Hair Loss Archives - Miami Hair Institute

Category: Hair Loss

December 27, 2021

COVID-19 May Cause Hair Loss, But COVID Vaccines Do Not

As we frustratingly approach two years of living through the pandemic, it is pretty well established that temporary hair loss – telogen effluvium – is one of the more common complications associated with COVID-19. Many of the physical and psychological impacts of COVID-19, such as high fever, severe infection, illness, significant weight loss, physical trauma, and emotional stress, are precisely the kinds of disruptions that lead to telogen effluvium. Quarantines, worries about jobs and finances, juggling the responsibilities of parenting and career – these common pandemic-related stressors alone are more than enough to cause hair loss, even for those who aren’t otherwise sick.

However, one aspect of the pandemic that DOES NOT appear linked to hair loss is COVID-19 vaccines. Plainly put, scientists have found no connection between any of the widely available COVID-19 vaccines and increased hair loss.

Anytime someone goes through an infection, gets a fever, or experiences significant stress, as is the case with COVID-19, they can experience telogen effluvium. Many vaccinated people experience side effects from the shot, including fever and mild illness. But those side effects do not appear to create the conditions that cause temporary hair loss like COVID infection itself.

As reported recently in the Boston Globe, “Dr. Shira Doron, infectious disease physician at Tufts Medical Center said hair loss following coronavirus vaccination has not been detected in any surveillance.”

Nevertheless, many fully vaccinated individuals and those who have not been infected with COVID-19 can and do experience pandemic-related hair loss. This is due to the immense stress, disruption, and uncertainty that COVID-19 continues to cause for so many people. Quarantines, worries about jobs and finances, juggling the responsibilities of parenting and career – these common pandemic-related stressors alone are more than enough to cause hair loss, even for those who aren’t otherwise sick.

During this time, the physicians and staff at the Miami Hair Institute remain committed to helping our clients address their hair loss issues safely and effectively through our

To receive your personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.

November 15, 2021

Non-Invasive Hair Loss Treatments: Low-Level Laser Therapy

Not every person dealing with hair loss is a good candidate for hair transplant surgery. Even some patients who are suited for a hair transplant may not feel comfortable or enthused about the idea of surgery, even though it is a safe and effective way to restore hair to its fuller, more youthful appearance. Such individuals aren’t out of luck by any means, however.

At the Miami Hair Institute, we offer a range of non-surgical, non-invasive hair restoration options that do a great job of putting the brakes on hair loss and encouraging new hair growth. One such treatment is low-level laser therapy (LLLT).

What is Low-Level Laser Therapy?

Low-level laser therapy nourishes hair follicles by sending pulses of energy into inactive follicles. These pulses “spark” those dormant follicles back into a regrowth phase by kickstarting proper circulation and cellular respiration.

The hair-stimulating energy is delivered to the scalp through specialized comb, caps, or bands.

The CapillusRX Laser Cap

The most powerful laser device available to treat hair loss, the CapillusRX uses low-level light therapy to strengthen hair follicles and create a thicker, fuller, healthier head of hair.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat androgenetic alopecia, hair loss patients can use the CapillusRX device at home with minimal effort. Patients only need to wear the Capillus cap six minutes a day, making it simple and convenient for everyday use. While you go about your regular activities, the 312 laser diodes are hard at work under your cap, improving hair quality and restoring your hair.

For some hair transplant patients, we use the CapillusRX to maintain the health of non-transplanted hair. Studies have shown that the device is effective at preventing thinning over time.

Laser Combs

HairMax Laser Combs stimulate hair follicles at a cellular level to promote hair regrowth, reverse hair thinning, and help grow thicker hair. This quick and convenient treatment only takes up eight minutes of your day three days a week, and you will notice results in as little as 25 weeks.

Laser Bands

The Laser Band 82 incorporates patented hair-parting teeth that part your hair during treatment to allow optimal laser light delivery to the hair follicles. All it takes is 90 seconds, three days a week, to see improvement in the thickness and fullness of your hair.

