hair loss prevention Archives - Miami Hair Institute

Articles Tagged with: hair loss prevention

October 29, 2018

Hair Loss Prevention Plan: Vitamin D

Hair Loss Prevention Plan: Vitamin D Not all hair loss prevention steps involve professional intervention or medication. There are plenty of lifestyle and diet changes which can help strengthen your hair follicles, encourage hair growth, reduce the likelihood of shedding. If you are trying to maximize your chances of maintaining your existing hair and minimizing additional loss, then the letter “D” needs to become a more significant part of your daily vocabulary. Specifically, Vitamin D. This essential nutrient plays a crucial role in the in the strength and growth of hair. Conversely, an insufficient supply of vitamin D has been linked to alopecia, also known as spot baldness.

Vitamin D and Hair Loss

Vitamin D is an impressive multitasker when it comes to our overall health. It bolsters our immune system, preserves the strength of our bones, and keeps illness at bay. Some research suggests that low vitamin D levels can contribute to depression, heart disease, and cancer.

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, while 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 referred to as the “sunshine vitamin.” But there also plenty of foods rich in the nutrient, such as fish, fish liver oil, dairy, and eggs. Supplements can also be an excellent way to increase your vitamin D levels.

While vitamin D isn’t a “cure” for baldness, healthy levels of vitamin D can strengthen your hair and reduce the chances of hair loss. If you are considering increasing your vitamin D intake substantially, you should consult with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet. Excessively elevated vitamin D levels can create health problems, 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 Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, our skilled 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.

October 15, 2018

Hair Loss Prevention Plan: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Capillus Laser Cap Not every hair restoration journey or hair loss prevention plan will involve transplant surgery. While hair transplants are indeed a popular, safe, and effective way to restore hair to a fuller, more youthful appearance, it is not the only option for those battling hair loss. In recent posts, we’ve discussed some of the medications which hundreds of thousands of people use every year to prevent further hair loss or even grow new hair. But medication is not the only alternative to surgery. At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we offer patients a safe, effective, non-surgical treatment that involves the use of specialized energy and light to stimulate hair growth.

What is Low-Level Laser Therapy?

Low-level laser therapy, also called LLLT, 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 the use of specialized comb, caps, or domes. All three of these delivery systems are effective and non-invasive, but one of them offers superior ease and convenience.

Laser domes are professional pieces of equipment, so a visit to the doctor is required to receive such treatment. While laser combs can be used at home, the application and use of the comb can be cumbersome and time-consuming.

Laser caps, however, could not be easier to use. They are portable, hands-free, and they work.

The Hair Transplant Institute of Miami offers the Capillus272 laser cap, a device cleared by the FDA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Capillus272 caps have 272 professional-strength lasers to make it the most useful at-home device for thinning hair.

The Capillus272 cap can be worn anywhere without disrupting your routine. Better still, it won’t disrupt your appearance: the battery-operated laser insert can fit discreetly inside your favorite hat or baseball cap. While you are living your life, the lasers will be hard at work under your cap, strengthening your follicles and improving the quality 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. Even in the most successful hair transplants, however, there can still be some stubborn and uncooperative follicles which resist regrowth. LLLT can get those reluctant follicles in gear and stimulate their growth.

Call the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami 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 Hair Transplant Institute of Miami today by calling 305.925.0222.

October 8, 2018

Hair Loss Prevention Plan: Dutasteride

DHT Blockers Dutasteride Exploring and considering the full range of treatment options for hair loss are essential steps in developing a hair loss prevention plan. Those options can include hair transplant surgery, low-level laser therapy, stem cell therapy, and prescription treatments such as topical applications, oral medications, and supplements. In our last post, we discussed one of these latter hair loss prevention options: finasteride, more commonly known as Propecia® and Proscar®. In this post, we will address one of its cousins – dutasteride – as an alternative to slow the progression of hair loss.

What is Dutasteride?

Like finasteride, dutasteride (commonly known under its brand name Avodart) is a type of medication known as a DHT-blocker which inhibits the body’s production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a known contributor to pattern baldness in men. Typically, due to genetics or other hormonal changes, hair follicles develop a sensitivity to DHT and begin to miniaturize. As a result, the hair growth cycle is shortened and eventually, new hair stops growing. As such, individuals with higher DHT levels may be more prone to hair loss.

