Tag Archives: Hair Loss

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How to remove sebum build-up containing DHT from the scalp

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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.

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Do you suffer from an itchy scalp?

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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.

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How your diet effects hair loss

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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.

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Hair loss caused by PCOS

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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.

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Is this DIY home-remedy the secret to long hair?

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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!

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How do you prepare for hair transplant surgery?

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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.
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Do FUE hair transplant mega-sessions work?

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Recently 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.

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Is your hair loss caused by a thyroid disorder?

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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.

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Is hair shedding a sign of hair loss?

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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.

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What is alopecia areata and do you have it?

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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.

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Hot oil massage for hair growth

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Hot oil treatments are the latest at-home 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:

  1. Wash your hair – hair should be clean and product-free prior to the application of the warmed oil.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Wrap your hair with a warm towel and let the oil soak in.
  5. After 20-30 minutes, rewash hair to remove the excess oil.
  6. 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.

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Wish you had fuller, thicker, longer hair?

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Us too. Unfortunately, we were all gifted our specific hair type at birth. This was a trait passed down genetically by our parents. Whether you have curly, thick, long, voluminous hair or thin, short, fine hair, we each have the type of hair we have.
If you’ve found this page through an internet search, it’s no surprise to you there are endless hair growth options out there. From simple home remedies to over the counter products, to vitamins, to more aggressive approaches like PRP or laser therapy, it seems there’s a new hair growth option every week.
While these methods may effectively work to promote hair growth, they won’t give you thick, full hair when you’ve had thin, fine hair your whole life. These products work to stimulate more growth, not to change your hair’s inherent chemical composition.
Bummer, isn’t it? Well, while changing the nature of your hair isn’t in your control, changing how you style it is.
Thanks to hair enthusiasts and stylists from all around the world, we’ve compiled a handy how-to for how to make your hair appear longer, thicker, and more voluminous.

  • Part it
    • A part down the middle gives the appearance of longer hair.
  • Style it
    • Blow dry your hair upside down, using a round brush and focusing on the roots. This lifts hair up, giving it more volume once dried.
    • When styling, go for the messy look by tousling and teasing the hair.
    • Wear hair in a messy bun or layered ponytail.
  • Use volumizing products
    • Mousse and other after-shower products help add texture which makes hair more volumized once fully dried.
  • Use color to your advantage
    • Highlights added to just the right areas of the hair give the appearance of a full, thick head of hair.
    • Dark hair color gives the illusion of thicker, longer hair.
  • Add layers
    • Layers can be added using razor cut or step cut techniques.
    • Layers are very flattering for many different face shapes. They add sophistication to your hair cut.
    • Try side-bangs. They provide height and volume in the front of the hair.

 

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Are those flakes in your hair dandruff or scalp psoriasis?

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According to Proctor and Gamble, approximately 50% of people in the U.S. deal with dandruff and dry scalp issues.
This common hair malady can usually be resolved through the use of specialized shampoos, adjustment of hair products used, and even increased hydration and improved diet.
Psoriasis on the other hand, is a more serious medical condition that involves the immune system.
A buildup of skin cells causes flaky patches across the scalp. These patches itch and typically appear raised, red, and scaly. In addition to itchiness, scalp psoriasis can cause soreness, burning, and bumps.
Psoriasis is not curable but can be treatable. If you have scalp psoriasis, its important you find a treatment regimen that works for you, as leaving scalp psoriasis untreated can cause the patches to flare up, becoming increasingly uncomfortable, itchy, sore, and eventually causing hair loss.
The most common treatments for psoriasis involve salicylic acid and coal tar. There are creams, ointments, and shampoos that contain either of these active ingredients and work to calm and control the spread and severity of the scalp psoriasis.
Different active ingredients work differently for everyone. It is possible that salicylic acid may not resolve your psoriasis symptoms, while the coal tar may be more beneficial. It is best to get samples of each and see which one works best for you.
For more severe cases, you’ll need to visit your doctor or dermatologist for a prescription. Often times, medications containing steroids are beneficial in treating psoriasis, but they can only be used for a short amount of time.
If you believe scalp psoriasis may be causing your hair loss symptoms and would like to learn more about what you can do prevent continued hair loss, give us a call for a consultation today.