Stand-alone Treatment or In Conjunction With Transplant Surgery or Medication

LLLT can be effective by itself, but it is also often used as a complement to transplant surgery or alongside medication such as Rogaine or Propecia. After a hair transplant, LLLT helps bring blood, oxygen, and nutrients to balding areas, enhancing the effects of the surgery. However, even in the most successful hair transplants, there can still be some stubborn and uncooperative follicles that resist regrowth. LLLT can get those reluctant follicles in gear and stimulate their growth.

Call the Miami Hair Institute Today to Learn More About LLLT and Other Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Options

If you would like to learn more about low-level laser therapy or other non-surgical options for addressing hair loss, please schedule an appointment with the Miami Hair Institute today by calling 305.925.0222.

November 1, 2021

Is Vitamin D Deficiency Behind Your Hair Loss?

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient. It bolsters our immune system, wards off illness, and is critical for bone health. Some studies suggest that insufficient amounts of vitamin D contribute to depression, heart disease, and cancer. But if those weren’t reasons enough to ensure you’re getting enough of the D in your diet, here’s another: a lack of adequate vitamin D intake can contribute to hair loss. If you see increased hair shedding and loss, it may be time to check your vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D Insufficiency Linked To Hair Loss

Multiple studies have made the connection between vitamin D insufficiency and hair loss. A 2017 review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found a link between low vitamin D levels and:

Telogen effluvium, a stress-induced condition that causes excess hair shedding
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder where hair falls out in clumps
Female pattern hair loss

Another study published in 2019 in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal concluded vitamin D deficiency could increase hair loss over time. And another group of researchers in 2016 found that women showed greater vitamin D deficiency among younger people with hair loss.

Research has also found a connection between vitamin D and the promotion of healthy hair follicles and hair growth. A 2014 study published in Molecular Endocrinology found that hair regrew in mice two weeks after introducing vitamin D receptors. Other studies have suggested that a lack of sufficient vitamin D intake may lead directly to hair loss.

How to Up Your Vitamin D Intake

You don’t need to look far for a source of vitamin D; you just have to look up. The sun is our primary source of vitamin D, which is why it is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin.” But plenty of foods are also rich in the nutrient, such as fish, fish liver oil, eggs, and dairy. Supplements are also an easy way to increase your vitamin D levels.

While vitamin D isn’t a baldness “cure” by any means, but healthy vitamin D levels can strengthen your hair and reduce the chances of excess hair loss. If you are considering increasing your vitamin D intake, you should consult with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet. Excessively elevated vitamin D levels can create health problems of their own, such as calcium accumulation in the blood, which may cause weakness or problems with the kidneys.

Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today

Of course, changes in diet alone may not stop your hair from falling out or restore your hair to the fullness it once had. At the Miami Hair Institute, our skilled hair restoration physicians diagnose and treat hair loss cases that you can’t reverse on your own. Through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments, we can help you address your hair loss issues and improve your appearance and self-confidence.

To receive a personalized hair loss evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.

September 27, 2021

How to Handle a Bald Spot

A bald spot on the crown of the head is one of the defining features of male pattern hair loss. It is also often the first way people realize that they have a hair loss issue. It can be disconcerting to watch what was once a full head of hair slowly give way to a growing patch of bare skin. While there is no cure for male pattern baldness, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to handle a bald spot that can make it less prominent or restore hair to the affected area.

At The Miami Hair Institute, we offer several surgical and non-surgical treatment options for individuals with bald spots or other hair loss issues. Here are just a few of the safe, effective, and proven hair restoration treatments that we use to handle bald spots:

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is an increasingly popular non-invasive approach to hair restoration. LLLT involves the use of specially designed caps and combs that direct pulses of energy into inactive hair follicles, stimulating them back into a regrowth phase by promoting increased circulation and cellular respiration.

