hair loss treatments
Natural (Alopecia) Hair-loss Treatments
Board Certified Dermatologist and Hair Restoration Specialist Dr. Edmond Griffin has dedicated the bulk of his career to researching and advancing the field of hair replacement. As is detailed on his website, the causes of hair-loss in men, women, and even children are numerous and include: genetic predisposition, trauma , reaction to a medication, severe illness, stress, and reaction to hormone fluctuation. Alopecia (another name for hair-loss), regardless of its cause, can be stressful for patients.
In an effort to maintain his position at the forefront of hair-loss treatment, Dr. Griffin not only researches traditional surgical hair replacement methods such as follicular unit transplantation, but also less traditional means like botanical therapies. Popular for centuries in many Eastern hemisphere countries, herbal hair-loss applications are showing promise, and growing in popularity among Western hemisphere physicians and patients. In fact, a recently published study in the Journal of Drugs In Dermatology revealed several potential topical, plant-based treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia (Alopecia developed from genetic and environmental factors), Alopecia Areata (Hair-loss resulting from auto immune disorders), and chemotherapy-induced Alopecia.
Procyanidin B-2 (flavonoids found in the skins of young apples) proved a promising treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia patients while garlic and onion were among the study’s hopeful Alopecia Areata treatments. The extensive study also revealed that, with daily topical application, the caffeine and volatile oils in green tea helped regrow the hair of patients whose Alopecia was induced with the start of chemotherapy. While the described treatments showed a good bit of promise, the study’s coordinators were particular to note that each treatments long-term potential could not be adequately measured until larger, well-controlled scientific studies could be completed.
Recently, Dr. Griffin has developed a completely herbal topical treatment for patients with hair-loss. This combination formula, produced by reputable compounding pharmacies, has proven successful in trials of female patients who didn’t have any luck with other prescription treatments.
Dr. Griffin also stresses that these potential treatments are just that, potential, and individuals should first utilize the time-tested Propecia®-based therapies to aid in stabilizing hair-loss and promoting hair re-growth. If you are interested in pursuing a hair-replacement procedure, call Dr. Griffin’s office or visit his website today. You can also stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field of hair restoration by subscribing to his blog.
A Griffin Center Series: Myths and Truths about Hair Loss Part III: Do over-the-counter, topical hair loss products really work?
There is a huge market for over –the–counter topical medications that claim to be the miracle solution to hair re-growth. But do these hair restoration products really work? The best answer I can give to this question is that “other products work better.”
The majority of these hair tonics, shampoos, and lotions available in drug stores prove to be ineffective. In fact, the only proven effective topical drug on the market is Rogaine® (5% Minoxidil), which has actually worked in some cases to restore hair. However, these results were almost always seen in patients that are just starting to lose their hair, and work better to slow down hair loss instead of re-growing more hair. There are also other effective topical prescription compounds for hairloss such as Rogaine 5% mixed with Retin-A that may be prescribed by Dr. Griffin. It is important to note, that restoring hair, especially through topical medications, is a very gradual process – taking anywhere from 6 months to a year of daily application.
Non-topical medications, such as Propecia ® and Avodart®, can be a more effective medical solution for hair re-growth. The oral medication Propecia ® contains Finasteride, which is actually FDA approved for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Propecia ® and oral medications like it have shown better results however, in conjunction with topical products, like Rogaine®, that contain Minoxidil (namely the 5% Extra Strength formula). Avodart® is usually only prescribed for patients who have not had favorable results with Finasteride. Additionally, your doctor may choose to increase your Finestride dose from the typical 1mg to 2.5mg (for women who cannot become pregnant and men) if favorable results aren’t obtained in a timely manner.
While over-the-counter options continue to evolve, and may seem like the easy fix, it’s important to note that the best hair restoration results are obtained through a customized treatment plan along with a proper evaluation by a certified professional.
For more information about these medications, or other hair restoration options, contact The Griffin Center.
Is seasonal hair-loss normal? Dr. Griffin Provides the Answers
With warmer weather comes less clothing, and often a desire to have less body hair. But one place we don’t typically want to decrease the amount of hair is on our heads. While direct seasonal influences on normal amounts of hair loss are still being studied, it’s relatively common for individuals to report increased shedding starting in the spring and peaking in the fall.
