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1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male / Female Pattern Hair Loss)
2. Alopecia Areata, Totalis or Universalis
3. Improper Diet
4. Medications
5. Chemotherapy Induced Hair Loss
6. Radiation Induced Hair Loss
2. What is androgentic alopecia?
Androgentic alopecia is the term for either male or female hair loss and can be broken down into two parts.
1. Androgen - various hormones that affect the developmental characteristics of appearance
2. Genetic - inherited genes from either the mother or the father.
Add age which represents a time clock that signals the hair follicle to produce an enzyme named 5 alpha reductase. When the testosterone present in the follicle combines with the enzyme 5 alpha reductase it produces dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The hair follicle is extremely sensitive to DHT and thereby starts the negative process for male or female hair loss. This chemical reaction can start as early as in your teenage years but, more often starts in your twenties or thirties. Hair loss generally starts either as a receding hairline at the temples or a thinning in the crown area and progresses according to a set genetic pattern known as "male pattern baldness".
Alopecia is the term used for hair loss. Alopecia can be distinguished by a general all over thinning, a patchy void of hair area, total hair loss of the scalp or hair loss over the entire body. Some of the known causes of alopecia are physical or emotional stress, disease or illness, certain prescription drugs, poor nutrition or vitamin deficiency and as of recent research data alopecia has been linked to the immune system. Alopecia can also be the direct results of radiation therapy and/or the administration of certain chemotherapy type drugs.
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3. What is genetic hair loss?
In Genetic Hair Loss either the mother or father may transfer the dominant gene which precipitates the loss of hair. At a genetically predetermined age the process begins, the body produces the enzyme called 5 Alpha Reductase. This enzyme is then metabolized into Dyhydrotestosterone (dht), dht gradually slows down the growth cycle of the hair and in many cases this process becomes so pronounced the loss is dramatic.
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4. What about topical treatments?
There are any number of topical treatments on the market today Minoxidal with 2% and 5% Rogaine is the only topical treatment that has been granted FDA approval. Another topical treatment which has undergone FDA testing as well as clinical testing at one of the largest universities in California is dht SENSOR. This product has shown to have significant effect on eliminating the enzyme 5 Alpha Reductase, the leading cause of genetic hair loss.
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5. Are there surgical procedures available?
The most commonly known surgical procedure is hair transplantation. This is when hair is removed from an area of the scalp that is determined to be less likely to be effected by genetic hair loss, the hair is then reintroduced to the scalp where the hair is needed (once the hair is removed from the donor area hair will not grow back in that area). Another procedure is scalp reduction, this is when a balding or thinning area of the scalp is excised (removed) this procedure strives to reduce the amount of balding or thinning area from the head completely. There is also the flap method. This is when a section of hair from the side of the head is moved to the front or top of the head.
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6. What types of cosmetic hair restoration exist?
1. Wigs: This type of cosmetic hair restoration is best suited for an individual experiencing complete and or uncontrolled patchy hair loss. A wig may also be used for many forms of temporary fashion hair.
2. Integration: This is used to create volume and or length to thin hair. The existing hair is combined with the hair in the integration to create any number of styles and looks. An integration is a perfect temporary option for many of today’s styles and color effects.
3. Stock Hair Additions: Stock full head hair addition (cranial prosthesis) is the favored choice for chemotherapy and radiation induced hair loss, due to the fact that this particular item is generally available either immediately or within 24 hours. Stock partials (top of the head) is best suited for the individual experiencing thinning in a specific area of the head or some one looking for a definite style. Stock partials are good for fashion style such as up - dos and high or low lighted coloring. Stock hair additions are generally available immediately and for use in fashion situations they tend to be more cost effective
4. Extensions: Extensions are used for added length and fullness similar to an integration this method allows the technician to specifically design the amount of hair to be added. The hair are attached to the individuals existing hair creating any number of styles and looks (if the hair is damaged or to thin this method may not be applicable).
