Stem Cells

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, and published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, found that the number of hair follicle stem cells did not differ between those suffering from Androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as male/female pattern baldness, and those who had a full head of hair.  The study examined bald scalps and non-bald scalps, testing for the presence of hair follicle stem and progenitor cells, and found that while the number of hair follicle stem cells was the same between sample patients, the number of progenitor cells was lower for bald scalps than for non-bald scalps. These researchers concluded that balding is caused by inactive stem cells and a lower number of progenitor cells, thus leading these researchers and others to believe that a cure to Androgenetic alopecia is possible by targeting the reactivation of inactive stem cells, and thus promoting hair regrowth, in balding patients.

Stem cells are non-specialized cells with the unique ability to develop into different types of cells, essentially dividing multiple times over into different cells to repair or replace old cells. Hair follicle stem cells reside in the hair follicle bulge located in the skin and are responsible for hair follicle regrowth. Previous to this study, researchers believed that those who suffered from balding had fewer hair follicle stem cells due to the decrease in hair follicle size; however, the new research suggests that this is not the case.

While this study definitely gives hope to finding a cure for baldness in the future, currently the only permanent solution to restoring your hair and hairline is hair transplantation

Nutritional supplements

Nutritional supplements have been used for many years to help reverse or slow down hair loss. There are numerous supplements that may improve the strength and quality of your hair or help reduce hair loss including essential fatty acids, MSM, inositol, biotin, vitamin B complex, raw thymus glandular, zinc, vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, copper, grape seed extract and silica. While these supplements might work for some in halting further hair loss, or regrowing some hair, they are not likely effective in combating genetic hair loss, such as male pattern baldness. The only known and proven solution for permanent or genetic hair loss is hair transplantation/ restoration.

So, while nutritional supplements may help treat your hair loss, you should always consult with your Trichologist before using any of these health supplements.

If you’re experiencing hair loss, speak with your physician first to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to gain a better understanding of your hair loss. If you suffer from permanent hair loss, DHD suggests you visit your Trichologist right away to determine your condition and get the proper treatment.

Keratin, good or bad?

Many women are turning to Keratin treatments to smooth and straighten their hair. This method is the latest in taming frizzy hair. None of the companies that supply Keratin hair treatments claim that it ‘straightens’, but it does ‘smooth’ the hair. They all claim that it improves the hair’s condition, but smooth hair always appears to be in better condition than frizzy hair. Keratin treatments do not work without the application of ceramic irons at a temperature of 230˚C (450˚F) minimum. In the long term, this can degrade the hair and there is not yet enough evidence of long term effects. Combat the effects of keratin with Clear anti hair fall, With Pro-Strength Ginseng Technology for weakened hair fiber, strengthen your hair & defend against hair fall

Straightening, can it cause hair fall?

Straightening your hair does not directly lead to hair loss, however the heat from such processes can cause damage and weaken the hair. With frequent use,  heat from these products can dry out hair and cause breakage.  A cuticle layer covers each hair on your head, protecting two inner layers. The cuticles of healthy hairs tightly overlap, thus protecting the inner layers from the damaging elements of nature. Damage from heat-emitting products separate this protective layer and invite damage and dryness to the hair. This dryness in turn may cause the hair to break and lose its shine. Continue reading “Straightening, can it cause hair fall?”

Eating disorders and your hair

More than half the population in the developed world struggles with excess weight, but another, smaller segment is afflicted with eating disorders of a different kind, anorexia nervosa and bulimia. These diseases are characterized by severe and often dangerous weight loss: anorexia by simple undernourishment, bulimia by alternating bouts of compulsive overeating and purging (through self-induced vomiting or the use of diuretics, laxatives and enemas).

In some cases with either disease, the individuals will engage in excessive exercise. Indeed, proprietors of health clubs are told to look out for members who use cardiovascular equipment for extended periods of time in correlation with related behaviors and appearance. Both are considered medical-psychological disorders, and in extreme cases the individual can die of her or his disease. Anorexia and bulimia occur most frequently in young females, as young as 9 years old and up through the mid-40s, although one out of eight victims are males of similar ages. An estimated 8 million in the Middle East suffer from one form or the other. Continue reading “Eating disorders and your hair”