Four Phases of the Hair Growth Cycle

According to the majority of articles on the topic, we lose about 100 hairs per day. When you hear that number, it’s easy for many of us to wonder how we aren’t all balding. The reason that this isn’t the case is because our hair is continuously going through growth cycles. 4 growth cycles to be specific:   Anagen: the growth phase Catagen: the involution phase Telogen: the resting phase Exogen: the shedding phase   The concept of losing one’s hair is never a pleasant idea, yet for many it slowly approaches until it becomes a harsh reality one day. If you decide you want to have a hair transplant, it is very important to do your proper homework on the matter. If you have any questions regarding hair restoration, feel free to give us a call. We’d love to help you with all your hair restoration needs.     1. Anagen Phase     The Anagen stage is the state in which your hair actually grows. This occurs at an average rate of 0.5 inches per month. The amount of time a hair will remain in the anagen phase varies from person to person, although scientists estimate it is between 4-6 years for scalp hair. On the other hand, body hair is said to have shorter anagen phases. The anagen phase is particularly interesting depending on the type of follicle you are studying. In men and women with Androgenic Alopecia, the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shortens the anagen phase and  miniaturizes the follicles on the vertex of the scalp, whereas androgenic hair, such as chest hair and beards, are dependent upon Dihydrotestosterone to grow. The anagen phase can also be cut short through a number of factors including stress, poor diet, and ageing. Once the Anagen phase ends, the Catagen phase begins     2. Catagen Phase      The Catagen phase refers to the period of time in which the hair detaches from the blood vessels and dermal papilla. During this stage, the hair stops growing as the blood flow is removed, depriving the follicle of much-needed oxygen and nutrients that would otherwise promote growth. This lasts for approximately two weeks and acts as a catalyst for the next stage, the Telogen phase.     3. Telogen Phase     The Telogen phase is where the hair follicle rests for approximately 3 months before starting the Anagen phase again. In rare circumstances, people can suffer what is known as Telogen Effluvium. This is the noticeable thinning caused by long severe daily shedding periods and a longer telogen phase. Causes for this can range from factors such as a poor diet, stress, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, or a combination of all of the above. However, usually after three months, the Exogen Phase will start.     4. Exogen Phase     The Exogen Phase which is actually just an extension of the telogen phase is where the hair sheds and new hair simultaneously starts to grow and begin a new anagen period. As mentioned previously you can shed up to 100 hairs a day and not even notice. You are probably wondering why you aren’t going completely bald every few years for a three month period – Well each hair follicle is a complex mini organ that has its own biological clock and is independent so whilst some will be synchronized simply by coincidence it would be incredibly rare for all to synchronize completely.   As stated previously shedding is an ongoing process and may be seasonal and indeed even gender dependent as Research suggests that women experience slightly higher rates of telogen than Men do during July, which sees the telogen hairs falling out over 3 months later, in mid-October or November. The reason for this is unclear, but some suggest that the summer heat may provide some explanation.   You Might Also Like To Read WHAT MAKES AFRICAN AMERICAN HAIR TRANSPLANTS UNIQUE? Due to recent advancements in technology, the FUE approach has become a very viable option…   5 WAYS STRESS CAUSES HAIR LOSS It’s best to learn these signs sooner than later!   5 SIGNS YOU MAY BE GOING BALD It’s best to learn these signs sooner than later!  

What Makes African American & Caribbean Ethnic Hair Transplants Unique?

An overlooked aspect to modern hair transplant research and technology is the African American & Caribbean demographic. As opposed to Caucasion hair or other backgrounds characterized by straight/wavy hair, African American hair can be difficult to properly transplant. This is due to the very curly nature of the hair follicle and hair texture. This usually results in concerns regarding the potential outcome of a hair transplant for people of African-American or Carribean descent. Though the basic procedure itself would remain the same, there are a few considerations that have to be kept in mind before the procedure would begin.    Traditionally, African American & Caribbean patients interested in a hair transplant had to resort to the FUT Strip Surgery method. However, due to recent advancements in technology, the FUE approach has become a very viable option. Here at Hair By Dr. Max, Restoration Center, we proudly offer our FUE services to African American & Caribbean patients. Due to our skilled team and drive for excellence, we have seen life-changing results in hair transplant for our patients, despite any style of hair they may have.   In general, African American & Caribbean hair transplants can be more challenging due to reasons such as more labor-intensive, lower hair density, and the natural shape of the hair follicle.     1. More Attention To Detail Required     Using devices such as our Mamba FUE device and Neograft technology can ease the process of hair transplants for African American & Caribbean ethnic hair. However, the challenges are still present despite the technology. African American & Caribbean FUE procedures are a bit more challenging than other procedures because the hair restoration surgeon must overcome the natural curl of each hair follicle. However, the advantages of having an FUE procedure are immense as opposed to other approaches.      2. Lower Hair Density      Naturally, African American & Caribbean hair has less density than other types of hair. This is why when a FUT Strip procedure is performed, patients have to resort to keeping their hair longer. The leftover scar will usually be very visible as a result. We can erase this negative through the FUE approach. By using smaller punches, such as 0.8mm, we are typically able to mitigate the impact on the scalp. Thus, this will leave less scarring and allow the patient to have more flexibility to style their hair.     3. Shape of Hair Follicle     Though African American & Caribbean hair is technically less dense than other types of hair, it can appear to be thicker and more dense. This is due to the natural C-shaped curl of each follicle. This can actually serve to be an advantage for the patient when it comes to receiving a hair transplant as less hair from the donor area will be needed to be harvested to obtain a full appearance.    As far as the harvesting process for African American & Caribbean hair, this will be slightly different than that process for those with straight/wavy hair. In people of African American & Caribbean ancestry, both the follicles and hairs have a degree of curvature in relation to the scalp that must be accommodated in the harvest of donor hair.    Cost of African American & Caribbean Hair Transplant    Similar to hair transplants for those with straight/wavy hair, the cost is completely dependent upon the unique situation of each patient. These factors can range from the extent of hair loss, coverage area, hair density and other variables that may affect the number of grafts required as well as the method(s) used during the procedure. During a consultation with Dr. Max, he will determine what is the best approach for your hair restoration needs and will then provide you with an estimate on how much said procedure would come out to. It is important to note that the cost of a hair transplant is not specifically affected by differences in ethnicity. Instead, it is determined rather by whichever approach is deemed necessary to meet your specific hair restoration needs.   You Might Also Like To Read 5 WAYS STRESS CAUSES HAIR LOSS It’s best to learn these signs sooner than later!   5 SIGNS YOU MAY BE GOING BALD It’s best to learn these signs sooner than later!   5 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HAIR IN THE SUMMER Though it may seem obvious, many don’t follow these steps to keep their hair safe from the summer sun.

