Articles Tagged with: hair
Hair

What Your Scalp and Hair Says About You

Hair If, as they say, the eyes are the windows to the soul, then your scalp and hair can be a mirror reflecting your health. Your hair follicles and the skin on your scalp change as you age, as do many other aspects of your health. What you see going on up top may be the result of changes or other issues going on inside your body. So, what does your hair and scalp say about you?

Often, changes in your hair such as hair loss say very little beyond the fact that your genes or other factors are causing you to lose your hair. Other times, it may be an indication that you have other medical concerns which you should investigate and address.

  • Is dandruff annoying or embarrassing? Yes. Is it a cause for worry or a sign of something more serious? Probably not. Dandruff is simply a visible sign that the skin cells of the scalp are producing new cells faster than normal. This results in excessive shedding of dead skin cells, which fall from the scalp as dandruff flakes. Dandruff can be related to treatable conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, stress, seborrheic dermatitis, or vitamin B deficiency. However, to date, there is no clinical evidence that dandruff is a symptom or cause of hair loss or any other serious conditions.
  • Shedding hair. Even folks with full, robust heads of hair shed hair regularly. Our scalps shed anywhere from 50 to 100 strands per day. As such, noticing hair in your drain isn’t inherently a cause for alarm. You can perform a “hair-pull” test to get an indication (though not conclusive) about whether the amount of hair you are shedding is a sign of a hair loss problem.
  • Graying hair. While anemia, thyroid issues, vitamin B12 deficiency, and vitiligo can cause premature graying, your salt-and-pepper hair is more likely the result of genetics rather than a poor reflection of your health.
  • Balding individuals or those with thinning hair are particularly vulnerable to sunburn on the scalp. The consequences of sunburn and overexposure to UV rays include not only short-term pain but long-term skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. Too much sun can also turn your hair brittle, dry, and more prone to breaks and splits. Additionally, sunburn on the scalp can not only be the result of having areas of thinning or absent hair, it can also cause hair loss, at least temporarily. A deep or severe enough sunburn can lead to inflammation which in turn can lead to a short-term hair loss condition called 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 a hair loss evaluation at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Drs. Nusbaum and Rose are internationally acclaimed hair restoration surgeons with more than 40 years combined experience. Both Drs. Nusbaum and Rose are actively engaged in hair loss research and lecture widely. To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call or office directly at 305-925-0222.

Donating Hair for a Good Cause

Donating Hair for a Good Cause

Donating Hair for a Good Cause Perhaps the most famous long-haired popstar in the modern-day entertainment industry is Harry Styles of the band One Direction. Styles has sported his infamous man bun and shoulder-length locks for years, but that all ended earlier this Spring when he decided to donate his ‘do for a good cause.

While fans were less than pleased after the famous singer cut his hair, they were happy to hear it was for a good cause. Styles sent his hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real hair wigs to children who suffer from hair loss conditions. Wendy Tarplee Morris, founder of Little Princess Trust, formed the charitable organization after her five-year-old daughter Hannah tragically passed from cancer. Hannah had lost her hair from chemotherapy prior to her death. Since its start, Little Princess Trust has funded over 5,000 wigs for kids suffering from hair loss conditions.

In addition to chemotherapy and other prescription medicines, young children can suffer from hair loss due to trichotillomania, a psychological disorder that often leads to thin hair, damaged follicles or overall baldness. To best treat this condition, it’s important to consult a mental health professional or behavioral therapist to begin behavioral modification practices.

For more information on children, teen and adult hair loss prevention and treatment, contact the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami at 305-448-9100, or schedule an appointment online.

Garlic Treatment for Hair Loss

Garlic Treatment for Hair LossIs garlic treatment for hair loss effective? A Canadian team of researchers has set out to test just that, aiming to evaluate garlic pills and topical treatments as a method for treating alopecia areata among children and teenagers. A number of children under the age of 16 suffer with alopecia areata, a condition characterized by sudden and patchy hair loss. Kids and young teens are limited in treatment options, as many are not candidates for topical foams, prescription medications, or surgical hair restoration. Researchers hope an all-natural treatment, like garlic extract, may someday alleviate hair loss symptoms along with the fear and social anxiety they cause.

