Pink Prescriptions - December 2019

December 2019 Issue

It can't be happening—thinning hair, texture change and even worse—hair going down the drain at an alarming rate. What is happening? Is it aging? Illness? Nutrition? Thinning hair is not something women talk much about. However, that doesn’t mean the problem isn’t real. We decided our skin was thick enough, even if our hair wasn’t, to unclog the silence and ask the professionals to give us the skinny on thinning hair.

Kerri Dodson,  Certified Nutrition Therapist —NuBodia
Can my diet affect hair loss or growth?

In a short answer, yes. Nutrition can and does affect all aspects of your health. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies will present externally if allowed to become too severe or chronic. If there is an internal imbalance in nutrients, excessive stress, or even severe caloric restriction, hair loss may occur. Hair loss can be a symptom of a lack of certain nutrients. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency known to cause hair loss. Vitamin D will stimulate hair follicles and plays a role in follicle cycling. Therefore, vitamin  D deficiencies can cause hair loss, and it also associated with alopecia, which is an autoimmune disease that manifests with patchy hair loss. Niacin and Biotin (also known as Vitamin H) deficiencies are also associated with alopecia. Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a key roll in follicle development. A lack of fatty acids such as Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids can cause loss of scalp hair and eyebrows. Protein deficiency will also result in hair thinning or hair loss.  

As you can see, vitamins and minerals play a key role in hair thinning and hair loss along with overall health.  Vitamin deficiency testing is a helpful tool when symptoms present themselves. A nutrition therapist would also be helpful to help navigate any deficiencies primarily with adjusting nutritional intake through whole foods and using supplementation when and if necessary.  

Kerri Dodson is a Certified Nutrition Therapist and Master Certified Health and Wellness Coach for NuBodia, LLC.  Kerri specializes in Nutritional Counseling and nutritional protocols to help her clients overcome chronic diseases such as high cholesterol, high A1c, Type II Diabetes and all autoimmune diseases. Call today: 843-816-3733.

E. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS - Dr. Finger & Associates
I have developed a bald spot. Is hair transplant a viable solution and what does it involve?

Yes, depending on the cause of the balding spot, a hair transplant procedure is the only technique to permanently treat balding in both men and women. This is providing the person has adequate donor site.

Typically, from 700 to 2500 grafts are transplanted in one session, according to the size of the area of baldness. A skillfully performed procedure will result in totally natural appearing hair, and it will grow naturally as well.

A hair transplant is performed under local anesthesia. Sedation is used when desired. A dressing is worn for 24 hours and the hair can be shampooed the next day. As with most procedures, there is swelling for a few days. Discomfort is minimal.

Maximum growth of all transplanted hair follicles occurs at 18 months, but a significant increase in density can be seen at 6 months.

Dr. Ronald Finger was the first board certified plastic surgeon in Savannah. He continues to practice full time specializing in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic surgery. Call today: 912-354-4411.

Tracey Leaver-Williams, M.D.-Serendipity Medical Spa
Is aging a sure sign of thinning hair and hair loss?
Is there any way to prevent hair loss?

Hair is effected by other systems of the body such as the endocrine, digestive and metabolic systems. This makes our hair a reflection of our health. Hair loss, changes, and health can be the result of hormonal changes, stress, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances and digestive issues.

Each hair follicle goes through three different stages of growth called anagen, catagen, and telogen. Anagen is the active phase, where the root cells form new hair. During this phase hair grows about 1 cm every 28 days. Scalp hair stays in this active phase of growth for 2 to 6 years.

Treatments for hair loss are focused on the individual’s ”root” problem.  When nutritional deficiencies are to blame, supplements such as Nutrafol can be tremendously helpful.  For those with medical conditions involving the thyroid, or other endocrine systems, it is vital to manage the issues directly. For genetic problems such as male or female pattern baldness, injections of a patient’s own platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be highly effective. Treatments MUST take into consideration the underlying cause to improve effectiveness.

Tracey Leaver-Williams, M.D. is a Platinum APP Member with Allergan (makers of Botox, Juvederm, and Voluma) | Silver MPP with Merz (makers of Radiesse, Xeomin, and Belotero) | Certified Cosmetic Laser Physician | Patient’s Choice Award Recipient | Obagi Diamond Physician | Compassionate Doctor Award | Board Certified (ABOG) – American Board of OBGyn. Call today: 843-342-2639.

Mark Goodman - The Hair Designers
How can an experienced stylist help you avoid hair loss?

Discuss with your stylist the correct hair cut for thinning hair to create volume. There are many hair care products to create volume and thickness. Making sure you are using the correct product and using it correctly is vital. Too heavy of a styling gel, or too much, can weigh the hair down. Shampooing too often can cause the hair to become dry and brittle. Your stylist can teach you the correct use of styling tools, so not to use the dryer and irons on too high of a heat setting because this can damage the hair and cause breakage. If you color your hair, the right shades can create the illusion of fuller hair. Too light and the hair can appear thinner, and too dark and the scalp will show through. Book an appointment with an experienced stylist allowing them extra time to consult and form a plan with you.

Mark Goodman is the owner of The Hair-Designers at the Village of Wexford, past president of the National Cosmetology Association and educator for the Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals. Call today: 843-686-4247.

Tara Horton  -  Hair Play Salon Color Bar
What effect does getting a permanent have on hair? Can it change the texture, thin it out or increase risk of hair loss?

Hair loss can be caused by a number of things. Genetics, medications, stress and what you put in your body. A perm can help the texture of your hair look fuller so sometimes perms can work for a more fuller effect but your stylist always needs to consider the condition of your hair. If your hair is dry and brittle you should not get a perm; you should concentrate on how to get the condition of your hair in a healthier state. If your hair is in a healthy state, then a perm will help give you a fuller look. Perms can be a great look for your hair. Just be sure to get a good consultation from your stylist so you can have a happy hair day!

Hair stylist Tara Horton is the owner of Hair Play Salon located at 1211 Newcastle Street, Suite A in Uptown Beaufort. Call today: 843-521-1919.

Brandon Alexander  -  Stylist, Tara Salon
Can coloring your hair cause hair loss?

Coloring your hair does not cause hair loss. On the contrary, some  hair color can actually strengthen hair. Incorrectly coloring or highlighting of the hair can be a risk. Education is a must for professional stylist. There are protective measures you must take to maintain hair health. Highlighting the hair too much can cause it to dry out, again, that is if the service is performed incorrectly. First of all you must avoid overlapping chemically treated hair. If the hair is already light, there is no need to apply more lightener to it. Also, there are damage prevention products to accompany lightener to treat the hair before and after the process. Make sure your stylist takes all these precautions to ensure the health of your hair.

Brandon Alexander is an artistic hair designer at Tara Salon on New Orleans Road in Hilton Head. He specializes in highlights (balayage and foil), color, cut, design and Brazilian blowouts. Call today: 843-842-4911.