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What the Experts Know About Alopecia

Did you know that dermatologists treat more than just skin issues? During their twelve-plus years of training, dermatologists are also taught how to diagnose and treat patients’ hair and nail conditions. That’s why a licensed dermatologist should be your first stop if you’re experiencing hair loss that seems more than the norm. Yes, it’s possible that Covid-19 or the flu temporarily shocked your hair, and it will grow back on its own. However, some types of hair loss require attention. If that’s the case, you don’t want to risk losing valuable time and hair when you could be in treatment.

So, if seeing hair everywhere but on your head is stressing you out, go ahead and schedule an appointment. Don’t have time to head to an office? Take our online questionnaire and we’ll match you with a dedicated dermatologist to help answer your questions. Don’t worry about your dermatologist thinking you’re crazy or an alarmist. They have seen it all. Meanwhile, here’s a sneak peek at what expert dermatologists know about alopecia and what may be in store for you.

Alopecia is a Broad Term

Type “alopecia” into Google, and what comes up? Lots of results on alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is one very specific type of alopecia (we’ll talk more about it in a minute). However, there are many different types of alopecia, ranging from there’s nothing you can do but wait for your hair to grow back to it’s time to get on some medication. Alopecia is more of a finding than an actual condition. The word is used by professionals whenever there is some disorder causing hair loss. If you’re losing facial hair, that’s considered alopecia too. So, if your dermatologist uses the word alopecia, don’t worry. It’s a broad term that encompasses many types of hair loss.

There Are Different Types of Alopecia

Hair loss is not one-size-fits-all. Symptoms and treatments vary based on what type of alopecia you are experiencing. Here’s a primer to help you understand what your dermatologist may look for during your consultation.

Temporary Hair Loss

Finding hair everywhere but on your head can be upsetting. Before you plan for the worst, though, consider this. Not all hair loss is permanent. Certain medications, illnesses, surgery, and even ultraviolet rays from the sun disrupt your hair’s growth cycle and cause a condition called telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is self-limiting, which means that peace will be restored to your scalp once the trigger is removed.

Insider Advice: Although hair usually grows back on its own within six months to a year, the waiting game can feel long. Supplements, thickening shampoos, conditioners, and regular trims can help support healthy hair growth while you wait.

Genetic Alopecia

Have you ever heard of androgenetic alopecia? Maybe not, but you’re probably familiar with Male and Female Pattern Baldness (MPB or FPB) which is the same thing. But wait! Isn’t that something that only happens to old people? Well, not exactly. Anyone who has gone through puberty can experience male or female pattern baldness, a form of genetic hair loss. As a matter of fact, many people who experience MPB or FPB realize that they started losing their hair before the age of 40. (01) Androgenetic alopecia is inherited through your family tree and occurs when testosterone converts to a substance called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT attaches to your hair follicles and gradually shrinks them until they close up. Hair falls out in easily distinguishable patterns that can be compared to a Norwood-Hamilton Scale to determine the extent of your hair loss.

Insider Advice: Don’t fall for any “grow hair fast” gimmicks. The most effective way to strengthen and regrow your hair is by using vasodilators and prescription DHT blockers. Topical or oral Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Spironolactone are all good options. Don’t expect miracles overnight, though. You’ll need to be patient. It takes six months to a year to see results.

Autoimmune Hair Loss

Autoimmune diseases occur when your body mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body. When your hair is involved, your hair follicles are attacked, leaving you scrambling to find ways to fight inflammation that blocks your hair follicles’ openings. Autoimmune hair loss falls into two different categories: Non-scarring and scarring. Alopecia areata is a non-scarring alopecia. Hair falls out in sporadic round or oval patches on the scalp. In some alopecia areata cases, hair will spontaneously grow back on its own.

Scarring alopecias behave differently and do what their name indicates. Scars grow over the hair follicles and close them off, leaving doctors and patients to play a game of beat the clock. The goal is to keep hair follicles open and to preserve existing hair before the hair follicles are shrunken to the point where they are closed off.

Insider Advice: Autoimmune hair loss can be tricky to manage. What works for one person may not work for another. Treatment may also require multiple medications. Be patient through the trial process while your dermatologist determines which combination of medications works best for you.

Facial Hair Loss

If you’re losing facial hair, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a real thing called alopecia barbae, and it’s usually autoimmune related. Alopecia barbae can cause hair to fall out in small round patches in men’s beards or mustaches. Hair can spontaneously regrow, or patches may stick around for a while. It’s difficult to predict the condition’s path.

Insider Advice: Don’t feel like you have to live with facial hair loss. Many of the treatments used to treat scalp hair loss can be used on your face too. These treatments may include steroids, topicals such as Minoxidil, or, in extreme cases, a class of medications called JAK inhibitors that calm the immune system.

Give Yourself Time to Grieve, Then Move On

It’s only natural to go through a grieving process, regardless of the type of alopecia you’re battling. For some people like Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, hair can be part of your “brand,” something you’re known for. When that hair is gone, you can feel like you’re losing part of your identity. That’s completely normal. Although nobody wants to have any form of alopecia, keep in mind that the awful feeling you get during your diagnosis won’t last forever. Over time, you and the people surrounding you will get used to your new look.

If you have difficulty accepting your new normal, try giving yourself a time frame. Say something like, “Self, it’s been a while since I’ve been happy. ’m giving you one more week to be down in the dumps, and then I’m making an appointment for a new haircut. Then, I’m moving on.” If that doesn’t work for you, a support group or counseling may be what you need to get in the right frame of mind.

So let’s recap what experts know about alopecia. You’d be surprised how many people suffer from hair loss before consulting a dermatologist. If you think your hair is thinning or balding, get an expert opinion. Your hair woes may be nothing to worry about, or there may be something that can be treated. You won’t know unless you talk with a professional.

Tight on time? Happy Head can help. Our board-certified dermatologists are available to help answer your pressing questions and help you regrow your hair. Remember one-size-fits-all treatments are a thing of the past, so let’s create a custom treatment that’s formulated to your needs. Fill out our short questionnaire and add a few photos to get started.

Resources

(01) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9865198/

Tips for Battling Female Pattern Hair Loss

Ladies, raise your hand if you’ve ever expected your hair to start thinning. Or even worse, fall out altogether. Nope, it probably wasn’t in your master plan. It certainly wasn’t in mine. So when I started seeing more and more of my ghostly white scalp shining through my rapidly widening part line, I did what any normal, rational woman would do. I started obsessing over my hair. To avoid what I went through, I put together my top tips for battling female pattern hair loss.

Obsessing Over Your Hair is Stressful

I’m sure friends and family started to notice it, but I was so focused on it that it stressed me out. There had to be something I could do. So, I went down a rabbit hole searching for answers. I wish I had a quarter for every hour I spent Googling “female pattern hair loss” and shopping for products to help me grow my hair back. I even started searching for photos of women who shaved their heads to get an idea of what I might look like in the future. And of course all of the stress had an affect on my hair loss and thinning.

You Will Learn to Live With a New Normal

I started treatment recommended by my dermatologist, and I let my hairdresser experiment with a new style he had been trying to convince me to try. Life slowly returned to my new normal, and I stopped dwelling on my hair. Yes, Finasteride and Minoxidil will be a permanent part of my daily routine, but my hair no longer rules my thoughts. Now that I know what I know, I would do things much differently. Here’s what I learned about coping with female pattern hair loss.

1. Get Diagnosed Early

If you think you’re losing more hair than you used to, you probably are. Don’t second guess yourself, and don’t worry about whether your dermatologist will think you’re crazy. Get an appointment ASAP.

