Michigan Skin and Hair Clinic 248-723-6398

For everything there is a time, a time to grow and a time to fall. Hair is not an exception,
it is also a living cell that is born and should die sometime. This stage of growing old
and dying is what we call as normal hair shedding. Hair shedding is a normal process
that happens with everybody. It becomes a worry only when it reaches beyond a
particular limit.

NORMAL HAIR SHEDDING: Though we don’t count how many hair we lose every day, a hair loss of 100 strands is considered normal and up to 200 is acceptable. Hair grows and sheds in a cycle. There is a growing phase followed by resting and shedding (and re-growing) phases. This is a yearly cycle. New hair grows in the same follicle from which the old hair is lost. It grows half an inch every month.

During the phase of normal shedding, the bulb of the hair shaft weakens and reaches the scalp surface. Now the hair is ready to be detached from its follicle with very little stress and strain. They are removed while combing, shampooing, drying or just with any kind of handling. The number of hair shed is replaced with the same number of new hair. This is what happens in normal hair shedding process and it takes place at regular intervals. 90% of hair is in growing phase (anagen) for 2 to 6 years and the remaining 10% of hair is in resting phase (catagen) for 2 to 3 months followed by shedding phase (telogen).

Normal hair shedding does not need any treatment. It is a good sign that you are losing dead hair to gain a new healthy hair. Diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates are enough to keep the cycle going. Trimming the split ends will give the hair a healthy look. If your hair is continuously shedding for more than 2 months, it is better to consult a physician.

Hair Growth Cycles
Hair is constantly going through cycles of growth, resting, shedding.  When hair is not replaced, or when more hair follicles go into the resting phase, hair loss is noticeable.

1) Aging
The period for hair loss is between the 20 and 50 years of age.  Some individuals
advance stages of hair loss sooner than others although it tends to increase as people advance in age.

2) Cosmetic Chemicals
This can be an unrecognized cause of hair loss, especially bleaching, permanent coloring products.

3) Drugs/Medications/Radiation
This cause of hair loss can include anticoagulants, antidepressants, contraceptives, amphetamines, some arthritis medications, and some antibiotics, just to name a few.
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy halt the growth follicles which results in a sudden hair loss as those follicles all shed their hair at the same time.

4) Heredity
Androgenetic alopecia is the term used to describe a genetic predisposition in women for pattern baldness or pattern hair loss.  Although there is dominant male pattern baldness, female members of a family can be transmitters as well.

5) Hormonal Imbalance
If the male and female hormones androgens and estrogens, are out of balance hair loss can result.  Also an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can contribute to hair loss.

6) Illness and Severe Infections
These can I include scalp fungal infections, thyroid disorders, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Lupus.

7) Immune System Disorder
Alopecia areata is an immune system disorder which causes hair follicles to shed hairs.  Advanced forms of the disorder are identified by the terms alopecia totalis head hair disappears, and alopecia universalis which results in all disappearance.

Menopause
This can be a main cause of hair loss in women.  Due to hormonal changes some women find their hair begins to thin.

9) Blood Circulation
The bad blood circulation poor blood flow to your scalp, inadequate nutrients in the blood, or poor drainage of waste through the lymphatic systems can contribute to the hair loss

10) Pregnancy
Pregnancy three to six months after the delivery of a child, many women notice a certain degree of hair loss as the hair goes into a resting phase because of the physiological effects of pregnancy in the body

11) Pulling
Traction Alopecia is the term used to describe the loss of hair pulling constant, as with tightly braided hair styles such as glues horse. Also misuse of curling, tweezers or rollers can tug the hair which weakens.

12) Sebum Buildup
Accumulation of tallow (a fatty substance)  is an accumulation of fat in the follicles that attacks the hair bulb, the area rounded at the end of a chapter of pelo rooted in the follicle. From tallow makes the hair bulb to reduce hair is not as well entrenched. After the hair falls hair new chapter in which follicle is becoming weaker and thin and the process is repeated until the hair follicle is so damaged it dies.

