Tag Archive for: Happy Head

Ask Me Anything With Dr. Ben Behnam: Healthy Lifestyle for Healthy Hair Growth

Our bodies are sophisticated machines that can tell us a lot about what activities or foods benefit us most. Whether or not we feel stressed or sluggish and not quite in balance can influence how our body responds to normal metabolic functions. And living a healthy lifestyle for healthy hair growth is the perfect place to start.

4 Lifestyle Habits to Boost Healthy Hair Growth

Sleep. There are many studies about the impact of getting the standard 8 hours of sleep each day. Sleep helps our body with protein synthesis; so if we don’t get enough sleep, then we’re not able to create those proteins we need to build new hair growth.
Sunshine. Everyone needs this, and most of us are deficient in Vitamin D. This vitamin is essential to promoting new hair growth. Why? Keratin, which is a hair protein, is created when the cells that make it have enough Vitamin D to use as energy. Our hair growth and shedding cycle is regulated by Vitamin D. For those new to Happy Head, we’ve formulated our new SuperCapsule™ with Vitamin D3 to get you the support for hair growth.
Exercise. This is huge. It’s recommended that everyone get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. That doesn’t mean you need to do box jumps all day, but even a brisk walk, swimming, or playing with your kids can help. Exercise keeps our blood flowing, improves our mood, and reduces stress significantly. To help with this, an exercise watch that tracks your steps or activity level just to get you in the habit of working out or being moderately active is great.
Support. This is a bonus, but having a support system in your life can help with everything from your mental to physical well-being. Having support makes things like dealing with hair thinning and loss easier. Our bodies respond to positive reinforcement, and we’ve seen that in studies linked to mindset as we start anything new in our lives.

The ingredients in your hair growth solutions are important for stimulating dormant hair follicles, but those in your diet are just as important. Before you write your next grocery list, make sure

5 Hair-Healthy Ingredients to Incorporate Into Your Diet

Iron. You can get this from leafy greens, dried fruit, whole grains, and lean meats. If you don’t have enough iron in your diet, you’ll likely see more shedding in your hair. Iron is what helps generate red blood cells that help to carry oxygen throughout your body. Oxygen helps keep our cells healthy so that we can create new cells like those in our hair strands. People who are deficient or anemic often also have hair loss. We see this more in women because of periods and pregnancy. Not having enough iron leads to shorter growth phases and even shorter hair lengths over time.
Protein. We discussed this earlier, but whether you’re vegan or not, there are plenty of options to help you get the correct amount of proteins needed to improve hair growth. Healthy proteins not only support growth but also help to maintain stronger hair that’s resistant to breakage. Some options are lean meats, legumes, eggs, soy products, tofu, cottage cheese, nuts, berries, and shrimp (any lean fish).
Zinc. This is a nutrient that helps your body take up and absorb the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients we’re talking about here. The body needs zinc to signal when it should absorb other nutrients and when it’s not present you’ll likely not get the most out of the healthy foods you’re eating. Where do you get it? Pumpkin seeds (great on salads), red meats, wheat germ, seafood (oysters), nuts, eggs, to name a few.
Vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for building not only stronger hair follicles but it helps to rebuild collage and supporting a strong immune system. If you’re thinking about Vitamin C packets as the solve here, that shouldn’t be the only form of Vitamin C you’re getting. The reason being because they could be packed with sugar and other nonessential ingredients, but your body may not get all of what’s in these. There are so many other ways to get Vitamin C and natural is always better. Think oranges, lemons, bell peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, white potatoes, strawberries. If you’re cooking any of these veggies, remember not to overcook them and kill the nutrients. Some of these it’s best to eat raw to get all you can out of them.
Omega 3s. These are fatty acids which help with thicker hair growth over time. I love fatty acids like fish oil to reduce inflammation you may see in irritated scalps. When we see inflammation, it’s the body responding to a threat. So calming inflammation can free up your body’s resources to focus on what needs repair. Omega 3s are amazing for brain and heart function as a bonus.

These are just a few things you can incorporate into your everyday routine for a healthier lifestyle to support healthier hair growth. There are, of course, many other things you can do to accomplish that including adding a custom topical hair growth solution to your routine that can help. Once you get paired with a Happy Head dermatologist, we’ll help you find the perfect solution with a personalized treatment plan to get you started. Take our

The Benefits of Dutasteride for Hair Growth In Men & Women

Hair loss is more common than you think, affecting millions worldwide, men and women alike. With many treatments claiming to regrow hair, one ingredient’s results stand out from the rest: Dutasteride.