The FDA-approved Capillus272 laser cap device contains 272 small, professional-strength lasers but is otherwise indistinguishable from any regular baseball cap, so you can go about your life while you strengthen your hair follicles and reduce the size and prominence of your bald spot.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma therapy takes the body’s natural healing and growth processes and turbocharges them. In PRP therapy, we take a blood sample from the patient and place it in a centrifuge that separates the platelets from other elements of the blood. We then inject the PRP into the treatment area, stimulating the repair and healing that the body is already engaged in.

Stem Cell Therapy

Full heads of hair result from hair follicles that continually regenerate, due in part to the presence of stem cells. But stem cells can shrink and deteriorate as we age, which causes hair to stop renewing and ultimately fall out. That’s why reintroducing an individual’s own stem cells back to the follicles has the potential to create a nourishing effect that may foster regrowth in balding areas.

In stem cell therapy, we take fat cells from the belly, flanks, or love handles using a liposuction tool and extract the stem cells that can foster hair growth. We then inject this concentrated stem cell sample onto the scalp. The procedure is fast and minimally invasive.

Hair Restoration Medications

Hair loss medications such as Propecia and Rogaine® (Minoxidil) are proven, popular and non-surgical ways to treat bald spots caused by pattern hair loss. Both drugs, for certain patients, can stop or slow down hair loss and even stimulate new hair growth.

Hair Transplant Surgery

Of course, the Miami Hair Institute is a world leader in advanced hair transplant surgery. Our surgeons have been pioneers in the development of the most influential and widely used surgical techniques and have used their skills, experience, and artistry to perform successful procedures on thousands of patients from around the globe.

Call the Miami Hair Today For Your Personalized Hair Loss Evaluation

If you have a bald spot or are experiencing any other kind of hair loss issue, we welcome the opportunity to help. Schedule an appointment with the Miami Hair Institute today by calling 305.925.0222.

June 28, 2021

5 Common Causes For Hair Loss In Teenage Boys

Teenage boys may not act like it all the time, but they care a lot about their appearance. They want to look cool, fit in, and be attractive to those who they find attractive. It can be hard enough to do that with all of the usual hormonal changes, acne, and awkwardness of the teenage years. But add unexpected and unexplained hair loss into the life of a teenage boy and it can make for a troubling and traumatic time.

It is estimated that around three percent of all pediatrician visits annually involve a hair loss problem. Teenagers, as well as young children, can experience the thinning, balding, or shedding which we usually associate with pattern baldness in adults.

There are many reasons a teen boy could be losing their hair, and parents should always consult with a doctor if their teenager is experiencing excessive shedding or other visible signs of hair loss to determine the underlying cause. The good news is that most hair loss in teenage boys is temporary and usually resolves itself over time or by addressing the underlying cause.

Here are five common causes for hair loss in teenage boys:

Medication

Many drugs prescribed for teens, such as acne medication, antibiotics, or antidepressants, can cause hair loss. With an estimated 85 percent of American teens suffering from acne and about 20 percent struggling with depression, medication-related hair loss in teenagers is a common issue.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia Areata is a specific type of baldness that appears in concentrated, rounded areas on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. Sometimes, Alopecia Areata may develop in several locations at once, such as on the crown or sides of the head and on the arms. An estimated one in 50 people suffer from alopecia areata at some point in their life, and one in every 1,000 experience alopecia areata.

Trichotillomania

This is a psychological condition in which an individual compulsively pulls out their own hair. Approximately one percent of Americans (around 2.5 million people) deal with trichotillomania at some point in their lives, though it is most common in children between the ages of nine and 13. With the help of mental health professionals, most people with trichotillomania will stop this destructive behavior, allowing their hair to grow back.

Traction alopecia

As many boys grow their hair longer, they may put their hair in ponytails, buns, or braids. But those styles involve an unnatural and excessive amount of tension on the hair. That constant stress on the follicles can lead to a condition called traction alopecia that causes hair to fall out. Wearing hair in the same style every day (i.e., a ponytail in the same place) can also cause breakage.

