If you have naturally oily hair, then you are familiar with the oily hair struggle. Many individuals who suffer from oily hair have fine locks, which allows the oil to move quickly down the shaft from the scalp.
Our scalp produces oil naturally via the secretion glands under our scalp tissue. This oil moisturizes hair and keeps it soft, shiny, and healthy. Unfortunately, for some, the scalp overproduces oil causing unwanted oily hair.
While you can’t change your chemistry or genetics, you can change your habits and the products you use to help eliminate oily hair. Below are a few tips to keep your oil under control.
Don’t wash everyday – while this may seem counterintuitive, (if your hair is oily, you should wash it more, right?) washing your hair everyday could be causing your hair to overproduce oil. When you wash your hair it strips it of its natural nutrients. Doing this often could cause your hair to overproduce oil as a way to counteract the over-washing.
Stop touching your hair – touching or playing with your hair causes an increase in oil production.
Try conditioning your hair first – this technique, known as ‘reverse washing,’ allows your hair to reap the benefits of moisturizing, without the weight of residue left behind. Simply condition hair first, then finish with shampoo and a good rinse.
Make dry shampoo your best friend – using dry shampoo in powder form in between washes soaks up the oil in your hair and leaves behind a fresh smell. It’s a great tool to help you stretch the time between washes.
Turn down the heat – washing your hair with hot water can cause the scalp to overproduce oil. It also opens your hair’s cuticle and causes hair damage. Instead, use luke-warm water throughout the wash, and finish with a cold rinse.
Go au natural – your hair needs a break too. Don’t use hot styling tools every day. This can cause oily hair and hair damage.
Mix it up – try different hair styles in between washes. Maybe wear it down the first day, in curls the second, and in an up-do on the third. Oily hair actually helps make up-do’s look better and last longer.
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8 things you should never do to your hair
There are some things that should just be plain avoided if you’re wanting to have healthy, strong, beautiful hair. Certain behaviors, products, and habits you do every day may be causing your hair to become damaged, dull, frizzy, and to stop growing.
Below is a list of 8 things you should avoid to keep your hair growing, healthy, strong, and beautiful.
- Sleeping in your hair products – sleeping in your hair gel, hairspray, or mousse can irritate the scalp and cause buildup. Buildup on the scalp means clogged pores and suffocated hair follicles. Make sure to wash or rinse the hair products out of your hair before bed.
- Hair ties – have you ever noticed fly-aways or hair breakage about halfway down the hair strand? This is caused by tight hair bands. When you wear your hair in a tight hair tie it causes delicate surface strands to break, leaving you with a frizzy, damaged ‘do. Try hair clips instead. You get the same look with less damage.
- Towel-drying hair with cotton towels – tying your hair up in a towel post-wash is a very common practice. But it may actually be causing hair damage. Cotton bath towels are rough on our locks. The fibers grip and pull on the hair, contributing to frizz and breakage. Your best bet – go for a microfiber towel instead. You’ll notice your hair will dry faster and look better.
- Hot styling tools on damp hair – hot styling tools like straighteners and curling irons should never be used on damp hair. After washing our hair, the cuticle is open. This means your hair is in an extremely fragile state. Applying hot tools on it will cause damage deep into the cuticle. This means dullness, frizz, breakage, and split ends. Practice patience and wait until your hair is dry.
- Direct, unprotected sun exposure – this one is extremely important for those with dyed hair. Not only will the sun change the color of your hair, it will contribute to dryness, which means brittle, straw-like feeling hair. Consider changing your products to ones with SPF in them. And if you plan on spending time in the sun, wear a hat to protect your locks and color.
- Sleeping with hair in a ponytail, bun, or tight braid – your hair needs rest to. Give it a break and refrain from tying it up tight in a ponytail, bun, or braid. As you move around in your sleep, your hair is being stretched and pulled. This tension, also known as traction alopecia, can cause breakage and hair loss over time.
- Weaves – weaves are another tension hair loss culprit. Weaves are sewn into the tightly braided natural hair. This tension lasts for an extended period of time and wreaks havoc on the hair follicles. With continued use, you will experience hair loss known as traction alopecia. For which, there is no cure or reversal method, only hair transplantation.
- Over-styling hair – our hair needs a break sometimes too. Constantly using hot styling tools and products on our hair can quickly cause damage, breakage, and dullness. Every few days let your hair go au natural to give it a break from styling and products.