7 Causes Of Hair Loss

Genetics   By age 40, about half of all men will experience hair loss due to hereditary conditions like androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Likewise, more than half of women will experience genetic hair loss (female pattern baldness) before the age of 70.   Medical Conditions   Almost one in 10 women aged 20 through 49 suffers from anemia due to an iron deficiency (the most common type of anemia), which is an easily fixable cause of hair loss. Your doctor will have to do a blood test to determine for sure if you have this type of anemia. Hypothyroidism can be another cause. Hypothyroidism is the medical term for having an underactive thyroid gland. This little gland located in your neck produces hormones that are critical to metabolism as well as growth and development and, when it’s not pumping out enough hormones, can contribute to hair loss. Your doctor can do tests to determine the real cause   Hormonal Changes   Just as pregnancy hormone changes can cause hair loss, so can switching or going off birth-control pills. This can also cause telogen effluvium, and it may be more likely if you have a family history of hair loss. The change in the hormonal balance that occurs at menopause may also have the same result. “The androgen (male hormone) receptors on the scalp become activated,” explains Mark Hammonds, MD, a dermatologist with Scott & White Clinic in Round Rock, Texas. “The hair follicles will miniaturize and then you start to lose more hair.”   Stressing Your Hair   Over-treating your hair. This includes color treatments, perms, relaxers, and more. Using harsh hair products, such as extreme-hold hair sprays and gels. Temporary color can also be harsh for your hair. Wearing your hair up too tightly can be another cause. Whether you’re wearing an up-do or pulling your hair up in a ponytail for working out, this can tug on your hair and break it from the follicles, causing thin spots over time.   Stress   Experiencing uncontrolled stress. Stress is related to an uptick in hormones like cortisol. Too many stress hormones may kill off new hairs that are trying to grow from the hair follicles. Any kind of physical trauma—surgery, a car accident, or a severe illness, even the flu—can cause temporary hair loss. This can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. Hair has a programmed life cycle: a growth phase, rest phase and shedding phase. “When you have a really stressful event, it can shock the hair cycle, (pushing) more hair into the shedding phase,” explains Marc Glashofer, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Hair loss often becomes noticeable three-to-six months after the trauma.   Medications   Antidepressants, blood thinners, and other classes of medication may also promote hair loss. More common among them are certain blood thinners and the blood-pressure drugs known as beta-blockers. Other drugs that might cause hair loss include methotrexate (used to treat rheumatic conditions and some skin conditions), lithium (for bipolar disorder), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen, and possibly antidepressants.   What to do: If your doctor determines that one or more of your medications is causing hair loss, talk with him or her about either lowering the dose or switching to another medicine.   Lack Of Protein   If you don’t get enough protein in your diet, your body may ration protein by shutting down hair growth, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This can happen about two to three months after a drop in protein intake, they say. Moreover, incorporating the right vitamins into your diet will also play a large role in hair growth as well. What to do: There are many great sources of protein, including fish, meat, and eggs. If you don’t eat meat or animal products, there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian protein sources.       You Might Also Like To Read   5 WAYS STRESS CAUSES HAIR LOSS Stress has way more of an impact on hair loss than you thought…   5 SIGNS YOU MAY BE GOING BALD It’s best to learn these signs sooner than later!   5 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HAIR IN THE SUMMER Though it may seem obvious, many don’t follow these steps to keep their hair safe from the summer sun.  