Investigating a Garlic Treatment for Hair Loss

Researchers in Canada hope to find a hair loss cure in garlic, a bulb-shaped plant known to have natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The new trial has been announced on ClinicalTrials.gov. The researchers write:

The investigators propose to conduct an open label, prospective cohort pilot study using topical garlic concentrate (GarlicRich) for treatment of children with Alopecia Areata. Study medication will be applied topically on affected area of the skin daily for 6 months. Follow up visits will occur monthly to access the efficacy and safety of the proposed treatment.

A full posting of this study can be viewed by visiting ClinicalTrials.gov.

Alternative Treatments for Hair Loss

Only time will tell if a garlic treatment for hair loss can help to reverse the signs of thinning, shedding, or patchy baldness. In the meantime, there are only a few treatment options for children and teenagers who have alopecia. Some of the more popular options include:

Improving diet. The body needs a balanced diet, as well as a comprehensive assortment of essential vitamins and minerals in order to grow, heal, and achieve peak performance. This is especially true for growing children and young teens. Take a moment to review the components of a healthy hair diet, and think of delicious ways to incorporate nutrient-dense foods into every meal.

Managing stress. Stress can be devastating on a mental, emotional, and physical level. Telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, specifically, have been found to trigger and/or worsen hair loss. Children and young teens are encouraged to learn stress management and coping skills at an early age to not only prevent hair loss, but to improve overall health and vitality as well. Mindfulness meditation, sketching, coloring, light exercise, and journaling are all proven outlets for mitigating the negative effects of stress.

Wearing hairpieces. In some cases, hairpieces are the best solution for children and teenagers who suffer with various forms of alopecia.

This news article has been published by the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Readers are welcomed to contact us online, or call our clinic directly at 305-925-0222.

 

 

Will Vegetarian Diets Cause Hair Loss?

Will Vegetarian Diets Cause Hair Loss? Does following a vegetarian diet cause hair loss? Increasingly, men and women are paying more attention to the foods they put into their bodies. Some are motivated by ethical reasons, while others simply report feeling better after eliminating beef, poultry, and fish from their diet.

Moreover, there’s a growing interest in becoming a weekday vegetarian. Those who ascribe to this new way of minimal meat claim to enjoy all the positives of a vegetarian diet, while reserving the right to indulge in a burger or a filet on the weekends.

But how do vegetarian diets affect your hair? After all, protein is a vital building block for naturally thick hair. And when it comes to foods that naturally support healthy hair growth, red meat and salmon often top the list.

Vegetarian Diets and Hair Loss

Writing for Veganhealth.org, Jack Norris RD explains, “Occassionally, women who become vegetarian or vegan report experiencing hair loss.” This could be due to a variety of reasons, one of which is increased soy.

If you are just starting a vegetarian diet, you will likely begin to consume more soy than prior to making the change. According to new research, increasing the amount of soy in your daily diet may adversely affect thyroid health. As a result, the thyroid may become overactive or underactive. Hair loss is often a side effect of both.

Another common problem with new vegetarians is an over reliance on heavily processed foods. This tends to cause a shortage in daily protein, since most Americans are used to filling that need from animal sources. However, cutting animal protein is not necessarily a bad thing.

“Think of the strongest animals on Earth,” says Michelle Carlson, NASM Elite Trainer. “The gorilla, the hippo, and the rhino…all vegetarians. A vegetarian diet can be fortified with plant based protein powders such as hemp and brown rice, and some vegetarians add eggs and milk to their diets a few times per week.”

Cut Meat. Keep Your Hair.

Are you taking up a vegetarian diet? Stay mindful of thyroid health while keeping a well balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and plant based protein. Follow these hair loss prevention tips, and contact a professional immediately upon noticing signs of excessive hair thinning or shedding.

Contact us online to schedule a complimentary hair loss evaluation, or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.

Happy Thanksgiving from Miami Hair!

Happy Thanksgiving from Miami Hair! Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate the friends, family, and loved ones we cherish so dearly. It’s also a day to enjoy a cornucopia of warm, hearty, and delicious Thanksgiving foods. From everyone at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and the start of a warm holiday season.