Most people are familiar with Finasteride as a primary ingredient in hair growth medication, but Dutasteride is considered superior in performance as it targets two of the enzymes responsible for converting Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). According to a study done on 600 patients, Dutasteride reduced DHT by 98% compared to 71% with Finasteride. (1)

This article explores the benefits of using Dutasteride for hair growth and how it can help those struggling with hair loss. Our prescription-grade Dutasteride is available online at the highest concentrations and in multiple forms. Learn how and why Dutasteride may be the key to your hair growth.

Dutasteride Explained

Dutasteride is used primarily in the treatment of enlarged prostate glands in men and is FDA-approved for such use. Dutasteride blocks two enzymes 5-alpha reductase type I and II (responsible for converting Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone or DHT), an androgen hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement but also hair loss. Clinical studies have found that men who took Dutasteride saw thicker, fuller hair as a result. (2) Because of these results, the powerful DHT blocker is used off-label for hair loss.

How Can Dutasteride Promote Hair Growth?

DHT contributes to hair loss by attacking hair follicles, causing them to shrink and shortening their growth cycle. When hair follicles shrink, they lose access to vital growth nutrients as they separate from blood vessels at the follicle’s base. Without nutrients, hair follicles continue to shrink until they eventually fall out. By blocking this conversion of the hormone Testosterone to DHT, Dutasteride prevents hair loss and promotes growth, especially in combination with stimulating Minoxidil.

Dutasteride also can reverse the miniaturization in hair follicles that causes them to shrink and eventually fall out, leading to thicker and fuller hair overall. It can also extend the anagen or growth phase of hair follicles, so hair is much longer before it enters the resting or telogen phase in the growth cycle.

Benefits of Dutasteride for Hair Growth

Is Dutasteride Effective for Male Pattern Hair Loss?

Male pattern hair loss commonly known as androgenetic alopecia, is men’s most common form of hair loss. A combination of genetics and the effects of DHT on hair follicles causes it.

Studies have shown that Dutasteride can be more effective in promoting hair growth than finasteride, another medication used to treat male pattern hair loss. In a study of 416 men with male pattern baldness, those who took Dutasteride experienced a 23% increase in hair count after 24 weeks, compared to a 17% increase in those who took finasteride. (1)

Can Women Use Dutasteride?

While Dutasteride is primarily used to treat hair loss in men, it has also been effective for women. (2) In a study of 87 women with female pattern hair loss, those who took Dutasteride experienced a 10% increase in hair count after 24 weeks, compared to a 7% increase in those who took a placebo.

Dutasteride is often prescribed to women over 50 who cannot become pregnant and have yet to see results with other hair loss treatments, such as hair growth stimulant Minoxidil and/or Spironolactone. However, it should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, typically women under 50, as it may be harmful to the developing fetus. Dutasteride for women can expand treatment options when others have failed.

Can I Combine Dutasteride With Other Hair Growth Treatments?

Dutasteride can be combined with other hair growth treatments, such as Minoxidil, to enhance its effectiveness. Minoxidil stimulates blood flow in the scalp, providing nutrients that hair follicles need to grow. By combining Dutasteride and Minoxidil, we can block the effects of DHT and stimulate hair growth more effectively.

How to Use Dutasteride for Hair Growth

At Happy Head, Dutasteride is available in oral capsules and as a custom topical that should be taken once a day or applied topically twice daily. It’s essential to follow the dosage and application instructions provided by your Happy Head dermatologist.

With consistent use, it may take 3 to 6 months to see results from Dutasteride. If you were to stop taking Dutasteride consistently, any hair growth progress will be lost in about 12 months. We make it easy to incorporate your custom Dutasteride prescriptions into your daily routine so you can see results and keep them.

