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Best Treatments for Stimulating Hair Growth

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hair growthHair loss is one of the biggest cosmetic areas men and women seek to treat. Hair loss can make you appear and feel older and can lower your self-esteem.

There are a variety of causes for hair loss – some temporary and some permanent. For individuals with permanent hair loss, stimulating hair growth will require treatment.

How Can I Grow My Hair Back?

Fortunately, there are several tried-and-tested treatments available for stimulating hair growth:

Laser Light Therapy

There are a variety of laser light therapies available for hair regrowth, including at-home tools and laser machines in hair-loss specialists’ clinics. Laser light therapy is available in the form of helmets and combs for home use.

Hair loss specialists have stronger tools that offer light therapy in larger quantities and/or intensities. Laser light therapy stimulates blood flow, which can help restore hair regrowth in the scalp.

Laser light therapy will not regrow a full head of hair, but it can stimulate some growth and help to decrease future hair loss. Laser light strengthens and expands hair follicles – which can not only stimulate hair growth but also allow for stronger, thicker hair.

Using laser light therapy for hair loss is a great treatment option that you can use along with other treatments. 

PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an excellent treatment for stimulating hair growth. PRP therapy involves a doctor or specialist withdrawing a small amount of your own blood, and they then use a centrifuge to isolate the platelets from the blood. The highly concentrated plasma is then inserted into your scalp to stimulate hair growth.

PRP has many great properties, including stimulating healing, rebuilding tissue, and reducing inflammation. PRP therapy is relatively painless and accompanies very few risks, especially since the platelets come from the patient’s own blood – so there is no risk of rejection or incompatibility. 

Hair Replacement Procedures

The most effective solution for hair growth is hair replacement surgery. The most common treatments are follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplant (FUT).

FUE hair transplant procedures involve removing individual follicular units and placing them in the desired area. A specialist will remove a tiny section of skin with just two or three follicles and move it to the area where more hair is desired.

FUT hair transplant procedures involve removing strips of tissue with multiple follicular units (typically from the lower back of the scalp) and placing them in the area where hair is desired. FUT treatments require stitches and a slightly longer healing time.

Both hair transplant procedures can result in permanent hair growth.

Topical Treatments

There are some medications available that stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss. Two of the most popular medications are Minoxidil (Rogaine), which is now available over the counter, and Finasteride (Propecia), which is available through prescription.

Both of these medications are topical, but there are also a variety of oral medications and supplements available that can help stimulate hair growth.

Contact a Hair Restoration Specialist

A hair specialist will be able to examine your medical history and recommend the best hair treatment available for the results you are seeking. Talk to a hair specialist about these hair growth treatments to find out which one may be best for your situation.

If you are interested in hair restoration, MAXiM Hair Restoration would love to help you explore the latest treatment options available. Click here to request a free consultation.

The Stages of Hair Loss in Men

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Losing hair can be a traumatic experience but thankfully, for most men, losing their hair is a process that takes time. It doesn’t happen all at once. In fact, male pattern baldness can be measured.

Are you familiar with the Norwood scale, also recognized as the Hamilton-Norwood scale? It is a classification system that measures male pattern baldness. The system was developed by Dr. James Hamilton in the 1950s and later revised in the ‘70s by Dr. O’Tar Norwood.

The scale reveals that men lose their hair in stages and patterns. Men whose hair begins to recede at the temples are in good company, as this is the most common stage of hair loss, combined with loss on the crown of the head and overall thinning that don’t change the look of the hairline.

There are seven stages of hair loss, according to the Norwood scale. The stages range from mild to severe and are defined as follows.

Stage 1

A man who is in the first stage of hair loss will notice minor loss and very little if any at the hairline. At this stage, the loss of hair is barely noticeable and causes little reason for concern, that is, unless you have a history of baldness in your family. Most men don’t seek hair treatment at this stage of hair loss, though they should pay close attention to how it plays out in the future. Monitoring the loss over time will assist in deciding if and when they may want to seek treatment.

Stage 2

Stage 2 in the process of hair loss is a bit more noticeable than Stage 1. It involves areas of loss that tend to be symmetrical. A man with Stage 2 hair loss will notice that his hair is disappearing in a triangular pattern and recedes at the temporal area. The loss will be noticeable in front of the ears and the fullness of hair that was once front and center is depleting. The loss is obvious.

Stage 3  

Baldness occurs at Stage 3 as the recession of hair is great at the temples and the loss is symmetrical and quite deep over the head, including the crown. There is also loss at the temporal hairline.

Stage 4 

Obviously, with each stage of loss, the loss of hair is greater. So it is with Stage 4, which is severe compared to Stage 3. Hair on the crown is significantly missing. A man in this stage of hair loss might have a bridge of hair between the temporal area in the front and the crown. This band of hair connects the hair on the sides of the head.

