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Going bald is a fact of life for millions of men. But there are now treatments available that can stop further hair loss and promote regrowth.

06.08.2009 in Uncategorized

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Adults lose about 10,000 scalp hairs each and every day. Hair normally lives for around five years. With male pattern baldness these hairs do not always get replaced and gradually bald areas appear. This process can however take a long time and the age at which you start to lose hair does not necessarily provide any clues as to how long it will be until you define yourself as bald. There are a number of reasons why men start to go bald, but if you are a man between the ages of about 20 to 45 and you start to lose scalp hair, then the chances are 95 per cent certain that you are experiencing male pattern baldness. As the term suggests, male pattern baldness follows a typical sequence or pattern.

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The normal cycle of hair growth and loss

The normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 6 years. Each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter (less than half an inch) per month during this phase. About 90 percent of the hair on your scalp is growing at any one time. About 10 percent of the hair on your scalp, at any one time, is in a resting phase. After 2 to 3 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its place. It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect men, women and children.

Excessive Hair Loss Reasons

A number of things can cause excessive hair loss. For example, about 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is temporary. Hormonal problems may cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is overactive or under active, your hair may fall out. Certain infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. Finally, hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes.

The common baldness

The term “common baldness” usually means male-pattern baldness, or permanent-pattern baldness. Male-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Men who have this type of hair loss usually have inherited the trait. Men who start losing their hair at an early age tend to develop more extensive baldness. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss typically results in a receding hair line and baldness on the top of the head.

Male Pattern Baldness

The male pattern baldness form of androgenic alopecia accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men. By age 35, two-thirds of UK and EU men will have some degree of appreciable hair loss and by age 50 approximately 85% of men have significantly thinning hair. About 25% of men who suffer from male pattern baldness begin the painful process before they reach 21. Most men who suffer from male pattern baldness are extremely unhappy with their situation and would do anything to change it. Hair loss affects every aspect of their life. It affects interpersonal relationships as well as their professional life. It is not uncommon for men to change their career paths because of hair loss.

The Causes of Male Pattern Baldness

Most men are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness. It is the effect of hormones on the hair follicle that produces male pattern baldness. Testosterone, a hormone that is present in high levels in males after puberty, is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT has an adverse affect on the hair follicles. Acting on a hormone receptor on the hair follicle it slows down hair production and produces weak, shorter hair, sometimes it stops hair growth from the follicle completely. This process gradually depletes your stock of hair and is normal hair loss.

Know about DHT

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a derivative or by-product of testosterone. Testosterone converts to DHT with the aid of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. While the entire genetic process of male pattern baldness is not completely understood, scientists do know that DHT shrinks hair follicles, and that when DHT is suppressed, hair follicles continue to thrive. Today, with proper treatment, this process can be slowed or even stopped if caught early enough.

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In order to treat hair loss effectively we would recommend that you have a diagnosis made as soon as possible by one of our experienced Westminster Trichologists. Stress can be an aggravator in almost all cases of hair loss and an accurate diagnosis will always, at the very least, take some of the stress away from you.

Gary Heron says: “You’ll have access to the most effective treatments available through The Hair Centre and at a fraction of the cost of going to other Private Commercial Clinics and Centres.”

When it’s time to see the Trichologist: If you begin losing hair rapidly, and or are cosmetically concerned about baldness, consult your Trichologist about treatment options. You can receive a free hair loss consultation with a Westminster Trichologist at our Hair Centre.

The point is that you are not getting to the real problem and you should seek specific professional advice from a Westminster Trichologist.

“Why buy hair loss treatments over the counter or on the internet when you can see a Westminster Trichologist for FREE and know that you are guaranteed results”

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

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HAIR LOSS MYTHS [ TRUE OR FALSE ]

05.08.2009 in Uncategorized

Before you try it, getting a cow to lick your scalp will not help your hair to grow back.

