Body Magazine May 2010
Hair Myths
by Christopher Cole MD
Every day I see many patients in my office who have major misunderstandings about hair, how it grows, and what may affect its growth. By the time I am finished consulting with a patient regarding hair loss, there is a great sigh of relief in most patients, and especially women, as they learn that there is much they can do to improve the look, feel, fullness, and appearance of their hair without resorting to wigs or hair transplantation.
Many women and men are afraid that the many things they can do to improve their hair, may damage the hair and its growth. Most who are thinning are afraid of washing their hair daily, adding highlights, colouring, or perming their hair. Lets address these issues one at a time.
Most people are losing 75 to 150 hairs per day. This is normal! These shedding hairs may be seen in brushes, towels, or on pillows and be the cause of great anxiety. Remember that these hairs are really shedding all day long, but it will seem to be worse during these activities. These daily hairs will be lost anyway, but the gentle friction and pulling on the hairs from these activities will tend to make it seem that the activity caused the loss. This is not so!
I find that most of my patients when they understand these facts, are more likely to go out and seek the assistance of hair stylists to assist them with making the most of their hair. Low-lights and high-lights can make a dramatic difference in the perception of hair fullness. They will not effect the growth of the hair but may make it more brittle. Good quality shampoos and conditioners are important especially with long hair to keep it looking and feeling its best.
Women who have been suffering from hair loss throughout their life, may find this accelerated during menopause. Decreasing the degree of hair loss may be achieved with hormone replacement therapy, and the risks and benefits should be discussed with you doctor.
Cover-ups, that add some darker colour to the scalp, like Dermatch and Couvre can also make an impressive visual difference.
Men with existing hair in the thinning areas can benefit from Finasteride and/or Minoxidil to help maintain this hair, and in some cases improve it. Women may also benefit from twice daily application of Minoxidil to slow their hair loss and in some case, will improve their hair density.
Stress is generally not a factor in hair loss unless it is a major life stress, resulting in sleep and weight loss over a period of months. In time when we adjust to these major life changes, the hair will often recover, or at least be maintained at its new level.
Severe hypothyroidism and extremely low iron are also causes of hair loss, but rarely seen. Most family doctors do an excellent job in identifying such factors due to related symptoms and routine blood work. Most people have good basic nutrition, and don’t need special supplements or money back guaranteed products to improve the growth of their hair, many of which have questionable benefits.
At the end of the day, I am an illusionist when it comes to hair, hair treatment, and hair transplants. Hopefully these suggestions will help you make the most out of your hair!
Christopher Cole MD
nice article doctor
nice article doctor