5 Ways Stress Causes Hair Loss

By now, I’m sure we have all had our share of stress. Whether it stems from the basic obstacles of life or the toll quarantine has placed upon us mentally and physically, it can be difficult to keep our heads up in hard times. Stress can not only negatively impact a person’s mental state, driving them to potential states of fear, frustration and depression, but can also impact their physical appearance as well. The physical effects of stress can be evident by high blood pressure, heart disease, premature gray hair, and diabetes. Another result of stress that we will talk about here is hair loss. In the following article we will go over five ways stress causes hair loss.   1. Telogen Effluvium    Also known as Temporary Hair Loss, Telogen Effluvium can be a result of high stress. Telogen phase or the resting phase, which is also known as the shredding phase is a stage in the natural hair cycle. Essentially what occurs in this phase normally is that 90% of hair is in the growing phase while the other 10% is in the telogen/resting phase, waiting to fall out. In the case of TE, stress sends a large number of hair into the resting phase. Therefore more hair strands are forced into the resting phase than normal. These dormant hair strands would remain dormant for 2 to 3 months from the beginning of the underlying illness, and then starts to fall off.    Several months later, affected hair might start to fall out when combing or washing. It is possible to notice hair fall up to 10 times more than usual. TE can appear as thinning hair with the hair on the top of the scalp thinning more than the sides or back. Women tend to experience this more than men. Due to the delay between the resting phase and when it begins to start to fall out, it is possible to tell what was the cause or event that triggered TE. According to research, Some stressful occurrences like a death of a family member, financial struggles, ect, may have occurred two to three months prior to the start of losing your hair. If you struggle from this, you’ll be happy to know that it is temporary and reversible. Normally, hair will grow back in six to nine months after that stressful event has been handled.   2. Trichotillomania   We’ve all been so stressed out at some point that we’ve felt like we want to pull out our hair. Well, essentially that’s what this means. Trichotillomania can be defined as a compulsive desire to pull out one’s hair. People who struggle with this disorder have an involuntary compulsion to pull out their hair from their scalp or eyebrows, or any other part of the body. The physical effects of this result in patchy bald spots, which causes significant distress and can interfere with social or work functioning. People with trichotillomania may go to great lengths to disguise the loss of hair. For those who have trichotillomania, the urge to pull out hair can vary greatly. For some it is manageable, yet for others it can be unbearable to handle thus making it difficult to function day-to-day. Moreover, it can happen whether the person realizes they are doing it or not, depending on the severity of the matter. No one knows exactly why people pull their hair out. Experts think the urge to pull their hair can be a way of dealing with negative feelings, such as stress, tension, loneliness or frustration.   3. Alopecia Areata   Alopecia Areata is one of many types of hair loss. Alopecia itself is characterized by your body’s own immune system attacking your hair follicles thus causing hair loss. In normal circumstances, your immune system acts as a defense from foreign bacteria and viruses. In the case of Alopecia Areata, your immune system views hair follicles as foreign thus they attack them. This specific type of hair loss is also characterized by hair loss in small round patches. This can occur in both men and women equally, though it is not very well understood why it happens.    Luckily most of the time, this attack on the follicles will not kill the follicles, but severely damage it causing the hair to fall and cause bald patches. Although there is no specific cure for this condition, experts believe that hair may grow back with time. Originally, it was believed that there wasn’t a correlation between alopecia and stress, however due to many ongoing studies on the subject, it has now been shown that there is a link between severe emotional stress and the onset of alopecia.   4. Lack Of Sleep   Attempting to function while half asleep is never a good idea, especially when you consider the fact that sleep deprivation has the same effects as being drunk. This isn’t even taking into account that it does your hair no good. Consistently bad sleep can prove to be negative to the health of your hair and scalp. Your skin goes through a process of renewal while you sleep, thus good sleep is necessary. During times of stress, it can be very difficult to get sleep as is. Thus, any ways to overcome stress and anxiety before bed should be welcomed habits.   According to American Psychological Association, adults who sleep fewer than eight hours a night are more likely to report symptoms of stress in the past month, such as feeling irritable or angry, than adults who sleep more than eight hours a night (45 percent vs. 32 percent of adults); feeling overwhelmed (40 percent vs. 27 percent); lacking interest, motivation or energy (42 percent vs. 30 percent); losing patience or yelling at their children (52 percent vs. 27 percent); losing patience or yelling at their spouse or partner (50 percent vs. 36 percent); and skipping exercise (41 percent vs. 33 percent). They are also more likely to say their stress

