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Case Results

Case Study – Botched Strip Scar Repaired by FUE

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Patient had Strip/FUT hair transplant surgery by a doctor who claimed to be an experienced hair restoration surgeon. During the surgery, the patient reported feeling excruciating pain during each graft punch. The doctor told him not to worry. As the surgery was coming to a close and the doctor and technicians were sewing his scalp back together, the patient remembers feeling pain as they tugged and pulled at the skin in an attempt to get it sewn back together.

The resulting scar is a classic look of a botched FUT/Strip hair transplant surgery. The doctor took out too much scalp tissue to extract grafts from. So, when it was time to sew the scalp back together, there wasn’t enough scalp tissue to create a nice, even, seamless look. Additionally, the tool used to extract grafts was much too large, leaving the circular mass scars you see below. The scars left behind by this “experienced” surgeon were full of lumpy masses of scar tissue with a wide area of hair loss.

The patient came to Dr. Yazdan at Modena Hair center seeking a scar repair procedure to conceal the botched scar. Dr. Yazdan assessed the scalp and the existing damage caused by the previous botched surgery. After evaluating all of their options, Dr. Yazdan and the patient agreed an FUE hair transplantation into the scar would yield the best results. The patient now has hair coverage on the scar tissue area, eliminating the hair loss in that area and creating a fuller more natural hair appearance across the scalp.

Don’t let this be you! While hair restoration surgery is minimally invasive, it is still a medical surgery. That means your surgeon needs to be qualified and experienced. Do not hesitate to research and ask questions. A good hair transplant surgeon will take the time to walk you through the process and share their results with you. If you’d like to learn more about scar repair options, give us a call.

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Hair care travel tips

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Traveling is one of the most high-stress activities we encounter. From the traffic on the way to the airport, to the long check-in lines, to the cramped airplane seats, there’s no way to avoid the stress of traveling.
But there are some ways you can ease your stress before you even get to the airport. It starts when you’re packing.
If you’ve perfected your hair routine then you know how hard it can be to go without. Whether its hair care in the shower, drying or styling techniques, or styling products. While some may believe going without for a few days isn’t a big deal, it can throw off your routine, your style, and start your trip off on a foot you don’t want.
So rather than go without, start preparing now so that your packing and travel go with ease, and you arrive at your destination with less stress and anxiety than before you left.
Below are some tried and proven tricks to incorporate all your hair care needs on your next trip.
Buy travel size. Next time you’re at the store, grab some travel size bottles of your favorite hair care products. Most stores also have empty travel size bottles you can buy to fill with your products at home.
Pack light. If your trip is only a few days, you only need a small amount of product. Don’t over pack which can lead to a heavier bag and a waste of product.
Bring a hat. Chances are you’re going to be exhausted and not want to deal with your hair one day. Plan accordingly and bring a hat so you don’t have to feel the pressure.
Plan styles that don’t require tools. While straighteners and curling irons are great, they don’t travel well. Pick out some cool braids, simple up-do’s, or other low-key styles.
Stick to your routine. Don’t change up a hair-care routine that’s been working for you during an already stressful time. Stick to your routine to minimize negative outcomes.
Happy traveling!

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Health benefits of coffee

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Do you enjoy your coffee? If so, you may be reaping some health benefits you’re unaware of.
The coffee bean has been around for centuries. And there’s good reason. Throughout the history of the world, coffee has been enjoyed by various cultures for various reasons. The most popular being the belief it had healing powers and the valued energy-boost to complete hard tasks.
Modern coffee drinkers enjoy it for the taste, the effects, the social aspects, and of course for the wake-up effects. Lots of research has been done on coffee. Focuses of research has been confirming long-held beliefs about coffee and finding any additional benefits or harms.
PROS
The caffeine boost helps you feel awake and energized, helping you get through your activities.
It’s good for the digestive system. Coffee helps move things alone keeping your tummy happy and healthy.
It boosts the metabolism. Caffeine is not only an appetite suppressor but a metabolism booster as well. Many individuals with health goals or weight loss goals incorporate coffee into their eating plan.
It’s a healthy alternative to alcohol. In our society, friends gather around food, alcohol, and coffee. Alcohol comes with high sugar and calories, and is often paired with carbohydrates. Coffee is a calorie-free alternative that is healthier and safer on the body.
CONS
It can raise your pulse. Any intake of caffeine can raise your pulse. Keep this in mind if you’re prone to a rapid heartbeat.
Coffee can keep you from sleeping. Too much caffeine can mean little-no sleep. Make sure to not consume any caffeine within 8 hours of sleep.

