DFW Hair Restoration Blog

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Could Estrogen be causing your Hair Loss?

Estrogen is a natural and necessary hormone, but too much estrogen - for both men and women - can cause hair loss. Too much estrogen can cause hair loss and thinning hair. Many times, an increase in estrogen is caused by perimenopause, ingesting or touching endocrine disruptor items and gaining weight. Estrogen affects the hormones, which in turn affect the ability for your hair to grow. You will find that with estrogen dominance, your hair does not grow in strong and healthy. You will also find that the hair that you do have is prone to thinning and starts falling out.

When people have too much estrogen, they may also find that they have other health symptoms such as weight gain, tiredness and depression. Estrogen is metabolized by the body, which should take care of excess estrogen. The problem comes when too much estrogen is created by the body and the metabolizing process cannot keep up. However, when people have too little estrogen, they find that they experience hair loss and hair thinning as well. You may even see patches of hair loss on your head or experience excess hair shedding, particularly when you take a shower or brush your hair.

To test for estrogen dominance and diminished estrogen levels, an estrogen test can be taken at your local doctor's office. Most tests are taken through a blood test but a urine sample can also be tested for the estrogen level. The best thing to do to help with hair loss caused by estrogen is to fix the estrogen imbalance and stop the hair loss and hair thinning.

The next step to fixing your hair involves addressing other potential causes of unhealthy hair. Losing weight to arrive at a healthy weight and eating more nutritious foods can make a big difference in the quality of your hair. Choosing quality hair care products is also really important when it comes to improving the quality of your hair. You want to make sure that the products you are using are not contributing to your hair loss and are helping to keep your existing hair as healthy as possible.

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10 Foods That Lend A Helping Hand In Maintaining Healthy Hair

10 Foods That Lend A Helping Hand In Maintaining Healthy Hair

Everyone yearns for glowy, natural-looking hair, unaware that a good head of hair begins with a healthy hair diet. That’s right, even if you weren’t blessed with long flowy locks or one of a kind hair genetics, healthy hair can be achieved by implementing certain foods into your diet.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal is great for combating thin, fine hair. Rich with iron, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, oatmeal assists in producing rapid hair growth while creating full, unbreakable hair.

Eggs
Beloved for its B vitamin benefits, eggs offer biotin which helps strengthen hair and prevent hair loss.

Sweet Potatoes
Packed with beta carotene, sweet potatoes aim to do away with coarse, dry hair by stimulating the glands in your scalp. This stimulation leads to the development of sebum, an oily fluid that breathes life back into your hair.

Lobster
Zinc is one of the main minerals found in lobster. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss, which is why lobster plays such an important role in maintaining a healthy hair diet.

Liver
Iron, much like zinc, can lead to hair loss if it goes unconsumed. Liver is a great source of iron and can reduce the risk of patchy hair.

Lentils
Lentils incorporate all the vital minerals needed for adequate hair growth - protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. In addition, lentils provide plenty of folic acid. Folic acid works as a rejuvenating component, reviving the health of red blood cells that increase the flow of oxygen to the scalp.

Cinnamon
While cinnamon is most commonly associated with the holiday season, this spice is great for the hair year-round. Your hair follicles will be thanking you after adding a pinch of cinnamon to your coffee or sweet potatoes.

Guava
For strong hair, vitamin C is all you need….and guava sure has loads of it. Vitamin C prevents breakage, protects against brittle hair, and stimulates growth.

Salmon
Praised for being a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon acts as a lubricant, keeping hair glands strong while giving your hair a natural sheen.

Almonds
Packed with vitamin E, almonds have restoration capabilities that help repair sun damage by protecting skin cells. For scalps that have a tendency to burn or itch, almonds are a great solution.

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The Real Facts About Hair Loss

Hair will always be an enormous part of personal style. It’s no secret that both men and women spend an endless amount of time and money maintaining their hair. And although hair trends will come and go, healthy hair will always be in style. Unfortunately, hair loss isn’t something that’s talked about in the mass media. Although some men may take it in stride, women face societal pressure by covering their hair loss with extensions or hairpieces to maintain the level of femininity they once felt.

