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PROBIOTICS FOR HAIR GROWTH: WILL IT HELP?

When people begin to experience hair loss, they often look for natural supplements to help them improve their hair health. If you’re researching natural and alternative treatment options, then you might wonder if probiotics are the magic answer. The answer may surprise you. Read on to discover what today’s studies about probiotics show, learn about the connection between your gut health and your hair, and explore which strains of probiotics may be the most beneficial to you.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are a good type of live bacteria and yeast that promote healthy body functions. Their primary purpose is to keep your gut healthy by maintaining a balance between good and bad bacteria, which supports your digestive system. In fact, studies show that probiotics can help with gastrointestinal issues [1] and prevent microbial reinfections. Probiotics can be found in a wide range of fermented foods, like yogurt, as well as in supplements. 

Can Probiotics Increase Hair Growth?

While you’ve likely heard about how probiotics can improve gut health, the benefits they provide extend to other parts of the body as well. This is because gut health has a significant impact on the immune system, which, as it turns out, affects skin and hair follicle health. [2] According to several scientific studies conducted on mice, there may be certain strains of probiotics that can improve overall hair health. [3]

While studies regarding the link between probiotics and hair growth in humans are limited, the studies involving mice provide some hope for men and women who want to decrease hair loss. Some of the other reasons scientists believe probiotics may improve hair growth include their ability to:

  • Fight inflammation: Studies show that probiotics can decrease stress-induced skin inflammation, which may improve hair follicle growth. [2]
  • Decrease stress: Probiotics can also help people reduce emotional stress and anxiety, which often contributes to hair loss. 
  • Balance hormones: People who have a lack of probiotic lining in their intestinal walls often experience hormonal issues. Hormonal imbalances can lead to thinning hair, which means maintaining a proper probiotic lining may decrease hair loss. 

What Are the Best Probiotics for Healthy Hair?

Here are a few of the probiotics researchers have studied that may promote healthy hair growth:

  • Lactobacillus acidophilus: As one of the most common probiotics, lactobacillus acidophilus can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods. It’s a part of the lactic acid bacteria group, which breaks down carbohydrates. This makes lactobacillus acidophilus great at combating bacterial overgrowth. 
  • Bifidobacterium animalis: This common probiotic lives in the large intestine, where it helps with digestion. It also prevents yeast infections, which can cause dandruff and hair loss. [4] You can find bifidobacterium animalis in some dairy products.
  • Escherichia coli: Some helpful strains of these bacteria can aid with digestion. It can also increase the production of biotin and vitamin K, which promotes several metabolic processes, including hair growth. 
  • Bacillus subtilis: This probiotic plays an important role in digestion and improves metabolic functioning. This turns the food you eat into energy your body can use and promotes basic cellular processes, such as hair growth. 

How Can I Include Probiotics in My Diet?

While there are plenty of probiotic supplements available, one of the best ways to reap the benefits is by incorporating fermented foods into your diet. That’s because these natural probiotics contain short-chain fatty acids, which provide additional anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting support. A few foods that contain probiotics include:

  • Sauerkraut
  • Tempeh
  • Buttermilk
  • Yogurt
  • Kefir
  • Kimchi
  • Pickles
  • Miso

Some cheeses, like brie and asiago, also contain probiotics. Try incorporating a few servings of these foods into your meal plan every week to get started. Pair these dishes with prebiotics found in foods like oats, wheat, garlic, soy, asparagus, and onions to ensure the probiotics you consume have the sustenance they need to survive. [5] This can help you maximize the benefits you may experience. 

If you’re looking to incorporate more probiotics into your diet or start taking supplements, we suggest speaking with your doctor to determine what amount may be right for you. While probiotics are safe and beneficial for most people, people with certain immune system conditions may experience mild side effects, such as bloating or an upset stomach. 

Are There Any Probiotic Topical Treatments That Work?

Often, hair loss shampoos are one of the first options people try when trying to improve their hair health. While there are plenty of shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and other treatments available that contain probiotics, there isn’t currently enough research to determine whether these products promote hair growth. If you’re interested in trying a topical probiotic treatment, we suggest taking the time to research the ingredients.

If you have questions about how to promote healthy hair growth or want to learn about your hair restoration options, our team of qualified and dependable specialists is here to help. Get started by filling out our online contact form or schedule a free consultation to discuss our wide range of hair transplant services and alternatives. You can also browse our photo gallery to see how effective our hair restorative treatments have been for others. At MAXIM Hair Restoration, our goal is to help you achieve the look you desire.


