Hairloss PI

Archive for the ‘Female Hair Loss’ Category

Viviscal is a hair supplement which has received broad attention as a  hair loss and balding treatment far beyond what it deserves.

It has received this attention in part because it has been misrepresented in the media by the likes of Tabatha Coffey and Dr. Oz, to mention but a few.

Whether this misrepresentation has been the intentional marketing goal of the organisation behind Viviscal, I cannot say, however when you read the fine print on the Viviscal website, it makes it abundantly clear that this product CANNOT and DOES NOT treat male pattern baldness or female pattern hair loss, or any other genetic hair loss conditions.

The Viviscal website states the following:

"These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."

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The role of inflammation and immunity in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia.

Magro CM, Rossi A, Poe J, Manhas-Bhutani S, Sadick N.

Abstract

Background: Female pattern hair loss affects many women; its pathogenetic basis has been held to be similar to men with common baldness.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the role of immunity and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia in women and modulate therapy according to inflammatory and immunoreactant profiles. Materials and

Methods: 52 women with pattern hair loss (AA) underwent scalp biopsies for microscopic assessment and immunofluroescent studies.

In 18 patients, serologic assessment for antibodies to androgen receptor, estrogen receptor and cytokeratin 15 was conducted.

Results: A lymphocytic folliculitis targeting the bulge epithelium was observed in many cases.

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MHT is a specialist form of scalp micro-pigmentation (scalp tattooing). The MHT technique utilizes a range of specifically blended pigments, which when applied to the scalp provide a consistent replication of the size, shape and density of real hair follicles. Founded in the UK , MHT scalp pigmentation effectively gives the appearance of a short, cropped, ‘buzz’ hair cut similar to the style sported by Hollywood star Vin Diesel.

HIS Hair the pioneers of an innovative hair loss treatment for male pattern baldness, alopecia, receding hair lines, hair transplant scar camouflage, increased hair density and concealing balding are now offering their unique treatment in the US.

Following the huge demand for pioneering Micro Hair Technique (MHT) scalp pigmentation, HIS Hair has opened two new clinics in Los Angeles and New York City. HIS Hair’s stylish procedure has been developed to replicate the natural appearance of ‘real looking’ hair and help to restore any lost confidence.

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Hairloss PI has delved into a number of proposed causes behind hair loss, above and beyond the obvious candidate of genetics. There is one form of hair loss however that is of our own making, quite literally. This form of hair loss, often afflicting the young, is commonly referred to as hair pulling disorder.

Trichotillomania is an irresistible urge to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body, sometimes resulting in significant hair loss, in many cases permanent hair loss.

Hair pulling from the scalp often leaves patchy bald spots, which people with trichotillomania may go to great lengths to disguise.

For some people, trichotillomania may be mild and generally manageable. For others, the urge to pull hair is overwhelming and can be accompanied by considerable distress. Some treatment options have helped many people reduce their hair pulling or stop entirely.

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Women use hair extensions for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they want a new longer look, or to add fullness to their hair, or they just want to try something that seems fun.

However, the use of hair extensions can cause damage to the scalp and breakage of the hair they are attached to leading to hair loss -- a feature no woman wants.

Hair extensions are typically attached to your own hair using either hot fusion bonding that attaches the extensions using a hot glue, cold fusion bonding that uses a keratin-based polymer to attach the hair instead, or the weave method where the hair stylist braids the hair into your own hair.

Costs for hair extensions range from $300 to $3,500 but can go even higher depending on how much hair and the quality of the hair is added.

Dermatologist have observed that the extensions can put excess tension on the hair follicles and cause the hair to fall out by creating a form of traction alopecia. Dr. Benabio describes in his dermatology blog that constant pull on the hair follicle damages it so over the long term, the follicle can no longer produce new hair.

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In a recent episode of the Dr. Oz Show, hair industry expert Tabatha Coffey reveals strategies to prevent baldness, grey hair and more. With 30 years of hair-raising experience and her own TV show, Tabatha Coffey reveals secret strategies everyone needs to know as part of their hair care routine to prevent going bald, going grey and other conditions associated with aging hair.

Tabatha Coffey is known as THE hair industry mogul people go to for hair concerns that their doctor do not address. She is the author of a tell-all book titled “It’s not really about the hair” and has her own TV show “Tabatha Takes Over” on Bravo. Her mission in life is to help others find their dream hair.

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I don't know a single woman who doesn't consider her hair one of her most precious aesthetic accessories.

A great cut and color can change our looks for the better. A bad hair day can send self-esteem and confidence plummeting.

