Not all is lost ...
Let's talk about HAIR LOSS.
So many people identify with their hair. Some have even created an entire career around it.
What rhymes with Cher?
Exactly.
The fear of losing one's hair has been around since the beginning of time.
People used to go to great lengths (no pun intended) and tried the wildest concoctions to encourage hair growth. Do a quick Google search on Julius Caesar's attempts at hair restoration, but don't say we didn't warn you!
What some of today's treatments offer is not much more pleasant, like Propecia (finasteride), which has been linked to impotence, or hair transplants that have been known to make grown men cry (although very effective when in the hands of an expert). We are going to dive in a little deeper on less invasive options.
(Photos below of a: Keravive by HydraFacial treatment - b: microneedling and c: PRP injection therapy )
Hair loss, or alopecia, can bring uncomfortable feelings for men and women. You can feel self-conscious and exposed. And such a significant change may even trigger feelings of anger and depression that you aren't prepared to deal with.
If you are concerned about your appearance, don't feel shallow or guilty; give yourself time to care and feel bad about your hair loss, but remember that there are ways to feel better. Losing your hair is something you can do something about in many cases, and you can feel empowered when you take a pro-active self-approach. Don't feel bad or let yourself spiral too far about something that can be treated.
There are numerous reasons for hair loss. From genetics, postpartum, medications, hormones, STRESS, undergoing chemotherapy to even traction alopecia (hair loss due to repeated tension) from hair extensions, weaves, and or braids. It's essential you know the cause before you look for a solution.
Always consult an expert prior to purchasing a product or undergoing treatment. The options are many and finding out what is best for you is not something you will find walking through the aisles of a drugstore.
(Photos below of micro-needling treatment )
A few pearls for coping with hair loss:
Be gentle with your hair.
It's important to remember that we want to be preventative. You may not think dry shampoo could be problematic, but using dry shampoo for more than two days in a row can start to irritate and dry out your scalp. It can also clog the pores on your scalp. Clogged pores can lead to a condition referred to as folliculitis. Folliculitis can lead to inflammation which is another contributing factor when dealing with hair loss. And while extensions can be tempting, the weight and glue that are used can actually weaken your hair follicles.
At LifeHope Healing Med Spa, our providers offer nutritional supplements ( Nutrafol & ISDIN's Lambdapil), along with topicals to address hair loss and treatments to keep the scalp and hair healthy such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) both through injections and topical use with micro-needling to stimulate hair growth and nourish the scalp. Keravive by HydraFacial is another excellent treatment used to exfoliate, deep cleanse, hydrate, and encourage the flow of fresh blood and oxygen to the scalp. This RELAXING treatment leaves the scalp clean of all oils, dead skin cells, and excess products. The result ... fuller - healthier looking hair.
Remember, you're still you.
Losing your hair may come as a shock. It may be disorienting to look in the mirror and not recognize yourself. Remember that you're still the same person on the inside. Try to celebrate who you are and focus on those qualities.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Following a nutritious diet, supplements when needed, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly are essential for looking and feeling better about yourself. Control what you can, remembering that stress plays a role in hair loss and thinning.
The A - B - C - D & E's of Hair Health
The 5 best vitamins for encouraging healthy hair growth are:
- Vitamin A (stimulate growth and creates sebum to keep the scalp and hair healthy - more is NOT better)
- Vitamin B (Biotin and other B vitamins create red blood cells which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp)
- Vitamin C (an antioxidant that fights free-radicals that slow or block growth and age the hair, creates collagen)
- Vitamin D (when deficient has been linked to alopecia)
- Vitamin E (an antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress and encourages hair growth)
- Also needed are 3 nutrients - Iron - Zinc & Proteins ( hair is made almost entirely of protein and it is needed to strengthen and protect)
Build a support system.
Share the challenges of hair loss with friends and family. You may also find it helpful to meet with a psychologist or counselor if needed.
Avoid "miracle cures."
You may be tempted to buy creams and ointments that could actually inhibit any progress a more gentle and proven treatment could make. Don't make any quick decisions before talking to a professional. There are plenty of safe and proven options out there; just be patient until you find the right one for you.
Find a solution that works for YOU.
One size does NOT fit all when it comes to treating hair loss. Some men and women may benefit from allowing themselves to be seen without a hairpiece. Many have said it turned out to be quite a liberating experience. For others, the use of wigs or hairpieces is the correct answer. It's really all about being true to yourself.
Consistency is KEY when treating hair loss.
(Photos below of Keravive by HydraFacial treatment )
Hair loss is unbelievably common, and you are not alone. There are many different treatments, and once you realize this, you'll start to feel better.
On average, we lose anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs each day. This is normal. More than 50 percent of women experience balding. By 50 years of age, about 85 percent of men are balding, according to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA).Jan 2, 2020
For those experiencing the loss or concerned that the day might be near, you're in good company. Countless historical figures are pretty well known for their baldness. Gandhi, Aristotle, Shakespeare, to name a few.
Some modern-day names who have experienced hair loss or embraced baldness: Sir Patrick Stewart (bald since the age of 19), Oprah Winfrey, Christina Aguilera, Vin Diesel, Samuel L. Jackson, Stanley Tucci, Michael Jordan, Alyssa Milano, Bruce Willis, Sinead O'Connor, Keira Knightley, Selma Blair, Naomi Campbell, Viola Davis, The Rock.
As Cher would (most likely) say ...
Do you believe in life after ... hair loss?
Because you should. And we can't wait to help you get back to it.
Consultations at LifeHope Healing Med Spa are complimentary - 770-755-1505.
Helpful link: https://moderngentlemen.net/hair-loss-statistics/