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.
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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.
Risks of FUE hair transplant mega-sessions
FUE hair transplant mega-sessions consist of extracting and placing 4,000+ grafts in a single procedure. This is much more than the usual 1,000-3,500 that is extracted and placed in a typical FUE hair transplant procedure.
With a higher number of grafts extracted in one sitting, the risks of shock loss, scarring, and low-graft survival rate increase. Below, I break down how each of these risks is increased by an FUE mega-session.
Shock loss – What’s important to understand is that any surgical procedure is a type of trauma that the body endures. Your surrounding follicles are affected by the extraction and placement of grafts in the scalp tissue. If certain surrounding hairs in both the donor and recipient zones are weak and nearing the end of their life cycle, it’s possible the trauma of surgery could push them over the edge. This means they may be permanently shed through a condition called shock loss. During FUE mega-sessions, this surgical trauma is amplified. More grafts are extracted and placed which means more of the surrounding hairs are susceptible to shock loss.
Scarring – The FUE method of hair transplantation consists of each graft being hand extracted one-by-one. While tedious, it offers natural looking hair transplant results with minimal scarring. Anywhere from 1,000-3,000 grafts are comfortably and safely extracted during FUE. Much more than that and the low risk of scarring is negated. This is because the donor area is getting completed depleted in order to sustain the high number of grafts needed. This creates more scar tissue which means visible scarring and decreased hair growth returning in the donor area.
Low-graft survival rate – The longer grafts are out of the scalp, the greater the likelihood they will not survive once transplanted. Due to the nature of mega-sessions and the extended amount of time they take to complete, grafts tend to be sitting outside of the scalp for a longer period of time. Additionally, grafts are extremely fragile and sensitive. Mega-sessions don’t often allow time and space for the quality of care needed to maintain the health and safety of the grafts. Any damage to the graft and it will not survive once transplanted. It is believed by many experienced hair transplant surgeons that less than half of all transplanted grafts in a mega-session survive.
So how do we achieve high graft hair transplants for those patients who need it without doing a mega-session?
When a high number of grafts are needed to achieve the desired density and fullness the patient wants in their hair, it is often better to utilize multiple surgeries over time. This allows the scalp to heal and newly transplanted follicles to grow naturally and fully.
This in turn yields better results over time, as shock loss is reduced, scarring is minimal to non-existent, and graft survival rate is high. You are much more likely to see the full results of a high graft FUE hair transplant if the surgery is split up.
If you’d like to learn more about the FUE method of hair transplantation and get a graft and price quote for your specific hair needs, give us a call for a free consultation today.
Do FUE hair transplant mega-sessions work?
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ntly there has been a trend in hair transplant centers offering FUE mega-sessions. FUE mega-sessions consist of offering 4,000+ grafts extracted and placed in one sitting.
This is much more than the typical 1,000-3,500 grafts that are usually extracted and placed in a typical FUE procedure.
Many individuals assume the more grafts extracted and placed, the better. But more does not always equal better, as is the case with FUE hair transplants.
With a higher number of grafts extracted in one sitting, the risks of shock loss, scarring, and low-graft survival rate increase. In another article, I break down how each of these risks is increased by an FUE mega-session.
Obviously, increased hair loss, scarring, and minimal graft survival are not desirable hair transplant results. The likelihood of good results with a mega-session just doesn’t outweigh the likelihood of bad results.
So how do we achieve high graft hair transplants for those patients who need it without doing a mega-session?
When a high number of grafts are needed to achieve the desired density and fullness the patient wants in their hair, it is often better to utilize multiple surgeries over time. This allows the scalp to heal and newly transplanted follicles to grow naturally and fully.
This in turn yields better results over time, as shock loss is reduced, scarring is minimal to non-existent, and graft survival rate is high. You are much more likely to see the full results of a high graft FUE hair transplant if the surgery is split up.
Something else to keep in mind when evaluating FUE mega-sessions is the honesty and transparency that may be lacking in surgeons offering these procedures. I recently met with a patient who had a quote from a hair transplant surgeon for a 10,000 graft FUE mega-session. This graft count is clearly inflated. It is frankly not possible to extract 10,000 grafts in one sitting, let alone produce a successful hair transplant. This surgeon is banking on the lack of education in his potential patients.
Your best defense in avoiding scams and botched surgeries like these is to do your research. Make sure your surgeon is a U.S. medical doctor, you’ve read reviews and evaluated before and after pictures, and they are certified by the ISHRS with many years of experience.
If you’d like to learn more about the FUE method of hair transplantation and get a graft and price quote for your specific hair needs, give us a call for a free consultation today.
Press release: botched hair transplant surgeries on the rise
As medical science continues to advance, hair transplants become increasingly common. Unfortunately, so has the occurrence of botched hair transplant surgeries.