Side Effects of Dutasteride When Used for Hair Growth

As with any medication, Dutasteride may cause side effects in some patients. The most common side effects of oral Dutasteride in men include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), and reduced semen volume. For women over 50 (to whom this ingredient may be prescribed, those not within childbearing years) common side effects include changes in mood, weight gain, reduced libido, breast tenderness, and muscle soreness. Dutasteride also has a 6-month half-life, meaning that it can stay within your system for up to 6 months, so anyone looking to donate blood for example must wait until 6 months have passed to do so. A complete list of side effects of Dutasteride can be found here on our drug safety and information page. These side effects are usually mild and may improve with continued use. In rare cases, it’s possible to experience allergic reactions, breast tenderness or breast enlargement, and depression. If you experience any of these side effects with Dutasteride, talk to your dermatologist immediately and stop using the medication.

For patients looking to reduce their chance of experiencing side effects, especially sexual side effects, we recommend our custom topical Dutasteride. While experiencing side effects can occur with oral medication, topically applied solutions can help significantly reduce this chance of developing side effects because they’re not ingested and don’t travel through the body.

Dutasteride is a powerful DHT blocker used to treat hair loss in men and women. By blocking the conversion of the male sex hormone Testosterone to DHT, Dutasteride helps prevent hair loss and promote growth.

Happy Head Solutions Formulated With Dutasteride

Our Dutasteride solutions are formulated at the highest available strengths and are made fresh for you every month. Once you have a consultation with your Happy Head board-certified dermatologist and they’ve looked at your hair, they’ll prescribe and send it off to our pharmacy to formulate. The best part is you don’t have to wait in a doctor’s office or in line at the pharmacy because we’ll ship it free to your door. Here are our most popular Dutasteride solutions to try:

Custom Topical Dutasteride & Minoxidil
Oral Dutasteride
HH EXCLUSIVE! 3-in-1 daily SuperCapsule™ Dutasteride, Minoxidil & Vitamin D3
A combination of our custom Topical + SuperCapsule™ Dutasteride formula here

If you are considering Dutasteride for hair growth, it is essential to consult your doctor first to determine if it is the proper treatment for you. Dutasteride can help you achieve thicker, fuller hair and boost your confidence with daily applications. It’s the ingredient of the year for hair growth, so get it made custom for 60% off your first order when you take the quiz and use code HAIR60 at checkout.

References:

Your First 6 Months With Happy Head’s Custom Topical Hair Growth Formula

When you’re ready to take control of your hair loss concerns, we’re here to help you get started. Our dedicated team of hair growth experts and board-certified dermatologists can give you all the tools you need to evaluate your hair loss condition and what the best treatment options, ingredients, and products are best for you. While there are lots of hair growth options on the market that are one-size-fits-all, we understand the importance of ingredients and how each person reacts differently to each one. Which why our hair growth solutions are custom-made just for you. That’s right, they never sit on a shelf but are made to order so you always get the freshest formulas created by a dermatologist that’s assigned to you.

Understanding the Science Behind Happy Head Hair Growth Formulas

First, we’ll explain how we evaluate your hair loss conditions and whether or not they’ll work for you. We took hair growth solutions from the doctor’s office to an online space where you can see a dermatologist without ever leaving home. Once you take our online quiz and send in a few photos of your hairline, we’ll pair you with a Happy Head dermatologist. Then your dermatologist will recommend a personalized treatment plan that is just for you.

Need a combination of oral medications and topical solutions (founder Dr. Ben Behnam’s top pick) or a full regimen from shower prep and supplements to prescription medications? We’re here to help, not just when you order but throughout your hair growth journey. As the leading provider of dermatologist-prescribed online hair growth medicines and treatments, our team of hair growth experts and board-certified dermatologists choose only the most effective and clinically proven ingredients to formulate our products.

Our Customizable Active Hair Growth Ingredients

Your hair growth results come down to support, consistency, and ingredients. So when you decide to start, feel confident in the strongest ingredients available that only dermatologists can prescribe and formulate for your needs. Here are the effective and clinically proven active ingredients we include in your customized topical hair growth solutions and oral medications:

