5% Minoxidil in a glycerin and alcohol base. The foam technology is a convenient way of delivering minoxidil to the scalp without the sticky and often irritating effects of propylene glycol, the delivery compound used in the original 5% solution. When released from the canister, the new product seems like a shaving foam, but it rapidly “melts” when it reaches skin temperature. Applying Rogaine as a foam allows convenient application to the scalp without dripping or running down the forehead or neck, and without leaving a sticky residue in the hair.
Once a day topical use of Rogaine (topical minoxidil 2% and 5%) seems to be almost as effective as using it twice a day. The reason is, that although minoxidil has a relatively short half-life of several hours when given orally, when topically applied, it has a half-life of 22 hours in the skin. This suggests that once a day dosing is a reasonable option. It is important to realize that Pfizer, the company that now makes Rogaine, specifically states that it will be less effective if used only once a day.
If minoxidil is discontinued, the effects of the drug wear off within three months and the previous pattern of hair loss resumes. When minoxidil is restarted, one generally does not regain the hair that was lost, so it is best not to stop and start the mediation, but to use it regularly.
Minoxidil has been prescribed (off-label) in conjunction with other medications, such as topical retinoic acid (Retin-A), to enhance its penetration into the skin and thus increase its effectiveness. This combination of medications, however, can greatly increase the absorption of minoxidil into the bloodstream and may increase the risk of potential side effects, including changes in blood pressure and severe scalp irritation that has led to scarring.

Use in Women

Only the 2% concentration of minoxidil is approved for use in women. Women are generally more sensitive to the side effects of minoxidil in decreasing blood pressure (hypotension) and may get light-headed from the medication. Women also have an increased risk of developing allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis).
An annoying local reaction that women sometimes get from topical minoxidil is the development of facial hair. Although the facial hair slowly resolves when the medication is discontinued, at times the hair may need to be removed. Carefully trying to avoid the medication dripping down onto the temples and forehead seems to reduce, but not totally prevent, this problem. There is a significantly greater incidence of these side effects if the 5% solution is used.

Men
Minoxidil solution comes in a generic formulation and can be purchased over the counter. The foam is available in brand only (Rogaine Foam).
Minoxidil only works where you apply it. Apply it to all areas that are thinning.
  • Minoxidil can work anywhere there is miniaturized hair (where the area is not totally bald)
  • Minoxidil will work in the front part of the scalp and temples if these areas are just starting to thin – so it is important to apply it to the front part of your scalp and hairline if you are thinning in these areas.
Minoxidil must be applied to the scalp to work – it doesn’t work on the hair per se.
  • Minoxidil 5% solution is the most effective if you have some hair, as the solution will be easier to apply to the scalp.
  • If the 5% solution is irritating to your scalp, try the 5% Foam which does not contain propylene glycol, the most common irritant.
  • If the 5% solution is too greasy and you find you are not using it, switch to the foam.
Although the Minoxidil works best when used twice a day, using it once a day will also be effective (and better than not using it at all).
  • Many patients find applying the medication once a day at bedtime to be the most convenient way to use it.
  • When using minoxidil once a day, use at least double the recommended dose, so that it will be applied to the entire area of thinning.
Minoxidil can be applied to damp scalp when you first get out of the shower and this can make grooming easier.
For minoxidil to be effective it must be used continually and regularly. Do not stop and start it. You may experience shedding during the first 3-6 months of treatment. This generally is an indication that the medication is working, so unless you are having side effects, do not stop the medication. If you do stop the medication, you will lose all of its benefits (although you will not be any worse off than if you had never used it).
Minoxidil works best when used with finasteride (Propecia). Of the two medications, finasteride is more effective.

Women

Minoxidil solution comes in a generic formulation and can be purchased over the counter. The foam is still available in brand only.
Minoxidil is generally prescribed as a 2% solution for women to be used twice a day. If twice a day is inconvenient, then use the 5% men’s formulation just once a day.
Minoxidil can cause increased facial hair. Although the 5% is more likely than the 2% to cause this, when the 5% is used one a day, the side effects seem to be about the same.
Minoxidil only works where you apply it. Apply it to all areas that are thinning.
  • Minoxidil can work anywhere there is miniaturized hair (where the area is not totally bald).
  • Minoxidil will work in the front part of the scalp and temples if these areas are just starting to thin.
Minoxidil must be applied to the scalp to work – it doesn’t work on the hair per se
  • Minoxidil solution is the most effective if you have some hair, as the solution will be easier to apply to the scalp.
  • If the solution is irritating to your scalp, try the Foam which does not contain propylene glycol, the most common irritant.
  • If the solution is too greasy and you find you are not using it, switch to the foam.
Although the Minoxidil works best when used twice a day, using it once a day will also be effective (and better than not using it at all).
  • Many patients find applying the medication once a day at bedtime to be the most convenient way to use it.
  • When using minoxidil once a day, use double the recommended dose, so that it will be applied to the entire area of thinning.
Minoxidil can be applied to damp scalp when you first get out of the shower and this can make grooming easier.
For minoxidil to be effective it must be used continually and regularly. Do not stop and start it. You may experience shedding during the first 3-6 months of treatment. This generally is an indication that the medication is working, so unless you are having side effects, do not stop the medication. If you do stop the medication, you will lose all of its benefits (although you will not be any worse off than if you had never used it).

Minoxidil - topical, Rogaine, Ronoxidil


Minoxidil - topical, Rogaine, Ronoxidil


GENERIC NAME: MINOXIDIL - TOPICAL (min-OX-id-ill)

BRAND NAME(S): Rogaine, Ronoxidil


USES:

 Minoxidil solution and foam are used to help hair growth in the treatment of male pattern baldness.
 It is not used for baldness at the front of the scalp or receding hairline in men. The 2 percent minoxidil
 solution is also used to help hair growth in women with thinning hair.Minoxidil belongs to a class
 of drugs known as vasodilators. It is not known how minoxidil causes hair growth. This medication
 is not used for sudden/patchy hair loss, unexplained hair loss (e.g., no family history of hair loss),
 or hair loss after giving birth.Do not use this product if you are 18 years old or younger.

