Tag Archive for: Alopecia

Woman Receiving Hair Scan

Choosing the Right Hair Restoration Clinic

by

Choosing the right hair restoration clinic

A Hair Restoration Clinic Should Have a Certified Trichologist

What is a Trichologist and why are they important for a hair restoration clinic? A trichologist is a specialist in trichology, which comes from the Greek word Trikhos, meaning hair. Trichology is the para-medical science of the hair and the scalp, cosmetic chemistry, and life sciences. It encompasses the science of the structure, function and diseases of the human hair and scalp as well the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases and disorders (Dr. David H. Kingsley, PhD, WTS). An experienced Certified Trichologist can advise and offer men and women who are having hair/scalp-related problems, hair loss or scalp conditions. They help people with concerns of hair loss, breakage, oily scalp, and scalp psoriasis. HPI’s trichologists and specialty team can also aid in problems related to all forms of alopecia and trichotillomania (the hair-pulling disorder).  A Trichologist examines the hair and scalp to recommend treatment(s) specifically for the severity of hair/scalp concerns.

A Trichologist cannot prescribe medications or make a diagnosis, so they work along side a Doctor or Practitioner. However, the Trichologist offers a different insight to hair conditions that a M.D. or Practitioner may not be as familiar with, to help design the right treatment protocol and prescriptions, if need be. HPI is a well-known hair restoration clinic in Nashville, that has an MD, Nurse Practitioner, RN, Trichologist and Aesthetician all working together to provide the BEST solutions to ALL our clients.

  • Dr. Jack Monaco
  • Kimberly Vaughn, Trichologist
  • Reena Bhatka, Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Treatments for Hair Restoration

First thing is first, make sure you are not being pushed just to have surgery. Hair Transplant surgery can be a great option, but it is not for everyone. Surgery should really be a last resort, there are so many avenues to hair restoration before surgery. The right clinic will have a variety of treatments to offer you, based on your specific concerns. The top priority should be accessing the true cause of hair loss and developing a plan from there. May sure you and your provider explore all options and that you are educated on those options, you will not be sorry in the end!

  • Start with blood work or an epigenetics report, these tests will tell your provider what is going on internally that can potentially be causing the thinning or loss.
    • Based on the results from the above tests, you may just need a diet change, topicals or supplements to regenerate the hair
  • If the provider feels you need treatment, make sure they discuss ALL options with you and how those options work. Most treatment plans are going to be a multi-therapeutic approach to achieve the best results.

Treatments, outside of surgery, that should be considered:

Confidence Restored Graphic

Low-Level Laser Therapy Works!

by

Low-level laser therapy works!

Hair loss can be devastating for both men and women, it can impact their confidence and social skills. AGA – Androgenic Alopecia is the most common type of hair loss disorder across both sexes. Large percentages of 50-75% of men and women are affected by AGA as they age, 40 and over[1–3]. However, there is hope for those dealing with hair loss!

Ray s Laser

How Does Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Work?

LLLT is an approved treatment by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), known to help increase blood circulation to the hair follicles [6]. Laser therapy has demonstrated proliferative effects in a variety of tissues and cell types, including hair follicles [7]. LLLT induces proliferation, migration, oxygenation, anti-inflammation, adhesion and transition of hair follicles from telogen (non-growing) to anagen (growing). All studies including LLLT found significantly more dense hair following treatment protocols. SUCRA (surface under the cumulative ranking) scores proved Low-Level Laser Therapy to be one of the most effective hair growth treatments, followed by scalp injections, finasteride and minoxidil [7–8].

Low-Level Laser Therapy is increasing hair density and promoting growth in both men and women, protocols are assigned by their providers. Higher quality laser devices are available in professional offices and there are also at-home devices readily available to the consumer. We suggest you still see a provider to determine the best treatment laser & treatment protocol for your individual hair loss needs.

Shop Our At Home Laser Devices- CLICK Here!

  • Grows new, healthy hair
  • Doubles the follicle size of existing hair
  • Slows down and stops hair loss
  • Hands-free operation allows the user to carry out other tasks during treatment
  • Suggested at home use is 30 minutes every other day