Finasteride: Stops hair loss and regrows hair by targeting the enzyme that converts Testosterone to DHT. Clinically proven to grow hair. For men (age 18+) and women (age 50+). Not recommended if you or your partner are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant.1
Dutasteride: Stops hair loss and regrows hair by blocking the two enzymes that convert Testosterone to DHT. A stronger version of Finasteride. For anyone who hasn’t seen results from Finasteride, men (age 18+) and women (age 50+).2
Spironolactone: Stops hair loss and regrows hair by blocking DHT from attaching to its receptors. For women under 50 only. Not recommended if you’re breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant.3
Minoxidil: Promotes hair growth by extending the anagen (growth) phase. Clinical studies show best results when Minoxidil is combined with Retinoic Acid. Our topical Minoxidil is the strongest available at 6% for women and 8% for men. For men and women.4
Latanoprost: Promotes thicker, denser hair growth, especially when combined with Finasteride and Minoxidil. Men (ages 18+) and women (ages 50+).5
Retinoic Acid: Clinically proven to promote growth in combination with Minoxidil by allowing Minoxidil to penetrate the scalp more effectively. For men and women who want to see a boost in their topical growth results.6
Hydrocortisone: A topical corticosteroid that helps reduce scalp sensitivity and inflammation. For men and women who may experience irritation with prescription-grade ingredients at higher strengths.7
Vitamin D3: An essential vitamin that promotes cellular turnover for healthy skin and the creation of new hair follicles.For men and women who are deficient in Vitamin D. According to a study, over 50% of the U.S. population is deficient in the vitamin.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re7bVZxnABM

To learn more about all optional and customizable ingredients included in our topical solutions, check out our Science Page here.

How Long Until I See Hair Growth Results With Happy Head?

When you’re consistent with topical applications and your oral medications, you can rest assured that the first few months are when you’ll start to see new growth: about 3-6 months. Some customers see results sooner than that, but it all depends on the person. At Happy Head, we guarantee that you’ll see results in 6 months or we’ll offer you a complimentary reformulation.

What to Expect In Your First 3 Months

First things first: congratulations on making the commitment to your hair. Investing in yourself pays off. We’re here to help you get started and see results, so you’ll always have access to your dermatologist to help if you have any questions. Three months is the foundation of your hair growth success, so we suggest getting into a daily routine. Your hair follicles are going to get their first kickstart into the growth process, so get into an easy routine. If you take vitamins, add your hair growth application at the same time.

When it comes to hair shedding: Only about 5% of people may experience hair shedding when using new hair growth medications like Minoxidil Dr. Benham explains hair shedding and why it happens in the video below.

If hair shedding does happen, it’s a normal part of the process that’s only temporary. Once hair shedding is complete, your hair growth cycle begins, and you’ll start to see the beginnings of new growth. Not everyone sees hair growth at this stage though, so if it takes just a little longer that is also normal and may take up to 6 months to see. We suggest you get into a routine so you never miss an application. Hair growth takes time and we encourage you to use your products daily and make it a habit.

What to Expect 6 Months & Beyond

This is the point where, if you’ve waited for results at this point and haven’t seen much of a chance, you should start to see the beginnings of new, fuller, thicker strands start to grow in. If you’re still not seeing results, reach out to your Happy Head dermatologist to ask about a complimentary reformulation to try something stronger or an entirely different combination of ingredients.

We encourage you to keep your applications consistent and don’t stop any hair growth treatments until you speak to your Happy Head board-certified dermatologist. If you stop using your hair growth treatments it’s likely you’ll lose all of your hair growth progress. At every step your hair growth journey, our hair experts and your dermatologist are here to help you. With regular check-ins and follow-ups all online, you can send your dermatologist progress photos so they get the most up to date look at your hair growth. We also provide application support and have recommendations for new products and tools ready to ship as needed.

If for any reason you experience any side effects, also ask your dermatologist so they can help determine what’s causing it and make adjustments to your custom formula. You can also take a look at our ingredients and any side effects here on our Science Page. For this reason we recommend starting hair growth treatments with our propretary topical hair growth formula to significantly reduce your chances of experiencing any side effects. Topical hair growth formulas are clinically proven to have less side effects, especially sexual side effects in men. Our latest formula, our Liposomal formula reduces changes of epxericing side effects further without any systemic absorption into the bloodstream.

What Can I Do at Home to Help Boost Hair Growth?

Great question! There are quite a few things you can do at home to help improve your hair growth results. Our dermatologists always recommend having a blood test with your doctor to help determine if you have any vitamin deficiencies or other illnesses that could be the root cause of sudden hair loss. A blood test can help to tell you whether or not your thyroid or other hormones are out of balance which can also contribute to thinning and hair loss.

