Amino Acids

Blog Series: Help Your Hair Loss & Scalp Irritation The Natural Way

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Part One: Amino acids

Healthy Food

Surely you have heard of amino acids. Remember, we learned about it in middle school science! As a review, amino acids are molecules that create protein when combined and are considered the building blocks of our existence.

The human body needs amino acids. In addition to being necessary for survival, they are extremely important for the health and condition of your hair and scalp.  Collagen, elastin, and keratin are the fundamental protein elements that make up a healthy scalp and hair.  Collagen binds the scalp tissue and hair follicles together.

Collagen: The vital amino acids for collagen production are lysine, glycine, and proline. Lysine absorbs calcium aiding in the formation of collagen and is thought to able to prevent conversion of testosterone into DHT. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the leading cause of male pattern baldness. Glycine is essential for collagen production. It is also able to protect the body from nerve ailments that cause hair loss. Proline aids in maintaining muscle tissue and aids in collagen synthesis.

Elastin: Over 70 amino acids create elastin. It aids in the vitality of the hair and scalp like collagen. It gives scalp and hair its stretch and elasticity.

Keratin: The abundant amino acid in keratin is cysteine. Cysteine helps to maintain the overall health and strength of the hair.

What do Amino Acids Do?

  • Maintain a normal digestive system
  • Process food in our stomach
  • Provide a source of energy
  • Build muscle, grow, and repair tissue
  • Maintain vibrant skin, hair, and nails
  • Create hormones and neurotransmitters
  • Enhance your immune system

Even though your body produces hundreds of amino acids, it needs twenty to function properly. These twenty are divided into eleven non-essential amino acids and nine essential amino acids. The nine essential amino acids can only be received from your nutrition since our body cannot make these aminos.

Non-Essential & Essential Amino Acids

The ideal sources of essential amino acids are animal proteins such as beef, poultry, dairy, and eggs since these proteins are easily absorbed and used by your body. Foods that contain all nine essential amino acids are called complete proteins. It is possible to consume essential amino acids from vegetarian sources like soy, quinoa, spirulina, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and buckwheat. Incomplete proteins are those that contain some of the essential amino acids. These would include nuts and nut butters, seeds, beans, and some grains. A person following a vegetarian or vegan diet would need to ensure they are consuming enough different types of food to get all the nine essential amino acids in their diet.

Ultimate Scalp and Hair Health

Now that we understand how important amino acids are to your diet, we will now consider them for our hair and scalp health. External amino acid use can aid in the overall health of your scalp and hair. Using a scalp exfoliant or scalp mask rich in amino acids can help remove dead skin from the scalp which can be blocking the hair follicles.  Stimulating scalp treatments with a medicated scalp mask with added amino acids are an excellent way to nourish the hair and scalp while stimulating blood flow to the follicles!

Hair Follicle Test

How do you know if your amino acids levels are in tune? Which amino acids need improvement in your diet? Our Epigenetic Hair Follicle test includes amino acid indicators in a 30 plus page report that is personalized for you. The new innovative test can be done In-Office or from the comfort of your own home with our At-Home test. In addition to the amino acid profile, our epigenetic test also reveals vitamin, mineral, antioxidants, fatty acids, and environmental stressors, arming you with the knowledge of changes that you can make to improve your overall scalp and hair health.

Click Below for sample report


Hair, Skin, Nails Report

couple recovered from hair loss

Q&A with an Expert in Hair Loss

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Q&A with an expert in hair loss

Anyone can experience hair thinning.  Left on our own, we often don’t know why hair loss starts.  Twenty-year hair loss specialist Kimberly Vaughn answers your personal questions on alopecia, or hair loss.  Kimberly is the managing director of HPIHair in Nashville and a compassionate hair coach certified as a World Trichologist Society trained professional.  She specializes in hair preservation, hair restoration, and hair replacement.

Kimberly Vaughn

Question: I am a 27-year-old woman who is in great health (at least I think).  Workouts are on my schedule three to four days a week.  I am a vegan and work hard at getting enough protein in my diet, drink plenty of water, and my hair is still falling out.  What is going on?