It should come as no surprise that hair loss is a sensitive and stressful issue for men and women. And since the topic of hair loss is rarely discussed, many people don’t seek treatment, which not only results in additional hair loss, but it also has a negative impact on their self-esteem and overall happiness. In order to move forward, we must first understand what causes hair loss. Genetics can play a role, but other factors can contribute to hair loss.

Types of Hair Loss

There are several different types of hair loss, which include:
Telogen effluvium - Hair follicles go into a resting phase
Alopecia areata - The body’s immune system starts to attack the hair follicles
Trichotillomania- Individuals have the urge to pull their hair out

Hormones
Fluctuation in hormonal levels can also cause male and female hair loss. In fact, hormonal imbalance is one of the main reasons for thinning hair and excessive shedding. When your hormones are balanced, your hair grows and sheds at a normal rate. However, a woman's hormones dramatically change after childbirth and menopause, which can lead to hair loss.

Furthermore, if you produce testosterone but not enough estrogen, you may also experience hair and skin problems. The same holds true for men. In addition to genetics playing a major role, male pattern baldness is often associated with hormone levels.

Weight Loss
Another reason for hair loss is diet and weight loss. To keep hair healthy, you must consume specific amounts of vitamins and minerals. If your diet is too restrictive, you may start to experience hair loss. Eating a heart-healthy, low-fat diet, rich in fruit and vegetables helps you lose weight and a grow healthy head of hair.

Anemia
Certain medical conditions can also lead to hair loss. Anemia, for example, is a very common medical condition that is easily corrected. If your iron levels are too low, you can experience hair loss. For some women, iron-deficiency anemia can be a direct result of dietary choices or menstrual cycle.

Psychological Causes
Physical conditions are not the only contributing factors when it comes to hair loss. The most common psychological causes of hair loss are stress and anxiety.

Change in Medication
Medications have an impact on your body’s chemistry, so any sudden change in your medication regimen can create hormonal imbalances, which in turn, can cause hair loss. This is sometimes seen in those who discontinue the use of birth control. Hair loss associated with hormone imbalances usually normalizes itself once hormone levels are back to baseline.

Regardless of the reason, seeking advice about hair loss is the best route to go. Stopping hair loss early is the best way to maintain the hair you have and stop further loss.

The Real Facts About Hair Loss

Hair will always be an enormous part of personal style. It’s no secret that both men and women spend an endless amount of time and money maintaining their hair. And although hair trends will come and go, healthy hair will always be in style. Unfortunately, hair loss isn’t something that’s talked about in the mass media. Although some men may take it in stride, women face societal pressure by covering their hair loss with extensions or hairpieces to maintain the level of femininity they once felt. It should come as no surprise that hair loss is a sensitive and stressful issue for men and women. And since the topic of hair loss is rarely discussed, many people don’t seek treatment, which not only results in additional hair loss, but it also has a negative impact on their self-esteem and overall happiness.

In order to move forward, we must first understand what causes hair loss. Genetics can play a role, but other factors can contribute to hair loss.

Types of Hair Loss
There are several different types of hair loss, which include:

Telogen effluvium - Hair follicles go into a resting phase
Alopecia areata - The body’s immune system starts to attack the hair follicles
Trichotillomania- Individuals have the urge to pull their hair out

Psychological Causes
Physical conditions are not the only contributing factors when it comes to hair loss. The most common psychological causes of hair loss are stress and anxiety.

Change in Medication
Medications have an impact on your body’s chemistry, so any sudden change in your medication regimen can create hormonal imbalances, which in turn, can cause hair loss. This is sometimes seen in those who discontinue the use of birth control. Hair loss associated with hormone imbalances usually normalizes itself once hormone levels are back to baseline.

Regardless of the reason, seeking medical advice about hair loss is the best route to go. Stopping hair loss early is the best way to maintain the hair you have and stop further loss.

