Woman combing hair

Start your hair loss treatment with a free hair and scalp analysis.

Hair loss is mostly a genetic condition.  The most common cause of hair loss is a buildup of dihydrotestosterone.  This chemical builds up in the hair follicles, essentially clogging and killing the hair follicles and preventing hair from growing.

At the Hair Club, you can start with a hair and scalp analysis to determine what your best options for treatment would be.  This beginning analysis is a 250 dollar value that you can get for free.  There are many other options to pursue that can help prevent further loss and may help with some re-growth.

One possible treatment is a non-surgical treatment called the Bio-Matrix Hair Replacement.  It actually begins with an examination of your scalp and hair looking at the crown of your head, where your hair is balding or thinning.  After this examination, the hair stylist will then add real human hair into your head, in the same natural way that it would grow.  The hair creates an undetectable matrix of crisscrossing, transparent fibers that are shaped to specifically fit the balding and thinning areas of your head.  It is supposed to be invisible from an observant.

Once your hair replacements are in place, you can have your hair cut or styled to match the new hair.  As you are working with experts on hair loss, they may take into consideration your age and facial structure, to create a look that will makes you look best.

The Hair Club also offers a hair transplant procedure.  This is procedure is a little different, as it is a real transplant.  There are units of your hair removed from the back of your head.  They are then transplanted to the front of your head or balding or thinning area.  Oddly enough, when they are removed and transplanted, they will then grow normally in their new area.  You may be able to have a full head of hair that looks and grows normally.

Hair Club has a different microscopic unit transfer procedure that is performed exclusively with their physicians.  After your transplant, you will have access to the exclusive maintenance and monitoring programs.  These after maintenance will help to ensure you receive the maximum benefits from your transplants or other procedures.

The Hair Club is a very popular choice for hair loss.  You can schedule a free analysis, just to see what options are available to you.

Woman with Laser Comb

Laser Surgery is a new and improving technology to stimulate hair re-growth.

There are a few different types of laser surgeries.  One such treatment is called the Laser Luce LDS, which has been shown to stimulate growth in over 70 percent of the hairs.  If the blood flow is increased, the hair follicles will be able to absorb nutrients and grow healthier hair.

For this actual procedure, the individual sits under a dome machine that is filled with low energy lasers.  The energy from the light is absorbed into the skin and stimulates the blood supply and tissues of the scalp.  It is usually necessary to undergo a series of treatments to get the best results.

Any Laser treatment in general can be used with low-level lasers.  These are simple lasers that do not break the skin, but stimulate the blood supply in the scalp.

There are even ways to perform laser treatment in your own home with your own laser comb.  One such example of a laser comb is the Lexington HairMax Laser Comb.  It is said to be easy, convenient, cost-effective and produces real results.  With over 90 percent of users showing positive results within 8 weeks, the possible results include:

• Increased hair growth
• Prevention of continued hair loss
• Faster growing hair
• Manageable hair

As explanation of how this works, your hair grows in various cycles, which are Anagen the active growth cycle, Cagagen, the resting cycle and Telogen, the shedding cycle.  At any given time, a portion of your hair is in the resting or shedding phase, while in this phase, there are active hairs waiting to replace other hairs.  The laser comb stimulates the scalp and energizes follicles in the shedding phase allowing new hair to be formed. As the new hairs forms, the old hairs are shed, but this is a good shedding, as the hairs are being replaced with new healthy hairs.

Within just the first 6 weeks of using the laser comb, you will have more manageable and healthier hair.  You may even begin to experience less hair fallout.  In about 8 weeks, you will notice your hair growing and again with increased manageability and even shine.  With continued use, you can experience an increase in hair growth and a noticeable thickening of their hair.

The Laser Comb is also very easy to use.  The comb has a power button and a laser button to start it.  You will place the comb on your head and using a gliding motion move it back and forth over your head a half inch at a time.  You will move from the front to the back making sure you cover the entire area.

The benefits of the laser comb and the laser treatments are there are no sprays, no ointments, and no hairpieces.  With the comb, you can even use it in the privacy of your own home.  And the best part is there are no side effects.

Two Jars of Hair Product

One product that is being used for thinning hair is topical cover-ups, available as a spray, a cream or as particles. .

One such hair spray is a product called Toppik.  This spray actually forms tiny microfibers that look like hair and are actually made of a material called keratin, which is a hair like substance. This spray is easy to use, taking no more than a minute to apply and is available in many colors, such as blonde, black, and browns.  The only downfall may be it washes out easily, so continuous application would be required daily.