13) Stress
Telogen Effluvium is the term used for a slowdown in the growth of hair again, because suddenly or severe stress. Stress triggers a large number of hair follicles to enter the resting phase, so a few months after the incident, shed hair follicles more or less simultaneously. From the above list may be able to identify the main cause of the hair loss on his case. Do not hesitate to get professional advice from a doctor if the reason was beyond their direct control. In early action can save a lot of anxiety later
Source: http://www.sytropin-review.com/cause-of-hair-loss-a-comprehensive-13-point-checklist/

DHT- the definition …The Major Contributor to Hair Loss
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of the male hormone testosterone, is the enemy of hair follicles on your head. Simply put, under certain conditions DHT wants those follicles dead. This simple action is at the root of many kinds of hair loss, so we’ll address it first.

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly called male or female pattern baldness, was only partially understood until the last few decades. For many years, scientists thought that androgenetic alopecia was caused by the predominance of the male sex hormone, testosterone, which women also have in trace amounts under normal conditions. While testosterone is at the core of the balding process, DHT is thought to be the main culprit.

Testosterone converts to DHT with the aid of the enzyme Type II 5-alpha reductase, which is held in a hair follicle’s oil glands. Scientists now believe that it’s not the amount of circulating testosterone that’s the problem but the level of DHT binding to receptors in scalp follicles. DHT shrinks hair follicles, making it impossible for healthy hair to survive.

http://www.americanhairloss.org/women_hair_loss/causes_of_hair_loss.asp

The Story about….DHT and the SEBACEOUS GLAND

It is possible that certain DHT metabolites may play a role in pattern loss as well. During hair loss, DHT begins to treat your follicles as foreign objects in your body. Similar to an auto-immune response, it slowly begins to reject the follicles. During this time there typically is increased Sebum production. During hair loss, DHT begins to treat your follicles as foreign objects in your body. Follicles at the front, top, and upper back of the head in most men are genetically programmed to become susceptible to DHT at some point in the man’s life. Those hairs which cover the sides and bottom back of the head typically are not, which is why most men do not lose hair in these areas. This is lengthy progression, and the cycles for hair growth are typically about 3-9 months. Without a DHT inhibitor either systemically (in the bloodstream) or locally in the scalp, each time your hair cycles, the follicle will become thinner, shorter, and ultimately it will not grow back in. Over time, the action of DHT will cause each hair follicle to decay and shortens the anagen phase. Some follicles will gradually die, but most will simply shrink to the size they were when you were born which produce weaker hairs. With a progressively shorter anagen growing cycles, more hair is lost, and the remaining hair becomes finer and thinner until they are too fine to survive.

The sebaceous gland (gland producing sebum – natural oil) attached to the hair follicle remains the same size. As the hair shafts become smaller, the gland continues to pump out about the same amount of oil (sebum). So as your hair thins, you will notice that your hair becomes flatter and oilier. Some studies have shown that while men with hair loss don’t have higher than average circulating testosterone levels, they do possess higher than average amounts.

What is Normal Hair Shedding? (www.helium.com by Christobel Rajesh)

For everything there is a time, a time to grow and a time to fall. Hair is not an exception,
it is also a living cell that is born and should die sometime. This stage of growing old
and dying is what we call as normal hair shedding. Hair shedding is a normal process
that happens with everybody. It becomes a worry only when it reaches beyond a
particular limit.

NORMAL HAIR SHEDDING: Though we don’t count how many hair we lose every day, a hair loss of 100 strands is considered normal and up to 200 is acceptable. Hair grows and sheds in a cycle. There is a growing phase followed by resting and shedding (and re-growing) phases. This is a yearly cycle. New hair grows in the same follicle from which the old hair is lost. It grows half an inch every month.

During the phase of normal shedding, the bulb of the hair shaft weakens and reaches the scalp surface. Now the hair is ready to be detached from its follicle with very little stress and strain. They are removed while combing, shampooing, drying or just with any kind of handling. The number of hair shed is replaced with the same number of new hair. This is what happens in normal hair shedding process and it takes place at regular intervals. 90% of hair is in growing phase (anagen) for 2 to 6 years and the remaining 10% of hair is in resting phase (catagen) for 2 to 3 months followed by shedding phase (telogen).