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Causes & Cures for Dandruff

It's safe to say that most people want to feel confident about their physical appearance. Unfortunately, bodily issues such as dandruff can compromise an individual's aesthetic appeal and thereby lower self-esteem. Luckily, learning about what dandruff is and how to prevent it can empower you to avoid the condition altogether or manage it effectively. Read on to gain more knowledge about this topic:

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a scalp condition that involves flaking on the skin of one's scalp. Although dandruff isn't serious or contagious, it can be difficult to treat and embarrassing to experience.

Causes

There are several factors that can cause dandruff. Some of them include:

Irritated, oily skin. This is one of the most common causes of dandruff.

Not shampooing the hair frequently enough. When hair isn't washed with relative frequency, skin cells and oil can build up from the scalp. This causes dandruff.

•Malassezia. This is a yeastlike fungus that most people have on their scalps. In some cases, Malassezia can irritate the scalp and cause skin cells to grow. When these skin cells die and fall off, they appear flaky and white in the hair.

Dry skin. Flakes that result from dry skin are typically tinier and less oily than those resulting from other kinds of dandruff.

Risk Factors

While anyone can experience dandruff, there are certain factors that can make individuals more susceptible to the condition. Some of them include:

• Age
• Being male
• Oily scalp and hair
• Certain illnesses

Treatment

Luckily, dandruff can be managed. With mild cases, individuals may find that shampooing their hair every day with a gentle cleanser is sufficient. If the case is more serious, the individual might be in need of a medicated shampoo.

In addition to shampooing one's hair regularly, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce one's susceptibility to dandruff. Some of them include:

Stress management. Stress impacts overall wellness and can make individuals susceptible to numerous diseases. It can also trigger dandruff, so make sure that you're implementing stress-busting strategies like meditation and journaling.
Get some sun. Because sunlight may play a role in combating dandruff, it's a good idea to spend a bit of time outdoors each day.

Conclusion

Individuals who want to feel confident about the way they look should know that dandruff can prevent them from doing so. Review the information found in this quick reference guide to ensure that you have access to the knowledge and strategies necessary to effectively manage or eliminate dandruff.

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Epson Salt for Healthy Hair

Are you considering a cheap, natural way to improve your beauty regime? You'll probably be surprised to know that you need to look no further than good old Epson salt. This crystalized mineral is made of magnesium sulfate and is available at most average pharmacies and even grocery stores. It is commonly used in a hot bath to help improve circulation and soothe sore muscles. However, Epson salt is also fabulous for treating oily hair and revitalizing dry hair too.

Using Epson Salt for Oily Hair

First, add 1-2 tablespoons of Epson Salt to a shampoo bottle. Vigorously shake the shampoo bottle until the salt has dissolved
Next, you'll want to thoroughly wet your hair.
Add a small amount of Epson salt shampoo mixture in your palms and rub them together until you have formed a good lather.
Work the shampoo into your hair and scalp.
Massage it into the roots while focusing on the oiliest trouble areas.
Now rinse thoroughly and repeat the process.
On the first shampoo, you will remove much of the dead skin and oil.
This second time you will help the magnesium sulfate get into the scalp, making it fresh and cleaner.
To keep your hair feeling healthy, use the Epson salt shampoo mixture every other time you wash your hair.

Using Epson Salt to Moisturize Dry Hair

Using a bowl, mix equal parts conditioner and Epson salt.
On average about 3-4 tablespoons should do.
Place the mixture in a microwave and heat for roughly 30 seconds.
Stir before touching with your fingers.
The mixture should be warm but not hot to the point where it burns.
Before applying, shampoo your hair as usual.
Massage the Epson salt conditioner mix into your hair, coating it thoroughly.
Now let the mix sit for around 20 minutes or so,
Then rinse completely, and you're done

Grease Buster Tip

For a buildup buster mix, combine the following:

1 cup of lemon juice
1 cup of Epson salt
1 gallon of water.
Before using it is best to let it sit for around a day.
Work into your scalp
Allow it to sit for 15 minutes
Shampoo as usual

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Laser Comb and Laser Hair Therapy

Laser Comb Hair Loss Treatment
The laser comb treatment is a breakthrough in hair growth technology. It enables men and women experiencing hair loss and thinning hair to use proven laser hair therapy treatment – right in their own homes. The laser comb uses low-level lasers to stimulate hair growth. The HairMax Laser Comb is FDA-approved and is recommended by doctors. Apollo Hair Restoration clients use the laser comb for about 8-15 minutes, three days each week in the comfort of their own home, as a part of their customized hair loss treatment program. The hair comb is quick, easy, portable and cost-effective.

Our clients who use the laser comb regularly see positive results with thicker and fuller hair. Clinical studies also prove the effectiveness of the laser comb. More than 93 percent of men and women experienced significant hair growth during clinical trials. The HairMax Laser Comb also helps decrease shedding, strengthens hair follicles and improves scalp health.

n order to reverse or stop the progression of hair loss in males*, the entire hair-growing environment is stimulated by the unique characteristics of laser energy provided by the HairMax LaserComb. The HairMax LaserComb produces nine laser beams which generate columnated, coherent visible light in the red spectrum. Laser light in the red spectrum and with the appropriate power output has been clinically proven to be beneficial for cutaneous medicine. In addition, the HairMax LaserComb has a patented hair parting mechanism. This combined with the precise alignment of the hair parting teeth to the individual laser beams provides a true direct path for the laser light to effectively bathe the scalp.

Laser Hair Therapy Treatment
Laser hair therapy is the latest non-surgical approach to treat thinning hair, hair loss, baldness and problems associated with the scalp. It uses cool therapeutic low laser energy, or “soft” laser light to effectively treat the appearance of hair loss in both men and women. Low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) delivers light energy directly to the scalp, which increases blood flow and stimulates hair growth.

At Apollo Hair Restoration in Dallas we use Laser Therapy treatment in conjunction with topical therapy may achieve faster and better results, than treatment alone. If started early enough, Laser Hair Therapy alone may be all the treatment needed to maintain your hair. While individual results may vary Apollo clients begin to see thicker, fuller and healthier looking hair during treatment.

Benefits of Laser Hair Therapy:

• Stops the progression of hair loss in 85% of patients
• Repairs and improves hair shaft quality
• Increases blood supply to the scalp by 54 percent after one treatment
• Stimulates hair follicles and accelerates hair growth
• Increases hair strength and elasticity
• Promotes fuller, shinier, softer and thicker looking hair
• Repairs damage normally caused by salon chemicals

Laser treatments are a very inexpensive way to help re-grow hair. We use the only FDA approved laser and we sell it for home use for about 10% less than what the manufacturer sells it for on their website. Do not be fooled by expensive studio treatments being offered with a “hooded” type laser that you passively sit under. NONE of the hooded lasers have received FDA clearance for use in hair re-growth treatment.

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Synthetic Wig Care

Synthetic wigs are an inexpensive option for individuals undergoing chemotherapy, as well as those suffering from hair loss due to a medical condition such as alopecia. Continue reading to learn how you can maintain your synthetic wig.

Washing your wig properly is important. Most medical wigs can be washed every two weeks with cool water and a special synthetic shampoo. After saturating your wig in water for approximately 30 seconds you can gently scrub the front of the wig where it meets your forehead. Let your wig soak for about 15 minutes before rinsing it in cool water. You can then repeat this process using a synthetic conditioner before gently squeezing out any excess water with your fingers. Place your clean wig on a wig stand and allow the wig to thoroughly air dry. Do not brush or comb the wig until completely dry. When dry, use a wig brush or hair pick to gently restore styling. Avoid Hair Dryers or styling your wig with a curling iron or straightener, as heat can soften the adhesives and change the overall shape of your wig.