Another spray is Prothik, which is available in various color shades.  This spray works by again reducing the contrast with your hair and scalp, but it also adds thickness and fullness to thinning hair.  It will not rub off with exercise and can even be worn while swimming, but with shampoo and showering, it will rinse out.

Another possibility is a cream called Couvre, which is a concealing cream.  With this product, it conceals any coloring or contrast between your hair and your scalp, any balding part of your head.  It is safe to use following a hair transplant and is safe, non-greasy and does not rub off.  It does however come off when showering.

Finally, in the particle form, there are products which act as hair keratin forming a bonding with your existing hair.  One such example of this is Nanogen, which are fibers that are dyed to various hair colors and coated with a bonding material to promote static electricity.

With this product, you actually sprinkle the Nanogen fibers into your hair.  The fibers bind with your real hair and you can style as you wish, mostly by using your fingers and not a brush.  Once your hair is styled, there is a locking mist similar to a hair spray that helps bind the fibers to your hair.  It is been shown that these hair fibers are not visible.  They will stay in place all day and can withstand rain or wind.  However, they can also be easily removed with shampoo hair washing.

Another similar product is called Hair So Real, which is actually artificial hair particles that are sprinkled on your thinning hair.

These products are best used with thinning hair.  They help maintain fullness and reducing balding spots.  These products are not recommended for an area of complete hair loss.

Additionally, these products are only temporary fixes. They will all wash out with a thorough shower and shampoo.  However, they are great short term solutions.

Hair Transplant Consultation

First, who is a candidate for Hair Replacement?

There are many ways to develop hair loss problems.  The following individuals can benefits from a transplant treatment:

• Men with male-pattern baldness
• Women with thinning hair
• A person who has lost some but not all hair as a result of burns or scalp injury

Hair replacement is not recommended for the following people:

• Women with a wide-spread pattern of hair loss
• Those who do not have sufficient donor sites, meaning an area to take hair from for an actual transplant

How does this procedure work?

Hair transplant is an outpatient hair replacement procedure performed in the surgeon’s office.  There are a few types of grafts:  micro, mini, punch and strip grafts.

• Micro graft:  one or two hairs per graft
• Mini graft:  2 to 4 hairs per graft
• Slit grafts:  4 to 10 hairs per graft
• Punch grafts:  10 to 15 hairs per graft
• Strip grafts:  long thin with 30 to 40 hairs per

The first step in all of these procedures is the use of local anesthetic that is injected into the scalp.  You can also ask for sedation is available, if needed for relaxation and comfort.

In hair grafting, the surgeon first removes a portion of the hair-bearing scalp from the back of the head.  This portion of skin is then cut into small segments with varying amounts of hair in each graft, as described above.  The amounts of hair used are determined so the surgeon can achieve a subtle natural look that blends in with your natural hair.

There may be 50 or more hair-bearing segments transplanted in one session.  Once finished, the donor sites are closed with stitches, which are usually covered by the surrounding hair.  After the grafting, the scalp will be cleaned and covered with gauze and possible a bandage.  Any stitches will be removed approximately 10 days later.

There are usually several grafting/transplanting sessions required to get a normal fullness of hair.   And after each session, a healing process of two to four months is usually recommended.  Therefore, it may take up to a year for you to have a normal full head of hair you are trying to achieve.

This procedure does have some side effects, but most of which will go away within a couple weeks after your procedure.  These side effects include:

• Swelling
• Bruising around the eyes
• Crust may form on the donor and recipient sites of the scalp, sort of like a scabbing
• A lack of feeling or sensation around the donor and recipient sites of the scalp
• Itching in the donor site

The procedure may have minimal discomfort, but in general, the side effects are minor and will improve quickly.

Hair pieces

So how can you get the right hair piece?

There are two main materials a hair piece is made of:  mesh or polymers.

Mesh hairpieces are made of polyester or nylon materials.  They have a natural and undetectable appearance.  They are also light weight, cool and comfortable.  There is a downside to a mesh hairpiece though.  They are:

• More expensive
• Less durable
• Must be replaced frequently
• May react with body acids and cause damage to the piece

In the alternative is a polymer hairpiece, which is made of silicone or polyurethane materials.  This material can be very durable and less expensive and easier to attach.  The bad part of polyurethane and silicone is it is hot and uncomfortable to wear.  It may also leave an uneven appearance making it visible.

So while those are the most common types of materials, how do you find the best hairpiece?

The best hairpiece is made of natural quality hair that is matching to your regular hair.  The most expensive pieces are made from European hair that is grown naturally and therefore is grown in a variety of colors, textures, and even curls or waves.  There are cheaper options, but the hair may be darker and straighter and not match your regular hair.  It also may look dry and break easily.  The more natural hair that is used, the better it will look, but human hair is fragile and will need regular maintenance.

