Hair Loss, Hair Growth, Restoration, Hair Styles & more | Ultimate Hair & Scalp Guide

It can be tough to deal with hair thinning, loss, or baldness. But you don’t need to be defeated! With the help of this hair & scalp guide, you’ll be able to find ways to promote good scalp health and improve hair growth.

From scalp treatments for men and women to hair growth tips for men, we cover all the top treatments. So what are you waiting for?

Start discovering the amazing hair transformation options available! Keep reading.

Introduction to Hair & Scalp Care

Hair and scalp care are important for maintaining healthy hair and preventing scalp problems. Hair comprises protein, so it needs to be kept hydrated and nourished in order to stay strong and healthy.

A healthy scalp is also important for preventing problems like hair thinning, hair loss, or baldness. There are many hair & scalp care products available on the market, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your individual needs.

Types of Hairlines

A hairline, the area where the hair grows out of one’s head, can look very different from person to person. There are many types of hairlines, but the most common ones include:

• The receding hairline
• The widow’s peak
• A curved or rounded front part.

What is Hair Loss?

Hair loss is a decreased growth of the hair, increased shedding of the hair, conversion of thick terminal hairs to thin vellus hairs, male or female pattern hair loss, or congenital or acquired hair shaft abnormalities. Inflammatory skin diseases that damage or destroy the hair bulb can also cause hair loss.

Additionally, other factors, such as genetics to environment to lifestyle choices, can all affect the loss of hair and overall scalp health.

The Different Types of Hair Loss

Discussing baldness can be a sensitive topic, but it’s important to understand the basics so you can take control and stop further shedding. First, we’ll start learning about the types of hair loss, hair growth, hair restoration, and more.

What are the Causes of Hair Loss?

1. Traction alopecia: This is caused by your hairstyle pulling on your roots.
2. Vitamin deficiency can cause hair loss because the body needs certain vitamins and minerals to produce healthy hair.
3. Dietary factors: Eating too much processed food can lead to hair loss because it can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to hair loss.
4. Stress: Stress can cause hair loss in different ways, including:
   1. anagen effluvium – during the initial (anagen) phase of the hair’s growth cycle, there is an unusual loss of hair.
   2. telogen effluvium – Where hair falls out from a stressful experience (reversible condition).
   3. alopecia areata – One or more circular bald patches that overlap and appear suddenly, causing hair loss.
   4. premature balding.
5. Genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions can cause thinning hair on the top of your head.
6. Menopause: Menopause can cause hair loss in different ways, including FPHL (female pattern baldness).
7. Male or Female pattern baldness – baldness caused by permanent hair loss.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness, is a progressive hair thinning in the scalp affecting around 50% of men and 30% of women. It can start in the teens and is more common in men, but women also suffer from the condition.

It’s a genetic disorder caused by hormones called androgens but can also be triggered by illness, stress, or pregnancy.

Male Pattern Hair Loss

Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is men’s most common type of hair loss. It typically starts around age 40 but may be seen as early as 20 and may also be hereditary. A receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown of the head characterize it.

There are also many natural and nonsurgical hair replacement options available. Common treatment options for MPHL include drugs, hair replacement, laser light therapy, and platelet rich plasma injections.

A variety of factors may contribute to hair loss and thinning for men, including genetics, hormones, stress, and lifestyle choices. With that, there are three main types of MPHL: frontal, vertex, and temporal hair loss. Each type has its own characteristic symptoms and treatments.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) commonly affects 21 million American women. The cause of FPHL is not fully understood, but it’s thought to be caused by the male hormone testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Treatment options include medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

Unlike MPHL, female hair loss typically leads to uniform thinning all over the head while maintaining the natural hairline. In some cases, it may also lead to baldness.

What are Some Tips for Preventing Hair Loss?

Many of the tips are common sense but can make a difference.

• Try lifestyle changes to reduce stress
• Eat a nutritious diet that includes proteins, fats, and scalp nourishing vitamins and minerals.
• Use a lightweight (sulfate-free) shampoo and conditioner to avoid damaging the hair
• Avoid using heating processes that can damage the hair (ie straightening, curling, blow drying)
• Limit washing your hair twice weekly to avoid stripping away natural oils.
• When washing, gently massage your scalp to remove dry skin or flakes.
• Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to avoid damaging your hair or causing unnecessary shedding.
• Avoid using permanent or semi-permanent hair color or using any other chemical products.