While scientists have not been able to pin point direct environmental causes that lead to increased hair-loss beginning in the spring, many speculate that exposure to sunlight is directly related. As we know from research findings regarding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the amount of sunlight we’re exposed to during the day can directly affect hormone levels and emotions. Findings from experimental studies suggest that hair-loss might be controlled by limiting amounts of direct sun exposure, thus changing the melatonin secretion rate and its effects on the hormone receptors located in the scalp. Probably a wise decision as over-exposure to Ultraviolet light can have less than favorable dermatological effects.
One thing that is scientifically known is that shedding hair is a completely normal part of the hair growth cycle. The hair growth cycle is composed of three phases: anagan (growth phase), catagen (degradation phase), and telogen (resting phase.) Normally, individuals shed anywhere from 50-150 strands of hair on a daily basis. The rate of seasonal hair loss varies greatly from person to person, but like hair loss during any other part of the year can usually be minimized by maintaining a proper diet, not smoking, avoiding harsh chemical hair treatments, and seeking medical attention for any known hormonal imbalances.
If you have any questions about hair-loss or hair restoration, call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Edmond Griffin, or visit our website.
Are Hair Loss and Wrinkling directly related?
There are several inevitable things in life, wrinkling is one of them. A natural part of the aging process, wrinkles are lines of varying depth that develop most commonly on the face, backs of hands, and the forearms of most mature adults.
Believe it or not hair loss affects wrinkling and aging in addition to a variety of other factors like exposure to Ultraviolet light and whether or not an individual is a smoker, as well as, genetic factors like skin pigmentation and family history of wrinkling.
It might be strange to think of wrinkling in terms of the amount of hair you have – but there is a definite connection. Just like protective clothing, hair can protect areas of the head and neck from sun damage. Those who often wear longer hair styles or styles with bangs tend to develop fewer wrinkles because these styles shield the wrinkle-susceptible skin on the back of the neck and on the forehead from direct exposure to the damaging Ultraviolet rays from the sun. Once the hair begins to thin, the development of skin cancers and precancers begin to rise in number.
Both skin and hair are elements of the human body’s integumentary system. Designed to protect the internal body systems from trauma, regulate temperature, and receive and send sensations to the nervous system – the integumentary system is the body’s first line of defense from outside damage. It makes sense then that the individual elements of the system would serve to protect each other. Thus, an individual experiencing hair loss will probably start to notice wrinkling sooner as the sensitive skin covering their head, face, and neck (normally shielded by hair) is more exposed. He/she should also become more vigilant about the early development of skin cancers.
Even though it provides some protection, it is important to note that hair cannot and should not serve as your only line of defense from sun; thus you should always practice safe sun exposure.
If you are concerned about your hair loss, you may consider hair restoration therapy to slow, prevent, and in some cases, even reverse the symptoms of the conditions. If you have questions about hair-loss or hair restoration, visit our website or call our office (404)256-4369 to set up a consultation.
Griffin Center News Trend: Chest Hair is Making a Comeback!
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlighted the popular reemergence of a trend for deeper cut shirts in men – revealing chest hair. While revealing the chest and chest hair was recently a fashion faux pas, unbuttoned shirts and deeper cut V-necks have made a comeback on New York runways and with mainstream American fashion.
The WSJ Article quotes a New York-based men’s style consultant, Tyler Thoreson who said, “The low-cut look is better if you have a little chest hair.”
Some say that the rising popularity of “man cleavage” also affectionately coined “heavage” is a throwback to legendary pop icons such as Marlon Brando (Streetcar Named Desire), Sean Connery as James Bond, and John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.
Luckily for men experiencing pattern baldness on their head, hair loss is not typical to occur anywhere else on the body, including the chest.
If you have any questions about hair care or hair loss, visit our website or call The Griffin Center to set up a consultation.
A Griffin Center Series: Myths and Truths about Hair Loss: Part I: Can Hair Products be the Source of My Hair Loss?