Footnotes:

  1. Susanne Hempel, Sydne J Newberry, Alicia R Maher, Zhen Wang, Jeremy N V Miles, Roberta Shanman, BreanneJohnsen, Paul G Shekelle. (2012). Probiotics for the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22570464/
  2. Petra Arck, BoriHandjiski, Evelin Hagen, Maike Pincus, Christian Bruenahl, John Bienenstock, RalfPaus. (2010). Is there a ‘gut–brain–skin axis’? https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2009.01060.x
  3. Tatiana Levkovich, TheofilosPoutahidis, Christopher Smillie, Bernard J. Varian, Yassin M. Ibrahim, Jessica R. Lakritz, Eric J. Alm, Susan E. Erdman. (2013). Probiotic Bacteria Induce a ‘Glow of Health’. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3547054/
  4. Shivaprakash M. Rudramurthy, PrasannaHonnavar, Sunil Dogra, Prakash P. Yegneswaran, SanjeevHanda, ArunalokeChakrabarti. (2014). Association of Malassezia species with dandruff. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4069738/
  5. Joanne Slavin. (2013). Fiber and Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Health Benefits. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3705355/

IS IT MALE PATTERN BALDNESS, OR IS IT STRESS?

When you notice extra hairs on your pillow or hairbrush, you may be wondering if it’s stress-related or if you’re starting to see the effects of male pattern baldness. If you’re used to running your hand through a thick layer of locks, it may surprise you to find thinning hairlines or limp strands with less life and volume. Here are some ideas to help you find out the likely cause of your hair loss or thinning hair on the scalp.

Stages of Hair Growth

To understand more about hair that’s falling out, it’s helpful to learn the process of how hair grows. For both men and women, hair grows in three main stages. The first phase, called anagen, is the process where the hair actually grows from follicles on your head. This is the longest phase, lasting for years at a time. The next phase, catagen, is a brief period when hair transitions from its growth stage to the next part of the process called telogen. In the telogen or resting phase, hair stops growing and just rests on your head.   

When hair loss happens due to stress, it occurs during the last stage of hair growth, which is why the condition is referred to as telogen effluvium. Extended periods of stressful activity, such as a demanding job or traumatic events, such as an accident, can cause telogen effluvium or the thinning and loss of hair due to increased cortisol levels (stress hormone).

Stress causes a disruption in the hair growth cycle, when a higher percentage of your hairs enter the telogen phase at the same time, making more of your hair susceptible to falling out. Telltale signs of telogen effluvium (stress-related hair loss) include a noticeable difference in the amount of hair coming out when you comb your hair, more hairs in the shower drain or on the bathroom floor, and more hairs littering your pillow in the morning when you get out of bed. 

The best way to treat telogen effluvium is to make lifestyle improvements, develop strong coping mechanisms, and eliminate unnecessary stressors. And here’s the really good news: Your hair can grow back. Stress-related hair loss often resolves on its own after you manage the stress-causing elements in your life. Healing after major surgery or an accident takes time, and you may not even notice hair loss until a few months after the incident. Finding ways to de-stress on the job or, amid a challenging time in your life, are key to restoring your hair to its normal fullness. 

There are plenty of ways to deal with stress, including managing your diet and exercising. Talk to your health care provider about ideas to change your routine or manage how you internalize daily stressors. Find what works best for you, whether it’s a calming sunset walk, breathing exercises designed to refocus your attitude, or enjoying a hobby more often. 

Male Pattern Baldness

Unlike hair loss caused by stress, male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, happens slowly and appears in specific places on the scalp. If you notice your hair thinning at the temples or on the top of your head, it’s likely male pattern baldness affecting your hair growth. 

Androgenic alopecia can begin as early as your teenage years, with your chances of developing this condition increasing as you age. Male pattern baldness is also linked to genetics. When other family members have it, you’re more at risk for the hereditary condition. Androgenic alopecia is also affected by the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone, a metabolite of testosterone. Men with higher levels of this hormone produce thinner and shorter hairs and the hair loses its signaling function. Once these hairs die off, they do not grow back. 