Poor Diet/Eating Disorders

If a teen is malnourished or has an unhealthy diet, their body will have difficulty getting the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for healthy and robust hair follicles. Sometimes, simply eating a more nutritious diet can take care of the problem. But some teen boys (not just teen girls) struggle with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia that involve more significant challenges to their health and well-being.

Concerned About Your Teen’s Hair Loss? Call Us Today For a Personalized Evaluation.

If your teenage son is struggling with hair loss, schedule a personalized hair loss evaluation with the world-renowned experts at the Miami Hair Institute. Please contact our clinic today at 305-925-0222.

June 21, 2021

5 Common Causes for Hair Loss in Teenage Girls

The life of a teenage girl is full of personal, social, emotional, and physical changes and challenges. And that’s when everything is going right. But when a teen girl unexpectedly and inexplicably starts to experience hair loss issues, it can be a devastating blow. The last thing any teenager wants or needs is to feel different or be on the receiving end of teasing and bullying because of a problem they may have no control over.

There are many reasons a teenager could be losing hair, and parents should always consult with a physician if their teen is experiencing excessive shedding or other visible signs of hair loss to determine the underlying cause. The good news is that most hair loss in teenage girls is a temporary condition.

Five of the most common causes of hair loss in teen girls include:

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is a specific type of baldness that appears in concentrated, rounded areas on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. Sometimes, Alopecia Areata may develop in several locations at once, such as on the crown or sides of the head and on the arms. Approximately one to two percent of Americans experience Alopecia Areata, including teenage girls.

Hairstyle and Product Issues

Teen girls can spend a ton of time – and use a ton of styling products – to get their hair looking just right. All of the chemicals in those products can build up and damage hair follicles if a teen doesn’t do a thorough job washing their hair.

Similarly, many hairstyles popular among girls involve an unnatural and excessive amount of tension to their hair over an extended period. This can lead to a condition called traction alopecia. For example, wearing unnecessarily tight ponytails, pigtails, or braids for long stretches of time can damage follicles and cause hair to fall out.

Unconscious Hair Pulling and Plucking

Another behavioral cause of teenage hair loss, albeit one with a psychological component, is Trichotillomania. This disorder involves a teen pulling their hair until they uproot the follicles, often leaving large areas of thinning hair, damaged follicles, or total baldness. The best course of treatment for this condition is to consult a mental health professional or behavioral therapist.

Poor Diet or Eating Disorder

Body image issues trouble many teen girls, a challenge that sadly can lead to poor eating choices. If a teen is malnourished or has an unhealthy diet, their body will have difficulty getting the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for healthy and robust hair follicles. Sometimes, simply eating a more nutritious diet can take care of the problem, but teen girls struggling with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia face more significant challenges to their health and well-being.

Medications

Hair loss is a side effect of some medications, especially those drugs that alter hormones, such as birth control pills. In fact, some physicians actually prescribe birth control pills for some teen girls who have excessive hair growth on their bodies. Other drugs can cause also cause hair loss, including anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and even high doses of vitamin A.

Concerned About Your Teen’s Hair Loss? Call Us Today For a Personalized Evaluation.

If your teenage daughter is struggling with hair loss, please schedule a personalized hair loss evaluation with the world-renowned experts at the Miami Hair Institute. Please contact our clinic today at 305-925-0222.

June 14, 2021

Help, My Hair is Thinning! What Should I Do?

It can be a jarring moment that can quickly become an ongoing and serious concern. You start to notice an unusual amount of hair in your shower drain, or on your pillow, or on your hairbrush. Then the same thing happens the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that. You look in the mirror and see the impact in areas of your scalp that have less hair than they used to. You know that it’s normal to lose about 50-100 hairs each day, but this is clearly more than that.

Your hair is thinning, suddenly, and for reasons you can’t figure out. You want to know why this is happening and what you can do about it, starting right now. Instead of wallowing in worry and self-pity, starting taking action to address your hair loss; one way or another, there are almost always things that you and a hair restoration physician can do to fix the problem or at least slow down your hair loss.

