Hair Loss Treatments: Clinics, Laser Therapies, and Products

It’s one of the top questions dermatologists get asked about: ‘What can be done for thinning hair?’ Now, a hair loss and hair restoration clinic promises new hair for almost all of its clients.

Barry Boudreaux, 45, of River Ridge began seeing male pattern thinning hair ten years ago in his mid-30s. It was a familiar genetic site.

‘When I was younger and I was growing up with my father and my uncles, I didn’t know grown men had hair’, said Boudreaux.

But now he’s turned to a newly opened clinic in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, for help.

‘Some people have said, “Have you changed your hair?” I haven’t grown any more hair but I think my hair and my scalp’s more stimulated. I don’t feel that I’m losing that much on my pillow’, Boudreaux explained.

Sarah Hopper of Metairie is only 23, but in the last few years noticed her hair was changing.

‘I’d take a shower and it was just like increasing—like when I’d wash my hair, how much hair would come out’, said Hopper.

She too turned to treatment at a hair loss clinic.

‘It definitely feels fuller, thicker. I’m much, much happier with it, feel more confident’, Hopper said.

Hair loss clinics have been around for quite some time, but not all clinics have the latest technological therapies to offer. There are more than 130 affiliated clinics in 29 countries. They focus on not one treatment, but a multi-therapeutic approach.

‘We’ve had 97 percent success in regrowing hair’, said Pete Zito, a certified hair loss consultant.

Clinics use prescription pills such as finasteride, and several strengths of topical medications such as Minoxidil, saying theirs is less irritating to the scalp. They say their conditioners, shampoos, supplements, and solutions cleanse and give nutrition to the scalp with DHT inhibitors, ingredients that block hormonal action that causes male and female pattern baldness called androgenetic alopecia. Also in their arsenal is a low level laser with multiple diodes. They say the technology is cleared as safe and effective to regrow hair.

‘We are in the process of doing a study right now ourselves, through our clients, and the preliminary numbers in that study are in the high 90 percent of people using the combination therapy of getting results’, explained William Blatter, president and CEO of a hair restoration clinic in Latham, New York.

Black Women at Risk of Baldness

UK-based hair, make-up and skincare consultant Eryca Freemantle told The Voice that she and her team have seen several cases where black women have damaged their hair.

“The main ones are where chemicals have been left on the hair for too long, wrong chemicals have been used, severe pulling of the hair when braiding, harsh gels used in the hair, pulling hair back too severely when wearing a ponytail, (and) adding glue and extension to weak parts of the head, that is, temple and hairline,” said Freemantle, who is an ambassador for the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology. The organisation works to improve standards and get beauty therapists qualified. She added, “We think it depends on where the customer goes to get her hair done, and the treatment given.”

Freemantle said while many hairdressers are doing fantastic jobs, “there are so many hairdressers that are under-qualified to do the job. We think the media and government are missing out on a massive educational concept that could help save the hair of many WOC [women of colour], through simple education and training.”

Freemantle continued, “Research tells us that there are still too many harsh chemicals available in products to the public. Our advice would be to seek the best hairdressers and stylists. After all, you are worth it.”

Hobbs, an expert in hair and scalp disorders, urged women to “make sure your hairdresser is properly qualified.” He added, “Although most types of traumatic hair loss are recoverable when caught in time, black skin can quickly scar, causing permanent hair loss. The advice I give to women with this problem, if their hair is thinning, is to see a qualified member of the Institute of Trichologists.”

Freemantle said the risks of hair damage are increasing with each generation of black women who get weaves or braids that are too tight, or a perm from an unqualified hairstylist.

Safe and Inexpensive Remedies for Hair Loss

Hair loss is quite a common aging signal among both men and women. Although hair loss issues seem to have been traditionally associated with men, women aren’t spared either. This is becoming increasingly evident with more and more women discovering their hair getting thinner and running to beauty clinics for a fix. Balding is obviously a major reason to worry about as it could wreak havoc on both your professional and personal life. But worrying over a receding hairline is only going to cause more stress which probably triggered it first of all. Instead, focus on how the problem can be managed and efficiently reversed.

With advanced technologies becoming progressively more available, it’s now possible to stop balding and boost healthy hair regrowth for everyone. Even critical instances of hair loss like permanent baldness can be taken care of with procedures like hair transplant technologies. But do you have to be going through the risks and high expenses needed for such surgical or probably dangerous treatments? The good answer is a straightforward NO. You will find less risky and more reliable alternatives to choose from such as herbal remedies. In fact, you can get natural and strong hair for little to no cost without risking the dangers of surgery.