If you have female pattern hair loss, you need to start treatment while the hair follicles are still viable. If you’re new to this hair loss rollercoaster, here’s what that means. Even though you’re a woman, your body produces a small amount of testosterone. In genetically predisposed women, some of that testosterone converts to a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT invades your hair follicles and shrinks them. Over time, the hair follicles can completely close up. So, you want to begin treatment while there’s still an opportunity to keep the hair follicles open and capable of producing new hair.

2. Don’t Overthink Your Treatment Plan

After confirming that you do indeed have female pattern hair loss, your dermatologist recommended using Minoxidil to enlarge your hair follicles and Spironolactone to block DHT from adhering to your follicles. She also told you that Retinol would help with absorption, and cortisone is available to treat any irritation you might get. What do you do? Run to the nearest compounding pharmacy to pick up your prescriptions?

Probably not. If you’re like many women, you start researching and reading. And, the more you read, the more apprehensive you get. Dread shed, dizziness, a lifelong commitment… before you know it, the list of cons piles up. Voice of reason here. Don’t go down that path. Take a deep breath and listen to the trained medical professional who has treated countless patients before you.

There are pros and cons to every medication. The truth is that every person responds differently to each treatment. You won’t know what treatments will work best to regrow your hair until you take the plunge and try them. Just because someone on social media didn’t respond to Minoxidil doesn’t mean you won’t. Just because Spironolactone made your best friend’s cousin feel nauseous doesn’t mean that it will happen to you. Dive in and hope for the best. Who knows, you may be the one on Facebook sharing your success story.

3. Be Patient

Waiting for your hair to grow back is really hard. You desperately want to look like you used to, and you have zero control over your hair’s growth. So, you wait. And wait. For sure, you’ll have a full head of hair again soon, right? Doesn’t it just take a few weeks? Not exactly. It takes about six months to a year to see results.

Even then, you may not realize how much progress you’ve made. It’s difficult to notice the changes when you see yourself in the mirror every day. The only way I knew that my hair was growing was because my dermatologist took photos every time I had an appointment. If your dermatologist doesn’t take photos, consider taking your own each month. Make sure you take pictures from the exact same spot and angle each time. That way, you have a solid comparison over time.

4. Be Open to Change

It’s been six months, and you aren’t getting the results you wanted. Your dermatologist isn’t ready to give up yet, though. Neither should you. As mentioned earlier, female pattern hair loss treatment can look different for every woman. You won’t know ahead of time what mix of medications will do the trick, and it may take some trials to figure it out.

There are a few different DHT blockers available. Switching from one to another isn’t a big deal. The formulas are different, and one may work better with your body’s chemistry. Here’s an example. If Finasteride isn’t strong enough, there’s always Dutasteride. Finasteride, which inhibits one type of enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT, is usually the first-line medication because it’s pretty effective. If that doesn’t work, your dermatologist can prescribe Dutasteride which inhibits two enzymes. The moral of the story is to keep an open mind and be willing to experiment.

5. Have Realistic Expectations

Remember that treating female pattern hair loss means helping your hair follicles function as well as they possibly can, given the circumstances. Your hair may or may not look like it did five years ago. I was fortunate that my hair responded well to treatment. People who meet me can’t tell that I’ve experienced hair loss. However, since I didn’t get treatment immediately, the follicles closed off in a small spot on my scalp. Over the years, I’ve had to accept that it won’t come back. So, I cut a few layers to camouflage it.

Other people I know who were able to get enough growth to make their hair look fuller still use a little root cover-up on their part lines. It’s easy to apply and looks natural. You can’t tell it’s make-up. If you’re realistic about what medications can do for you, you’ll be more satisfied with the results. You may not end up with a supermodel’s hair, but you can still look and feel like one.

Staying calm when you’re losing your hair is not an easy feat. Hopefully, these tips will help you cope and feel confident about your decisions. If you need another opinion, Happy Head is here to help.

We have board-certified dermatologists licensed in every state to help women like you get the right treatment for your female pattern hair loss. Fill out our online questionnaire and schedule a FREE phone consultation to get started and regrow your hair today.

Is it Too Late to Treat Your Hair Loss?

If your hairline has already significantly receded or has severely thinned throughout, you might wonder is it too late to treat your hair loss? Are hair treatments still worth the trouble if you’ve already lost most of your hair? Before answering those million-dollar questions, let’s review some basic information about hair loss.

Your Hair’s Growth Cycle

At a glance, it may appear as though a full head of hair grows at the same rate. However, the truth about hair growth is more complex than it seems. Healthy strands of hair grow under a definite growth cycle consisting primarily of three phases; the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase (01). Let’s walk through each to help you find out if it’s too late to treat your hair loss.

1. Anagen Phase

The anagen phase is also known as the “growth phase.” About 90% of a full head of hair is in the anagen phase at any given time. This phase lasts the longest of any growth phase, lasting 3 to 5 years. Hair can sometimes remain in the growth phase for almost seven years. During the anagen phase, hair follicles push the hair out until the strand reaches the end of its lifespan.

2. Catagen Phase

Once the anagen phase ends, the catagen phase begins. Unlike the growth phase, the catagen phase, also known as the transition phase, only lasts about ten days. During this time, hair growth slows down, and the hair follicles shrink. The strands become disengaged from the base of the follicles but still remain in the same spot.

3. Telogen Phase

The telogen phase is also called the resting phase because it’s during this time that very little activity occurs for three to four months. At the end of this phase, hair naturally falls out. Sometimes, the natural process of shedding hair at the end of the telogen phase is called the “exogen phase.” The average person typically loses about 100 hairs daily. After the hair falls out, new hair growth appears, and the cycle starts over again.

As you can see, excessive hair loss is not a normal part of the body’s hair growth cycle. If a disruption occurs within any of these three phases, problematic hair loss can result. But is it too late to treat your hair loss? Depending your personal hair growth cycles and the type of hair loss patterns you’re experiencing, let’s find out why disruption occurs.

Why Are You Losing Your Hair?

Because your hair’s growth cycle plays such a significant role in the health of your hair, it’s essential to figure out at which point in the growth cycle is seeing a disruption. Many factors can lead to hair loss, but where in the growth cycle a change occurs can determine whether:

You experience hair thinning
Hair falls out gradually or suddenly
Your hair can regrow on its own

For example, a severe illness or stress lasting a few months or more can lead to telogen effluvium. With telogen effluvium, the anagen phase is cut short. Therefore, a more significant portion of the hair enters the telogen phase simultaneously, causing sudden and diffuse hair loss. Hair may regrow on its own after the illness or stress has passed (02). However, in some cases, hair restoration may be necessary.

In much the same way, disrupted hair growth can also lead to hair loss. For example, an unhealthy diet or reduced blood circulation can deprive hair follicles of oxygen and nutrients. Without enough sustenance, hair growth becomes disrupted, and the anagen phase shortens. Hair may grow slowly or may never reach a desired length.

Hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia, occurs in both men and women. In men, the more common term for this type of hair loss is male pattern hair loss or male pattern baldness. In women, it’s called female pattern hair loss (03).

With hereditary hair loss, the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) injures hair follicles, shortening as strand’s anagen phase (04). In addition, the damaged follicle also takes longer to regrow hair after the telogen phase. The hair follicle becomes smaller and smaller, resulting in follicular miniaturization. These smaller follicles produce shorter and weaker hair called vellus. Sometimes, these hair follicles may not grow hair at all without assistance.

What Does Hair Loss Look Like?

Each person experiences hair loss differently. For some people, baldness develops at the top of the head. In others, baldness starts at the temples. In many others, however, hair loss is spread throughout the head, causing thinning but no bald spots. Hair loss typically occurs in the following three patterns; focal, diffuse, or patterned.