Consider taking some or all of these steps after you discover that your hair is thinning:

Schedule an evaluation with a hair restoration physician. You can’t fix a problem without first knowing what the problem is. Hair loss can occur for several different reasons, such as genetics, hormone imbalances, diet deficiencies, reactions to medications, or autoimmune conditions. Understanding the why behind your thinning hair is the first step in determining how to remedy the situation. Only a professional can get you the definitive answers you need.
Stop smoking. Smoking limits blood flow in your body and reduces the amount of essential nutrients that go to your hair follicles. Without a sufficient supply of those nutrients, your follicles will grow weak instead of just growing and will ultimately fall out.
Get enough sleep. Getting sufficient rest sleep is critical for our health overall, as we expend enormous amounts of energy each day and our bodies need the time to recharge so they can function like they are supposed to. A lack of quality sleep prevents our bodies from repairing and regenerating hair follicles. This causes hair to stop growing, weaken, and eventually fall out more than it otherwise would. Even hair that doesn’t fall out will noticeably suffer, losing volume and shine.
Manage your stress. Overproduction of stress hormones contributes to adrenal fatigue, which occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. This excessive production of cortisol leads to a corresponding underproduction of hormones like androgens and aldosterone. Since we need these hormones for healthy hair growth, an insufficient supply will cause thinning or balding hair. Find methods to alleviate day-to-day stress that work best for you.
Stop wearing destructive hairstyles. Some hair loss issues are caused by the way we style, treat, and wear our hair. Tight ponytails, braids, or pigtails can lead to a condition called traction alopecia. Constant and severe tension on hair follicles because of such hairstyles will damage and weaken those follicles and eventually kill them, causing them to fall out. Avoid these styling habits and avoid hairstyles that require hair to be tightly wound for a prolonged period or hairpieces and weaves that must be affixed or clipped to the hair.
Get more vitamin D. Research suggests that vitamin D, along with the receptors in the skin that bind to the nutrient, plays a significant role in promoting healthy follicles and hair growth. In contrast, a lack of the vitamin may lead directly to hair loss. A 2014 study published in Molecular Endocrinology found that hair regrew in mice two weeks after introducing vitamin D receptors. Other studies also have made the connection between hair loss and vitamin D.
Increase your iron intake. As with vitamin D, an insufficient amount of iron is one of the more common causes of dietary-related hair loss. Low iron levels limit proper blood flow – something hair follicles need to receive and absorb growth-stimulating nutrients.
Use conditioner. If you don’t regularly use conditioner, your hair can become dehydrated, brittle, and damaged. Try incorporating a lightweight conditioner into your hair care routine to help moisturize your hair and keep it strong.

Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today

As noted, the first thing you should do after noticing thinning hair is to reach out to a physician who can help you determine the cause and develop the solution for your condition. At the Hair Institute of Miami, we evaluate each hair loss patient with a comprehensive and proven methodology, obtaining a detailed medical history, performing an in-depth scalp examination using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and, if indicated, blood tests to detect any underlying imbalances or deficiencies that may be contributing to the hair loss problem. With this information, we can determine the cause of hair loss and the most effective treatment option.

To schedule your personalized hair loss evaluation, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.

June 7, 2021

Why is My Hair Falling Out?

If you start noticing more hair in your shower drain or on your hairbrush, it can be a cause for concern. If you look in the mirror and see a hairline that keeps moving farther back, you may feel upset or worried. If you feel bare patches on your scalp or areas where hairs suddenly seem few and far between, it can be easy to start freaking out and ask yourself in dismay, “Why is my hair falling out???”

It is not only an understandable question, but an important one. That’s because understanding the “why” behind your hair loss is the first step in doing something about it. At the Miami Hair Institute, every patient’s hair restoration journey begins with determining the reason behind their hair loss through a thorough, holistic evaluation. Knowing the cause of your hair loss allows us to develop and implement a course of treatment best suited to addressing your condition and restoring your hair to its full, robust appearance.