Stage 5  

Men at Stage 5 may consider this the beginning of the end. The next stage marks severe loss. Stage 5 includes extreme recession at the temporal and crown areas of the head. The bridge between the two remains but is much thinner. It is also narrower, and the losses are more apparent as they are larger.

Stage 6

The bridge of hair between the crown and the front of a man’s head all but disappears in Stage 6. There may be a few strands that remain, but there is a definite “U” shape to the hair pattern. The hair along the side of the head will thin further at this stage.

Stage 7

Stage 7 is the final stage of hair loss. There is very little hair left on the man’s head that is in Stage 7. There may be a small ring of hair at the back of the head and along the sides of the scalp, but that’s about all.

The saving grace about the stages of male pattern baldness is that the gradual loss allows men the opportunity to investigate their options. MAXiM Hair Restoration is here to help you to navigate those options and to apply solutions.

The Stages of Hair Loss in Men

by Leave a Comment

Losing hair can be a traumatic experience but thankfully, for most men, losing their hair is a process that takes time. It doesn’t happen all at once. In fact, male pattern baldness can be measured.

 

Are you familiar with the Norwood scale, also recognized as the Hamilton-Norwood scale? It is a classification system that measures male pattern baldness. The system was developed by Dr. James Hamilton in the 1950s and later revised in the ‘70s by Dr. O’Tar Norwood.

 

The scale reveals that men lose their hair in stages and patterns. Men whose hair begins to recede at the temples are in good company, as this is the most common stage of hair loss, combined with loss on the crown of the head and overall thinning that don’t change the look of the hairline.

 

There are seven stages of hair loss, according to the Norwood scale. The stages range from mild to severe and are defined as follows.

 

Stage 1

 

A man who is in the first stage of hair loss will notice minor loss and very little if any at the hairline. At this stage, the loss of hair is barely noticeable and causes little reason for concern, that is, unless you have a history of baldness in your family. Most men don’t seek hair treatment at this stage of hair loss, though they should pay close attention to how it plays out in the future. Monitoring the loss over time will assist in deciding if and when they may want to seek treatment.

 

Stage 2

 

Stage 2 in the process of hair loss is a bit more noticeable than Stage 1. It involves areas of loss that tend to be symmetrical. A man with Stage 2 hair loss will notice that his hair is disappearing in a triangular pattern and recedes at the temporal area. The loss will be noticeable in front of the ears and the fullness of hair that was once front and center is depleting. The loss is obvious.

 

Stage 3  

 

Baldness occurs at Stage 3 as the recession of hair is great at the temples and the loss is symmetrical and quite deep over the head, including the crown. There is also loss at the temporal hairline.

 

Stage 4

 

Obviously, with each stage of loss, the loss of hair is greater. So it is with Stage 4, which is severe compared to Stage 3. Hair on the crown is significantly missing. A man in this stage of hair loss might have a bridge of hair between the temporal area in the front and the crown. This band of hair connects the hair on the sides of the head.

 

Stage 5

 

Men at Stage 5 may consider this the beginning of the end. The next stage marks severe loss. Stage 5 includes extreme recession at the temporal and crown areas of the head. The bridge between the two remains but is much thinner. It is also narrower, and the losses are more apparent as they are larger.

 

Stage 6

 

The bridge of hair between the crown and the front of a man’s head all but disappears in Stage 6. There may be a few strands that remain, but there is a definite “U” shape to the hair pattern. The hair along the side of the head will thin further at this stage.

 

Stage 7

 

Stage 7 is the final stage of hair loss. There is very little hair left on the man’s head that is in Stage 7. There may be a small ring of hair at the back of the head and along the sides of the scalp, but that’s about all.

 

The saving grace about the stages of male pattern baldness is that the gradual loss allows men the opportunity to investigate their options. MAXiM Hair Restoration is here to help you to navigate those options and to apply solutions.

Hair Loss Can Be A Difficult Issue To Deal With, Especially If It Happens Earlier Than You Expected.

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In many cases, hair loss occurs due to genetics. Even so, it can occur at different times for different people and proceed in varying degrees. Some men with male pattern baldness may not lose their hair until they are well into their 40s or 50s; for others, it may start in their 20s. Some men may experience hair loss gradually, where the hair thins for several years with a bald spot appearing only much later. Or, hair loss can occur relatively quickly, with a bald spot making its appearance within a year. Individuals from the same family may even experience hair loss in different ways.

Because many people associate hair loss with aging, even a young man with hair loss can appear much older. This means a man with hair loss in his 20s may appear as if he is in his 30s or older. How much older a person looks depends entirely on their looks and the type and severity of hair loss.

While we may be resigned to the fact that all of us age – no one ever really wants to look older if they can help it. If hair loss is making you appear older than your years, it can negatively affect your confidence, self-esteem, and personal life.