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For every treatment that works there are a dozen that don’t. But some age-old myths are still in circulation. We sort fact from fiction in 20 of the most common hair loss myths.

Hair loss comes from the mother’s side
Baldness is hereditary, but it’s not limited to the maternal side of the family. The hair loss gene can come from either parent.

Frequent ejaculation causes baldness
There’s no proven link between frequent ejaculation and hair loss. There’s also no truth to the myth that the more sex you have the less hair you’ll lose.

Washing your head in cold water cures baldness
Washing your head every morning in cold water may boost blood circulation but it does nothing for baldness.

Losing hair every day means you’re balding
If you’ve got male-pattern baldness then, yes, you’ll lose hair every day. That said, it’s normal to lose as many as 100 hairs a day. These will usually grow back.

It’s unusual to lose hair from our early 30s
As you age, the number of hair follicles on your scalp will progressively reduce. With ageing, hair becomes finer and sparser.

Hair products can cause hair loss
Hair care products don’t cause hair loss. You can mix as much gel, mousse or spray in to your hair as you like.

Standing on your head cures hair loss
Standing on your head to increase blood flow won’t regenerate your scalp. Blood circulation has no influence on hair loss.

Constantly wearing hats causes baldness
Unless your hat is so tight that it puts excessive tension on the hair, it doesn’t matter if you wear a cap 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hats do not lead to hair loss.

Brushing or massaging the scalp can reduce hair loss
Blood circulation doesn’t boost hair growth. However, too much brushing may cause injury, leading to loss of hair.

Hairstyles don’t cause hair loss
Styles that put too much tension on hair, such as tight plaits, ponytails, corn-rows or winding too tightly on to rollers (especially heated rollers), can cause some hair loss.

Cutting your hair will make it grow back thicker
Hair feels thicker after a hair cut because hair is thicker at the base. Cutting your hair will not prevent male or female-pattern baldness.

Blow drying doesn’t cause hair loss
Blow drying can damage, burn or dry the hair, which can cause it to fall out. But this hair will grow back immediately. It is not considered to be permanent hair loss.

Wigs and toupees make hair loss worse
Hair doesn’t need to breathe. Only the roots are alive, and they get their oxygen from the blood in the scalp. Wigs and hairpieces only damage hair if they are too tight.

Excessive washing of hair causes hair loss
Washing with shampoo only removes hair that has already fallen out.

Long exposure to the sun leads to hair loss
Hair loss occurs at the follicle level. Fortunately, your hair acts as a shield against the sun to protect the roots.

Hair dyes cause balding
Most hair-colouring treatments contain chemicals that, if not properly used, are harmful to hair. However, such dyes don’t cause hair loss.

Diet can cause hair loss
A balanced diet is essential for your general health. However, there’s no evidence that certain types of food boost hair growth or cause hair loss.

Stress causes hair loss
Stressful episodes, such as an accident or surgery, can cause hair production to shut down temporarily. Stress doesn’t cause male-pattern baldness.

Hormone problems cause hair loss
Problems with your thyroid gland can cause hair loss. Women may also experience short-term hair loss shortly after pregnancy.

Steroids have no side effects on hair
Steroid use can cause hair loss. Research has proven that anabolic steroids raise the levels of baldness-inducing male hormones.

In order to treat hair loss effectively we would recommend that you have a diagnosis made as soon as possible by one of our experienced Westminster Trichologists. Stress can be an aggravator in almost all cases of hair loss and an accurate diagnosis will always, at the very least, take some of the stress away from you.

Gary Heron says: “You’ll have access to the most effective treatments available through The Hair Centre and at a fraction of the cost of going to other Private Commercial Clinics and Centres.”

When it’s time to see the Trichologist: If you begin losing hair rapidly, and or are cosmetically concerned about baldness, consult your Trichologist about treatment options. You can receive a free hair loss consultation with a Westminster Trichologist at our Hair Centre.