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Hair loss across ethnicities

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While many things play a role in hair loss, such as, age, gender, and genetics, many wonder if their ethnicity or race plays a role.
The answer is yes. Researchers classify hair into 3 major groups: Asian hair, African hair, and Caucasian hair. Among the 3 hair groups, there are different growth patterns, balding patterns, density, and speed of growth.
In general, those with Asian hair tend to have hair that grows quickly but has a lower density coverage overall. The hairs are typically flat and perpendicular to the scalp. Those with African hair tend to have hair that grows slowly but has a higher density. They also have hairs that twist as they grow, which can play a role in the efficacy of hair transplantation. Those with Caucasian hair tend to have hair that grows a medium rate with a high density coverage. It typically comes in slightly curved. As far as hair loss trends go, Caucasian hair is the most effected, followed by African and Asian.
Being informed about the types and traits of hair can inform about hair loss and hair loss treatments. As stated earlier, the twisty hair often present in African hair can make treatments such as hair transplantation difficult. This doesn’t mean those with African hair are not candidates for hair transplantation, but this will definitely play a role in the planning and execution of the procedure.
Research has shown that hair loss is most prevalent in Spain, Germany, France, the UK and the US. Hair loss was tracked as thinning, balding, and receding hairlines.
An experienced hair restoration doctor will be skilled in the specific hair loss treatments that are likely to be most effect for your type of hair. Further, they will have the skill set to make your hair transplant successful for you.
If you are interested in learning more about hair loss treatment options, give us a call today.

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Stress’ effect on the body

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Are you stressed out? Feeling like there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done? Feeling the pressure at work? Too much on your plate? Dealing with a lot right now?
You aren’t alone. According to a recent study, 77% of people in the US state they feel regularly feel stress. 77%! That’s more than ¾ of everyone living in the US. With work, social, and family demands it’s no surprise.
So now that we know we’re all in the stress boat together, what effect does all of this stress have on our bodies?
Medical research shows that stress has a great impact on your overall health. From common physiological symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, chest pain, fatigue, stomach upset, hair loss, sleep problems, and change in sex drive; to psychological symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, lack of motivation, lack of focus, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, and depression. Additional effects include overeating, undereating, and social withdrawal. Probably the most marked symptom of stress is the increase in susceptibility to illness. Stress has been shown to inhibit your immune system, making you ineffective at fighting off sickness.
Luckily, if you get sick of feeling sick all the time, there are some proven ways to manage stress. Finding ways to alleviate stress can have a great impact on your health. Many people have found success with incorporating and making time for physical activity, meditation, yoga, massages, socializing, and setting aside time for hobbies such as reading or listening to music.
Don’t forget to aim for plenty of sleep, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco, and excessive alcohol and caffeine. If all else fails, schedule a visit with your doctor. There may be an unseen cause for your stress or they may have some insight into treatment.

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What does your hair loss say about you?

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Could your hair loss be saying something about you?
No, we don’t mean your style or looks, we’re talking about your health. Hair loss can be a telling factor for your health. It can be a symptom of an illness, a side effect of a medication, or even shed light on genetic causes.
This is why prior to recommending or starting any hair loss treatments, we always conduct a comprehensive consultation that goes over medical history, medications, and may include a biopsy or other diagnostic tool. By analyzing the hair loss prior to treating it, we ensure the patient is in good health, ruling out any serious underlying medical conditions. Sometimes, resolving hair loss can be as simple as changing a medication or starting one.
Once a cause for the hair loss is determined, we can begin treating it with confidence. Due to the various hair loss treatments available, we use the diagnosis to guide the patient to the most appropriate treatment option that has the highest likelihood of efficacy for their specific case. When it comes to treating hair loss, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment.
For example, hair loss medications such as finasteride work great on individuals who have hair loss caused by DHT. Topical treatments such as minoxidil work great on those who just began losing hair.
Before you start any hair loss treatments, make sure to meet with your physician to rule out any underlying causes. Then, meet with a hair restoration specialist to discuss all of your options.
If you’d like to get a comprehensive hair loss assessment, give us a call today.

