The Hair Loss Dilemma
Millions of men and women suffer frustration and embarrassment over the traumatic problem of excessive hair loss. It’s estimated that over 50% of men, by the age of 35, and 40% of women by the age of 40 will have a degree of baldness. Studies have proven that individuals with hair loss look older than they are. Hair loss is a normal part of the aging process, but with the technology and science available today we all have several options available to us to fight hair loss.
Women can do very little to hide their problem. They are presumed to have health issues or even worse, labeled as not caring about her appearance, She is embarrassed when she tries to go to the salon to get help. Too often, the stylist will tell her that there is nothing that he or she can do to help her.
For the men who can’t shave their head or wear a hat to work, they too face the same dilemma as the women. They are often overlooked for promotion for a younger looking counterpart. They’re reluctant to even try hair replacement because of all the bad results they’ve seen in the media and even on their friends or family members. They don’t explore other resources to see if there really is something revolutionary that can give them back the look they lost, from no fault of their own.
Contributing Factors to Hair Loss
Understanding Hair Growth
In humans, each follicle appears to have its own cycle independent of each other. As long as the papilla stays active, produces hair cells, the follicle remains unobstructed, and a healthy exists, then re-growth will continue. Follicles produce hair during a growth phase called the Anagen phase. This phase lasts from 2 to 6 years. Each hair, at its own pre-programmed stage goes into a resting phase called Catagen. This phase lasts about 3 months, then the follicle sheds its hair and replaces it with a new one during the Telogen phase.
Because of the Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen cycle, daily hair loss is a natural biological occurence. Normal hair loss is between 50 and 150 hairs per day. Loss of more than 150 hairs per day is considered excessive. A normal head of hair consists of approximately 90,000 to 120,000 hairs.
Understanding Hair Loss
The major cause of hair loss have to do with circulation, hormonal influences, genetics, and nutrition. There are many different types of hair loss, but most start with the name Alopecia. This group of explanations has 5 different descriptions.
Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common type of hair loss that we see. It is the medical term for male or female pattern hair loss. It is broken down into two parts.
Andorgenetic – Consists of androgen, meaning any of the various hormones that control the appearance and development of masculine characteristics, such as testerone. Testosterone will take over a follicle and diminish it by inhibiting the blood flow to the follicle.
Genetic – The inheritance of genes from either their mothers or fathers side of the family.
Both of these in combination represnet a time clock, which will signal the hair follicle to produce special enzymes. When testosterone and these special enzymes are present in the follicle, it converts to Dihydrotestosterone, otherwise known as DHT. The DHT makes the follicle go into a resting phase faster, which causes the hair produced by those follicles to become thinner and thinner with each successive growth cycle, and thereby start the process of male or female pattern baldness.
Other forms of Alopecia come about when the normal growth cycle of the follicle is interrupted by the immune system. This occurs when the follicle becomes obstructed, or the blood flow to the papilla is diminished. Many internal and external conditions have a direct relationship with hair loss.
Alopecia Areata – Traveling spots of hair loss in sizes ranging from the size of a pea to an entire area on the head can be affected, It is usually temporary and usually is seen first during childhood, disappearing with the onset of puberty. In some cases it will return after puberty is complete. Usually, the reappearance of Alopecia Areota will result in furth and permanent hair loss. Many studies have concluded that it is caused by an autoimmune system disorder.
Alopecia Totalis – Alopecia Totalis usually begins with Alopecia Areata and then progresses. This is where all hair on the scalp is gone. When this occurs it is usually a permanent situation.
Alopcia Universalis – This hair loss encompasses the entire body. This too usually begins with Alopecia Areata, progressing to alopecia Universalis. This condition is usually permanent.
Traction Alopecia – This conidtion is caused by excessive physcial stress or tension on the hair from poorly applied hair extensions, clips for hair replacement systems and tight cornrow braiding. Severe pulling from putting hair in tight ponytails can also cause hair loss around the hair line.
Tricitillamania – This is an obsessive-compulsive disorder where the individual gets a pleasing sensation by pulling the hair out of the follicle. Some individuals pull while they are in their sleep but most known when they are pulling and do it for the sensation they get when they pull the hair out. This can be treated with medication and therapy but is not always successful. Most clients that have this disorder and choose their hair replacement find another place to pull. Some are successful with using hair replacement because they don’t get the sensation if they pull that hair out.
