Topical Zinc Oxide & B6 to Stop Hair Loss

Hair Growth Cycles

Hair-loss periods are a part of the scalp's normal growth cycles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Excessive hair loss takes place when hair follicles become unable to produce the proteins materials needed to make hair strands. Normal growth cycles alternate with resting and shedding cycles, and last anywhere from two to three years at a time. Chemical changes in the body, damage to hair follicles or genetic predispositions can all contribute to excessive hair loss.

As with any essential bodily process, hormones play an influential role within hair-growth and hair-loss cycles. Hormones are proteins made up of amino acid materials. Hormones involved in hair-loss processes include androgen, testosterone and DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, according to Regrowth, a hair-loss resource site. When androgen and testosterone are metabolized on a regular basis, DHT is produced, which is the primary cause of hair loss. Zinc and vitamin B6 are two nutrients that might play a significant role in the hormonal processes that affect hair growth.

Zinc oxide, also known as zinc pyrithione, is an active ingredient in many dandruff shampoo and conditioner formulas. According to Medical News Today, dandruff is a fungus that causes scaling along the scalp. Continuous itching on the scalp can significantly damage hair shafts and follicles and cause hair loss. As a topical treatment, zinc oxide works to kill fungus organisms and prevents them from growing back. In effect, a reduction in itching works to stop damage to hair follicles, and stop hair loss.

The B-complex vitamins are all essential nutrients used within the hair-growth process, according to the Mayo clinic. Vitamin B6 in particular plays a vital role within amino acid metabolism processes. Amino acid metabolism is the process by which protein materials are made. When a B6 deficiency is present, the body is unable to carry out the enzyme reactions necessary for amino acid metabolism. When B6 vitamins are taken along with topical zinc oxide treatments, hair follicle cells might receive an added boost as the scalp begins to heal itself. In addition, the protein materials needed to manufacture hair strands are also made available for use.

Individuals who use a topical zinc oxide treatment to stop hair loss might experience side effects depending individual body chemistry. Possible side effects include itching, dryness and pimples on the scalp according to Dermadoctor, a skin care technology resource site. In terms of B6, the likelihood of side effects is rare, unless taken in large amounts according to Regrowth. Daily recommended amounts range between 200 and 300 milligrams per day. Too much B6 in the diet can result in sensory nerve damage, and appear as numbness in the hands and feet.