The initial step in dealing with the hair loss problem is usually to evaluate its intensity, extent and possible causes. Hair loss can be induced by a number of causes and often they may seem totally unrelated. The key reasons for hair loss are tension and inappropriate hair products. Most of us face highly demanding situations in our everyday life whether it is at the workplace or home. A receding hairline further increases the stress levels, thereby aggravating the situation. Hence, you will need to cut down on stress and anxiety if you observe any indications of hair loss as that itself could be a symptom of a bigger stress-related disorder.

It’s also equally important to pick out your products with care. All types of shampoos, conditioners and serums are usually not suited to every hair type. So you must choose only those products that are compatible with your hair type. Also, exposing your hair to different compositions may lead to hair loss. Hence, avoid alternating between several products and try to adhere to one as much as you can.

If the hair loss situation is more adverse compared to what can be treated with regular hair care alone, you may want to go for a more special remedy such as homeopathic medication, a specialized hair lotion, or maybe visit a hair loss treatment clinic. But if you want to opt out of surgical or clinical techniques, there are more convenient techniques available. Common ones comprise wigs and hair extensions. Most of these hair loss treatment options and solutions are quite inexpensive and have no side effects.

Technological and Natural Hair Loss Remedies for Men and Women

From a laser comb to rubbing coffee on your head, here is a hair loss treatment guide for male and female hair loss.

Around ten million men and eight million women in the UK suffer from hair loss. According to a new study, the prospect of going bald upsets the average male more than the idea of going bankrupt or never finding a partner.

Even Prince William is said to be worried by his thinning hair, with recent reports claiming he is trying laser therapy to thicken his locks.

The causes of hair loss vary. Men often suffer from the hereditary condition male pattern baldness, while in women the cause is commonly hormonal imbalances caused by menopause or having a baby.

We all shed around 125 hair shafts a day. Once a hair is shed, the follicle then goes into a rest period, before a new hair starts to regrow from the root within 120 days.

However, when someone is balding, this regrowth does not happen.

Only one treatment is available as private prescription for male hair loss: finasteride tablets. This is suitable for those who have thinning hair—but not those who have already gone completely bald. It is said to work in 88 percent of cases. But experts warn it is not suitable for everyone and may produce side effects such as impotence.

Many people are not prepared to take a powerful drug for cosmetic purposes and we’re now being bombarded with advertisements for high street hair-growth products—from caffeine shampoo to supplements— all claiming to slow hair loss or even boost hair regrowth.

So do any of them work?

A consultant trichologist, a hair loss expert from hair clinics, or a hair transplant surgeon can provide you a review of a selection of reliable hair loss treatment options. The causes and treatments for hair loss widely vary from one individual to another; hence, the effects and effectiveness of opted treatments can also differ. With the help of an expert, however, you can most likely arrive at an apt treatment for you.

Ways to Prevent Further Hair Loss and Achieve Natural Hair Regrowth

Do you want to regrow hair naturally? Hair loss is a condition that is unwanted by everyone. So what if you are faced with hair loss in your life for some reason? Baldness results when renewal of hair growth is unequal to shedding of hair. It is a natural process for hair to shed, thin, or turn gray with age, but there are measures that can be taken to prevent such conditions.

A survey found that hair loss is common in people who eat more fat, meat, butter-fried foods, honey, and frequent consumption of carbonated and alcoholic drinks. These foods lack the nutrients required for hair growth and negatively affect hair follicle nutrition. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption often leads to gastrointestinal disorders, affecting the absorption of protein, vitamins, and minerals needed for hair growth.

Vitamins are a big part of home remedy for natural hair regrowth. You can take vitamin B6 as one of those vitamins. Vitamin C is another antioxidant that helps maintain healthy hair and skin. For vitamin C, ingestion of foods such as citrus, kiwi, pineapple, tomato, green pepper, potatoes, and dark green vegetables can give you desirable results of hair regrowth. Vitamin A is important for overall good health. It is also useful in keeping hair follicles healthy because it keeps the hair lubricated.

Eating a diet filled with fruits, vegetables, protein, and fat is one of natural ways to regrow hair. Some type of dietary deficiency is will show up first in your hair; when the body is under stress, it can affect the appearance and health of hair. Not only does eating well give a lot of nutrients that the hair needs but also a protein-rich diet ensures that your hair is strong and lasts longer. So make sure you eat at least one egg a day to make your hair grow well and quickly.

Alopecia Areata: Further Facts about Hair Loss

The lock of hair has an average duration of 2–6 years. Each strand grows about 1cm per month during this time. Approximately 90 percent of the hair on the scalp grows at a time. The remaining 10 percent at any time, is in the resting phase. About 2 or 3 months off, the hair falls out and the new part is developed in its place.