Eyebrow hair transplants
Hair transplants aren’t just for scalps. Thanks to modern hair transplant techniques, other areas of the body that people often want hair coverage on, like the eyebrows and beard, are now able to benefit from transplanted hair.
Eyebrow hair transplants allow individuals to have a thicker, fuller eyebrow. The process is similar to scalp hair transplants and has had great success. Even celebrities have gotten in on this treatment.
There are many reasons one may want a thicker, fuller eyebrow.
One reason is style. Eyebrow styles have varied drastically over the past century. From extremely thin to unkempt, and everywhere in between. For many, over-plucking and over-waxing has caused the eyebrow to thin and stop growing in. The style for the past 10+ years has been a thicker, fuller brow, and it seems this style is here to stay.
Another reason is a hair loss condition known as alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mis-recognizes the hair follicles as foreign bodies and tries to eliminate them.
The last reason is an underlying medical condition. Thyroid issues such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism often cause eyebrow hair loss.
Eyebrow hair transplants can help individuals suffering from these causes of eyebrow hair loss have the eyebrows they desire.
Eyebrow hair transplants are permanent and involve taking healthy, growing follicles from the scalp and transplanting them into the desired shape in the brow. These hairs then grow in naturally, as your own hair does.
While make-up is a temporary, short-term option many choose to achieve a fuller brow, this isn’t the right choice for everyone. Men, those not skilled in make-up, or those short on time, may not be able to fill in their eyebrows with make-up.
Permanent or semi-permanent make-up, also known as tattooing or micro-blading is also an option some choose. Tattooing of the brows often leaves behind a solid line in a grayish-black pigment. This doesn’t appear natural or hair-like, and seems to worsen as the pigment fades over time. Micro-blading is often times natural looking as it involves adding pigment in a sweeping motions that makes it appear as individual hair. Unfortunately, it’s not your natural hair and isn’t a permanent solution to eyebrow hair loss.
Eyebrow hair transplants are the only permanent solution to get the thicker, fuller, natural brows you desire. If you’re interested in learning more about this permanent eyebrow hair loss solution, give us a call for a free consultation today.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy for hair loss
To understan
d how PRP therapy is used to treat hair loss, we must first understand how PRP works.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy is a treatment that involves utilizing platelets and plasma from your blood to decrease inflammation, promote healing, and stimulate new cell regeneration.
You can read more about how the platelets and plasma are extracted here.
Anyone familiar with this type of treatment may think it sounds familiar to other types of treatments, such as, stem cell injection. PRP therapy is very similar to stem cell injection and similar treatments. Additionally, PRP therapy sometimes goes by different names. The different names used for these types of treatments are given to them based on the technique, method, or additives used. But in general, they all involve extracting cells from the blood and reinjecting them into the desired area.
Additives that promote healing are sometimes added to the platelets and plasma concoction to increase results. This usually carries an additional cost.
PRP therapy can also sometimes involve the use of dermarolling or microneedling upon request. Dermarolling or microneedling is a technique in which the cells are reinjected evenly and dispersed throughout the recipient site utilizing a multitude of small needles. It is believed that the small wounds made by the dermarolling or microneedling allow the cells to penetrate deeper, encourage collagen production, and boost the speed and effectiveness of the results.
PRP therapy is most commonly used on the face and scalp. But it can be used on any part of the body that has scar tissue, inflammation, pigmentation, or wrinkles.
When used on the scalp, PRP regrows hair by decreasing inflammation around the hair follicle and promoting healthy cell regeneration. This treatment works to jumpstart the cells and follicles on the scalp and reset the hair growth cycle.
This treatment is ideal for those who have diffuse hair loss or thinning, those who have just begun noticing signs and symptoms of hair loss, and those recovering from hair transplant surgery.
If you’d like to learn more about PRP therapy, and find out if you’re a candidate for these treatment, give us a call today.
Are vitamins and supplements actually effective?
Vitamin and supplement sales are one of the most profitable areas in the health industry.
These vitamins and supplements claim to close nutritional gaps, boost energy, promote weight loss, improve sleep, improve skin, improve hair, the list goes on! But do they actually follow through when it comes to these claims?
Doctors advise that while vitamins and supplements can be beneficial when it comes to meeting minor nutrient deficiencies or gaps, they shouldn’t take the place of real, whole food in a healthy diet.