Answer: From your description above, the first three thoughts that come to mind are:
1) Has something major happened in your life within the past 9 months? COVID, break up, etc…
2) When was the last time that you had a physical with a wholistic blood work up?  This means, ALL hormones, thyroid tests, vitamins, and minerals. 
3) Do you have a genetic predisposition to hair loss? Parents, grandparents, aunts that have thinning hair?  Hair loss is a complicated topic with varying roads to travel in the quest for answers. The first step, and many times the hardest is determining the cause(s) of the hair loss.  As with any health concern, we need to understand the cause/effect scenario to determine treatment options.  Start looking for your answers, with factual evidence and get your blood work done.

Question:  I am in my early 30s and now wear hats every day.  What are my options to have hair again and can it look natural?

Answer: Hair loss is a challenging subject for men, no matter how old you are.  The photos you shared confidentially illustrate a significant hair loss on the top and crown of your head.  Treatment for advanced hair loss, such as you are experiencing, has limitations.  However, we now have many more options than ever before!  If you are considering a hair replacement to fully cover the scalp, Nashville offers many options for hair replacement studios.  Another options to consider is Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) treatments.  This is a tattoo-type procedure performed on the scalp to camouflage the bare skin, mimicking the look of a hair follicle.  SMP is performed in sessions and can offer as much camouflage as needed.  Either replacement or permanent camouflage are good options.  Do your homework though!  Ensure you have selected the best provider for your solution.

Question:  My hair has been thinning for a few years and continues to worsen.  My dermatologist has diagnosed my problem as androgenic alopecia.  Does this mean I will start losing more hair or will my hair become patchy and fall out in clumps?  After seeing several pictures online, I am more worried now than even before the diagnosis.

Answer: Take a few deep breaths, we will sort through the differences and you should feel better shortly.  Androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata are very different diagnoses and conditions.  The word “alopecia” simply means hair loss.  As you would imagine, the word androgenic refers to heredity and can be referred to as male-pattern hair loss or female-pattern hair loss.  Alopecia areata is an auto immune condition causing hair loss on the head, face, and other parts of the body.  It is very different than its stepsister androgenic alopecia.  Both hair loss conditions are extremely devastating and can affect your appearance in different ways, depending on your gender, age, and ethnicity. 

Alopecia areata treatment, if started at the onset of the diagnosis, can be very successful and reduce the likelihood of further episodes.  Look deeply into your diet and overall health and consider steroid injections or micro needling procedures.  We have seen strong, promising results with the above treatments.  With androgenic alopeicia, although very different in nature and pattern of hair loss, a holistic approach is the best place to begin as well.  Hormones, thyroid, genetics, diet, and overall health are also key drivers adding to the genetic predisposition.  Don’t blame your family!  Eighty million of us experience some form of hair loss during our lifetime and blaming our amazing family isn’t the way to go!

Researcher Scaled

MTHFR = 2 Parents + Defective Genes

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MTHFR=2 parents + Defective genes

What is MTHFR?

MTHFR is a gene in the body responsible for the manufacturing of the MTHFR enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme is necessary for methylation (an epigenetic signaling tool that cells use to lock genes in the “off” position), DNA repairs, and support of other key functions in the body. Methylation is essential to convert both folate and folic acid into an active form that can be readily used by the body. We know that folate and folic acid are important to maintaining hair health. Those with this mutation may be experiencing hair thinning or hair loss. Individuals with this mutation may also develop a folate deficiency as well.

“The benefit of recognizing MTHFR deficiency early is that you can start preventative therapy, including a high folate diet, very early in life and prevent or reduce the most severe effects,” says Fritz Roth, a professor of molecular genetics in the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and senior author on a new study into the genetic causes of the disorder.

Their findings are published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

There are likely thousands of variants circulating in the population whose effects on folate metabolism—and health—remain unknown. Knowing which variants impair enzyme function can help predict, and possibly prevent, the negative consequences associated with MTHFR deficiency.

Why is this important?

Methylation is essential to convert both folate and folic acid into an active form that can be readily used by the body. We know that folate and folic acid are important to maintaining hair health.