What is hair loss?

Alopecia is the scientific term for hair loss. There are three types of hair loss: areata, totalis and universalis. Areata is a form of hair loss in areas of the body, usually the scalp. It’s the kind of bald spots or patches on the scalp. It can only be on a certain area of the scalp. One to two percent of people with areata have experienced the condition to progress to alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis.

Alopecia totalis, better known as baldness, is characterized by the loss of all hair on the scalp. The reasons are still unclear, but it has been associated with autoimmune disease and said to have been caused by stress.

Alopecia universalis is a medical disorder in which the patient is unable to grow hair all over his/her body. This condition can begin at any age.

What causes hair loss?

Many factors can contribute to abnormal or severe hair loss.

Three or four months after major surgery or illness, you may notice a large patch of hair loss. This hair loss may be related to stress and anxiety caused by the state and is probably temporary.

Hormonal disorders can cause hair loss. If you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, the hair may fall. This hair loss can be corrected with a treatment for thyroid problems. Hair loss can also occur if male or female hormones are not balanced. Correcting hormonal imbalances may stop or reduce hair loss.

Most women notice hair loss after three months from delivery or childbirth. This is due to the fact that the woman’s body returns to pre-pregnancy state, and causes extra hair removed.

There are also medications that can cause hair loss. Drugs such as anticoagulants, gout treatment medications and drugs used in chemotherapy to cure cancer, too much vitamin A and the pill antidepressants can cause or aggravate hair loss.

Some infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss, too. And finally, loss of hair can be a side effect of underlying diseases such as lupus or diabetes.

How can I treat alopecia?

The most cost-effective means to minimize hair loss is to reduce stress. Some forms of hair loss were caused by stress and anxiety. Your doctors will ask for the diet and medications you are having or if you recently had a disease. From this, your doctor can determine the apt treatment for you. Some medications can help reduce or even stop abnormal hair loss.

If rest and medication do not help reduce your hair loss, you may consider trying different hairstyles to cover bald spots or wear wigs, hairpieces, toupees or even undergo surgery.

This surgery is known as the hair transplant surgery. This method provides a long-term solution to your problem of hair loss. This transfer of hair from hair-growing areas to bald patches entails a lot of money and significant risks. For some, it’s deemed to be the best solution for hair loss problems, although it can be very expensive.

Hair loss is not something we should just forget or ignore. It may serve as a sign of hidden diseases you may have. When you find large amounts of shed hair, you should contact your dermatologist and get your scalp checked in order to act on the problem immediately.

Hair Loss Studies: Getting Closer to a Cure for Baldness

Men and women struggle with hair loss, and finding the cure is akin to the holy grail of dermatology. Despite countless studies and an array of prescription drugs and over-the-counter products that aim to treat hair loss, exciting new research points to defective stem cells as the cause of baldness.

A study by dermatologist and University of Pennsylvania researcher Dr. George Cotsarelis has found that bald people have less of a certain type of stem cell that instructs hairs on how to grow. As a result, bald men produce hairs so small in balding areas that they are invisible.

The current belief is that baldness is caused by the destruction of hair follicles, mainly by testosterone. Cotsarelis found that balding men actually have the same number of stem cells as men with full heads of hair, but the lack of a certain type of mature stem cell causes hair follicles to shrink instead. This is good news in terms of treatments for baldness, since the hope of reactivating the stem cells may be able to prompt hair regrowth.

It’s long been believed that there’s a connection between genetics and hair loss—and this belief still stands. Researchers have identified two genetic markers for hair loss, and one in seven men has both of them. One gene is responsible for testosterone binding to the hair follicle and is inherited from the mother, while the other gene is inherited from both parents. This explains the similarities between balding patterns of fathers and sons. Together, these two genes significantly increase the risk of baldness, and testing may one day be able to reveal one’s predisposition to hair loss. Researchers could then develop creams or pills that could prevent hair loss in the first place.

Current treatments for hair loss focus on the effect that testosterone has on hair follicles. Drugs like Propecia decrease the amount of testosterone that reaches the hair follicle, which has been shown to at least slow down the rate of hair loss. But testosterone is not the cause of balding in women, which is why this new stem cell discovery seems to make sense.

The big question is how to reactivate these stem cells in an effort to regrow hair. Ultimately, the magic bullet would be a cream applied to the scalp to help stem cells grow normal hair. But don’t think you can run out and buy a cream that claims to awaken stem cells today. This “cure” for baldness is still years away, but knowledge is power and we’re on our way.