HOW TO USE:

Read and follow all directions on the product package before using this product.
 If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Clean and dry the scalp area before applying the medication. You may apply this product to damp hair.
 To use the solution, fill the applicator with 1 milliliter of medication (to the 1 milliliter line),
 or use 20 drops. Part your hair in the area of thinning and apply the solution evenly to the affected
 area of the scalp. Gently rub in. Apply twice a day or as directed by your doctor. Allow the solution
 to dry completely before using other styling products (e.g., gels, mousse) or before going to bed.
To use the foam, rinse your hands in cold water and dry well. Apply about 1/2 capful of foam to the
 scalp and rub in gently. Allow the foam to dry completely before styling or going to bed.If scalp
 irritation is a problem, you may need to avoid using minoxidil on the same days that you have your
 hair colored or chemically treated (e.g., permed).Do not use on other parts of the body unless directed
 by your doctor. Do not use on skin that is red, painful, irritated, scraped, cut, or infected. Wash hands
 thoroughly after application. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes. If this occurs, rinse your
 eyes with large amounts of cool water.This medication comes in 2 strengths, 2 and 5 percent. The
 5 percent solution is for use by men only. The 2 percent
strength may be used by women and men. Do not use this medication more often, apply more of it
than as directed, or apply it to an irritated or sunburned scalp. Doing so can cause the drug to be
absorbed into your body and result in serious side effects. This product may contain alcohol and
can be irritating and drying to the scalp. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use this product
safely.It takes time for hair to regrow. Most people need to use this medication regularly for 4
months to see benefit. This medication must be used continuously to maintain hair growth.
 If your condition does not improve or worsens after using this medication for 4 to 6 months,
 or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, tell your doctor.


SIDE EFFECTS: Burning, stinging, or redness at the application site may occur. If any of these
 effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed
you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater
 than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Rarely, this medication can be absorbed through the skin and cause side effects. Stop using this
 medication and tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
unwanted facial/body hair, dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling
of hands/feet, unusual weight gain, tiredness, difficulty breathing especially when lying down.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention
 if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling
 (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete
 list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
 pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report
 side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
 side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using minoxidil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to
 it; or to any of its ingredients; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
 ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
 details.If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before
 using this product: diseases of the scalp (e.g., eczema, infection, cuts), heart problems (e.g., chest pain,
 heart attack, heart failure), kidney disease, liver disease.During pregnancy, this product should be used
 only when clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into
breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: If you are using this product under your doctor's direction,
 your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible drug interactions and may be monitoring
you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your
 doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you use any
of the following products: drugs for high blood pressure (e.g., guanethidine), other skin products used
 on the scalp, drugs that interact with alcohol (e.g., disulfiram, metronidazole).Do not start or stop any
medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.This document does not contain all possible
interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products
 you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and
pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: This product may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the
US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control
 center. Symptoms of overdose may include: dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, flushing.
NOTES: Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
 Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store the US product at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C)
away from moisture and sunlight.Store the Canadian product at room temperature between
59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.Keep all medicines away from
 children and pets.This product is flammable. Keep it away from fire, and avoid open flame after
 treatment until the medication has completely dried.Do not flush medications down the toilet or
pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired
 or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about
 how to safely discard your product

THE 4 CAUSES OF MEN HAIR LOSS




CAUSES OF MEN HAIR LOSS



Hair loss happens in both men and women. However, men are more prone to hair loss earlier than women. By the time men reached their 30’s, their hairline starts to recede. Hair loss among men is caused by several factors including heredity, age and hormones. Lifestyle also plays a big part in early hair loss in men.


1. Androgenic Alopecia



Androgenic Alopecia is the most common type of hair loss that can be experienced by men. This usually starts in men aging 20 to 30 years old. This so-called male pattern hair loss happens when male sex hormones or androgen increases its sensitivity to the certain areas of the scalp.


The specific type of male hormone known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone) gradually shrinks the sensitive hair follicles causing the affected follicles to stop producing healthy strands of hair. Although the follicles were still alive, it may no longer perform properly leading to a typical pattern of hair loss. It starts with a receding hairline and reaches into a more apparent hair loss in the entire area of the scalp. Unfortunately, Androgenic Alopecia can be passed from one generation to another.


2. Telogen Effluvium



Stress and traumatic events may also lead to hair loss among men. This falls under the type of hair loss called Telogen Effluvium that is only a temporary phase. When a man is stressed out, he releases certain chemicals and stress hormones which distresses the body to function properly specifically the production of acceptable hair.


First visible signs of hair loss due to stress are hair dullness and waxy strands or scalp brought by the overproduction of the sebaceous glands. Accidents or injuries on the head that involves scarring may also result to permanent damage in the follicles making it unable to grow even a single hair strand. Illnesses like cancer, hormonal imbalance and thyroid problems may also induce hair loss not only in men but with the opposite gender as well.


3. Hairstyles



Nowadays, not only women wear hairstyles such as tightly pulled braids or ponytails. Oblivious to men, such hairstyles are devious causes of hair loss. When there is a tension between the scalp and the hair follicles made by the tightly pulled hairdo may cause irritation leading to a destroyed follicle which eventually decreases hair growth in men.


4. Lifestyle



When one is living a healthy lifestyle, it reflects on the skin’s natural glow as well as the quality of hair produced. A healthy crowning glory means a healthy body.


Alcohol and cigarettes are the main culprits on a man’s healthy living and healthy hair production.


Proper diet also plays an important role in hair growth. When one eats a well-balanced meal, the body is nourished, so as the scalp and hair strands from root to tip, producing lively and shiny locks.


Medications with active ingredients such as isotretinoin, diet pills with amphetamine, and chemotherapy drugs may lead from mild to severe hair loss depending on taken dosage.


Fortunately, hair loss is can now be treated with the help of modern science and hair loss treatment products.