References

  1. Rousso DE, Kim SW (2014) A review of medical and surgical treatment options for androgenetic alopecia. JAMA Facial Plast Surg 16(6):444–450. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamafacial.2014.316
  2. Delaney SW, Zhang P (2018) Systematic review of low-level laser therapy for adult androgenic alopecia. J Cosmet Laser Ther 20(4): 229–236. https://doi.org/10.1080/14764172.2017.1400170
  3. Afifi L, Maranda EL, Zarei M, Delcanto GM, Falto-Aizpurua L, Kluijfhout WP, Jimenez JJ (2017) Low-level laser therapy as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Lasers Surg Med 49(1):27–39. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22512
  4. Kalia S, Lui H (2013) Utilizing electromagnetic radiation for hair growth: a critical review of phototrichogenesis. Dermatol Clin 31(1):193–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2012.08.018
  5. Gupta AK, Foley KA (2017) A critical assessment of the evidence for low-level laser therapy in the treatment of hair loss. Dermatol Surg 43(2):188–197. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000000904
  6. Nct (2017) BiRestore^ Light Therapy Apparatus. https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/nct03331003. Accessed Oct 2018
  7. Gupta AK, Mays RR, Dotzert MS, Versteeg SG, Shear NH, Piguet V (2018) Efficacy of non-surgical treatments for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15081
  8. Adil A, Godwin M (2017) The effectiveness of treatments for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol 77(1):136–141.e135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2017.02.054
  9. de Freitas LF, Hamblin MR (2016) Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE J Sel Top Quantum Electron 22(3). https://doi.org/10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2561201
Permanent Make Up & Scalp Micropigmentation

Permanent Make Up & Scalp Micropigmentation

by

Permanent makeup & scalp micropigmentation

“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!” – Brena

We offer professional permanent makeup and scalp micropigmentation services for anyone. We specialize in these techniques for those who are suffering from hair loss; chemotherapy, alopecia areata, totalis, univresalis, and genetics.  Men and women alike experience this challenge and we can help!

Scalp Micropigmentation-Female Hairline

Scalp Micropigmentation has been a popular go-to for men to create a more full looking buzz cut or fresh edge for some time now, but techniques have come a long way since then. Thu uses small “follicle” tattoos to recreate and lower thinning hairlines for women. This technique also adds depth back to the hairline, showing less exposed skin when the hair is pulled back. She has also seen great results with scalp micropigmentation to hide scars on the head where hair stopped growing after injury.

Microblading is our most popular form of permanent makeup. Microblading creates individual hair strokes to restore thinning eyebrows with a natural look. Thu’s brows are perfectly measured and designed to your liking.

Microbladed Eyebrows – Female

We Offer:

– Brow Shading/Microblading
– Top & Bottom Eye Liner
– Lip Liner
– Full Lip Color
– Ombre Lip Color
– Scalp Micropigmentation

Click Here To See Thu’s Portfolio Here!

Hair Loss Clinical Studies & Trials

by

hair loss clinical studies & trials

Alopecia affects millions of people around the world and does not discriminate against age, gender, and ethnicity. Androgenic alopecia, male or female patterned baldness, is one of the most common types of alopecia; however, alopecia areata, totalis, and universalis also affect a large part of the population. Because so many people worldwide are affected, there are continuous on-going studies to find new ways to treat the various types of alopecia.

Here are two promising clinical trials to keep your eye on:

In the Alopecia Universalis (AU) and Alopecia Totalis (AT) study sponsored by Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. is assessing the safety, patient tolerance, and pharmacological properties of a new topical solution for patients diagnosed with alopecia universalis or alopecia totalis. In this randomized, double-blind trial, subjects are to apply a topical solution or a placebo to their scalp twice-daily for a total of 28 days. After 28 days, hair growth will be evaluated in addition to medication concentration found in the blood and skin. This study is currently in phase 2 of its clinical trial.

The Intrepid Therapeutics, Inc. study Comparator Solution and Vehicle Solution in Males With Androgenetic Alopecia the clinical trial enrolled 95 male participants with mild to moderate androgenic alopecia in the temporal and frontal hair region to evaluate the effectiveness of a new topical solution. In this randomized, double-blind trial, subjects will be evaluated for efficiency and safety of a new topical solution to be applied twice daily for a total of 26 weeks.

Early results seem promising and demonstrate slightly more effectiveness than minoxidil. And because the medication mechanism is different, it is possible this new solution may be used in conjunction with minoxidil. Updated results of this phase 2 trail will be available June/July of 2018.

There is also a new, investigative clinical trial in the Nashville area focused on an oral treatment for alopecia. Learn about that trial in this post. Act fast as the trial is only available for a small group.

Contact us today at 615.662.8722 for the latest hair loss solutions.

Understand your strands AlopeciaDX

Understand Your Strands: Mineral Deficiencies

by

understand your strands: mineral deficiencies

When people experience hair thinning or loss they often do not know the cause as to why. Genetics, diet, stress, environment, medical issues, and deficiencies all play a role in hair health. It is important to have an understanding of minerals in regards to your hair health.