People who experience focal hair loss typically have an autoimmune disorder, like alopecia areata. This type of hair loss occurs in patchy areas on the scalp or body.
Patterned hair loss often develops in people with androgenic alopecia. People with patterned hair loss have progressive balding or thinning at the top of the scalp or the hairline.

Individuals with diffuse hair loss lose hair evenly throughout their heads. Their hair becomes thin and falls out easily. Diffuse hair loss is typically seen in cases of telogen effluvium.

It’s normal to avoid acknowledging your hair loss at first. After all, hair loss can be a traumatic and life-changing experience. So, if you’ve spent months or years watching your hairline recede or your hair thin out without any intervention, you’re not alone. Once you’ve accepted your hair loss, however, is it too late to take action?

Is There Hope for Your Hair?

For a small slice of the population, they can accept their hair loss without stress or a loss of confidence. For most people, however, hair loss is distressing. Watching strand after strand go down the drain or a bald spot grow bigger can hurt a person’s spirit and affect their mental health. Moreover, a person can feel hopeless after losing hair for some time.

Fortunately, there’s good news. To answer the question, “Is it ever too late to treat your hair loss?” The answer is…it is never too late!

It’s always possible to slow hair loss or even regrow your hair. While there’s no magic bullet to stop hair loss, there are methods that can reduce your hair loss. With the proper treatment, you can start seeing results in a few months to a year. Topical and oral medications like minoxidil and finasteride help improve hair follicles and promote hair growth.

To determine the cause of your hair loss, however, it’s best to work with a trained hair loss professional. This person can provide you with a thorough assessment and recommend how to treat your hair loss. Furthermore, working with a trained professional ensures that your treatment will not only be effective but it will also be safe.

It’s Never too Late to Regrow Your Hair

If you’re searching for a hair loss treatment that fits your needs, Happy Head is for you. We customize your treatment based on your sex, age, and medical history. Happy Head’s proprietary formula is compounded monthly and not available anywhere else.

Hair loss treatments are not one-size-fits-all, and we recognize that our products may not be the best fit for everyone. Our products also come with a money-back guarantee. So, with Happy Head, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Take the questionnaire today and set up a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. It only takes a minute and we’ll formulate a custom-made topical treatment that’s easy to apply daily. We also have lots of options if you prefer an oral solution like our 3-in-1 SuperCapsule™ to help you regrow your hair and feel great about how you look. And you can get 50% off your first order when you use code GOHAIR at checkout. It’s never too late to regrow your hair with Happy Head.

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499948/

(02) https://www.aocd.org/page/telogeneffluviumha

(03) https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/female-pattern

(04) https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/15/5342

Can You Block DHT Naturally Without Medication?

“No way,” was my initial reaction when my dermatologist first recommended oral Finasteride for my rapidly receding hairline. My mind was made up, and I was absolutely not taking prescription medication for my hair loss. I was too afraid of the potential side effects I’d heard about. Bald certainly was better than impotent, although neither seemed like a great option. True, the number of men who experience sexual dysfunction from Finasteride is minuscule. With my luck, though, I would be one of the three men out of a million affected.

So, I started checking out natural DHT blockers. Natural is a better way to go, right? Here’s what I discovered. Yes, some natural DHT blockers are showing promise and are worth a test drive. Are they strong enough to stop your hair loss and regrow your hair? After many nights of research and weighing the pros and cons, I ended up going the prescription route after all. That doesn’t mean that you won’t come to a different conclusion. Here’s a guide to help you decide whether natural DHT blockers are the right choice for you.

Do Natural DHT Blockers Work Differently Than Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Other Prescription Hair Loss Medications?

Is there a difference between how natural supplements and prescription DHT blockers work? Yes and no. Functionally, both natural and prescription DHT blockers do the same thing. They prevent testosterone from converting into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that attacks and shrinks your hair follicles. When your hair follicles are miniaturized, it’s difficult for healthy new hair to grow, and existing hair falls out. So functionally, both natural and prescription blockers do the same thing. The main difference is the way they block the DHT and their strength.

What Enzymes are Being Inhibited?

One milligram per day of Finasteride selectively inhibits the Type 2 isoenzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. Half a milligram of Dutasteride inhibits both Type 1 and Type 2. Yes, Dutasteride is considered a stronger medication because it’s a broader spectrum drug. How do natural remedies compare? The jury is out. Not enough research has been conducted to fully understand which enzymes natural DHT blockers inhibit or the amount needed to do the job. That said, let’s discuss what we do know.

Some Supplements Effectively Block DHT

Even though more research is needed, preliminary studies indicate that certain supplements show the potential to stop hair loss and promote new growth. Here are some to watch:

Pumpkin Seed Oil

According to a study conducted on 76 men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), pumpkin seed oil increased participants’ mean hair count by 40 percent compared to 10 percent of men who used the placebo. Most participants did not experience any adverse effects from the pumpkin seed oil. (01) Before you rush out and buy pumpkin seed oil, consider this. The study was the first of its kind and the sample size was small. The study also did not determine how pumpkin seed oil works. Neither DHT nor prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were tracked.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil was put to the test in 2015 during a small research study of 50 men. When compared to two percent Minoxidil, rosemary oil had a surprising result. It was found to be equally as effective. (02) Here’s the catch, though. Five percent Minoxidil is stronger than two percent and more effective. (03) Is there a dosage of rosemary oil strong enough to regrow your hair? The jury is out. More research is needed.

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto is a palm-like tree with berries. Extracts are known to have medicinal purposes, and there’s evidence that saw palmetto stimulates hair growth. Thirty-eight percent of men in one research study saw increased growth after using saw palmetto every day for two years. Sounds promising, right? It is. That’s why we added saw palmetto to our supplements, shampoo, and conditioner.

While saw palmetto is a good complementary treatment to prescription hair loss medications, we don’t recommend it as a stand-alone treatment for androgenetic alopecia. In the same study, more men who used Finasteride experienced hair growth than men who used saw palmentto. The study also indicated Finasteride was more effective for men with more advanced hair loss. (04)

Green Tea

Green tea contains a plant compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that is believed to act as a DHT blocker and prevent hair loss due to male and female pattern baldness. A study on mice indicated that 33 percent of the mice who drank extracted polyphenol from dehydrated green tea had significant hair growth compared to mice who drank plain water. (05) Another study conducted in vivo and in vitro on humans substantiated the findings. (06) Before you stock up, though, keep in mind that further research is needed. We still don’t know exactly how much green tea is required to stimulate growth in humans or how green tea compares to other hair loss medications.

Lifestyle Enhancements Can Help With Hair Loss

Sure, you know that eating a lot of junk food, drinking too much, and smoking are bad for you. But, did you know that certain lifestyle changes can help you fight genetics? Here are a few:

Scalp Massage

Research has indicated that just four minutes of scalp massage that stretches your skin to open the hair follicles can increase your hair thickness. (07) Should you run out and get a scalp massager? Maybe. The study is promising, but it was only conducted on nine men. A follow-up study indicates that scalp massage is more effective for frontal, temporal, or vertex thinning than diffuse thinning. (08) More research is still needed.

Exercise

Contrary to popular belief, exercise won’t make your hair fall out. Although not proven, it may help promote hair growth and health by improving blood flow to your scalp.

Diet

Certain foods aren’t likely to make your hair fall out, but nutrient deficiencies are another story. Vitamin D and iron are the most common deficiencies that contribute to hair loss. The good news is that the deficiencies are usually temporary. Once supplements are taken, hair loss will be reversed. Foods can help make your hair look thicker, healthier, and shinier. If you’re concerned about hair loss, ensure you’re eating plenty of protein. Protein is the primary building block contained in keratin that makes up your hair.