But don’t lose hope. If you suffer from hair loss, there are a variety of long-term treatment options that can help you get your hair back, so you can feel and look younger and be more confident.

Medications

There are over-the-counter and prescription medications available that can prevent hair loss and even help regrow hair. These medications include minoxidil and finasteride. You can also get oral medications that will help you stop hair loss. There are a lot of options available on the market that may be able to help you with your hair loss. The best person to suggest medications a hair loss specialist. These individuals can assess your hair loss and recommend the right products for you.

Surgery  

Hair transplant surgeries are effective for hair loss situations that cannot be fixed through medication.

There are several hair transplant procedures that are affordable, safe, and offer great results. The type of procedure that is right for you depends on your hair loss, budget, and preference. A hair transplant surgeon is the best person to speak to when deciding on which procedure you should get done.

If you are suffering from hair loss and feel like you look older than you really are, talk to a hair restoration doctor about what options are available to you. With so many treatment options, there is definitely something ideal for your particular situation.

If you are looking for a way to restore your hair for a fuller head of hair and a more youthful appearance, MAXiM Hair Restoration can help you find the right hair restoration solution for you. Request an appointment at one of our locations today.

 

Five Myths About Men’s Hair Loss You Believe

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There is a lot of “fake news” around men’s hair loss. For as long as men have suffered from hair loss, people have spread myths and tall tales about what causes hair loss, what makes it worse, and ways to cure it. It’s possible some of the things you “know” about hair loss is not really true. The best person to talk to about the causes of hair loss and what you can do about it is a hair transplant specialist. Check out the myths about men’s hair loss below and see how many of them you believed to be true!

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Is Hair Transplant Safe?

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A hair transplant simply is removing a graft of scalp from a spot on the head that has sufficient hair and placing it in a spot where more hair is desired. The spot from which the scalp is removed is the donor site. The recipient site, where new hair will grow, is where the scalp is grafted.

Hair transplant surgery can be conducted in the hospital or at a doctor’s office, either under local or general anesthesia. This will depend on the extent of the surgery that is how many grafts will be made and how long the surgery will take.

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What is Scalp Micro-pigmentation?

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There are several terms that are synonymous with micro-pigmentation:  derma-pigmentation, (the permanent pigmentation of the dermis) cosmetic tattooing and permanent tattooing. They all mean the same thing. Micro-pigmentation is the process by which permanent make-up, (iron-oxide pigment) is tattooed onto a desired area of skin. Of course, scalp micro-pigmentation is applied to the scalp.

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The Different Kinds of Hair Implants

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If there’s any good news to be had in losing your hair, it’s that there’s more of it that can be used to restore areas are thinning or going bald.

That’s what hair transplantation is all about.  It’s achieved by grafting – or removing – follicles from the back of the head and implanting them in areas that need it.  So what are the different kind of hair implants?

There are two forms of hair implantation, either by Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).  The FUT method involves the removal of a strip of scalp from the back of your head and its dissection into individual grafts, while the FUE method involves taking individual follicles from the back of the head one by one.

Either way, the rest of the process is the same.  Miniscule sites are created in the balding areas of the scalp using fine blades and needles so that the grafts can be inserted in the sites.  The FUE procedure is a bit tedious and may take a few hours, but it’s painless because the area is numbed with a local anesthetic.

Both types of hair implants have their advantages.  For example, with the FUT method, larger areas of sparse hair or baldness can be covered in fewer sessions.  With the FUE method, you don’t need to have an entire strip of scalp, there are no cuts, stitches or scars, and the recovery time is much faster, allowing you to return to work within a day or two.

Choosing the right kind of hair implant

Know that you understand the different types of implants, which type is best for you?  That depends on your individual needs. Clients with larger areas of baldness and would like it covered in a single session should opt for the FUT method, while the FUE method is more suitable for clients who:

  • Have smaller areas of thinning or baldness – particularly women.
  • Want to wear a shorter hairstyle.
  • Have an active, sporty lifestyle.
  • Prefer a less invasive procedure without cuts and stitches on the scalp.
  • Want a faster recovery.

In addition to providing an effective solution for pattern baldness, implants can be used to restore hair on other parts of the body including eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair and chest hair. They also help fill in scars that are the result of an accident or surgery such as a facelift or a previous hair transplant.

To learn more about the different kinds of hair implants and how the right technique can improve your appearance, contact the experts at MAXiM Hair Restoration for a free initial consultation.  Our skilled plastic and hair transplant surgeons artfully create attractive hairlines for both men and women with hair loss every day.  We also have conveniently located hair restoration centers throughout the U.S. and around the globe – including New York, Long Island, Connecticut, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Newport Beach, the Washington, DC area, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Manila, Philippines.

