Hair Loss and Restoration: Why Do I Have It and What Are My Options?
Thinning hair and hair loss are prevalent issues that affect the confidence and self-image of many adults.
In fact, the statistics are staggering:
Over 50% of men experience hair loss by the time they’re in their 40s
Approximately 40% of women experience hair loss by the age of 50
As you can see, if you struggle with hair loss or thinning hair, you’re not alone. With so many people facing hair loss, it’s surprising to learn that available treatment options have been less than ideal – until now!
Here at Refresh & Renew MedSpa conveniently located in between Lake Orion and Clarkston, Michigan, we are excited to introduce you to the quick, pain-free hair restoration treatment that will get you back on track for that luxurious mane you’ve been yearning for. Let’s start with a dive into the nitty gritty of hair loss and then take a look at how to remedy it.
Reasons for Hair Loss
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of reasons ranging from genetics to medical conditions to stress and even certain hairstyles. Let’s take a quick look at the many reasons why hair loss happens:
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones like dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can bind to hair follicles, causing them to shrink over time. This is a key factor in androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness).
Genetic Predisposition
Genetic factors play a significant role in determining susceptibility to hair loss. Specific genes inherited from parents can influence the sensitivity of hair follicles to hormonal changes.
Inflammation
Chronic inflammation, often triggered by immune responses, can affect hair follicles' health. Inflammation can also be caused by certain beauty treatments.
Nutrient Deficiency
Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc and biotin, can impair hair growth and maintenance.
Aging
As we age hair growth cycles can become shorter, leading to decreased hair density and thinning. Hair follicles also become less responsive to growth signals.
Stress & Lifestyle
Chronic stress or stressful experiences such as sudden weight loss or surgery can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. Lifestyle choices, like smoking and an imbalanced diet, can also negatively impact hair health.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can disrupt hormonal balance and contribute to hair loss. Conditions such as lupus and diabetes can also have an impact on hair loss.
Medications
Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and certain blood pressure medications, can interfere with the hair growth cycle and cause temporary or permanent hair loss.
Tight Hairstyles
Physical trauma to the scalp, such as tight hairstyles or constant pulling, can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
Treatments for Hair Loss
There are several different treatments for hair loss, but many come with drawbacks that are important to consider when weighing your options. Here’s a look at the most common treatments for hair loss available today:
Medication
There are two primary medications, Finasteride and Minoxidil, that are used to treat hair loss. Finasteride is a prescription medication that inhibits the production of the DHT hormone to help slow down hair loss and promote regrowth, particularly for male pattern baldness. Minoxidil is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical solution that enhances blood flow to hair follicles that is used to promote hair growth and improve hair density in both men and women.
Keep in mind: Minoxidil can cause adverse events such as fast or irregular heartbeat and rapid weight gain. Finasteride has common side effects such as breast pain, libido changes, erectile dysfunction and gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in men). This medication also requires women of childbearing age to use birth control.
Hair transplant surgery
There are two categories of hair restoration surgery. Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) involves the removal of a strip of scalp from the back of the head, followed by the extraction and transplantation of individual hair follicles to thinning or balding areas. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is typically less invasive than FUT, and it involves the extraction of individual hair follicles directly from the scalp that are then transplanted to target areas.
Keep in mind: Any surgical procedure comes with inherent risks, and the risks associated with hair transplant surgery should be well understood by the patient before electing to undergo one of these procedures.
Lower-level laser therapy (LLLT)
LLLT involves the use of specialized laser devices or helmets to stimulate hair follicles at a cellular level. This treatment promotes hair growth by improving blood circulation and increasing cellular energy production.
Keep in mind: LLLT is a time-consuming procedure and requires a commitment to see results. Patients typically must attend multiple sessions per week for several months, and while these can lessen with time, it’s typically recommended that treatments continue indefinitely.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
PRP therapy uses the patient’s own blood, which is processed to concentrate platelets rich in growth factors. These platelets are then injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicle activity, promote regrowth and improve hair thickness.
Keep in mind: We know the amazing benefits of PRP in aesthetic treatments like PRP microneedling! However, PRP for use in hair restoration has not proven to produce consistent results and can be quite painful.
DE|RIVE hair support
DE|RIVE is a quick, pain-free hair restoration treatment that involves a specifically formulated, plant-based serum that supports hair growth and scalp health by decreasing inflammation, increasing hydration and blood flow, removing dead cells from around the hair follicle and increasing integral proteins. This is the most current hair restoration treatment on the market and results to restore the hair you’ve lost begin in as little as 30 days.
Keep in mind: This procedure is non-invasive, requires no downtime, and generates new hair growth in one session, with visible hair growth within the first three sessions. It’s suitable for men and women, takes only 30 minutes, and there are no pokes, cuts, scars or surgeries involved.
DE|RIVE Hair Support at Refresh & Renew MedSpa
We are so pleased to offer DE|RIVE Hair Support at our MedSpa that’s situated in between Lake Orion and Clarkston, Michigan. If you’re in Oakland County and struggling with hair loss or thinning hair, come in for a free consultation with one of our expert practitioners to see how we can help you achieve your hair restoration goals.