5 Signs You May Be Going Bald

When it comes to hair loss, the signs of it can creep up on us completely unwelcomed. However, it doesn’t just happen overnight. These signs can show themselves well before you can even be classified on the Norwood Scale. Knowing what these signs are early on can help you develop a counterplan to fight off baldness. This is assuming the cause for hair loss is Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia) and not due to a more serious underlying medical condition. It is always best to check with your doctor or a hair loss specialist to find out what is your root source of hair loss before attempting any plan or procedure. If you are interested in more articles like this, feel free to check out all our other ones here. On to this week’s topic; the following are 5 signs you may be going bald.      1. Changes In Hairline   One of the main early signs of incoming baldness is a change in your hairline. Though it is not a 100% guarantee for baldness, it is still a common sign of it. For the most part, the change in hairline for men is seen in the receding frontal hairline, specifically the corners. The result of this corner recession usually ends up being what is known as a widow’s peak. During the initial phase, your hair will begin to thin at the temples and the front of your hairline. This change in the frontal hairline is a characteristic sign of male baldness. Widow’s peaks can be aggressive, and if yours is very prominent or receding, it could mean future hair loss is looming. Another type of hairline is similar to the V shape, but is more of a half-moon pattern. This half-moon pattern can be seen when the entire front hairline recedes back without a widow’s peak. However, there is also the possibility that it could simply be a maturing hairline and not necessarily due to incoming baldness. Men may first notice recession at their hairline, whereas women may see it around their temples. If this occurs, your hair in these areas may be much less prominent where the thinning is occurring. This is called Hair Miniaturization. When enough terminal hairs are in a state of miniaturization, there appears to be a visible thinning of the hair in the affected areas. As more hairs in each follicular unit become miniaturized, the process may lead to complete baldness in that area of the scalp.     2. Excessive Hair Loss After Showering or Brushing   The average person sheds about 50 to 100 individual hairs a day. This happens throughout the day, not just when brushing one’s hair. However, if you feel like every time you run your brush through your hair or are noticing a ton of hairs in your hands while shampooing, then this may serve as early signs of hair loss. Another place to look for shedding hair is on the pillow you sleep on. While we sleep, many tend to move a lot throughout the night. Thus, this causes friction between the pillow and scalp which can result in shedding. It is important to note that temporary hair loss can happen and that shedding a lot of hair for a day or two isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm. Hair loss can occur due to many causes, ranging from high fevers to psychological stress to medication use. This type of hair loss is usually temporary, meaning you’ll notice a larger number of hairs in your hands and on your brush for a week or two. If you notice a large amount of hair loss every day for a long period of time, you should seek out help from your doctor or specialist. After all, it may not take as long as you’d think for a modest amount of daily hair loss to turn into a receding hairline or a visible bald spot on your crown. Which leads us to the next sign…     3. Thinning Of Crown Area   Another common characteristic of Male Pattern Baldness is if you notice thinning in the crown area of your hair. Aside from your frontal hairline and temple regions, the crown area is a main victim of MPB. In many cases this can occur even before thinning hair in front. Not all people go bald from their hairline. Some men experience what’s called diffuse thinning. This is a type of hair loss that either affects the entire scalp or specific areas like the crown. This results in baldness that starts from the back or top, rather than from the hairline. This can be self-diagnosable by simply holding a mirror above your head while looking into another mirror, or even taking a picture of the top of your head. Taking pictures over a course of time will also help determine the rate of hair loss, if there even is any.      4. Your Partings Are Getting Wider   One of the earliest signs of hair loss is a widening of the middle part of your hair. This is more apparent amongst females who may have androgenetic alopecia. At Least 50% of females will deal with this type of hair loss at some point in their lives. In this case, the space between the hairs increases, thus giving the look of a balding line down the middle of the scalp. There is much variation in the diameter and length of hairs – some and thick and long while others are fine and short. This variation in size represents the gradual miniaturization of hair follicles – they become smaller and smaller. The precise reasons for Female Pattern Hair Loss are not yet fully understood. For women, hair loss is usually not as drastic as it looks like in men. Whereas for men, the possibility of full-on baldness is likely, for women it tends to be more milder and diffused. Psychosocially, however, hair loss tends to cause more stress for

