nutrition Archives - Miami Hair Institute

Articles Tagged with: nutrition

November 21, 2016

How Your Diet Encourages Hair Growth

Foods For Healthy Hair Physical characteristics, including hair, is often representative of your internal wellbeing. When you lack the nutrients necessary to keep your body performing properly, certain functions shut down. Patients suffering from temporary hair loss due a stressful event or dietary shift, a condition called telogen effluvium, should reevaluate their nutrition. All hair loss patients looking to stimulate regrowth can lead a healthier lifestyle to boost the effects of alternative restoration methods, such as surgery or low-level laser therapy (LLLT).

If you tend to eat high amounts of empty calories (i.e. junk food) and now notice thinning or shedding, you’re likely missing these key nutrients:

Protein

Proteins and their amino acids are known as the building blocks of the body. Like their effects on muscles, proteins keep hair long, strong and soft. Protein-rich foods include chicken, turkey, fish, eggs and low-fat dairy products. Legumes and nuts are viable protein alternatives for individuals on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Try to allocate 30 percent of your caloric intake toward proteins for a well-balanced diet.

Omega-3

Unfortunately, the human body does not produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own. We obtain these solely through food, which makes consuming substances rich in fatty acids essential to overall vigor. For hair health, these oils keep the scalp hydrated to stimulate follicle function while enriching strands for a shinier glow. Foods such as salmon, sardines, trout, avocado and pumpkin seeds are great resources for boosting your omega-3 intake.

Iron

Did you know lacking iron is one of the chief causes of dietary-related hair loss? Anemia, defined by insufficient iron levels in the body, is a serious problem that triggers hair loss. Low iron levels limit proper blood flow – something follicles need to receive growth-stimulating nutrients. Iron is found in red meats, fish, broccoli, kale, chicken and leafy greens.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C acts as a catalyst for iron to absorb into the blood stream. Eating these two hair boosting nutrients together fosters hair growth. In addition, the antioxidants found in Vitamin C, along with its collagen-boosting properties, keep skin, hair and nails looking and feeling nourished. Many refreshing fruits, such as oranges, strawberries and blueberries, contain high levels of Vitamin C necessary for hair growth.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E protects your skin and hair from environmental pollutants and sun damage. You can incorporate vitamin E into your diet by eating more almonds, spinach, avocados, sunflower seeds and butternut squash. Alternatively, you can apply vitamin E oil topically.

Biotin

You’re probably familiar with taking biotin supplements for healthy hair and nails. As a B vitamin, biotin helps strengthen locks to avoid breakage and fall. While supplements can easily up your biotin consumption, try incorporating egg yolks, yeast and whole grains for additional nutritive benefits.

Often, a dietary change isn’t enough to regrow lost locks. At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, our skilled physicians diagnose and treat hair loss cases that can’t be reversed at home. Through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments, we can help patients suffering with hair loss. To schedule a consultation, call us directly at 877-443-9070.

January 15, 2016

20 Superfoods for Stronger Hair

20 Superfoods for Stronger Hair Stronger hair can be yours. For many men and women, stronger and thicker hair can be achieved through simple lifestyle changes. Revising your daily diet to include more superfoods, for example, is one route to stronger hair. For others, a more comprehensive approach that includes surgical or nonsurgical hair loss treatment may also be required.

In this article, we explore the 20 best-known superfoods for stronger hair. We also explore 3 of the most popular surgical and nonsurgical methods of hair restoration—moderate to aggressive treatments for men and women who experience more pronounced thinning, shedding, and balding.

Top 20 Superfoods for Stronger Hair

Whether dining out or cooking at home, look for opportunities to incorporate the following superfoods for stronger hair into your meals. As a rule of thumb, always pair 1 protein with 1 serving of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit. Garnish with seeds and extracts, and always remember to indulge in a delicious treat!

Omega-rich Proteins

Eggs

Salmon

Power Vegies & Lentils

Kale

Lentils

Spinach

Tomatoes

Red peppers

Sweet potatoes

Thirst-quenching Fruits

Kiwis

Avocados

Blueberries

Raspberries

Goji berries

Coconut (meat and oil)

Seeds & extracts

Walnuts

Sesame seeds

Pumpkin seeds

Delicious Treats

Oolong tea

Greek yogurt

Dark chocolate

When Superfoods Aren’t Enough

A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants has been proven to naturally improve the appearance of hair, skin, and nails. For some individuals, however, eating well is not enough. Whether predisposed to hereditary (genetic) hair loss or suffering from stress-induced telogen effluvium, the following treatment options are available to help men and women put an end to excessive thinning and balding.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a topical hair loss foam that both men and women may use. When applied directly to the scalp, minoxidil has been shown in clinical studies to prevent the progression of hair loss. Patients are cautioned, however, that hair loss will begin again when minoxidil use is discontinued. This treatment is available over-the-counter under the popular brand, Rogaine®.

