Causes of hair loss

Causes of hair loss:

Androgenetic alopecia is the scientific name for the genetic predisposition in both men and women for pattern baldness or pattern hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia is the cause of over 95% of all pattern hair loss, including baldness in men and thinning hair in women. Pattern hair loss occurs in somewhat predictable stages, and is relentlessly progressive. This means that those with pattern hair loss will, if they live long enough, eventually progress from the early stages of loss to the advanced stages. We all suffer hair loss; some people just arrive at the advance stages of hair loss sooner than others. Studies have shown that pattern loss is increasingly evident and advanced as people age.

Estrogens: Other hormones included in a class known as estrogens, can inhibit or counteract the follicle-shrinking effect of the androgens. Women generally have more estrogens circulating in their blood than men. As a result of this higher level of estrogens, even women having a genetic predisposition for pattern hair loss are protected from losing their hair because of the high level of estrogen in their blood.

Menopause: When these women reach menopause however, their estrogen level may decrease sufficiently, and the hair loss message may start to get through to the genetically programmed follicles. Their hair can begin to thin, sometimes dramatically.

Exposure Time, Not Hormone Quantity: The time period for exposure to DHT is a critical factor in pattern hair loss, and it can take many decades for some genetically programmed follicles to get the message to stop producing hairs. The specific way that time duration affects pattern hair loss is not completely understood. It is the genetically programmed receptiveness of the hair follicles, and an adequate amount of time, not the amount of hormones, that cause hair follicle shrinkage, and the hair thinning that results. People with thin hair have the same amount of testosterone as those with thick hair. The difference is in their hair follicle’s genetically programmed receptiveness to DHT. Even on the same person’s head, where all the follicles have the same exposure to hormones in the blood, some follicles are programmed to keep growing, while others begin to spend more time resting.

Genetic Program is the Cause: Pattern hair loss is not the result of “trapped hair follicles”, build-up of DHT, scalp oils, or anything else on the scalp, poor circulation, inadequate oxygen, constant stress, or inadequate nutrition. Pattern hair loss is simply the result of genetic programming of hair follicle cells and the exposure of the cells to hormones in the blood over a long period of time.

No Cure for Causes of Hair Loss; Only Treatments: At present there is not a cure for androgenetic alopecia. There is nothing that will stop the condition once and for all. There are however, many treatments for this form of hair loss, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Treatments and hair replacement are described in detail in other parts of this site. Some hair loss treatments for women are designed primarily to separate those with thin hair from their money, rather than restore hair.

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* This article was originally published here

Hair Facts

Hair Facts

• We each have about 100,000 hairs on the scalp.
• You need to lose about 50% of your hair before Hair loss becomes
• It is normal to lose 50-100 hairs from the head each day.
• Scalp hair grows at a rate of about 1 cm, (just under half an inch) a month.
• Each hair on the head grows for about 4-7 years before being shed.
• Approximately 40 million men and 30 million women in North America are experiencing hair loss.

Hair defines many things for women-personality, attractiveness, success, and health, social status, and even family tradition.  Hair loss in women has long been considered a taboo due to social stigma.  It’s much more common than most people think – roughly 30 million adult women in North America are experiencing thinning hair and hair loss, and some 50% of all women do by age 50.  The psychological effects for women can be devastating.

African and Caucasians are more prone to baldness than Asians.  “Today the first person a thinning hair victim talks to is likely to be their hair stylist.  That’s why stylists are reaching out for more information.  They’re now an important resource; the first line of defense against hair loss.”  Dr. Shelley Friedman D.O.

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* This article was originally published here

 

Two common types of hair systems available:

Stock Hair Systems —

These are mass produced according to the most common color graduations and hair loss sizes. Because they are sold “as is” and off-the-shelf, they can be a very inexpensive way to buy. However, many people have a more unique (or larger) hair loss pattern than the standard horseshoe shape.

Custom Hair Systems —

The obvious benefit to a custom system is the level of measurements that are taken for your specific size and pattern of hair loss. Getting an exact color match and organic graduation into your own natural growing hair is also an important detail to achieving an undetectable look

The post Two common types of hair systems available appeared first on InvisibleHair.com.