Medical Conditions – Many medical conditions can cause severe hair loss. High fever, extended use of antibiotics, surgery, pregnancy, thyroid, and of course, chemotherapy all fall into this category. Ussually, this is what we call “self restoring hair loss”, meaning that when the situation is over and the body has returned to normal, hair will go back to its original state. The length of time varies from one client to another. For cases like this, Low Level Laser Light Hair Therapy can be very successful.
Hair Loss Options
Each inidividual experiencing hair loss has options to consider. There are many factors to consider before making a final decision on the right course of action. I’ve outlined the options below but there are many lifestyle factors to consider and your hair and scalp needs to be thoroughly examined before we can make the most effective recommendation.
There are numerous products on the market, which you can apply as a topical treatment using massaging and laser techniques. Minoxidil is the most advertised and popular topical product which has been approved to re-grow hair.
We carry Bosley products with a 5% Minoxidil, which encourages hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. This, in turn, nourishes hair follicles and thus revitalizes hair growth. It is not a quick fix and results will not be seen for at least 3 to 4 months. Ultimate results will be seen in 12 to 16 months.
Propecia is a pill that requires a doctor’s prescription. This pill helps to reduce DHT and provide DHT inhibitors to increase blood flow to the follicle, open up the follicle and detoxify the follicle. Used with Minoxidil, about 60% of users will see an increase in hair density.
Low Level Laser Light Hair Therapy could be a class in itself. Recently approved by the FDA to re-grow hair, Low Level Laser Light Hair Therapy has taken hold in the market. In studies, 57% of individuals will re-grow hair, 85% will experience a halt in hair loss while 100% of users see a thickening of the hair shaft and have healthier hair. LLLLHT causes cell reproduction and protein synthesis causing a dormant follicle to begin to produce hair again. Success is seen in those individuals who are in their first five years of hair lsos.
Have a Surgical Procedure from a reputable doctor who specializes in “MUHG” Multi-Unit Hair Grafting. Techniques in surgery have come a long way in the past few years. Surgeons have continued to perfect their skills. The days of the cornrow look are gone with the use of these new techniques. Come into Izzo Hair for a private consultation. We can determine if you are a good candidate. Fill out our consultation form and let us take photos of your hair loss. We submit the photos to PAI Medical Group and let their consultant contact you. This is FREE consultation with absolutely no obligation. This will also give you an opportunity to see my hair transplant from PAI. Trust me, my extensive background in the hair loss industry gave me access to the best transplant group in my business. This will give you an opportunity to see how amazing transplant surgery can look!
Non-Surgical Hair Replacement is the choice for more and more individuals because of the advances in technology and the natural look that’s now attainable. The options available with Virtual Reality have made the choice easier for many. The definition of hair replacement is any additional hair added to ones existing hair or scalp to give the appearance of fuller, thicker hair. Compared to all other options, hair replacement and hair systems represent an affordable method with immediate results for solving hair loss. If a person is not happy with the results, it can be reversed completely without risk or scars.
Today’s hair replacement systems have improved over the years. They no longer look like a toupee or common wigs. The results are truly amazing in regards to creating a natural front hairline and a totally natural appearance. With today’s advanced technology, the systems are very light density and the base product is much thinner, like another layer of skin.
Attachement methods allow the wearer total freedom. They can participate in normal activities, such as working out and swimming with no detection. There is also no need to remove anything before going to bed.
Coverage can be just where the client needs the hair. Whether it’s just on the crown of the head or full head, the same natural look can be achieved.
Steve Izzo travels the country teaching in hair loss studios. He has studied all of the options and seen results from all the options available. He will give you honest answers to your hair loss issues no matter what the situation may be – he has been there himself!
For more information check out the following links:
PAI clinic director, Darren Andrews, and client Dan Ferraro discuss Multi-Unit Hair Grafting on INDY STYLE TV. New technology is compared to the older hair transplantaion technology, which Dan had prior to visiting PAI. Watch the video to see the results
For more information check out WeGrowHairIndy!