There are many reasons why you may be experiencing hair loss and/or thinning. Causes for hair loss in both men and women include genetics, diet, stress, environment, medication side effects, autoimmune diagnosis, underlying medical concerns, and the influence of hormones, notably DHT on hair loss.

Our evidence-based approach begins with answering the question ‘WHY’ and from there crafting an individualized treatment plan for each client.

We accomplish this by a combination of magnified scalp imaging (Trico scope) and a customized blood panel testing for specific vitamins, minerals, and hormones that affect hair growth and contribute to hair loss/shedding.

Through our AlopeciaDX blood test, we’ve found an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the most common culprit behind male hair loss and is responsible for 25% of thinning in women.

For this reason, our combination therapy approach often includes DHT blocking shampoos & supplements.

What is DHT and how does it relate to hair loss and hair thinning?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen (sex hormone) and a byproduct of testosterone that gives males their sex characteristics such as a deeper voice, body hair, sex drive, and muscle mass. Overproduction of this hormone can cause hair thinning and eventually, male or female pattern hair loss. Testosterone is also produced by women but because women produce estrogen it helps prevent testosterone from converting into DHT.

How does DHT work?

DHT is converted into testosterone with the help of alpha 5-reductase enzymes. If there is a large amount of DHT it can attach to the receptors on hair follicles in your scalp and cause them to decrease in size and cause hair thinning. If there is a genetic link to hair loss DHT can cause hair loss at a much faster rate in both men and women.

How do high or low levels affect the human body?

High levels of DHT can lead to certain health conditions and cause problems in sexual development during puberty.

Low levels of DHT can delay puberty for both men and women and may lead to delayed sexual organ development, changes in body fat, and can affect the prostate gland.

How does DHT contribute to hair loss?

An abnormal amount of DHT can cause hair follicles to shrink at a faster rate, causing them to look thinner and eventually causing hair to fall out. If you have a history of genetic thinning, DHT can accelerate the rate of hair loss.

DHT and Women?

Women may have an excess amount of androgens during menopause or close to menopause because their bodies stop producing estrogen and progesterone. This, in turn, causes a higher percentage of sex hormones such as DHT in the body and typically leads to hair thinning.

DHT and Men?

Male pattern baldness affects 50 percent of all men in the US, the presence of DHT affects the hair follicles on the scalp leading to accelerated hair thinning and loss.

What can I do to reduce DHT?

There are various oral and topical medications that can help target DHT, they can either block or inhibit the rate of production. Popular medications prescribed by most health care providers that are specific for hair loss include:

Finasteride: also known as Propecia. Finasteride blocks the metabolism of testosterone which is how it can help prevent hair loss and is also used to decrease prostate enlargement; one unpleasant side effect is also a decreased sexual function. A study done at Harvard reported a rare decrease in irreversible sexual function, effecting 4%-6% of men.

Minoxidil: better known as Rogaine. There is a foam-based and solution-based formulation that is used for hair growth in the treatment of male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness and thinning. It is not used for baldness at the front of the scalp or receding hairline in men. HPI uses a topical solution with Minoxidil called Re-stim, which has more natural carrier agents such as aloe vera, rather than large amounts of alcohol which can dry out and irritate the scalp.

Dutasteride: Mostly used to treat enlarged prostate, Dutasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body which is why it is used for treating hair loss. There are side effects that are rare but should be considered, such as impotence, decreased sex drive, breast tenderness, and testicular swelling to consider when taking this medication.

There are many other side effects from medications alone or in combination with others, so it is important to speak to your health care provider prior to taking any prescription medication.

We now offer professional permanent makeup services for anyone suffering from hair loss, Hashimoto and thyroid disease, chemotherapy, alopecia areata, totalis, universalis, and genetics.  Men and women alike experience this challenge and now we can help!

Enhance and perfect your brows and lashes!

Our microblading expert Julie is an artist! From the first visit she offers the client a sketch of how their eyebrows will appear and shares her color palette to allow the clients to help select the appropriate eyebrow color. The results are stunning!

Brena, an HPI Microblading client, was very concerned about her eyebrows appearing too dark or unnatural.  Here is what she had to say…

“I couldn’t be happier with the process.  Julie is a true artist and professional. Her technique, color blending and attention to the small details of my eyebrows couldn’t be more spot on!”

Ready to Refresh and Renew your Eyebrows?

Contact us today!

We are pleased to announce the addition of Reena Bhakta as family nurse practitioner, and Adrienne Taylor as office administrator to the team at HPIHair.

Bhakta brings unique knowledge from her previous job as a registered nurse in Nashville General Hospital’s Emergency Room. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and went on to receive her master’s in nursing from Tennessee State University. Board-certified with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and Tennessee State Board of Nursing, Bhakta is most passionate about providing care to her clients while helping them gain a more positive outlook on their health, wellness, and spirituality.

“We are thrilled that Reena has joined our HPI team,” said Kimberly Vaughn, founder and managing director of HPIHair. “She is incredibly skilled in caring for patients battling chronic disease and has a real dedication to health and wellness. Among many talents, Reena thinks strategically, reacts quickly and remains calm in critical situations, which are all important attributes in our patient-focused industry.”

Also joining the HPIHair team is Adrienne Taylor. Hired as the office administrator, Taylor is originallyfrom Terry, Mississippi, but has been part of the Nashville community for close to 15 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Ohio State University and her master’s degree in horticulture from Mississippi State University. When she is not at the office, Terry enjoys gardening, cooking and spending time with her family.

“Adrienne’s welcoming nature brings a smile to everyone who walks into our office,” added Vaughn. “She is a positive light on the HPI team who possesses key qualities like flexibility, patience, and a strong work ethic. Above all, she is a team player who helps restore confidence in our amazing clients.”

Many of our clients experiencing hair thinning and hair loss are left with a lot of unanswered questions. Here at HPIHair, we want to help our clients get to the root cause of their hair loss. Our AlopeciaDX blood testing is customized to your needs.  Alopecia Areata, Androgenetic Alopecia, Stress, Thyroid, etc…are just a few conditions causing early-stage thinning to aggressive hair loss!  Our customized blood test (hair loss labs) especially looking for underlying medical issues, along with high DHT, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

What are your underlying health concerns? Are they causing your hair loss? More specifically we are looking for:

• Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)– Men are the most likely candidate to experience this commonly caused hair loss culprit.  However, women can also experience this type of hair loss. 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States experience this form of hair loss.
• Iron Deficiencies– Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin. Low hemoglobin results in a reduction of oxygen, which healthy hair requires. When iron levels are low oxygen cannot be transferred for healthy hair.
• Thyroid Dysfunction– Disruption of the thyroid causes the hair growth cycle to remain in the resting phase, causing hair loss.
• Vitamin Deficiencies– Vitamins stimulate new growth in hair follicles. Without optimal levels, growth can be stunted.
• Mineral Deficiencies– Lack of certain minerals inhibits the hair’s ability to grow at a cellular level and affects the hair growth cycles. Certain minerals also help to strengthen the hair follicle.
• Gene Mutation– Certain gene mutations may play a vital role in the hair cycle of both growth and strength.
• Amino Acids– Amino acids are essential for healthy hair. These are especially important for the growth cycle and strength of hair.

Often times, there are multiple variables playing a role in hair loss.  Understanding the cause can be the difference between losing more hair or stopping it.

With the AlopeciaDX blood testing, we have the technology, skill, and knowledge to help accurately diagnose factors leading to your hair thinning, shedding, and loss.