Causes of Hair Loss in Men

Causes of Hair Loss in Men

By far the most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, also referred to as “male pattern” or “common” baldness. It is caused by the effects of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on genetically susceptible scalp hair follicles. This sensitivity to DHT is present mainly in hair follicles that reside in the front, top, and crown of the scalp (rather than the back and sides) producing a characteristic and easily identifiable pattern described by Norwood (see Norwood Classification).
It is frequently stated that “hair loss comes from the mother’s side of the family.” The truth is that baldness can be inherited from either parent. However, recent research suggests that the reasons for hair loss and balding may be a bit more complex than originally thought. Factors on the x-chromosome have been shown to influence hair loss, making the DHT Causes Hair Loss in Meninheritance from the maternal side of the family slightly more important than the paternal one (Markus Nothen, 2005).
The identification of an androgen receptor gene (AR) on the x-chromosome helps to explain why the hair loss pattern of a man resembles his maternal grandfather more often than his father. However, this is clearly not the whole story since a direct inheritance of baldness from the father is observed as well. An autosomal (non-sex) linked gene would explain this type of transmission – but this gene has not yet been found.
DHT is formed by the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase on testosterone, the hormone that causes sex characteristics in men. DHT causes male hair loss by shortening the growth, or anagen, phase of the hair cycle, causing miniaturization (decreased size) of the follicles, and producing progressively shorter, finer hairs. Eventually these hairs totally disappear.
In the patient below, we see a close-up of the side of his scalp where the hair is not affected by DHT. We see mostly groups of full thickness hairs (called terminal hairs) and a few scattered fine, vellus hairs. This is normal.
Miniaturization of Hair Shafts in Androgenetic Alopecia
In the area of thinning (see circle below), we see that most of the hair has been miniaturized, although all of the hair is still present.
Most Hair Miniaturized in Thinning Area
In the region that is balding (second circle in the center), there is extensive miniaturization and some, but not all of the hair has disappeared.
Extensive Miniaturization in Bald Region
What this shows is that the initial appearance of balding is due to the progressive decrease in hair shaft size, rather than the actual loss of hair – in early hair loss, all the hair is still present. This is the reason why hair loss medications, such as finasteride (Propecia) work in early hair loss (since they are able to partly reverse the miniaturization process) but don’t work in areas that are totally bald. It is also the reason why men’s hair restoration surgery, if not planned properly, can result in hair loss due to the shedding of surrounding miniaturized hair.

More About Androgenetic Hair Loss and Balding:

Androgenetic hair loss is caused by three interdependent factors: genes, hormones, and age:
Genes
Common baldness cannot occur without the presence of specific inherited genes. These genes can be passed on by either parent. A gene is a single bit of chemically encoded hereditary instruction that is located on a chromosome and actually represents a tiny segment of DNA. Chromosomes occur in pairs (humans have 23 pairs), and every individual gets one set of chromosomes from each parent. Hair loss in men is now felt to involve more than one gene. When several genes govern a trait, it is called polygenic.
Genes that are located on the X or Y-chromosomes are call sex-linked. Genes on the other 22 pairs of chromosomes are called autosomal. It is felt that the genes governing common baldness are autosomal (not sex linked). This means that the baldness trait can be inherited from the mother’s side of the family or the father’s side with equal frequency. The commonly held notion that baldness comes only from the mother’s side of the family is incorrect, although for reasons not fully understood, the predisposition inherited from an affected mother is of slightly greater importance than that inherited from an affected father.
The term, “dominant” means that only one gene of a pair is needed for the trait to show up in the individual. A “recessive” gene means that both genes need to be present in order for the trait to be expressed. The genes involved in balding from androgenetic alopecia are felt to be dominant.
Just because one has the genes for baldness, it doesn’t mean the trait will manifest itself. The ability of a gene to affect one’s characteristics, i.e. be visible in a particular individual, is called “expressivity”. Gene expression is related to a number of factors, the major ones being hormones and age, although stress and other factors can be reasons for hair loss and balding in some individuals.
It is of interest that, although genes for some types of male hair loss have been mapped, none of the genes for male pattern baldness have yet been identified. This suggests that any kind of genetic engineering to prevent common baldness is still many years away.
Hormones
Hormones are biochemical substances that are made in various glands throughout the body. These glands secrete their products directly into the bloodstream so that the chemical they make is spread throughout the body. These chemicals are very powerful so that only minute amounts of them have profound effects upon the body.
The major male sex hormone is called testosterone. Testosterone and other related hormones that have masculinizing effects are made primarily in the testicles; therefore, the hormonal levels that are seen in adults do not reached significant levels until the testicles develop and enlarge during puberty. In fact, these same hormones are the cause of many of the changes that occur in puberty; growth of phallus and scrotum, sperm production, development of a sex drive, change in the voice, growth of axillary and pubic hair, development of an adult aroma in the sweat, increase in bone and muscle mass, and change in the basic body shape.
These same hormones that cause acne and beard growth can also signal the beginning of baldness. The presence of androgens; testosterone, and its related hormone DHT, cause some follicles to regress and die. In addition to the testicles, the adrenal glands located above each of our kidneys, produce androgenic hormones, and this would be similar in both sexes. In females, the ovaries are an additional source of hormones that can affect hair.
The specific relationship between testosterone and hormonally induced hair loss in men was discovered by a psychiatrist early in this century. At that time, castration was commonly performed on patients with certain types of mental illness as it seemed to have a calming effect upon many patients and castration reduced the sex drive of patients who had no outlet for their desires. The doctor noted that the identical twin brother of one patient was bald while the mentally ill (castrated) twin had a full head of hair. The doctor decided to determine the effect of treating his patient with testosterone, which had recently become available in a purified form. He injected the hairy twin with testosterone to see what would happen. Within weeks, the hairy twin began to lose all but his wreath of permanent hair, just like his normal twin. The doctor, then, stopped giving the testosterone to see whether the process would be reversed, but the balding process continued and his patient never regained his full head of hair. It was apparent to him that eliminating testosterone will slow, or stop, further hair loss once it has begun, but it will not revive any dead follicles.
The hormone felt to be directly involved in androgenetic alopecia is actually dihydrotestosterone (DHT) rather than testosterone. DHT is formed by the action of the enzyme 5-a reductase on testosterone. DHT acts by binding to special receptor sites on the cells of the hair follicles to cause the specific changes associated with balding.
In men, 5-a reductase activity is higher in the balding area. This helps to explain the reason for the patterned alopecia that males experience. The enzyme 5-a reductase is inhibited by the hair loss medication finasteride (Propecia).
DHT decreases the length of the anagen (growing) cycle, and increases the telogen (resting) phase, so that with each new cycle the hair shaft becomes progressively smaller. In addition, DHT causes the bitemporal reshaping of hairline seen as adolescents enter adulthood, as well as patterned baldness (androgenetic alopecia). DHT also causes prostate enlargement in older men and adolescent and adult acne.
It is interesting that testosterone effects axillary and pubic hair, whereas DHT effects beard growth, hair on trunk and limbs, patterned baldness and the appearance of hair in the nose and ears (something that older men experience). Scalp hair growth, however, is not androgen dependent, only scalp hair loss depends on androgens.
Age
The presence of the necessary genes and hormones is not alone sufficient to cause baldness. Even after a person has reached puberty, susceptible hair follicles must continually be exposed to the hormone over a period of time for hair loss to occur. The age at which these effects finally manifest themselves varies from one individual to another and is related to a person’s genetic composition and to the levels of testosterone in the bloodstream.
There is another time factor that is poorly understood. Male hair loss does not occur all at once nor in a steady, straight-line progression. Hair loss is characteristically cyclical. People who are losing their hair experience alternating periods of slow and rapid hair loss and even stability. Many of the reasons that hair loss rates speed up and speed down are unknown, but we do know that with age, a person’s total hair volume will decrease.
Even when there is no predisposition to genetic balding, as a patient ages, some hairs randomly begin to miniaturize (shrink in length and width) in each follicular unit. As a result, each group will contain both of full terminal hairs and miniaturized hairs (similar to the very fine hairs that occur on the rest of the body and are clinically insignificant) making the area look less full. Eventually, the miniaturized hairs are lost, and the actual follicular units are reduced in number. In all adult patients, the entire scalp undergoes this aging process so that even the donor zone is not truly permanent, but will gradually thin, to some degree, over time. Fortunately, in most people, the donor zone retains enough permanent hair that hair transplantation is a viable male hair restoration procedure even for a patient well into his 70′s.