Sleep

Little research has been conducted on the association between sleep and male and female pattern baldness. One study did find that men with androgenetic alopecia tend to have more sleep disturbances than men who were not experiencing hair loss. (09) Neither cause nor effect were established. One explanation could be stress. Chronic stress can push your hair into a resting phase and cause hair loss. The solution? A good eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Is There A Downside to Experimenting With Natural DHT Blockers?

If you’ve seen a Hamilton-Norwood scale, you know that male and female pattern hair loss progresses over time. Early on, the hair follicles are still open, even though they may be starting to shrink. It’s easier to regrow hair while those follicles are still viable. If you use a natural DHT blocker that isn’t strong enough as a stand-alone treatment, the follicles could completely close, and you may lose the opportunity to maximize growth.

What if you Need Something Stronger?

It’s understandable if you want to go the natural route to block DHT. If going au natural isn’t right for you, though, there are options that will help you avoid the undesirable side effects that you may have heard about. Topical treatments exist to treat male and female pattern baldness and have been proven to be as effective as oral pills. (10) They avoid side effects because they are not metabolized systemically. Here are the top contenders:

Topical Minoxidil
- Enlarges your hair follicles to allow for new, healthy growth
- Sold over the counter in two and five-percent solutions
- Available by prescription in higher dosages
Topical Finasteride
- First-line DHT blocker
- Available to men and women who are not childbearing age
Topical Dutasteride
- Broad-spectrum DHT blocker
- Available to both men and women who are not childbearing age
Topical Spironolactone
- DHT blocker
- Only prescribed to women

Another benefit of topicals is the ability to combine multiple treatments into one formula to give the highest opportunity for regrowth. Minoxidil is often combined with DHT blockers to enlarge the hair follicles while preventing hormones that attack the hair follicles from converting.

Want to try prescription topical medication? Topicals can complement natural DHT blockers or work on their own. New customers can get 50 percent off of their first order. Visit us and learn how to get started.

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017725/

(02) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/

(03) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12196747/

(04) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23298508/

(05) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2569505/

(06) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17092697/

(07) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740347/

(08) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380978/

(09) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35469370/

(10) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34634163/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20Topical%20finasteride%20significantly%20improves,impact%20on%20serum%20DHT%20concentrations.

Your Holiday Hair Loss Guide

‘Tis the season for parties, spending time with family and friends, and traditional holiday meals. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? Well, not for everyone. Some people dealing with hair loss find that the holidays bring a whole new level of angst about their appearance. You may plan to visit friends and family members you haven’t seen since last year, or even longer. And, for sure, you’ll end up in some of those pictures posted on Facebook or Instagram. Finding the perfect outfit is one thing, but trying to camouflage your thinning or balding hair is a whole different story. Is that even possible? Before you RSVP “no” to your next invite and pull out the flannels, take a deep breath and check out the following tips. You can find joy during the holidays, even when battling male or female pattern baldness or another type of alopecia.

Give Yourself a Break

It can be hard to accept that your looks are changing. You may not look like you did last year. Or, even like you did a few months ago. That’s okay. It’s time to stop comparing the new you to the old you. You’re probably harsher on yourself than others would be. When you see balding, thinning hair in the mirror, others may not even notice or care. They’re more likely to remember the funny story or joke you told. It’s true. While someone may remember what you look like, research indicates that others are more likely to remember how you make them feel when you’re around. (01) Do the best you can to turn off your inner critic, and remember that how you interact with others makes you uniquely attractive, not your hair.

Go Out and Stay Involved

Arg. Every time you look in the mirror, it seems like there’s more hair missing. You’re grumpy and don’t feel like talking to or seeing anyone. How can you go out looking like that? So, instead of going to your friend’s holiday party, you put on your baggiest sweats and start binge-watching Dahmer while downing a pizza. Good idea, right? Nope. According to the American Psychological Association, that’s the worst thing you can do. (02) Social isolation can not only affect your sleep, but also cause depression and lower your immunity. It can have long-lasting psychological effects. You’re better off rallying and forcing yourself to go to the party. Socializing will get your mind off your hair loss, even if it’s for a bit. Talking to other people will also help you feel less alone and put you in a better mood.

De-stress

Controlling stress is important for everyone’s health and well-being. It’s especially important if you’re dealing with hair loss. If you’re already experiencing male or female pattern baldness or another type of alopecia, you definitely do not want stress-induced hair loss too. The holidays are a particularly tricky time for managing stress, though. Family drama and searching for the perfect gift when there’s limited inventory can push anyone over the edge. The good news is that there are ways to manage. Here are some ways to help you de-stress:

1. Get enough exercise

Get outside or to the gym if your hair loss is giving you the holiday blues. Physical activity not only makes your body feel better, but it’s also good for your mind. Exercising may help increase your endorphins, putting you in a better mood after. Bonus is that exercise increases the blood flow to your scalp. This means that more oxygen and nutrients are helping kick your hair’s growth phase into full gear.

2. Sleep

Not only does sleep calm and restore your body, but it can also help hair growth. Your body produces melatonin primarily at night. Some studies even suggest that melatonin supplementation helps promote hair growth among people with male and female pattern hair loss. (03)

3. Pamper yourself

We’re going to put this out there. Sometimes the best way to relieve stress is to pamper yourself. Whether that’s a massage, listening to holiday music, or reading a book doesn’t matter. Whatever makes you let go and relax works.

4. Set a budget and stick to it

It’s easy to get burdened with extra debt and associated worries about how you will pay for all of those gifts during the holidays. Prevent that from happening by setting a budget and making sure that you stick to it.

5. Set a schedule

So much to do and so little time. The holidays will be here before you know it. How are you going to get everything done in time? Writing your to-dos down will help you manage your time and expectations. You’ll find time for the most important tasks, and you might even schedule some downtime.

6. Accept imperfections

Acknowledge that the holiday may not go as planned, and remember that imperfections are healthy and normal

7. Remember what’s important

Keeping perspective when you’re stuck in a long line or annoyed with a relative can go a long way toward keeping you calm. Will another 10 minutes really change your day? Does it matter that your sister wants to bring stuffing instead of pie?

8. Be patient

You can’t change others’ behavior, but you can choose how you respond. If a situation gets tense, take a few deep breaths and focus on an appropriate response versus a quick reaction.

Get a New Do

Maybe you’ve been letting your hair grow out, hoping to cover the balding or thinning areas. Or, perhaps you’ve been afraid to cut your hair because you’re worried it might not grow back. The holidays are the perfect time to visit your stylist and try out a new look. Remember, androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss. Millions of people are experiencing the same condition you are. Your barber or stylist probably has a few tricks to help you get party-ready.

Consider Treatment Options for Your Hair Loss

Accepting that your hair is thinning or balding isn’t easy, especially when you’re active and social. The good news is that you don’t have to accept your fate. The best way to deal with hair loss is by fighting it. Fortunately, medications with high efficacy have been tested and are available.

The most effective hair loss treatments are vasodilators and DHT blockers. Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which increases blood flow to your scalp and hair follicles. More oxygen enlarges the hair follicles allowing existing hair to remain stable and healthy. It also allows new hair to emerge.

Prescription DHT blockers serve a different purpose. Male and female pattern baldness occurs when testosterone converts to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is what attacks your hair follicles and makes your hair fall out. DHT blockers prevent the conversion. The most commonly prescribed DHT blockers are Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Spironolactone. Because Minoxidil and DHT blockers treat hair loss from different angles, the two medications are often used simultaneously. Retinol may be prescribed as well to increase the absorption of the other medications. If irritation is a concern, low doses of cortisone can be added. All-in-one topical formulas prevent side effects and can be more convenient than oral medications.

Research Alternative Hair Loss Solutions

Prescription medications are a great choice for many people; however, there are alternative hair loss solutions that can help camouflage your hair loss and give your confidence a boost.