While some types of hair products can be damaging to your hair, hair products are not the likely to be the source of your hair loss. The most common cause of hair loss in men is due to genetics. For women, in additional to the inherited female pattern hair loss, there can be hormonal problems, reactions to medications, and diseases such as lupus and lichen planus, which can lead to permanent hair loss.
While most hair products will not lead to hair loss, some products can severely damage the hair and scalp. For instance, harsh hair products, which are used to strip the hair of color as well as straightening agents, can cause severe damage to the dead strands of hair – causing them to break and even fall out. For black patients, chemicals added to heat treatments can result in a skin reaction pattern that can produce a permanent scarring problem which is very difficult to treat.
Hair products, especially those made up of harsh chemicals like permanent hair dye, perm solutions, and hot oil treatments can cause damage to the stands of hair, making then easily breakable and likely to fall out. Some patients are much more sensitive and are easily bothered by these products. Usually the skin will become inflamed and give a warning signal that something is wrong so you can stop use of the product before permanent damage can occur.
Normally though, styling products do nothing to stop the hair follicle from growing hair. The loss of hair from the products and harsh chemical treatments generally is temporary and the damaged hair will re-grow if just left alone lone enough.
Patients with fine hair are also at high risks of breakage from combing and chemicals. Mid shaft breakage makes their hair have even less volume and, due to the damage of the cuticle of the hair shaft, the hair loses its shine. Fine hair is easily tangled and can be damaged by the use of a black plastic comb which is used to strip out the tangles. The use of detanglers and cream rinses may aid in preventing the maddening tangles.
In some instances, hairstyles like tight braiding on the scalp, cornrows, or tight fitting ponytails can results in traction alopecia, a condition that causes the scalp to scar and results in permanent hair loss. This traction loss is seen most commonly in black women, but is also seen in men. Once a person recognizes that thinning is occurring, stopping the cornrows will stop the loss.
Each person differs in their hair strength; some people lose hair easily with little pressure on the follicles, and others are much more resistant to pressure on the follicles. Extensions, which have risen in popularity recently, also put follicles under constant pressure and can lead to hair loss.
Even though most hair products do not cause permanent hair loss, they can be very damaging to your hair. Try to avoid treating your hair with harsh chemicals or wearing hair styles that put excessive strain on the hair follicle. If you are experiencing abnormal hair loss, make an appointment to see a Dr. Griffin as soon as possible.
Can you lose your hair if you get Seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition, commonly occurring on the scalp that results in flaky, white or yellow scales to form on oily areas of the body. While this condition on the scalp is not specifically associated with the hair follicle, if hair follicles are near the inflammatory cells of the scalp, a person can experience some temporary hair loss. Basically, the inflammation causes the scalp to be unhealthy; and this unhealthy scalp results in some temporary hair loss. In short, as long as you treat your seborrheic dermatitis when present, you will not experience any long lasting hair loss.
Seborrheic dermatitis is common in infants and is called “cradle cap.” The condition is not caused by bad hygiene and can be cleared by gentle regular shampooing.
Luckily seborrheic dermatitis can be easily treated with over the counter shampoos. For more severe cases, medicated shampoos containing fluconazole or anti-yeast medicines to reduce inflammation and speed healing may be recommended.
Getting the right diagnosis and most effective treatment for seborrheic dermatitis is the key to maintaining a healthy scalp. If you are experiencing symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis unresponsive to the usual shampoos, make an appointment to see a dermatologist.
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow?
-
- With the help of two noted Atlanta dermatologists, Tuxedo Road gets to root of the issue
-
- Common causes of hair loss
-
- The Myths (and Truths) about Hair Loss
Do you have a receding hairline? Are you curious about the options available to you? For those who weren’t able to get a copy of it when it was first printed, we have here an article from Tuxedo Road on Dr. Griffin and The Griffin Center detailing the typical signs of male-pattern hair loss, what to expect, what you can do about it, and also the dispelling of some common hair loss myths. To view each page in full size, please click on any of the above images; they are in order from left to right.
 |
 |
Find us on Facebook and Twitter!
Sign Up for Our Newsletter