If your hair is thinning or falling out, there is a good chance it is for one of the following common reasons for hair loss:

Genetics

By an overwhelming margin, androgenetic alopecia – pattern baldness – is the most common cause of hair loss in men and women alike. This hereditary hair loss condition is the culprit behind over 95 percent of hair loss cases, affecting over 80 million Americans every year. Androgenetic alopecia causes hair miniaturization, a phenomenon in which hair follicles become finer and thinner each time they go through the hair growth cycle. Eventually, those follicles die and fall out.

Immune System Issues

Sometimes, the immune system doesn’t work as it is supposed to and winds up attacking the body’s normal functioning, including the hair growth cycle. Alopecia areata is a hair loss condition that involves just such an assault on hair follicles by the immune system and white blood cells. This attack shrinks the follicles and subsequently slows down hair growth. In turn, this leads to sudden hair loss in quarter-sized patches that can progress across the scalp quickly and unpredictably.

More extreme cases of alopecia areata include alopecia totalis (Complete loss of hair on the scalp) and alopecia universalis (total loss of hair on the scalp and body). Hair follicles are not destroyed by alopecia areata and can typically regrow as soon as the inflammation caused by the condition recedes.

Though not as common as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata still affects two percent of Americans or roughly 6.8 million people.

Damaging Hairstyles

Your hair follicles may be strong, but they’re not indestructible. If you apply constant tension and stress to them, they will eventually experience damage, weaken, and ultimately die and fall out. This condition is called traction alopecia.

The primary causes of traction alopecia all relate to how hair is styled, treated, or worn and include:

Wearing unnecessarily tight pigtails, ponytails, or braids for extended periods.
Trichotillomania, a psychological disorder characterized by constant (and often unconscious) hair twisting, plucking, or pulling.
Hairstyles that require hair to be tightly wound for a prolonged period.
Hairpieces and weaves that must be affixed/clipped to the hair.
Helmets, particularly compression helmets like those worn while playing football, snowboarding, skiing, horseback riding, etc.

Your Lifestyle

Stress, a traumatic event, or a lack of sufficient sleep cause changes to our body chemistry that can have a range of adverse health effects, including damage to our hair follicles that can lead to thinning or hair loss. Fortunately, such “shock loss” is almost always a temporary phenomenon.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormone imbalances are a common contributor to hair loss. Several hormones can impact the growth, strength, and health of our hair. The most frequent problems with hormone imbalances that can contribute to hair loss and shedding include thyroid imbalances such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and the dramatic hormonal changes that accompany menopause and pregnancy.

No Matter Why You’re Losing Your Hair, The Miami Hair Institute Can Help

Our world-renowned hair restoration physicians at the Miami Hair Institute diagnose and treat hair loss cases no matter the underlying cause. Through advanced hair restoration surgical techniques, technology, and alternative non-invasive treatments, we can help patients suffering from hair loss regain their hair and self-confidence.

To receive your personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.

May 31, 2021

Does Electromagnetic Radiation From Cell Phones Contribute To Hair Loss?

Our cell phones are a constant presence in our lives. We keep them in our pockets and by our sides almost all the time. As cell phones became ubiquitous over the past quarter-century, many people expressed concerns about whether and how the electromagnetic radiation they emit affects our health. While studies have made clear that there is no link between cell phone use and cancer or other serious conditions, some evidence has emerged, suggesting that prolonged cell phone use may contribute to hair loss.

While not definitive, the 2016 study “Hair Loss Due to Electromagnetic Radiation From Overuse of Cell Phone” published in the Journal of Cosmetology and Trichology concluded that “exposure to cell phone radiation can lead to hair loss” through three different impacts on the body.