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When was the last time you saw your doctor?

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When was the last time you went to the doctor’s office? If you’re male, middle-aged, and don’t have any pressing health concerns, it probably hasn’t been anytime recently.
Many individuals (particularly middle-aged men) don’t see their doctor regularly. They figure if there’s nothing wrong, why go?
The problem with this logic is that preventative care is the single most beneficial way to prevent more serious health concerns. Preventative care includes yearly physicals, vaccines, and relevant exams and screenings based on age and history. While there may not be any pressing medical concerns for you at the moment, the best way to prevent pressing medical concerns from occurring is to visit your doctor regularly.
Preventative visits catch things that may have not raised a red flag for the individual. For example, hair loss may not seem like a doctor visit-worthy concern, but it can be indicative of the onset symptoms of certain medical conditions or side effects of medications. Hopefully, these things do not yield bad news, but you won’t know if you don’t go.
Doctors suggest you visit your doctor’s office yearly for a comprehensive physical exam, even if you’re in good health. At this visit, s/he will take vital signs to ensure you’re in good immediate health, offer any relevant vaccinations to prevent illness, and schedule any exams you may need based on your age and history, such as a breast cancer or colon cancer screening.
If you’re a healthy individual who doesn’t usually visit your doctor regularly, make sure you’re taking every preventative measure available to you to ensure you stay in good health.

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Should you consider an eyebrow hair transplant?

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Hair transplants aren’t just for your scalp. Many individuals get hair transplants for facial hair help as well. Mustache, beard, and eyebrow hair transplants have increased dramatically over the past ten years, also doubling in occurrence.
Facial hair transplants are very similar to scalp hair transplants. Hair follicles are extracted from a healthy donor area (often times the back of the scalp) and placed in an area lacking hair.
While both men and women get eyebrow hair transplants, the majority of patients are women. This is likely due to beauty trends placing a high amount of emphasis on brows. Women have been seeking ways to give themselves full, shapely brows in a more permanent way than temporary and smear-prone make up.
Eyebrow hair transplants are a great, permanent option for those seeking to have natural, full, shapely brows. While there are other options for eyebrows available, they have their downfalls.
Permanent eyebrow tattoos often look black. Once they heal, they turn a gray-green color and lack the natural feel of eyebrow hairs. Eyebrow tattoos have been becoming decreasingly popular due to the unimpressive results both short and long term.
Microblading involves pigment applied to the skin in ‘hair-like’ strokes. While they look natural and shapely, they are not permanent and will need to be redone yearly.
Eyebrow transplants are not only permanent but are your actual hairs being transplanted. But, eyebrow transplants are not without their downfalls. If done improperly by an unskilled surgeon, you can end up with some pretty whacky brows. Eyebrows must follow a distinct angle in which they grow in, as well as a particular face-fitting shape and density. If the angle, shape, or density is messed up, you could be left with permanent undesirable brows.
Here at Modena, we stress the importance of researching thoroughly prior to picking a surgeon. If you’d like to find out more about this procedure, give us a call today!

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Dr. Yazdan attends ISHRS conference in Prague

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Dr. Yazdan visited Prague this past weekend while attending the 25th annual ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons) world congress.
The ISHRS is the world’s leading hair restoration surgeon association, with over 1200 surgeons participating across 70 countries. The ISHRS sets standards and guidelines which dictate safe practice techniques, inform of new advanced methods of surgery, and offer accreditation to experienced and skilled hair surgeons. The ISHRS also offers continuing education so that surgeons can hone their skills and maintain a high level of professionalism.
The focus at this year’s conference was centered around a consumer alert regarding hair transplantation being done by technicians versus surgeons. The ISHRS has found an alarming number of patients reporting their surgery being conducted by a technician rather than a certified hair transplant surgeon. This is believed to be contributing to the high number of ‘botched’ hair transplant surgeries worldwide.
In any field of practice, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, procedures, and concerns facing your practice. Dr. Yazdan was happy to participate in the conference, honing his skills and gaining new knowledge of trends effecting his patients.
Recent research by the ISHRS has suggested an increase in facial hair transplant procedures as well as hair transplants for both male and female across the board.