While both finasteride and dutasteride are now prescribed to address hair loss, they were both initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for enlarged prostates and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While the FDA ultimately approved finasteride for use as a male pattern baldness treatment in 1997, dutasteride has yet to receive such approval. But that may come soon.

Does Dutasteride Work?

The lack of FDA approval of dutasteride for treating hair loss belies the fact that it is powerfully effective as a DHT blocker, meaning it may be powerfully effective at slowing down the progression of pattern baldness. One study found that dutasteride blocked 98.4% +/- 1.2% of DHT at a 5mg daily dose, compared to 70.8 +/- 18.3% with the same amount of finasteride.

Dutasteride not only is effective at slowing hair loss, but it may also be better at promoting hair growth. A 2006 study of 416 men between 21 and 45 years-old found that over a 12-24-week period, dutasteride produced better hair count results than finasteride.

Is Dutasteride Safe?

Since finasteride has been around longer than dutasteride, it has been more extensively studied. But as they are both DHT-blockers, many of the possible side effects (which only appear in a small minority of men) are similar with both drugs. Since DHT plays a crucial role in male sexual development and mood regulation, reducing the amount of it in the body can impact these aspects of a man’s life in unwanted ways and cause:

Impotence
Lower sex drive
Difficulty achieving orgasm
Abnormal ejaculation
Gynecomastia (male breast development)
Depression

If any issues do develop with sexual functioning, they are almost always temporary and will return to normal after discontinuing the drug.

Is Dutasteride Right For Me?

Since it has yet to receive FDA approval as a treatment for pattern baldness, prescriptions of dutasteride for that purpose are made “off-label,” which is a common practice. That said, this potent medication may not be the best or first option for the treatment of your condition. The more established and tested finasteride may be an equally practical choice. You should discuss with your hair loss physician whether DHT blockers or other pharmaceutical treatments offer the best chances of success for treating your hair loss.

If you’re ready to do something about thinning hair and implement an effective hair loss prevention plan, contact the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222 to receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.

November 27, 2017

Hair Loss Prevention

hairbrush for thinning Men aren’t the only ones losing their luscious locks. A reported 20 million American women suffer with hair loss each day. For many, it’s caused by again, hormonal fluctuation or the Pill. For others, it’s the result of work or family stress (Telogen Effluvium)

Take the time to follow these Do’s and Don’ts and stay proactive in building healthy hair for life.

Do: Manage Stress

Stress may disrupt hair’s retinol growth cycle, eventually causing loss. Take time to de-stress each day with yoga, mediation, and other calming activities.

Don’t: Stress Out

According to the American Hair Loss Association, stress causes changes in the biochemistry of hair follicles, leading to hair loss (Telogen Effluvium).

Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today

If you are concerned about your hair loss and are ready to do something about it, we invite you to schedule an evaluation at the Hair Institute of Miami. Drs. Nusbaum and Rose are internationally acclaimed hair restoration surgeons with more than 40 years combined experience. To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call or office directly at 305-925-0222.

March 6, 2017

Can You Prevent Male Pattern Baldness?

Many individuals are concerned about going bald later in life. To some degree, male pattern baldness (MPB) affects two-thirds of men by the time they reach age 35. By age 50, around 85 percent suffer noticeable thinning or balding. The odds of developing hair loss at an older age are high – so what can you do to prevent male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia?

Androgenic alopecia is an often devastating and emotionally grim condition to cope with, despite how prevalent it is among men today. Although certain medications, immune problems, cancer treatments and traumas can cause hair loss, male-pattern baldness is hereditary. Those who experience MPB have follicles that are inherently sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone that causes hair follicles to miniaturize. Once these follicles shrink to a severe extent, regrowth is challenging. But, early intervention can slow or stop the miniaturization process altogether.

Consider the following treatments which can help prevent male pattern baldness progression.

Minimize Your Stress

Although you can’t change your genetics, you can adapt your lifestyle to avoid circumstances that exacerbate hair loss. Serious stress or emotional trauma can render hair follicles inactive. Unlike normal hair growth, more hairs enter the resting phase (catagen) at once and fall out (exogen) in larger numbers about three months following a tense event. If you’re already predisposed to male pattern baldness, high stress interferes with whatever partial hair growth remains. Managing anxiety through meditation and a healthy work-life balance lessens your odds of abrupt shedding. Trying to prevent male pattern baldness from escalating is a stressful situation alone. If you already suffer from noticeable hair loss, seeking treatment early on reduces negative emotions by restoring self-confidence.