A simple blood test will tell you what nutrients you may be lacking in. Many individuals have below the recommended amount of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 in their systems. Good natural sources of these vitamins are milk, green veggies, fruit, beans, fish, eggs, meat, and poultry. If you find you’re still low in a specific nutrient, vitamins may help you reach your goal.
Experts recommend taking a vitamin for exactly the nutrient you need as opposed to a broad spectrum multivitamin. Over the years, research has shown that multivitamins are less effective than their specific vitamin counterparts. This may be because of the concentrated amounts of nutrients within them. A multivitamin has low doses of many vitamins, while a specific vitamin, like b12 for example, has mostly, if not all b12 in it. This concentrated vitamin allows your body to absorb more of the nutrient you need.
If you’re looking towards vitamins and supplements to help you reach a certain goal, such as weight loss, hair growth, or improved sleep, remember that the best approach to health and wellness is a comprehensive one. A healthy diet and good habits, such as exercise, will help you in reaching your goals. If you find that behavior changes and supplementation aren’t cutting it, you may need to try another approach. Prescription medications are much stronger and more effective that vitamins and supplements. Regardless, vitamins and supplements are a great place to start in helping you reach your goals, especially if you aren’t quire ready for the prescription route. You should meet with your doctor to discuss all of your options.
Sunburn prevention and recovery
It’s officially summer here in southern California. And with the nice weather comes more time spent outside in the sun and heat. Unfortunately, this also means increased risk of sunburn.
Sunburns effect over 33% of adults and 70% of children every year. While many individuals are familiar with skin damage caused by harmful UV rays, the prevalence of sunburns has not seemed to decrease.
Thankfully, there has been lots of research and information over the past 10 years regarding the benefits of wearing sunblock. Sunblock works by creating a chemical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays.
While wearing sunblock greatly reduces your risk of sunburn, it is still possible to get sunburned even while wearing sunblock.
Sweat, water, and time all wear down on sunblock and reduce your coverage and protection. Your best defense in protecting your skin is to follow your sunblock’s directions, reapply often, and utilize physical coverage like clothing or shade.
Sunblock should be reapplied every 90 minutes to be effective. If you’re sweating or in and out of the water, reapply sooner at the 1 hour mark. Make sure your sunblock has a high SPF and blocks both UVA and UVB rays for the most comprehensive coverage.
If you do find yourself red and burned after a day in the sun, your skin may need some help in healing itself quickly and efficiently. Bad sunburns left untreated can blister, peel, and leave behind permanent scarring.
Below are some tried and proven tips to reduce the time you’re sunburned and get your skin back to its normal healthy state.
Aloe Vera – aloe Vera is an all natural skin calming remedy. The healing liquid is found within the leaves of an aloe plant. If you don’t have an aloe plant, don’t worry. You can find aloe vera gel at any store. This plant works extremely well at calming the skin and promoting healing. It’s a tried and true method to reducing and healing sunburns.
Vitamins and antioxidants – vitamins such as A and E and antioxidants are great for the skin. Taken internally and externally, they promote healing and recovery through cell regeneration. They even help protect your skin from future sunburns.
Moisturize – this might seems obvious or simplistic but when we’re sunburned our skin is lacking moisture. You need hydration internally as well as externally. Be sure to drink tons of water and lather yourself often with a thick, absorbent moisturizer. This two-prong approach will help your skin stay moisturized and heal quickly.
Please keep in mind exposure to the sun is linked to skin cancer. Please keep your health in mind when spending time in the sun. Always use sunblock!
Are you a candidate for hair transplant surgery?
Hair loss effects over 80% of men over their lifetime and over 50% of women over their lifetime. This common ailment used to have no recourse of solution.
But, thanks to modern advancements in medicine and science, hair transplants are helping men and women all around the world regain their hair.
This life-changing procedure involves extracting grafts from a ‘donor’ area (such as the back of the scalp) and transplanting the grafts into the ‘recipient’ area (aka area of hair loss).
While this procedure has helped so many not only get their hair back, but their confidence and youthfulness as well, unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for hair transplantation.
So, how do you know if you’re a candidate for hair transplant surgery or not?
Many factors play a role in determining your candidacy for hair transplantation. Below, are a few of the most prevalent reasons individuals are not ideal candidates for hair transplantation.