 

Case Results

Case Study – FUE Receding Hairline Restoration Transplant

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Patient presented with severe receded hairline hair loss, at just age 25. He began noticing the hairline receding at age 16 and noted his father and both grandfathers also have a receded hairline. The severity of his receding aged him and took a toll on his self confidence.

The patient’s hair goals were to restore the hairline with minimal scarring. Upon consultation and comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Yazdan and the patient decided on the FUE method of hair transplantation. FUE transplants produce minimal scarring and supply a sufficient amount of grafts for a hairline restoration procedure.

Hairline restoration cases like these can take anywhere from 500-2500 grafts depending on the severity of the hair loss and the goals of the patient. Dr. Yazdan worked with the patient to design a hairline that look natural, age-appropriate, and mimicked his hairline prior to the hair loss. Pictures show the patient immediately after the FUE hair transplant procedure. Approximately 1800 grafts were used for this procedure.

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Hairline restoration surgery

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A receding hairline is one of the most common types of hair loss, especially for men. A receding hairline can be very alarming and disappointing for many, as unlike other types of hair loss (crown balding, diffuse thinning), a receding hairline is extremely noticeable.
A receding hairline is usually one of the first signs of hair loss. To make matters worse, it can prematurely age you. One major factor in a youthful appearance is a full, healthy, natural looking hairline. And while many hair-care products tote claims of restoring hair to its previous glory, they are typically not strong enough to make any real difference.
One viable and effective options for those suffering from a receding hairline is hairline restoration surgery. Hairline restoration is a type of hair transplant surgery that involves extracting grafts from a quality donor area (usually the back of the scalp) and placing them in a natural formation in the hairline.
Hairline restoration surgery restores the appearance of the hairline in a natural way. Unlike hair plugs, which have an abrupt, thick, dense start, and give a noticeable appearance of fake hair, hairline restoration grafts are placed in such a way that mimics the natural growth of your hairline. Hair follicles come in different sizes (containing 1 hair, 2, 3, or 4). Our natural hairline has 1’s in the forefront, followed by 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s. Because hair transplantation involves your own hair being hand selected and placed, the surgeon is able to give you a natural hairline restoration that no one will notice you had a procedure done. You’ll have your old hairline back!
If you are experiencing a receding hairline and would like to explore your surgical options, give us a call today!

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The benefits of biotin

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Biotin (also known as vitamin B7) is becoming increasingly popular in the vitamin and supplement aisle of most pharmacies and health stores.
For those who are unfamiliar, biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is a part of the B-complex vitamin family. Its rise to fame can be contributed to its support in the beauty world.
Biotin has many benefits but its most praised is its support of healthy hair, skin, and nails. In studies, biotin has been shown to promote the growth of hair, strengthen and grow nails, and keep skin glowing. Individuals who take the vitamin report better feeling hair and skin, as well as overall improved health.
In addition to supporting healthy hair, skin, and nails, biotin also supports a healthy metabolism, improves glucose intolerance, balances blood sugar, protects brain function, promotes a healthy cardiovascular system, supports thyroid and adrenal function, plus more!
Is this do-it-all vitamin too good to be true?
While biotin is most definitely not a ‘miracle’ cure (news flash: this doesn’t exist!), there is nothing wrong with using vitamins and supplements to compensate for nutrients that may be lacking in the body. Assuring that your body gets the healthy micronutrients it needs, will allow your body to fuel its processes and help you run on maximum efficiency (like having super supple hair, strong nails, and glowing skin)!

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Is my donor area sufficient for hair transplantation?