What Next?

Consider amino acid supplementation. Aminos are the building blocks of the proteins in our body and they also play a very critical role in our hair health. MTHFR is especially important for converting an amino acid called homocysteine into the amino acid methionine. Those sensitive to this mutation may also develop a higher homocysteine level, which has been linked to an increase in cardiac disease and stroke. Not a GENE you should be messing around with!

The following resources can help you learn more about this disorder: 

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/mthfr-gene-and-folic-acid.html

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/10953/mthfr-gene-variant

If you would like to get tested for the MTHFR gene mutation and are looking for answers to your hair loss questions contact us today at 615.662.8722 or complete our consultation form online.

Seasonal Hair Shedding Loss

Why Do I Lose More Hair in the Fall?

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why do i lose more hair in the fall?

Why do we see increased loss particular times of the year? 

Is your skin dryer in cooler months?

Is your scalp more sensitive in the fall and itchy in the spring and summer?

Seasonal hair loss is REAL.  Like seasonal allergies, our bodies (and hair follicles alike) are trying to fight off allergens created by temperatures, blooming tress, and more.

Increases in hair loss at particular times of the year is not an exact science, however it appears that women suffer from this condition much more than men. Without a direct link to temperature changes, research has identified that as environment changes occur, our bodies change. During more severe cold or warm temperature changes our skin can dry or become oily. 

Ah-ha……the hair is a cellular living structure during the anagen/growing phase just as our skin is always producing and shedding!  Just as our skin stresses each season, so will our hair.

What can you do?

Check with your hair loss specialist to determine the “actual” cause of the hair loss first.  If you are in a stage of reactive (telogen/anagen effluvium)  hair loss, take a deep breath, and seek a specialist to help with a short-term aggressive treatment plan to control the shedding and help your hair follicles rebound at a faster than normal rate.  This shedding phase is more aggressive than your normal rate of hair loss thus, you will benefit from an aggressive treatment plan. 

After determining the cause, treatment should be planned accordingly. Minoxidil and Finasteride are Food and Drug Administration- (FDA) approved medical treatments for genetic hair loss. However, consider more natural treatments such as customized IV Hair Health treatments, scalp injections, stimulating scalp treatments and micro needling procedures are also among treatment options. If you are suffering from nutritional deficiencies, treatment will comprise of supplements, and IV therapy.  If your hair loss is more complex and due to hormonal disorders such as PCOS or thyroid, you’ll likely be referred to an endocrinologist to fix the root cause and it may take longer to see results.

A diagram illustrating the stages of hair loss in Alopecia areata.

What Type of Hair Loss Do You Have?

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What type of Hair loss do you have?

Are you one of the 1 in 5 Americans who suffer from hair loss?  

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of reasons.  Though generally speaking there are 7 distinct types of hair loss Androgenic Alopecia

  • Male pattern hair loss
  • Female pattern hair loss

Telogen Effluvium

  • Aggressive hair loss of more than 300 hairs per day

Anagen Effluvium

  • Sudden hair loss with hair in the growing phase (chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments)

Alopecia Areata/Totalis/Universalis

  • Auto-immune condition

Cicatricial Alopecia

  • Scarring alopecia (a rare type of hair loss in which inflammation destroys hair follicles

Lichen Planopilaris

  • May cause a dry, flaky rash to appear on the skin (causes hair on the scalp to fall out in clumps)