5. Custom Hair Additions: This form of hair restoration is the best for all forms of thinning hair and hair loss. A custom hair addition is designed by the technician specifically for the individuals needs, expectations and lifestyle. Custom hair additions are designed to fit the specific needs or fashion desires of the individual.
Cosmetic hair restoration remains the most commonly used method of hair replacement. One of the main reasons is the immediate results achieved, cosmetic hair restoration is also the safest methods while allowing a variety of applications.
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7. What is the best choice for me?
1. Topical Solutions: Topical applications are best for individuals experiencing the early effects of thinning hair. They will greatly reduce the progression hair loss and in some cases may reverse the process entirely.
2. Surgical Procedures: Surgery is most effective for individuals with minimal hair loss. Someone experiencing thinning of the entire head is not a likely candidate for surgery. One surgical procedure becoming more widely used is the frontal hair line transplant with the combination of a cosmetic hair restoration for desired density. One of the most common misnomers about surgical hair restoration is that the patient is gaining more hair, this is false, surgery is simply the manipulation of the hairs that already exist to give the appearance of more hair.
3. Cosmetic Hair Restoration: Cosmetic solutions are the most effective answer for nearly all individuals as well as applications. Cosmetic hair restoration can be affixed in any number of methods to fit the individuals specific lifestyle and need.
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8. What does the term “permanent attachment” mean?
This is a common term within the cosmetic industry, the word permanent is used to symbolize the fact that this method of attachment is meant to last for an extended length of time. Permanently attached or bonded cosmetic hair additions are not removable, except by a hair restoration professional.
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9. What is a graft?
A graft is a very specific form of hair restoration, grafts are made of a skin polymer which is designed to replicate the look of scalp. This type of cosmetic hair restoration may be attached in an array of different methods to suit the indaviduals lifestyle.
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10. How do I choose a hair loss professional?
Choosing the right hair loss professional is amongst one of the most important decisions you have to make before you choose the type of hair restoration process.
Click here for tips on choosing a hair loss professional.
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11. Are there hair loss organizations and associations?
‡ Cosmetologist Chicago 312.321.6809
‡ National Alopecia Areata Foundation 415.456.4644
‡ Look Good Feel Better 312.321.6809
‡ American Cancer Society 312.641.6150
‡ AMS Group International 800. 968.7566
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12. What is bonding?
Bonding is a form of attachment. A hair addition is made up of a net like material which has human or synthetic fiber attached to this net like material. The addition is then affixed to the clients existing hair with an adhesive creating a bond between the addition and the individuals growing hair, giving this individual the ability to style their hair and the hair addition as one. This method of attachment was developed for individuals expecting to maintain a more active lifestyle. Bonding also assists in the acceptance of hair loss and the desire to have hair again. The individual rarely will see ones self without hair nor will they find the need to deal with the concept of being two people, one with hair and one without. I have found this to be most important to the female client. She not only feels the loss of ones image and self esteem but, she is also stigmatized by society as someone who is not of the norm or may be afflicted with an illness. Society simply does not except a balding female.
Keep in mind that while bonding an addition can give you an extremely secure feeling not only with prolonged adhesion but psychologically as well, it also requires that you have the addition maintained on a monthly basis by a hair replacement professional.
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13. What is integration?
This is when a web like material that has human and/or synthetic hair attached to the webbing makes up the addition. This addition is affixed to the hair giving the individual more length and fullness. An integration may be attached by a number of methods. The attachment method is best dictated by your lifestyle as well as the amount of hair loss you have experienced. This form of hair addition lends itself more toward females experiencing more of a defused hair loss and is rarely suitable for application in the male client.
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14. How do I judge hair piece quality?
In choosing a hair addition you should make sure that the addition is designed to meet your expectations in lifestyle and look. The addition should be made of suitable materials for your chosen method of attachment, your lifestyle and desired look to insure that you receive the optimum life expectancy and minimum disappointment out of the addition. In order to avoid problems in the future the method of attachment should be determined during the design phase. The type of hair !should be chosen according to your predetermined realistic expectations in your image, your lifestyle and method of attachment.