Ways To Treat Male Pattern Baldness

Hair restoration professionals offer a range of treatment options to deal with male pattern baldness. Both surgical and non-surgical procedures can help you regain lost hair or encourage your own hair production by stimulating key cellular responses. You can also combine methods, thus creating your own hybrid treatment plan for hair transplants and regenerative processes. Here are the main methods hair restoration professionals use:

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

The FUE treatment is a hair transplant that grafts a single follicular unit at a time from the donor area to a pre-arranged part of your scalp. The procedure lasts between six to eight hours and you can rest, talk, text, or watch something for entertainment while under local anesthesia for the FUE. 

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)

A follicular unit transplant takes more follicles at a time than the FUE from a donor area on the back of the head. After removing the donor hair and tissue, your doctor separates the hairs into individual or small groups of follicles to complete your hair transplant to balding and thinning areas. 

Collagen Induction Therapy

This quick procedure involves using micro-needles to increase collagen production in the scalp. Using a topical anesthetic, your doctor then performs the micro-needling process on your scalp to encourage new hair growth through collagen and platelet response. Collagen induction therapy can result in fuller and more hair growth. 

MAXIM PDO Threading

This non-surgical procedure uses dissolving polydioxanone sutures to oxygenate the scalp, regenerating blood flow to reinvigorate hair production in balding and thinning areas. The PDO method encourages the body to form new blood vessels in the scalp, supports the regeneration of collagen, and helps trigger your body’s continual platelet response, resulting in six or more months of new hair growth.

3D Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)

An SMP procedure requires two sessions where doctors use micro-needles to implant pigmentation directly into the scalp. The micro-needling used in this process replicates hair follicles through a stroke method to give the appearance of hair through a relatively simple procedure. 

Stress-related hair loss and male pattern baldness differ in their effects and treatment. When hair loss is stress-related, you can often see a complete reversal after lowering stress levels or making lifestyle changes. Male pattern baldness typically leads to complete baldness after a slow thinning process. If you’re trying to determine the reason behind your hair loss, pay attention to little signs, such as the amount of hair you lose in a period of time or the area where your hair thins. Concerned about thinning hair and possible male pattern baldness? Talk to our team of experts at one of the many MAXIM Hair Restoration locations close to you. 

GROWTH FACTORS AND PDO THREADS FOR HAIR LOSS

Are you looking for a non-surgical hair loss solution? You might be surprised to learn that there are more options available than transplants or a toupee. Some of the more exciting options are Growth Factor Therapy and Polydioxanone (PDO) Threads. If you haven’t heard of these, you’re not alone! Let’s break down what these treatments are and whether or not you would be a good candidate. 

What Is Growth Factors Therapy?

Doctors use growth factors to accelerate the healing process in various body parts, including hair loss. This form of therapy is generally used to treat hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia, where the hair follicles have started to shrink and can be coaxed back to life.

Growth factors are found in your blood and are considered your body’s first responders when it comes to injury. They respond to wounds and cuts to stop the bleeding and accelerate healing. Doctors utilize your body’s own healing factors and reinject them in higher concentration into the damaged areas to promote natural healing.  This is done by using a centrifuge to spin your blood sample rapidly enough to separate the components from your blood. This contains proteins and growth factors to accelerate tissue repair.

A total of 262 participants were involved in testing growth factor therapy as an option for hair loss restoration. A team of researchers then analyzed these studies in 2019 for their effectiveness and found that a majority of the participants experienced either slowed hair loss or an increase in the density of their hair, indicating hair restoration. A second review, also in 2019, looked at 460 recruits who received this therapy for androgenic alopecia, which also reported hair regrowth in a majority of the participants.

This therapy involves drawing your blood in the morning to allow the doctor to run it through the centrifuge to separate the components. A medical professional then extracts the growth factors using a syringe and injects them into the targeted areas of the scalp. The therapy takes approximately one hour, with several sessions recommended to achieve optimum results. After the treatment session, you can typically return to your daily activities without limitations.

What Are Polydioxanone (PDO) Threads?

PDO is a synthetic suture material that absorbs into the body slowly and stimulates collagen production, new blood vessel formation, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, along with fibroblasts. All of these trigger the body to repair and regenerate, including hair follicles.

PDO thread treatment appears similar to microneedling, releasing growth factor (PDGF) and activating cells to stimulate growth and repair. Patients, who received facelifts using PDO thread, experienced increased facial hair growth in the treated area. A small study of men receiving PDO thread treatment for androgenic alopecia demonstrated that at 12 weeks, all of the patients had noticeable increases in hair counts.