How do you attach a hairpiece?

The attachment of your hairpiece is vital.  First it will help make its appearance look natural and second the attachment could create problems with the hair you do have, especially if you have to use bonding or adhesive.

Semi-permanent:  The first possibility is a semi permanent hairpiece.  These are usually placed on and removed by a stylist once every six weeks.  The hairpiece is placed on your head with a liquid adhesive or bonding.  This may not be good for your head or your hair.

With a semi-permanent hairpiece, your natural hair is woven into the bottom of the hairpiece.  Because of this, you can have an accumulation of flaked off skin cells or oils, which are difficult to properly clean with a regular shampooing.

Another option is double-sided tape, which is easy and you can remove it whenever you want.  It can leave a sticky residue in the area where it was attached; however, this can be removed when you shower.  One disadvantage to the tape is if you are sweating profusely or go swimming, the tape will likely not hold.

Finally, you can use a clip attachment, which are metal clips that are attached to the underside of the hairpiece to your natural hair.  These clips may be secure and are easy to remove.

Hairpieces are common treatments, but the better the piece, the more money you are going to spend.

With essential oils, you can create an infusion treatment or massage oil or you can just add the oils to your shampoo and conditioner for a daily treatment.

Bottled Oils

What essential oils can you use to make your hair grow?

• Basil:  one of the most beneficial, as it can stimulate and actually promote hair growth.  You can use a basil solution to massage your scalp.  This improves scalp health and circulation.

• Rosemary:  is useful for stimulating hair follicles and preventing early baldness from occurring.

• Sage:  is used to help reduce hair loss

• Bay:  makes your hair grow.  To stimulate your hair, you can simply add three drops of bay oil to your shampoo.

• Jojoba oils:  these oils can help with healing damaged and breaking hair.  You can again use this by placing oils in your shampoo or mixing it with other essential oils to make a massage oil

• Cypress:  although it has many health benefits, hair loss can be related to stress; this oil is has a very calming and soothing effect.

• Lavender:  can be used as a stress reliever and to prevent dry skin and dandruff.

So you have all these essential oils, what do you do with them?

As stated, you can place drops into your shampoo or conditioner or you can make your own massage oil.

One possible shampoo recipe is the following:

• 100 ml shampoo mixed with
• 15 drops jojoba oil
• 8 drops carrot oil
• 7 drops rosemary oil
• 7 drops lavender oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil

You will mix these with your regular shampoo and wash as normal.  This can help with hair loss, given your scalp healthy so you can possible retain the hair that you have.

Another possible suggestion for a massage lotion to help with hair loss is the following mixture:

• 100 ml mix of 50/50 rosewater and distilled water
• 15 ml apple cider vinegar
• 5 drops rosemary oil
• 6 drops jojoba oil
• 3 drops carrot oil
• 3 drops geranium oil

This can be massaged into your scalp after washing your hair, when it is partly dried.  You will only use about 2 teaspoons of the mix, so any leftovers can be placed in the refrigerator for a future use.

There any many other options, but here are some suggestions to start with.  There are many essential oils, all of which have certain healing properties.  Once you find the right combination, you may be able to replenish your hair and stimulate continued growth.

Saw palmettos

Nettle root can be taking orally.  It is also a big ingredient in popular hair loss products such as Provillus and Procerin.  It is also possible to use the nettle root as a topical ointment on the scallop to facilitate hair growth.

Although it is considered all natural, nettle root has some warnings. When topically applied, irritation of the scalp or an allergic reaction can occur.  When taken orally, it can cause upset stomach, burning, difficulty with urination, bloating and edema.  Additionally, the Nettle root should not be used in patients with heart or kidney problems, as there is a possible side effect of fluid retention.  As always, you should proceed with caution and consult their doctor before using it.

Nettle extract is available in an oral pill form.  However, while you are using the extract from the plant for hair loss, the nettle leaves can be cooked and eaten and are an excellent source of beta carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Another, natural plant extract used for hair loss is the saw palmetto, a palm plant that grows in Georgia and Florida.  Saw Palmetto is a popular remedy for hair loss. It is the oil that is extracted from the berries and the plant that is used for treatments.

Similar to other remedies, saw palmetto blocks enzymes that allow male testosterone to be converted into dihydrotestosterone, which is the key case of hair loss.  Saw palmetto is available in an herbal supplement capsule form that is taken orally.  Along with treating hair loss, this may also be used to treat benign prostate disease.  Unfortunately, there are limited studies as to the actual success of saw palmetto for hair loss, but as it has the same ingredients as others, it is thought to be successful.  Saw Palmetto should be avoided by pregnant women with hair loss. Finally, saw palmetto may also be used as a tea or in topical form to treat other similar conditions.

