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LOSING YOUR HAIR: The Ailesbury Hair Implant method

First, why do we actually lose ourhair?

There are numerous factors that contribute to the cause of hair loss in both males and females but genetic pattern baldness accounts for nearly 95% of all hair loss in men, as well as affecting millions of women. This common form of progressive hair thinning relates to a condition called androgenic alopecia or “male pattern baldness” and it occurs in adult male humans and other species. Androgenetic alopecia in women rarely leads to total baldness and the pattern of hair loss differs from male-pattern baldness. In women, the hair becomes thinner all over the head, and the hairline does not recede.

Tell us more about androgenetic alopecia

There are a variety of genetic and environmental factors that are likely play a role in causing androgenetic alopecia. Although we know risk factors that may contribute to this condition, most of these factors remain unknown. Researchers have determined that this form of hair loss is related to hormones called androgens, particularly an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Androgens are important for normal male sexual development before birth and during puberty. The resulting effect is seen as baldness. The amount and patterns of baldness can vary greatly as the incidence varies from population to population based on genetic background. Interestingly, environmental factors do not seem to affect this type of baldness greatly.

You mentioned genes. How do they play a role?

It was previously believed that baldness was inherited from the maternal grandfather. While there is some basis for this belief, it is now known that both parents contribute to their offspring’s likelihood of hair loss. Large studies in 2005 and 2007 showed the importance of the maternal line in the inheritance of male pattern baldness. German researchers called the main ‘balding’ gene, ‘ARG’ or the androgen receptor gene. The presence or absence of a specific variant in this gene is related to baldness. This gene is recessive and a female would need two X chromosomes with the defect to show typical male pattern alopecia. Other research in 2007 suggested another gene on the X chromosome, which lies close to the androgen receptor gene, is also important in male pattern baldness. We consider the X linked androgen receptor as the most important gene with a gene on chromosome 20 being the second most important determinant gene.

How common is Male Pattern Baldness?

This is a good question. Studies show nearly all men have some baldness by the time they are in their 60s. However, the age the hair loss starts is variable. One large Australian study showed the prevalence of mid-frontal hair loss increases with age and affects about three in ten 30 year old males and half of 50 year old males. It also showed approximately 25 percent of men begin balding by age 30; while two-thirds begin balding by age 60. Some women also develop a similar pattern of hair loss. Male pattern baldness affects roughly 40 million men in the United States alone.

Can we use this information to our advantage?

Certainly yes, the Ailesbury Hair Implant technique uses a genetic test for male pattern hair loss, which reports the presence or absence of a specific variation in the androgen receptor gene. A positive test result means that a man has the high risk genetic variation. Men who test positive have approximately a 70% chance of going bald. This means the H+ genetic test can predict a patients risk for hair loss or thinning. Because single follicular hair implants can be used multiple times and it is not limited as in methods like strip surgery this means a patient can theoretically never be allowed to go bald again. Patients should remember by the time hair loss or thinning is noticeable ? almost 50% of your hair could be gone and the genetic test will help predict a patients hair loss before you can see any visible hair loss

What are the present medical treatments available?

The most popular medical treatment is Minoxidil (Rogaine), which is available in 2% and 5% topical solutions. Unfortunately, cosmetically useful hair is obtained in only about one third of cases and Minoxidil must be used indefinitely to maintain a response. Another treatment involves taking Finasteride (Propecia) 1 mg tablets and given once daily. Hair loss drugs like Propecia work by inhibiting the creation of DHT in our bodies.

By reducing the amount of DHT that can affect a man’s hair follicles, hair loss can be slowed or even stopped. Propecia lowers the dihydrotestosterone on the scalp and also in the serum of treated patients. Clinical trials have shown it to be effective in preventing further hair loss and increasing hair counts to the point of cosmetically appreciable results. Interestingly, hair loss on the temples is not improved. Side effects are rare, less than 1%, and patients must remain on the drug indefinitely since the benefit may be lost after discontinuation.

Tell me something about hairtransplantation?