Monofilament PDO threads have also treated female androgenetic alopecia with similar results. Areas treated have included the crown and hairline along the temple area, each showing visual improvement within 12 weeks of treatment. A PDO thread treatment generally lasts for six to 12 months, which is how long it takes the body to break down the threads.

Who Is a Good Candidate For Growth Factor Therapy or PDO Threads?

Both therapies require potential candidates to have hair follicles. Neither of these treatments causes the scalp to grow new strands. Instead, they promote the growth and repair of shrinking follicles, stimulating new hair growth. Potential candidates should have their vellus hair, terminal hair, and miniaturized or intermediate hair density evaluated in each zone of their scalp to determine whether or not they have hair follicles to rejuvenate. Miniaturized and intermediate hair is the most receptive to these treatments, meaning that candidates with high numbers of weak hairs should respond positively to treatment.When you’re ready to explore hair restoration options, reach out to the experts at Maxim Hair Restoration. Maxim offers a variety of options, including hair transplants as well as the options above. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have or get you set up for a free consultation where we can discuss treatment options, fees, and financing options.

ALOPECIA TREATMENT THAT TRIGGERS HAIR GROWTH WAS JUST APPROVED BY THE FDA

It’s okay if you’re losing a little hair every day while brushing or washing your hair; however, if you’re noticing excessive amounts of loose hair, it may be due to alopecia, an autoimmune disorder causing small bald patches. As per the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, over 6.8 million Americans may suffer from this form of hair loss. But the good news is that alopecia areata now has a cure with an oral tablet, Olumiant (baricitinib). 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Olumiant tablets for treating alopecia areata in adult patients. It is the first-of-its-kind drug for systemic therapy of alopecia areata, which means it treats the entire body and not just a specific area.

Let’s read more about this wonder drug.

What Is Alopecia Areata?

As the name suggests, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that affects the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. Typically, hair loss on the scalp is accompanied by discrete bald patches that can occur on any part of your body. In Latin, alopecia means hair loss, and areata means a patch. Anyone from all races, ages, and genders can develop alopecia, although most cases occur in people before they reach their 30s. There are several variations of alopecia areata, such as:

  • Alopecia areata totalis 
  • Alopecia universalis 
  • Ophiasis
  • Ophiasis inversus
  • Diffuse alopecia areata

Symptoms of Alopecia Areata

The most common symptom of alopecia is severe hair loss. In most cases, it appears as small coin-sized patches that start occurring due to hair fall. The hair starts falling suddenly with itching and inflammation on the scalp, and the condition becomes severe within a few weeks. Hair sometimes grows back but falls from another part of the scalp making a new patch. In winter, the hair fall increases. Alopecia affects not only hair but also your fingernails and toenails. White spots, lines, and dents appear on your nails. They lose their shine and become rough, thin, and brittle.

Causes of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata occurs when hair follicles shrink and dramatically slow down hair production after white blood cells attack them. Why the immune system targets hair follicles in this way is still unknown. Having a close family member with the disease increases the risk of developing alopecia areata. 

Other than having a family history of alopecia areata, many people with alopecia areata also have atopy (an autoimmune disorder associated with allergy and hypersensitivity), thyroiditis, and vitiligo. The idea that stress causes alopecia areata is not supported by much scientific evidence. A lot of stress can trigger the condition, but most recent research points to a genetic basis for the disorder.

How Does Olumiant Work?

Olumiant is a drug that inhibits the enzyme Janus kinase (JAK) [1] and works on the inside of the body. It disrupts an immune signaling pathway that contributes to alopecia areata. Olumiant’s therapeutic effects may be associated with suppressing immune signals, though there is no scientific proof yet. Olumiant is already an approved medication for rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis patients with moderate to severe activity can take Olumiant as a treatment.

The severity of the alopecia tool measured the patients with more than six months’ scalp hair loss. They were studied in two double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trials to determine Olumiant’s efficacy and safety. Using Olumiant with another JAK inhibitor, a biologic immunomodulator, cyclosporine, or other potent immunosuppressants is not recommended. Olumiant (baricitinib), a once-daily pill, is recommended as a systemic treatment for adults with severe alopecia areata. It is available in 4-mg, 2-mg, and 1-mg tablets.