- Gender – while this factor isn’t exclusive (we’ve done many successful female hair transplants), in general, most women are not ideal hair transplant candidates. This is due to the type of hair loss that most women experience. Most women experience diffuse thinning hair loss. While hair transplants can still be successful on patients with diffuse thinning hair loss, it can be more difficult on women due to the length and coverage of the hair.
- Early stages of hair loss – if you are in the very early stages of hair loss, it may not be best for you to get a hair transplant just yet. Hair transplants don’t treat hair loss. That means you’re your hair loss will continue as you age. You will most likely need another hair transplant to make up for new hair loss. There are many ways to medically manage hair loss and even reverse it in the early stages. Right now, you may be a better candidate for laser therapy or PRP. You can save hair transplantation for later on down the road.
- A weak donor area – hair transplants require a healthy, full donor area to extract grafts from. If your donor area is weak, this may cause you to not be a good candidate for surgery. The good news is, there are other donor areas besides the back of the scalp that grafts can be extracted from. We have conducted many successful body hair transplants for those with a weak scalp donor area.
Please keep in mind that to determine your actual candidacy for hair transplantation, you should meet with a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon. If you are not a candidate for surgery at this time, but are experiencing hair loss, make sure to schedule a medical management consultation so you can maintain your hair and ward off hair loss as long as possible.
The benefits of going organic with your hair and skin care products
While many are familiar with the benefits of eating organic food, not as many are familiar with the benefits of using organic products for the hair and skin.
To first understand the benefits of going organic, we first need to understand what exactly organic means.
The term organic has many different definitions. When it’s used in relation to food or products, it refers to the process in which things are grown or made. When something is labeled organic, the growth or production process doesn’t involve the use of antibiotics, pesticides, or chemicals.
This is important because these toxic chemicals, antibiotics, and pesticides can have lasting effects on the human body, the extent of which is not yet fully known. And consuming these toxic chemicals doesn’t just harm us in the long-term. Many individuals experience reactions to these harmful chemicals short-term as well.
Digestive issues, stomach upset, and rashes are just some of the many short-term reactions some individuals have experienced when consuming non-organic products.
In order to maintain overall health and wellness, its recommended to avoid any unnecessary antibiotics, pesticides, and chemicals. This is extremely important with food, and as we’re learning more, just as important with our hair and skin care products as well. After all, our bodies absorb externally through our hair and skin as well as internally.
With increased awareness comes increased options. Today, there are more organic options for skin and hair products than ever before.
When shopping for organic products make sure to keep a careful eye on the ingredient list.
Organic hair care products will be sulfate-free and have a limited ingredient list. Sulfates and unnecessary chemicals can cause build-up in our hair which can clog pores, block follicles, and prevent hair growth.
Organic skin care products will be free of parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals. Foregoing these toxic chemicals will help prevent rashes, hives, and other unwanted reactions. Our favorite organic lotion is byebye creams.
If you’re turned off by the price of going organic – try DIY instead. There’s a plethora of online blogs that provide detailed instructions on how to create your own shampoos, lotions, deodorants, and much more.
Let us know how you go organic!
Do you have folliculitis hair loss?
Folliculitis is a common skin condition that can affect any hair follicle on the body. Folliculitis involves a hair follicle becoming infected and inflamed. The infection can be caused by a bacteria or fungus.
Individuals who have folliculitis will notice small red bumps or pimples (sometimes with white-heads) that will appear around and near the affected hair follicles. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause sores.
As previously stated, folliculitis can occur anywhere on the body with hair. This includes the scalp. When folliculitis occurs on the scalp, it can cause a serious infection as well as permanent hair loss.
It has been noted that non-infectious folliculitis can occur on the scalp due to the build-up of excess oils and sebum on the scalp. While an infection may not currently be present, the symptoms may still be present and hair loss is still a risk.
Folliculitis on the scalp can be slightly harder to detect than on the body, due to hair coverage. Patients with folliculitis often mention itchiness and soreness of the scalp as additional symptoms.
The treatment for folliculitis is usually a topical antibiotic ointment. For more serious cases, an oral antibiotic may be required.
To prevent folliculitis and promote a healthy scalp and hair, wash hair regularly with a gentle, organic shampoo. Anti-dandruff shampoos contain anti-fungal properties and may be beneficial to some. Maintaining good hygiene habits such as showering after sweating, changing out razors often, and staying hydrated will help ward off folliculitis and potential infections.