Along with these natural plant extracts, there are essential oils and other natural treatments that can help with hair loss. It may even be possible to create your own at home natural hair loss treatment.

Man Smiling

There are two main medications that are very common for hair loss:  Rogaine and Propecia.

Rogaine:

Rogaine is a very well known hair loss product and one of the first products approved by the FDA for hair loss.  Rogaine is the name used for the chemical minoxidil.  When Rogaine was first released, it required prescription use; however, in 1995, the lower strength became available as an over-the-counter product.  To date, you can buy the 2 percent strength and a 5 percent strength, both over-the-counter.

So how does Rogaine work?  Rogaine essentially revitalizes your hair follicles, increasing their size and allowing them to produce longer, thicker hairs.  It also increases blood flow to the scalp, which has the same effect.

Rogaine is typically applied topically on the scalp twice a day, morning and evening with a spray applicator that is provided with the product. With most people, it is effective in preventing or slowing further hair loss.  Unfortunately, once use of Rogaine stops, you will lose whatever hair that you had been working to save, although this may take up to two months to occur.  One possible way around that total hair loss is to continue to use Rogaine on a regular basis for at least a year’s time.  Once you have used it for a period of time, you can take a week or two off from use every three to four months.  By then, it is possible you will have built a tolerance to the medication.

Propecia:

The only other hair loss medication with FDA approval is Propecia (or finasteride).  The active ingredient of Propecia, the finasteride, was used to treat enlarged prostate glands.  During these treatment methods, it was determined that a side effect was improving male pattern baldness and even regrowing hair.

Propecia is an oral medication, taken once a day.  A prescription is required.  Propecia works to actually stop the body’s ability to create dyhydrotestosterone or DHT.  DHT is a testosterone substance that shrinks the hair follicles until they are no longer able to produce hair.  Propecia actually blocks the formation of DHT, therefore stopping the balding process.  Propecia is not recommended for women, as it works on the testosterone levels in men, particularly the DHT.

In a study of Propecia use, there were visible hair growth results in 9 out of 10 men.  In 2 out of 3 men, they regrew hair instead of losing it.  After six months of use, you may see evidence of less hair loss.  Unfortunately, as long as you want to maintain this hair growth you will have to take this medication.

This is the case with both medications, once you stop use, you will start to lose your hair again.  You should consult your doctor to discuss whether medications are your best option.

Your diet and vitamin intake is vital to your body’s overall health, but also to your hair’s health.

Best Minerals Are in Green Leafy Vegetables

What types of foods are important for hair health?

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids:  A vital part of your diet; omega 3 fatty acids can be found in fish, soy or walnuts.

• Iron:  if you have an iron deficiency, this can lead to anemia and hair loss in women.  Iron is found in many foods such as whole grain cereals, dark green vegetables, eggs and raisins.  And if nothing else, iron can be taken as a supplement.

• Vitamin B12:  this is a very common vitamin that is vital to healthy hair.  And this vitamin is available in your common foods, eggs, meat and poultry.

• B Vitamins, in particular Biotin, a common form of B vitamin.  Biotin is essential for hair growth.  In fact, your medical hair loss treatments actually contain Biotin.  Unfortunately, Biotin is only available in liver and egg yolks and you would have to eat thousands of calories of these foods to get the amount necessary.  Therefore, a Biotin supplement will likely be necessary.

• Zinc:  the nutrients in zinc may affect your genetic chance of developing hair loss.

• Protein:  a diet full of protein will promote hair growth.

• Silica:  this was studied to show a prevention of hair loss.  It is found in potato skins, green and red peppers, cucumbers and sprouts. Again with these limited foods, you may need a supplement.

• Vitamin E:  also important for healthy hair, it is found in avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil.

So with all these required vitamins, what should you eat? A wholesome diet, rich in silica, calcium and iron will help reduce or prevent hair loss.  The best minerals for you are in green, leafy vegetables, along with dried fruits and cherry juice are good sources of iron, along with eggs and meat for your protein intake.  If it is not possible to get all of these essential vitamins into your daily food intake, a multi-vitamin may be beneficial.  With a multi-vitamin, you are usually getting all of the daily allowances you need.

With all of these various vitamins, it is possible to develop a deficiency.  Again you should be aware with a vitamin deficiency, you can develop other health problems, along with developing hair loss.  You should talk to your doctor about the best vitamins for you to use and how they can help your health.