The point is that you are not getting to the real problem and you should seek specific professional advice from a Westminster Trichologist.

“Why buy hair loss treatments over the counter or on the internet when you can see a Westminster Trichologist for FREE and know that you are guaranteed results”

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

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Stress can cause thinning hair

05.08.2009 in HAIR LOSS FACTS

The New York Times recently reported that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s hair was thinning as a result of extreme stress. If so, doctors say, she’s not the only one.

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Dermatologists say that although life’s normal ups and downs aren’t enough to precipitate it, women can lose up to 50 percent of their hair after an unusually stressful event. Dr. Rebecca Euwer, a Dallas-based dermatologist, says that some of the more common causes are childbirth, surgery or a death in the family.

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“When someone comes in and says they’re losing their hair, you ask, ‘Well, what happened about three months ago?”’ Euwer says.

This type of hair loss can occur both in men and women. But most of the known cases are reported by women.

Euwer says that hair goes through three phases: growing, resting and falling out.

About 90 percent of hair is in the growing phase. Most of the remaining hair is in the resting phase, where it remains for about three months. When people suffer physical or psychological trauma, it shocks the hair follicles into a resting phase.

People do not notice the effects until three months later, when it begins to fall out.

“About 1 percent of your hair is falling out, so it’s normal to lose about 100 hairs a day,” she says. But when you begin to notice more hair on your pillow or in your shower drain, it’s time to go to the doctor, she says.

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The good news is, it will usually grow back on its own.

However, there’s a chance that women older than 30 could be experiencing the female equivalent of male-pattern baldness. Euwer said if this is the case, only hair on top of the head will thin. If it is stress-related, the sides and back of the scalp will also be affected.

Then there are women hit with the double-whammy: both stress-induced hair loss and natural thinning with age. In these cases, doctors might need to prescribe Rogaine, an over-the-counter hair regrowth treatment.

But Euwer says to use this with extreme caution. Some women have gotten more than they bargained for after using extra-strength Rogaine, which is intended for men.

“Women who get hold of that have gotten some on their forehead,” she says. “Then they have to go and get laser hair removal.”

Not all hair loss is stress- or age-related. Excessive styling or harsh treatments can also damage the hair, causing it to fall out. And a sudden loss of hair may signal a more serious condition, such as diabetes or lupus.

In order to treat hair loss effectively we would recommend that you have a diagnosis made as soon as possible by one of our experienced Westminster Trichologists. Stress can be an aggravator in almost all cases of hair loss and an accurate diagnosis will always, at the very least, take some of the stress away from you.

Gary Heron says: “You’ll have access to the most effective treatments available through The Hair Centre and at a fraction of the cost of going to other Private Commercial Clinics and Centres.”

When it’s time to see the Trichologist: If you begin losing hair rapidly, and or are cosmetically concerned about baldness, consult your Trichologist about treatment options. You can receive a free hair loss consultation with a Westminster Trichologist at our Hair Centre.

The point is that you are not getting to the real problem and you should seek specific professional advice from a Westminster Trichologist.

“Why buy hair loss treatments over the counter or on the internet when you can see a Westminster Trichologist for FREE and know that you are guaranteed results”

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

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"Scalp Coolers" May Lessen Cancer Hair Loss.

31.07.2009 in HAIR LOSS FACTS, HAIR LOSS SCIENCE

After finding out you have cancer, how serious it is and how it may be treated, a common worry is the loss of hair. Hair is a big thing in our society and both men and women often put a lot of time and effort into how their hair looks. The loss of the hair almost seems like the final straw – an emotional hurt that takes a lot out of you.

There are ways that people cope, from buying a wardrobe of funky hats and colorful scarves to buying wigs of similar hair or something completely different. Others embrace their baldness and don’t cover up.

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Scalp Cooler from Paxman Coolers Ltd.