Human hair is best suited to an individual that is expecting to continue a more active lifestyle and more flexibility in style. Synthetic hair is best suited for an individual that does not require as much versatility in styling and a somewhat less active lifestyle.
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15. How do I choose a replacement professional?
Choosing the hair replacement center is extremely important. It should be as important as the addition itself. The center should be neat, organized, professional, helpful, ready to provide support service, support products, and have a comprehensive knowledge of your needs and how to achieve your goal.
Now the big question, how do I find such a place. One choice is to call the American Hair Loss Council in Chicago, Illinois to obtain a list of centers near you. The second is to read and review the advertisements in your local papers, magazines, television commercials/ infomercials and telephone directories. Third would be consult a friend, colleague or family member that has had a relationship with a hair replacement professional. Once you have collected the names of centers near you. Call and prequalify the center. Ask them if they have the knowledge, the products and the abilities to full fill all of your realistic expectations. Request any printed information that may be available to you. Once you have received this information and studied everything you should choose several centers, schedule an appointment to personally interview the centers professionals and to see the operation’s of the center and the center’s product lines. Ask for client referrals and if possible if you can speak with a client of the center or meet with him / her in person. Discuss pricing for not only the addition but also the on going services. Once you have completed and made your choice it is time to set the appointment for your design and fitting, make sure that the centers professional is completely aware of your desires as well as your concerns. Establishing everything during this consultation will help both you and your chosen professional, and will prevent you from being disappointed with the hair addition once you receive it. Remember this is a commitment, take your time and choose wisely do not be misled by slick claims and unrealistic promises
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16. What is the difference between a good addition and a bad addition?
This is a question asked time and time again and has a simple answer. A good hair addition is the one that lives up to your expectations and desires. That is why it is so important to choose a hair replacement professional that will work with you to develop not only a good hair addition but also a long standing relationship of quality services and products for years to come.
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17. Can my girlfriend/boyfriend run her/his fingers through my hair?
Yes, todays development of finer materials and better methods of maintaining the hair / fibers gives you a more natural feel to the entire addition. Materials for the addition are constantly being researched to create a finer / thinner almost invisible look and feel these materials are being developed almost everyday. Human hair today is treated as if it was a fine mink coat, the texture, color and consistency of the hair are carefully blended together giving you hair that feels as good as the hair that once grew out of your head. The synthetic fibers have been refined to their finest level giving it an almost exact match with human hair.
Always keep in mind without the proper care and maintenance by you and your chosen hair replacement professional your addition will not live up to what you expect out of it. You must develop a commitment to a routine maintenance program in order for your new hair to continue looking, feeling and acting like your own hair.
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18. Can I continue activities such as swimming with my addition?
Whenever I am asked this question it brings to mind the old joke about the man with the broken finger and he asked his doctor will I be able to play the piano with this, and his doctor replies when your finger heels there should be no problem at all and the person replies that is wonderful because I could not play the piano before I broke my finger. Seriously the answer to this question is simple, if the addition is designed from the beginning with this in mind you should not have any problems with maintaining a physically active lifestyle. That is why it is very important for you to choose the right person and facility to develop, design and maintain your hair addition.
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19. What about costs?
Hair additions range from as little as $400 to over $3000. The question should not be how much does the hair addition cost but what is it worth to you. The average cost of a quality hair addition is approximately $1600. Keep in mind that a less expensive hair addition may not live up to your expectations and that the most expensive may not live up to its claims, so I will again stress to you to make your choice intelligently based on facts not with emotion and hype. Be aware of the one that sells too hard - they may have very little to sell.
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20. Where can I get more information?
For more information on all your options regarding hair loss alternatives, contact one of the consultants at AMS Designs, Inc. AMS Designs will give you all the information needed to make a well-informed decision regarding your specific needs. AMS Designs is a no-hype company that has been providing hair for both fashion and need to Chicago’s Who’s Who for the past 20 years. You can contact AMS Designs at 800-YOURLOOK (968-7566) or info@amsdesigns.com.
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