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post-FUE hair transplant @ Modena Hair Center (individual results vary)This is a common question we receive from patients on the message boards. In hair transplantation, we extract grafts (hair follicles) from one location and transplant them in another. The area where grafts are extracted is known as the donor area. Individuals seeking hair transplantation are often concerned about their donor area and if it’s sufficient enough to support a hair surgery.
Upon evaluation for hair transplantation, we assess the donor area for quality, density, and health. This evaluation takes into consideration traits such as levels of density, thickness versus fineness, and strength of the hair follicle.
If the hairs in the donor area lack density and are weak or programmed for hair loss soon, they will not sustain a hair transplant extraction. If the hair transplant was done despite the lack of quality of donor area, the patient could see increased permanent hair loss.
So, if your donor area isn’t sufficient for hair transplantation, does that mean you aren’t a candidate for hair transplantation?
Not necessarily. Luckily, hair transplant science has advanced in recent years. We now have multiple areas in which we can use for donor sites. The beard, chest, and back can be used as potential donor sites for men who do not have sufficient scalp donor area.
The best way to determine the quality of your donor area as well as your candidacy for hair transplantation, you should meet with an experienced hair restoration surgeon. Give us a call today.

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Should you see a doctor for your hair loss?

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Most individuals see hair loss as a naturally occurring condition that many individuals experience. Additionally, many believe that there is nothing they can do about it except to accept their fate.
While hair loss is extremely common and occurs in many individuals due to genetics, medical conditions, or other influencing factors, it isn’t always naturally or normally occurring.
Many do not consider hair loss to be a medical condition, but in fact, it is. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of sources, including but not limited to, genetics, thyroid disease, hormone imbalances, and side effects of medications.
As a result, it can be beneficial to see a doctor if you’re experiencing hair loss. The doctor will be able to diagnose the hair loss (also known as alopecia) and order any lab diagnostics that may help determine the cause. Determining the cause can help rule out any underlying diseases and set you on the right track for treatment. For example, if you’re hair loss is caused by a medication, changing brands or adjusting doses may help resolve the hair loss.
In addition to determining a cause of hair loss, your doctor can help prescribe a treatment. Contrary to popular belief, hair loss isn’t something that you just have to live with. There are treatment options available that may help prevent and slow hair loss, such as finasteride, propecia, minoxidil, or biotin. While some of these medications are available over the counter, it’s always a good idea to get your physician’s opinion and approval before starting any new treatments.
If you don’t have a primary care doctor, or don’t feel comfortable seeing them for hair loss related issues, you can always schedule a consultation with a hair restoration doctor. Hair restoration doctors are physicians who specialize in hair loss. They can order labs, diagnose, and help you come up with a treatment plan. If you’re ready to find out what’s causing your hair loss and find a treatment, give us call today.

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Are you washing your hair too often or too little?

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With all of the information out there about the ‘proper’ way to care for your hair, it can be hard to know is ‘right’ way.
When it comes to washing your hair, some say washing it too much can be bad for it. While others swear washing it too little can be even worse.
To understand what our hair needs when it comes to washing, we first have to understand what type of hair we have and how to properly deal with it.
Let’s say you have fine, straight hair and you work out often. Washing your hair more often would be wise. Your hair’s natural oils move through fine, straight hair more quickly, meaning your hair becomes saturated quickly. Additionally, working out often adds sweat to the mix. So, in addition to having oil build up, you have sweat build up as well. All of this build up, also called sebum, clogs your scalp’s pores and can be bad for your follicles. If you have this type of hair, you should aim for washing every other day. This will allow you to keep your hair clean while also allowing a break from washing so your hair can benefit from its natural oils’ nutrients.
If you have thick, curly hair and don’t often sweat or use a lot of hair-care products, you can get away with washing your hair very little. Your hair’s oils take longer to work through the hair due to the texture. Without the added build up of sweat or products, your hair stays feeling fresher, longer. With this type of hair, it only needs to be washed every few days or once or twice a week.
Ultimately, in order to determine how often you should wash your hair, you should determine what type of hair you have and how long you can go in between washes before your hair starts to feel dirty.

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Do thickening shampoos actually work?