Hair transplantation is a surgical technique that involves moving sections of skin containing hair follicles from one part of the body (the donor site) to bald or balding parts (the recipient site). It is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness, whereby grafts containing hair follicles that are genetically resistant to balding are transplanted to a bald scalp. However, it is also used to restore eye lashes, eye brows, beard hair and to fill in scars caused by accidents and surgery such as face lifts and previous hair transplants. Hair transplantation differs from skin grafting in that grafts contain almost all of the epidermis and dermis surrounding the hair follicle, and many tiny grafts are transplanted rather than a single strip of skin. Since hair naturally grows in follicles that contain groupings of 1 to 4 hairs, most hair transplant techniques migrate 1 ? 4 hair “follicular units” in their natural groupings. Thus modern hair transplantation can achieve a natural appearance by mimicking nature hair for hair. This hair transplant procedure is called “Follicular Unit Transplantation”

When didhairtransplantation actually begin?

Modern hair transplantation began in the 1950s based upon the pioneering work of New York dermatologist Dr. Norman Orentreich. According to medical myth, he was doing a study on vitiligo, transferring 4 mm punch skin grafts in an attempt to determine whether vitiligo was “donor” or “recipient” area dominant. The patient noted that a punch graft that had been taken from a hair-bearing area, grew hair, after it was placed into a non-hair-bearing area. Previously it had been thought that transplanted hair would thrive no more than the original hair at the “recipient” site. Dr. Orentreich demonstrated that such grafts were “donor dominant,” ? the idea that grafts continue to show the characteristics of the donor site after they have been transplanted to a new site. This principle provides the basis for all hair transplant surgery. Although “donor dominance” insured that transplanted hair will continue to grow, it did not insure that the results would look natural.

Why did transplants by ‘punching’ stop?

The initial hair transplants used grafts that measured 6?8 mm in diameter, about the size of pencil erasers. These were obtained from the back of the scalp by literally punching out the hair bearing grafts with a sharp, round instrument and then placing them in holes made in the balding front-part of the scalp. The punch technique continued during the 1960’s, although the size of the punch was gradually reduced in order to improve the survival of the hairs in the central part of the graft. For the next twenty years, surgeons worked on transplanting smaller grafts, but results were only minimally successful, with 2-4 mm “plugs” leading to results that were often “pluggy” and unnatural and was referred to as a “doll’s head” or “corn-row” look. It is thought that these hairs were also subject to poor oxygenation by a “donuting” effect as the punch size was too big. We must remember that the follicles also take a curved path through the skin and there was an unacceptable rate of transection (about 30%) during the punching technique. In the 1980s, Uebel in Brazil popularized using large numbers of small grafts, while in the United States Rassman began using thousands of “micrografts” in a single session.

Can you explain the technique of ‘minigrafts’ and micrografts?

In the late 1980s, Limmer introduced the use of the stereo-microscope to dissect a single donor strip into small micrografts. Micrograftsusually consist of one or two hairs per graft and ‘minigrafts’ contain 3-8 hairs per graft. These smaller grafts, when properly placed, provided a more natural, less abrupt appearing hairline in contrast to other methods. However, they could also contain up to 12 hairs producing a bulky tufted appearance leading to a ‘doll’s head’, or ‘toothbrush’ effect. Patients also complained of a dimpling of the underlying scalp. Micrografts were frequently damaged during the removal process or were too fragile to survive. In ‘mini-micrografting’, the graft sizes were arbitrarily determined by the doctor who cut the donor tissue into different size pieces. This technique has now largely been surpassed.

What technique is presently popular?

During the past few years, follicular unit transplant grafts (FUT) have become popular due to a more natural effect. Follicular units were first described in the medical literature by Headington in 1984. Follicular Unit Transplantation has its roots in the single-strip harvesting method and microscopic graft dissection technique developed by Dr. Bobby Limmer in the late 1980s and published in 1994. In 1995, Bernstein and Rassman published the first paper on “Follicular Unit Transplantation”, where hair is transplanted exclusively in naturally occurring groups of 1-4 hairs. With microscopic dissection of donor pieces from an excised portion of scalp, individual follicular units containing but 1-4 hairs could be prepared and individually relocated into needle punctures in the recipient areas. Since the transplanted hair mimics the way hair grows in nature, close to natural results were attainable. By the year 2000, Follicular Unit Transplant (also referred to as FUT) by the strip technique was more firmly established and respected due to its ability to produce more natural results. However, because the procedure was more labour intensive and time consuming than mini-micrografting, it was adopted slowly by the medical community.