Possible Side Effects of Olumiant

Olumiant comes with warnings and precautions that the patients should be closely monitored during and after treatment. They should also be evaluated for active tuberculosis and tested for latent tuberculosis before taking Olumiant due to the potential for viral reactivation. The package insert for Olumiant warns of serious infections, mortality, malignancies, major adverse cardiovascular events, and thrombosis. Pneumonia, herpes zoster, and urinary tract infections were the most common serious infections reported with Olumiant.

Before beginning Olumiant therapy, consider the risks and benefits in patients with chronic or recurrent infection, those exposed to tuberculosis, those with a history of severe or opportunistic infection, those living or traveling in endemic regions for tuberculosis or mycoses, or those with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection. Olumiant should not be prescribed for patients with active infections, including localized infections. 

There is a possibility that Olumiant may increase your risk of lymphoma and other cancers, such as skin cancers. It may also increase the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, which could cause blood clots in your lungs, legs, and arteries. In addition, it may also cause allergic reactions, such as rashes, trouble breathing, dizziness, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat. Sometimes it may cause inflammation in the stomach and intestine.

Other Treatments for Alopecia

Olumiant is the first oral medicine approved by the FDA for treating alopecia. A patient can use a few more treatments if his doctor prescribes them. Below are some of these treatments:

  • Corticosteroids: These are anti-inflammatory medicines that are advised for treating autoimmune diseases. They can be injected into the scalp, applied to the skin as a cream, lotion, or ointment, or taken as a pill. This medication works slowly and thus takes a long time to cure and start hair regrowth.
  • Topical immunotherapy: This treatment is given when you have severe hair loss. A chemical is applied on the scalp, which causes inflammation and irritation to the skin. This, in turn, regulates hair growth and stimulates new hair to grow. Ongoing treatment is required to promote new hair growth regularly.
  • Minoxidil: This is applied on the scalp, and it takes around 12 weeks to see any new hair growth. This treatment, therefore, takes a long time to see results. 

Alopecia is medically harmless, but the psychological implications can be severe. As a result, Olumiant’s approval is significant for people suffering from alopecia areata and the experts advocating it. It enables many people to access a cure for this disorder and may allow them to regain their hair and enhance their overall quality of life.


Footnotes:

1. Upham, Becky. (June 15, 2022). FDA Approves New Treatment Olumiant for Hair Loss From Severe Alopecia Areata. https://www.everydayhealth.com/hair-loss/fda-approves-new-treatment-for-people-with-severe-alopecia-areata/

HAIR TRANSPLANT VS. WIG

Hair loss turns out to be a humiliating experience for both women and men. Because hair loss has a significant impact on one’s self-esteem, the situation can put a lot of stress on an individual’s personal and professional life. With the advancement of technological innovations, there are numerous hair restoration alternatives available at some of the best hair transplant outlets to assist people in achieving full hair coverage. However, people grappling with baldness or hair loss are frequently torn between choosing a hair transplant surgery or considering a wig to conceal their bald spots.

Let us examine each method separately to gain a better understanding:

Hair Transplant

hair transplant is a surgically performed technique. It includes removing hair follicles from the donor region (the back and side of the head) and permanently transplanting them onto the balding part of the scalp. This treatment is conducted under a local anesthetic to eliminate any needless suffering.

Pros

  • A hair transplant is your best bet if you want a more natural appearance because it requires transplanting your natural hair onto the areas with hair loss. Afterward, the hair strands grow naturally, providing a more natural appearance.
  • Hair transplantation is regarded as a permanent solution to baldness.
  • Unlike wigs, the maintenance burden is marginal because taking care of your transplanted hair is the same as taking care of your natural hair.
  • It’s a one-time expenditure and does not have long-term financial bearings.

Cons

  • A hair transplant does not prevent future loss, so you may still require medication to prevent existing hair fall.
  • Results take roughly 12 months.

Wigs

Wigs, often known as hair replacement systems, are hairpieces that could immediately cover bald regions on the head. They are made with artificial fiber or natural human hair and are available in a variety of colors, styles, textures, lengths, and densities.

Pros

  • Wigs can be created with natural human hair or synthetic fibers like polyurethane or lace.
  • Wigs are not at all time-consuming because they quickly modify your look.
  • Wigs are available in numerous colors and styles, which makes them more enticing.
  • They are easily removable as needed.