A few other pointers to keep your wig in great shape:

Forget the Hairspray – do not use human hair products on synthetic wigs.
Don't sleep or shower with your wig
Always keep your own hair clean to reduce washing frequency
Always use cold water on a synthetic wig
Wash your wig regularly
NEVER NEVER NEVER use a blowdryer. Allow the wig to air-dry
Do not wear a wet wig
Always handle your wig gently
Do not sleep in your wig
Never use a brush or a comb on curly wigs
Store your wig on a styrofoam mold
Synthetic wigs can be styled using a wig brush, wig comb, and your fingertips. Just be sure not to use a normal brush designed for human hair on a synthetic wig, as these brushes often create excessive tension and may overstretch the wig.

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Wig Care

Treating Your Dandruff with Over the Counter Shampoos

Dandruff affects about 50 million people in the United States. The good news is that although Dandruff can be bothersome and embarrassing it is harmless. Oily skin is one of the most frequent causes of dandruff and is marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Dandruff can also be caused by simply not shampooing enough. When you don't shampoo the oils and skin cells from your scalp can build up causing those annoying white flakes. Overused of haircare product like hairspray, gels and powders can also add to dandruff.

For the treatment of dandruff look for shampoos that contain ingredients such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, sulfur, coal tar, or zinc pyrithione. Leave shampoo on for 5 minutes, then rinse well.

Here are some common over the counter examples:

Zinc pyrithione shampoos (such as Selsun Salon, Head & Shoulders). These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione, which can reduce the fungus on your scalp that can cause dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Tar-based shampoos (such as Neutrogena T/Gel). Coal tar, a byproduct of the coal manufacturing process, helps conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis by slowing how quickly skin cells on your scalp die and flake off.
Shampoos containing salicylic acid (such as Ionil T). These "scalp scrubs" help eliminate scale, but they may leave your scalp dry, leading to more flaking. Using a conditioner after shampooing can help relieve dryness.
Selenium sulfide shampoos (such as Selsun Blue). These shampoos slow your skin cells from dying and may also reduce malassezia. Because they can discolor blond, gray or chemically colored hair, be sure to use them only as directed, and rinse well after shampooing.
Ketoconazole shampoos (such as Nizoral). Ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that may work when other shampoos fail. It's available over-the-counter as well as by prescription.

You may need to try several dandruff shampoos to find one that works best for you. If one stops working, try another. If that doesn't help, call your doctor.

Formaldehyde in Hair Products and Salons

OSHA has found that some hair smoothing products may contain formaldehyde, may release formaldehyde at levels above OSHA's permissible limits during use, and may be mislabeled, all of which can pose health risks to salon workers. Salons and other employers, such as beauty schools, that use hair smoothing products that contain or may release formaldehyde must follow the requirements in OSHA's formaldehyde and hazard communication standards.

OSHA measured unsafe levels of formaldehyde in the air at three salons using specific products and issued citations to the salon owners for failing to protect workers from over exposure to formaldehyde. OSHA also issued citations and fines to salons and other employers (e.g., beauty schools) for using products that contained or could release formaldehyde and failing to follow the requirements in OSHA's formaldehyde standard (e.g., testing the air to determine formaldehyde levels, providing protective equipment, providing training). In addition, OSHA tested and found formaldehyde in several products that were labeled "formaldehyde free" or did not list formaldehyde on the label. OSHA cited the manufacturers and distributors of these products for incorrectly labeling the products.

While this webpage highlights information and data that OSHA has on formaldehyde in hair smoothing products, other products used in the salon may also contain or release formaldehyde. The information on this webpage applies all salon products that contain or may release formaldehyde. Salon owners, stylists, and other salon workers have the right know what is in the products that they are buying and using and how to protect their workers and themselves from formaldehyde exposure. If salon owners decide to use products that contain or could release formaldehyde, then they must follow the requirements in OSHA's formaldehyde and hazard communication standards. This webpage provides information on:

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Hair-Smoothing Products That Release Formaldehyde When Heated - FDA Warning

FDA has received inquiries from consumers and salon professionals concerning the safety of hair-smoothing products containing formaldehyde or related ingredients, which may release formaldehyde gas into the air when heated.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a Hazard Alert to hair salon owners and workers about potential formaldehyde exposure from working with these products. FDA has issued warning letters to GIB, LLC dba Brazilian Blowout and to Van Tibolli Beauty Corp., citing safety and labeling violations.