What do you mean by the ‘strip’ technique?

The strip method is really an invasive surgical procedure requiring the attendance of a plastic surgeon and general anaesthesia. During the procedure, a long strip of scalp, approximately 20- 25 cm in length and 1 cm to 2.5 cm in width of hair-bearing skin is removed from the donor area using a scalpel, cutting through nerves and major blood vessels of the scalp. The donor area is then sutured (stitched) closed and approximately 30 days are required for full healing. In order to avoid stretching of the donor scar, two layers of donor stitches must be used and left in the skin for at least two weeks. The doctor can harvest to a maximum of 3,000 hairs during one procedure. Body hair follicles and hairs cannot be extracted using the ‘strip’ method, depriving the patient of a tremendous area of donor hair. Post-operative care requires that the patient not play sports or weight train for at least 30 days. Many patients complain of scalp numbness for many months and sometimes permanently.

Are there any problems with the strip technique?

This is invasive surgery and the patient may sometimes develop scarring or neurological problems of sensation in the back of the head post procedure. Another primary disadvantage of strip extraction is that the patient must wait nine months for the area to heal fully before considering or being able to undergo a second procedure and the patient must have sufficient elasticity in the donor site before the surgeon can safely harvest another strip. Besides the long donor area permanent scar, there is also a possibility to be left with permanent suture scars, stretch back tension scars, keloid scars, or staple scars, even if the procedure goes perfectly. Should a patient shave their hair short in the donor area, a line or scar will always be visible. A patient forever gives up the option to shave their head or have a short haircut after a strip procedure. Although there are many good proceduralists of this technique, I personally would consider ‘strip surgery’ an out-dated procedure.

What is the best hair transplant treatment now?

Over the past few years unit follicular hair transplant has emerged as the most reliable hair transplant procedure of hair transplantation surgery. As the name suggests, the graft in this case consists of a single follicular unit as it exists in nature. The follicular unit contains sebaceous glands as well as nerve and blood tissue. It is for this reason that it needs to be extracted as an intact unit and transplanted as an intact unit, to be able to grow into a hair. There are basically two types of technique.

1 Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a hair restoration procedure where hair is transplanted exclusively in its naturally occurring groups of 1-4 hairs. These groups, or follicular units, are obtained through the microscopic dissection of tissue taken from a single donor strip or extracted directly from the donor area.

2. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) does not require a donor strip to be excised from the donor area and therefore does not involve any dissection of follicular units. The follicular units are instead directly extracted one-by-one using custom-made, precise micro-surgical tools less than a millimetre in diameter. Follicular unit extraction is simple and painless, with the donor area healing within 2-4 days as compared to 7-8 days required for follicular hair transplants using the graft extraction technique. There is also no risk of nerve damage being caused by the hair transplant procedure.

Which is the best method?

This is a difficult question to answer as there are proponents of both techniques. Although, FUT is considered an advance over the ‘mini-micrografting’ hair transplant procedure, many transplant doctors do not consider it as advanced as FUE because the technique still requires larger areas of the scalp to be removed than single follicle extraction. Proponents of the FUT technique say that there are also problems inherent in removing individual follicular units with small punches. First, any significant variation between the incident angle of the punch and the exiting hair can result in graft transection. It is known that it is difficult to keep the punch parallel to the follicles throughout the entire length of the graft as the visual cues used to guide one’s hand are lost once the punch passes into the depths of the tissue. Another disadvantage of both follicular techniques is the requirement of long hours of time and skilled teams of assistants for the preparation of 3,000 odd follicular hair transplants through dissection. My feeling is that the final result is very operator related.

What is the Ailesbury Hair Implant method?

