“Aged? But he does not appear aged, just look, his hair has remained young!” Marcel Proust, In Search of Lost Time (1913–27) The appearance of hair plays an important role in peoples’ overall physical appe- ance and self-perception. With today’s increasing life-expectation, the desire to look youthful plays a bigger role than ever. The hair care industry has become aware of this, and capable to deliver active products that are directed toward meeting this c- sumer demand. The discovery of pharmacological targets and the development of safe and effective drugs such as minoxidil and fnasteride also indicate strategies of the drug industry for maintenance of healthy and beautiful hair in the young and old. The study of hair aging focuses on two main streams of interest: On the one hand, the esthetic problem of aging hair and its management, in other words everything that happens outside the skin; on the other hand, the biological problem of aging hair, in terms of microscopic, biochemical, and molecular changes, in other words the “secret life” of the hair follicle in the depth of the skin. Hair aging comprises hair shaft aging, and aging of the hair follicle. The former involves weathering and photoaging of the hair shaft, while the latter manifests as decrease of melanocyte function (graying) and decrease in hair production (alopecia).

Hair is a major component of the body's tissue system that contributes to the individual's make up and confers a large degree of personal identity. Apart from its visible façade, hair also has a functional role. It has an unique structure and complex molecular development. The very nature of hair makes it a suitable marker for the prognosis of disease. Hair can also be used to screen for toxins and changes in the diet. However, there are currently no suitable publications available that describe hair in a rational scientific context. This handbook provides an academic approach to hair in health and disease. Divided into five sections the Handbook of Hair in Health and Disease provides an insight into hair growth and loss, molecular and cellular biology of hair, dietary toxicity and pathological history, diseases and treatments of hair, as well as shampoos and conditioners. Unique features of each chapter in this volume include relevant and useful 'Key facts' which highlight interesting or important findings of the specific subjects and 'Summary points' that will give a clear overview of the subjects treated in each chapter. The Handbook of Hair in Health and Disease will be essential to a variety of users, such as trichologists, doctors and nurses and all those interested or working within the area of hair health. This includes nutritionists and dieticians, scientific beauticians, health workers and practitioners, college and university lecturers and undergraduate and graduate students.

This reference volume conveys complete understanding and management of Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss (AGA/FPHL). These are probably the most common adult (18-50 yrs.) health disorders besides dental caries, accounting for over 98% of hair loss cases in males and over 70% cases in females. The present volume, the first of three related volumes, is structured in 4 sections: 22 dedicated chapters, ranging from basic science (Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Embryology), the etiology of adult, childhood & adolescent AGA/FPHL, diagnostic steps and evaluation, to related disorders and comorbidities. For the first time in the scientific literature, all pathogenic contributors of AGA/FPHL, including micro-inflammation, scalp vascularization, biochemical stress, aging, solar radiation, and the sebaceous gland, are examined in comprehensive, dedicated chapters. The effects of every hormone on AGA/FPHL, as well as the psychological impact of the condition, are explored in depth. An extensive chapter on childhood and adolescent AGA/FPHL, a more common than previously thought condition, is another unique feature. Finally, two extremely detailed sections are included on the pathogenic links of AGA/FPHL to life-threatening comorbidities: cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, insulin resistance, and prostatic disorders, with suggested guidelines on how to save lives of balding patients by adopting early screening strategies. In providing a fully updated, thorough guide to this popular topic, this richly illustrated volume (over 200 figures, tables, and algorithms) offers the latest, evidence-based information on every aspect of AGA/FPHL causing hair loss to countless patients. Each subject is addressed according to learning and clinical needs, and the presented information is supported by a wealth of peer-reviewed papers. Every aspect of this condition is considered, including biology, diagnosis, etiology, from drug treatment, the influence of nutrition, lifestyle and food supplements, to related disorders, surgical hair restoration, hair care, and future treatment options. This handbook will be an invaluable conveying best management standards to readers, whether experienced practitioners, clinicians, dermatologists, surgeons or researchers interested in hair restoration.

An era of global population aging is upon us. By 2030, one in eight people will be over age 65. Since women generally live longer than men, the health and welfare of postmenopausal women will become a significant public health concern. This book offers a comprehensive review of the life changes associated with menopause, both at the dermatological and physiological level (e.g., hormonal, immunological) and at the subcellular level. It critically examines the dermatological, biological, and clinical challenges to postmenopausal health and well-being and the current and emerging therapeutic interventions. The authors advocate a holistic approach, emphasizing the need to view the menopause as a life transition with various facets rather than as a series of distinct medical conditions to be managed. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive resource to the researchers, clinicians, physicians, and helping professions whose mission is to promote the health and well-being of women around the world.

The book provides a comprehensive overview to understanding the integrated impact of the concepts of cellular and molecular aspects, models, environmental factors, and lifestyle involved in premature aging. Additionally, it examines how functional food, dietary nutraceuticals or pharmacological compounds can reverse inflammation and premature aging based on personalized medicine. This book is a valuable resource for health professionals, scientists and researchers, nutritionists, health practitioners, students and for all those who wish to broaden their knowledge in the allied field. - Includes models of aging, including worm, mouse and human - Explores the relationship of inflammation with diseases, including ocular health, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and muscle health - Encompasses a variety of lifestyle impacts, including diet, exercise and nutrition - Includes suggested nutritional interventions

The Biology of Hair Growth is based on a conference on The Biology of Hair Growth, sponsored by the British Society for Research on Ageing, held at the Royal College of Surgeons, in London, 7-9 August 1957. The papers presented at this conference, and a few others, have been gathered in this book to serve as a source reference for all those interested in research on hair and hair growth. The application of modern methods in histology, cytology, histochemistry, physiology, electron microscopy, the use of radioactive isotopes, and modern biochemical techniques have given greater insight into the phenomena of growth and differentiation of hair follicles than ever before. The book opens with a chapter on the embryology of hair. Separate chapters follow on the anatomy and histochemistry of the hair follicle; the electron microscopy of keratinized tissues; the chemistry of keratinization; the mitotic activity of the follicle; and the the vascularity and patterns of growth of hair follicles. Subsequent chapters deal with behavior of pigment cells and epithelial cells in the hair follicle; the nature of hair pigment; the effects of nutrition on hair growth; and effects of chemical agents, ionizing radiation, and particular illnesses on hair roots.

Few would dispute the truth of the statement `People are Different', but there is much controversy over why. This book authoritatively explains the methods used to understand human variation, and extends them far beyond the primary `nature or nurture' question. After chapters on basic statistics, biometrical genetics, matrix algebra and path analysis, there is a state-of-the-art account of how to fit genetic models using the LISREL package. The authors explain not only the assumptions of the twin method, but how to test them. The elementary model is expanded to cover sex limitation, sibling interaction, multivariate and longitudinal data, observer ratings, and twin-family studies. Throughout, the methods are illustrated by applications to diverse areas such as obesity, major depression, alcohol comsumption, delinquency, allergies, and common fears.