Some Causes and Treatments For Clogged Hair Follicles

A certain specific type of clogged hair follicles is related to androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. The first cause of these defective follicles is an excess of testosterone in the blood. When there is too much of this hormone, the excess converts to DHT. The DHT acts on the follicles to constrict the tissues. In essence, the strand of hair in the follicle is suffocated. This constriction causes the strand to become thinner or have a smaller diameter. Eventually it falls out and is not replaced.

Much like the conditions that cause acne outbreaks, increased sebum levels in the follicles can cause them to become clogged with oil, dead cells and sometimes dirt. Because of the swelling and inflammation that can be associated with infection in the follicle, the strand of hair is squeezed. Normal growth is impossible; the constriction eventually causes the complete suffocation of the strand.

Flaking skin and sebum can build up in the follicles. Once exposed to air, the mixture hardens and becomes difficult to remove. It's important to keep the scalp clean. Using shampoos or herbal treatments that dissolve oil while removing dead cells will improve the overall condition of the scalp and follicles. When the follicles aren't clogged, the strands can grow normally without being compressed or starved for nutrients.

Another reason for clogged follicles is an overabundance of testosterone hormone. When too much of this male hormone is manufactured into the system, the excess is converted to a hormone known as DHT. DHT constricts the tissues of the scalp. This first reduces the diameter of the individual strands and then causes them to fall out. Since growth cycles are about six months in length, even the most rapid treatment once thinning is discerned will require time for improvement to be noted.

Using shampoos that help to dissolve the buildup of DHT is one way to keep healthy scalp and follicles. At the same time shampoos and conditioners or even gels that are based on chemical components should be avoided. Chemicals are hard to remove from the scalp. The chemicals become trapped on the scalp and react to the oils as well. When the DHT is dissolved or restricted, the growth of strands becomes optimized.

Wherever possible, treat clogged hair follicles with shampoo and other care products that have natural ingredients. Jojoba, aloe vera and manual stimulation of the scalp gets blood circulation going. This strengthens the follicle and promotes healthy growth.