When you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday, take a look around the table, and see how many of the following healthy hair foods you can find. Be sure to enjoy a little bit of everything to give your hair and scalp the vitamins and minerals needed to look your best. And, of course, don’t forget dessert!

Best Thanksgiving Foods for Healthy Hair

Eggs

From egg bakes to soufflés and h’orderves, eggs are a big part of some of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes. But did you also know that eggs are loaded with the building blocks of naturally thick and strong hair?  Biotin, B vitamins, and protein are just a few of the nutrients found in eggs that promote fuller hair.

Greens

Some of the best foods for your hair also happen to be the simplest. Spinach, broccoli, and Swiss chard are among the best greens for stronger hair. This is thanks to their dense nutrient profile, high vitamin content, and strong antioxidant profile.

Sweet Potatoes

It’s hard to imagine Thanksgiving dinner without fresh baked sweet potatoes. Indulge in this Thanksgiving staple on Thursday night to get plenty of beta carotene and vitamin A, both of which are known to nourish the scalp.

Beans and Lentils

Lentils, kidney beans, lima beans, and other legumes are a great source of both iron and protein. Together, these essential building blocks help to build your hair’s natural strength and thickness.

Coconut Oil

Cooking with coconut oil this Thanksgiving? If so, you will enjoy the added benefits of  vitamin K, E, and healthy fats known to improve hair texture and strength from the inside, out.

Get More Healthy Hair Tips

For more healthy hair tips, be sure to visit the Miami Hair Blog!

Beyond Hair Plugs

Hearing the phrase hair plugs is enough to send a chill down your spine. Mention hair plugs in casual conversation, and there is an almost universal impulse to recoil. Unsightly and painfully obvious, hair plugs are perceived by many as a desperate and unsuccessful attempt to reclaim the confidence and youthful allure of “normal” hair.

Today, we can do better than hair plugs. Much better.

Hair plugs are uncommon today, given the rapid evolution of hair loss treatment that has occurred over the past few decades. The “pluggy” hair transplant procedures of the past are long gone. Today, they have been replaced by more advanced procedures that leave virtually no sign that a hair transplant has been performed.

Beyond Hair Plugs

Below are several pictures of real patients who have recently elected to have a hair transplant procedure performed by Dr. Nusbaum and Dr. Rose at our hair loss clinic. Together, they illustrate just how far we’ve come since the hair plugs of the ‘80s.

When asked, an overwhelming 85% of Americans cannot identify patients who have had a hair transplant procedure (i).

What Has Replaced Hair Plugs?

Today, there are two fundamental approaches to hair transplant surgery that have replaced hair plugs. The first is strip donor micrografting, and the second is follicular unit extraction (FUE). Both are known to deliver exceptional results.

Strip Donor Procedure

The strip donor procedure is an evolved form of hair transplant surgery. Following initial consultation, the hair transplant surgeon discusses the procedure with the patient, showing him or her how their hair will be surgically restored. Following consultation, the strip donor procedure is performed in 3 basic steps.

First, a linear strip of follicular units is removed from an area of the patient’s scalp designated as the donor area. Next, that linear strip, or micrograft, is separated into tiny clusters of follicular units and prepped for transplant. Finally, each follicular unit is transplanted to the recipient area in a way that restores the scalp with natural density, thickness, and undulation.

Follicular Unit Extraction

Follicular Unit Extraction is a highly refined method of hair transplant that is performed in a similar fashion as strip donor procedures, with 1 major difference. Rather than extracting a linear strip of donor hair, surgeons use a punch instrument to remove clusters of donor follicles individually. Following extraction, these donor follicles are prepped for transplant and implanted to restore the donor area.

New: Robotic FUE

In the past decade, few things have made a more positive and transcendent impact on the medical community as robotic technologies. In the field of hair restoration, robots and advanced high resolution imaging now help surgeons to perform FUE procedures with even greater accuracy, precision, and reproducibility.

Hair transplant robotics technologies, like the ARTAS by Restoration Robotics™, enable surgeons to extract a greater number of donor follicles, without the downside of physical or mental fatigue. Following extraction, surgeons manually transplant the donor follicles just as they would in a typical FUE procedure.