Laser Hair Restoration

Laser hair restoration is a nonsurgical hair loss treatment that has enjoyed ever-increasing popularity over the past 3 years. Treatment consists of exposure to cool laser light to improve blood circulation and hair follicle health, thus promoting natural hair growth. We are pleased to offer laser hair restoration with the Capillus272™ Pro, a FDA cleared laser cap that can be worn in the comfort of your own home for fast results.

Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair transplant surgery is a third option for men and women who suffer with hair loss. At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we offer two highly refined approaches to hair transplant surgery.

Strip Procedures. A thin linear strip of donor follicles (hair) is removed from the side or rear of the scalp, separated, and carefully transplanted to the thinning/balding area. Using a special closure technique, Miami Hair surgeon, Dr. Paul Rose, expertly redirects existing hairs to grow through and around the extraction area to effectively mask the signs of scarring. Learn more about strip procedures here.

ARTAS® Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). We are pleased to offer procedures with the revolutionary ARTAS® system, a minimally invasive, state-of-the-art technology that uses digital mapping and robotics precision to select and harvest hair for transplantation (FUE). Learn more about ARTAS® hair transplant here.

Hair Loss Evaluation and Treatment

Have you noticed scalp irritation, excessive shedding, or other tell tale signs of hair loss? At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we are pleased to offer patients the most advanced methods of hair loss diagnosis and treatment. We invite readers to contact us online to learn more, or contact our clinic directly at 305-925-0222.

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.

September 25, 2014

Stop Losing Hair

Hair loss is no laughing matter. In fact, losing hair is known to adversely affect personal, social, and professional life. Hair is one of the first things another person will notice about you, so it’s normal to feel uncomfortable with the idea of losing it.

Stop losing hair. If you are one of the millions of men and women around the world who suffer with hair loss, good news awaits: There are ways to make it stop. Some are non-surgical and are as easy as taking a pill or applying a topical foam each day. Others are more invasive, leveraging advanced surgical technologies and techniques to gently extract and transplant individual hairs (follicular units) from one area of the scalp to another.

Ways to Stop Hair Loss

There are many ways to stop losing hair. Everyone is different, and it’s important to remember that the best way to prevent long term hair loss is to consult a physician. Only a licensed hair loss professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend an effective treatment plan. In addition to scheduling a hair loss evaluation, men and women who want to stop losing hair are wise to consider the following factors:

1. Nutrition

The body needs a variety of important vitamins and minerals to thrive each day. Along with skin, hair is one of the first parts of the body to show the effects of water, vitamin, and mineral deficiency. To stop and prevent hair loss, be sure to maintain a well-rounded diet rich in protein, biotin, vitamin E, vitamin A, and other important nutrients.

Visit our Foods for Healthy Hair and Healthy Hair Diet articles to learn more.

2. Stress

Stress is known to “shock” the hair follicles into a dormant state (i). Typically, this occurs after a serious event that generates a significant amount of mental or physical stress. Car accidents, surgeries, divorce, and loss of loved ones are just a few examples of situations that might trigger bouts of hair loss. Stay proactive in managing stress to stop hair loss and prevent other mental/physical ailments.

3. Medications

There are a number of prescription medications that may cause hair loss. However, *it is important to always consult a physician prior to changing your medication regimen. If you suspect a medication is causing you to lose hair, speak with your physician to explore alternative medications.

4. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances are also known to cause permanent or temporary hair loss. Pregnancy and thyroid disease are just two examples of conditions that cause hormonal imbalances that may lead to hair loss.

Visit our article on Hair Loss and Pregnancy to learn more.

Professional Hair Loss Evaluation

Stop losing hair, today. At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, our surgeons and medical staff represent the very best of South Florida. Call our office today to for more information on hair loss evaluations and treatment recommendations designed to put a stop to hair loss.

