Many women may know that hair loss affects a good portion of the population. What they do not realize is that women make up a good percentage of those affected. Here are 5 things women should know about female pattern hair loss:
1. Genetics Plays a Huge Role
Just take a look at your parents. Women can inherit hair loss from either parent making them more susceptible to hair loss. Genetics is one of the strongest factors that play a part in losing your hair.
2. Blame Those Hormones
Changes in hormone levels are another common factor causing hair loss. Females who are post-menopausal commonly see their hair begin to thin. Also, “women with high testosterone levels are more likely to succumb male patterned baldness.”
3. Over-styling is Bad
Dying your hair (yourself), wearing extensions; these are factors that can lead to hair loss. A non-professional dying of your hair can cause the hair to become brittle and fall out. Extensions pull on the hair which can lead to “traction alopecia.” Don’t beat your hair up!
4. Washing is Good
Over-washing is bad for the hair? That’s a myth! “Your hair should be washed regularly to keep it clean and healthy. Evidence has indicated that using an SLS free shampoo can be instrumental in preventing hair loss. Using conditioner can also be effective, but make sure you apply it to the hair shafts and not the scalp in order to make the hair softer.”
5. Protein is Important
“Your hair is made up of keratin, which is a natural protein. Ensuring your diet is high in protein will therefore help to keep your hair strong and healthy. Make a special effort to eat dishes which include eggs, fish and lean meat and over time you may see an improvement.”
Credit to Raghu Reddy a hair loss and transplant specialist at The Private Clinic of Harley Street
Siperstein PRP Treatment for Thinning Hair
What is PRP?
PRP stands for “Platelet Rich Plasma.” Blood contains many different parts, such as white blood cells (that fight infection), red blood cells (that carry oxygen), and platelets (that help with blood clotting). PRP contains a higher concentration of platelets, which have a variety of growth factors. These have many medical applications, such as wound healing, with newest advancements in the dermatology field for hair loss and skin rejuvenation.
How is PRP obtained?
PRP is taken from the patient’s own blood. The blood is drawn by a nurse. At Siperstein Dermatology Group, the nurse uses a state-of-the-art device called a Vein Finder, so that we can make the blood draw as easy as possible. Once the blood is drawn, it is placed in a centrifuge for a few minutes to separate the enriched platelets. This enables to concentrate the platelets and growth factors 5-10 times the normal amount found in your blood!
How is PRP used for hair loss?
PRP treatment for thinning hair can be used in both men and women (male and female pattern hair loss). Areas where hair is thin, not completely bald, are the best places to use it. After the platelets are concentrated, the PRP is injected into the patient’s scalp with minimal discomfort because at Siperstein Dermatology Group we have a Zimmer Chiller which makes the procedure much more comfortable. The treatments are monthly for four months, then about every 6 months after for maintenance.
Is PRP safe?
Because the PRP is concentrated from the patient’s own blood, it is extremely safe, with very few side effects or allergic reactions.
Do medical studies show promise for PRP in hair loss patients?
A new study was just published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (May 2017) evaluating PRP treatment for female pattern hair loss. Treatment with PRP improved both the hair volume and quality for a majority of the women with thinning hair, and these results continued at 6 month follow-ups. In addition, as most studies have shown, there was a very high rating for patient satisfaction.
What else can PRP be used for?
PRP has shown to stimulate stem cells to produce more collagen, improving wound healing, overall skin texture and youthful appearance. At Siperstein Dermatology Group, we are combining PRP with some of our other aesthetic treatments, such as laser resurfacing and microneedling. By combining PRP with these procedures, we hope to decrease the down time and increase the youthful glow of the skin.