Hair Restoration Treatments

Hair loss is a common problem that affects both men and women. There are a variety of treatments available for hair loss, depending on the cause. Some treatments involve medicines a doctor must prescribe, while others may involve topical hair loss cream or shampoo.

Surgical Hair Loss Treatment

Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair transplant surgery is a type of cosmetic surgery that’s used to treat hair loss. A surgeon will remove hair from an area of the scalp with good hair growth (donor area) and transplant it to an area that’s thinning or bald. This type of surgery is usually done in a hospital or outpatient center.

The first step in hair transplant surgery is to remove the donor hair from the back and sides of the head. This can be done with a strip of skin containing hairs or with individual follicles removed one at a time. The surgeon will then make tiny incisions in the receiving area and transplant the hair into these incisions.

After the surgery, you must care for your scalp as it heals. You may need to use special shampoos and conditioners and avoid sun exposure and other activities that could irritate your scalp. Most people can return to normal activities within a few days after surgery.

FUE vs FUT

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a newer hair transplant technique that involves taking individual hair follicles from the donor area and transplanting them into the balding area. This technique is less invasive than FUT, and there’s no need for stitches or a linear scar.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is the traditional hair transplant technique that involves taking a strip of hair follicles from the donor area and transplanting them into the balding area. This technique leaves a linear scar in the donor area.

PRP for Hair Loss

PRP therapy is a treatment that uses platelet-rich plasma to stimulate the growth of new hair. PRP contains substances that may promote hair growth. This therapy is an alternate or additional treatment for male- and female-pattern hair loss.

Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatment

Medication – Minoxidil and Propecia

Minoxidil is a medication that’s applied directly to the scalp to prevent further hair loss and stimulate hair growth. It’s important to note that minoxidil takes 8-12 months to be effective, and it’s only effective in 30-40% of people.

Propecia is a medication that blocks the effects of male hormones. This can help with hair growth in some people. Propecia is usually evident within 6-8 months of treatment, and its effectiveness increases over time.

Low-level Laser Light Therapy (LLLT)

Low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive, drug free and painless treatment that can treat hair loss. Studies conducted on men and women show LLLT can stimulate hair growth.Laser light therapy is an alternate or additional treatment for male- and female-pattern hair loss. Over-the-counter devices are available, or doctors can perform laser light therapies in the office.

Dermarolling

Dermarolling, also known as microneedling, is a non-invasive treatment that uses tiny needles to produce small injuries on the surface of the skin. These tiny wounds are thought to stimulate hair follicles and slow down or stop hair loss by promoting hair follicle regeneration.

Hair Loss Resources

• Hair Loss Resource Center – American Academy of Dermatology
• Resources – Hair Loss Clinic | Stanford Health Care
• Hair Loss During Chemotherapy Treatment: Resources and Support
• Hair loss from Childbirth – American Academy of Dermatology
• Menopause hair loss – Women’s Health Concern

** Before starting any treatment option, it’s important to consult with a doctor to find the best option for you, especially if there are underlying issues.

Hair Growth for Men and Women

What are some tips for growing hair?

Clients who want to grow their hair should keep it healthy. They need to make sure they’re getting enough protein, iron and zinc in their diet. It’s also important for them to drink plenty of water.

Some people also find that they’re more likely to grow hair when there’s less pressure on them, such as during an exam.

What are some hair growth treatments (Pros & Cons)?

• Laser light therapy
  • Pros: It may be an effective treatment for hair loss
  • Cons: Not FDA approved, and long-term effects are unknown
• Plasma Follicle Stimulation (PFS):
  • Pros: A newer treatment that may promote the growth of the hair follicles
  • Cons: Unknown long-term effects and not FDA approved
• Hair Transplantation
  • Pros: Can be a permanent solution to hair loss
  • Cons: High cost and not guaranteed to work
• Topical Medications
  • Pros: Can be used with other treatments
  • Cons: May not work for everyone and can have side effects
• PRP Injections
  • Pros: Can be used with other treatments and can stimulate the growth of hair follicles
  • Cons: It may not work for everyone and may need to be repeated annually

Food for Hair Growth

1. Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and biotin, two essential nutrients for healthy hair growth.
2. Salmon: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids essential for maintaining a healthy scalp and promoting hair growth.
3. Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for sebum production, which helps keep the scalp healthy and promotes hair growth.
4. Avocados: Avocados are another excellent omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and vitamin E source. All three nutrients are essential for healthy hair growth.