5 Tips To Protect Your Hair In The Summer

Summer is coming back around and it’s the perfect opportunity to get that Vitamin D we’ve all been missing, with social distancing in mind of course… When we think of getting in that summertime kind-of-vibe, we all have our own checklist of things to bring. More than likely, sunscreen is on that list. We know better than to put our skin at risk. However, something many people overlook is the effect the sun can have on our hair. Just like the rest of your body, your hair requires some care when spending long periods of time under the sun. From the saltwater and chlorine to the heat and UV rays, taking care of one’s hair during the summer is just a matter of taking a couple extra, but important, safety steps.    Cover Your Head One of the easiest ways to protect your hair and scalp from sun damage is to wear a hat when long exposure to the sun is expected. If you are concerned about the potential of losing your hair from wearing hats, you can put your worries to rest. It is a myth that wearing a hat and losing hair are correlated. This myth is commonly believed because of the general knowledge that heat and pressure can restrict blood to the hair follicles. However, one would have to wear their hat so unnecessarily tight for a long period of time for that to play a role in any hair loss. It is suggested, however, that hats made from natural fibers like wool or cotton will allow your hair to breathe much more than those made from silk or nylon. These materials can very easily overheat your hair. It is also important to keep clean any cap or hat you may use. Wearing a hat when under the sun will cause a buildup of sweat, dirt, and bacteria. One can rotate hats to minimize how often they have to wash it. An unclean hat can cause skin irritations when in constant contact with skin.   Oil Treatment Though it may sound like it, oil treatments don’t have to be anything fancy or complicated. It can be as simple as applying a mix of olive oil or coconut oil or sesame oil with Vitamin E oil and massaging it into your scalp. The purpose of this tip is to mitigate how much oil and moisture your scalp/hair can lose during those hot summer days. This can prevent one from getting an irritated scalp or dry, coarse hair. This will also promote healthy blood flow to your hair follicles through the massaging of the scalp. Coconut oil is highly recommended for healthy hair as it has many beneficial properties. It is a natural way to help your hair grow longer, thicker, and faster. The vitamins and essential fatty acids naturally found in coconut oil nourish the scalp and help to remove sebum build-up from hair follicles.   Go Easy On The Booze..Drink Water Instead! It can be difficult to resist the temptation to quench your thirst with your favorite drink. However, it’s very easy to forget how alcohol can dry out your body. Aside from its effects on your body, it can also negatively affect your hair. Due to alcohol’s nature, heavy alcohol consumption can result in dry and brittle hair. This makes it more likely that these follicles can fall out. Moreover, dandruff can become a symptom of heavy alcohol consumption. Other symptoms of heavy alcohol consumption that would contribute to hair loss are raised estrogen levels and reduced zinc levels.  Aside from mixing alcohol with a hot summer day, it has its own negative effects on skin. As far as skin is concerned, alcohol can dry this organ out as well. From premature aging to blotchy skin to broken capillaries and visible veins ⎼ alcohol not only significantly changes your appearance but can cause irreversible damage.  Heavy drinking can also promote weight gain due to the empty calories and no nutritional value. It also makes it even more difficult for your body to burn fat. This is due to the damage alcohol has on the body’s liver, as it decreases its ability to process fat. The answer does not necessarily have to be to quit drinking. The issue isn’t so much drinking alcohol as it is not drinking the necessary amount of water. If you do choose to drink on your next beach day, just be sure to consume tons of water to mitigate the effects of the alcohol.   Include Vitamin-Rich Foods In Your Diet The same way that a vitamin-rich diet can benefit all aspects of your body, it especially plays a role in the health of your hair. Creating a diet that is not only healthy but also contributes to healthy hair growth is not very difficult. At the end of the day, it is up to you to determine if supplemental vitamin pills/powders are also necessary. However, checking with your doctor is definitely suggested before doing so, as you may be getting enough from your diet. If you have any questions regarding hair loss solutions or any of our other services, feel free to contact us! The main vitamins that are beneficial to your hair are: Vitamin A: You can easily get your daily dose of Vitamin A through a well-balanced multivitamin or even through dietary supplements like Cod Liver Oil which are also available in pill form. Though taking Vitamin A in pill form is an option and a popular one, the supplement might not offer the same benefits as naturally occurring antioxidants in food. Just a few Vitamin A-rich foods you can easily add to your diet include: Pumpkin, Kale, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Mangoes, Eggs, & Milk. Vitamin B: In general, B-vitamins help carry oxygen and nutrients to your scalp, which aids in hair growth. Specifically, these vitamins help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles.To have not just a Biotin-rich,

6 Solutions For Hair Loss

  6 Solutions For Hair Loss    Like aging, hair loss is an unfortunate fact of life that affects many men and women. Though the option for one to embrace their new aesthetic is always a possibility, hair loss is something many people dread and would rather not face, or at least mitigate as much as possible. It can also wreak havoc on your psychological and emotional well-being. A 2012 study published by the National Institutes of Health found that among 157 women who were surveyed, 54 percent reported some hair loss and 29 percent claimed to have at least two symptoms of depression.Thanks to advances in research and technology, there is a wide array of hair loss solutions and treatments that can help the vast majority of those suffering from hair loss. Hair loss can be caused by many different factors, genetic to environmental, yet one of these methods are bound to help you or someone you know bring their hair back!   1. Artas iX Robotic Hair Restoration   While there are medications designed to treat hair loss, many people are opting for a more permanent solution to the problem. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, nearly 90,000 hair transplant operations were performed in 2012. And more than 310,000 hair restoration procedures took place worldwide.  One of the main facts about the Artas procedure that is unlike other solutions to hair loss is that Artas allows us to harvest hair from the back of the scalp without leaving a linear scar. That isn’t the case with the more traditional FUT/Strip method. We use the robot to take a punch device that is less than one millimeter to punch out grafts that contain one to three hairs. After harvesting the grafts is complete, we then use Artas to make incisions to the transplant area and implant these grafts. Using Artas, the ability to have completely natural-looking results is very difficult to mess up. This procedure was designed to minimize errors. Through its algorithms, it allows natural spacing from the back so no over-harvesting occurs, as well as identifying native hair so there’s no possibility of traumatizing those follicles.   The Artas iX Robotic Hair Restoration procedure can be broken down into these steps:   The high-definition stereoscope vision system utilizes Artas Artificial Intelligence to identify and select best hair follicles for harvesting. Hair is intelligently harvested with robot precision to preserve the natural look of your donor area. The Artas system provides robotic speed and accuracy unmatched by hand-held techniques A customized hairline is designed with the Artas System’s Recipient Site Making technology under physician supervision. This creates optimal site distribution for harvested hair follicles that avoids damaging healthy hair. Your hair is then transplanted robotically or manually into the thinning areas. Noticeable thicker, natural-looking and permanent hair growth starts around six months with continued growth over time.   Benefits of Artas iX Robotic Hair Restoration includes:   Virtually painless. NO scalpel, stitches or suturing. NO linear scarring. Intelligent algorithms. Advanced digital imaging. Identifies the best hair follicles for harvesting. Identifies & protects existing hair follicles. Precision robotics that provide speed, accuracy + consistency.   2. NeoGraft Hair Restoration:   The main goal of Neograft Hair Restoration is natural results with no detectable sign of a procedure having been done. Using the hair on the back of the patient’s scalp, a certified NeoGraft provider carefully extracts follicles individually instead of Strip Harvesting. These follicles are removed with a gentle process collected pneumatically. After the desired amount of grafts are collected, the Neograft “No Touch” Follicle Implantation begins. This method involved careful placement of the hair follicles into the scalp area. Implantation continues until all the hair follicles have been transplanted. These new transplanted follicles will rest and then regrow, thus resulting in a natural-appearing, full head of hair.    Benefits of NeoGraft Hair Restoration include:   Minimally-Invasive Technique No Linear Incisions Or Scars Less Discomfort Than Other FUE Techniques Short Recovery Time Maintains Natural Hairline At Donor Site Ideal For Both Men And Women   3. Regenera Activa:   The most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss. Affecting about 70% of men and 40% of women, this type of hair loss can be treated by Regenera Activa. Regenera Activa is one of the newest revolutionary methods to treat male and female type hair loss. It is based on introduction of hair micrografts into the areas of hair loss. A three-step procedure that takes approximately 60 min with results may be visible as early as 30 days. It uses your own hair that contains cells to activate the follicles around the balding area. Thus, it uses your own body’s ability to create new hair.  This is accomplished by obtaining autologous micrografts (patient’s own tissue). In a single session, the patient is a donor and a recipient of the autologous micrografts. Thus, allowing the recipient zone to benefit from the regenerative activity of progenitor cells and growth factors (proteins that promote growth & healing) Using the Regenera, a high concentration of cells is calibrated through a mechanical process and added filtrate to increase their elements and concentration.   The three main steps of Regenera Activa are:   Local anesthesia is applied to the nape of the neck and with the use of a punch biopsy tool, 3 skin samples (2.5mm diameter) are obtained. Samples are collected then are mechanically processed and filtered in a specialized device that will isolate the progenitor cells and growth factors. The prepared suspension is reintroduced into the scalp using fine tiny needles. This initiates the regenerative process, stimulating blood vessel formation and repair of hair follicles.   4. Scalp Micropigmentation:   Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is another popular solution for hair loss. It is a non-invasive treatment that creates the appearance of tiny hair follicles, restoring the appearance of hair on a shaved scalp by creating the illusion of a thicker