10 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know Cause Hair Loss

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Both men and women can lose their hair.  While most blame it on age, there are some surprising reasons why people experience hair loss. Here are ten surprising reasons – other than bad luck – why we might lose our hair.

  1. Hormones

Hormones are powerful and can cause changes in the body that result in hair loss. Pregnant women or those on birth control pills are both susceptible to hormone changes that can affect change in hair follicles. Menopause will also bring about hormonal shifts when androgen receptors are activated on the scalp and hair falls out.

  1. Diabetes

People with diabetes might notice that their hair is thinning or that it is falling out in patches. This is due to a condition that often accompanies diabetes. Alopecia areata causes the immune system to reject and then to attack hair follicles.

  1. Thyroid Disorders

An underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, can cause hair to fall out. The thyroid fails to produce the right amount of hormones, which are critical for growth.

  1. Heredity

Your genes are a factor and – surprise! – it’s your mom who carries the male pattern baldness gene in the family. The female version is called androgenetic alopecia, which is noticeable when hair starts to thin along the part line.

  1. Autoimmune disease

An overactive immune system targets hair and triggers the fallout.

  1. Stress

Our bodies react to stress in various ways and in some cases, the body’s response, especially physical stress, is to slough of hair. Telogen effluvium is the process by which the body experiences such a shock and is fooled into launching into one of its natural life cycle phases:  growth, rest or shedding. A physical trauma will cause your body to shed hair, but as the body recovers, so will the hair.

  1. Vitamins

Taking vitamins has a purpose, but taking too many or too few can be dangerous to your health and also to your hair. Vitamin B deficiency, for instance, can cause hair loss. On the other hand, the opposite is also dangerous in regards to taking in too much Vitamin A, as hair loss will be the result.

  1. Diet

A severe dietary change can affect your hair, causing it to fall out. Harshly restricting protein and calories, having an eating disorder, or replacing meals with supplements can over time have a negative effect. Reversing the hair loss is possible, with a return to a well-balanced diet.

  1. Anemia

Hair loss is a definite sign of anemia brought on by an iron deficiency. When faced with a lack of iron, your body will enter survival mode, rerouting all of its energy into supporting your body’s vital functions.

  1. Medications

Medications, especially beta-blockers that treat blood pressure and also blood thinners can have an adverse effect on your hair, causing it to fall out. The same is true of chemotherapy.

If you notice that your hair is thinning or falling out in patches, talk with your doctor about what might be causing the loss. Thinning hair is often a sign of a bigger problem that needs to be addressed, perhaps a chronic illness that requires a diagnosis. In most cases, hair loss is a symptom.

One solution is to take charge of the situation and contact the skilled hair restoration professionals at MAXiM Hair Restoration.  MAXiM Hair Restoration has plastic and hair transplant surgeons who artfully create an attractive hairline for people with hair loss every day. We have convenient locations throughout the U.S. including New York, Long Island, Connecticut, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Newport Beach, and the Washington, DC, area, as well as international locations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Manila. Chances are there is a MAXiM center near you.  Contact MAXiM today for a free consultation to find out if you are a candidate for a hair transplant or other hair restoration solution.

PRP and Hair Growth

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If you’re tired of thinning hair and progressive hair loss and are looking for new options, why not consider PRP might be able to help.

PRP therapy, short for platelet-rich plasma, which is the highest concentration of platelets, is injected into your scalp in order to promote hair growth.

You may have started balding early in life or you may find that thinning hair might run in your family. Getting your confidence back may take some time, but if you are not ready to give up on your hair regrowth hopes, why not explore PRP?

Should you elect to try PRP therapy for hair growth, you would first get blood drawn at a regular doctor’s appointment. The blood is then spun into highly concentrated platelet-rich plasma. What makes blood special in this process? It’s the mesenchymal stem cells and other nutrients that are known to possess growth factors.

Once your scalp has been numbed by anesthesia, the highly concentrated blood is injected into your scalp, very similar to how one is treated with stem cells therapy. After the procedure, your hair is washed and the patient is able to go on their way, free of further medical requirements. It’s a simple outpatient procedure that should take no more than an afternoon but could change the rest of your life.

While PRP therapy has been proven to be safe in extensive medical literature, it should be noted that the treatments are not yet approved by the FDA. And while many patients report they are seeing promising results after PRP therapy, this has not been unequivocally proven.

PRP therapy is still in the very early stages of research and medical professionals advise that there are other fully approved options put forth by the FDA such as Minoxidil – marketed by their brand name, Rogaine; as well as surgical procedures that can provide a luxurious head of hair.

If you want to explore your hair regrowth options beyond the over-the-counter options, speak to a hair growth specialist today. You don’t have to live with a lack of confidence or dissatisfaction with your hair or appearance. With locations in New York, Long Island, Connecticut, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and the Washington, D.C., area, we are here to help. Reach out to the experts at MAXiM Hair Restoration today.