Classification of Hair Loss in Men

Norwood Classification

The Norwood classification, published in 1975 by Dr. O’tar Norwood, is the most widely used classification for hair loss in men. It defines two major patterns and several less common types (see the chart below). In the regular Norwood pattern, two areas of hair loss–a bitemporal recession and thinning crown–gradually enlarge and coalesce until the entire front, top and crown (vertex) of the scalp are bald.
Norwood Hair Loss Classification Chart
Class I represents an adolescent or juvenile hairline and is not actually balding. The adolescent hairline generally rests on the upper brow crease.
Class II indicates a progression to the adult or mature hairline that sits a finger’s breath (1.5cm) above the upper brow crease, with some temporal recession. This also does not represent balding.
Class III is the earliest stage of male hair loss. It is characterized by a deepening temporal recession.
Class III Vertex represents early hair loss in the crown (vertex).
Class IV is characterized by further frontal hair loss and enlargement of vertex, but there is still a solid band of hair across top separating front and vertex.
Class V the bald areas in the front and crown continue to enlarge and the bridge of hair separating the two areas begins to break down.
Class VI occurs when the connecting bridge of hair disappears leaving a single large bald area on the front and top of the scalp. The hair on the sides of the scalp remains relatively high.
Class VII patients have extensive hair loss with only a wreath of hair remaining in the back and sides of the scalp.
Norwood Class V and VI Examples
Left: Typical Norwood Class V showing two distinct areas of hair loss with the bridge of hair separating the front and back thinning significantly.
Right: Class VI showing the confluence of the front a back to form one bald area.

Norwood Class A

The Norwood Class A patterns are characterized by a front to back progression of hair loss. Norwood Class A’s lack the connecting bridge across the top of the scalp and generally have more limited hair loss in the crown, even when advanced.
Norwood Hair Loss Classification - Type A Variant
The Norwood Class A patterns are less common than the regular pattern (<10%), but are significant because of the fact that, since the hair loss is most dramatic in the front, the patients look very bald even when the hair loss is minimal. Men with Class A hair loss often seek surgical hair restoration early, as the frontal bald area is not generally responsive to medication and the dense donor area contrasts and accentuates the baldness on top. Fortunately, Class A patients are excellent candidates for hair transplantation.
Norwood Class V and VI Examples
Left: Norwood Class IVa with anticipated hairline drawn.
Right: Early Class Va with some residual hair on the top of the scalp. Note that in both stages there is a complete absence of hair in the front part of the scalp. In both Norwood patterns, the sides and back tend to resist androgenetic changes, although the sides may exhibit significant thinning in old age (senile alopecia.)

Diffuse Patterned and Unpatterned Alopecia

Two other types of genetic hair loss in men not often considered by doctors, “Diffuse Patterned Alopecia” and “Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia,” pose a significant challenge both in diagnosis and in patient management. Understanding these conditions is crucial to the evaluation of hair loss in both men and women, particularly those that are young when the diagnoses may be easily missed, as they may indicate that a patient is not a candidate for surgery. (Bernstein and Rassman “Follicular Transplantation: Patient Evaluation and Surgical Planning”)
Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA) is an androgenetic alopecia manifested as diffuse thinning in the front, top and crown, with a stable permanent zone. In DPA, the entire top of the scalp gradually miniaturizes (thins) without passing through the typical Norwood stages. Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) is also androgenetic, but lacks a stable permanent zone and affects men much less often than DPA. DUPA tends to advance faster than DPA and end up in a horseshoe pattern resembling the Norwood class VII. However, unlike the Norwood VII, the DUPA horseshoe can look almost transparent due to the low density of the back and sides. Differentiating between DPA and DUPA is very important because DPA patients often make good transplant candidates, whereas DUPA patients almost never do, as they eventually have extensive hair loss without a stable zone for harvesting.
Diffuse Patterned and Unpatterned Alopecia
The progression of male hair loss in Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA) and Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA). In DUPA, the sides thin significantly as well.

Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) in a 32 year-old male (Left). The densitometry shown (Right) reveals extensive miniaturization.