Top 5 Common Myths About Hair Loss

When it comes to hair loss, it can be difficult to know who to listen to. Everyone has a say on the matter, whether them being a professional or not. It doesn’t help that when you first start noticing thinning strands, everything seems to be the culprit. The impact of wrong information can be detrimental to someone looking for the proper guidance to better their personal situation. We’ve gone over the top 5 common causes of hair loss, yet it is also important to know what is considered false information on the subject. For this week, we will cover the top 5 common myths about hair loss.    Myth #1: Hats Cause Baldness   The common belief behind this myth is that a hat can restrict the blood flow circulation to the hair follicles. In reality, you would need to wear your hat so unnecessarily tight for this to occur. Naturally, this is very unlikely to happen as it would be greatly uncomfortable to wear such an accessory like that. Typical day-to-day hat wearing will not play a role in losing one’s hair.   A safety measure that is valid, however, is making sure your favorite hat is washed regularly. The oil and bacteria that can end up growing in the hat can (over time) negatively impact the health of your hair. Just as you would normally wash other clothes and personals, your hat should be treated in the same manner. In turn, keeping a hat from getting dirty will help you avoid scalp infections from dirt and sweat, thus improving your hair’s quality. Making sure that the hat does not cause much friction will minimize irritation to the hair follicles and scalp.   Myth #2: Elevated Levels Of Testosterone Are The Enemy   For many years, it was thought that the root cause (no pun intended) for androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss, stemmed from a predominance of the male sex hormone, testosterone, which women also have in trace amounts under normal conditions. But while testosterone is at the core of the balding process, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is now thought to be the main culprit.   DHT, a derivative of the male hormone testosterone, is the enemy of hair follicles on your head. In other words, under certain conditions DHT wants those follicles dead. This is the main source of hair loss for most cases out there.   The hormonal process  that converts Testosterone to DHT can happen in both men and women. Even though women generally have very small levels of testosterone, this amount can still be enough to trigger hair loss for some women. When it comes to hormones, there really is no set standard that can fit and explain everyone. The impact certain hormonal changes can have on someone are specific to them. Hormones are cyclical. Testosterone levels can drop by 10% for some men each decade after age 30. As for women, their hormone levels decline as menopause approaches and drop sharply during menopause and beyond. The cyclic nature of both our hair and hormones is one reason hair loss can increase in the short term even when you are having a long-term slowdown/increase of hair loss while on a treatment for hair loss.    MYTH #3: This Disorder Affects Only Older Men   The idea that hair loss only affects those approaching the older years has been greatly disproven. Chances are you may know someone in their 20s who is already showing signs of a receding hairline. Although hair loss due to male pattern baldness can occur at any age after puberty, it most often starts in the mid-twenties. Due to the gradual nature of hair loss, it does take many years to reach the more advanced stages. But the earlier the hair loss starts, the more the final result is likely to be severe.  According to a study done by Tsinghua University, 60 percent of the young study participants reported they were losing significant amounts of hair. While 25 percent of respondents said they didn’t notice the hair loss until they were told by friends or family, 40 percent responded they were quite aware of their receding hairlines. The results of this study also translate similarly to young adults in the United States. Interestingly, a key factor aside from hereditary reasons that could contribute to premature hair loss among the youth can be traced to the popularity of adopting vegan and vegetarian diets. Due to the restricted nature of these diets, it is very easy to end up deficient in certain vitamins that contribute to healthy hair growth. Severely reduced protein consumption as well as deficiencies in zinc, vitamin D, and other nutrients can negatively affect hair growth. If you’re interested in knowing more about the best vitamins for hair growth, you can check out our article on that right here.    Myth #4: Chlorine and Salt Water Leads To Baldness   The reasoning behind this is commonly-believed myth is that the chlorine can dry out the hair strands, thus making them brittle. While it is true that hair can become dry from chlorine, it requires more than the average exposure to chlorine to really impact the hair. Even then, the dryness/coarseness associated with chlorine exposure does not directly correlate to hair loss.   One method to remove the chlorine from your hair is to make a paste using baking soda. Apply the paste to damp hair and massage it from your scalp to your ends. Then, rinse out the paste using clean water and shampoo. The baking soda will help neutralize the chlorine and lift out any green color the chlorine deposited.   If chlorine exposure, such as in swimming, is a part of your daily activities, it would be a good idea to adopt a healthy habit of proper conditioning. Before and after swimming, condition your hair to maintain its moisture. Moreover, rinsing your hair with tap water to reduce how many chemicals (such as chlorine) are absorbed

