All Posts Tagged: hair health

8 Receding Hairline Treatments in 2019

8 Receding Hairline Treatments in 2019

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Is your hairline starting to look like a shoreline with an incoming low tide? If the amount of hair loss is getting obvious by the day, it is wise to act on it now if you plan to manage its progression. There are several receding hairline treatments that are available for you to use at present, all with their own approach to control excessive shedding and restore hair volume.

If you are looking for a way to address your follicular dilemma, then you must read this.

Hair Loss Facts

Hair loss doesn’t necessarily mean that you are experiencing a medical crisis. It is normal for us to lose hair every day. However, we don’t lose them in clumps, rather, we only shed around 50-100 hair strands each day. That may sound like a lot, but you’ll hardly even notice this at all. It’ s only when there is significant hair loss that it becomes apparent that hair density is thinning out, or it may be your hairline starting to recede.

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Excessive hair loss is a multifactorial phenomenon. It could potentially stem from genetics, stress, medications, or certain conditions. In men, the usual culprit behind the problem is embedded in their DNA which results in a condition referred to as male androgenetic alopecia. This is true not only in older gentlemen, but even for younger men as well.

Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness is caused by a hormone which triggers hair thinning and shedding. In some men, it may start in the middle portion of the scalp while it slowly increases in diameter. For others, it can start at the frontal hairline and it recedes backward.

Receding Hairline Treatments

Propecia

Finasteride (Propecia) is an FDA-approved first-line treatment for male androgenetic alopecia. Originally indicated for enlarged prostates, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it was later discovered that it can also trigger hair growth. However, it is only possible by using a fifth of the dose prescribed for prostate enlargement. The medication has shown reliable results in halting receding hairlines and restoring hair density.

Originally indicated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it was later discovered that Finasteride can also trigger hair growth.

However, the success is marred with threats of impotence, sexual dysfunction, and other untoward side effects. It may be able to save your locks, but it can also adversely affect your libido. Concern stems from the fact that medications must be taken regularly to maintain results. It has been reported that it is with long-term use that sexual side effects occur.  

Today, Propecia is still considered a safe and well-tolerated medication. Researchers are still pushing for further research to extensively evaluate if there are any unique characteristics that are present in affected individuals suffering from prolonged sexual dysfunction, and even depression, after using Propecia.

This potential side effect is an important matter for discussion between you and your doctor before treatment is started so you can be guided accordingly. Men with a history of oligospermia (low sperm count) or infertility are advised to avoid the drug, especially if you are planning to start a family soon.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is also a recognized treatment for a receding hairline or male pattern baldness. Originally used to treat hypertension, it was also observed that one of its side effects is increased hair growth. While this response is not fully understood, researchers believe that it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the hair follicles that encourages hair to grow. Eventually, these results earned Minoxidil an FDA approval for male androgenetic alopecia.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment against receding hairlines or male pattern baldness.

Topical Minoxidil has been proven to be an effective treatment for hair loss; taking around six months to see results. However, the major factor to take into consideration when using minoxidil is your commitment to the product. It is best applied twice a day and it must be taken religiously otherwise its effects will revert if discontinued.

Proper application is also essential to ensure that it is thoroughly applied to the scalp. It must be sufficiently absorbed to deliver the treatment down to the hair follicles where it is needed the most. Make sure that your hair and scalp is cleaned thoroughly and dried prior to application. A clarifying shampoo helps remove buildup from excess oils and styling products.

The problem with minoxidil is that alcohol is the ingredient which allows the medication to penetrate the scalp. Alcohol-based products can dry the skin and scalp resulting in dandruff. You may need to use an anti-dandruff shampoo to counter this problem.

Corticosteroid

This treatment is generally recommended for the treatment of alopecia areata as well as other severe forms such as alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. This medication comes in injectable, topical or oral form with an aim to prevent the immune system from attacking the hair follicles and encourage hair regrowth in patients suffering from alopecia.

Corticosteroid prevents the immune system from attacking the hair follicles and cause hair loss.

Steroid injections are best used on small patches of hair loss. The treatment may involve having several injections to deliver the solution directly to the scalp. This is also its drawback because patients must be subjected to it every few months as it is required in the administration of this drug. 

Topical steroids on the other hand are applied directly on the scalp surface. It is sold as a lotion, gel, or foam. This is an easier means of application with the type of corticosteroids delivered including, betamethasone, mometasone, and hydrocortisone. While they are convenient, it is important that a patient be mindful of the associated side effects with prolonged use, such as acne and thinning of the skin.