Learn more about robotic FUE with the ARTAS in Miami.

Am I a Candidate for Hair Transplant?

To learn more about hair transplant procedures, visit this page on surgical hair restoration techniques. To learn if you are a candidate for strip donor or FUE procedures, contact the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami online or call 305-925-0222.

Sources

(i) “2010 Hair Transplant Challenge Survey.” International Society for Hair Restoration Surgery. Accessed 17 June 2013.

Discovery of New Stem Cells May Hold Future Hair Loss Cure

Researchers have long pursued the discovery of stem cell that could quickly and easily reverse the signs of hair loss. Such a cell would function as a proverbial “on/off switch,” giving hair loss physicians the ability to induce new hair growth across areas of bald skin. Men and women who suffer with androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) would not be the only benefactors; individuals who suffer hair loss following severe injuries, burns, or illnesses could also benefit from a quick and easy hair loss treatment protocol directed through a specific stem cell.

This December, a discovery at the University of Calgary indicates that researchers might be closer to this dream. Dr. Jeff Biernaskie, a Veterinary Medicine professor, published research findings in the December 2014 issue of the Developmental Cell journal that identify certain self-renewing cells located in the dermal sheath that play an integral role in managing hair growth. One day, hair loss professionals may be able to target these cells with specially formulated drugs to induce new hair growth in a precise and controlled fashion. Says Dr. Biernaskie, “We hope that we can ultimately stimulate these cells with drugs to replenish or rejuvenate the cells that are responsible for inducing hair growth,” (i). To understand how these self-renewing cells might someday cure hair loss, it’s helpful to first understand the role dermal papilla plays in overseeing normal hair growth.

The dermal papilla is a cluster of cells located at the base of the hair follicle. Dermatologists have long understood that this cluster of cells stimulates new hair growth via epidermal cells and the hair follicle. Exactly how the dermal papilla oversees this process, however, has largely remained a mystery until recently. Moreover, research indicates that dysfunctional dermal papilla are common among individuals with pattern baldness.

“When you lose your hair, particularly in male pattern baldness, we know the reason you go bald is because of dysfunction of[…] dermal papilla,” explains Dr. Biernaskie.

But what if certain neighboring cells could be used to resuscitate dormant dermal papilla? This question became the inspiration for the central hypothesis tested by Dr. Biernaskie and his research team. To identify these potential cells, the team used genetic markers to label individual cells within the dermal sheath. While monitoring the cells, the team made an exciting discovery: A small number of cells within the dermal sheath exhibited the ability to self-renew, creating new cells in each hair follicle. Those new cells included new dermal papilla, which ultimately have the power to facilitate new hair growth.

Commenting on the discovery, Dr. Biernaskie says, “We know that there is a small group of dermal stem cells in each follicle, we know where they reside[…] down the road, we might be able to look at different drugs that activate these cells[…] in order to stimulate new hair growth.”

Sources

(i) http://www.ucalgary.ca/utoday/issue/2014-12-10/stem-cell-discovery-sheds-new-light-hair-growth

Free Infographic Timeline: The History of Hair Transplant

Free Infographic Timeline- The History of Hair TransplantConceptually, a Japanese dermatologist first developed the idea of hair restoration in 1939. Published by Dr. Okuda, the procedure involved harvesting donor hair from a healthy portion of the scalp, and transplanting it to another area of balding scalp.

In many ways, Dr. Okuda’s groundbreaking idea is similar to the transplant procedures performed today. However, there are a number of important advancements, discoveries, and technological breakthroughs that make today’s hair transplant procedure more comfortable, precise, and effective than ever before.

Evolution of Hair Transplant: 1980 – Present

Free-Infographic-History-of-Hair-Transplant

“Hair Plugs” – 1980s

In the 1980s, hair surgery involved transplanting relatively large sections of donor hair. The end result typically had an unsightly “patchwork” appearance, earning the nickname “Hair Plugs.”

Micrografting – 1990s

The 1990s saw an important breakthrough: Micrografting.

Micrografting involves taking a thin strip of donor hair (the micrograft), dividing it into small clusters of hair follicles, and transplanting them.