If you think you may have folliculitis on the scalp or elsewhere, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. If you think your hair loss may be caused by folliculitis and you would like to explore treatment options, give us a call for a consultation.
How to remove sebum build-up containing DHT from the scalp
If you’ve ever seen a bald person, or are bald yourself, you may have noticed a shiny, oily appearance to their or your scalp. This is caused by the build-up of sebum (natural oils secreted from your scalp). This sebum not only blocks pores, inhibiting hair follicles from growing hair, it also causes hair loss at the root, thanks to the DHT in it.
If you’re unfamiliar with DHT, DHT is testosterone that’d been converted to another form. Once testosterone is converted to DHT, the DHT gets to work signaling hair follicles to stop producing hair on our scalp.
DHT resides in our blood and reaches hair follicles internally, at the cellular level. But it’s also present exteriorly, on the surface of our scalp. It gets on the surface through excretion, via sweat and sebum. DHT does just as much damage to our hair follicles internally as it does externally.
Overtime, the sebum on our scalp builds upon itself, layer after layer, creating a type of plaque. This plaque is what causes the shininess on the scalp.
Once sebum has become plaque, it’s not as easy to remove and treat. While there are medications that can reduce DHT internally, there isn’t a medication for removing DHT externally. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a few helpful tips for you on how to reduce and remove this DHT-containing plaque taking up space on your scalp.
- Clean the scalp with salicylic acid – the salicylic acid deeply cleans the scalp, acting as a peel. You should not leave the acid on the scalp for more than 5-10 minutes. Rinse and clean thoroughly to remove all acid, dead skin cells, and oil residue. Peels can be done safely and effectively on the scalp once a month.
- Purchase a clarifying shampoo – clarifying shampoos are stronger than normal shampoos. They should be used about once a month in order to keep sebum build-up under control.
- Reduce use of conditioner – if conditioner tends to make your hair oily, only use it once or twice a week as needed. Additionally, only apply it to the middle and ends of your hair.
- Brush your hair daily – brushing or combing the hair from root to end helps evenly distribute your hair’s natural oils. This will prevent build-up at the root.
- Use baby powder or dry shampoo to eliminate oil at the roots – in between washes, apply a power based dry shampoo to absorb some of the oil.
If you think you may have hair loss caused by DHT, give us a call for a medical management consultation today.
Do you suffer from an itchy scalp?
An itchy scalp is more than just annoying – it can actually cause hair loss.
Hair loss from an itchy scalp is most often caused by the constant scratching rather than the condition causing the itching. Scratching irritates the scalp and can cause damage to the tissue and follicles.
For those who have an itchy scalp, it can sometimes be difficult to track down the cause. Once a cause is determined, you can begin treating the root of the problem, eliminating the itchiness and stopping further hair loss.
Common causes of an itchy scalp are dandruff (or seborrheic dermatitis), dry scalp, psoriasis, folliculitis, and traction alopecia.
Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) – this condition consists of flakes that appear throughout the scalp. Dandruff is often itchy, but doesn’t cause hair loss on its own. While doctors don’t know the exact causes of dandruff, many individuals are able to regulate and control their condition with special shampoos and dietary accommodations. More information found here.
Dry scalp – while a dry scalp can cause flakes similar to dandruff, the treatments are very different. With a dry scalp, simply changing up your moisturization method could solve the problem, while adding moisturizer to a scalp with dandruff could make the problem worse. A dry scalp could be caused by weather changes or improper nutrition, among other things. More information found here.
Psoriasis – psoriasis of the scalp is a condition in which dead skin cells build up causing itchy, red scales. These scales can cause hair loss if left untreated. Treatment methods vary from prescription medication to specialized shampoos. Many individuals find relief through coal tar of salicylic acid based shampoos. More information found here.
Folliculitis – this condition is an infection of the hair follicles. Folliculitis is characterized by red pimples that appear across the scalp. If left untreated, it can cause hair loss. This condition is caused by bacteria, fungus, or a buildup of sebum or sweat residue. Folliculitis is contagious so be sure to keep your scalp clean, especially when using pools or sharing accessories.