Steroid tablets are no longer recommended for the treatment alopecia because it was found that they pose serious side effects such as stomach ulcers and diabetes.

Laser Treatment

One of the hair loss treatments that is slowly making a mark in the market today is low-level laser hair treatment. With the movement towards non-invasive options, it’s no surprise that laser is gaining favor in a lot of hair loss victims. But how effective is it in delivering its promised results?

Low-level laser helps stimulate hair growth and it can also be an adjunct therapy to other hair loss treatments.

The use of laser in hair restoration should be taken with a grain of salt because it is not a definitive or a miracle treatment. There are several factors that must be taken into consideration such as the extent of hair loss, the treatment that it is concurrently used with, and the type of hair loss that you are suffering from.

In a recent study, it was shown that laser treatment created a significant improvement in patients with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). With some slight variety in data, some studies showed that low-level laser treatment is effective when combined with topical minoxidil. However, when compared to the results of a hair transplant, the latter provides a faster and more dramatic change.

Hair Transplant

A hair transplant procedure is considered the last resort in hair restoration because of its invasive nature. It is for this reason and the accompanying cost that makes proper advice and planning is necessary to ensure positive results. 

Surgical hair restoration comes in two different approaches, the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). FUT is the traditional method which involves the creation of a linear incision that runs across the back of the scalp to remove a piece of the scalp containing the donor hairs. Meanwhile, the FUE method is less invasive because it only involves the removal of the donor grafts directly on the scalp using a special tool. It is less traumatic to the scalp and it doesn’t result in obvious scars, however it may be pricier.

Proper advice and planning are necessary to help ensure a positive outcome with Hair Transplant surgery. 

Hair transplant price vary for each individual, and it depends on the following:

  • The area of hair loss that must be covered
  • The type of technique used
  • The country, region, or clinic where you will have your hair transplant done
  • The doctor who performs the procedure
  • The type of procedure (whether if it is a primary procedure or a repair)

Hair transplant surgery has been hailed a reliable solution in restoring hair loss. It may come with risks inherent to its surgical nature, but this can be significantly lessened when you have it done by reputable and certified surgeons. It gives you the volume and coverage that comes out natural-looking. Therefore, despite its cost, many are considering this treatment.

Start by getting the help that you need today from someone who is on the same page as you. Book your consultation today and ask Dr Daood of the Sydney Hair Transplant Clinic your burning hair transplant questions.

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5 Ways to Make Your Hair Transplant Scar Less Obvious

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Both methods of surgical hair restoration (FUT or FUE) carry a risk of forming a hair transplant scar. While our aim is to create natural-looking results without any of the obvious signs of surgical intervention, is a reality that waits on you at the end. However, that is not a sentence because there are several ways to conceal the scars better. Here are five ways that can help you do it.

What Type of Hair Transplant Scarring Should You Expect?


The type and extent of scarring will depend on the hair transplant method you choose. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUT), which is also called the “strip method” is the more invasive approach in donor hair removal. It involves a linear scar at the back of the head from which a piece of scalp, containing the donor hairs, is removed. Meanwhile, in a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), multiple dot-shaped scars are left from which donor grafts are removed using a punch-like instrument.

The type of hairstyle a patient prefers will determine the approach that will be most suitable for them. For example, if a client prefers to wear their hair very short, he might choose FUE because the small circular scars are spread out across the donor area and are smaller in size making them less visible – or they are less likely to be noticed.

Since a hair transplant scar is possible with any surgical intervention to address hair loss, here are 5 ways to make the problem less visible.

1. Make Your Aesthetic Preferences Clear with Your Surgeon

A hair transplant procedure is largely done for cosmetic purposes. It is for this reason that you should express to your surgeon what your aesthetic preferences are. Realistically, scars will be inevitable, but there are different methods a surgeon can do to make the outcome suitable for you.

One way to minimize scarring is the tricophytic closure. It is an advanced surgical method that allows the scalp to heal tightly leaving it with the thinnest linear scar possible. Once the flaps of the scalp are closed, the two sides are held together with surgical staples for 14 days while it heals. After the staples are removed, what is left is a thin white line which will be barely perceptible. A tricophytic closure attempts to allow the hairs to grow directly through the scar line.

If you are serious about keeping your hair transplant surgery a secret, this will be a good method to discuss with your surgeon during your consultation.