Normal hair shedding does not need any treatment. It is a good sign that you are losing dead hair to gain a new healthy hair. Diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates are enough to keep the cycle going. Trimming the split ends will give the hair a healthy look. If your hair is continuously shedding for more than 2 months, it is better to consult a physician.

Hair Growth Cycles
Hair is constantly going through cycles of growth, resting, shedding.  When hair is not replaced, or when more hair follicles go into the resting phase, hair loss is noticeable.

1) Aging
The period for hair loss is between the 20 and 50 years of age.  Some individuals
advance stages of hair loss sooner than others although it tends to increase as people advance in age.

2) Cosmetic Chemicals
This can be an unrecognized cause of hair loss, especially bleaching, permanent coloring products.

3) Drugs/Medications/Radiation
This cause of hair loss can include anticoagulants, antidepressants, contraceptives, amphetamines, some arthritis medications, and some antibiotics, just to name a few.
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy halt the growth follicles which results in a sudden hair loss as those follicles all shed their hair at the same time.

4) Heredity
Androgenetic alopecia is the term used to describe a genetic predisposition in women for pattern baldness or pattern hair loss.  Although there is dominant male pattern baldness, female members of a family can be transmitters as well.

5) Hormonal Imbalance
If the male and female hormones androgens and estrogens, are out of balance hair loss can result.  Also an overactive or underactive thyroid gland can contribute to hair loss.

6) Illness and Severe Infections
These can I include scalp fungal infections, thyroid disorders, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Lupus.

7) Immune System Disorder
Alopecia areata is an immune system disorder which causes hair follicles to shed hairs.  Advanced forms of the disorder are identified by the terms alopecia totalis head hair disappears, and alopecia universalis which results in all disappearance.

Menopause
This can be a main cause of hair loss in women.  Due to hormonal changes some women find their hair begins to thin.

9) Blood Circulation
The bad blood circulation poor blood flow to your scalp, inadequate nutrients in the blood, or poor drainage of waste through the lymphatic systems can contribute to the hair loss

10) Pregnancy
Pregnancy three to six months after the delivery of a child, many women notice a certain degree of hair loss as the hair goes into a resting phase because of the physiological effects of pregnancy in the body

11) Pulling
Traction Alopecia is the term used to describe the loss of hair pulling constant, as with tightly braided hair styles such as glues horse. Also misuse of curling, tweezers or rollers can tug the hair which weakens.

12) Sebum Buildup
Accumulation of tallow (a fatty substance)  is an accumulation of fat in the follicles that attacks the hair bulb, the area rounded at the end of a chapter of pelo rooted in the follicle. From tallow makes the hair bulb to reduce hair is not as well entrenched. After the hair falls hair new chapter in which follicle is becoming weaker and thin and the process is repeated until the hair follicle is so damaged it dies.

13) Stress
Telogen Effluvium is the term used for a slowdown in the growth of hair again, because suddenly or severe stress. Stress triggers a large number of hair follicles to enter the resting phase, so a few months after the incident, shed hair follicles more or less simultaneously. From the above list may be able to identify the main cause of the hair loss on his case. Do not hesitate to get professional advice from a doctor if the reason was beyond their direct control. In early action can save a lot of anxiety later
Source: http://www.sytropin-review.com/cause-of-hair-loss-a-comprehensive-13-point-checklist/

DHT- the definition …The Major Contributor to Hair Loss
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of the male hormone testosterone, is the enemy of hair follicles on your head. Simply put, under certain conditions DHT wants those follicles dead. This simple action is at the root of many kinds of hair loss, so we’ll address it first.

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly called male or female pattern baldness, was only partially understood until the last few decades. For many years, scientists thought that androgenetic alopecia was caused by the predominance of the male sex hormone, testosterone, which women also have in trace amounts under normal conditions. While testosterone is at the core of the balding process, DHT is thought to be the main culprit.