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Do you have telogen effluvium hair loss?

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Telogen effluvium is the second most common type of hair loss. This type of hair loss is characterized by diffuse thinning of the hair, mostly on the top of the scalp. Contrary to the popular receding hair line, telogen effluvium does not involve any receding, rather widespread thinning.
Telogen effluvium occurs when a large number of hair follicles stop producing hair and enter the resting phase. The result is a large number of hairs that are shed each day.
What causes telogen effluvium? It is widely agreed that high levels of stress and/or an unbalanced diet are the causes of this type of hair loss. The exact effect of these stressors can be short-lived or prolonged.
For example, a sudden stressor or environmental shock such as a physical trauma like a car accident or the start of a new medication can cause a sudden onset of telogen effluvium. As you recover from the trauma or adjust to the new medication, the hair loss should resolve and return to normal.
A more prolonged case of telogen effluvium would be caused by a persistent trigger. This could be due to a chronic illness, chronic stress, or a diet deficiency. This cause of hair loss is more difficult to treat, as the follicles have experienced more long-term damage.
Here are some things you can do to manage the root cause of your telogen effluvium:
Stress: If you have a particularly stressful job or life, it could be taking a toll on your hair. Try finding a stress management method that works for you. Many individuals have had success with yoga, meditation, running, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Diet: If you’re a vegetarian, or your diet is low in red meat, you may not be getting enough iron. Low iron can result in hair loss over time. A balanced diet is key to overall health. If you are unable to introduce more iron into your diet naturally, try a supplement.
While simply changing your diet or managing your stress is a great place to start if you have telogen effluvium, it may not be enough to solve all your hair loss problems. The follicles may need some help entering the growth stage once more. If that’s the case, PRP therapy and laser therapy have proved effective in jump-starting the growth process.
If you’d like to learn more about your hair loss options, give us a call today.

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Men: Restore your hair – Restore your confidence

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According to recent research by Psychology Today, hair loss is a major concern for the majority of men. Even though the study showed that almost 90% of women didn’t care about hair loss in men, men estimated over 50% of women wouldn’t find a balding man attractive.
This same study found that overall, men are more concerned with losing their hair than losing their sanity. Considering the seriousness of mental illness, this statement allows us to see just how important and relevant hair loss is to men today.
Most men develop their confidence and self-esteem in their early 20’s, when most men happen to still have a full head of hair. As men age and lose their hair, that confidence plummets.
The tricky thing with confidence is that its about being comfortable in your own skin. Regardless of the issue, not feeling comfortable or like yourself can wreak havoc on your self-esteem.
Our hair plays a big role in our overall appearance. If you look at two pictures of an individual one with hair and one without, they would hardly look like the same person. A full head of hair equals youth, health, and confidence.
Interestingly enough, it’s been found that just attempting to do something to resolve hair loss positively effects self-esteem and confidence.
Luckily, thanks to advancements in hair restoration, there are many options available to help men restore their hair and in turn, restore their confidence.
Here at Modena, we specialize in the medical management of hair loss, alternative methods to re-growing hair, as well as FUE and FUT/Strip methods of hair transplant surgery. If your hair loss has caused your confidence to dip, do something about it today and schedule a hair loss consultation. The road to restoring your confidence is closer than you think.