Vitamin B for Hair Regrowth and Prevent Hair Loss

If your body is in good health, you can maximize your genetic growth cycle by taking the proper blend of amino acids and B-vitamins. Your body requires very low levels of vitamin B on a daily basis, it is nevertheless an essential vitamin needed for your body to function. If you begin to experience hair loss, mental confusion, fatigue or anemia, it can be your body’s way of telling you that it has a vitamin B deficiency.

Vitamin B complex has a group of eight vitamins and they are thiamine B6, niacin B3, pyridoxine B6, folic acid B9, pantothenic acid B5, biotin B7, riboflavin B2 and cobalamin B12. Deficiency in any the above mentioned B vitamins can result in hair loss. Vitamin B3, B5 and B6, specially are needed for a shiny and healthy hair. These vitamins are found in many foods and in the form of supplements as well. The recommended daily intake (RDI) of biotin is a scant 300 mcg. Even the healthiest diets usually contain no more than 30 to 50 mcg.

According to experts, this nutrient is essential for hair regrowth that’s why biotin supplements are often prescribed right alongside medical hair loss treatments.

Hair Loss TreatmentSome of the rich sources of vitamin B1 are meats like liver, kidney, pork and heart. Fish is also a rich source of this vitamin. In some of the vegetables sources, they are found in wheat germ, soybeans, brewer’s yeast, oatmeal and bran. These foods not only promote hair regrowth but also help in gaining a healthy nervous system and a strong heart.
Vitamin B2 is rich in dairy products like milk and cheese. Beans, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and peanuts contain good amounts of vitamin B2.

Chicken, liver, fish and red meats are good sources of vitamin B3. Peanut is another great source along other nuts and dairy products. This vitamin also has the function of lowering the low density lipoprotein, which is also known as the bad cholesterol.

Vitamin B5 is present in heart, liver, chicken, kidney, egg yolk, beans, whole grains, brewer’s yeast, bran and nuts. Vitamin B5 is an effective vitamin for hair regrowth and also helps to reduce stress.

There are several foods that are rich sources of vitamin B6 and they include beans, whole grains and peanuts. Meat is also an excellent source of this vitamin. It enhances the immune system and aids in the healthy growth of hair.

Biotin or vitamin B7 can be obtained from eggs, liver, clams, organ meat, mushrooms, soy, oatmeal and milk. This vitamin promotes hair regrowth.

Vitamin B9 or folic acid is an essential nutrient for hair regrowth and helps in the synthesis of building blocks of DNA. These are found in dark and green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach.

Some of the sources for vitamin B12 include yogurt, meats, cheese, liver, fish, milk, yogurt, fish, cheese and shell fish. This is needed to improve the texture of the hair and to prevent hair fall.

Natural hair loss treatments in stopping androgenic alopecia

Effective hair loss treatments could contain an accurate natural DHT inhibitor like the saw palmetto extracts. This unique ingredient is currently recognized worldwide by many lucrative hair restoration experts as a very beneficial in inhibiting dihydrotestosterone or DHT in the scalp and thus is clinically proven to be a potent hair regrowth stimulator. You might wonder why almost all hair loss products contain DHT inhibitors, the explanation for this is that majority of hair loss cases in men are caused by genetics or hereditary.

In a more specific manner, men are more genetically susceptible to the hormone DHT than women. Hair loss in women can commence in several reasons like malnutrition, drugs, hormonal disorders, and crash diets whereas, hair loss in men is predominantly caused by the hormone DHT. Men’s hair loss is commonly referred to as androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. Men suffering from androgenic alopecia have high elevated levels of DHT in their scalp. DHT is a derivative or by product of the male hormone testosterone. This is converted with the interaction of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme which normally occurs in the scalp.

Hair loss treatments for male pattern baldness are normally DHT inhibitors which can be easily purchased in different hair loss treatmentpharmacies, hair care clinics, salons, and even in supermarkets. Natural DHT inhibitors like the saw palmetto extracts have been used to fully stop the progression of pattern baldness not just in men but in women too. It is an herb used to treat people with high blood pressure but scientists have found out that it can be also be a very accurate treatment for hair loss most especially androgenic alopecia. Saw palmetto was intricately studied and tested by proficient scientists. It has been shown that it acts in a similar way how a finasteride drug does but without the sexual side effects.

Finasteride or Propecia is a drug used to basically stop hair loss and regrow the lost hair. It is an effective mode in treating male baldness only, though there are side effects that can occur like erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive and testicular pains. The saw palmetto extracts targets the main culprit of hair loss in both men and women as accurately as Propecia without all the undesired sexual side effects. This main and active ingredient is apparently being used in sought after hair loss treatments like Leimo and many others in the treatment of genetic balding or male and pattern hair loss.