The Ailesbury Hair Implant technique has been perfected in Dublin. It essentially is a minimally invasive method of hair restoration which avoids the need for any scalpels or stitching to be required at any point during the procedure. Single hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area (back of the head) and re-implanted with the unique patented device; therefore a strip of donor skin is not required to be removed from the back of the head. Many doctors, including myself, consider this to be the most advanced method of transplanting hair. to techniques like the newer single hair follicle extraction technique. In this method follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area (back of the head) and re-implanted with the unique patented devices. The Ailesbury Hair Implant method is based on the use of genetic testing, the use of growth factors, 633nm light for fibroblast stimulation and the use of quality control during the hair transplant procedures. The hair transplant doctor needs only a single surgical assistant to help him during the follicle hair transplants. The procedure also ensures maximum care to the grafts. The hair transplant doctor can decide upon the exact number of grafts to be removed while he is removing them one-by-one.

Any other advantages with the Ailesbury Hair Implant method?

The best thing about the Ailesbury Hair Implant method is that the hair extraction is simple, painless, and the donor area heals within 2-4 days. Individual hair follicles are removed one by one using the H+ Extractor and Implanter by a surgeon who is wearing high magnification loupes. Patients can listen to music, watch tv and enjoy a light lunch during the procedure, which is completed in four to six hours. There is absolutely no risk of nerve damage because scalpels or stitches are not used. Another advantage of the Ailesbury Hair Implant transplant procedure is that it allows the hair transplant surgeon to extract as many grafts as is actually needed and on average, we usually extract and place 3,000-5,000 hairs per day. Bandaging is not necessary following the procedure, allowing the patient to leave the clinic looking just as they did on entering. Unlike the ‘strip’ technique, there is no scarring with the Ailesbury Hair Implant method and a patient can shave his head or wear all the current cuts and styles. In addition, there is also no waiting period between Ailesbury Hair Implant procedures and hair from all over the body can be used. Body hair follicular grafts have shown growth patterns similar to head hair with no difference in texture but are usually used for enhancing the density in the posterior region of the scalp rather than the hair line. Hair regrowth will be seen after 16 weeks, depending in part on how quickly the capillaries form around the newly relocated follicular units. This newly transferred hair grows naturally in its new location for the rest of the patient’s life.

How many sessions will be necessary before hair restoration is complete after the Ailesbury Hair Implant method?

That really depends on the size of the balding area, donor yield and the goal of the patient. In order to achieve a greater density, I would suggest starting early and plan at least two sessions, so that you never really become bald. The numbers of sessions being one or more is aided by the use of genetic programming and special camera densitometry equipment to see under the skin and fully inform the patient of his or her total available donor hair. In each session, the follicles are inserted between existing hairs or previously placed hairs and generally placed up to 1mm apart.


Dr. Patrick Treacy is on the Specialist Register in Ireland and holds a H.Dip in Dermatology and a BTEC in Laser technology and skin resurfacing. He is Irish Regional Representative of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors and practices cosmetic medicine in his clinics in Dublin, Cork, London and the Middle East. He was amongst the first doctors worldwide to use the permanent facial endoprosthesis BioAlcamid for HIV Lipodystrophy patients. He was also the first person to introduce many techniques such as Radiofrequency assisted lasers, Fibroblast transplant and Contour Threads to Irish patients. Dr. Treacy is an advanced Botox, Dysport and Dermal filler trainer and regularly holds courses for doctors and nurses from around the world. He is also a renowned international guest speaker and features regularly on national television and radio programmes. Despite his busy global commitment (See his lecture schedule on the home page) he finds time to personally see patients at his Dublin clinic.

Ailesbury Clinics Ltd Suite 6 Merrion Road Ailesbury Road Dublin 4 Ireland Phone +35312690933 Fax +35312692250 http://www.ailesburyclinic.ie

 
 

Hair Care: Are Salon Brands Superior?

29 June;  Author: Hair Wigs

Hair Care: Are Salon Brands Superior?

Article by Gina Frnce







What Is Hair Loss?Each Hair grows in cycles, it grows, rests, and then falls out. Usually, this cycle repeats approximately yearly. At any time, about ninety percent of a person’s scalp hair is growing, a phase that lasts between two and six years. Ten percent of the scalp hair is in a resting phase that lasts between two and three months. At the end of its resting stage, the hair goes through a shedding phase. Now that we know the basics to our hair growth cycles, lets now go into taking care of our hair.