Traction alopecia – if you style your hair in tight braids or pulled back styles, you may have traction alopecia. This condition is caused by the constant tension your hair and follicles endure when styled tightly. This condition is popular in women and those who wear weaves. Traction alopecia causes scalp itchiness and hair loss. More information found here.
Are these things keeping your hair from growing?
Many people who experience hair loss or who are trying to grow their hair have tried many products. These products such as oils, masks, shampoos, and pills all boast of their amazing hair regrowth abilities. Unfortunately, most individuals are disappointed to discover they see little success with these products.
What if it’s not so much about what products you need to take or use, but rather what products you should avoid?
You may be surprised to hear that there are things we consume and products we use everyday that can stunt hair growth. Below, I list some common hair growth enemies that you should avoid when working on re-growing your hair.
- Coffee and tea – coffee and tea make the body acidic. When the body is acidic it utilizes other nutrients to neutralize the acidity. These nutrients are often taken from non-essential tissues like the scalp. As we’ve talked about before, our hair needs all of its nutrients so that it can grow strong and healthy. Can’t bear the thought of cutting out coffee and tea completely? Moderation is key. Don’t consume more than 2 cups of coffee or tea per day.
- Processed foods – processed foods not only lack the healthy nutrients our bodies crave, but they also contain harmful chemicals and ingredients. Cutting out processed foods will not only make your hair feel better but your body as well.
- Lack of sleep – sleep is when our bodies heal and regenerate. It’s also when many bodily processes occur. Weight loss and hair growth are two of the many processes that occur during sleep. If you’re not getting an adequate amount of sleep or getting into REM sleep, those processes may not occur. Make sure you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.
- Smoking – everyone knows smoking is bad for you, but not everyone knows its linked to hair loss. It’s pretty black and white: the bad truly outweighs the good when it comes to smoking.
- Lack of exercise – exercise increases blood circulation, releases endorphin’s, and rids the body of toxins. All of these benefits promote healthy skin and hair. If you work at a desk or on a computer, try to break up periods of sitting every 2-3 hours. A simple walk around the building or a jog up the stairs allow you to keep blood flowing and nutrients moving throughout the body. Additionally, you should aim for a minimum of 20 minutes of purposeful activity per day.
How your diet effects hair loss
With summer approaching, it seems everyone is on some type of diet. Whether its highly restrictive or just making healthier choices, dieting is an extremely common human experience.
We tend to think of dieting as always being healthy. Many individuals incorporate a healthy weight in their overall health and wellness journey.
But is it possible your diet is causing your hair loss?
Hair growth is a lengthy process that requires a ‘just right’ environment along the way. Regulation of proper nutrients and hormone levels are necessary to have healthy growing hair.
Highly restrictive diets that consist of eliminating whole food groups or cutting calories to a dangerous level, mean our bodies aren’t getting the full range of nutrients or energy needed.
When our bodies aren’t being nourished properly, they’re forced to cut down and allocate in order to preserve energy and fuel. This means they have to pick and choose which body processes they’re going to provide energy and nutrients for.
Since hair growth is a non-essential body process, it is often the first one to get neglected. After all, proper organ function is much more important to sustaining life than hair growth.
Unfortunately, this means that hair loss can be a side effect of restrictive dieting. While highly restrictive diets may be great for weight loss, they’re not great for our bodies long term. Hair loss is just one of the many possible side effects of extreme dieting. Loose skin, muscle weakness, fatigue, loss of concentration, trouble sleeping, headaches, and irritability are just some of the many effects of this style of dieting.
Remember that a healthy diet should always incorporate a healthy amount of each macro-nutrient. This means protein, carbohydrates, and fats should be present in your meals. Being properly nourished is essential to healthy hair growth, overall wellness, and yes – even weight loss.
If you think your hair loss may be caused by an extreme diet, consider switching to a healthier nutrition plan that incorporates an appropriate calorie level and all macro-nutrients. Your body and hair will thank you when you notice you feel better, look better, and your hair has begun growing again.
Hair loss caused by PCOS
Poly-cystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS is a medical condition that effects women. This common condition effects 1 in 10 women. A woman that has PCOS has enlarged ovaries and follicular cysts.
Unfortunately, the cause of PCOS is not known. We do know there is a genetic hereditary component, as well as a connection to high insulin levels in the body.
PCOS has many side effects. The most prominent are irregular menstruation, acne, problems conceiving, weight gain, unwanted hair growth, and hair loss.