2. Follow Proper Post-Operative Care for the Surgical Site

Patients can do several things after the surgery to optimize the appearance of scars. One of the basic, but most important, reminder is to keep the incisions clean. This is a cardinal rule in proper wound care which can save you from several potential problems that might worsen the appearance of a hair transplant scar. One of these problems that you should be wary about is infection. Prolonged wound closure due to an infected surgical site will most likely result in poor wound healing. Therefore follow proper wound care and ensure that you take the entire course of antibiotic that was prescribed to you.

You should also avoid exposing the surgical area to tension/pressure. This may cause the flaps to heal poorly or uniformly. Therefore, avoid bending over or carrying a heavy load to avoid disrupting the integrity of the skin any further.

It is also wise to minimize sun exposure while the incisions heal. Since the skin in these areas will be more delicate as it heals, premature and prolonged exposure to the sun will make the scars more prone to darkening.

3. Be More Flexible in Choosing Hairstyles

Since the donor hairs are often found at the back portion of the head, specifically at the lower area of the scalp, the scar will be easily visible for those who will wear their hair short. The easiest way to conceal a scar would be to grow your hair just a few centimeters longer. Even with the more inconspicuous FUE scars, the tiny dot-like remnants will still be visible if you buzz all your hair off. Your efforts to make surgical scars less obvious may call on some minor hairstyle adjustments, only if you are open to it. It will be the fastest, easiest, and less expensive way that will do the trick.

4. Scalp Micropigmentation

If you have the extra buck to spare, scalp mircropigmentation (SMP) is a reliable method to camouflage hair transplant scars. It can disguise both linear strip scars as well as FUE scars. This procedure is appropriate only in scars that are flat. If the scars are raised (particularly in FUT scar repair) and are looking like they are forming to be keloid scars, additional treatment is needed to flatten it before SMP can be done.

SMP has been lauded by many to do a terrific job in concealing scars. But, there are very few practitioners that can provide you with quality service. Some may leave it looking like a black blotchy mark that only makes the appearance of the scar worse.

If you are thinking of getting it at a much cheaper price at a tattoo parlor, then you better think twice because this is a permanent process that you must get right the first time.

5. Steroid Injections

As mentioned earlier, raised scars can be flattened with additional treatment, and this is through steroid injections. Doctors use steroid injections to induce shrinking, flattening, and fading of hypertrophic (raised or keloid-type) scars. There are clinical studies that has proven the efficacy of steroid injections for this type of scar. It works mainly by decreasing collagen synthesis and reducing the inflammatory phase of wound healing. As a structural protein, collagen is formed at the site of the wound to mend or seal it. The problem is when the body produce too much collagen which results in a raised and discolored scar. Steroid injections inhibit collagen synthesis thereby preventing raised scar formation.

This treatment scalp scar revision, however, should be taken with a grain of salt. It is not faultless because it also comes with side effects and complications. The efficacy of steroid injections can also be unpredictable, and it is not known to work on older scars. This treatment should also be discussed thoroughly with your surgeon during the consultation.

Surgeons have their own approach to hair transplant or even scar treatment, and the best way to know if fits perfectly with your goals is to go for a personal consultation.

Get advised today and learn how you can best prepare against scarring beforehand. For more information about the procedure, the hair transplant price in Sydney, or how to improve your chances for surgical success book your consultation at the Sydney Hair Transplant clinic today.

Book Your Private Consultation Today

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10 Ways Clueless Men Are Damaging Their Hair

10 Ways Clueless Men Are Damaging Their Hair

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Photo credit: Mitya Ku / Foter.com / CC BY-ND

Did you know that we lose 50-100 strands of hair daily? Yes, it’s that many – and if you don’t take care of your locks you could lose more. Even with the genetic predisposition to balding aside, you could end up with extensive hair thinning and breakage if you are not careful.

A lot of men have been slowly damaging their hair without them knowing it. And it’s the little everyday stuff that brings on the damage. So what are these factors which are causing all these damages? Here are the 10 common culprits men are unaware of.

10 Damaging Factors to Male Hair

1. Washing your hair every day

Washing your hair every day seems to be reasonable if you aim to be clean and well-groomed. With hair being one of the major factors in a man’s overall appearance and personality, some men would take more time to give it the best care and style. To create and maintain that desired wave or side part pompadour, some men would often use styling products like gels, hair mousse, or clays. This is why regular shampooing becomes necessary.