Most Common Hair Loss Cause: Androgenic Alopecia. This is the most common type of hair loss and is often called “male- or female-pattern baldness”. The hair usually thins out first in the front of the scalp and moves progressively to the back and top of the head. It tends to be progressive. This type of hair loss also runs in families and there is really nothing much that can be done about this type of hair loss problem.

Deep Conditioning or Normal Conditioning?Your choice of conditioner depends most on your hair type (unlike your choice of shampoo, which depends on your scalp type). Choosing the right conditioner can help you avoid greasy, limp locks or a dry, frizzy head of hair. Is it always best to consult a hair specialist to first find out what type of hair and scalp type you have, then choose the best conditioner based on this advice. We do recommend that you try Biolage Hair Care range of products as these are one of the many excellent hair care products in the market right now.

Deep condition it every week or at least every two weeks. How can you do this? Shampoo hair as usual, rinse off, apply your favorite conditioner, cover hair with a plastic cap and get under a bonnet or hard hat hair dryer. Stay there anywhere from 10-20 minutes. If you don¡¯t have a bonnet dryer you might want to use the blower to heat over the plastic cap and last rinse conditioner off. Best is to rinse off the conditioner with lukewarm water, avoid using hot water because hot water will just simply strip off all the moisture from your hair.

Why Salon Brands are Superior?Although there are exceptions, salon products generally contain higher quality, more expensive ingredients that are designed to consistently provide more intensive cleansing, moisturizing and conditioning results. The quality ingredients found in salon products are not usually found in drugstore brands. If in doubt ¨C read the labels! One of the first things to look out for is to first check that the products do not contain silicone. It is widely believed that silicone creates dry, brittle hair.

Hair Makes Us Look BeautifulHair as we all know is a very important part of body as well as having some good looks. It helps in creating a good feature for ourselves which is very essential in this fast moving world. No matter how much you take care of your face, taking care of your makes a lot of difference. One simple demonstration is this, just try taking a picture of yourself before and after a salon hair treatment and you will see a big difference!

Pride in Your HairMost hair troubles could be prevented in the start by ordinary good care of the hair, and the maintenance of the state of general good health. Of course, various diseases affect the hair: fever dries it out and makes it fall; syphilis and other sex diseases poison and destroy it. Some skin diseases have the same effect. In general, if you are healthy, broadly speaking, your hair will be healthy too. So, take good care of your body, take proper vitamins and look after your body well and your hair will thank you for it! Take care of your body and you will have beatiful hair! Your Body is like an automation machine which runs without stop, so, take great care of your body and your hair will thank you for it!

So what are you waiting for? We urge you to find out more about Proper Hair Care. Do visit our site at http://HairCare.hairlossfact.info for more advice on Hair Care today!



About the Author

We do urge you to find out more about Hair Care and how you can better care for your hair and be prod of it! Do visit our site at http://HairCare.hairlossfact.info for more information on Hair Care Tips and Hair Care Advice! Be proud of your crowning glory!

 
 

Planning for a Hair Transplant: What to Expect During the First Session

In our experience, patient expectations are most often influenced by the patient’s age, stage of hair loss, and its rapidity. The young patient (those in their 20’s) with the memory of their adolescent hairline and density still clear in their minds, are also the ones most susceptible to rapid, significant hair loss and are the patients that need the most time in the education and planning process. Other factors include the person’s social situation (such as how he is perceived by significant others), and how he has been dealing with his hair loss (such as using a hair piece or the continuous wearing of a hat). It is incumbent upon the physician to educate the patient and set his expectations correctly, or the patient may never be satisfied.

The patient should not be led to believe that hair restoration surgery will restore what has been lost. In the ideal situation, hair restoration surgery should maintain the patient’s adult appearance and give him the same “look” as he would have had if he had simply “matured.” The surgery should never attempt to restore the patient’s adolescent appearance. At a minimum, it can keep the patient from perceiving himself as being bald. In a patient who is distraught from extensive hair loss, this alone can be a significant accomplishment.