* This article was originally published here

Hair Loss due to Radiation Therapy

 

Before Radiation Begins

What to Expect…

• Fear of change in appearance.
• May be advised to cut hair shorter.

Hair & Scalp Care…

• Wash, dry and style hair regularly.
• Avoid dyes and permanents.

Comfort And Image Needs…

• Take a snip of hair and a snapshot of yourself before hair loss occurs.
• Meet with hair loss consultant to familiarize him/her with style, color and length of hair you prefer.
• Select items such as turbans, scarves, cotton caps and a wig.
• Purchase cotton sleep cap.

During Radiation Therapy

What to Expect…

• Scalp redness, itchiness, dryness and flaking

Hair & Scalp Care…

• Wash hair infrequently using only water (tepid or lukewarm) to avoid removal of the gentian violet markings which are exact blueprints of the target area for treatment.
• Avoid using cosmetics, perfumes, powders or soap on treated area.
• Do not use dyes or permanents.
• Do not use adhesives (including two-way tape and medical adhesives) for wigs or prosthetics on treatment area.
• Do not use heating pads or ice packs on treatment area.
• Do not scratch treatment area.
• Report any breaks in skin to physician or nurse.
• Use only the water-based moisturizer suggested by physician or nurse on treatment area.
• Do not use moisturizer on skin just before therapy; skin must be clean and dry for treatment session.
• Do not use oils of any kind on treatment area.
• Protect area from sun and cold.

Comfort And Image Needs…

• Wear cotton caps, scarves and hats.
• Wear wig with a cotton liner.
• Wear a sleep cap to bed.

During Hair Loss

What to Expect…

• Dry, itching scalp.
• Stress from change in appearance.
• Scalp sensitivity.
• Shedding hair.
• Matted hair.

Hair & Scalp Care…

• Wash hair using water, keeping the hair in one direction to avoid matting.
• Pat hair gently with a towel until dry.
• May use hair dryer on low setting 4” from head.
• Use wide-toothed comb.
• Avoid using rollers, curling irons or hair pins.

Comfort And Image Needs…

1. Wear non-restricting, soft, cotton caps or turbans during the day to contain hair.
2. May wear a wig with a wig liner.
3. Expose area to air several times per day.
4. Wear a cotton sleep cap at night to keep warm and to catch shedding hair

After Hair Loss

What to Expect…

• Stress from change in appearance.
• Scalp sensitivity.
• Loss of body heat through scalp.

Hair & Scalp Care…

• Wash scalp and remaining hair using water (tepid or lukewarm) keeping hair in one direction to avoid matting.
• Do not use soap until therapy is completed (see During Hair Re-growth chart).
• Pat scalp gently with a towel until dry.
• Use a wide-toothed comb.
• Protect head form sun when outdoors with head cover or use maximum sunscreen if treatment is complete.
• Protect from cold weather – wear head cover.
• Do not use adhesives (including two-way tape and medical adhesives) for wigs and prosthetics on treatment area.
• Do not scratch treatment area.
• Report any skin breaks to physician or nurse.

Comfort And Image Needs…

• Wear cotton caps, turbans, hats and scarves.
• Wear a wig with a cotton liner.
• Wear a sleep cap to bed for warmth.

During Hair Re-Growth

What to Expect…

• Stress from change in appearance.
• Scalp sensitivity.
• Loss of body heat through scalp.
• Fragile new hair.
• May be no hair re-growth with higher does; ask physician or nurse.

Hair & Scalp Care…

• Wash hair gently using water (tepid or lukewarm).
• Pat gently with towel until dry.
• Use mild shampoos (for dry or damaged hair) for the first two weeks after the last treatment.
• Ask physician or nurse if you may use a moisturizing cream or mild lotion; use 3-4 times daily.
• Use hair dryer on low setting 4” from head on new hair and remaining hair.
• Minimize hair styling, brushing, combing, hair pins and curling.
• Use moderately: mousse, styling or sculpting gel, spritz and hair spray.
• Select products with light to moderate holding ability.
• Sleep on satin pillowcase.
• Cover head or use maximum protection sunscreen when outdoors.