5 Tips on Preventing Premature Gray Hair

Disclaimer: The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of medical advice. Always consult your physician before beginning any therapy program or treatment plan. When we think of gray hair, what comes to mind are usually images depicting the elderly or the idea of growing old which is just a fact of life. But this idea excludes those who may suffer from premature graying of the hair. Naturally, this can negatively impact one’s self-esteem and cause tons of stress. In the following article, we will explain the causes and science of gray hair, as well as suggest 5 tips on preventing premature gray hair. Premature graying occurs when the hair loses its natural pigmentation at an early age. This can happen to a person who may be as young as in their 20s or even late teen years. The causes for this issue can range from bad diet and heavy stress levels, to an inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals. This can also be a hereditary trait in one’s family. Other daily habits that can also play a role in promoting premature graying include (but may not be limited to): – Not cleaning one’s scalp regularly – Using very hot water to wash hair – Excessive blow drying – Regular use of hair dyes Like most things, it’s best to act on this as early as possible, when the first signs become apparent. Aside from the tips listed above that you can already start to work on, we’d like to share some other tips on mitigating gray hair. Even if you may not suffer from premature gray hair, these can still be beneficial for the health of your hair and overall health. These tips are not in any specific order, yet each one can play a vital role in reducing the risk of premature graying. So let’s begin! 1. **Smoking’s Gotta Go…** Now, it’s no secret that quitting a habit like smoking is no easy task. It is absolutely easier said than done. However, it goes without saying that the negative side effects of smoking greatly outweigh any potential positives. It’s probably safe to assume that if you are reading this, then you most likely care about your health and image in some way. Thus, quitting smoking is a must if you want to not only prevent premature graying but also maintain a healthy lifestyle. Smoking not only increases the risk for lung cancer and heart disease but can go far beyond that. Smoking constricts blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to hair follicles and cause hair loss. If that isn’t enough, this ties into premature graying because the toxins in cigarettes can damage parts of your body including your hair follicles, causing early white hair. In a study in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal of more than 200 people, smokers were 2.5 times more likely to experience premature graying (before age 30) than nonsmokers. Another study, in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, linked smoking to premature graying in young men. The mechanism, similar to one proposed for stress, is that free radicals (produced by smoking) may damage the cells that produce melanin. 2. **Vitamin B is What You Need!** In last week’s article, we covered the best five vitamins for healthy hair, which you can read here. Out of all the five vitamins we listed, Vitamin B played the most important role when it comes to healthy hair. Specifically, two types of vitamin B: Biotin and B12 In general, B-vitamins help carry oxygen and nutrients to your scalp, which aids in hair growth. Specifically, these vitamins help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. Biotin (also known as vitamin H, vitamin B₇ or vitamin B₈) is one of the most important vitamins in terms of hair growth. Additionally, animal foods are the main sources of Vitamin B12. This vitamin plays an essential role in the production of your red blood cells and DNA, as well as the proper function. A deficiency in this essential nutrient can lead to an array of health problems, ranging from fatigue to permanent neurological changes. However, we understand for those who have diet restrictions that prohibit them from including those foods in their diet, it can be difficult to get one’s proper intake of B12. Here at Hair By Dr. Max, Restoration Center, we offer B12 Shots at your request. We offer to administer the B12 shot by itself, or as part of an IV Therapy session. If you are interested or have any questions about our B12 shots or our other services, feel free to contact us! 3. **Home Remedies** Advocates of natural healing suggest a number of natural remedies for gray hair. These include: – Coconut oil: Every other day, before bed, massage coconut oil onto your hair and scalp. The next morning, wash your hair as usual. – Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Every day, eat a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger mixed with 1 tablespoon of honey. – Blackstrap molasses: Every other day, eat a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses (from sugarcane juice, not from beet sugar); it’s believed to reverse the graying process. – Amla (Phyllanthus emblica): Drink six ounces of fresh amla juice every day or massage your hair with amla oil one time each week. Amla is also known as Indian gooseberry. – Black sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum): Two to three times a week, eat a tablespoon of black sesame seeds to slow down and possibly reverse the graying process. – Ghee: Twice a week, massage your hair and scalp with pure ghee (clarified butter). – Amaranth (Amaranthus): Three times a week, apply fresh amaranth juice to your hair. – Wheatgrass juice (Thinopyrum intermedium): Drink one to two ounces of fresh wheatgrass juice every day or add 1 tablespoon of wheatgrass powder daily to your soups and smoothies. – Fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum): In traditional Chinese medicine,