The young, rapidly balding patient poses perhaps the greatest challenge. Even an extensive procedure may not be able to compensate for the loss that can occur during the year it takes for the implants to fully grow. In this patient especially, understanding every aspect of the dynamic nature of the hair loss is critical. The progressive nature of balding, realistic hairline placement, the sparing of the crown, and the possible acceleration of loss from the surgery itself must be clearly explained. If the patient does not grasp each and every one of these ideas, it is better to postpone the surgery. Time is always on the physician’s side, since the progression of the patient’s hair loss will make each of these issues more tangible to the patient, simplifying the education process.

At the other end of the spectrum, the patient who has been bald for many years is much easier to satisfy since his expectations are generally reasonable, and modest amounts of hair will produce a marked change in his appearance. However, this same patient who has worn a hair piece for many years identifies with this look and is much more difficult to please. Like the very young patient, his reference point is a full head of hair. If this patient’s only goal is to be rid of the hair system, it is critical to determine the necessary amount of coverage that would be needed to accomplish this. If this has not been established beforehand, a transplant that might be perfect in every other respect, will be a total failure if the patient still feels compelled to wear his hair piece.

Different problems are presented by patients with more limited hair loss. The person who presents with recent progression from an adolescent hairline (Norwood Class I) to a mature hairline with natural recession at the temples (Class II), should not be transplanted. It should be explained that this evolution is normal and a flat hairline would look unnatural as he ages. In this patient, one should not attempt to “fill-in” the temples. It also may not be appropriate to transplant a young, early Class III patient. However, in an older Class III patient with stable hair loss, above average density, and without a familial history of significant balding, it would be appropriate to blunt the angles produced by the bitemporal recession, but not to eliminate it.

A final issue regarding expectations is related to the time frame in which the patient expects to see the results of his procedure. The normal follicular growth cycle is quite variable. In most patients, the majority of the transplanted hair begins to grow at about 3 to 4 months after surgery, with additional hair appearing over the next several months. In a small percentage of patients, the onset of growth of the bulk of the hair can be seen from 4 to 8 months or more, with additional new hair occasionally appearing up to 18 months after the transplant. Since newly transplanted hair will increase in diameter and in length, in this subset of patients, there may be continued cosmetic improvement for up to two years.

There has been much speculation regarding this so called “delayed growth,” and it appears that a number of factors may be contributory. Although still speculative, some of these include: 1) the normal asynchronous nature of human follicular growth cycles, 2) the possible resetting of the growth cycle after the post surgical effluvium (shedding) to a new full cycle, 3) the staggering of hair re-growth after the post surgical shedding, 4) retarded growth as a result of graft trauma such as temperature change, desiccation and crush injury, 5) amputation of the dermal papillae during graft dissection with a time lag for it to regenerate from the bulb, and 6) local factors causing delayed growth, such as the often asymmetric elastotic changes in the skin caused by the sun reaching the unevenly protected balding scalp.

Carefully controlled studies, some of which are already in progress, will be needed to sort out the relative importance of each of these factors. Regardless of the cause, it seems that great individual variability is an integral part of the transplantation process. This must be clearly explained in advance in order to keep our patients from becoming “impatient” after hair transplant surgery.

The Critical Session
Regardless of how many procedures are planned, we feel that one should always regard the first transplant as the critical procedure. The patient views the first session as a statement of future sessions. The first session builds confidence, so it is essential that expectations are met. The first session is the most important, for it is the one that generally establishes the hairline and frames the face. The initial transplant also places hair in a position to camouflage subsequent procedures.

In our experience, for the majority of patients, establishing the frontal hairline is the single most important function of the first procedure. At the outset, the frontal hairline should be placed in its normal, mature position. The hairline in this location should frame the face and restore a balance to the patient’s facial proportions in a way that is appropriate for a mature individual. In our opinion, the common practice of creating a hairline significantly above the mature hairline position with the intention of lowering it in a subsequent procedure should be avoided. If the intent is to conserve hair in anticipation of a very limited donor supply, one could still maximize the cosmetic impact of the surgery by creating more bitemporal recession or not extending the transplant as far back toward the crown. However, the position of the mid-portion of the frontal hairline should not be compromised, as this defines the “look” of the individual. Creating a hairline too high (in the hope of conserving donor hair) only accentuates the patient’s baldness by enlarging the forehead and distorting the normal facial proportions.