Hair Growth Supplements

One of the most popular methods for promoting healthy, long-term hair growth is using supplements. Supplements designed for hair growth are typically made of biotin, folic acid, vitamin D, and other essential vitamins -though research evidence is limited. Vitamins best known for hair growth include:

• B vitamins
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• zinc
• biotin
• iron

What are Some Hairstyles for Hair Loss?

There are many hairstyles for hair loss. One of the most popular is shaving it off and starting over again with a zero-hair cut. The most popular hairstyles for men with thinning hair are:

1. the zero-hair cut
2. the buzz cut
3. the crew cut

All three cuts require a very tight haircut.

What are some tips for styling hair with hair loss?

There are many hair styles depending on your severity of hair loss. Some things to consider when determining what style is best for you include: if it’s a thinning problem, a receding hairline, or if your head is balding.

• Get a layered haircut (if thinning)
• Cut your hair short
• Shave your head
• Wear a wig or add extensions
• Wear a scarf
• Wear a hat

Scalp Care for Men and Women

Scalps are full of blood vessels, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles, so a healthy scalp promotes healthy hair.

Common Scalp Problems

Scalp problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including seborrhea, psoriasis, fungal overgrowth, and infection.

Scalp conditions may also worsen because of hair care products or styling techniques. Most times, scalp treatments will require the participation of a dermatologist or other medical professional. Here are more common problems:

• Dandruff or flakes
• Ingrown hair on scalp
• Itching, redness and scaling of the skin
• Oily skin & dry skin
• Eczema
• Scalp Acne
• Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap)
• Male Pattern Baldness (MPB)
• Contact Dermatitis
• Telogen Effluvium (hair shedding)
• Folliculitis
• Alopecia Areata (spot baldness)
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Tinea Capitis (Ringworm)
• Head Lice
• Lichen Planus

If You Have a Dry Scalp

Avoid using shampoos that contain harsh chemicals. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. You can also use coconut oil to moisturize a dry scalp.

If You Have an Oily Scalp

Avoid using shampoos with heavy fragrances. Use a clarifying shampoo once in a while to remove excess oil from your scalp.

If you want to grow your hair long

Use vitamins for healthy hair growth, like biotin or vitamin E.

If you want to grow your hair fast

Eat protein-rich foods like eggs or nuts if you want to grow your hair fast.

If you have dry hair

Use deep conditioners and moisturizers regularly.

Simple Hair & Scalp Care Routines

If you want to keep your hair and scalp healthy, it’s important to avoid washing your hair every day. Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, damage, and breakage.

When you do wash your hair, be gentle! Use a mild shampoo or scalp exfoliant, being sure not to scrub too vigorously. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo.

It’s also important to dry your hair before styling it. Excess moisture can cause damage when using heat styling tools. If you must use heat, be sure to use a protectant spray beforehand.

When outdoors, don’t forget to protect your scalp from the sun with a hat or scarf. The sun’s rays can be damaging, causing sunburn to the delicate skin on your scalp.

Finally, avoid high-heat styling, chemicals, and permanent hair color whenever possible. These can all lead to damage and breakage over time. If you use any of these products, follow the directions carefully and take extra care of your hair afterward with deep conditioning treatments or other nourishing products.

Scalp Treatment Products

• If you have thinning hair, use volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Davines’ energizing shampoo is designed to stimulate and revitalize the scalp and prevent hair loss.
• If you have frizzy hair, use a moisturizing shampoo.
• Briogeo Scalp Revival Kit.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

To prevent hair loss, people may want to try lifestyle changes, including reducing stress and eating a nutritious diet. For over 100 years, the best home remedies for hair loss include using sandalwood, lavender, rosemary, and thyme oils.

Curl Types

Curl types refer to the various patterns of hair curliness, ranging from straight to coily. They are classified under the Andre Walker system into four categories: Type 1 (straight), Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly), and Type 4 (coily). Each type has subcategories to distinguish curl patterns further, whether wavy or curly.

Scalp Micropigmentation

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a tattooing like procedure that creates the illusion of hair follicles and a natural hairline. It’s done by placing pigment into the skin, creating an artificial shadow, which makes it look like you’re bald by choice.

A trained SMP artist performs the procedure using an electric needle and can fill-in hairline gaps and bald spots. It typically requires 2-3 sessions and can last up to three years before needing touch-ups.

Some of the best SMP Clinics can be found all over the US, from New York to Los Angeles.

Conclusion

There are many possible causes of hair loss, but fortunately, there are also many treatment options available. If you’re experiencing hair loss, be sure to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to find the best treatment for you. In the meantime, refer to this guide for more information on hair loss and hair growth.

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