Telogen Effluvium and Hair Loss

hair loss hamletHair loss is defined as losing more than 100 hairs per day. Hair follicles repeatedly go through three phases in their growth cycle: the anagen phase (growth); the catagen phase (transition); and the telogen phase (dormant). Just before entering the telogen or dormancy phase, the hair falls out. A few months later, a new hair grows. The anagen phase is supposed to last several years, but what if a hair follicle goes to sleep early? Entering the telogen phase prematurely is called telogen effluvium and it is represents hair loss.

“To sleep, perchance to dream — ay, there’s the rub.” Hamlet (III, i, 65-68)

Telogen effluvium can happen as an isolated problem or as part of a disease. Common causes include: >>Continue reading Telogen Effluvium and Hair Loss

Factors That Can Affect Candidacy for Surgical Hair Restoration

Male Pattern Baldness

Good candidate for hair transplant: Individual with male pattern baldness

Surgical hair restoration means having a hair transplant. The hair transplant surgeon moves hairs from an area of thicker hair to the balding areas. Surgical hair restoration is the only permanent solution to many types of hair loss including male pattern baldness. But not everyone is a candidate for hair restoration surgery.

The most important factor that affects candidacy for surgical hair restoration is the diagnosis. What is the reason for the hair loss? A hair stylist is not qualified to diagnose the reason for hair loss. Only a doctor, preferably a dermatologist or hair transplant surgeon, is qualified to diagnose the reason for hair loss. Lab tests may be needed to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Hair loss in men is often caused by a genetically-linked condition called male pattern baldness. Hair on the top and front (hairline) of the scalp is genetically pre-programmed to be sensitive to testosterone. Continue reading →

What is Accelerated Follicular Restoration™ (AFR™)?

Accelerated Follicular Restoration™ (AFR™) is a patent pending, proprietary way of decreasing the dormancy phase after a hair transplant. This means that with AFR, it takes less time for transplanted hair to start growing after a hair transplant. Discovered by Florida hair transplant surgeon Dr. Shapiro, AFR results in the dormancy (telogen) period decreases from the usual 3 — 6 months to just 6 weeks — 2 months.

AFR by involves taking Dr. Shapiro’s Help Hair™ Shake on a regular basis after a hair transplant. Hair is made from nutrients in the body. Science has clearly shown that nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss and hair damage. Continue reading →

How to Get Natural-Looking Hair Restoration Surgery: 6 Tips

hair lossThe only permanent form of hair restoration is hair transplant surgery. Everyone wants the most natural-looking hair from a hair transplant. Follow these 6 tips for the best results:

Tip 1.    Evaluate the hair transplant surgeon’s artistic ability in designing a hairline.
The hairline is where the hair meets the forehead and it’s one of the first features people glance at when scanning your face. The hairline helps define the borders of the face. Ask to see photographs of the surgeon’s hair transplant patients after the hair transplants have grown in. Ask to meet some of them. Evaluate for yourself whether the hairlines look like they are the right shape to define the face, and whether they look natural to you. Continue reading →

Can Soy Products Contribute to Menopausal Hair Loss?

Question: I am a woman in menopause, and my friends all rave about soy. They stuff me with soy-based shakes and soy milk whenever I visit their houses, and email recipes to me for baked tofu, miso soup and soy burgers. I wonder if soy products could contribute to hair loss or cause other problems while my hormones are fluctuating during menopause. What do you think?

Dr. Shapiro, Hair Transplant Doctor Answers: I am not surprised that you are confused about soy. The information about soy products and hair loss is sometimes contradictory. >>Continue reading Can Soy Products Contribute to Menopausal Hair Loss?