5 Best Vitamins for Hair Growth

Disclaimer: The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of medical advice. Always consult your physician before beginning any therapy program or treatment plan.   Whether you want to mitigate hair loss or simply want healthier hair, there are many natural ways you can achieve this. Many of these you may already have as part of your daily routine. Yet, there’s bound to be something new you’ll learn. The following are the 5 Best Vitamins for Hair Growth. If you enjoy this article, be sure to share it!   Vitamin A   Hair is the fastest growing tissue in the human body. Like all other cells, hair needs Vitamin A to grow healthy. This vitamin is the generic term given to a group of fat-soluble compounds highly important for human health.   Vitamin A compounds are found in both animal and plant foods and come in two different forms: Preformed Vitamin A and Provitamin Vitamin A. The first form, Preformed vitamin A, is known as the active form of the vitamin. This is the version your body can use just as it is.   In terms of hair, diets deficient in vitamin A may lead to several problems, one of which includes hair loss. However, too much of the vitamin can of course be counterproductive. It is best to consult your personal physician if you are unsure on what is the proper dosage you should take.  You can easily get your daily dose of Vitamin A through a well-balanced multivitamin or even through dietary supplements like Cod Liver Oil which are also available in pill form. Though taking Vitamin A in pill form is an option and a popular one, the supplement might not offer the same benefits as naturally occurring antioxidants in food.    Just a few Vitamin A-rich foods you can easily add to your diet include: Pumpkin, Kale, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Mangoes, Eggs, & Milk.   Other great benefits to Vitamin A include: -Protecting eyesight against age-related issues and night blindness -May reduce chances of getting certain cancers   -Important in maintaining a healthy immune system -Reduces the risk of acne -May help with health of bones -Promotes healthy growth and reproduction   Odds are you’re already eating these foods on the daily so keep it up!      B-Vitamin   B Vitamins, a class of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism, are known collectively as B Complex Vitamins since there are eight different types: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9) and cobalamin (B12)   In general, B-vitamins help carry oxygen and nutrients to your scalp, which aids in hair growth. Specifically, these vitamins help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles.    Though there are multiple types of the vitamin, the one we will focus on is Biotin.  Biotin (also known as vitamin H, vitamin B₇ or vitamin B₈) is one of the most important vitamins in terms of hair growth. Recommended intake for B vitamins varies depending on age, nutrient demands, gender and health status.  It is best to consult your personal physician if you are unsure on what is the proper dosage you should take.   To have not just a Biotin-rich, but a well-rounded B Vitamin-rich diet, be sure to include foods such as: Salmon, Leafy Greens, Avocados, Liver (and other organ meats), Eggs, Milk, Beef, Oysters/Clams/Mussels, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Chicken/Turkey, Yogurt, Nutritional and Brewer’s Yeast, Pork, Fortified Cereal, Trout, Sunflower Seeds,   More benefits of B Vitamins include: -May lower stress levels  -Shown to promote cognitive performance -May reduce anxiety and depression   We at Hair By Dr. Max, Restoration Center offer a great source of Biotin:  The Follicle Elixir IV Therapy Treatment  If this interests you, please feel free to contact us if you’d like to learn more.     Vitamin C   Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development and the repair of all body tissues. This plays a role in the health of hair since it is the largest tissue of the human body (As we learned from reading about Vitamin A). This vitamin is a strong antioxidant that helps fight against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Free radical damage can cause a blockage in growth, thus causing your hair to age. Moreover, graying is also affected by free radicals. Being an antioxidant, Collagen may be able to fight this damage and slow graying.   An important aspect to Vitamin C is the protein, Collagen. Hair is primarily composed of the protein Keratin, which is found in Collagen. When consumed along with other proteins and broken down into amino acids by the body, Collagen can help promote the building of new proteins and compounds. Collagen is primarily made up of 3 nonessential amino acids: proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. roline is also the main component of keratin. Therefore, consuming proline-rich collagen should provide your body with the building blocks it needs to create hair.    For adults, the recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams (mg) a day, and the upper limit is 2,000 mg a day. Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, megadoses of vitamin C supplements might cause negative side effects such as Diarrhea. Nausea. If it easier, just a few a foods that are rich in Vitamin C include: Strawberries, Peppers, Cantaloupe, Cauliflower, Kale, Kiwi, Brussels sprouts, Guavas, and Citrus fruits   An easy way to make your diet rich in Collagen is by including bone broth as a drink or soup. Additionally, Collagen is also available in pill/powder. Since it is odorless and tasteless, it can be added to your favorite beverages, like smoothies or even coffee, without impacting taste.    Other Benefits of Vitamin C and Collagen include: –May reduce your risk of chronic disease -May help manage high