Donor Area of Patient and Father
27 y/o Son
Donor Area of Patient and Father
Densitometry
Donor Area of Patient and Father
67 y/o Father
Donor Area of Patient and Father
Densitometry

Diagnosis of Hair Loss in Men

The diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia in men is generally straightforward. It is made by observing a “patterned” distribution of hair loss (see the previous session on Classification) and confirmed by observing the presence of miniaturized hair in the areas of thinning.
Miniaturization – the progressive decrease of the hair shaft’s diameter and length in response to androgens – can be observed using a densitometer, a hand-held instrument that magnifies a small area of the scalp where the hair has been clipped to about 1mm in length.
Dr. Bernstein Using the Electronic Hair Densitometer
Dr. Bernstein Using the Electronic Hair Densitometer
The photo, below left, was taken from a normal scalp. The follicular units (groups) are made of predominately of full-thickness, healthy terminal hair. Note the relatively uniform diameter of the hair shafts. The photo, below right, shows that many hairs have decreased in diameter (miniaturized). This is characteristic of androgenetic alopecia.
Dr. Bernstein Using the Electronic Hair Densitometer
The diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia is supported by a family history of hair loss, although a positive history is not always identified. (see Genetics) In older patients, their own history of passing through the different Norwood stages is strongly suggestive of male pattern alopecia.
If the hair loss is diffuse (thin all over) rather than following one of the specific Norwood patterns, the diagnosis can be more difficult. However, the presence of miniaturization in the areas of thinning usually confirms the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia. If the diagnosis is still unclear, a number of other conditions must be ruled out.
Medical conditions that can produce diffuse hair loss in men include thyroid disease and anemia. Certain medications, including some drugs used for high blood pressure and depression, and the use of anabolic steroids, can also cause male hair loss.
The following laboratory tests are often useful when a non-androgenetic cause for diffuse hair loss is suspected: blood chemistries, complete blood count, serum iron, thyroid functions, and tests for lupus and syphilis.
When the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia is still uncertain, further diagnostic information can be obtained from a hair-pull test, a scraping and culture for fungus, a microscopic examination of the hair bulb and shaft, and a scalp biopsy. A dermatologic consultation is warranted whenever the cause of hair loss is unclear.

The hair of your dreams

The hair of your dreams


Come rain or sunshine, hair issues continue to be a constant concern for us women. So much so that even though it's a cosmetic problem, recent research shows it has caused loss of self-esteem in many. Here we deal with three top hair woes, and bring you ways to keep your mane healthy and shining.
Dandruff
CAUSE: Going by recent studies, at least 50% of all adults suffer from a dandruff problem globally. Research conducted at the Clear Paris Institute recently reveals at least 70% of Indians have faced dandruff issues in the past year. While most treat it as a surface problem, dandruff is almost entirely a scalp issue, caused by scalp fungus which occurs following excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp owing to its oily or dry nature. "Excess production of sebum, the natural oil secreted from glands in the skin, fuels the growth of the dandruff-causing fungus. That explains why dandruff is most frequent during the onset of puberty when there is extensive hormonal changes and why people with an oily scalp tend to suffer more," says Amit Jayaswal, platform director, scalp, Clear research and development. "This apart, disturbance in the body's natural metabolic process is also known to be a major cause for dandruff, usually triggered by a sudden change in climatic conditions, an imbalanced diet leading to dryness of scalp, emotional stress and infrequent shampooing," explains trichologist Dr Akshay Batra.
FIX IT:Coupling the use of a good anti-dandruff shampoo with a healthy diet high on proteins and regular exercise is crucial if you want to keep dandruff at bay says Dr Lawrence Parish, president, International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology. Parish particularly cautions women with a dandruff problem against diets high on salt, sugar and spices. Since scalp care is of utmost importance, it is also critical you choose your anti-dandruff shampoo with care and know what to look for in them. Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Pravin Banodkar suggests checking for effective ingredients like coal tar (medically proven to treat dandruff and works best when massaged into the hair and left for three to five minutes), a combination of salicylic acid and sulphur (achieves a two-way action of clearing flakes and preventing fungal infection), ketoconazole (known to be effective in treating severe dandruff) and zinc pyrithione (an anti bacterial and anti-fungal agent found in OTC shampoos, its gentle properties make it suitable for daily use) among others. For best results, it's important to stick to your anti-dandruff shampoo for a period of three months, says Banodkar. However, if nothing helps, see a dermatologist to check if it's seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis.
TRY:The Clear range of shampoos for both men and women that comes powered with the breakthrough Nutrium 10 (see box) comprising dual-active anti-dandruff ingredients zinc pyrithione and climbazole that help prevent dandruff and reduce itchiness with longer results; Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with the proven HydraZinc formula, to immediately soothe the scalp for all-day itch relief.
Dry and Damaged Hair
CAUSE:Keratin, a group of proteins is known to form the primary component of hair fibre. And certain bonds within the keratin molecules that are difficult to break are a key factor behind the durability and resistance of hair fibre. "However, in today's times, we expose hair to constant chemical abuse (colouring and straightening), these bonds are constantly challenged, causing greater hair damage," says Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Aparna Santhanam. While frizzy hair can be a hereditary condition for some, it is also often seasonal, and becomes a problem during the summer and monsoon months.
FIX IT:Avoiding over-exposure of hair to chemical products for styling is key to treating dry and damaged hair. "While styling your hair is important, it helps to keep a few things in mind while doing so. Avoid using a blow dryer every day during the monsoons. Ditto for straightening, perming and colouring treatments as hair gets sticky during this season, causing hair fall. Besides, ensure you oil your hair regularly with coconut or olive oil, use a mild shampoo with ammonium laureth sulphate and include high-protein foods like eggs, sprouts and soya in your diet," suggests Santhanam. Batra suggests using a soft and smoothing conditioner on a regular basis for the hair to absorb natural oils. "Shampooing dry hair daily strips further moisture from the hair. Instead, condition regularly. For best results, allow the conditioner to soak into damaged hair sections for an extended period for extra repair and moisturising benefits. Using a repair serum after a shampoo and conditioning also aids in nourishing dry hair adequately," Batra suggests. You can also opt for salon treatments like a deep conditioning treatment with an aloe vera mask or go in for a hot oil therapy that helps to nourish dry follicles and stimulate production of sebum on the scalp. Use a rich conditioning cream rinse to finish off. Use this treatment once a fortnight.
TRY:The Sunsilk Damage Repair Haircare System comprising a shampoo, conditioner and an intensive treatment conditioner; Dove Damage Repair Therapy range comprising a shampoo and conditioner. Infused with a special serum, it helps repair damage, strengthening each strand, providing moisture, leaving hair feeling healthy and shiny.
Hair Fall
CAUSE:While complaints about receding hairline are common, there is no one cause for it. "One needs to understand that it is normal to lose up to 75 to 100 hair strands on a daily basis as part of the hair growth cycle. However, if you are losing any more than that, it could be due to genetics, dandruff, seasonal change, overuse of styling products, nutritional deficiency, hormonal imbalance, iron deficiency and even prescribed medication in certain cases," says Batra.
FIX IT:If hair loss is not excessive, simple everyday care such as following a shampoo and conditioning ritual is sufficient, apart from watching what you eat. Make sure you're eating plenty of leafy greens, beans, tofu and lean meats, which are all great sources of iron as well as biotin and zinc, two nutrients that have a role to play in hair growth, suggests Banodkar. Keeping hair guarded from the harsh rays of the sun is also important in keeping your tresses in top condition. Make sure you cover your head with a scarf when out in the sun. Carry an umbrella through the monsoons to keep rain water off-this is known to cause severe damage to hair strands. Women suffering from heavy hair loss can take an oral Vitamin B7 or Biotin (10 mg) daily for three months, suggests Santhanam. Much like your skin, your hair too needs pampering. Opt for hair spas and hot oil massages once a month. Pros also suggest scalp massage for those with thinning hair, as massage increases temporary circulation to the scalp, which may pump hair follicles with nutrients needed for hair growth.
TRY:L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Shampoo and Conditioner, Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner, Pantene Pro-V to prevent hair loss. You can also opt for the new Kerastase Ritual in leading salons across the country which combines caviar pearls and creams to enrich hair depth and retain volume.