Hair Shaft Abnormalities

  • Hair strands will shed, and weaken making them vulnerable to breaking

Though these are the types of hair loss, there may be underlying reasons that hair is falling out or not growing back. One contributing factor is a common condition called leaky gut.  Leaky gut occurs when the body is not able to absorb vitamins and minerals in food.  In addition, hair loss can occur when the body undergoes a physical trauma (such as surgery) or emotional trauma (such as stress or grief).  When a trauma is experienced, the body shuts down things it feels are not vital to survival, including hair follicles.  For those who have had bariatric surgery, 60 million lose hair due to the trauma on their bodies from the surgery.  Bariatric patients can benefit from IV therapy both prior to surgery and after, because they are no longer able to absorb the vitamins and minerals that they need.  Surprisingly, even people who have had hair transplants can be affected by hair loss due to the procedure.  With any and all of these circumstances, IV therapy for hair loss could be an option for people going through these things to help with vitamin and mineral absorption.  Since the reason for hair loss is so intricate, many sufferers can benefit from a more aggressive, natural treatment like IV therapy. HPIHair is the first in the southeast to offer these natural hair therapies. Customized IV hair loss therapy is the process of vitamins being put directly into your bloodstream, therefore bypassing the digestive tract.  The vitamins included in the cocktail include copper, selenium, amino acids, NAC,vitamin B’s and vitamin C. Hair loss infusion therapy may benefit you if you have experienced any of the following:

  • Dry, thin or brittle hair
  • Excessive shedding
  • A sore and tender scalp
  • Pre and post surgery
  • Pre and post hair transplant
  • Post COVID-19 diagnosis hair shedding

If you are interested in a natural solution for your hair loss or you would like to try an alternate solution, please contact HPIHair today.  

Foods for healthy hair

Powerful Foods that Prevent Seasonal Hair Loss

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Powerful foods that prevent seasonal hair loss

Is hair loss normal? 

Seasonal shedding, like seasonal allergies (or even skin problems), happens when a change in temperature stresses the scalp and follicles, causing strands to come out. Of course, there is more to it than that. Get the real scoop on seasonal hair loss from the industry’s best Trichologist, Kimberly Vaughn with HPIHair .

 

“Losing 80 – 100 hairs every day can be a reason to take notice if this continues on a regular basis” says Kimberly. You may notice an increase in shedding at various periods of the year, particularly in the late autumn months. Trichologists call it seasonal shedding. Kimberly notes that seasonal shedding is usually not a reason for worry if your hair and scalp have been cared for properly. If your health and hormones are also regulated, your hair should slow the aggressive seasonal shed in less than a month. With time, shedding should return to typical daily levels, and normal hair growth will resume.

 

When should you worry? 

These variables include excessive or consistent stress, medicines you may be taking, internal factors like hormones (menopause and pregnancy), thyroid function, and poor hair and scalp care. Your hair may heal and revert to its regular growth cycle in certain instances. In other instances, hair may start to weaken, grow thinner, or become dormant. Without a doubt, excessive hair loss is extremely distressing, and although it is generally transitory, it can cause a continuous cycle of hair loss if not properly identified and managed. Kimberly suggests undergoing a Single Hair Analysis (SHA) test to determine underlying reasons leading to the root of the hair loss problem.

 

Hair Loss Diet, anyone? 

We all know that nutrition plays an important role in the health of our hair. We interviewed Nataliia Sanzo, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and Nashville Thyroid Expert®️ to learn about the top foods that stop and prevent seasonal shedding and may promote a fuller head of hair. 

 

“When it comes to preventing and treating hair loss, the first thing we need to address is nutritional deficiencies,” says Nataliia. Eating the right foods can lead to a fuller, healthier head of hair. 

 

Nataliia summarized the variety of nutrients that promote hair growth:

 

Let’s look at the best types of food for hair loss.

Foods to promote healthy hair

Almonds and almond butter

Almond butter includes a range of elements that have been related to hair health, including protein, healthy fats, and certain vitamins. Researchers claim that the vitamin E concentration in nuts is especially beneficial for keeping your hair strong and glossy.

 

Salmon

Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which offer a wide range of health advantages. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. If you have inflammation that is causing hair loss, this nutrient may help stop seasonal hair loss. Walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds are all excellent sources of omega-3s.

 

Spinach

Spinach is rich in nutrients and minerals that are good for both your hair and your general health. It’s essential to make sure you don’t have a deficiency in anything in your diet that may be causing hair loss. To make sure you don’t have any deficiencies, I like to run a variety of tests to check protein levels, iron, iron storage, vitamin D, amongst others. Spinach, in addition to being rich in iron and magnesium, may aid in the production of sebum in your hair.