Essential minerals, vitamins, and amino acids are all required for cells to properly function in the body. A lack of these key minerals disrupts the hair growth cycle leading to hair loss. Without proper mineral levels, your hair is starved for the nutrients it needs; thus, disrupting the growth cycle and shedding. A mineral imbalance is one of the most common causes of hair loss and they often go undetected.

Some of the most important minerals for hair health include: copper, iron, selenium, and zinc. These key minerals help strengthen hair follicles at a cellular level and enhance blood flow to the hair follicle. They also can help inhibit the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a large role in hair loss. It is important to note that not only can a mineral deficiency cause hair loss, but so can an excessive amount of one mineral. Too much of a good thing can be detrimental to your hair as well.

Are you curious to know what your mineral levels are? Schedule your AlopeciaDX blood test today by calling 615.662.8722 or complete our consultation form online. Want to learn more about yourself and get a customized treatment plan? Discover the AlopeciaDX blood test available from HPIHair.

Understand your strands AlopeciaDX

Understand Your Strands: Vitamin Deficiencies

by

understanding your strands: vitamin deficiencies

Those suffering from thinning hair or loss may have a difficult time figuring out the cause. Many people have no answers as to why their hair is thinning. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get to the root cause of your hair loss?

Many times they are told it is simply genetic. While this may be a contributing factor, there can also be underlying causes, like vitamin deficiencies, that may be the reason for your hair loss. Often times, these specific vitamin deficiencies can be corrected to stop hair shedding. Here at HPIHair, we are now offering our AlopeciaDX blood test to target specific causes for your hair loss.

Certain vitamin deficiencies are quite common in today’s population. The American diet and lack of daily sunlight can take a toll on our overall health and vitamin levels. Specific vitamin deficiencies have been linked to weakened hair strands and hair loss.

Vitamins are needed within the cell process to grow new hair. If hair shedding is occurring and your vitamin levels are low, new hair growth is hindered. If the cells are deficient in vitamins they use an alternative source, which is often testosterone. Testosterone is converted to dihydrotesterone (DHT), which we know plays a vital role in hair loss. Without optimal vitamin levels, your hair will shed and growth will be inhibited.

Here at HPIHair, we are now offering our AlopeciaDX blood test to diagnose and help determine the specific causes for your hair loss.

Schedule your AlopeciaDX blood test and consultation today by calling 615.662.8722.

Understanding Your Strands

Alopecia DX Blood Test

by

Alopecia dx blood test

Underlying medical Conditions

Experiencing hair loss can be a hard thing to deal with, but understanding the cause can be even harder. Many people have no answers as to why their hair is thinning. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get to the root cause of your hair loss?

Here at HPIHair, we are now offering our Alopecia DX blood test to target specific causes for your hair loss.

Underlying medical conditions can play a major role in hair loss. Often times, these medical conditions can go months or years without being identified. While there are many medical reasons that cause hair loss, the most common are anemia, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases. These specific medical conditions can be recognized through a simple blood draw.

Blood Test

Every medical condition affects each person in different ways. Because of this, hair loss may be the only symptom or one of many. That is why diagnosing may be so difficult. If hair loss is the sole complaint, the person is often times led to believe it is simply genetics. Genetics may indeed play a role, but genetics are not the singular factor in determining hair loss. Often times there are multiple variables playing a role in hair loss, and understanding the cause can be the difference between losing more hair or stopping it.

Schedule your Alopecia DX blood test today by calling 615.662.8722 or complete our consultation form online. Read more about the Alopecia DX blood test available from HPIHair Partners.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

by

hair today, gone tomorrow part 2

Dealing with Hair Loss, Part 2

Social Acceptance

Socially, there are a lot of people who are teased or have been teased for hair loss.  As presented in the first post of this two-part hair loss series, stress can add to hair loss as well as lead to additional personal struggles–social ridicule makes the struggles with hair loss even harder.

People are often uneducated or naïve to the medical or genetic conditions that can cause hair loss. Studies show that 60% of men are teased for balding at some point in their lives. Hair loss often causes people to limit their social activities, causing them to stay indoors, and often retract themselves from others or the public in general. Surveys have also shown that around 40% of women with alopecia have had marital problems, and around 63% claimed to have career related problems, such as, limited opportunities for promotions or advancement.

Although all of this may come across as very discouraging news, the GOOD news is that we have great options at HPIHair in Nashville for those battling hair loss! Many people will often try in-home remedies such as, oils, hair masks, or over-the-counter vitamins to begin. Although we are certainly not opposed to this idea, most hair loss sufferers will need to seek professional screening and/or blood testing for a proper diagnosis before being able to know how or where to begin treating. We recommend starting with your local physician or dermatologist.