Mane Innovations
ACTIVE FRUIT CONCENTRATEThe new Garnier Fortifying range of shampoos and conditioners come powered with an active fruit concentrate that is an innovative combination of fruit acids, Vitamins B3, B6, fructose and glucose. They nourish the hair from root to tip and work on the inside of the hair strand to strengthen it.
NUTRIUM 10Combining the benefits of pro-vitamins, minerals and sunflower oils, Nutrium 10, the first-ever breakthrough dual gender scalp nourishment formula, helps treat dandruff at the root, nourishes the scalp and repairs the scalp barrier to strengthen its natural resistance. Nutrium 10 is customised for men as Pro Nutrium 10 and for women as Nutrium 10 in Clear shampoos.

60 ways to look young (and feel great)

60 ways to look young (and feel great)

'Beauty is what health and happiness look like on the outside,' Good Housekeeping told readers in 1916.

Our advice has changed little since because we've always extolled the fundamentals: The right diet, exercise and spirit promote long life - and keep you looking and feeling young. (Of course, a fabulous haircut, lipstick, and the right pair of jeans can't hurt, either.)

Here's the ultimate clock-resetting guide - beauty how-to and health must-do.

Mind your brain
These strategies will help keep you sharp-witted(and healthy, too!) throughout your life

Drink up


Your coffee, that is. Swedish and Finnish researchers found that moderate consumption of coffee (3-5 small cups a day) cuts the risk of dementia by 65 percent.

Get moving

Middle-aged women and men who exercise 5-6 times a week (brisk walking is okay) are far less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment later in life.

Check your numbers


High cholesterol in your 40s can up your chances of developing Alzheimer's later in life, researchers reported at a 2008 meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.

Also Keep an eye on


Your high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Low levels are linked to memory loss and dementia, a University College, London, study of 3,673 participants found.

Watch your weight

Obesity can increase the dementia risk by 80 percent, a Johns Hopkins, US, study found. Most dangerous: fat around your middle.

Be a groupie
Payoffs from having a circle of friends or people you see regularly at a club or other gathering:
Lower blood pressure
Delayed memory loss
Reduced risk of recurrent stroke and even the common cold

Save your skin

Choose the right products but follow through with some mustdos as well... Your chest is thin-skinned, making it susceptible to sun damage. to renew it, gently exfoliate regularly with a face scrub. Wear a hat that has at least a three-inch brim in order to shade your face. or carry a parasol. on cold days, give your face extra protection with a super-rich thick moisturiser. Use sunscreen with a minimum spf of 15 - no matter where you live or what your skin colour, use every day, whether it's winter or summer. and don't forget the after-sun face wash.

Keep an eye on your vision

Dark green leafy vegetables are prime sources of both lutein and zeaxanthin, plant pigments that protect your eyes from uv damage. make lettuce salads - and make sure spinach is on the menu, too.

Happy birthday!
Celebrating one of these milestones? Gift yourself new cosmetics and a new look. Move beyond the bare essentials.

Don't hold back - treat yourself to...

AT 30 tinted moisturisers, loose body powders and shimmers.
AT 40 lengthening mascara, eyelid primer.
AT 50 rosy blush, glowy foundation.
AT 60 shimmery shadow, hydrating lipstick.

Dress code

7 fashion tricks that will make you look younger-instantly

1. Try the new black - It's actually black and white; the combination makes you look sophisticated but still playful.
2. Experiment with a new trend - It updates your look and gives you a more youthful vibe.
3. Learn the power of shapewear - They can give you a sleeker line by invisibly smoothing the areas that bulge out a bit. A more supportive bra adds lift - and subtracts years.
4. Show some leg - Who said that once you're 40, hems should be below the knee? At the knee or just above is most flattering.
5. Skip the Mommy jeans - A dark wash, lower waist, and slimmer-cut jeans will give you the impression of legs you had in high school.
6. Go casual - A T-shirt under your jacket instead of a buttondown shirt, for example, can make you look younger.
7. Keep it in proportion - A slim pant, paired with a longer tunic, will take away years (and conceal extra pounds).

Go fish
For omega-3-rich sources. The fatty acids in these cold-water fish fight inflammation (precursor to heart disease, arthritis, diabetes) and boost mood.

Best high-in-fat:

  • Salmon (canned is fine)
  • Mackerel
  • Sardines
  • Pomfret
  • Rohu
If you can't find these fish, or your tastes are more turf than surf, then take fish oil supplements containing 500mg of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). Seven Seas Seacod and Maxepa are locally available brands. While you can get omega-3s from plant sources, they're in a form that don't give you similar protection.