Cons

  • Only natural human hair wigs can be treated with a blow dryer, flat iron, and curler.
  • Wigs need maintenance regularly to keep the shine and natural appearance intact.
  • They can be irritating, mainly in hot climates.
  • Wigs can also contribute to baldness. The fasteners used to hold wigs in place frequently produce specific baldness. It’s known as traction alopecia, linked to the weaving technique, which involves weaving strands of hair into the base of the wig to keep it stable. The weave gradually pulls on the hair strands, some of which have already been affected due to weak hair roots. This stress on the natural hair leads to traction alopecia, which is permanent baldness in that location.
  • It’s actually a myth that wigs are budget-friendly. The long-term maintenance cost of wigs makes it a costly affair. Moreover, the supply chain issues and inflation with hairpieces/systems after the pandemic have put an additional premium on the availability and upkeep of wigs. 
  • The odor is one more downside of wearing a wig. Oils, sebum, and wax are naturally generated by the scalp and accumulate beneath the base of the hairpiece. These items will mix to produce stink if the user does not maintain a regular cleaning regimen.

Comparison Between Hair Transplant and Wigs

Here are a few more comparisons to guide you through to get more clarity on the practicality of two of the most commonly used hair loss solutions.

Economical vs. Expensive

Most people assume that a hair transplant is a much more costly remedy for baldness than wearing a wig. However, wigs require diligent maintenance, which increases the cost with each appointment. Transplanted hair, on the contrary, requires less upkeep because it works similar to natural hair. Consequently, a hair transplant is indeed a more cost-effective method that produces long-lasting and natural outcomes.

Natural Appearance vs. Artificial Appearance

Hair transplantation is a treatment that includes using natural hair removed from the person’s own scalp. The hair grafts that were implanted will ultimately develop into natural-looking hair. The employment of hair wigs, on the other hand, provides a wholly artificial appearance, as they are not the patient’s own hair, or sometimes they might be made with synthetic materials.

Permanent vs. Temporary

While hair wigs may quickly change a person’s appearance, they cannot be worn indefinitely. Wigs may be unpleasant and possibly cause irritation, headaches, and rashes when worn for an extended period. Hair transplants, on the other hand, provide a permanent remedy for natural hair growth. However, it may take many months to achieve the desired outcomes. While wearing a wig makes it hard to swim, exercise, or sleep, a hair restoration operation enables patients to engage in these pursuits without limitation.

Social Insecurity vs. Confidence

Most individuals who wear hair systems (wigs) say that they fear the possibility of a powerful gust of wind, stumbling into others, meeting someone with a keen eye, or anything that may reveal that they are wearing a hairpiece and it is not their natural hair. They create an unseen boundary and don’t let people come near in a social gathering. The emotional cost of keeping this truth hidden is high. On the other hand, a hair transplant places natural hair on that bald patch of skin and keeps it there forever. That boosts an individual’s confidence manifolds.

The advancement of hair transplant surgical techniques has rendered wigs mostly obsolete as a remedy for people grappling with baldness. Wigs are still the best option for certain people suffering from hair loss, especially those who’ve gone through chemotherapy or any other temporary hair loss. However, it’s clear from our discussion that a hair transplant is the most practical solution in most cases. If you are experiencing hair loss and want to consult an expert, please get in touch with us to schedule a free appointment, and we at MAXIM will gladly resolve your hair-related issues.

HOW DO I KEEP MY SCALP HEALTHY FOR HAIR GROWTH?

Like most of our other body organs, many of us take our scalp’s health for granted. When we choose our shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products, the only pre-thought is how they will improve the health of our hair. However, hair health correlates to our scalp’s health. Many of us often experience certain scalp problems, such as repeated scratching, visible dandruff flakes, and bumps, which can be highly annoying.

Let’s learn how to upkeep the health of our scalp that will provide us with a sense of peace and aid in preventing future loss.

What Constitutes a Healthy Scalp?

Having a healthy scalp refers to keeping your scalp skin in the greatest possible condition, devoid of itchiness, redness, or flakiness. It will also be without any acne, cysts, or sun damage. We must lead a stress-free life and have a balanced diet to achieve this. Besides that, we should also make informed choices about hair care products.

What Are the Signs of an Unhealthy Scalp?

Dandruff and some minor infections are significant signs of an unhealthy scalp. Dandruff frequently starts with a minor scalp infection. With time, hair products, oil, debris, and dead skin accumulate on the scalp. Bacteria and yeast can become trapped in the buildup and develop on the scalp. These yeasts cause an abnormal spike in the growth of skin cells on the scalp. Dandruff is caused by an excess of skin cells that pile up and shed.