The other major goal of the first session should be to provide coverage to the remaining bald scalp with the exception of the crown. Since the Norwood Class A patients, by definition, do not have hair loss extending into the crown, if possible, their entire bald area should be treated in the first session. The amount of hair needed to cover the front and top of the patient’s scalp will obviously vary depending upon the extent of baldness, but there should always be an attempt to cover these areas in the first session, even if the coverage is light. In general, areas of the scalp which already have adequate coverage should not be transplanted. Although the edges of the transplanted area should be blended into the hair bearing skin, too aggressive encroachment may accelerate hair loss and not offer any additional cosmetic benefit. The goal should not be to restore adolescent density, since this is neither necessary from a cosmetic standpoint nor (as we have discussed) mathematically reasonable. Patients desiring adolescent density should be treated the same as those desiring an adolescent hairline. They should be further educated rather than ushered off to surgery.

In general, crown coverage should not be a goal of the first session, but should be addressed after the cosmetically more important front and top have been adequately transplanted. Since the front and top of the scalp are together a single cosmetic unit, the transplant may stop after this area has been treated. The patient can then evaluate for himself the adequacy of coverage from the first procedure, and if he desires more fullness or greater density, a second session can be used to supplement the area transplanted in the first. If crown coverage is attempted in the first session, the patient’s options will be much more limited, and the ability to produce an aesthetically balanced transplant might be permanently eliminated. An exception would be patients of Norwood Class III Vertex and Class IV, who are generally over the age of 30, have less risk of becoming extensively bald, and have good donor density and scalp laxity. In these situations, transplanting the crown in the first session can provide modest coverage to the area and will serve to camouflage a limited amount of further crown balding. What should be avoided in these patients is the risky practice of repeatedly transplanting hair into the crown to achieve a high degree of density, as this density can often not be supported as the balding progresses.

Beside the aesthetic issues which make the first session so important, there are many surgical advantages of working on a virgin scalp. In sum, implants can be placed more easily, more securely, and closer together into a normal scalp, since the blood supply and elasticity of the connective tissue are intact. In the donor area, maximum density and scalp mobility as well as the absence of scarring will facilitate a hairline closure. To take advantage of these factors, one should attempt to achieve, in the first session, as many of the patient’s goals as possible. In our opinion, what can safely be accomplished in one procedure is best done in one procedure, and should not be spread out over two or more.

When Should a Single Session Transplant be Considered?

A great deal can be accomplished in the first session. However, one must be realistic in anticipating what goals may be achieved with a single surgical procedure and in which patients these goals are possible.

As stated, we feel the main goals for the first session should be: 1) to provide a frame for the face, 2) to provide coverage to the front, and, when appropriate, the top and vertex of the scalp, 3) to have a totally natural appearance.

In general, for the physician to suggest to a patient that he might be satisfied with a single session, he should have relatively stable hair loss. This is especially important in the Norwood Class III, IIIa, IV, and V patients whose own hair contributes to the cosmetic appearance of the front of the scalp. In patients who have little frontal hair, the first procedure may successfully frame the face and provide coverage to the anterior portion of the scalp so that even with further balding, a second procedure would not be immediately necessary. For Norwood Class VI or VII patients in which the front and top of the scalp are adequately transplanted in the first procedure, satisfaction can be achieved in one session, because further expansion of the bald crown is relatively inconsequential. However, if coverage of the crown was attempted, then as the bald crown expands, the centrally transplanted grafts would become an isolated island of hair, and further surgery would be required.

A patient with lighter hair color will also have a greater chance of achieving his goals in one session as these colors reflect light and give the appearance of more hair. In addition, the low contrast with the underlying skin gives the illusion of more hair since the skin serves as a “filler” for the space between the hair shafts. In contrast, dark hair over light skin accentuates any spaces between the strands of hair. Salt and pepper hair works both by reflecting light and by creating another visual detail to detract from areas of sparseness. Certainly any patient who does not possess the genetic attributes of good hair color can easily change the color to complement the surgical procedure.