So it's hardly surprising that, especially for women, hair loss can cause serious psychological damage.

Alopecia is the medical term for excessive or abnormal hair loss, and it can be caused by many different factors. An estimated 40 percent of patients suffering hair loss in the U.S. are female. My guess is that the numbers are much greater because many women suffer in silence.

So here's the lowdown on hair loss:

Androgenetic alopecia is usually associated with male baldness, but it also affects females. It is genetically influenced in both sexes.

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If they say "beauty is pain," then the beauty of achieving long, luscious locks is becoming more and more painful for many women.

Hair extensions have become the must-have accessory of celebrities and starlets on the red carpet and in magazines.

Now more and more women are following suit and using the extensions at home and work. Some as young as 19 are experiencing the dangerous side effects that come with trying to transform one's natural hair with hair pieces that make their hair longer and fuller.

"We have patients who are in their early 20s come in after wearing hair extensions for six months or one year, and they actually have bald spots,"Dr. Eric Schweiger, a New York City dermatologist, told "Good Morning America."

Doctors say people particularly at risk for damage from hair extensions are those with already thin or weak hair, or with a pre-existing medical condition, like anemia.

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A new test can help doctors determine whether a woman experiencing hair loss is likely to benefit from antiandrogen therapies, Business Wire reports.

According to dermatology research and development company DermaGenoma, the HairDX Genetic Test for Female Androgen Sensitivity offers a new genetic screening for women suffering from or at risk of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The test was unveiled to physicians at the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery’s 18th Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Boston in October.

The test examines genetic and epigenetic variations in a woman’s androgen receptor gene, then assesses her androgen sensitivity to determine if her hair loss has an androgenic origin.

Patients with high androgen sensitivity could benefit from antiandrogen therapies. Understanding the origin of the hair loss will help physicians select the most effective treatment, the company says.

The month of August has been designated as hair loss awareness month by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Every year the AAD runs a public awareness campaign to educate people and to refute the hair loss myths that may delay millions from seeking diagnosis and treatment.

The public education campaign raises awareness about the signs of hereditary hair loss, a condition that affects 80 million American men and women.

True or false?

1) A man will lose his hair only if his grandfather on his mother’s side was bald.
2) Women rarely lose their hair.
3) The likelihood of hair loss varies by racial heritage or ethnicity.

All of these statements are false says the American Academy of Dermatology.

“The AAD wants to reach those men and women who look in the mirror every morning and overlook the initial signs of hereditary hair loss,” says dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC. “Sometimes denial keeps them from seeking treatment. But often it’s a belief in common myths about hair loss that may cause them to wait months, or even years, before consulting their dermatologist – if they seek treatment at all.”

Three of the most common myths about hereditary hair loss are:

Myth #1: Hereditary hair loss is passed only from the mother’s side of the family.

Fact: Men and women should look at both sides of their family tree for relatives with hereditary hair loss. The condition can be inherited from their mother, their father, or from both parents.

Myth #2: Hereditary hair loss is rare among women.

Fact: In the United States, 30 million women—or one in four—experience hereditary hair loss. Less frequent causes for hair loss in women include stress, illness, medication, diet, and pregnancy. But 70 percent of women with thinning hair can attribute it to hereditary hair loss.

Myth #3: Prevalence of hereditary hair loss varies by ethnic or racial background.

Fact: Race neither increases nor decreases a person’s likelihood of experiencing hereditary hair loss. Hereditary hair loss affects all ethnicities.

About Hereditary Hair Loss and Treatment Options

Hereditary hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is marked by a progressive miniaturization of hair follicles, causing a shortening of the hair’s growth cycle. As the growth phase shortens, the hair becomes thinner and shorter. Eventually there is no growth at all. Because hereditary hair loss is gradual, the sooner treatment is started, the better the chances of results.

There are several different treatment options for men and women suffering from hereditary hair loss:

Minoxidil (Rogaine) topical solution works on hair follicles to reverse the shrinking process and stimulate new growth on the top of your scalp. It is sold over the counter and is FDA-approved for use by men and women. Minoxidil is the only hair regrowth ingredient approved by the FDA for use by women.

Finasteride, (Propecia) a pill taken orally, stimulates hair regrowth by blocking the formation of the active male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is FDA-approved for use by men and is available by prescription.

Hair transplantation involves removing healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp and transplanting them to the bald areas.

More information about hair loss and treatment options is available online at the American Academy of Dermatology Web site, http://www.aad.org, or visit the American Hair Loss Association web site, http://www.americanhairloss.org/