When Should You Get a Hair Transplant?

December 29th, 2011 by admin No comments »

Many would say that a hair transplant is a good answer to hair loss problems. This may be true, however before you dive into the surgery there are other things that you should consider first. So when do you think you should get a hair transplant?

Hair transplant is not something that you decide on lightly. This is not like having a weave sown into your hair or choosing the right toupee. Having a hair transplant is an invasive procedure and it deals with a very limited amount of resource (your hair) so you have to consider it after deliberating on it thoroughly

Because this condition is caused by a number of factors such as medications, lifestyle, pre-existing condition (thyroid problems), stress, and hormonal changes, there are also different kinds of treatment available.

If you are taking new or maintenance medications you may want to consult your doctor about this because one of its side effects could lead to baldness. Do not stop any maintenance medication by yourself and without further consult from your physician because this might result to more serious problems.

Your lifestyle could also contribute to hair loss, especially if you are constantly under the barrage of stress. This is what you call stress alopecia and it can be relieved simply by just removing yourself away from the stress. For any pre-existing conditions that are causing your baldness, you need to attend to the primary problem before it can be resolved.

However there is also that kind of hair loss that is caused by DHT or dihydrotestosterone. It starts out when the hormone testosterone, which is present in both males and females (smaller amounts in the latter), is turned into DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. When DHT comes in contact with your hair follicles this is when the bad news starts. DHT can shrink and thin your hair until it sheds and the sites permanently unable to produce any more hair. This phenomenon is what you refer as female or male pattern baldness.

This type, however, can be relieved medications such as Propecia or Rogaine. These are brands that have proven itself to give effective results however you should take it continuously to prevent it from happening again. Some do the comb over to conceal the balding area, but oftentimes with poor aesthetic outcome. Others opt for hair pieces like wigs or hair weaves and extensions.

Hair transplant is a good last resort; however you should also consider the fact that it is invasive and costly. Doctors would also suggest that your hair loss should first be stabilized by medications before going ahead with surgery. They also want to make sure that the process has reached its course.

If you are a teenager experiencing hair loss, hair doctor would suggest that you wait until your late twenties because the condition might still progress. As mentioned earlier you only have very limited resources and prematurely having one will only lessen your donor grafts should you need another procedure later on.

Think it through thoroughly before you finally dive head first into hair transplant surgery. The results will be astounding if you first consider all precautions first.

Hair transplant is definitely a serious matter that you should think about, but you can trust the Australian Institute of Hair Restoration (AIHR) to give you a good service with affordable hair transplant cost. We have reputable hair surgeons who have years of experience, training and certification who can help you regain that healthy head of hair back. If you want more information about the services, visit our hair clinic located in Melbourne and Sydney Australia. You can get a free consultation too!

Cosmetic Options to Camouflage Hair Loss

November 3rd, 2011 by admin No comments »

Hair Loss Concealers

In recent years, several new hair loss cosmetic products, which mask thinning hair by providing an appearance of more density, have become available. I have tried all of these products personally, and they are a great option whether you use them permanently or just as your hair begins to grow in after a transplant. I hope my experience provides a helpful review of each product, and perhaps will assist you in choosing the right product for yourself.

Electrostatic Fibers

Products are sold that are a complex of tiny, micro fiber “hairs” that blend with your own hair. Toppik fibers, derived from the keratin in wool, are made of the same organic keratin protein as your own hair. The fibers change thin, “vellus” hair into hair that appears more thick and full. Toppik is applied by holding the custom container over the thinning area, and shaking it gently while thousands of tiny color-matched hair fibers intertwine with your own hair. Charged with static electricity, they bond so that they will stay in place all day and night. There are many companies that make this product now – Super Million Hair, Toppik and Organin to name a few. All of these are great products, differing from each other only in the length of the fiber.

Serums

Lotions, made of a sesame seed emulsion, can be dabbed on and are not greasy or sticky. They won’t rub off or stain, even during exercising, perspiring, or swimming, and are easily removed with shampooing. I have tried them and I’m not a big fan. On close inspection, your hair appears greasy and a little unnatural. My suggestion is to try them – you might like the result. I have seen many patients who love these products.

Hair Powder

One hair powder product is called DermMatch and is a hard-packed powdered cosmetic that coats thin hairs to make them thicker and helps them to stand up and spread out for increased fullness. It also colors your skin to match your hair color, causing the scalp to disappear. It’s the only product you can fade to mimic a hairline. DermMatch conditions your hair and moisturizes your skin. You are able to brush your hair and swim with it. It is applied with wet sponge applicator. I have tried this as well, and it wouldn’t be my first pick. I don’t like how it colors your scalp, and it does not look completely natural.

Sprays

These products are colored hair thickening sprays that makes your hair look naturally thicker and fuller in seconds, not only covering thinning areas, but by adding texture and volume to thinning hair. I had one patient, an actor from New York, who would not go on stage without applying this product. It definitely gives your hair a very full appearance, but again, on close inspection it looks a bit unnatural, so it isn’t my first choice. The two name brands for this product are ProTHIK and Fullmore.