 

Eggs

Eggs are high in protein and important minerals, including choline and vitamins A, D, and B12, all of which are beneficial to hair health. Lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids present in eggs, also have a role in cellular health, particularly in the eyes, skin, and hair. Eggs also include ten micrograms of biotin, a B vitamin that may aid hair growth and strengthen nails. “Almonds, avocados, and salmon are other excellent sources of biotin,” Nataliia adds. 

 

Oatmeal

Oats are high in zinc, fiber, iron, omega-3, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), all of which help to promote hair development and thickening.

Nataliia suggests topping oatmeal with some chia seeds to make your daily cup of oats even more hair-boosting. This nutritional powerhouse is a complete protein, with 20% more protein than soybeans, and may aid in the growth of long, luscious hair.

 

Lentils

Lentils are high in folic acid, which aids in the formation of red blood cells in the body. Your organs, including your skin and scalp, get oxygen from red blood cells, thus maintaining their health and vitality. 

 

Oysters

Nataliia notes that it is possible that you’re not receiving enough zinc in your diet if your hair is thinning or falling out entirely. Fortunately, research shows that hair loss caused by zinc deficiency may be restored simply by increasing zinc intake.

 

 Blueberries

According to a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, oxidative stress has been related to hair loss and unhealthy scalps. Therefore, it’s essential to include antioxidants in your diet to keep your scalp and hair happy. Blueberries, in particular, are high in antioxidants such as vitamin B and proanthocyanins.

 

Barley

Barley, like almond butter, is high in vitamin E. It may aid in hair development; therefore, consuming foods rich in this vitamin is always a wise choice if you’re seeking to supplement your diet with additional foods for hair growth.

 

Halibut

Halibut has a lot of magnesium, which helps the body keep its insulin levels in check. Diabetes has also been related to hair loss, so keeping your insulin levels under control is critical for a variety of reasons. 

 

Shiitake mushrooms

Copper is required for the strength of keratin fibers. According to multiple researches, the trace elements may also help hair retain its original color and prevent graying. A cup of cooked shiitake mushrooms has 1,287 micrograms of the mineral, which is 143 percent of your daily recommended value. Copper is also abundant in seaweed and sesame seeds.

food for healthy hair

Finally, Nataliia emphasized the importance of the consumption of high-protein foods, which aid in the growth of healthy, strong hair. Hair follicles are the tube-shaped passageways in the scalp and skin where hair develops and grows. A large portion of their structure is comprised of protein, which is also an important component in the development of healthy hair cells. In order to increase your body’s protein levels, try including more eggs or fish in your diet.

 Nataliia Sanzo is a Registered Dietitian, Nashville Thyroid Expert®️, and Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Nataliia has been helping people since 2015 address their thyroid disorders, gut and liver health, food sensitivities, and intolerances. She will help you to understand the value of lifestyle interventions and functional medicine in restoring health.

HPIHair is excited to welcome Nataliia as our Staff Dietitian . 

Written by Nataliia Sanzo, RDN

Women with Alopecia Totalis

What is Alopecia Totalis?

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What is alopecia totalis?

As we discussed in our prior blog, “What is Alopecia Areata?”, September is Alopecia Awareness Month. Alopecia is a Latin term meaning “hair loss”, however there are four main types of alopecia: Androgenic Alopecia (AGA), Alopecia Areata (AA), Alopecia Totalis (AT), and Alopecia Universalis (AU). This month HPIHair will dive into the differences between these four types of alopecia.

Third on our list to discuss is Alopecia Totalis (AT). AT is a condition that causes complete loss of hair from the neck up. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but research shows it is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Roughly 20% of those affected by AT have a family member with alopecia  suggesting that genes could play a role in this condition.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Alopecia Totalis, but with newer studies it is possible it can revert itself. At HPIHair we provide different cosmetic options such as hair replacement, scalp micropigmentation and microblading for eyebrows for those who prefer to camouflage their scalp and facial hair loss.

Two People Drinking Wine

The Benefits of Drinking Wine

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the benefits of drinking wine

As we all know there are health benefits of drinking wine. Immunity support, stress reduction, and digestive health can all be supported by ingredients we consume from the wine we drink.