A helpful tip to naturally balancing your hormones and bringing down stress which is a key factor of andorgenetic alopecia is to rethink your diet and lifestyle. While you’re looking to regrow your hair, stress can inhibit growth cycles so adding in exercise a few times a week is recommended.

In addition you can also use tools like Scalp Dermarollers and laser hair stimulation to boost your hair growth. We recommend using a dermaroller whenever you’re able on your scalp just before applying your topical hair growth treatments. Why? Similar to a microneedling procedure that helps to break down damaged collagen and promote cellular turnover, a dermaroller can help repair weakened or damaged hair follicles and allow for optimal absorption of topically-applied solutions. Ask your dermatologist about adding one to your hair growth subscription.

If you have any other questions about our ingredients, formulas, or how our subscriptions work, please head over to our FAQs page here. And if you’re ready to get started on your hair growth journey, head over to our online questionnaire and get a special first-order offer.

Meet Happy Head Founders, Dr. Ben Behnam & Dr. Sean Behnam

Our founders, Dr. Ben Behnam and Dr. Sean Behnam are world-renowned twin doctors who’ve spent years studying medicine specializing in hair loss and restoration. Their shared experiences with alopecia and their love for patient care are where Happy Head gets its start. At Happy Head, we formulate hair growth solutions that work—plain and simple. Meet our founders and learn just how Happy Head became the leader in dermatologist-prescribed, customized hair medicine and treatments online. Head over to our questionnaire and get started on your hair growth journey today.

The Start: Twin Doctors’ Struggle With Alopecia Areata

Over a decade ago, the doctors each experienced sudden hair loss; the onset of hair loss was one week apart. To diagnose their hair loss, they knew that stress, vitamin imbalances, diet, or genetics could be the cause. As soon as they both started seeing hair loss, they knew it was inherited. Their shared DNA as identical twins revealed alopecia areata as the diagnosis. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks the hair follicles which become inflamed, causing the hair to shrink or miniaturize and ultimately fall out.

As doctors, their combined studies specialized in skin and hair gave them access to specific treatment options that most would struggle to find. On one hand, there were medications that caused them to experience a degree of side effects, sexual side effects as is most common in men, and on the other were sometimes painful cortisone injections. At the time, the available topical solutions for hair growth only included one or two ingredients and were ineffective or were all one-size-fits-all. Plus, getting a prescription and a proper diagnosis takes time. Most are unaware that dermatologists are the physicians who spend additional time studying skin and hair conditions during residency and are the most equipped to diagnose and treat hair loss. As specialists they had help, but it occurred to the doctors that not everyone has access to solutions that work.

Formulating Hair Growth Solutions That Work

“There’s a lot of snake oil out there, which causes patients to spend money and waste precious time trying to figure out what can work for them. During the Pandemic, we started to formulate solutions for our patients that weren’t available anywhere else. We would create new, custom formulas for each patient in our practice. We also knew that there were millions of people who were struggling with hair loss and needed stronger ingredients and the right combinations to get them results. That’s when Happy Head was born.” – Dr. Sean Behnam.

Together they formulated a series of proprietary medications both oral and topical options for men. Shortly after the company expanded in 2021 and continued to formulate new hair growth solutions for women. Today, Happy Head is leading the charge with the strongest medications available made with FDA-approved ingredients including a one of kind 3-in-1 SuperCapsule and liposomal formula unavailable anywhere else. We’re the only online telemedicine company that creates effective, clinically proven prescription hair loss medications formulated by dermatologists and hair experts.

“The best thing about working with my brother has been the collaboration. We founded Happy Head to do for our patients what we had trouble finding ourselves. Having two heads is better than one, so we thrive off of our shared expertise. Everyone who needs hair growth solutions should have effective options that are easy to use. ” – Dr. Ben Behnam

At Happy Head, we’re always learning and adapting to the latest technology and ingredients. Our physicians are all working doctors, so they’re always trying new methods of hair growth. That’s why our groundbreaking formulas lead the way.

The Founders’ Medical Education & Awards

At the forefront of our amazing team, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ben Behnam and board-certified hair transplant surgeon Dr. Sean Behnam are known all over the world for their research and developments. They’ve each focused their work on different aspects of hair loss, bringing with them a unique perspective as they lay the foundation for online hair growth treatments in addition to their growing practice. Their dermatology and hair restoration practice is located in Santa Monica, CA.