A botched hair transplant refers to a hair transplant gone wrong. Often times, patients that are victims of botched hair transplant surgeries look worse off after the surgery than they did before the surgery.
Botched hair transplants come in many different forms. It can be a bad FUT/Strip scar that has scar tissue that is highly visible, noticeable scarring in the extraction or recipient areas, or a minimal to non-existent graft survival rate.
According to hair restoration surgeon Dr. Amir Yazdan, this rise in botched hair transplant surgeries has increased dramatically in recent years. He states that when he first began transplanting hair about 10 years ago, fixing botched hair transplants made up an extremely small sample of his patients. Now, resolving botched cases accounts for almost half of his active surgery patients.
Botched hair transplants have damaging and lasting effects. Not only do they cause patients to spend double or triple what they would have if their first surgery was successful to fix their hair, but the valuable donor area of the scalp can be permanently damaged. This damage means that even a corrective surgery may not be possible.
So how do you make sure you’re not the next victim of a botched hair transplant surgery? Dr. Amir Yazdan says “research, research, research. An experienced hair transplant surgeon will have plenty of positive reviews, before and after photos, and won’t shy away from any questions.”
If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Amir Yazdan’s practice or how to avoid being the next victim of a botched hair transplant, visit his website at modenahair.com.
Is your hair loss caused by a thyroid disorder?
There are many medical conditions that can cause hair loss. A common disease that causes hair loss involves the thyroid.
The thyroid is a gland that regulates hormones in our body. Hypothyroidism involves the thyroid under-producing thyroid hormones while hyperthyroidism involves the thyroid over-producing hormones. Both thyroid diseases are linked to hair loss.
Why do thyroid disorders cause hair loss?
The answer to this has to do with the regulation of our hormones. When there is a change in our hormone levels for any reason, it can cause a disruption in many areas of normal body functioning. Because hormones are involved in almost every body function, even the smallest disruption can cause a ripple effect. DHT which regulates hair growth, is very sensitive to hormonal changes. One small hormonal imbalance can cause the build-up of DHT, which in turn causes hair follicles to stop producing new hair growth.
Additionally, It’s not just the thyroid disorder itself that can cause hair loss. The drugs used to treat thyroid disorders can also cause hair loss. This is an unfortunate side effect of some necessary medications.
Thankfully, there are many treatment options for those with a thyroid condition. If you believe your hair loss is caused by your disease or by medication you’re taking to treat your condition, see if your doctor can add or switch your medication. This may be all you need to resolve or lessen your hair loss.
Still, for some who have a thyroid condition, their hair loss is persistent regardless of changed treatment methods. For these individuals, they may need to take a more aggressive course of action such as PRP therapy treatments or laser therapy. Both of these methods of hair restoration are aggressive enough to help stop and reverse hair loss in many individuals.
If you think your hair loss may be caused by a thyroid condition, visit your doctor as soon as possible. Thyroid conditions can be confirmed or denied with a simple blood test. If the disease is confirmed, simply treating it with medications may cause hair loss to stop. But if treatment does not affect the hair loss, or if the disease was denied, consider meeting with an experienced and certified hair transplant surgeon. During a consultation, the surgeon can address the root cause of the hair loss as well as assess your treatment options.
Hair transplant recovery – surgery post-op – what you need to know
Congratulations on getting through your hair transplant procedure! Now comes the hard part – taking care of your scalp and grafts so you can achieve the best results possible.
While it can be tricky to adjust to the sensitivity and neediness of your newly transplanted grafts, there is no need to fret. Below, we’ve compiled a few tips for you on how to get through your hair transplant recovery period easily and successfully. Please make sure to follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions carefully.
It is normal to experience slight pain and discomfort for a few days immediately following surgery. This is normal and can be treated with over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Bleeding or oozing from the follicle sites may occur during the night. This too is normal. Be sure not to scratch or pick the scalp at all. Your body is working hard to heal your scalp. Be patient and let it go through the scabbing process.
Applying ice to the forehead may help in reducing swelling and numbing minor pain. Be sure the ice does not touch the newly transplanted grafts.
You may begin shampooing your scalp a couple of days after the surgery. Be very gentle and use a mild shampoo such as baby shampoo. Do not use your nails or finger tips whatsoever, rather lather around the area and allow the suds to gently fall or sit on the scalp. Additionally, make sure the water is on a very gentle stream. We recommend using a measuring cup to gently pour water on the scalp. The pressure of the water straight from the shower head could cause damage to the grafts.
After approximately 1 week, you may begin to use your finger tips to wash your hair. Use very light pressure in circular motions to clean the scalp. Make sure the pressure from your fingers and water is very gentle and light. After 2 weeks, you may return to your regular hair washing method with regular pressure.
Rogaine and other hair products should not be used for 2 weeks following surgery. Hairpieces should not be worn for at least 1 month.