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Anyone who’s strolled down the hair care aisle has been bombarded with all of the claims to solve all of your hair woes. How do you know which to choose?
Strengthen your hair; repair split ends; thicken and plump hair; grow hair; soften and add shine; enhance color; rehydrate; the claims are never ending!
While all of these claims sound great, if they don’t actually work, they’re pretty pointless.
The first way to determine if the product’s claim is viable, is to use common sense. Let’s take shampoos and conditioners that claim to repair split ends, for example. Split ends occur when the hair shaft separates due to damage and breakage. While there are ways to prevent split ends (regular trims, keeping ends moisturized) there is no way to stick the hair shaft back together. So, save your money here and invest in a good moisturizing conditioner and regular trims instead.
The second way to determine if it’s a worthy product, is to assess the quality. While it’s not always true in life that you get what you pay for, when it comes to hair care products, it generally is. If a product is actually able to restore luster, strengthen hair at the core, and replenish moisture, they’ve most likely got their hands on a great combination of high-quality ingredients. And if they’ve found the winning combination, they’re unlikely to give it away without making the profit they know they can. So, if you need high grade replenishment, invest in a brand that is tried and true, has a league of followers, and has high quality ingredients.
In the end, the best way to determine the efficacy of a product is to try it out. A thickening wash may work on one individual well and not at all on another. When in doubt – ask your stylist’s recommendation. They know your hair and they know their products.

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Could a sugar addiction be making you feel icky?

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Did you know studies show sugar is more addictive than heroine? How can that be possible?
Sugar is one of the most widely consumed products in America. And it’s no wonder – it’s in everything! Don’t believe us? Check the nutrition labels of your favorite snacks and condiments.
To make matters worse, every time you consume a sugar-filled product, you feed the habit, making you crave sugar even more.
And you can thank your brain and gut for caving into those cravings. Over time, you become dependent on sugar. This means that if you try to refrain from it (like when you go on a diet) your body freaks out, sending cravings out of control and making you feel icky.
So how can you detox from sugar without feeling like you’re dying?
It starts in your gut. The bacteria in your gut is used to feeding and thriving on sugar. When you take this away from them they can get quite awry, making you feel bad and sending SOS craving signals to your brain.
To overcome this, you need to reset the bacteria in your gut and feed them healthy things. To do this, you should focus on 3 things: probiotics, high fiber-low carb-low sugar, and intermittent fasting.
Probiotics are a great way to reset your gut. They channel good, healthy bacteria in, pushing the bad ones out.
Eating foods high in fiber and low in sugar in carbs will ensure these newly replenished good bacteria stay nourished and feeling good. When your gut feels good, your brain feels good!
Lastly, intermittent fasting (eating all of your meals within an 8 hour window) will allow your gut to heal and reset. Good bacteria will be able to thrive and the bad bacteria will starve. Within 4 weeks, your sweet tooth should be cured!

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How to survive the awkward stages of growing out your hair

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The in-between stages of hair growth when transitioning from a shorter to longer hair style can be extremely awkward and unpleasant.
You may have to hold off on the regular trims in order to allow the hair to gain some length, which often equates to uneven layers and lack of shape. None of this sounds very appealing, and may even be enough to turn someone off of growing out their hair altogether.
Thankfully, there are some proven tips and tricks to help you navigate the awkward stages gracefully, so you can arrive at your long-haired destination once and for all.
Tip #1 – products are your best friend
If your hair isn’t falling the way you’d like it to naturally, force it your way with styling paste or hairspray. You can smooth hair, style it, add volume, texture, and change the direction all by utilizing hair care products. The products will also help tame frizz and flyaways that sometimes go awry during growing out your hair.
Tip #2 – try strategic trims
Strategically focused trims can help your hair retain some sense of style. Trimming around the edges of the cut or in the back give you a put together look without compromising the desired length you’re trying to achieve.
Make sure to communicate with your hair stylist and let them know your hair goals. Together, you can come up with a plan on how best to transition to the next stage, while still looking your best too.
Tip #3 – worst case, hats are never out of style
While throwing on a hat may not be the best or most versatile hair styling option, it works to get you through the tough days when your hair just isn’t cooperating. You just have to hold out long enough. It’ll be worth it in the end!