Improve Your Physical Health

Changing your diet and starting an exercise regimen has a profound impact on your internal health, which can help prevent male pattern baldness severity. Studies show that older men with a higher cardiorespiratory fitness level release almost half as much cortisol as men who aren’t in healthy form.¹ Cortisol is the stress hormone believed to be linked with sudden hair shedding. When it comes to non-hereditary hair loss – which can strike alongside male pattern baldness and make matters worse – maintaining healthy hormone levels with exercise and good nutrition can enable healthy growth.

Create a Better Environment for Hair Growth

Low-level laser therapy, or LLLT, is a non-invasive technique used to stimulate underactive hair follicles. Through phototherapy, laser diodes interact with the scalp to promote better blood flow, helping follicles function properly. In some instances, LLLT helps prevent male pattern baldness from advancing. At-home laser caps can be used alongside other hair loss treatments, including prescriptions and topical foams. LLLT can also be used in conjunction with hair transplant surgery to reduce inflammation and nourish follicles for better results. Hair is stronger, thicker and more resilient to everyday damage.

Despite your genetics, hair loss does not have to become your destiny. To learn more about how to prevent male pattern baldness from worsening, or to discuss treatment options, call the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami at 305-925-0222. Through understanding, education and highly-effective treatment methods, we are determined to help patients attain a fuller head of hair and positive outlook on life.

¹ http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0141970

February 29, 2016

4 Easy Ways to Stop Male Hair Loss

4 Easy Ways to Stop Male Hair Loss Everyone loses hair. In fact, men and women lose up to 100 hairs every day. It’s a natural part of the hair growth cycle, a time when the hair follicle sheds a hair strand so it may enter a resting phase and regrow hair in the future.

However, hair follicles sometimes fall into dormancy, becoming inactive and incapable of producing additional hairs. Dormancy can be brought on by a number of factors, including stress, poor diet, and plain old genetics.

Fortunately, there are ways to proactively fight to not only keep the hair you have, but also make it stronger. Enjoy these easy tips for stopping male hair loss, and share your thoughts in the Comments section below!

Don’t over wash.

It’s important to strike a balance between hair washing and letting your hair go a few days without shampoo. For men with thicker hair, it may be best to go 2-3 days without washing. On the other hand, men with a condition like scalp folliculitis should wash their hair more frequently (as directed by their physician). Important: Read more in this article, Does Not Washing Hair Cause Hair Loss?

Massage your scalp.

Blood flow is extremely important to maintaining a normal and healthy hair growth cycle. In fact, one of the biggest reasons hair follicles begin to shut down is from lack of oxygen, nutrients, and other growth hormones—all ingredients that are delivered by the bloodstream. Take a proactive step toward preventing this issue by enjoying a gentle scalp massage every day.

Try LLLT

LLLT stands for low level laser therapy. These medical products are designed to stimulate blood flow and cellular activity within the scalp. In addition to flooding the scalp with oxygen, nutrients, and other growth hormones, these laser caps also stimulate growth activity within the cells of the hair follicle. Learn more about Capillus272™ Pro laser cap, a FDA-cleared product that has been shown to increase hair counts by up to 51% in patients (individual results may vary).

Don’t sweat the small stuff…

…and it’s all small stuff. Few things are worse for the body than chronic stress. Stress has been shown to suppress the immune system, increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, and significantly impair quality of life. On your scalp, stress may cause hair follicles—and hair growth—to shut down. Learn more about this condition, called Telogen effluvium.

Treat Male Hair Loss in Miami

At Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we are pleased to offer the most advanced hair loss treatment methodology available. We are the only hair loss clinic in the world to have two ISHRS Golden Follicle Award winning surgeons on staff, Drs. Bernard Nusbaum and Paul Rose.

July 20, 2015

7 Summer Foods for Healthy Hair

Celebrate the summer season by incorporating some all-natural ingredients into your diet. Most people avoid rich and heavy meals during the summer because they don’t provide hydration and tend to promote sluggishness.

During the hot summer, the last thing you desire is bloating or dehydration, especially on the beach. Organic and fresh foods naturally have a lighter, more refreshing taste compared to processed meals.

Consider these seven light, summery snacks that are full of nutrients to keep hair strong and shiny.