Testosterone converts to DHT with the aid of the enzyme Type II 5-alpha reductase, which is held in a hair follicle’s oil glands. Scientists now believe that it’s not the amount of circulating testosterone that’s the problem but the level of DHT binding to receptors in scalp follicles. DHT shrinks hair follicles, making it impossible for healthy hair to survive.

http://www.americanhairloss.org/women_hair_loss/causes_of_hair_loss.asp

The Story about….DHT and the SEBACEOUS GLAND

It is possible that certain DHT metabolites may play a role in pattern loss as well. During hair loss, DHT begins to treat your follicles as foreign objects in your body. Similar to an auto-immune response, it slowly begins to reject the follicles. During this time there typically is increased Sebum production. During hair loss, DHT begins to treat your follicles as foreign objects in your body. Follicles at the front, top, and upper back of the head in most men are genetically programmed to become susceptible to DHT at some point in the man’s life. Those hairs which cover the sides and bottom back of the head typically are not, which is why most men do not lose hair in these areas. This is lengthy progression, and the cycles for hair growth are typically about 3-9 months. Without a DHT inhibitor either systemically (in the bloodstream) or locally in the scalp, each time your hair cycles, the follicle will become thinner, shorter, and ultimately it will not grow back in. Over time, the action of DHT will cause each hair follicle to decay and shortens the anagen phase. Some follicles will gradually die, but most will simply shrink to the size they were when you were born which produce weaker hairs. With a progressively shorter anagen growing cycles, more hair is lost, and the remaining hair becomes finer and thinner until they are too fine to survive.

The sebaceous gland (gland producing sebum – natural oil) attached to the hair follicle remains the same size. As the hair shafts become smaller, the gland continues to pump out about the same amount of oil (sebum). So as your hair thins, you will notice that your hair becomes flatter and oilier. Some studies have shown that while men with hair loss don’t have higher than average circulating testosterone levels, they do possess higher than average amounts.  http://www.onlyhairloss.com/hairlossprocess.htm

THE INHIBITOR..LLLT — Low Level Laser Therapy acts as a DHT inhibitor.

LLLT increases cellular metabolism, blood circulation and oxygen supply to the tissues (scalp), hair follicles and papillae, this helping to carry more essential nutrients where exposure to LLLT energy subsisted. As a result of the increased blood flow microcirculation, toxins and waste products are more readily taken from the hair papillae and follicles. LLLT will also stimulate and accelerate hair growth by reducing excessive levels of 5-alpha reductase (enzyme) and DHT. Testosterone is converted into DHT in various tissues of the body and skin. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into its more potent form of DHT. DHT is responsible for causing hair
loss known as androgenetic alopecia. 5-alpha-reductase is responsible for converting free testosterone into DHT.

Detox Foot Bath or Detox Foot Spa the search is over and the answer is here. Find out more on how alternative health methods can improve your health and quality of life.

With a recent increase in the popularity of the foot bath it becomes very important to find out just what these systems can do and how effective they are. The fact is that every few years there is a new miracle cure for how to deal with every ailment known to man. These previous false cures have led to a definitive wariness in the minds of the public at large. Anyone who does any real research however will realize that this isn’t the same type of product that has flooded the market in the past.

One major difference between this system and those of the past is a history that stretches back for 1600 years. In Japan, the Foot Bath was originated to alleviate ailments of the body. Since then the Foot Bath continued to prove its worth. The recent growth however has come from an improved understanding of the body and how these Detox systems can be used to cure some very major ailments. This understanding has led to a better success rate which has led to confidence in the product.

The foot bath can be used to deal with everything from the most minor aches and pains up to several far more severe ailments. One of the more severe ailments that can be dealt with through the foot bath is High Blood Pressure.

. In many cases the ability to cleanse the body of toxins has been proven to bring blood pressure back into line. By decreasing toxins in the body this helps with blood pressure and blood circulation throughout the body. Toxins will often times effect blood flow throughout the body in a negative way, so the only real way to counteract this issue is to get rid of them.

Elevated toxin levels have been often linked to heart problems. These issues can lead to everything from a minor irregular heartbeat all the way up to a heart attack. Wouldn’t we welcome anything that can reduce the risks of heart attacks? Certainly this is not the main cause of heart attacks but any prevention techniques should be welcomed. It is also important to realize that the higher blood pressure can put additional pressure on the heart, which can lead to issues down the line.