Exercise (even very light) should be avoided for 10 days. Moderate to intense exercise can resume after 14 days. This avoidance of exercise is due to the rise in heart rate causing pressure on the scalp and possibly dislodging the grafts.
If you have any concerns regarding your hair transplant or have noticed shock loss, excessive bleeding, prolonged swelling or pain, or any sign of infection, do not hesitate to call your hair transplant surgeon immediately. While these scenarios are extremely rare, you can’t be too careful.
It is very important you heed your doctor’s instructions very carefully. Detailed instructions are given to you after the surgery is completed. Please keep in mind the success of your hair transplant rests on how well you take care of it.
Is hair shedding a sign of hair loss?
Most individuals experience some degree of hair shedding throughout their lives. While every individual experiences a different amount of shed hair each day, it is common for anywhere from 1-100 hairs to be shed per day.
While some shedding is normal and can be a normal part of the hair growth cycle, it can also be an early sign of hair loss.
In order to determine if the shedding is normal or a sign of hair loss, it would need to be determined if the shedding is outside the normal range of shedding you personally experience. Since everyone is different and loses a different amount of hair each day, there isn’t a set number to determine hair loss.
Many things can cause hair to shed. Medications, stress, and underlying medical conditions, and early signs of hair loss are all common possibilities. You should meet with an experienced and certified hair restoration surgeon to determine the cause of the shedding.
Once any underlying medical conditions have been ruled out and the cause is determined, you can begin the process of protecting and maintaining your hair. Dr. Yazdan believes the best way to fight off hair loss is to be as proactive as possible.
If you are beginning to see early signs of hair loss, now is the perfect time to start managing it. There are many treatments available for hair loss maintenance such as medication, topical products, and even PRP and laser therapy.
Here at Modena, we specialize in the medical management of hair loss. During a medical management consultation we can help you determine the best course of action to stop your hair loss in its tracks and even reverse it. Give us a call today.
What is alopecia areata and do you have it?
Alopecia areata is one of many types of hair loss. Alopecia areata involves your immune system attacking your hair follicles. This damage causes hair loss.
Much is still unknown about why the immune system attacks your follicles. What is known is that naturally occurring antibodies are mistaken as foreign antibodies and get programmed for destruction.
In a person with alopecia areata, hair loss usually begins with clumps of hair falling out. This leaves round hairless patches on the scalp. Some cases may present with thinning across the scalp. Other cases present with hair breaking off before growing very long.
It is common for individuals with alopecia areata to notice their symptoms come and go. The hair loss can be permanent and non-permanent. The hair loss is more likely to be permanent if there is a family history of the disease or another auto-immune disease, or if the hair loss is extensive.
While there isn’t a cure for alopecia areata, there has been some success with various treatment methods. The most common treatment method is corticosteroid injections in the scalp.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) has also shown to be effective in some individuals with alopecia areata.
If you think you may have alopecia areata, you should visit an experienced and certified hair restoration surgeon. A simple exam and hair analysis will determine if you have the disease.
Here at Modena Hair Institute, we specialize in the medical management of hair loss. We have years of experience treating individuals with alopecia areata as well as other hair loss causing medical conditions. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.
Hot oil massage for hair growth
Hot oil treatments are the latest at-hom
e hair care trend. Oils such as coconut, olive, or jojoba are warmed and then massaged into the scalp.
According to regular users of hot oil scalp treatments, the oil nourishes hair, moisturizes hair, relieves scalp problems, and stimulates hair growth.
But how does it work?
Oils provide much needed nutrients to the hair. When hair is nourished, it is healthier and more likely to grow.
In addition, the motion of massaging the oil into the scalp increases blood flow and circulation to the scalp and follicles. This also increases the rate of growth.
The benefits of hot oil scalp massages range from treating dandruff to fungus. Make sure to research which oils target which hair ailments, so you can make the most effective concoction for you.
If you suffer from dry, brittle hair and want to try an all-natural remedy to bring moisture and health back to your hair – give hot oil scalp massages a try!
How to:
- Wash your hair – hair should be clean and product-free prior to the application of the warmed oil.
- Heat oil using the water bath method – put oil in a glass measuring cup. Place the cup in a saucepan filled with water. Bring the water to a boil.
- Apply the oil to damp hair via fingertips dipped in the warm oil. Work your way from the roots to the ends of the hair. Make sure to massage the oil into the hair. This helps stimulate blood flow to the follicles.
- Wrap your hair with a warm towel and let the oil soak in.
- After 20-30 minutes, rewash hair to remove the excess oil.
- Repeat once a week to once a month depending on the degree of help your hair needs.
Tips:
A little goes a long way. Only a couple tablespoons of oil are needed.
Try mixing oils to see a wider range of benefits.