FDA continues to evaluate hair products that release formaldehyde when heated. The following information is intended to answer questions people may have on this subject.

FDA's Advice to Consumers

Skin sensitivity can develop after repeated contact with formaldehyde-related ingredients. When formaldehyde is released into the air it can cause serious irritation of your eyes, nose, and lungs. The greater the exposure, in terms of both duration and concentration, to products that contain formaldehyde-related ingredients, the higher the health risks.

For example, studies of workers exposed to high levels of formaldehyde, such as industrial workers and embalmers, found that formaldehyde causes myeloid leukemia, and rare cancers including sinonasal and nasopharyngeal cancer. (See “Formaldehyde,” on the National Institute for Environmental Safety and Health website.)

Read the label. If you're purchasing a product on a retail basis, whether at a store or by mail order, including on the Internet, the product is required to have a list of the ingredients. If it doesn't, please let FDA know. The list of ingredients is required under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. Here are some ingredients to look for:

Formaldehyde
Formalin
Methylene glycol

Ask your salon professional. Products that are marketed only to salon professionals may not have a list of ingredients, because the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act applies only to products marketed on a retail basis to consumers. Professional use products, however, are required to have directions for safe use and any necessary warning statements, and OSHA requires them to have an SDS (also called an MSDS). You can ask salon professionals if they know whether a product contains formaldehyde-related ingredients or other ingredients you may wish to avoid.

Report bad reactions. Consumers are one of FDA's most important sources of information. To report a reaction to a cosmetic product, use one of these contacts:

1) Reporting by phone to the Consumer Complaint Coordinator at your nearest FDA district office. Phone numbers are posted on FDA's Web page, Consumer Complaint Coordinators.
2) Reporting online to FDA's MedWatch adverse event reporting system. You also may call MedWatch at 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form by mail.

Salon workers also can file complaints about unsafe workplaces with OSHA, as stated in OSHA’s Hazard Alert.

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FDA Warning

FDA Information for Consumers About WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioners

FDA previously announced that it is conducting an investigation of adverse event reports for WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner products, including reports of hair loss, hair breakage, balding, itching and rash. FDA has received and continues to receive reports of adverse events, as the investigation is still ongoing. In the course of its investigations, the FDA is looking at all sources of information, in order to better understand the consumer reports of adverse events. There are many potential causes of hair loss, including, for example, certain illnesses, medications, hormonal changes, rapid weight loss or gain, anemia, and high-stress life events, and these factors are being taken into account as the FDA continues to investigate these reports. If you experience hair loss, you should contact your healthcare provider. As with any cosmetic product, if you experience an adverse event that you think may be related to use of WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner, you should also cease using the product and report the event to the FDA.

The FDA is investigating reports of hair loss, hair breakage, balding, itching, and rash reported to be associated with the use of WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner products. While the FDA continues its investigation, consumers should be aware of reactions reported in association with the use of WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner products. Consumers who experience a reaction after using WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner products should stop using the product and consult with their dermatologist or other health care provider. The agency also urges consumers to report to FDA any reactions they may have experienced when using these products.

As of November 15, 2016, the FDA had received 1,386 adverse event reports directly from consumers about WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner products, the largest number of reports ever associated with any cosmetic hair cleansing product, including cleansing conditioners. We also are investigating more than 21,000 complaints reported directly to Chaz Dean, Inc. and Guthy Renker, LLC that we learned of during inspections of manufacturing and distribution facilities.

The FDA has not yet determined a possible cause for the adverse events that have been reported, and today has called on the company to “provide any data that might help us to better understand the reports of hair loss associated with the use of WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner products.” The FDA also has reached out to physicians and other health care providers asking them to notify their patients of hair loss and other complaints associated with the use of these products and to report adverse events to the agency.