In a few very severe cases a high amount of toxins in the body have been found to be linked to cancer. An extremely high level of toxicity leaves the body more open to cancer cells, which rapidly spread. While this is a relatively uncommon illness to be associated with high toxin levels, the opportunity to avoid the heightened risk level is one that is absolutely worthwhile. Obviously there are quite a few major risk factors in having high toxin levels. With such an easy to use option like the Detox Foot Bath available it only makes sense to take advantage of a chance to clear those toxins from our body. Even the chance to decrease the chance of any of these major illnesses is worth the time and effort necessary to accomplish it.

Do over-the-counter microdermabrasion kits actually work? To date, there is no substitute for medical microdermabrasion.

Some of the most common complaints I hear as a cosmetic dermatologist are from clients wondering why their skin is constantly red, irritated and breaking out. Asking, “What products are you using?” or, “What is your skin care regimen?” …  I discover they are using over-the-counter products like microdermabrasion kits, scrubbing pads, granular exfoliants, and other harsh treatments trying to combat acne, rough skin and other skin conditions.

The problem is, these treatments simply don’t work and are often overused to the point skin tissue experiences abuse, causing severe inflammation.  And inflammation is the root cause of most skin problems!  I find many skin conditions actually are aggravated by the use of these over-the-counter treatments.

Here’s the bottom line:

Find a skin care line or product that works for you

Have your skin analyzed by a Board Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist who can recommend the best treatment protocol for your unique skin care needs.

Make sure your home skin care regimen includes medical grade products.  I, for one, can’t live without my DNA repair cream – this revolutionary product repairs the skin’s DNA so that it is able to self-heal.  It’s a must-have for all skin types.

There is no substitute for medical microdermabrasion.

Don’t waste your money on products available at the mall or drug store.  To date, no product exists delivering the kind of results seen with medical microdermabrasion.  Be sure you are receiving a safe treatment with state-of-the-art technology (like our Crystal Free equipment) operated by a trained and experienced professional.  Only a Board Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist will understand your skin’s needs and recommend the best treatment options for you.

Microdermabrasion addresses many skin conditions in as little as 6-8 sessions including:

• Rough skin on the face resulting from aging or sun damage
• Comedonal (blackhead/whitehead) acne on the face
• Mild acne scarring
• Sun-damaged skin and brown spots
• Mild lines and wrinkles

Crystal-free microdermabrasion works well even on delicate and sensitive areas of your skin. Treating the outer layer of the skin, microdermabrasion removes dead surface cells, cleanses and smoothes the skin, and refines pores … giving your skin a healthy and radiant glow. The treatment involves the use of a low-abrasion pad covered with micro-diamonds, removing irregularities on the skin’s surface, leaving behind a softer, smoother, healthier-looking surface. It dramatically lightens and removes ugly, blotchy brown spots.

Acne sufferers especially benefit from microdermabrasion because treatments remove pore-blocking debris and plugs known as blackheads, allowing oil to flow freely and safely to the surface, where it won’t cause pimples. The dead, unhealthy skin is exfoliated and abolished, along with blemishes and fine scars.

Microdermabrasion also increases blood flow, stimulating cell renewal and collagen production.  These treatments are perfect for busy people because sessions are short, there is no extensive recovery time, and it is safe and effective.  Clients experience immediate results even after the first treatment. So visit Renew Hair and Skin Clinic today for your treatment.

Facials vary depending on the skin type. Facial is also a vital step towards beautiful skin.

Facial can also treat problems like dark patches, treating acne, restoring skin colour and toning the skin. Facials are deep skin treatments that cleanse, rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin, apart from minimizing skin blemishes, acne, dry skin and, of course wrinkles.   Facial thoroughly cleanse your face and remove the top dead layers of the skin resulting into having a beautiful and glowing skin. Facial moisturizers your face effectively and help in faster cell reneval and relaxes the muscle of the face. Facial must be done at least once a month and by a professional beautician. There are many kinds of facials that are suitable for the skin and a particular skin problem.