A new idea has come to market that, while maybe sounding a bit “out there,” seems to be helping patients who are losing their hair and studies are finding that it may have some benefit. Called a scalp cooler, the device does exactly what the name says. It cools down the scalp to try to help preserve the hair.

A study that was presented this year at the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting (American Society of Clinical Oncology) found that this can be effective. Researchers looked at 120 women who were being treated with breast cancer. The chemotherapy regimen they were receiving was known to cause hair loss in most patients.

The women were divided into two groups, one group had the scalp cooler, the other didn’t. The women who used the scalp cooler wore it throughout the chemotherapy infusion and for 20 minutes before and 2 hours after.

According to the study findings:

61.7 % of patients in scalp cooling group had grade 4 [significant] hair loss compared to 81.7 % of patients in control group. After 6 cycles, 85% of patients in scalp cooling group experienced grade 4 hair loss compared to 100% of patients in the control group. Only 9 patients (15%) in the scalp cooling group developed grade 1-2 [minimal to moderate] hair loss.

The study authors concluded that the optimal effectiveness of the scalp cooler lies in the shorter dose regimens.

In order to treat hair loss effectively we would recommend that you have a diagnosis made as soon as possible by one of our experienced Westminster Trichologists. Stress can be an aggravator in almost all cases of hair loss and an accurate diagnosis will always, at the very least, take some of the stress away from you.

Gary Heron says: “You’ll have access to the most effective treatments available through The Hair Centre and at a fraction of the cost of going to other Private Commercial Clinics and Centres.”

When it’s time to see the Trichologist: If you begin losing hair rapidly, and or are cosmetically concerned about baldness, consult your Trichologist about treatment options. You can receive a free hair loss consultation with a Westminster Trichologist at our Hair Centre.

The point is that you are not getting to the real problem and you should seek specific professional advice from a Westminster Trichologist.

“Why buy hair loss treatments over the counter or on the internet when you can see a Westminster Trichologist for FREE and know that you are guaranteed results”

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

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Today's health topic – the bald truth about male hair loss

31.07.2009 in HAIR LOSS FACTS

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Jude Law’s had rave reviews starring as Hamlet on stage this summer – but what got everyone gossiping as he signed autographs outside the theatre? His receding hairline.

It isn’t the first time his crowning glory has been the centre of attention – in 2005 it was reported that he’d consulted a Harley Street expert after the first signs that his mane was in retreat.

Perhaps it’s such a talking point because his lustrous locks have always been part of his handsome, youthful appeal.

And Dec Donnelly – one half of Ant and Dec – was spotted leaving a London restaurant this week looking decidedly thinner on top.

Although hair loss is common in men – more than half of UK males will have lost some hair by the age of 50 – for some it can really knock their confidence, especially if it happens very young.

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Fortunately, going bald is becoming less of a stigma for men as attractive guys like actor Billy Zane and tennis star Andre Agassi proudly sport hair-free heads.

Will it happen to you?

Around 80% of cases of male-pattern baldness are hereditary. Last year, scientists found that a combination of two genetic variants can increase your risk by seven times – and around 14 in 100 men are affected.

This type of baldness, which can also affect some women after the menopause, is caused by oversensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), made from male hormone testosterone.

While there’s still no outright cure and most men learn to live with it, here are your options if you’re determined to hang on to your follicles.

DRUG TREATMENTS

Scalp lotion

Minoxidil is a lotion you rub on your scalp every day and is available over the counter from pharmacies.

It’s not known for sure exactly how it works (it was originally used in pill form to treat high blood pressure) but studies suggest it slows down hair loss in about half of those who use it, while about 15 in every 100 will be lucky enough to get some hair re-growth. An unfortunate one in three won’t see any change at all.

You have to use it for at least four months to see benefits – as soon as you stop, hair loss carries on as before. It costs around £80 for six months of treatment.

Finasteride (Propecia)

This daily tablet prevents testosterone being converted into DHT, the hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink.