The FDA will provide additional updates as new information becomes available.

How Physiological Stress Can Lead to Hair Loss

How physiological stress can lead to hair loss

Physiological, or physical, stresses like a major illness, surgery or infection can cause the hair to go into a resting stage where it stops growing and then significant amounts fall out three to six months later. This resting stage is natural and about 10% of your 120,000 - 150,000 hair follicles are going through a resting stage at any time. This results in an average loss of 100 hairs/day. The problem is that certain physical stresses can case your body to send a much larger percentage of follicles into the resting stage, and large amounts of hair suddenly fall out at once, which can be frightening.

Hair loss today may have been caused by stress from months ago

Confusing the situation is the fact that the actual hair loss occurs months after the physical stress occurred. If you are losing gobs of hair today, it was definitely not caused by that stress at work yesterday, that fight with your spouse, or your kids. It was caused by something that happened months ago--that surgery, the 30 pounds you lost suddenly, the nasty virus that spiked your temperature sky-high, or the birth of your child.

The good news about hair loss and stress

If a temporary physiological stress does cause hair loss, it will be temporary. Once the hair falls out, the follicles will start the natural cycle again and start to grow new hair. By the time you have noticed the problem, your hair is probably already growing back. Your beautiful new hair may have just pushed out the hair that was in the resting stage.

How emotional stress might lead to physiological stress

While emotional stress is not directly related to hair loss, an emotionally stressful situation can sometimes cause people to lose weight, not eat properly, or become severely ill. This may then result in hair loss months later. If this has happened to you, then you can limit this problem in the future by paying closer attention to your physical health in times of stress. Again, hair loss caused by temporary physiological stress will be temporary and there is little reason to worry.

Hair loss can cause stress

Any hair loss--no matter the cause--can cause a lot of emotional stress. There is no need to suffer. If you are experiencing hair loss, our staff is always ready to answer your questions and help you find the best solution. You are not alone. We have everything from topical treatments to the latest in laser therapy. We'll help you determine the cause and get you started with an effective solution.

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Hair Follicles 101

People can see that their hair grows and falls out and that it’s the color that it is. But many don’t know exactly why. The secret lies in what happens in the hair follicle.

Hair is made out of keratin, which also makes up human nails and the claws, hoofs, scales and feathers of other animals. Each individual hair is made up of a root and a shaft. The root of the hair is a soft bulb, while the rest of the hair that grows up through the layers of skin and out is the shaft. The root and a bit of the shaft lie below the skin in a sac, and this sac is the follicle. A projection called the papilla lies at the bottom of the follicle. The papilla's a tiny projection that nourishes the hair root. The hair is lubricated by fat glands that produce a material called sebum. Muscles push against fat glands to help them lubricate the fat glands and are also responsible for making the hair stand on end when a person is frightened.

Hair grows by forming new cells at the base of the follicle. As new cells form around the papilla, old cells are pushed up and die. Eventually, these dead cells are pushed up out of the follicle and become part of the hair shaft. In human beings, only one hair at a time grows from a follicle. The hair grows as long as the papilla provides nutrients to the new cells. In humans, the hair usually grows about a half an inch a month for between two and four years. The short hairs that are found on the eyebrows and eyelashes have a much shorter cycle, which keeps them from growing too long.

Usually when a hair shaft falls out, another hair replaces it. This cycle doesn’t happen to all the hair at the same time. People have between 90,000 and 150,000 hairs on their head and lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day. Because the other hair is growing or resting, this loss is not a cause for alarm.

The color of a person’s hair comes from a pigment called melanin. Melanin is deposited in the cells as they form in the follicle and can produce hair that ranges from white blonde to blue black. As a human ages, the melanin sometimes isn’t deposited in the hair cells as it formerly had been, and the hair turns gray or white.

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Could Estrogen be causing your Hair Loss?

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