Foods That Protect Hair from Summer Sun Damage

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an excellent cooking ingredient, beauty balm, and natural flavoring all in one. Apply topically for beauty purposes, spread on toast, use as a cooking spray, or drizzle onto your favorite popcorn and you’ve eliminated the unhealthy saturated fats otherwise found in butter. Coconut oil can be added to your morning coffee for an extra boost of energy, too. Mix with sea salt to create a facial scrub, shea butter for a heavy moisturizer, or scoop it plain before your shower as a do-it-yourself hair mask!

Blueberries

The USDA Human Nutrition Center (HNRCA) named blueberries number one in antioxidants compared to 40 well-known fruits and vegetables. Not only are blueberries great for your hair, they also prevent oxidative stress on the body that potentially leads to aging, heart diseases, and cancer. Try adding some frozen blueberries to your favorite smoothie, or sprinkling fresh berries on top of your low fat Greek yogurt. Why Greek? The extra protein keeps hair strong and full.

Oysters and Fresh Fish

If you’re headed to the coast this summer, order up some fresh oysters. They are full of zinc, which is an essential nutrient for hair cell renewal and repair. Other types of fish, notably salmon, provide high doses of omega-3 fatty acids. Without these healthy fats, hair is susceptible to breakage and dryness. Instead of grilling up your typical burgers and steaks this summer, try grilling salmon on a cedar plank as a lighter, fitter alternative.

Kiwis

As a tropical delicacy, kiwis are deliciously refreshing and sweet. These small, fuzzy fruits are full of vitamin C and antioxidants to keep hair follicles thriving, combat wrinkles, and keep strong bones and teeth. Bonus: antioxidants found in kiwi can help you fight cancerous cells and heart disease.

Watermelon

Although watermelon has high water content, it also manages to pack in a dense nutrient profile. Just one cup holds 17 percent of the daily-recommended Vitamin A and 21 percent of Vitamin C in only 43 calories to help you keep your waistline trim. Vitamin A keeps the scalp from flaking and promotes healthy collagen cells to keep your hair shiny and strong. Other nutrients in watermelon include thiamin, vitamin B-6, magnesium, pantothenic acid, potassium, zinc, selenium, choline, niacin, and riboflavin. Watermelon is 92 percent water, which helps keep you hydrated while snacking. Dehydration leads to brittle, thinning hair, and an overall tired appearance.

Spinach

Prefer a light dinner in the summertime? Instead of iceberg lettuce, use spinach leaves, which are high in iron. Leafy greens like spinach allow red blood cells to carry oxygen to hair follicles and keep the healthy hair growth phases in action. Skip the tortilla strips and use lentils as a crunchy topping instead – they are full of biotin, which is a well known hair health vitamin.

Tomatoes

Rich in lycopene, beta-carotene, and Vitamin C, tomatoes defend against skin and hair damages. Try grilling them alongside your salmon. Cooking releases more lycopene than raw tomatoes contain. Even ketchup contains a higher dose of lycopene, but opt for organic, low-sugar versions as toppings at your next barbeque.

In some cases, nutrient deficiency is not the cause for hair loss. When you need to go beyond a healthy diet and undergo more aggressive treatment for hair loss conditions such as male pattern baldness, consider Mosaic™ Hair Restoration. Unique grafting and positioning allows experts at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami to restore your appearance.

Learn More About Hair Restoration in Miami

For more information on hair restoration, contact our office at (877) 443-9070. Alternatively, you can fill out our hair loss evaluation form to understand your personal hair loss and jumpstart your hair growth journey.

October 14, 2014

2014’s Top Tips for Healthier Hair

Can you take a big leap toward a healthier head of hair in just 3 easy steps? The following tips have been compiled as a guide to nourish and protect hair, without requiring significant lifestyle changes. Tip 1 is all about power foods, specific food items that are packed with the nutrients and antioxidants needed to sustain healthy hair growth. Tip 2 takes nutrition a step further, suggesting that supplements and medications be taken to treat specific deficiencies that might reduce hair’s natural thickness and vitality. Tip 3 talks about protection, offering a little piece of hair care advice you might never have stopped to consider.