Around two-thirds of men who take it get some hair re-growth while hair loss slows in around 80 per cent.

As with minoxidil, you need to take it for at least four months before you’ll see benefits, which only last while you’re taking it. You can get it on private prescription from your GP at around £90 for three months’ supply.

Hair transplants: Finding a surgeon

(1) Check that your GP or dermatologist agree a hair transplant would be suitable for you. He or she may even be able to suggest someone.

(2) Shop around – It’s not just price you should be looking at. Compare surgeons’ approaches – they should ask questions about your motivation and expectations and give detailed information about what the process will involve – how many procedures you’ll need, how long it will all take, and how much hair re-growth you can realistically expect.

(3) Make sure the surgeon is properly qualified. He or she should be registered with the General Medical Council and belong to the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons.

Ideally I’d recommend they perform at least 100 transplants a year. The clinic should be registered with the Healthcare Commission.

(4) Stay away from anyone who tries to get you to sign up that day – it’s a big decision and they should let you go away and think about it.

(5) Beware of anyone who tells you there are no risks or success is 100% guaranteed – they’re being less than honest.

(6) Ask to see before-and-after pictures, and maybe to speak to another patient.

(7) Don’t commit if you’re not totally sure or don’t feel completely comfortable with the doctor.

WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR

See your GP if your hair loss doesn’t follow the usual pattern of receding hairline followed by thinning hair on the crown and temples. This could mean it’s due to a medical condition, such as anaemia or thyroid problems, which needs treating.

But if you want to treat hair loss of any kind, it’s worth seeing your GP first. He or she will be able to go through your options and their pros and cons as well as referring you to a dermatologist if appropriate. This way you know you’ll get sound information – while most private clinics are excellent, not all give impartial advice.

Above all, be wary of ads for products or treatments making amazing claims. There are very few hair-loss treatments that have been proven to work so far.

GONE TODAY, HAIR TOMORROW?

Bald heads may one day be a thing of the past, Scientists are currently working on cloning an individual’s hair cells then injecting them back into the bald areas.

Costs mount if you go under the knife

If treatments haven’t worked for you, and you really want your locks back, there are surgical options but they’re not available on the NHS and cost a few thousand pounds:

Hair transplant
This involves removing a small piece of scalp from the back of the head where there’s still hair, then grafting hairs on to the bald bits. Techniques have improved hugely over recent years so, if done correctly, results look natural rather than that obvious planted look of the past when hairs would grow in straight rows.

You should see results in about nine months but you’ll need more than one session with around nine to 12 months between each. There’s a small risk of infection, as with any op, but otherwise it’s relatively low-risk and is done under a local anaesthetic. It’s not suitable for everyone – hair loss should have stabilised and you need adequate hair around the sides and back.

Artificial hair
This involves implanting synthetic fibres in the scalp under a local anaesthetic but it has serious risks of infection and scarring, which is why most dermatologists, including me, don’t recommend it. However, some clinics play down the risks so be careful.

In order to treat hair loss effectively we would recommend that you have a diagnosis made as soon as possible by one of our experienced Westminster Trichologists. Stress can be an aggravator in almost all cases of hair loss and an accurate diagnosis will always, at the very least, take some of the stress away from you.

Gary Heron says: “You’ll have access to the most effective treatments available through The Hair Centre and at a fraction of the cost of going to other Private Commercial Clinics and Centres.”

When it’s time to see the Trichologist: If you begin losing hair rapidly, and or are cosmetically concerned about baldness, consult your Trichologist about treatment options. You can receive a free hair loss consultation with a Westminster Trichologist at our Hair Centre.

The point is that you are not getting to the real problem and you should seek specific professional advice from a Westminster Trichologist.

“Why buy hair loss treatments over the counter or on the internet when you can see a Westminster Trichologist for FREE and know that you are guaranteed results”

Do you have Hair Loss Problems, read our Hair Loss Help

no comment