Antioxidant Rich

Years of research proves dark grapes contain higher concentrations of antioxidants like resveratrol, epicatechin, catechin and proanthocyanins.  Antioxidants protect cells from free-radical damage, consuming antioxidants stimulates collagen synthesis to promote the health of your hair, skin and nails.

Anti-Stressor 

Scientific studies show those who drink red wines are less likely to become depressed and stressed than those who do not. As we ALL know stress can take a tole on our bodies in many ways; i.e. brittle nails, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain and more. 

Healthy Gut Supporting

Wine contains anti-bacterial components which can help aid in stomach irritations and digestive concerns. Wine also helps reduce infections and illness caused by foods we ingest. When our bodies struggle to digest foods we eat, the body ends up using energy that should be delivered to other areas of the body, taking away from the over all health of those areas. Our hair, skin and nails are the first areas the energy is taken from. 

Volumizing Treatment Smiling Woman

What is Alopecia Areata?

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What is alopecia areata?

As we discussed in our prior blog, “What is Androgenic Alopecia?”, September is Alopecia Awareness Month. Alopecia is a Latin term meaning “hair loss”, however there are four main types of alopecia: Androgenic Alopecia (AGA), Alopecia Areata (AA), Alopecia Totalis (AT), and Alopecia Universalis (AU). This month HPIHair will dive into the differences between these four types of alopecia.

Second on our list to discuss is Alopecia Areata (AA). Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes unpredictable hair loss. It is the most common form of medical alopecia.  6.8 million people in the USA and 147 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with AA according to NAAF, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. For most people who deal with AA, their hair falls out in patches of various sizes. Alopecia Areata can affect anyone, at any age. AA typically presents itself before the age of 30. AA is not limited to just the scalp; it can be seen anywhere hair forms on the body. It can sometimes form into more aggressive types of alopecia conditions, which we will discuss in our next two blogs. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a polygenic disease , meaning both parents contribute specific genes that are passed down to their child, which is very rare. Therefore, scientists believe more than just genetics play a role in causing AA and that other environmental and health factors contribute to developing this condition.

Resources and help for those dealing with AA:

NAAF was established in 1981 to offer support to individuals affected by alopecia areata. They advocate for change and fund research to find treatments or cures for all ages. NAAF provides a network of support for those dealing with AA and their families.

Epigenetic holistic testing can also be a point of entry to understanding how your health, environment, and stressors can effect AA.

Hair Loss Progression Edited

What is Androgenic Alopecia?

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what is androgenic alopecia?

Alopecia is a Latin term meaning “hair loss”, however there are four main types of alopecia: Androgenic Alopecia (AGA), Alopecia Areata (AA), Alopecia Totalis (AT), and Alopecia Universalis (AU). This month HPIHair will dive into the differences between these four types of alopecia.

The first on our list to discuss is Androgenic Alopecia, abbreviated AGA. So, what is AGA?

Andro – hormone androgen, which aids in hair growth

Genic – “genetic” meaning genes

Androgenic alopecia can affect both men and women. It is a genetic form of alopecia, also know as male pattern or female pattern baldness.

Males:

Men can begin noticing signs of AGA in their early 20s. For most males AGA presents itself as a receding hairline and/or gradual thinning of the top of the head and crown areas.

FEMALES:

Women may notice signs of AGA as early as a postpubescent age. Women and girls who develop this condition notice significant hair thinning over their entire scalp (diffused), with the majority of loss occurring in the temporal areas and the top of the head.

Options for Treatment:

Every medical condition affects each person in different ways. Hair loss is no different and may be the only symptom or one of many. If you are experiencing hair loss, genetics may indeed play a role. However, genetics are not typically the singular factor contributing to hair loss. Often there are multiple variables playing a role in hair loss and understanding the cause can be the difference between losing more hair or stopping the loss. At HPIHair every client is helped individually with a comprehensive set of options designed to fit his or her individual needs.

https://youtu.be/0QtSAaoFnPU

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