Love lessons
A study conducted at Columbia and Yale Universities found that elderly women who named their husbands as their primary confidants had a reduced risk of dying over the next six years. Bonus: Their husbands lived longer, too.The give-and-take of couple-dom may help keep the neurons firing, say Scandinavian researchers whose study of 1,400 men and women found that people who live alone at mid-life are twice as likely to develop cognitive impairment later in life as against those who are paired up.

A hand up

Pure lemon juice is one of the finest things for the hands,' Good Housekeeping reported in 1897, foreshadowing today's fruit-acid craze. While citric acid remains a great slougher, here are two more smooth moves: To avoid chapping, always dry hands thoroughly and follow with a hand cream. Keep gloves in your kitchen and bathrooms, to protect your hands whenever you're washing or cleaning.

Build a better memory
Our ability to commit new information to memory - and then retrieve it when we need it - slows down over the years.

To minimise the decline:

Practise paying attention Forcing yourself to observe and recall the details of your day - which tie did your husband wear? Did the supermarket cashier have her hair up or brushed back - sharpens your memory, even if you never need the information.

Watch TV, or unwind in whatever way works for you - a long walk, a chat with a girl friend. Stress hormones (cortisol) may interfere with encoding and retrieving information; as you age, chronic elevated cortisol levels are linked to memory impairment.

Do crossword puzzles, or learn a new instrument or language. Mentally challenging activities build fresh connections in your brain, creating "cognitive reserves" that may protect memory later in life.

Shine on


'The price of a head of good hair is never ending vigilance,' warned Good Housekeeping in 1910. Today, thanks to new techniques and products, you can drop your guard but keep your looks.

1. Gray hair, which can be coarse, needs extra conditioning. Try hair products which soften hair. Hot oil treatments are still your best bet.
2. Hair becomes drier as you age; keep it healthy-looking with frequent trims and deep-conditioning.

A cut above

Ask your hair stylist for bangs. They look young and fun, and hide forehead lines.Make waves. Stick-straight hair can look severe (read: older); gentle curls soften the contours of your face.

Short cuts create the illusion of more hair. If you prefer to keep your hair long, add face-framing layers for a subtle lift.

A la smart menu


'Proper diet? will tend to ward off diseases,' Good Housekeeping said in 1919. Today, research has identified specific foods that can help you stay healthy and happy:? Berries of all hues are rich in antioxidants. They combat chemicals that can cause cell-damage and chronic inflammation. Spinach and other dark leafy greens deliver Vitamin K, which strengthens bones. Red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant, inflammation-deterrent, and artery-protector. Curd and other dairy products are a terrific source of bone-building protein and calcium.

In a Japanese study conducted recently, eating 1/4 cup of curd a day led to a 50 percent reduction in tooth loss, possibly because of the probiotics in curd. Whole grains can protect against diabetes, heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, and gum disease. Dark chocolate helps keep your arteries functioning well. But have no more than 42gm a day. Too much will pack on the heartdamaging kilos.

Keeping lips luscious


Whatever your challenge - dryness, shape - there is a solution.

Lift droopy corners, apply a basic colour first, then go over the centre of lips with a slightly deeper shade.Prevent the lipstick from melting away into lines. Use a pencil to line lips before you apply lipstick. Then, avoid too-creamy or glossy formulations, which tend to migrate or melt into those lines.

Soften your pout. Gently rub a warm, damp washcloth over your lips to slough dead skin. Follow with a balm.

What's so funny about that
A University of Maryland, US, research found that laughing can increase blood flow by 22 percent and may protect against heart problems. It also relieves stress.

As the crow's(feet) fly
In 1931, Good Housekeeping referred to them as those "hateful little lines," and advised - as a deterrent - avoiding 'visual strains of all kinds,' including 'lack of glasses when they are not needed.' Besides not smoking, here's how you can minimise the dreaded crinkles:
After you've washed your face, pat around your eyes to dry the delicate skin - rubbing stretches it.
Even if you have oily skin and don't use a face cream, moisturise around your eyes twice a day. Apply moisturiser with your ring finger; it's your weakest one and thus least likely to cause damage to your eyes, or result in wrinkles.

Master your metabolism
You'll reverse middle-aged spread - and help keep your body slim and strong for years to come. Shed pounds slowly Crash dieting leads to greater loss of metabolism-boosting muscle. A fast-like diet will drop the average woman's metabolic rate by at least 25 percent.

Pump iron
Adding weight training to your cardio routine helps you avoid losing the 2.3kg muscle that otherwise disappear every decade, simply from getting older.
Switch it up
Trying different routines keeps muscles from getting bored - they have to work in new(challenging) ways.

4 Eye-Openers
1. Curl your lashes.
2. Cover dark undereye circles without telltale chalkiness - apply powder foundation in a shade that matches your skin tone to the darkened areas, then pat with a damp sponge.
3. Liner trick - choose a creamy eyeliner pencil. Hard pencils can pull at delicate skin.
4. Because of its texture, the skin around your eyes looks youngest with just a bare minimum of setting powder.

7 Home Remedies to Control Hair Loss

7 Home Remedies to Control Hair Loss

Owe it to our flawed genetics or hectic lifestyles and the falling standards of nutrition in our diets— hair loss seems to have turned into a healthcare plague.

Must-read on hair care: 5 hair care myths you might believe in

Use the following home remedies for controlling hair loss:

1. Regular Massaging with Basic Oils


Regular massaging of the scalp with lukewarm oil helps to stimulate the hair follicles. This is also an easy way to cure hair growth deterrents like dandruff and fungal infections. Regular massaging increases the blood circulation in the scalp. It is also useful for lowering anxiety or stress that is often the underlying reason for thinning of hair. Recommended oils for 3 to 4 times-a-week massaging schedule includes coconut oil. You can alternate this with mustard oil. Keep the oil on for at least six hours before washing it off with a mild shampoo. Other oils that can be mixed with coconut oil in trace amounts for faster results include almond oil.

Read more:


2. Natural Concoctions for Preventing Hair Loss


Coconut milk is among the richest sources of tissue-nourishing, plant derivatives. It is an excellent home remedy for keeping the hair soft without depending upon chemical formulations and regenerating dead hair follicles. You can also use a concoction of coconut oil mixed with half the amount of Amla oil. Just add a dash of lemon juice to this mixture and you have an effective, dandruff-fighting and scalp-healing concoction that arrests receding hairline.