Healthier Hair in 3 Easy Steps

1. Eat more super foods

It’s hard to exclude super foods from any health related list or article. There’s a reason everyone talks about the power of nutrient-dense whole foods, however. They are your body’s best source of essential vitamins and minerals, two essentials that nourish the body from the inside, out. Take an honest look at your daily diet, and look for opportunities to eat more of the following super foods for healthy hair:

Read meat
Blueberries
Almonds
Oysters
Milk
Eggs
Salmon
Brazil Nuts
Kale
Goji berries
Protein (whey supplements are effective and convenient)

2. Supplement and medicate, when needed

Next, test your vitamin, mineral, and hormonal levels to determine if an existing deficiency is harming your overall health (mind, body, and hair). Specific things to keep in mind include:

Thyroid health: Imbalance can often cause hair loss
DHT: High levels of DHT are associated with pattern baldness
Iron: Prevents breakage, commonly a deficiency among women
Vitamin D & Fish Oil: Difficult to get these nutrients in an ordinary diet, so consider supplementing with daily soft gels.

Always consult a physician prior to starting or stopping a prescription medication regimen, or before making any changes to diet or lifestyle.

3. Style with silicone

Finally, consider investing in a hair care product that features silicone—or a silicone byproduct— as an ingredient. Silicone coats the hair, creating a protective layer that keeps it strong throughout the day. Silicone products are particularly beneficial in preventing traction alopecia, a specific type of hair loss that might result from hairstyles that are wound tight. “Look for silicone or dimethicone,” says Roopal Kundu, MD, in an interview with the Huffington Post. “You can also try a leave-in conditioner, which also coats the hair.”

Hair Loss Evaluation and Treatment

Millions of men and women suffer with hair loss each day. Today, you do not have to be one of them. Learn more about hair loss treatments at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Contact us online or call our clinic directly at 305-925-0222.

July 22, 2013

Can Chlorine Cause Hair Loss?

With summer in full swing, Miami residents are rushing to local beaches and swimming pools to find cool relief from the rising temperatures of July and August. Spending too much time in chlorinated water can be bad for your skin and hair, however. This week, the Miami Hair Blog explores the science behind chorine-induced hair damage and the ways it can be prevented.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Chlorine, Hair Damage, and Health

Though common in most public and private swimming pools, chlorine is a corrosive chemical that many health experts say is bad for human health, particularly the skin and eyes. Chlorine has an oxidizing effect that may cause dryness and irritation after prolonged exposure. In some cases, chlorine exposure may lead to the formation of hypochlorous acid, a substance known to penetrate cells and destroy them from the inside (i).

However, low concentrations of chlorine are highly effective in keeping swimming pools sanitary. In summer months, swimming pools are among the primary cause for chlorine exposure in humans. Though encountered in low concentrations, chlorinated pool water still has the potential to cause serious harm to the hair, skin, and eyes.

Stay healthy this summer by taking a moment to review these frequently asked questions about chlorine, hair damage/ loss, and health.

Does chlorine cause hair loss?

No. Normal exposure to chlorine does not cause hair loss. This myth was debunked after a study was published in a recent issue of the Journal of Dermatology. In the study, researchers compared the hair of 67 professional swimmers to that of 54 individuals who spent little to no time in the pool. Although swimmers’ hair exhibited signs of chlorine-induced damage (i.e. dryness and coarseness), swimmers were not significantly more likely to experience hair loss.

However, there is evidence that suggests abnormally high exposure to chlorine might cause the scalp to become agitated, dry, and flaky. Thinning or shedding might occur as a result, but it’s important to understand that the chlorine exposure needed to bring about such side effects far exceeds that of a normal swimming pool.

Will chlorine change the color of my hair?

No. According to chemist and biologist Anne Helmenstine, Ph.D., chlorine does not change the color of one’s hair. Although prolonged pool-time might give hair a greenish tint, the discoloration is actually due to the oxidized metals in the water, like copper (ii). However, color treatments and chlorine might make it easier for hair to turn green.

As mentioned above, one of the primary side effects of chlorine exposure is that it causes dryness and irritation. When paired with hair treatments and dyes, hair can become extremely dry, porous, and brittle. Once porous, hair is primed to absorb more copper and other chemicals that cause discoloration.

Can I reduce the damage chlorine does to my hair?

Yes. Many people are surprised to know that chlorine damage can be significantly reduced simply by wetting hair with fresh water prior to getting in the pool. Strands of hair have the amazing ability to absorb moisture, much like a sponge. By thoroughly rinsing hair with fresh water prior to entering the pool, you make it more difficult for hair to absorb chlorinated water while swimming (iii).