Dr. Ben Behnam’s Education & Awards

As a sufferer of hair loss and eczema, and a physician, Dr. Ben Behnam is know for his close attention to patient needs. Hair loss is a stressful condition when you’re not sure why you’re losing hair and the fear that comes with talking about it. For many people hair loss happens gradually which can be frustrating, especially since the longer you wait the more hair you lose. Dr. Ben understands what his patients need and how to help them break the taboo around the conversation of hair loss, but also how to connect on a personal level.

Dr. Ben specializes in topical finasteride, stem cell and PRP for hair growth, acne scarring which include TCA CROSS techniques, subscision, CO2 and radiofrequency laser treatments, microneedling, and general cosmetic dermatology. Here are a few of his accomplishments:

Graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCLA
UC Irvine School of Medicine (graduated top of his class with an AOA distinction)
Dermatology training under the renowned prominent cosmetic and Mohs surgeon Dr. Christopher Zachary at UC Irvine School of Medicine
The distinction of being the Chief Resident in his senior year
During residency, Dr. Ben Behnam was among few in the country to be awarded the Skin Disease Education Foundation Resident Award
Involved in clinical trials and is widely published in journals such as the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Cutis, Expert Opinion in Pharmacotherapy, among others

Dr. Sean Behnam’s Education & Awards

Known for his excellent bedside manner and standard of patient care, Dr. Sean spends his days ideating new treatments and performing hair transplant surgery focused on one patient a day. Dr. Sean is known around the world for his accomplishments with FUT and FUE designs and techniques. He has manufactured and custom-designed many of the instruments and equipment used in the procedures he performs each day. He is also an elite member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS), the only nationally recognized society for hair restoration. Here are just a few of his accomplishments:

Undergraduate Education at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Medical School at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU)
Residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF-Fresno)
Hair Transplant Training for Distefano Hair Restoration Centers
2023 Named One of the Top Hair Transplant Surgeons in the World
2016 and 2018 Top 1% of America’s Most Honored Professionals
2016 and 2017 On-Time Physician Award
2011-17 Compassionate Doctor Award
2011-17 Patients’ Choice Award
Vitals Top 10 Doctors by State
Top 10 Internists

Now that you’ve met our founders and understand why we created Happy Head, don’t wait to treat your hair loss. Take our online questionnaire here, send us a photo of your hair, and get custom hair growth medications made fresh for you. And don’t miss the doctors on our IG @hihappyhead and on our YouTube channel.

Your Summer Hair Care Guide

Dealing with summer hair can be tough. Trying to get my frizzy strands under control when the humidity is at its peak is an exercise in futility, but there is always the not-so-sleek ponytail to fall back on. Now that I have alopecia, summer brings on a whole new set of hair dilemmas. Will chlorine make my hair fall out? Are UV light treatments good for hair loss? Is the sun okay to be out in? Will a hat protect my hair or harm it? Is summer shedding really a thing? So I asked a few Happy Head team members to get answers to a few summer hair care questions. There are so many old wives’ tales out there that it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction. Read on to learn how to care for your hair during summer with this hair care guide and get answers to some commonly asked questions.

Fact #1: Everyone Loses Some Hair Daily

The first thing you need to know is that no matter what time of the year it is, seeing strands of your hair in the sink shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. People typically lose anywhere between 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. (01) There’s a difference between normal hair shedding and excessive hair loss, though. If you start to notice your hair gradually thinning, bald spots developing, or hair loss on your body, something else may be happening. It’s a good time to talk with Happy Head dermatologist if you are noticing some change in your hair shedding over time. We offer free consultations with a board-certified dermatologists and prescriptions for custom hair growth medicine all online.

Fact #2: Hair Loss Peaks During the Summer

If you think you’re seeing more hair in the sink now then you saw a few months ago, it’s certainly possible. It’s proven that people lose more hair during the summer than any other time of the year. (02) When 823 women were tracked over a six-year period, researchers found that a maximum proportion of hair was in the telogen stage during summer. Telogen rates were the lowest during winter months. (03) The reason why still has yet to be determined.