Hairpieces

Looking for a quick fix? Today’s hair pieces come in a wide variety of materials, textures and styles. Testing them out can be fun and can give you a fresh new look that will make you ready to rock the room.

Scalp Concealer

Some people with male and female pattern baldness swear by cover-up sprays and powders. The tint of color is just enough to conceal balding or thinning areas. A wide variety of colors are available to make a good color match, and the concealers are designed to be long-lasting.

Hair Transplants

If your hair loss is stressing you out and you don’t have the patience to wait for other treatments to work, you can always treat yourself to a hair transplant. Hair transplants are surgical procedures where healthy hair is moved from the back of your head to the front. Hair transplant practices have evolved over the years and produce a more natural look than ever before. Transplants can be pricey and aren’t usually covered by insurance since they’re considered cosmetic procedures.

Talk About It

It’s normal to be upset about losing your hair, but if your hair loss is starting to interfere with your holiday plans, you may need a support system. Using a therapist, meeting up with a group locally, or even joining a Facebook group for people with alopecia can help you feel less alone and develop coping skills. Finding a way to talk about your feelings may be one of the best gifts you give yourself this holiday season.

If the idea of stopping your hair loss and regrowing your hair brings you happiness and joy, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get more information on customized hair growth solutions. The best part about our prescription-grade solutions is that ingredients can be added or removed based on your particular needs. Get started now and check out our special edition holiday pack.

Resources:

(01) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25750481/

(02) https://www.uvu.edu/news/2020/04/04072020_isolation_mental_health.html#:~:text=The%20American%20Psychological%20Association%20reports,have%20long%2Dlasting%20psychological%20impact.

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3681103/

Thickening Shampoos: Ingredients That Work

Are you worried about thinning hair? If the answer is yes, then you’ve probably considered a hair-thickening shampoo or conditioner at one time or another. However, there are hundreds of different products to choose from. Finding the proper treatment means knowing which ingredients are the most successful at growing thicker strands.

What is a Hair Thickening Shampoo?

The simple act of shampooing already helps to thicken your hair. Removing grime and grease releases substances that weigh hair down, giving it a lighter, fluffier appearance. Hair thickening shampoos, however, have the added benefit of including ingredients that make hair thicker, nurture hair growth, and, in some cases, slow or stop hair loss.

Getting past exaggerated claims and scientific-sounding words can be challenging when hunting for a hair-thickening product that works. While many products are filled with over-the-top promises they fail to deliver, others are exceptionally effective. Not all hair-thickening shampoos or conditioners are the same. But how do you know which one to buy? Check for the right ingredients.

What Hair Thickening Ingredients Should a Shampoo Include?

The most efficacious ingredients in hair-thickening shampoos work in one of two ways:

Blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Encouraging hair growth

Both men and women produce the hormone DHT, the primary hormone responsible for hair loss. At normal levels, DHT doesn’t cause balding. Unfortunately, some people experience higher levels of DHT. High levels of DHT can shrink or injure hair follicles, preventing healthy hair growth. Blocking DHT helps to reduce hair loss and maintain follicle health. (01)

Hair doesn’t contain living cells, but the scalp and follicles that manufacture and grow strands of hair do. Therefore, ingredients that help to keep the scalp healthy, increase blood flow, or feed nutrients to hair follicles can help thicken hair and accelerate hair growth. To grow healthy hair, you need a healthy scalp.

Popular hair brands may have cache in the drugstore aisle, but they aren’t necessarily more effective when treating thinning hair. When it comes to thickening shampoos and conditioners, it’s what’s inside that counts. The following are the most potent hair-thickening ingredients to look for.

Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioners: DHT Blockers

About 50% of men and women experience some degree of a hair loss condition called androgenic alopecia, which stems from excess levels of DHT. Therefore, ingredients that block DHT keep DHT from harming hair follicles and keep more strands from falling out. (02)

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto extract is derived from a fruit grown in the Southeastern United States. This extract is an effective DHT blocker in many studies. For example, one two-year study of a group of 100 males with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia was published in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology. The study found that 38% of participants who used saw palmetto saw an improvement in their hair loss. (03)

For men, the prostate is very sensitive to DHT levels. One study saw a significant reduction in DHT levels in the prostate of men who were administered saw palmetto, compared to men who were given a placebo. Although more studies are necessary, saw palmetto is proving to have strong DHT-blocking effects and could help with DHT-induced hair loss. (04)

Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioners: Growth Enhancers

An effective hair thickening shampoo or conditioner contains ingredients that create the right environment for optimal hair growth. Substances that nourish and strengthen the scalp and strands are essential for a thicker head of hair.

Keratin

Hair is mostly made up of keratin, a protein that’s also found in nails and skin. Keratin is an exceptionally strong material, which makes it an ideal protective protein. Tissues made up of keratin, like your fingernails and hair, are tougher and less prone to damage. As a result, shampoos and conditioners that contain keratin work well as hair thickeners and strengtheners.

Thinning or damaged hair experience a loss of structural integrity, where keratin cells have gaps in between or overlap unevenly. When applied on these hair strands, keratin products fill in spaces in between those cells. The keratin acts like a filler or glue for the hair, which makes the keratin-infused strands smoother and stronger as a result. (05)

Biotin

Biotin, also referred to as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, promotes keratin production. Because hair is mostly made of keratin, biotin ensures healthy hair. A deficiency in biotin can lead to weak, brittle strands of hair and slow hair growth. Although rare, biotin deficiency can occur in people with medical conditions or who use alcohol frequently. Supplementation of biotin, whether orally or through topicals and shampoos, may foster hair thickness. (05)

Argan Oil

Popularly known as “liquid gold” from the area it comes from (Morocco), argan oil has been used for centuries to counteract hair loss. This oil is made from the fruit kernels of the Moroccan argan tree. Argan oil has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal ingredient for scalp treatments.

Hair loss resulting from conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, which may inflame the scalp, may benefit from shampoos and conditioners containing argan oil as an ingredient.

Perhaps more importantly, however, argan oil also contains linoleic acids that moisturize the scalp and hair. By strengthening and moisturizing the scalp, hair follicles, and strands, argan oil can assist in thickening hair. (06)

Choosing a Multi-Pronged Approach to Thicken Hair

Most people who have hair thinning or balding know that the causes typically stem from more than one source. While genetics may be one risk factor, other elements like scalp health, nutrition, and external influences also play apart. The American Academy of Dermatology Association lists the following possible risk factors that may lead to thinning hair: (07)

Increased age
Inherited genes
Immune system disorders (such as alopecia areata)
Medical treatments
Overall health
Hair care
Hormonal imbalance
Scalp health and infections

There’s no one magic bullet for hair loss, because the causes may stem from many different areas. Because of this fact, combating hair loss should be a multi-faceted approach. For example, eating a nutritious diet, practicing appropriate hair care, and using a medicated treatment to combat hair loss will yield better results than relying on a one-track approach.

Do Thickening Shampoos Work?

So, do thickening shampoos actually help with hair loss? Yes! Although finding the right ingredients and utilizing thickening shampoos alongside other approaches is vital for success.

If you’re experiencing balding or thinning hair, let Happy Head help you manage your hair loss. Our experienced board-certified dermatologists will work with you to find the right prescription topical to regrow your hair. You can also try a multi-faceted approach with our Happy Head hair thickening shampoo and conditioner. Filled with high-quality hair-healthy ingredients like saw palmetto and biotin, our hair thickeners will give your strands volume and depth, as well as strengthen the health of our scalp. Subscribe and save on your purchase!

Resources:

(01) https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hair-loss/symptoms-of-high-dht

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/

(03) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/039463201202500435

(04) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11337315/

(05) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5582478/

(06) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/

(07) https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/18-causes

Dutasteride or Finasteride for Hair Loss: Which Should You Use?