Learn if your are a candidate for hair transplant online, or call our office at 305-925-0222.

Sources:

(i) “Effluviums.” American Hair Loss Association.

August 5, 2013

Surgeons Review Viviscal® Hair Supplement, Recommend Alternatives

Viviscal® Extra Strength has been released, and promoters of the new hair supplement claim it has the ability to put an end to thinning, shedding, and balding in men and women. Dermatologists, surgeons, and other health professionals remain wary of the new supplement’s claims, however.

Although the makers of Viviscal® claim the product is “supported by a combination of over 20 years of research,” further investigation reveals that its history in clinical trials and testing is actually quite shallow. In short, the product has seen very few trials when compared to leading treatments like Rogaine® (Minoxidil). Moreover, the trials that have been conducted involved very few test subjects.

4 Reasons to Choose an Alternative to Viviscal®

Whether choosing a surgical or non-surgical approach, men and women no longer have to suffer with signs of thinning, shedding, or balding. There are several alternatives to Viviscal®, most of which are backed by many years of successful clinical trials and research. Here are 4 reasons to choose a better-known, and thus more reliable method of hair loss treatment.

Viviscal® is Backed by Little Research

One Viviscal® study involved just 20 subjects, 3 of which withdrew from the control group prior to completion (i). Concern for the effectiveness of Viviscal® only rises in the wake of such limited clinical testing and evaluation, causing many medical professionals to question the product’s efficacy in treating hair loss in men and women.

Other Non-Surgical Options Are Proven Effective*

One of the most heavily researched and trusted alternatives is Minoxidil, known by the brand name Rogaine®. A topical treatment, Rogaine is a foam product that is applied to the hair and scalp twice daily. Extra strength formulas are also available for patients with more pronounced hair loss.

*Rogaine® is proven to be effective in slowing or stopping hereditary hair loss (pattern baldness) in 4 out of 5 patients. At a cost that averages just $30-40 per month, Rogaine is a non-surgical alternative that is as affordable as it is effective.

Surgical Hair Restoration is Better Than Ever

When considering an alternative to Viviscal® hair supplements, it’s exciting to know that surgical hair restoration is now faster and more comfortable than ever. Today, hair transplant surgery is a simple, comfortably, and minimally invasive procedure that effectively restores areas of balding scalp with your own natural hair.

The days of hair plugs are long gone. Today, hair transplants are performed via follicular unit extraction (FUE), a highly refined process that transplants follicular grafts of about 1-3 hairs at a time. Such precision enables surgeons to restore the scalp by hand, artfully and skillfully reconstructing hairlines with natural characteristics. So natural, in fact, a reported 85% of people cannot recognize when a transplant procedure has been performed, according to the ISHRS (ii).

Speak to a Professional About Hair Loss

If you or a loved one suffers with hair loss, contact the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami today. Our team is comprised of South Florida’s finest hair transplant surgeons, registered nurses, microscopists, and technicians. We hold your pursuit of a fuller head of hair in the highest regard, providing only the most widely studied treatments that have been proven effective in treating hair loss in men and women.

The ARTAS® Generation. Our Institute is now 1 of fewer than 20 clinics to offer the revolutionary ARTAS® System for hair transplant. To learn more about the first ever FDA-approved transplant robot, visit our ARTAS System page.

Sources:

(i) “A comparative study of a new food supplement, ViviScal, with fish extract for the treatment of hereditary androgenic alopecia in young males.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, PubMed.gov. Accessed 5 August 2013.

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

March 20, 2013

Visit Us on Facebook for Free Hair Health Infographics

As the Miami Hair Blog gets ready to celebrate its 1-year anniversary, our editors have teamed to provide our readers with 2 exclusive resources on hair transplant surgery and general hair health.

As a special thank-you to everyone who has helped make our Blog the growing success it is today, we’ve transformed our 2 most popular articles into vibrant, easy-to-follow infographics! These infographics are a visual representation of the data and knowledge that our Blog delivers weekly, making them ideal for readers who consider themselves to be visual learners at heart.

Women and Hair Health: A Guide for Women, By Women

Men aren’t the only ones who are losing those luscious locks of hair. At least 20 million American women report signs of thinning and shedding hair, two serious conditions that may ultimately lead to significant mental and emotional distress.