Comfort And Image Needs…

• • Wear cotton caps, turbans, hats and scarves.
  • Wear a wig with a cotton liner.

• Wear a sleep cap to bed for warmth.

• Check your insurance booklet for benefits and covered expenses. Copy any page that specifically states coverage of prosthesis or prosthetic devices.
• Obtain the name of the person at your insurance company who would be directly responsible for reviewing, processing or approving your claim. Find out the exact approval procedure.
• Complete your claim form
• Take pictures of yourself without a hair prosthesis and without corrective eye makeup. This will immediately show that your claim is not for cosmetic purposes.
• Detail the emotional effects of (medically related) hair loss.
• Ask your employer for a letter on the importance of your having hair on the job.
• Write a letter directly to the appropriate insurance claim agent explaining the details of chemotherapy, alopecia, radiation, burns, or surgery as it relates to your hair loss. Detail the emotional effects it has had on your life. Discuss the financial aspects of frequent wig purchases. Advise that cranial prosthesis is just as medically necessary as a prosthetic limb or breast – it replaces a missing body part.
• Enclose brochures and pamphlets endorsed by the following support organizations. This is important if the insurance company has questions during the review process.
• Send a case history of a patient with the same or similar condition.
• Send a detailed letter from each doctor who is treating you. It is important that the doctor describes the severity of the condition, extent of hair loss and explain that without a “FULL CUSTOM CRANIAL PROSTHESIS”, leading a normal life and being able to work would be very difficult. He/She should mention the mental distress you have experienced due to your medical treatment.
• A brief letter from a psychiatrist may also be beneficial, if possible.
• Enclose a prescription (on an actual prescription form) from the doctor who ordered the full cranial prosthesis. The prescription must use the verbiage, “FULL CUSTOM CRANIAL PROSTHESIS” and have the correct diagnostic code for the insurance company to process your claim.
• Obtain a receipt from the hair addition specialist performing the service. The invoice must show all charges and must be paid in full. Make sure receipt reads: “A full custom cranial prosthesis to counteract the psychological distress secondary to (alopecia, cancer, burns, radiation, injury, surgery, etc.)”
• Explain the differences between wigs and custom made full cranial prosthesis.
• If you talk with your carrier by phone, insist they confirm your conversation in writing, preferably email. If they fail to do so, prepare your own record of the conversation

The following companies have covered cranial prosthesis, at least in part. However, each carrier operates
differently in each state and coverage changes periodically.

• John Hancock Insurance Co.
• Blue Cross (California, Massachusetts – 80%)
• Metropolitan Education of New York
• Prudential Life Insurance
• C.I.G.N.A.
• Travelers (Massachusetts, 60%)
• Provident Mutual (80%)
• Equitable Life (80%)
• Blue Shield (80%)
• Aetna (80% – 100%)
• Ohio Health Care (80% – 100%)
• Emerald Health Network (100%)
• Med Choice
• Midwest Benefits Corp.

Farm Bureau Insurance

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* This article was originally published here

What is Alopecia and What Solutions are Available?

What is Alopecia and What Solutions are Available?

Alopecia:

is a common autoimmune disorder that causes hair thinning and loss on the scalp and possibly the face. According to the the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, Alopecia areata “affects as many as 6.8 million people in the United States.” It’s not limited to a single age or gender, as it can affect people of all ages, men and women, and all ethnic groups.

As you saw in the video, Jeffrey Paul, founder of Wigs for Kids and Jeffrey Paul Hair & Scalp Specialists, applied a tailor-made, proprietary design that incorporates integration solutions that blend in new replacement hair with growing hair seamlessly and undetectably. And, in a case where hair is not available for blending (baldness), replacement hair is added into the new hair solution to give back the natural, age appropriate density or fullness to your hair. By utilizing Idrobenda Medical Adhesive Grade Strips to securely attach the hair system, it is enriched with colloidal silver to ensure both a gentle and strong hold for up to three weeks. In addition to this benefit, Idrobenda helps prevent bacteria, odors and melting down.