One hypothesis is that people naturally keep their hair in the winter in response to cold weather. Like animals who grow a winter coat and shed it in summer, people may keep their hair to stay warm during the colder months. When the weather warms, the body reacts by shedding excess hair.

Figuring out whether the amount of hair you’re losing is typical can be challenging, especially during the summer. Ponytails, chlorine, salt water, and the sun can all contribute to damage and breakage, which you might think is hair loss. If you’re concerned, it’s always a good idea to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or hair specialist, especially if you notice thinning or bald patches.

Fact #3: Chlorine Does Not Cause Hair Loss

Although chlorine can damage your hair, it will not cause hair loss. In a study published by the Journal of Dermatology in 2000, researchers compared the hair of 67 professional swimmers to that of 54 non-swimmers. The study did not find evidence that the swimmers had more hair loss than the non-swimmers. The swimmers, however, did have hair discoloration and cuticle damage due to the chlorine. (04)

If you swim a lot in general or mostly on vacation, there are things you can do to prevent chlorine from damaging your hair. Here are some tips that will help:

Condition your hair before swimming (leave-in conditioner works)
Wear a swim cap
Shampoo your hair thoroughly after getting out of the pool
Replace lost moisture with a deep conditioner

Fact #4: Wearing a Hat Will Not Make You Bald

Hats that fit properly, and aren’t too tight, do not make your hair fall out. The reality is that it’s sweltering outside, and we’re seeing extreme temperatures all over the world. If you’re heading out to the pool or the beach, wear a hat to protect your hair and scalp. UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays damage your hair’s cuticles causing thinning, frizziness, discoloration, and dryness with prolonged exposure to the sun.

A hat is critical if you’re already using oral or topical medications such as Minoxodil, Finasteride (05), or Spironolactone. Medications can cause sun sensitivity in some people, resulting in sunburn or a rash. In some cases, UV light can cause a structural change to medications. As a result, some people produce antibodies that make them photosensitive. In other cases, the medication absorbs the UV light and releases the evolved drug into the skin. (06)

Fact #5: Hydrating Your Hair is the Best Way to Fight Humidity and the Elements

Hydration is your best bet if you’re worried about your hair being dry, brittle, dull, or frizzy. Here are some tricks that will help:

Use a sulfate-free hydrating shampoo
Deep condition regularly
Try heatless hair styling
Hydrate from the inside out by drinking plenty of water
Test out hydrating hair misting solutions made from natural ingredients

Fact #6: It’s Easy to Get Traction Alopecia During the Summer

Beware of pulling your hair back into tight buns and ponytails when your hair is wet. The pulling on your hair follicles can cause traction alopecia, which can be reversed early on but not after the hair follicles have been damaged. If you want to wear braids, keep them loose. Frequently changing up your hairstyle will also help prevent a particular hair loss pattern from forming.

Fact #7: Eating a Protein-rich Diet Will Help Your Hair Stay Healthy & Shiny Year-Round

Protein is the primary building block that makes up your hair. If you’re concerned about your hair staying healthy during the summer months, be sure to load up on healthy and lean proteins like avocados, nuts, grass-fed chicken, salmon, tuna, and seafood. Although the richest source of protein comes from animals, there are also plenty of plant-based protein sources for vegetarians. Egg whites, beans, and authentic Greek yogurt are all good sources. Protein supplements have also been proven effective in supporting healthy hair growth and are easy to pack for your vacation. (07) Although many people use whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate is a better option, especially for people predisposed to androgenic alopecia.

Still Have Questions About Your Summer Hair Loss?

If you’re losing more hair than normal over the summer, it’s possible that you’re experiencing summer hair shedding or have telogen effluvium that resolves itself. However, if it turns out that you have a form of alopecia such as androgenic alopecia, the sooner you are treated, the faster you can stop the hair loss and start the regrowth process. Topical and oral hair regrowth options range from easy-to-apply over-the-counter topicals such as Minoxidil and Finasteride to oral medications such Spironolactone. Keep in mind that many hair loss medications are only available by prescription. If you have further questions, contact us for a complimentary consultation with a board-certified dermatologist and hair specialist.

Resources:
(01) https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/shedding

(02) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/bjd.16075

(03) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19407435/

(04) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11092265/

(05) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jgf2.510

(06) https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/sun-sensitizing-drugs

(07) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.12400