In August, the Miami Hair Blog published a broad overview of the most common causes of hair loss in women. Within a few short weeks, our article became one of the most heavily trafficked pages on our entire website, which only reinforces the importance of this serious issue. The causes of hair loss among females can be attributed to a number of factors, including:

Emotional stress
Poor diet / nutrition
Unhealthy Scalp
Thyroid Disorder
Androgenetic Alopecia
High-androgen Birth Control

Free Infographic: Women and Hair Health

For all of our visual learners out there, we decided to reproduce this article in the form of a free infographic. Readers are invited to Like us on Facebook for complimentary access to Women and Hair Health: A Guide for Women, By Women.

5 Characteristics of a Natural Hairline

Last summer, the Miami Hair Blog produced and exclusive article on the 5 characteristics of a natural hairline. In the article, Dr. Rose shares with readers the most important keys that every surgeon should consider when conducting a transplant procedure. The frontal hairline is perhaps the most noticeable portion of one’s hair, making it critical that the hairline be restored with a detail-oriented approach that focuses on replicating authentic density, thickness, and even all-natural randomness.

Free Infographic: 5 Characteristics of a Natural Hairline

All are welcome to Like us on Facebook for free access to our newest infographic, 5 Characteristics of a Natural Hairline. In this infographic, Fans will learn about the 5 most important aspects of an all-natural hairline through an easy-to-follow visual graphic that has been produced by our team. From everyone at our Institute, we look forward to connecting with you!

To Our Readers: Thank You for All of Your Kind Feedback!

Both Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women and the 5 Characteristics of a Natural Hairline articles have been a great success, generating positive feedback, reader comments, and general inquiries via email and social media. It has been our pleasure to get to know so many readers through this article alone, both from the Miami-area and abroad!

To stay in touch with our Institute, readers are invited to subscribe to the Miami Hair Blog RSS Feed to receive free updates as new content is published each week. Readers may also connect with our Institute on the following social media communities, where it will be our pleasure to discuss hair loss, share transplant success stories, and circulate important health resources:

Like Us on Facebook

Add Us on Google Plus

December 24, 2012

Hair Transplants: Safe for Teenagers?

This health report is meant to provide basic information on how nutrition, hairstyle, and other lifestyle elements may contribute to hair loss among teenaged boys and girls. It is important to understand that a comprehensive hair loss evaluation with a certified hair transplant surgeon is critical in the journey towards a healthier, fuller head of hair.

‘Hair loss’ is not typically something our society associates with teenagers. However, a number of causes may contribute towards the occurrence of thinning, balding, or shedding hair at an early age. Things like genetics, poor diet, unconscious hair pulling, and prescription medications may each play a causal role.

Learn more by visiting last week’s article on the top 7 causes of hair loss in teens. After better acquainting yourself with the most common reasons for hair loss among teens, you may wish to revisit this article to learn more about available treatment options.

Hair Transplants for Teenagers: Are They Safe?

Unfortunately, teenagers are not typically good candidates for a hair transplant. In general, a “good candidate” is a patient whose hair loss exhibits a number of characteristics, including the following:

Diagnosable cause of hair loss.
Hair loss with a predictable progression.
Donor hair that may be harvested to produce valuable hair grafts.

Though the cause of hair loss can usually be determined, it can be very difficult for a hair transplant surgeon to accurately predict how the hair loss of a teenage patient will progress. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to conduct a transplant procedure that will look natural in the end. Moreover, conducting a hair transplant procedure during teenage years may reduce the number of valuable hair grafts available for future transplant procedures.

Hair Transplant Alternatives for Teens

The Good News: If you are a teenager and you notice signs of hair loss, rest assured that you are not alone. There are a number of hair transplant alternatives that are available to reverse the signs of hair loss, including natural methods as well as hair loss medications.

Natural Methods for Reducing the Signs of Teenage Hair Loss

There are a number of natural methods that may help to reduce the signs of hair loss among teenagers, including:

Eat well. The food we eat has a profound impact on the way we look and feel. Hair is no exception. Visit our article on foods for healthy hair to learn more about the nutrients that are the building blocks for beautiful hair.
Got Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a particularly important nutrient when it comes to keeping hair follicles fully functional. New research even suggests that vitamin D may stimulate hair growth.
Like people, hair enjoys a stress-free situation. Traction Alopecia is a common cause of hair loss that results from too much tension being placed on the hair for a prolonged period of time. Hairstyles like ponytails, hair weaves, and dreadlocks may damage the strength and longevity of hair. Read more about the causes of Traction Alopecia to learn how to identify this easily preventable cause of hair loss.
Speak to your physician about your current medications. Certain prescription medications can cause hair loss. If you find that you are prescribed to such a medication, you may wish to discuss an alternative treatment option with your health care professional.