3. Nature’s Effective Hair-stimulating Juices


Wheatgrass juice is one of the most effective remedies against hair fall. It is known to decrease the shedding tendency of hair within a few weeks of regular intake. Aloe vera juice has a similar effect. However, aloe gel can be applied to the scalp too. This is helpful for preventing hair loss due to irritated, dry or infected scalp. After massaging the head with aloe gel, wash the hair with lukewarm water. This can be done twice, every week.

4. Slightly Demanding But Very Effective Natural Therapies


You can make your own hair fall-preventing medicine at home by frying some fenugreek (methi) seeds in coconut oil. Strain this mixture and apply it in minimal amounts, rubbed gently into the hair roots. Alternatively, you can boil some henna leaves in mustard oil. After cooling and straining this preparation, add drops of it in your coconut oil container that you are using for regular massaging.

5. Homemade Pastes


You can wash the hair with a paste made from Neem leaves. This is particularly effective for hair loss caused due excessive build up of scalp oil or invasive skin infections. For restoring the alkaline balance of the scalp and preventing hair fall, you can follow this with washing the hair with apple cider vinegar. Other homemade pastes that can be very useful include a mixture prepared from adding honey and olive oil to some cinnamon (dalchini) powder.

6. Arrest Hair Fall With Elementary Household Items


Before washing your hair, apply the juice extracted from crushed coriander (dhania) leaves. You can also use a mixture of curd and gram flour (chana atta) that should be kept-on for at least an hour before bathing.

7. Hair Fall Dietary Recommendations


For a comprehensive, hair fall prevention regimen, you need to be equipped with a diet plan that includes foods that can arrest hair fall and stimulate better scalp health. Recommendations here include eating more seeds and nuts (almonds and peanuts) along with green leafy vegetables like spinach and sprouts of a variety of dals (legumes). Basically, foods rich in calcium, protein and iron are vital for ensuring overall health of the scalp. Combine this with some basic dietary supplementation, i.e. using over-the-counter products that help to ensure wholesome nutrition for your hair. Regular intake of Amla juice ensures adequate amounts of Vitamin C but you can boost this with eating more guavas. Ensure you take a multivitamin that combines beta-carotenes, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin E and trace amounts of zinc and iron. (Health, MensXP.com)

Sunday 25 March 2012

HP Mini 110 and Mini 210 Notebook: Specs, Features and Review

HP Mini 110 and Mini 210 Notebook: Specs, Features and Review


HP has recently launched two new notebook HP Mini 110 and Mini 210. Both are affordable price laptop notebook with impressive features. Both are light weight laptop notebook which is comes with full-size, island-style keyboard is surrounded by the same eye-catching color. The new Mini uses painted panels for the screen cover and bottom cover, adding a touch of color to each model. Compared to normal designs that leave the bottom with bland, unfinished black plastic, this really helps in the looks department.

HP Mini 110:

HP Mini 110
The new HP Mini 110 is powered by Intel Atom N2600 1.6 GHz Processor with Intel NM10 + ICH8m Chipset and It has a 2GB of DDR3 RAM which is capable to multitasking smoothly. HP Mini 110 based on FreeDOS operating system. It has 320 GB SATA (5400 rpm) HDD and enjoy online games in crisp detail using integrated Intel video graphics. It has a Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3600HP for gaming. Mini 110 10.1 inch WSVGA Anti-glare LED-backlit Display (1024 x 600). TouchPad with on/off button and support for multitouch gestures. It has 93% Full-sized spill-resistant textured keyboard and Inbuilt Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone (VGA). HP Mini 110 connectivity features like Integrated 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet LAN, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth. It is measure for a Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.1 x 26.8 x 3.26 cm and weight Starting at 1.38 kg. The price of HP Mini 110 RS-19000/- or $320.
HP Mini 110 Specification and Features:
  • Intel Atom N2600 1.6 GHz Processor
  • Intel NM10 + ICH8m Chipset
  • Operating system: FreeDOS
  • 2 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 RAM
  • 320 GB SATA (5400 rpm) HDD
  • 10.1 inch WSVGA Anti-glare LED-backlit Display (1024 x 600)
  • Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3600
  • Multi-Format Digital Media Card Reader
  • Inbuilt Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone
  • TouchPad with on/off button and support for multitouch gestures
  • 93% Full-sized spill-resistant textured keyboard
  • Integrated 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet LAN
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
  • Bluetooth
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.1 x 26.8 x 3.26 cm
  • Weight: Starting at 1.38 kg
  • Warranty: 1 year

HP Mini 210:



HP Mini 210
The new HP Mini 210 is powered by a Intel Atom N2800 1.86 GHz Processor with Intel NM10 + ICH8m Chipset. It is running on Windows 7 Starter operating system. It has 2 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 RAM and 320 GB SATA(5400 rpm) HDD. HP Mini 210 comes with a 10.1 inch WSVGA BrightView Infinity LED-backlit Display and it has Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3650 for Video Gaming. It is loaded with Inbuilt Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone (VGA) and Multi-Format Digital Media Card Reader. HP Mini 210 connectivity features like Integrated 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet LAN, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth. It has TouchPad with on/off button and support for multitouch gestures. It has 93% Full-sized spill-resistant textured keyboard. HP Mini 210 for a Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.1 x 26.8 x 3.26 cm and Starting weight 1.38 kg. The price of HP Mini 210 Rs19000/- or $380.
HP Mini 210 Specification and Features:
  • Intel Atom N2800 1.86 GHz Processor
  • Intel NM10 + ICH8m Chipset
  • Operating system: Windows 7 Starter
  • 2 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 RAM
  • 320 GB SATA(5400 rpm) HDD
  • 10.1 inch WSVGA BrightView Infinity LED-backlit Display
  • 1024 x 600 Pixels Screen Resolution
  • Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3650
  • Multi-Format Digital Media Card Reader
  • Inbuilt Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone (VGA)
  • TouchPad with on/off button and support for multitouch gestures
  • 93% Full-sized spill-resistant textured keyboard
  • Integrated 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet LAN
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
  • Bluetooth
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.1 x 26.8 x 3.26 cm
  • Weight: Starting at 1.38 kg