Available Solutions

We offer non-surgical solutions for men, women, children, adults, and seniors! These solutions include Low-Level Laser Therapy, DHT fighting products, scalp injections, growth factors, and customized enhancements! All of which have the capability of helping you look and feel like yourself again! Our focus is making every person feel the very best about themselves and we look forward to sending our clients out of our doors with restored confidence and with a renewed outlook on the day and life.

“And suddenly you just know…it’s time to start something new & trust the magic of beginnings.” -Meister Eckhart

Call us today to explore your options, 615.662.8722. 

HPIHair Testimonials: Woman & Men tell their stories

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow!

by

hair today, gone tomorrow!

Dealing with Hair Loss

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you woke up one day and didn’t have your hair anymore? This is an unfortunate realization and struggle so many people face on a daily basis. Often, it’s not an overnight issue; however, that doesn’t make it any less traumatic. Sometimes people battle hair loss as early as infancy into latter adulthood.

According to The Hair Society, approximately 35 million men and 21 million women suffer from hair loss. Typically beginning at age 35, men have a 40% loss rate which increases to a 70% loss rate at age 80. However, women age 60 who experience hair loss will be in the 80% range.  Much of the world-wide population will lose more hair than they ever dreamed and they will need professional services to help them restore their hair.

Stress and Hair LossCould you imagine how that would make you feel? How would it affect your psychological behaviors, social life, relationships, self-confidence, or even your career path due to your physical appearance? It can really take a toll on people mentally & emotionally! It often causes people to stress, which may initially, or later, lead to impulsive behaviors to find the right “quick fix.” Here at HPIHair, we often consult with those about some of their very deep insecurities that they may have lived with for many years. Furthermore, we see many people who are affected by anxiety brought on by their hair loss. The fear of people knowing or noticing, just people looking in the general vicinity of the head will often make people extremely self-conscious. Depression is another well-known side-effect of hair loss.

According to EMedExpert, the discovery of hair loss is a stressful experience for both sexes, but substantially more distressing for women. Throughout the course of history attitudes towards baldness have been overwhelmingly negative. Living with alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis, trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), or genetic hair thinning can be difficult in a culture that views hair as a sign of youth, beauty, and good health.

“Whether you are bald by [medical diagnosis, uncontrolled behaviors, genetics], or by choice, you are FABULOUS! It is the quality of the heart and soul that makes you, YOU! and that is a beautiful and special person.” – Bald & Fabulous

Call us today to explore your options, 615.662.8722.

Learn More About Hair Loss and HPIHair Solutions

A female doctor holding a heart with a stethoscope while discussing seasonal hair loss.

Breast Cancer diagnosis on the rise!

by

breast cancer diagnosis on the rise!

It seems that every time we turn around these days, we’re hearing of someone new being diagnosed with breast cancer. Whether a family member, close friend, co-worker, or celebrity, the numbers have been on the rise and seem to show no indication of slowing down.
Take a moment to wrap your head around these statistics…

  • About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
  • In 2017, an estimated 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 63,410 new cases of non–invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
  • About 2,470 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2017. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000.

Although we can see that the numbers are on the rise, there are a couple of things we can do to be proactive:
Get your Screenings! Plain and simple, folks (men are included in this)
This is not only dangerous, but a clear indication that either one feels that they can escape the reach of cancer or they don’t fully realize the power cancer can have on one’s life. It is vital that every woman (and man) get yearly screenings, making sure to do self-checks on a monthly basis.
Lifestyle: While there’s been an influx in those adopting healthy habits (diet, exercise, holistic health approaches, etc.), there still remains to be a rather large indication that one’s lifestyle can lead to a cancer diagnosis. This is particular true of those that participate in smoking, excessive alcohol usage and recreational drug use. Predisposition to cancer due to your lineage is unavoidable, but the manner in which you live your life can easily change the trajectory of your future health.
Age: Life expectancy is expanding, and while that’s generally a positive thing, it also brings about an increase in chances of being diagnosed with cancer, for women this generally means breast cancer.
Environmental Factors: Stress, exhaustion, and unhealthy relationships—all these and much more make for unwelcome components in one’s direct surroundings. 
The battle against cancer will eventually be won, while we don’t know when that is and may never see the day, it’s still a cause worthy of our time, efforts and support.
“Having courage does not mean that we are unafraid. Having courage and showing courage mean we face our fears. We are able to say, ‘I have fallen, but I will get up!’”- Maya Angelou