Irregular shampooing or poor hygiene are the most common causes of product and oil accumulation. Unbalances in these microorganisms can also be caused by stress, hormonal changes, dietary changes, or diseases. However, some people are more susceptible to the yeasts that produce dandruff; this is probably hereditary. In that case, they have to take extra care of their scalp. Also, the skin can get flaky due to a dry scalp.

What Are the Ways To Keep Your Scalp Healthy?

Simple tweaks to your hair care routine may make a significant difference in keeping your scalp healthy. More often than not, it’s as simple as being gentler with your shampoo or just going easy with harsh hair colors or other chemical hair products. Consider the following tips to help you take care of your scalp.

Use Mild Hair Care Products

Avoiding products that have sulfates, alcohols, or scents may help enhance the health of your scalp. Sulfates eliminate natural oils from your hair and dead skin cells, leaving the scalp dry and susceptible to irritation. Additionally, because your scalp is already sensitive, applying shampoo or other products containing alcohol and scents sucks the moisture out of your hair. This will lead to your hair becoming dry and brittle and cause inflammation, leaving you with a dry, irritated scalp. Parabens cause scalp inflammation and dry your scalp as well.

Also, avoid hair products containing harsh ingredients and hair treatments such as perming, hair coloring, and bleach. These can harm the hair roots and scalp skin.

Adjust Your Shampooing Technique

Massage your scalp instead of scraping it when washing your hair. This will promote circulation and prevent scalp abrasions.

Wash Less Frequently

It’s reasonable to assume that you must wash more frequently if you want to avoid greasy hair. This, however, might have the opposite effect. Shampooing your hair everyday removes natural oils. As a result, your scalp may create extra oils to keep itself moisturized, leading to more oily-looking hair.

Dermatologists recommend washing your hair three times a week. If your scalp is dry, you can utilize items such as coconut oil to moisture in a positive way.

Take Omega-3 Supplements

Despite the lack of solid scientific proof, many people think that fish oil supplements can help encourage hair health and manage hair loss.

Consume More Antioxidants

When harmful free radicals in our body exceed the number of good antioxidants, oxidative stress happens. Oxidative stress may create health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, but it is also thought to impact scalp health, which can cause hair loss. Vegetables and fruits are the most potent sources of antioxidants. We must include them in our diet, as their benefits go beyond keeping your scalp healthy.

Take Probiotics

Probiotics are essential for maintaining your gut health, which is directly responsible for healthy scalp skin. It would help if you consumed probiotics to keep a healthy gut microbiome. It is recommended to have probiotics with a minimum of two bacteria strains, such as Lactobacillus, which has shown in a study to have thickened mouse hair.

Exfoliate Scalp Skin

Similar to a face scrub, a detoxifying shampoo acts as a method of exfoliating the skin and hair of your scalp. These contain various chemical and physical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells, sebum, and dandruff. They may also improve the blood flow beneath your skin, thus increasing hair growth. They are also incredibly calming and aid in stress-reduction. This is something that should be done once in a great while, not every day and not every week. Make sure the product you use is scalp specific and research the ingredients prior to use.  

Use Conditioners and Natural Oils

Use a leave-in conditioner to replenish hydration in your scalp after every wash. Afterward, lock in moisture with any natural oils, like avocado oil, jojoba oil, or Jamaican black castor oil.

Optimal pH Balance of the Scalp

The pH of a healthy scalp fluctuates between 4 and 5. The pH of your scalp is critical for retaining moisture in your hair. Acid flattens the hair cuticle, allowing it to remain hydrated. When the scalp skin is too alkaline or basic, the cuticle opens, and the hair dries faster. Moreover, optimum acidity also reduces tangles, and an ideal pH balance is responsible for preventing bacterial and fungal development.

Many products have a very high pH, which upsets the scalp’s equilibrium. Products with a very low pH, on the other hand, might damage your hair and skin. So, always choose a product that can help maintain the pH balance of your scalp. So, the bottom line is that because a healthy scalp results in good hair, it’s critical to take care of your scalp. If you still experience redness, itching, flakiness, discomfort, or severe hair loss after taking all the precautions mentioned above, consult a dermatologist. They can tell you whether you have an undiagnosed health issue or if you need to adjust your hair care regimen.

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