Various Types of  Facials

1. Normal facials  are a simple cleanse, steam and massage affair. They’re the least expensive of all facials. They’re also the best option for normal skin that isn’t prone to acne.

2. Special facials  are a step-up from the normal facial. Specially formulated hypoallergenic creams are used to moisturize the skin. Face packs are applied depending on different skin types and special cleansing and rejuvenation techniques are also part of the process.

3. Alpha Hydroxy Acid facials-AHA acids, which are derived from fruits and flowers, are known for their anti-aging effects. These facials use creams formulated with AHAs, which help the skin look smoother and healthier.

4. Bio-lift facials these facials include treatment that targets dark circles under the eye. The characteristic of this facial is the bio-mask, which tones and tightens the skin on the face, making it look younger.  5. Paraffin facials  are offered as part of bridal beauty packages. It involves the application of a special paraffin mask on the face over layers of gauze, which helps seal in the special anti-aging and rejuvenating creams applied to the skin.

6. Anti-oxidant and pollution-fighting facials uses creams and masks enriched with free-radical fighting agents like vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E. Pollutants are first removed and the skin is then deep cleansed in this procedure. This is recommended for people who have to be outdoors often-on account of their work.

7. Acne Facials  should be performed at regular, two-week intervals until problem clears.

8. Collagen Facials  type of facial includes use of a multi-phase technique of exfoliation, warm vapor, deep pore cleansing, lymphatic drainage massage and self healing mineral or paraffin masque over a freeze dry collagen sheet to ensure the ideal hydrating effect.

9. Aromatherapy facials help clear skin congestion and improve the normal functions of the skin. The mask, which is applied at the end of the massage, also contains essential oils.

10. Galvanic Facial-This benefits dry, dehydrated skins, improving moisture retention. It also helps remove congestion.  11. Gold Facial makes use of creams containing 24-Carat pure gold, which penetrates the skin easily. It is a powerful rejuvenating treatment. Gold has a powerful effect on lymphatic drainage, facilitating the removal of toxins and wastes. The gold facial helps to restore youthful qualities, like softness, smoothness, elasticity, resilience and radiance.

12. Men’s Urban Defense Facial -This treatment focuses on softening and rehydrating skin damaged by shaving, sun exposure, and the urban environment. Essential oils of Juniper, Rosemary, and Lavender will relieve any sinus problems.

13. Deep Pore Cleansing Facial  has been designed for clients with problematic skin.

Although not the primary cause of male-pattern hair loss, genetics does have a significant role in male-pattern hair loss. It is, however, polygenic, in that there is more than one factor at work. It is unclear whether having an affected mother or an affected father predisposes descendants to greater risks.

Can hair loss occur in teenagers?

Male-pattern hair loss can occur as early as 15, although it typically begins anywhere from the 20s and early 30s. Familial history may help determine if this is going to occur, as parents with a history of early-onset male-pattern hair loss may increase the risk for this to occur in descendants. Alopecia areata and telogen effluvium, two other forms of temporary hair loss, can occur in children as young as one year of age. Other precipitating factors may also be involved.

What is the cause of sudden hair loss?

Stressors to your system, such as illness, high fever, pregnancy, extreme weight loss or gain, and drug use, can cause temporary hair loss. This occurs when the ratio of growing to resting hairs is upset and more of the growing hair shifts into a resting phase. A greater quantity of normally sleeping hairs falls out, prompting a visit to the Renew Hair Skin Clinic

An allergic reaction to any constituent in shampoo or hair products can cause hair loss. Shampoos are designed to be as safe as possible, although there is always someone who will react to them. Caustic hair dyes, straighteners, and other products can certainly cause inflammation of the scalp and result in hair loss.

Can my hairstyle cause my hair to fall out?

Certain hairstyles can contribute to hair loss, most notably styles involving tight braids or pull-backs. This form of hair loss is called traction alopecia. This occurs when the hair is pulled tightly back and fastened at the base of the skull, or braided into tight braids or rows. Exposure to this type of hairstyle over long periods can result in a scarring alopecia, with no potential for regrowth.

If you are uncertain about the condition of your hair and scalp then take advice from Renew Hair and Skin Clinic.