Is chorine-related hair loss/damage reversible?

Yes. The most common way that chlorine damages hair is by making it dry and porous, which may lead to discoloration. To reverse the damage, be sure to thoroughly wash and rinse hair after each swim session. Use ample amounts of shampoo to remove all chemical traces, and finish your post-swim wash with a protein-enriched conditioner that will replenish the hair’s natural moisture. For those who have color-treated hair, special shampoos and conditioners are available to minimize discoloration.

Chlorine and Hair Loss: Schedule an Evaluation Today

Along with chlorine damage, there are a variety of other factors that can contribute to hair loss. Stress, genetics, and other lifestyle choices might each play a causal role. If you experience hair loss this summer, contact our Institute to learn more about surgical and non-surgical restoration techniques that will have you looking your very best, fast.

The Hair Transplant Institute of Miami is home to South Florida’s top hair transplant surgeons. For more information on our clinic, staff, and hair loss treatments, please call 877-443-9070.

Sources:

(i) “The Facts About Chlorine.” New York State Department of Health. Accessed 22 July 2013.

(ii) “Why Does the Pool Turn Blond Hair Green?” About.com. Accessed 22 July 2013.

(iii) “How to Keep Hair from Wrecking Hair, Skin and Swimsuit.” ABC News. Accessed 22 July 2013.

July 9, 2013

New Study: Oxidative Stress Might Cause Pattern Baldness

Have you eaten any blueberries lately? If so, hair surgeons say you might be less likely to suffer from androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness. According to a new study, certain vitamins and bioflavonoids could enhance the health and functionality of hair follicles, creating long and beautiful hair that will last long into adulthood.

Free Radicals, Oxidative Stress, and Balding. The idea that antioxidant super foods could hold the key to preventing hair loss comes from leading research institutions in the United Kingdom. The Centre for Cutaneous Research at the Queen Mary’s University of London, along with the Farjo Medical Centre and Unilever R&D, have published the findings in an abstract titled Oxidative Stress and Cell Senescence in Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA).

In the report, researchers contrast two separate cultures of hair follicle dermal papilla (DP): One from scalp that has experienced pattern baldness, and one from scalp that exhibits normal hair growth. By contrasting these two selections of DP, researchers were able to make a number of fascinating discoveries:

1. The derma papilla (DP) of balding scalp exhibited higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

ROS molecules are a special type of free radical that is sometimes produced when the body metabolizes oxygen. As professor of nutrition at Tufts University, Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg has dedicated his professional career to the study and science of free radicals, oxidation, and cell damage. He explains:

“While the body metabolizes oxygen very efficiently, 1% or 2% of cells will get damaged in the process and turn into free radicals,” (i).

Once produced, free radicals are known to swarm the body in search of an extra electron. Numerous studies suggest that this process causes damage on the cellular level, referred to as free radical damage. According to health experts at the Harvard School of Public Health, free radical damage may contribute to cardiovascular disease, vision loss, and other chronic conditions (ii). Now, according to researchers in the UK, it seems free radicals might also lead to pattern baldness by damaging hair follicles.

2. Higher levels of ROS corresponded to decrease cell motility.

Cell motility refers to the ability of body cells to naturally reproduce in a dynamic fashion. Motility is vital for wound healing, tissue regeneration, a number of other important biological functions. When comparing DP cultured from balding scalp to that of normal scalp, researchers found cell motility to decrease as oxygen levels increased, indicating that increased ROS might significantly impair the DP’s ability to support healthy long-term hair growth.

3. DP from balding scalp exhibits higher levels of cell senescence.

Cell senescence occurs when a cell is alive but no longer able to divide and proliferate. As cell senescence increases, the ability of the hair follicle to support natural hair growth decreases.

As a result of the 3 main findings above, researchers now believe “oxidative stress may exacerbate the onset of androgenetic alopecia [pattern baldness],” (iii).

This exclusive health report has been published by the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. For additional information or appointment requests, please call toll-free 1-877-443-9070.

Sources:

(i) “How Antioxidants Work.” WebMD. Accessed 8 July 2013.

(ii) “Antioxidants: Beyond the Hype.” Harvard School of Public Health. Accessed 8 July 2013.

(iii) “Oxidative Stress and Cell Senescence in Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA)”