You’ve decided to be proactive and treat your hair loss. After all, you’ve been staring at the mirror day after day, trying to convince yourself that you aren’t really losing your hair. But, you are. Now that you’ve decided to do something about it, which medication should you use? Everywhere you look, there seems to be another hair loss solution that promises to give you a full head of shiny hair in no time.

Here’s what any qualified dermatologist will tell you. In addition to Minoxidil, you’ll need a prescription DHT (an acronym for dihydrotestosterone) blocker to effectively treat male pattern baldness. Two are on the market: Finasteride and Dutasteride. Both have been tested and are prescribed often. Which one is better? We’ll run down the list of pros and cons and give you the information you need to have an educated discussion with your dermatologist.

Why Do People Use Finasteride or Dutasteride?

Before we get into what Finasteride and Dutasteride are and how they work, let’s talk about why you need one of these medications. There are many types of alopecia that cause balding and thinning, but the most common type is male and female pattern baldness. Male and female pattern baldness is a genetic condition that occurs when your body converts testosterone into an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). If you are genetically predisposed to male or female pattern baldness, DHT can attack your hair follicles and cause something called miniaturization. Miniaturization occurs when the hair follicles shrink. Healthy new hair can’t emerge and existing hair falls out.

How Finasteride and Dutasteride Work

Finasteride and Dutasteride are in a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, also known as 5-ARIs. The medicines were initially designed and marketed to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. When testing effectiveness in treating BPH, researchers discovered that balding patients taking Finasteride experienced hair growth. The reason why is that the medications are anti-androgens, which means they prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT. DHT causes both enlarged prostates and hair loss. If the testosterone doesn’t convert, your hair follicles will remain healthy.

What is the Difference Between Finasteride and Dutasteride?

Finasteride is sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia. The medication was FDA-approved to treat male pattern baldness in 1997. Dutasteride is sold under the brand name Avodart and is used off-label to treat male pattern baldness. Dutasteride is a newer medication.

Finasteride inhibits Type 2 isoenzyme of 5a-reductase. Dutasteride inhibits Type 1 and Type 2. You could say that Dutasteride is stronger because it inhibits an extra enzyme. Does that mean that Dutasteride is a better choice? Although one study found Dutasteride to be more effective, that isn’t always the case. (01)

You Need to Give DHA Blockers a Test Run

According to Dr. Ben Behnam, Board Certified Dermatologist and founder of Happy Head, you won’t know which medication will work better for you until you try one. Logically, Dutasteride should work better for everyone because it has broader coverage, but that isn’t always the case. He has seen situations where patients respond better to Finasteride. That’s one of the reasons why dermatologists typically recommend Finasteride first. Finasteride can often get the job done at a lower dosage than Dutasteride. Finasteride is also often combined with Minoxidil to get desired results. The two medications work synergistically to halt hair loss and generate growth. Minoxidil brings oxygen to the hair follicle, enlarging the follicle, while Finasteride blocks the DHT from attacking the follicle.

You Need to Consider How Risk Adverse You are to Potential Side Effects

Side effects are always a possibility with any medication. However, DHT blockers are of particular concern to many men because of potential sexual side effects. Both Finasteride and Dutasteride have similar risks and safety profiles. (02) The truth is that side effects are rare with both medications. If you’re still concerned, though, Finasteride comes in a topical formula. The topical has been proven to penetrate the scalp’s surface and work as effectively as the oral pill. Men can get the same benefit without systemic effects. As of now, Dutasteride is only available as a pill.

Can Women Use Finasteride and Dutasteride?

Just as men get male pattern baldness, women experience female pattern baldness. Female pattern baldness is also caused by DHT. Although Finasteride is not FDA approved for women, many dermatologists prescribe the medication to their female patients. The only caveat is that Finasteride is not recommended for women who are or are thinking about getting pregnant. Dutasteride isn’t prescribed to women as often as Finasteride, however, women can take the medication if they are not of childbearing age. Spironolactone, another DHT blocker, is usually prescribed rather than Dutasteride.

Need help selecting the right medication to treat your male or female pattern baldness? Want more information about whether Finasteride or Dutasteride are right for you? We’re here to help. Our board-certified dermatologists are on call to answer your questions and make personalized recommendations.

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388756/#:~:text=One%20study%20discovered%20that%20dutasteride,in%20inhibiting%20type%201%205AR.&text=After%20studying%20the%20mechanism%20of,than%20finasteride%20in%20treating%20AGA.

(02) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24411083/

The Best Superfoods for Healthy Hair

Hair loss can often leave a person feeling helpless about their appearance. Fortunately, there are lifestyle changes a person can make to encourage healthy hair growth. For example, replacing processed foods with nutrient-dense superfoods may help manage hair loss.

Nutrients for Hair Growth

Like the rest of the body, the scalp depends on vitamins and minerals from the food you eat to grow healthy hair. Hair grows out through hair follicles, and these follicles need nutrients to work well. The following are a few of the most vital nutrients necessary for hair growth.

Vitamin A

Healthy follicles are important for robust hair growth. Vitamin A ensures well-functioning follicles by promoting better blood circulation and mitigating follicle damage from free radicals. Additionally, vitamin A improves overall scalp condition, eliminating dry and scaly skin.

B Vitamins

Deficiencies in B vitamins have been linked to hair loss. B vitamins support the growth of skin, hair, and nails in two ways:

Enhancing the body’s ability to remove nutrients from foods.
Boost red blood cell formation.

A variety of nutrients fall under the umbrella of a B vitamin: (01)

B1 (also known as Thiamine)
B2 (also known as Riboflavin)
B3 (also known as Niacin)
B5 (also known as Pantothenic acid)
B6
B7 (also known as Biotin)
B9 (also known as Folate)
B12

Hair-friendly B vitamins help with red blood cell formation, which are vital for carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body— including the scalp.

Vitamin C

A healthy head of hair is nearly impossible without Vitamin C. It’s a powerful antioxidant that impacts hair growth by: (02)

Playing a significant role in developing collagen, which is necessary for hair building and structure.
Encouraging the absorption of iron, which prevents hair loss and oxidative stress.

Like the rest of the body, the scalp and hair is susceptible to damage from free radicals. Vitamin C helps to reduce the injury from free radicals and maintains scalp health. Furthermore, collagen is a key compound that produces keratin, which gives skin and hair cells their structure. Vitamin C amps up collagen production and helps to strengthen and grow healthy hair.

Vitamin D

Due to our modern lifestyle and diet, most people do not get enough vitamin D. Which is unfortunate, because vitamin D deficiency is linked to hair loss and slow hair growth. Participants in a study of women experiencing hair loss had lower levels of vitamin D. In another study of individuals with alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss) found that vitamin D levels were also lower in individuals with the disease. (03, 04)

Iron

While many people don’t get enough vitamin D, the most common nutrient deficiency in the world is iron deficiency. Iron plays a significant role in a variety of body systems, but perhaps it’s most well-known for carrying oxygen throughout the body via red blood cells. Without iron, hair follicles can’t get the oxygen they need to grow hair. Therefore, iron deficiency results in anemia and hair loss. (02)

Zinc

Bones, muscles, the immune system, and even reproductive organs all require zinc to function appropriately. Zinc is also essential for healthy hair and skin. This mineral plays a significant role in manufacturing collagen, essential for growing hair. (02)

In addition, zinc affects the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is responsible for the loss of hair in situations like male pattern. Zinc regulates the activity of the enzyme that keeps DHT in check, 5-alpha reductase.

Seven Superfoods for Hair Loss

The good news is that you can easily obtain these vital hair nutrients by incorporating the following superfoods in your diet. You’ll find some predictable foods on this list, as well as some you may not have expected to be hair-growing superfoods!