So, once the hair solution is in place, you can get back to living a full, active life without any discomfort or insecurites from hair thinning or loss. Because the hair solution is made of premium human hair, no activity, including swimming, washing or styling (blow dryers, flat irons, etc.), is off limits. It’s time to regain your life and self-esteem back to live the life that you were intended to live!

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* This article was originally published here

What Is Female Pattern Baldness

Female pattern hair loss effects 30 million women.

Understanding the hair growth cycle may help us to recognize when we may not have normal hair loss. Anagen is the first phase in hair growth.  In this phase, the hair grows at an average rate of one half inch per month from its follicle.  The anagen phase lasts two to six years.  

Next the resting phase, or telogen, begins. Telogen usually lasts three to four months.  

Towards the end of the telogen phase the hair falls out and new hair begins to grow in its place.  Typically, 85 percent of your hair is in the growth phase and the remaining 15 percent is in the resting phase.

 Losing 50 to 100 hairs per day is normal. A healthy scalp usually has around 100,000 hairs.

When the rate of shedding exceeds that of new growth, new growth is thinner than the hair that was shed, or shedding happens in patches, any of these situations may indicate androgenetic alopecia.

Let the compassionate professionals at Invisible Hair help you choose a human hair piece that will boost your self-esteem to face life with confidence.

 

 

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* This article was originally published here

Hair Extensions for Everyday Comfort & Confidence

Your hair extensions shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying San Diego’s beautiful beaches, mountains, and breweries. Our high-quality, natural-looking hair extensions are perfect for San Diego’s active lifestyles. Whether you’re a passionate yogi or an avid trail runner, our team will provide the best hair extensions for your day-to-day adventures. We employ patented application techniques to ensure a reliable and comfortable fit that lasts for 5-8 weeks and can be styled up or down. Our skilled team will give you a natural and subtle look, bringing the length, color, and fullness you desire. If you want natural and durable hair extensions, consider our patented invisible hair extensions.

Invisible Hair Extensions

Our patented hair extension service is one of the best in San Diego. Our custom hair extensions are the first and only hair extensions recommended for fine or thinning hair. Since we adhere each extension to the skin, not the hair follicle, there’s no awkward grow-out phase. Our custom extensions can even be used to camouflage scars or thin spots. Our invisible hair extensions avoid damage to your natural strands and can be styled up, down, curly, or straight. The best part? You can sleep, swim, or workout without worry. Contact us today to book your consultation.

Quality Materials

At Invisible Hair, we source only the highest quality materials in the industry. We believe that investing in great hair and adhesives is key to creating a natural look. From baby fine extensions to custom bonding, our stylists strive to provide products that elevate our clients’ results. We can blend multiple hair types to create a custom hair texture, and match your hair length, color, and maintenance preferences, ensuring that your hair extensions are a perfect extension of you. Check out our FAQ page for information on what else makes our process unique.

Expert Consultation, Application, and Styling

Your one-on-one consultation with our San Diego team the first step to having beautiful hair extensions that match your look. During your visit to our San Diego salon, you’ll talk to our stylist about your current hair needs. They’ll conduct a detailed scalp analysis, reviewing any recent hair loss, medical issues, your hair type, and styling preferences. Your hair is extremely personal to you- that’s why we take great care to make sure you leave feeling confident with options that are right for you. We can match almost any hair length, style, texture or color, and love devising solutions that make our clients feel confident and beautiful. Ready to see if hair extensions are right for you? Book your consultation today.

Hair Extensions for Your Unique Needs  

At Invisible Hair, we work with a large range of clients in San Diego and the surrounding areas. Our stylists have offered solutions for a wide selection of concerns and challenges. From women dealing with thinning hair to teenagers facing medical hair loss, we’re equipped to make everyone feel comfortable, beautiful, and heard. Take a look at Before and After page to see how we’ve helped other clients, or book your consultation today to see what we can offer.

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* This article was originally published here