Teens, Hair Loss, and Medications

When natural methods are not enough, teenagers may benefit from the use of medications for hair loss. Such medications should never be taken without first consulting a certified dermatologist or hair transplant professional. After a comprehensive evaluation, the physician may recommend 1 of 2 popular hair loss medications:

Rogaine® (Minoxidil)

Minoxidil, most commonly known by the brand name Rogaine®, is an approved medication that helps to stimulate the growth of new hair among both males and females. It is a topical application, and it is designed specifically to treat symptoms of pattern baldness, or Androgenetic Alopecia. Other important things to know about Rogaine include:

Available for use among both males and females.
Extra Strength formula available, starts to work after about 8 weeks.
Active ingredient is minoxidil, which has undergone extensive testing for safety and effectiveness.
Topical application, usually applied twice daily.

Propecia® (Finasteride)

Finasteride, most commonly known by the brand name Propecia®, is available for use by males only. Its claim to fame is that it can maintain existing hair, and in some cases it has been shown to trigger new hair growth. Propecia is designed to inhibit the creation of DHT, a male hormone that can “shut down” hair growth at the follicle. Other important things to know about Propecia include:

Propecia is a prescription medication.
Propecia cannot be used by women.
Propecia is a daily medication.
In clinical studies for PROPECIA, a small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, or a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men and went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA because of them.

Learn More About Hair Transplant Procedures

Are you a candidate for a hair transplant procedure? Our clinic is home to the finest technicians, registered nurses, and hair transplant surgeons in Florida. Request an appointment online, or call our clinic directly at 1-877-443-9070.

December 18, 2012

Teens and Hair Loss: The Top 7 Causes

We typically associate ‘hair loss’ with older individuals, particularly gentlemen who experience male pattern baldness. However, it is common for teenagers to also experience symptoms of thinning, balding, or shedding. When it strikes, hair loss can cruelly disrupt a teen’s sense of self-esteem, confidence, and social life.

If you are a teenager and you notice signs of hair loss, rest assured that you are not alone. There is a growing population of boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 19 who share your experience, and there are a variety of lifestyle changes that you can make to improve the health of your hair.

An important note to our readers: This special health report has been created to provide an overview of the top 7 causes of hair loss in teens. It is intended for informational purposes only, and readers must remember to always consult a physician prior to making changes in diet or exercise regimens.

For additional information, readers are invited to learn more about hair loss evaluations online or contact our Institute directly at 1.877.443.9070.

What Causes Hair Loss in Teenagers?

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is a specific type of baldness that occurs in concentrated, rounded areas. It may occur on the scalp or on other portions of the body. At times, Alopecia Areata may manifest itself in several locations at once. For example, hair loss may simultaneously occur on the crown of the head, the sides of the head, and on the arm.

It is estimated that somewhere between 1-2% of Americans suffer with Alopecia Areata, including teenagers. For individuals who are affected by this condition, a new study released by Japanese researchers in Tokyo has called the treatment for Alopecia Areata ‘favorable’.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss, affecting an estimated 2/3rds of all American males. Though most common among males over the age of 50, this type of pattern baldness may still affect teenagers. Females, in particular, may experience Female Pattern Hair Loss during the final teenage years and early-to-mid twenties.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Female Pattern Hair Loss is a specific type of Androgenetic Alopecia (discussed above) that may affect teenage girls following puberty. This condition is most easily identified by a widening “part” that makes more and more scalp visible when styling the hair.

Proactively practicing stress management and nutritional awareness are two important steps in dealing with Female Pattern Hair Loss. For additional information, readers may visit this article on the 6 Ways to Prevent Female Hair Loss.

Traction Alopecia

Traction Alopecia is another common cause of thinning or shedding hair among teenagers, and it occurs when an unnatural amount of tension is applied to the hair for a prolonged period of time. The good news: Traction Alopecia is one of the few causes of hair loss in teens that is behavioral. Like unconscious pulling or plucking (see below), hair loss that results from Traction Alopecia may be significantly reversed simply by identifying and halting the behaviors that cause it.

For more information, please visit Traction Alopecia: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment.