1 Nuts and Seeds

In general, nuts and seeds are high-protein and nutrient-dense superfoods. When it comes to hair, however, they’re chock full of the nutrients necessary for long, shiny hair. Nuts and seeds are high in B vitamins, iron, zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Just keep your intake to a handful a day, because nuts and seeds are also high in calories.

2 Healthy Cuts of Meat

Meat gets a bad rap. Although it’s true that fatty or heavily processed meats adversely affect a person’s health, this is not the case for all types of meat. Moderate amounts of healthy cuts of meat are rich in nutrients and can help maintain a healthy head of hair. Red meat is full of an easily absorbable type of iron that works especially well in the blood’s oxygen delivery system, which helps bring oxygen to hair follicles.

3 Oysters

Oysters are more than purported aphrodisiacs, they’re also great for growing hair. These delectable mollusks are low-calorie and high in nutrients, with the minerals it takes to make hair healthy. A 3.5-ounce of oysters provides the following percentage of a person’s daily required nutrients: (05)

Selenium: 56%
Iron: 40%
Vitamin B12: 538%
Zinc: 555%

These whopping percentages indicate how high oysters are in many of the nutrients needed to grow hair.

4 Spinach

In addition to muscles, perhaps spinach should have blessed Popeye with a full head of hair. Spinach is filled with nutrients that benefit both muscles and hair. Loaded with plant-based iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A, spinach can help keep hair follicles and strands healthy.

5 Eggs

One superfood that contains what you need for healthy hair are eggs. Hair is mostly protein (collagen and keratin) and eggs are a rich non-red meat source of protein. High in vitamin A, vitamin E, and B vitamins like folate and biotin, eggs help keep strands strong and healthy. Eggs also do wonders for the scalp by infusing the area with nutrients, allowing healthier follicles to hang on to hair.

6 Oats

You’re probably aware that oats are high in fiber, which is beneficial for the digestive system. But did you know oats improve the health of your hair? Oats contain fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids that reduce excess scalp oils and soothe inflammation, helping prevent hair loss in stress-related cases like telogen effluvium. Furthermore, oat is high in zinc, which keeps strands sturdy and less prone to breakage. (06)

7 Peas

Just like oats, green peas are a surprising superfood that’s good for your hair. Because green peas are full of iron and zinc, they strengthen hair and stimulate growth. Additionally, peas are also high in protein, which helps prevent or slow down hair loss. Interestingly enough, research regarding pea sprouts has shown promising results in slowing hair loss. (07)

You’re More than What You Eat

The saying goes that you are what you eat. While this may be true, you’re also more than what you consume. The environment, your genes, and your lifestyle all play some role in your health. And although a healthy well-balanced diet goes a long way to keeping a healthy head of hair, sometimes it takes more than superfoods to grow your locks back. For those cases, Happy Head is here to help. Our board-certified dermatologists will review your case and make recommendations that are unique to your needs. Customizable and delivered straight to your door, Happy Head’s prescription medications is the hair treatment you’ve been searching for.

Resources:

(01) https://medlineplus.gov/bvitamins.html

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23428658

(04) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260993460_Vitamin_D_Deficiency_in_Alopecia_Areata

(05) https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/175171/nutrients

(06) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/

(07) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31680356/

Worried About Going Bald? Why Men Are More At Risk Than Women.

Unless you were lucky enough to be born with perfect genes, the odds are that you’ll experience hair loss at some point in your life if you’re a guy. By age 35, about two-thirds of all men begin to notice that their hair isn’t quite as thick as it once was. Or even more alarming, they start to see a bit of recession on their foreheads. By the age of 50, that number shoots up to 85 percent. (01) Yes, women lose their hair too. But why does it seem like men have noticeable hair loss while women still have their standing weekly appointments to get their hair blown out?

Androgenetic alopecia affects both men and women. However, it affects each gender differently. If you’re wondering why male pattern hair loss seems so much more prevalent, we’re here to fill you in. We have the facts and tips on what you can do if thinning or recession are stressing you out.

Why Do Men Go Bald?

There are several reasons why men lose their hair. The most common is due to androgenetic alopecia, male pattern baldness. The hair loss condition is genetic. You can inherit it from either your mother’s or father’s side of the family. Hair loss begins when testosterone converts to an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT attacks the hair follicles and shrinks them during a process called miniaturization. When the hair follicles miniaturize, a couple of things happen. First, the hair that is already there falls out. Secondly, the smaller hair follicles make it more difficult for new hair to emerge. Newer hair tends to be finer. Eventually, the follicles close off, leading to thinning and baldness. While most people think of balding happening to older men, the truth is that male pattern baldness can affect any male after puberty. It’s not unusual for men in their 20s and 30s to lose their hair.

Does Too Much Testosterone Cause Male Pattern Baldness?

There’s a theory that bald men have more testosterone than men with a full head of hair. Which would explain why more men than women go bald. That’s just a myth, though. The amount of testosterone isn’t what causes male pattern baldness. The amount of testosterone that converts to DHT is what matters. If a man has low testosterone levels, but a high percentage of the testosterone he does have converts to DHT, male pattern baldness can result.

Can Women Go Bald Too?

Women experience androgenetic alopecia too. It’s called female pattern baldness. However, women’s and men’s hair loss patterns are different. Men tend to lose hair in the front of their heads and on top. Male pattern baldness often starts as an M shape. If the condition progresses, it can result in a donut shape. The pattern of women’s hair loss is different, however. Women tend to lose their hair along the part line. Although the hair loss can and does spread, women with female pattern baldness usually don’t go completely bald the way men do. That’s one of the reasons why it seems like men are more affected by genetic hair loss.

If a Man Loses His Hair Due to Male Pattern Baldness, Can it Grow Back?

Men with androgenetic alopecia can regrow their hair if the hair follicles have not fully miniaturized and are still intact. It’s also possible to make thinner hair fuller and healthier looking. Fortunately, there are two FDA-approved medications designed to help.

Minoxidil Is Easily Accessible

The first is Minoxidil. You can buy Minoxidil over-the-counter at drug stores and big box retailers that sell pharmaceutical products. Minoxidil is sold in two and five percent liquid and foam formulas. Higher percentages, up to ten percent, are available by prescription. Not surprisingly, research indicates that five percent (02) is more effective in achieving regrowth. Researchers do not know the exact mechanism that makes Minoxidil work. But, they do know that Minoxidil brings oxygen to the scalp, enlarging hair follicles, preventing miniaturization and hair loss.

Finasteride Is a First-line Prescription Treatment for Male Pattern Hair Loss

Finasteride is a prescription DHT blocker that has been FDA-approved to treat male pattern baldness. The medication, marketed initially to treat enlarged prostates, is effective in promoting hair growth and stopping hair loss in men. (03) Finasteride prevents testosterone from converting into DHT, which can attack and shrink the hair follicles. Some men, however, are reluctant to try or use Finasteride because it has a reputation for causing sexual side effects. Using topical Finasteride is a good, often preferred, alternative that allows men to benefit from the medication without experiencing systemic effects.

Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness Often Requires a Combination of Prescription Medications

If you’re starting to see thinning or bald spots and are worried about losing your hair, don’t wait to seek treatment. As mentioned, you want to act while your hair follicles remain active. A combination of medications are typically used at the same time. Minoxidil and Finasteride are often prescribed together. Minoxidil, a vasodilator, enlarges the follicles, while Finasteride stimulates growth. (04) Depending on your particular case, your dermatologist may also recommend Retinol to help absorption, Cortisone to eliminate irritation or other medications. Liquid formulas that combine multiple medications into one are available if you’re concerned about taking multiple medications and side effects.