Weight gain occurs because PCOS causes a resistance to insulin. This resistance causes more insulin to be produced which causes more testosterone to be produced which causes weight gain. Increased weight causes increased insulin and the vicious cycle continues.
Hair growth occurs in unwanted places such as the face, chest, and stomach. Simultaneously, hair loss occurs on the scalp. This symptom of PCOS is a result of the increased androgen in the body and is known as hirsutism.
When there is an excess amount of testosterone in the body, it is converted to DHT. DHT causes hair follicles to shrink. This shrinkage or miniaturization causes the hair to become finer and eventually stop growing altogether.
There is no single test to test for PCOS. But a blood test, hormone test, and ultrasound may be used in conjunction with positive symptoms to diagnose the condition.
If PCOS goes untreated it can cause diabetes and heart disease. PCOS can be managed by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. Avoiding foods high in carbohydrates and fats, and consuming high amounts of protein can help ward off weight gain and the effects of high insulin.
Additionally, certain medications can help in treating PCOS symptoms. Contraceptives can help regulate hormones while Propecia and Rogaine can help halt hair loss.
If you think you may have PCOS you should schedule an appointment with your physician to get tested. If you have hair loss caused by PCOS, you should meet with a hair restoration surgeon who specializes in the medical management of hair loss.
Give us a call for a medical management consult today and put an end to your hair loss.
Is this DIY home-remedy the secret to long hair?
A recent DIY home-remedy to give long, silky hair is trending. The author of the method states it’s a tried and true old Indian method that’s been passed down generations.
Reviewers and followers of the method swear by its success and have pictures as proof. Many individuals have seen a 30% increase in hair growth after just 1 or 2 months of regular use.
The routine is simple: all you have to do is get your hands on an aloe vera leaf, castor oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E capsules. These products can be found at an organic supermarket or drug store.
While we haven’t tried the method ourselves, there is promising evidence of the success of vitamin E and warm oil on hair growth and overall hair health.
We give it our safe stamp of approval and encourage you to try this all-natural method for hair growth and let us know how it works!
Step 1. Cut open an aloe vera leaf. Rub the gel all over the scalp.
Step 2. Combine 1-2 tbsp of castor oil, coconut oil, and the contents of 1 vitamin E capsule in a small bowl.
Step 3. Place the small bowl of oil inside a larger bowl filled with hot water. This warms up the oil.
Step 4. After the oil mixture is warm (takes about 4-5 mins) massage it into entire scalp. This promotes circulation and encourages hair growth and absorption. Do this for 4-5 minutes.
Step 5. Let soak in hair overnight. If you have long hair, put it in a tight braid. If you have short hair you may want to wear a shower cap to bed to protect linens.
Step 6. Wake up and wash the oil out. This method should be utilized 4-5 times a week for maximum results. Results should be evident after 2 months of continued use.
Pro tip: consider taking before and after pictures to track your progress!
Is FUE hair transplant surgery scarless?
The FUE method of hair transplant surgery is often referred to as the scarless surgery method. But is FUE really scarless?
FUE surgery was probably first named the scarless method due to the difference in extraction technique from the FUT/Strip method. The FUT/strip method utilizes the excision of a strip of scalp on the back of the head. The grafts are then extracted from this piece of scalp. This method leaves behind a scar where the scalp was excised.
The FUE method utilizes individual graft extraction from the scalp. Each graft is extracted one-by-one directly from the scalp. No scalp excision is required.
While no elongated scar is left behind by the FUE method, there is still a possibility for scarring. This comes from the punches that are being made in the back of the scalp to extract grafts.
That being said, if the FUE method of surgery is done correctly, with the latest advanced extraction tools and advanced skill and technique, scarring can be non-existent or at least non-visible to the naked eye.
According to Dr. Amir Yazdan, many hair transplant practices are utilizing a punch tool that is much too large and increases the risk for scarring. He states that most practices use a 1.0-2.0 mm punch to extract grafts. This is much larger than the 0.7 mm punch he uses at Modena Hair Center.
Why don’t they use a smaller punch tool? Dr. Yazdan states, “the smaller the tool the more skill that is required to properly extract the grafts. Not only do many physicians lack this level of skill, but so do robotic hair transplant assistants like the Neograft and Artas. These machines are notorious for leaving very visible punch scars.”