Specifically, the researchers looked at the case of a 46-year-old male patient who had an unusual area of hair loss around his left ear. His hair surrounding this area was fragile, but could not be pulled out easily. Thinner, slow-growing hair was also seen on the base of the scalp. The findings of a biopsy indicated “prolonged exposure to an irritant or antigen” but did not indicate typical hair loss conditions such as alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia.

The study considered previous research on the subject of cell phone use and hair loss and concluded that the radiation emitted from phones could lead to hair loss by:

DNA breakage. Subjects tested immediately before and immediately after extended periods of cell phone use showed an increase in DNA single-strand breaks in human hair root cells located around the ear where they held the phone.
Genotoxic and hormonal effects of mobile phone radiation. Cell phones impact the circadian patterns of gonadal, adrenal, and pituitary hormones, elevate estrogen, and reduce testosterone. All of these have a negative impact on the hair growth cycle. In addition to causing hair loss, mobile phone radiation can create hormonal imbalance, disturb hair growth regulation, and affect other systems in the body leading to secondary hair loss.

The good news is that the researchers were able to effectively treat the hair loss through the “use of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, which can aid in the recovery of the damaged cells.” Additionally, “low dose 2% minoxidil application combined with low dose comprehensive nutritional therapy, limiting mobile phone usage and keeping the mobile phone instrument away from the ear, helps in complete regrowth of the hair.”

Again, this research is not conclusive, so there is no reason to throw your phone out the window. But if you do notice unusual hair loss patterns on your scalp near where you usually hold your phone, you should consult with a hair restoration physician.

No Matter The Reason Behind Your Hair Loss, The Miami Hair Institute Can Help

Our world-renowned hair restoration physicians at the Miami Hair Institute diagnose and treat hair loss cases no matter what the underlying cause. Through advanced hair restoration surgical techniques, technology, and alternative non-invasive treatments, we can help patients suffering from hair loss regain their hair and self-confidence.

To receive your personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.

April 19, 2021

New Study Sheds Light On Link Between Stress and Hair Loss

Scientists, researchers, and doctors have known for quite some time that chronic stress can lead to hair shedding and loss. Now, researchers from Harvard University have made a key discovery about the biological mechanics that connect stress and hair loss.

Recently published in the journal Nature, the study found that a major stress hormone in mice puts their hair follicle stem cells into an extended resting phase without regenerating the follicle or the hair. Hair follicle stem cells are what fuel that natural cycle between rest and growth. During the hair growth phase, hair follicle stem cells become activated to regenerate the follicle and hair, and hairs grow longer every day. These stem cells are dormant during the resting phase, causing hairs to shed more easily and frequently. That shedding becomes hair loss when the stem cells remain dormant without regenerating new tissue.

The Harvard researchers identified the specific cell type and molecule responsible for relaying the stress signal to the stem cells. They found that the overproduction of certain hormones triggered by stress had a negative effect on hair follicles and their growth cycle.

Corticosterone is a primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands in mice. The human equivalent of corticosterone is cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.” The researchers found that giving mice corticosterone reproduced the stress effect on the stem cells, suggesting that elevated stress hormones indeed negatively affect hair follicle stem cells.

Normally, time and aging slow down hair follicle regeneration over time, and the resting phase lasts longer. But when the researchers took the stress hormones out of the equation, the stem cells’ resting phase in the subject mice became significantly shorter. Their hair follicles constantly entered the growth phase and regenerated hair follicles throughout their life, even when they were much older.

The study confirms that reducing stress, thereby reducing the amount of cortisol we produce, can have a positive effect on hair loss. That is because stress keeps follicle stem cells from entering the growth phase and regenerating new hair follicles.

Of course, hair loss isn’t the only negative effect that too much stress has on our bodies. It can cause a whole host of health problems and diminish the quality of life. That is why self-care, including effective stress management, is so critical to our physical and mental health. Make sure that you identify a stress-reducing outlet that works for you, whether it is hanging out with friends, being alone with a book, walking your dog, or doing nothing at all.

No Matter Why You Are Losing Your Hair, The Miami Hair Institute Can Help

To receive your personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.

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