Customized Hair Loss Treatments Can Be Modified

Keep in mind that treatment for male pattern baldness isn’t one-size-fits-all. It may take some trial to determine which combination of medications works best for your body’s chemistry. Finasteride is typically the first-line treatment since it’s highly effective. However, some men find that Dutasteride, a more broad-spectrum DHT blocker, works better for them. The key is to remember that once you start treating your hair loss and find a solution that works, you’ll need to keep using it. If you stop treatment, any growth will be lost.

No, you can’t change your genetic makeup, but you can treat your hair loss. If you have questions about what medications are right for you, contact us. Our board-certified dermatologist will review your case and recommend the best way to start regrowing your hair.

Resources:

(01) https://www.americanhairloss.org/men_hair_loss/index.html

(02) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12196747/

(03) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9951956/

(04) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4314881/

DHT Blockers: Fight Hair Loss with These Powerful Weapons

Men are willing to do just about anything besides see a doctor. Given a choice, 72 percent of men would rather clean the bathroom, mow the lawn, or do any other household chores. A lot of men aren’t even getting their yearly check-ups. (01) So when it comes to hair loss, not many guys are rush to the dermatologist for a diagnosis and medication. But they should.

The most powerful hair loss weapons against male pattern baldness are only available by prescription. Sure, there’s an endless number of products sold over-the-counter claiming that they work, but the reality is that they aren’t powerful enough to get the job done. This is true for women who have female pattern baldness too.

If your hair is thinning or balding, a DHT blocker may be just what the doctor ordered. Read on to learn more about what DHT is, why DHT is causing your hair loss, and why DHT blockers may be the solution to your hair loss issues.

What is DHT?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a sex hormone, known as an androgen. Androgens are typically produced in males’ testicles and women’s ovaries. The adrenal glands also produce androgens. DHT is a little different than other androgens, because it is converted from testosterone. Men naturally have more testosterone in their bodies than women, however, an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) converts about ten percent of testosterone in all adults to DHT.

How Does DHT Cause Hair Loss?

When too much testosterone converts into DHT, the excess amounts of DHT interfere with your hair’s growth cycle. The hair follicles miniaturize, make existing hair fall out, and prevent new hair from breaking through.

Will a Blood Test Tell Me If I’m Producing Too Much DHT?

It seems logical that DHT levels can be monitored since testosterone levels can be checked. That’s not the case, though. DHT levels may fall within the normal range on a blood test but still be elevated enough to cause male or female pattern baldness. This is especially true if your body is sensitive to DHT. When testosterone levels increase, DHT has the potential to be an even bigger problem.

Can I Prevent Androgenetic Alopecia?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to predict whether or not you’re going to lose your hair. Androgenetic alopecia, male and female pattern baldness, is genetic. If a family member on either your maternal or paternal side has gone bald, there’s a chance that you could too. The only catch is that you don’t have a way of knowing whose or which genes you inherited.

Men on testosterone replacement therapy or get testosterone injections often ask if the medication will contribute to their hair loss. Depending on the patient’s sensitivity, the supplemental testosterone could cause an increase in DHT leading to increased hair loss.

Is Overproduction of DHT Just a Guy Problem?

When people think of androgenetic alopecia, men typically come to mind. Bruce Willis, The Rock, Matthew McConaughey, Jeff Bezos are all prime examples. You don’t see too many bald or balding female celebrities. The reality is that a significant number of women are affected although the number isn’t as high as it is for men. One research study found that out of 954 patients diagnosed with pattern baldness, 23.9 percent were women. (02) Women typically have a lower level of testosterone; however even when lower levels of testosterone convert to DHT, hair loss can occur.

What Can You Do to Reduce the DHT Levels in your Body?

The most effective way to reduce your DHT level is to use a DHT blocker. If you’ve been dealing with hair loss issues for a while, you’re probably well aware of the overwhelming number of over-the-counter (OTC) hair loss options. It’s not unusual for patients to spend a lot of time and money with these products before giving up and turning to their dermatologists for prescription options.

Prescription DHT blocking medications reduce the amount of 5a-reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into DHT in your body. Here are the DHT blockers most commonly prescribed by dermatologists and hair specialists:

Oral & Topical Finasteride

Finasteride is one of the most well-known DHT blockers. The medication was FDA approved in 1992 under the name Proscar to treat enlarged prostates and five years later under the name Propecia to treat androgenetic alopecia. Although both men and women can use Finasteride, it is not recommended for use in women who are or could become pregnant.

Oral Finasteride is highly effective as a hair loss treatment. One research study found that 80 percent of participants who took Finasteride saw an increase in hair growth. (03) However, some people who take oral Finasteride report undesirable sexual side effects, including decreased libido. A good solution is using topical Finasteride rather than oral. Topical Finasteride has been proven to be as effective as oral without the side effects in many studies. (04)

Topical Finasteride Combined With Minoxidil

Minoxidil is not a DHT blocker, but it has an important role in hair growth for people with male and female pattern baldness. Minoxidil is what’s called a vasodilator. It enlarges the blood vessels so more oxygen reaches the scalp. As a result, it makes the hair follicles bigger so new hair can emerge. Minodixil and Finasteride are a dynamic duo when used together to fight hair loss. The Finasteride prevents the testosterone from converting into DHT while the Minoxidil ensures that your scalp is conducive to new hair growth. A research study conducted in 2020 found that the combination of Finasteride and Monoxidil was safe and more effective than monotherapy. (05)

Dutasteride

Dutasteride, also known as Avodart, is another DHT blocker originally developed to treat enlarged prostates. It is also a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Although Finasteride and Dutasteride work similarly, the medications have some differences. Whereas Finasteride is FDA-approved to use for hair loss, Dutasteride can only be used off-label. It has not yet been FDA-approved. Finasteride is usually highly effective in treating androgenetic alopecia and is typically used as a first-line medication. In cases where patients need an extra boost, Dutasteride can be helpful. Research has shown that men who used Dutasteride for 24 weeks had thicker hair than men who used Finasteride. (06)

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is FDA approved to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and fluid retention due to kidney and liver diseases. It is not FDA-approved to use for hair loss and is used off-label for women. Spironolactone typically isn’t prescribed to men because it can cause feminizing side effects. Like Finasteride and Dutasteride, Spironolactone slows down androgen production. The medication has been found to be both safe and effective. (07)

How Do DHT Blockers Work?

Now that you have a better idea of what DHT blockers are available, the next question that needs to be answered is how do they work? The mechanics behind the prescription medications approved or used as DHT blockers are similar. First, preventing testosterone from converting to DHT inhibits the miniaturization of the hair follicles. Secondly, when the levels of scalp DHT are lowered, the number of hairs in the anagen phase are maintained or increased. Think of anagen as the active phase of the hair growth cycle. This is when the cells in the roots of your hair divide rapidly and form new hair. Elongating the anagen stage gives your hair more time to grow.

Get More Information On Prescription DHT Blockers

If you’re experiencing androgenetic alopecia and want more information on DHT blockers, contact us. If, like many, you haven’t yet been to a dermatologist, free phone consultations are available with board-certified dermatologists and hair specialists.

Formulas are available for men and women and can even be customized based on your specific needs. We are happy to remove or add ingredients as needed and appropriate. You can also see before and after photos of our patients. You can get an idea of what you can realistically expect to see after using Happy Head hair loss solutions that block the DHT causing your alopecia.

Resources:

(01) https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2019/09/04/cleveland-clinic-survey-men-will-do-almost-anything-to-avoid-going-to-the-doctor/

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312176/

(03) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15316165/#:~:text=In%20the%20clinical%20evaluation%20at,the%205%25%20topical%20minoxidil%20group.

(04) http://www.bioline.org.br/pdf?dv09011

(05) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32166351/

(06) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388756/

(07) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3769411/