For the first time, micrografting enabled surgeons to extract and transplant donor hair with precision and accuracy.

Follicular Unit Extraction – Late 1990s/ early 2000s

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) was another breakthrough in transplant technique.

With FUE, physicians began to use a tiny “punch’ instrument to harvest individual donor hairs. Though time consuming, FUE enabled physicians to harvest donor hair on an incredibly small scale: Approximately 1-3 hair follicles per unit.

FUE enabled surgeons to perform procedures with unparalleled attention to detail and aesthetics.

No linear scars. Beautiful results.

ARTAS® System – 2011

In 2011, the ARTAS System became the first-ever FDA-approved hair transplant robot.

With the help of ARTAS, FUE procedures are now:

  • Up to 50% Faster
  • More Precise
  • Minimally Invasive
  • More Comfortable
  • Faster Patient Recovery
  • Minimally Disruptive to Everyday Life

ARTAS® Arrives in Miami

In 2012, the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami became 1 of fewer than 20 clinics to offer the revolutionary new ARTAS® System nationwide. Today, men and women no longer have to suffer with hair loss, and the negative side effects it may cause.

To learn more by visiting this page on ARTAS® System in Miami.

Share This Free Infographic

To share this free infographic, right-click on the following link and select “Save as…” to save the embed code to your computer as a .txt file. Then, upload the entire file to your website our blog: Embed Code- History of Hair Transplant

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

Can Chlorine Cause Hair LossThough 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.

 

Fgf9 Protein Might Hold Cure for Baldness, Study Finds

Fgf9 Protein Might Hold Cure for Baldness, Study FindsResearchers at the University of Pennsylvania have made a surprising discovery that has the potential to make hair loss worries a thing of the past. The news is particularly exciting for some 500 million men and nearly 20 million women who suffer with thinning, shedding, or balding, as it may hold the key to permanently reversing the signs of hair loss.

Men and women who suffer with hair loss will have to wait for this new study to produce an effective cure, however. The research is based solely on trials conducted with laboratory mice, and extensive follow-up research and clinical trials are needed before hair transplant surgeons can hope to offer such a treatment to patients.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 (Fgf9) and Hair Follicle Growth

While studying the wound healing process in laboratory mice, researchers at the Department of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania found that a specific type of immune system cell could be the key to curing baldness. The cell, called gamma-delta (γδ), produces a vital protein during the healing process. That protein, fibroblast growth factor 9 (Fgf9), also appears to fuel the growth of hair follicles.

It is important to note, however, that the human immune system differs from that of mice. Specifically, humans are markedly deficient in gamma-delta cells. This fact has led researchers to speculate that lack of gamma-delta cells is the reason why humans might experience difficulty regenerating hair in areas where a wound has healed.

George Cotsarelis, M.D., served on the University of Pennsylvania research team that conducted this groundbreaking study. As lead author, Dr. Cotsarelis made the following statement in a press release issued by the Perelman School of Medicine:

“The findings help explain why humans don’t regenerate their hair after wounding. The study also points us to a way to treat wounds and grow hair,” (i).

Testing the Hypothesis: How Fgf9 Stimulates Hair Follicle Growth

Researchers tested the exciting new link between the protein Fgf9 and hair follicle growth by dividing laboratory mice into 2 groups: A control group, and a test group.

For the control group, researchers simply monitored the occurrence of hair growth during and after the wound healing process. For the test group, however, researchers reduced the expression of the Fgf9 protein. Test group mice exhibited a marked decline in hair growth, leading researchers to attribute the deficiency to a lack of Fgf9 protein.

As a follow up, researchers decided to test the opposite. When enhancing the expression of Fgf9, mice in the test group exhibited approximately 2-3 times the hair growth as those in the control group (ii). As a result, researchers have good reason to believe that Fgf9 plays a critical role in the development of new, healthy, fully functional hair follicles.

This health report has been produced by the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. For additional information on our Institute, including hair loss evaluation and consultation services, readers are invited to contact our office directly at 1-877-443-9070.

Sources:

(i) “New Hope for Baldness Cure.” Medical Daily. Accessed 11 June 2013.

(ii) See above.