Hair loss and male-pattern baldness is an affliction suffered by thousands of men, and can be a real source of insecurity and embarrassment for those not ready to lose their hair or shave their head. Even worse, and more devastating are the younger cases where the hair loss process begins long before a man even reaches his thirtieth birthday. So what are your options if you are one of these men, uncontrollably losing your hair before your time?

Well, you can do what many others do – shave your head for the sake of uniformity. Lots of men look great with a shaved head – it just fits their personality and style, and they seem comfortable that way. For those unwilling to give up on their hair, there are hairpieces or plugs, neither of which have been perfected to the point of being undetectable, and both having a societal stigma as being somewhat tacky and undesirable.

The other option, of course, is to try one of the hair loss products that several reputable manufacturers now offer, both in prescription and nonprescription form. While there is still no “magic pill” that can unflinchingly promise every man (and woman) who takes it will re-grow their hair, there are some very promising and effective hair loss products and treatments currently on the market and also in development.

Propecia, Rogaine (Monoxadil), Avacor and Proxiphen are just a few of the top prescription and nonprescription hair loss products on the market today, and they’ve all had varying degrees of success in re-growing their client’s hair. Since the demand for hair loss products is so great, there have been many non-prescription hair loss alternatives recently introduced in an effort to offer men (and women) a more economical and convenient alternative to re-grow hair and prevent further hair loss.

There are also several vitamins that have been specially formulated both for thinning hair and to promote the speedy growth of healthy, shiny hair. Vitamins for thinning hair and faster hair growth and re-growth are usually a varying combination of several key amino acids, biotin, vitamins B6 and E, and zinc. Many who take vitamins of this nature do report thicker, more lustrous and healthy hair, but if your goal is to actually re-grow hair and not just thicken thinning hair, then you would probably want to consider a more serious hair loss supplement or treatment that specifically targets balding and hair loss.

Here’s a little tip to help stimulate hair growth – massage the scalp. This is an age-old hairstylist tip to help stimulate the hair follicles, unclog any blocked oil glands in the scalp, and help promote a healthy scalp and new, healthy hair growth. Plus, it’s relaxing and it feels good, so it’s not such a chore!

After a seemingly endless search, Robin Pluto and Suzie Meklir finally found a solution in a customized version of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). Upon beginning personal treatment with LLLT, Meklir began to notice her hair growing back bountifully. Shockingly, the new hair grew back better than before! Pluto explained, “Where you gain quantity you get volume, [and] where you get volume you get coverage.”

The cutting-edge LLLT treatment increases blood flow and removes toxins from the hair follicles. Additionally, LLLT reduces excessive levels of 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. This treatment is a fantastic alternative to hair transplants, which are less effective. “Hair transplants create trees but they don’t give you the forest,” explained Pluto.

A single session of LLLT increases blood supply to the scalp by over 50 percent. LLLT also promotes healthier, thicker hair, and stops hair loss in nearly 85 percent of patients. Furthermore, LLLT is a non-surgical procedure that is completely pain-free.

Now, let’s talk about being proactive in preventing future hair loss. Many times, the underlying cause for premature hair loss and male pattern balding is hereditary, but it can also be brought on by a hormonal imbalance of the male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens. Correcting a hormonal imbalance many times can stop hair loss. This example can be seen in women who notice hair loss shortly after they’ve had a baby. The cause for this is a drop in hormones that kept much more hair on the head than normal during pregnancy because the levels of this hormone are unusually high at this time.

Some medications can also cause or aggravate hair loss. Typically these medications are blood thinners, gout medication, chemotherapy medications for cancer, too much vitamin A, birth control pills and antidepressants. Avoid tight or “pulling” hairstyles like high or tight ponytails and cornrows, and also stay away from harsh chemical treatments such as perms and other potentially volatile, damaging hair treatments.

Typical hair loss treatments, prescription and nonprescription, usually take about six months before you can tell they are working, so patience is a must. There is no overnight fix to hair loss unfortunately. As long as you are comfortable with your chosen hair loss remedy, and have planned a preventative and maintenance course of action, that’s really all that matters.