If you are interested in the FUE method of surgery and are hoping for the most scarless outcome possible, make sure to research your potential surgeon thoroughly. You’ll want to make sure they do the procedure by hand (not through robotic assistance), they are certified and registered as a hair transplant surgeon by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons, and they have plenty of experience.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Amir Yazdan, give us a call today.
Do you suffer from dry skin, dry scalp, or dry hair?
Dry skin, dry scalp, and dry hair are common problems that plague many individuals. Dryness on the skin and scalp can cause itchiness, rash, irritation, and even bleeding. While dry hair can cause breakage, increase risk of damage, and give a dull appearance.
Dryness of the skin, scalp, and hair can be caused by many things. Sometimes, simply changing the products we use to moisturize fixes the problem. Other times, we need to go deeper to address the root of the problem.
The best way to treat these conditions is to take a two-prong approach. In order to give your skin and scalp the nutrients they need, you should nourish from both the inside and outside.
Below I lay out some helpful tips to bring moisture and nutrients back to your skin, scalp, and hair both internally and externally to resolve your dryness issues.
Diet
Did you know your diet plays a role in the health of your skin, scalp, and hair? It’s true. If you’re missing a key nutrient from your diet, your skin and hair will suffer. Fat, a key component of a balanced diet, is essential to skin and hair health. Healthy fats come from foods like avocados, nuts, and olives. If you don’t get enough of these foods in your diet, you may suffer from dryness of the skin and hair as a result. An alternative to consuming healthy fats naturally is to take an EFA (essential fatty acid) supplement. This supplement allows you to still get the nutrients your body needs from fats without actually consuming them. EFA’s can be found at any local drug store.
Moisturizer
Different compounds of moisturizers work differently on different people. Some people’s skin or hair respond well to coconut oil based products while others see greater benefits with a Shea butter base. Try experimenting with samples of different compounds to see which moisturizer works best for your skin and hair. You may find a different combination of ingredients nourishes your skin and hair better. We recommend using a product that is organic and all-natural, like Doctor Developed’s Bye Bye Cream.
How do you prepare for hair transplant surgery?
Congratulations on making the decision to go forward with hair transplant surgery. Upon scheduling your appointment with us you will receive detailed information on how to prepare for your upcoming hair transplant.
While hair transplants are considered a minimally invasive procedure, they are still a surgical procedure and must be treated as so by the patient. Your results will be determined by not only the surgeon but also by how well you yield pre- and post-operative instructions.
Below is a list of helpful tips and things to keep in mind as you prepare for your surgery. If you have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to call your doctor’s office.
Be sure to read through your pre-operative instructions carefully, as some preparations begin 2 weeks prior to your surgery date. Please note you should always follow specific instructions given by your doctor over any helpful tips seen here.
- Avoid drugs that cause the blood to thin. 1 week prior to your surgery you should avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E supplements. 3 days prior to surgery you should avoid taking blood thinners such as warfarin, heparin, etc. Make sure to discuss this with your prescribing physician. When the blood in thin, it can cause increased bleeding as the clotting factors are not there to naturally halt bleeding. This can complicate the surgery and make it more difficult to complete. If you are taking these medications as instructed by your physician, please check with your physician before stopping any medication. Tylenol/Acetaminophen is fine to take as it does not thin the blood.
- Avoid all alcohol and spicy food 2 days prior to surgery. These too can cause the blood to thin.
- Eat breakfast. It’s going to be a long day and eating a full breakfast will help you stay nourished, hydrated, and feeling good throughout the procedure.
- Wear a comfortable shirt with a loose neck-hole. When you get home post-surgery, we don’t want the shirt to rub against the extraction and recipient zones of your scalp. This could cause potential damage. Consider wearing a shirt with a bigger neck-hole like a v-neck or button shirt.
- Bring your iPad/tablet. Many individuals like to browse or get work done during the procedure. Feel free to bring your tablet. We will also have music and movies available for you.
- Don’t shave your head. The doctor needs to have some length of hair present in order to assist him in locating and placing the grafts. We recommend not going shorter than a 2 on the clippers.
- Wash your hair the morning of the procedure. This helps to remove all dirt and oil, making the scalp clean prior to the start of surgery.
- Use minoxidil (Rogaine) pre- and post-op. Shock loss can occur in some individuals. Use Rogaine pre- and post-op to help reduce the risk of shock loss and promote hair growth.