According to an article by the Business Insider, men should only wash their hair three times a week. This is because shampoos, when used excessively, can be damaging to the hair. It contains chemicals, such as sulfates, which strip the hair of natural oils that keep the hair shiny, strong and soft. There is no need to abstain from shampoos, in general, or avoid taking showers everyday – you still can of course. On days when you don’t shampoo, simply massage the scalp gently. This action can already help remove some dirt and excess oil from the scalp while promoting better circulation at the same time.

2. Hot showers

We are all guilty of enjoying a good, long, and steamy shower. It relaxes the muscles making it a good catharsis for a very stressful day, right? However, if you want to keep your hair, it may be time to cut back on this guilty pleasure. Hot water strips the hair of its natural oils and it also weakens the roots, making it more vulnerable to breakage or falling. Remember, the hair is made up of protein material and collagen which can get damaged when exposed to heat, causing the hair to break in the middle. You can go for warm water instead of hot, this way it will be more gentle to the hair and good for the scalp.

3. The way you dry your hair

Whether if you have short or long hair, how you tousle those strands when drying it can also create some damage. Hair is most sensitive when wet, and when you vigorously rub a towel over your hair immediately after stepping off the shower, you could end up damaging the strands. To make it gentler on your hair, squeeze certain partitions of your hair if it is long, or dab your towel gently for short-haired guys.

4. Styling products

Your gels, mousse and hair dyes can all wreak havoc to your hair if you are not careful. These can be fun and stylish, but it can be damaging in the long run. The chemicals can damage the disulfide bonds of the hair, and it also widens the pores too much making the cuticles susceptible to damage. If you have to dye your hair, go for high-quality dyes instead of cheap brands, because those tend to dry out the hair more due to a certain degree of structural damage. It’s fortunate that dyes now come with conditioners to moisturize the hair and make it smoother after the treatment.

5. Tight hairstyles

From cornrows, ponytails, to man buns – men also have their liking for certain hairstyles. However, the problem is that such hairstyles can be damaging for the hair structure. It’s like having the hair follicles yanked from the roots, and if this keeps on, worse case would be traction alopecia. As the name implies, this type of excessive hair loss (alopecia) is caused by the constant traction applied to your hair.

6. Take it easy on that comb

If you choose to wear your hair long, you need to comb it if you want to look civilized and attractive. Don’t just run that comb roughly through your hair, like you’re straightening a clump of ropes. Those can take a beating, but your hair needs gentler action, especially when it’s wet or damp. It is advised that you dry your hair first before combing it. And if you have longer tresses, use a wide-toothed comb to tame it before using a finer tooth for better styling.

7. Cut back on pool time

Pool water can also be damaging to your hair. It can even dry and damage your locks due to the chlorine content, as well as other chemicals. Showering with tap water before diving into the pool somehow protects your hair from the chemicals, and prevent these from absorbing into the follicles. To prevent dryness and damage it pays to limit your pool time, and if this is unavoidable you can protect your hair before swimming and rinse it thoroughly afterwards. A conditioner also helps moisturize and soften the hair after being exposed to the chemicals in the pool.

8. Stress

Unmanaged stress can take a toll on your hair. In fact, there are three types of hair loss associated to this phenomenon – telogen effluvium, alopecia areata and trichotillomania. With excessive amounts of stress, a huge chunk of hair can be pushed into a resting phase, the immune system could attack the hairs, or a person could get the irresistible urge to pull out some hair. Professional intervention is most effective for these types of problem.

9. Underlying medical conditions

Hypothyroidism is a medical problem which is caused by an underproduction of certain thyroid hormones. It may affect some men without them knowing it, and it could manifest through hair loss and other symptoms. A laboratory exam is a definitive way to know if something is off with your thyroid. Consult your primary care physician to rule out anything that could be medically causing your hair loss.

10. Lack of nutrients

There are certain nutrients, which, in low or excessive amounts, result in excessive hair loss. For instance, not getting enough protein and having excessive vitamin A in your system can make it weak, dry and easily breakable.

How many of these are you guilty of? Hair loss is normal, but if you keep on repeating poor habits, there is a good chance that your hair could suffer.

For those who may be losing more hair than usual, and is already showing signs of baldness, come and talk to us. Let us help you sort out your problem and see what can be done from there. Fill in our contact form, or call us at 1300 656 236 to schedule a consultation.

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