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The link between age and hair loss

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It’s probably not a surprise to hear there’s a link between age and hair loss. Most people know that as we age, we also lose hair. But why is that?
There’s still a lot we don’t know about hair loss. What we do know, is that as we age, the rate at which our hair grows decreases. Additionally, hair naturally thins with age. This is because more hairs enter the resting phase causing hair to grow less as well as less hairs to grow, giving an overall thinner feel and appearance.
Some men experience hair loss as early as their teens and 20s, while women typically experience hair loss around age 40. According to the AHLA, 2/3 of men experience hair loss by age 35 and over 4/5 of men experience hair loss by age 50.
Many other factors contribute to hair loss such as hormones, genes, stress, illness, and medical conditions. Unfortunately, as we age, our risk for these issues increases.
Although we can’t halt the aging process, we can fight back against hair loss. In order to protect and maintain your hair, it’s very important you don’t miss the first signs of hair loss.
According to Dr. Yazdan, the best way to fight hair loss is to prevent it and treat it right away. Utilizing medical management and alternative methods of hair restoration, you can keep the hair you have, protecting its health and maintaining the density, feel, and look. During a consultation with an experienced and certified hair restoration surgeon, you can assess your options in preventing hair loss.
Medical management options range from finasteride, minoxidil, and nizoral shampoo. Alternative methods include PRP treatment, laser therapy, and injections. If you’d like to learn more about what treatment options you’re a candidate for, give us a call today.

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Are protein shakes causing your hair loss?

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Many individuals who are active in the fitness world choose to follow up their work outs with a protein shake. Protein shakes are beneficial post-work out because they aid in muscle recovery quickly and efficiently.
Unfortunately, recent research has shown that whey protein (the main component in most protein shakes) raises testosterone levels. This is problematic because testosterone has a direct impact on hair growth. And it’s not a positive one.
When testosterone is converted to DHT by an enzyme, it can suffocate hair follicles, causing miniaturization and progressive hair loss. It is believed that the higher amount of testosterone in your blood, the higher amount that is converted to DHT, and the more hair loss you may experience.
One contributing factor to the whey protein – hair loss connection, is the amount of whey protein fitness-minded individuals consume in an average day. Studies showed that the less whey protein consumed the less effect it had on testosterone and hair loss. But, active whey protein drinkers are consuming on average about triple the necessary amount of protein our bodies need. This excessive whey protein consumption is believed to cause hair loss rather quickly.
The good news is that when individuals stopped or reduced their whey protein intake, the hair loss virtually stopped and even regrew. If you regularly consume whey protein shakes and are concerned it may be causing your hair loss, consider pausing your post-work out protein shake routine and see how your hair reacts. Opt instead for lean turkey, quinoa, lentils, and vitamins which have shown to nourish and promote healthy hair.
While dietary adjustments can help some individuals who are experiencing recent and sudden hair loss,  it is unlikely a diet change will have an impact on those with progressed or severe hair loss. If this is you, you may want to schedule a consultation with a hair transplant surgeon who specializes in the medical as well as alternative methods of regrowing hair. Give us a call today.

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DHT – Is it causing your hair loss?

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The majority of hair loss is caused by androgenic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness. To understand and treat this condition, we must first understand how it works.
Testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone or DHT by an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase that resides in our cells. DHT has many jobs but one of which is to control hair growth. It does this by binding to receptors on hair follicles.
We find that individuals with androgenic alopecia often have DHT bound to their scalp’s hair follicles. This binding actually causes hair loss by shrinking the follicles and suffocating the healthy hair so it is no longer able to survive. Eventually, it will shorten the hair growth cycle and prevent new hair from growing at all.
While the majority of DHT is found in our blood, it can also be found in sweat and sebum. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to wash your hair regularly, especially after sweating. This prevents the amount and length of time DHT sits on your scalp. DHT on the scalp clogs your pores and wreaks similar havoc on your hair follicles as it does when it is in your blood and binds to the receptors via cell transportation.
There are a few targeted treatments for hair loss caused by DHT; Nizoral shampoo, minoxidil (or Rogaine), and finasteride (or Propecia). These treatments have been shown to be effective in the majority of individuals who have DHT-caused hair loss and who use them properly and regularly.
Think you may have hair loss caused by DHT? If so, you’ll want to get started with medical management as soon as possible. Dr. Yazdan specializes in the medial management of hair loss and believes the best way to fight hair loss is to take an aggressive and consistent course of action. Give us a call for a medical management consultation today.