Hairpieces

Regardless of the euphemism – hair prostheses, hair systems, toupees, strand-by-strand insertion systems, hairpieces, etc. – all are terms referring to one product option on the market, and all are made in a similar way using the same materials and are usually produced by a select few manufacturers. The cost and quality of appearance varies widely according to the materials used and the quality of craftsmanship.

Hair System Bases

The base of the hair system is simply the foundation of the prostheses in which the hair is either tied or injected. There are two types of hairpiece bases on which hairpieces are built. The first is a Mesh fabric base, which is typically made of polyester or nylon and is usually used to create the fine hairline of a good product. In some cases, this base is used throughout the entire system, which provides a natural, life-like appearance, but it is impractical for long-term use.

The second is a polymer base. The polymer base is made of either silicone or polyurethane and is used to create a material that mimics the appearance of skin or a scalp. The more durable systems use this material. Many use it in areas where the hairpiece is to be attached to protect the unit for long-time wear.

Basically, the mesh fabric base is more natural looking and more expensive, but less durable. While the polymer base is less expensive and more durable, it provides a less natural appearance.

Hair Used in a Hairpiece

The most expensive hairpieces are made from European hair that was grown naturally in the colors and styles available. Less expensive are natural-hair hairpieces, produced in Asia, which are made from dark straight hair that is dyed and bleached to offer various colors. Asian products, though they may appear attractive when first purchased, often begin to look fuzzy after a short time. The lowest quality hairpieces are constructed from low quality human hair, animal hair or even artificial fibers.

All hairpieces are quite fragile – they need regular maintenance, no matter how expensive they are, and all will need to be replaced with time.

Fastening a Hairpiece

Keep in mind that the way you attach your hairpiece will greatly affect the hair that may be directly under it or adjacent to it. A hairpiece can accelerate hair loss on the part of your head that is directly underneath it.

This type of hair loss occurs especially with those hairpieces that are attached by bonding – a strong, glue-like adhesive – or ones that are attached by the weaving process. Clips cause minimal hair loss.

Semi-Permanent Attached Hairpieces

Hairpieces that are semi-permanently attached are not designed to be removed, except by a hair technician or stylist, usually once every six weeks.

In most cases, they are affixed to the scalp by various liquid adhesives. This process has many names – polyfuse, naturalbond, polybond, or just plain bonding – for the same result, gluing a hairpiece on your head.

They can be very unhealthy for you, your head, and your hair. Shampooing can’t remove the natural accumulation of flaked-off skin cells, oil, shed hair, and other organic debris that accumulate between the hairpiece and the scalp.

Even if you have this kind of hairpiece, whether it’s attached by bonding or weaving (the hair is woven into the bottom of the hairpiece to secure it to your head), it should be loosened or removed at least once every five days so that you can properly clean the scalp underneath.

Temporary Adhesive-Attached Hairpieces

Double-sided tape is used to attach the hairpiece. This is an easy kind of attachment, and you can remove it any time and then reattach it. However, you will need to wash off after handling it. The tape can come unglued when you perspire heavily, and swimming loosens the tape as well.

What Could Be the Cause of Hair Loss?

November 3rd, 2011 by admin No comments »

Understanding the normal cycle is the first step in understanding the cause of hair loss. The cycle lasts for 2-3 years. During this phase, each strand should grow approximately one centimeter every month. At any point in time, ninety percent of your tresses is growing, while the other ten percent is in a phase of rest. The resting tresses fall out after about 4 months to allow new ones to grow. Losing a few locks every day, is a normal part of the cycle. However, some people lose hair excessively.

Hair that falls out in patches is known as alopecia areata. This condition can be temporary or permanent. It is a broad term for the condition and not the cause, as various factors can cause alopecia. Major surgery or illness can often result in losing your crown of glory a few months later. This is due to the stress related to the surgery or illness.

An over-active or under active thyroid gland can also cause you to lose your mane. Thyroid treatment may help this. When the male hormones (androgens) and female hormones (estrogens) are not balanced, the imbalance may cause alopecia. Another time when hormonal changes are to blame is usually a few months after childbirth.

Medication may also be to blame. These medications include antidepressants, birth control hormones, high blood pressure medications, anti coagulants (blood thinners) gout medications and excess vitamin A.

Fungal infections of the scalp are a common cause in young children. Anti fungal medications should help resolve this quickly. Certain hairstyles and treatments may also be to blame and these include tight pigtails, cornrows, tight rollers, and hot oil treatments, chemicals from perms, color treatments and inflammation.

Your doctor will ask questions about medications you are taking, recent illnesses and your diet to try establishing the reason for your alopecia. As a woman, your menstrual cycle will be an important factor when he or she makes a diagnosis. He may also ask about menopause or pregnancies. In some cases, a biopsy may be needed. This involves taking a sample of your cells, which will be examined under a microscope. A blood test may also help to make a proper diagnosis.

In rare cases, the underlying cause of hair loss may be an undiagnosed disease, such as diabetes or lupus. Treatment for alopecia can be hormonal. Topical treatments are available and can be applied directly to the scalp. It could take some time for medication and topical creams to show results.