Unconscious Hair Pulling and Plucking

Unconscious hair pulling or plucking is often the result of 2 different behaviors: Styling, and Trichotillomania. When it results from excessive styling, the hair loss typically occurs along the eyebrows and among the eyelashes. This is common among teenaged boys and girls alike, depending on the frequency and intensity with which they groom their eyebrows and eyelashes.

The second form of unconscious hair pulling / plucking is Trichotillomania. A psychological disorder, Trichotillomania occurs when a teenage boy or girl pulls their hair until it is uprooted, often leaving large areas of thin hair, damaged follicles, or total baldness. The best course of treatment for this type of hair loss is to consult a mental health professional or behavioral therapist to learn more about why the behavior is occurring, and how behavioral modification can be implemented to reduce its incidence.

Prescription Medications

Prescription medications are commonly used to treat a variety of health conditions among teenagers. Thyroid disorders, acne medications, and contraceptive medicines are just a few examples of the most common medications that may cause hair loss.

For a more comprehensive list, as well as hair loss prevention tips, readers may visit this article on prescription medications and hair loss.

Poor Diet

We’ve all heard the saying: You are what you eat. The skin and hair are the most noticeable reflections of that age-old adage, mostly because they are among the first physical characteristics we notice about another person. Failure to eat well can make it very difficult for your body to get the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals it needs to maintain healthy hair. And while eating well may not be enough to reverse pattern baldness, it can certainly help to improve the health and longevity of existing hair.

To ensure the most naturally beautiful hair possible, individuals of all ages are encouraged to get plenty of these foods for healthy hair.

Learn More About Hair Loss and Restoration

October 22, 2012

6 Ways to Prevent Female Hair Loss & Telogen Effluvium

Last week, the Miami Hair Blog explored the differences in Female Pattern Hair Loss vs. Telogen Effluvium. With 1 in 4 females suffering with signs of hair loss, an important question arises:

Can hair loss be prevented?

Though the causal factors and symptoms may differ, there are a number of preventative measures that can be taken to avert Female Pattern Hair Loss as well as Telogen Effluvium. And while these measures are effective for some, the following list is not a cure-all for every woman who suffers with hair loss. Care must be taken to examine the top signs of hair loss in women regularly, as early detection is critical in effectively restoring areas of thinning / balding hair.

Preventing Female Pattern Hair Loss & Telogen Effluvium

1. Stress Management

Stress has been shown in a number of studies to trigger the onset of hair loss, particularly Telogen Effluvium, and may even worsen symptoms over time. To hedge against stress-induced hair loss, it is recommended that women practice daily stress management. Light exercise, journaling, yoga, and meditation are just a few examples of effective stress management techniques.

2. Commit to Nutritional Wellness

Like the rest of the body, hair needs a comprehensive assortment of nutrients to grow to its full potential. Follow the Healthy Hair Diet to give your hair a fighting chance at healthy, sustainable growth.

3. Rule Out Prescription Medications

A number of prescription medications may cause hair loss. Speak with your physician about the side effects of your current medications. If documented side effects include hair loss, you may wish to speak with your physician about alternative treatments.

4. Schedule a Hair Loss Evaluation and Consultation

If you suspect you are losing your hair, one of the worst things you can do is to worry. Worrying only increases stress, and increases in stress may exacerbate the problem. Instead, seek a professional evaluation and diagnosis so you may better understand the nature of your unique condition. Schedule a hair loss evaluation to speak with a professional regarding the health and vitality of your hair, and form realistic expectations regarding treatment.

5. Consider Low Level Laser Therapy

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a popular treatment option among women because it is convenient, non-invasive, and discrete. Devices like the LaserCap™ LLLT device are designed to naturally stimulate hair growth by enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery directly to hair follicles.

6. Advanced FUE Hair Transplant

Follicular unit transplant (FUE) procedures are another viable option for women who suffer with Female Pattern Hair Loss or Telogen Effluvium. FUE procedures harvest healthy hair follicles from the rear or side of the scalp and relocate them to the areas in which hair loss is most visible.

The Hair Transplant Institute of Miami is proud to offer the ARTAS® System for hair restoration, the world’s first and only physician-guided robotics equipment designed to perform FUE procedures with unmatched precision, consistency, and accuracy. To learn more about this exciting treatment option, readers are invited to visit this Frequently Asked Questions About ARTAS guide.