Wavy hair will generally provide better coverage than straight hair and is beneficial in the transplant. As with hair color, this can be manipulated after the surgery to improve the cosmetic impact of the transplant. Very curly hair, on the other hand can, on occasion, work to the patient’s disadvantage if complete coverage of the bald area is not anticipated. Very curly hair may increase the fullness of the transplanted area to such a degree that contrast with any remaining bald area may be accentuated. In addition, very curly hair transplanted to the front and top of the scalp may not be easily combed back to cover a bald crown.

The follicular density in the donor area will also impact the procedure. In patients with high density, there will be more hairs per follicular unit, and thus each implant will contain more hair. In patients with very high density, a significant proportion of implants containing 3 and 4 hairs each can be harvested from the donor area, giving a wonderfully full appearance, even from a single procedure.

Patients with hair of average or above-average diameter will have the best chance of success with one procedure. The cylinder of skin surrounding the follicular unit of a patient with coarse hair is roughly similar to a unit of fine hair; however, the volume of hair is vastly different. The diameter or “weight” of the patient’s hair is a huge variable. Whereas density may vary by a factor of 3 fold, hair weight may vary from patient to patient by many times that. Although it is much easier to quantify the density (number of hairs/mm2), rather than the weight of an individual hair, the latter is probably more significant to the outcome of the procedure. Those patients with early balding who have fine, dark hair of high density are very difficult to satisfy in a single session, since the transplanted hair is often viewed against the background of the patient’s thick terminal hair population that surrounds the bald area. By contrast, in a similar patient with coarser hair, satisfaction is more easily achieved in a single session.

Contrary to what one might expect, the extensively bald patient, even with low donor density, can often be very satisfied after one procedure. These patients often have very reasonable expectations and after being bald for many years are ecstatic to have hair framing their face, light coverage on top, and “something to comb.” In order for expectations to be met in one session, the realities of the supply/demand situation must be taken into account. It is obvious that for individuals in the Norwood Class VI or VII pattern, only light to modest coverage can be achieved in a single session, since the area in need of hair will exceed the total donor supply by a factor of at least 6:1, even under ideal circumstances.

Finally, grooming patterns will also influence the success of a single procedure. Patients who plan to comb their hair to the side rather than straight back will have the appearance of much more fullness. Unfortunately, this hair style will not provide crown coverage. Many patients achieve the “best of both worlds” by combing their hair diagonally backwards.

References:

1. Bernstein RM, Rassman WR, Szaniawski W, Halperin AJ. Follicular transplantation. Int J Aesthet Rest Surg 1995; 3:119-132.

2. Norwood OT. Male pattern baldness: classification and incidence. So. Med. J 1975;68:1359-1365.

3. Rassman WR, Carson S. Micrografting in extensive quantities; the ideal hair restoration procedure. Dermatol Surg 1995; 21:306-311.

4. Headington JT: Transverse microscopic anatomy of the human scalp. Arch Dermatol 1984;120:449-456.

5. Kim JC, Choi, YC. Regrowth of grafted human scalp hair after removal of the bulb. Dermatol Surg 1995; 21:312-313.

6. Limmer BL. Relating hair growth theory and experimental evidence to practical hair transplantation. Am J Cosmetic Surg 1994;11:305-310.

7. Seager D. Binocular stereoscopic dissecting microscopes: should we use them? Hair Transplant Forum Int 1996;Vol 6 No 5:2-5.

8. Limmer BL. Elliptical donor stereoscopically assisted micrografting as an approach to further refinement in hair transplantation. Dermatol Surg 1994;20:789-793.

9. Kuster W, Happle R. The inheritance of common baldness: two B or not two B? J Am Acad Dermatol 1984;11:921-926.

10. Rassman WR, Pomerantz, MA. The art and science of minigrafting. Int J Aesthet Rest Surg 1993;1:27-36.

11. Demis DJ. “Clinical Dermatology.” Philadelphia, PA: J.B. Lippincott Co. 1994, (1) 2-35 p3.

12. Bernstein RM. Are scalp reductions still indicated? Hair Transplant Forum Int 1966; Vol 6(3):12-13.

13. Bernstein RM, Rassman WR. What is delayed growth? Hair Transplant Forum Int 1997; 7 no.2.

14. Cooley J, Vogel J. Loss of the dermal papilla during graft dissection and placement: another cause of x-factor? Hair Transplant Forum Int 1997; 7:20-21.

Dr. Bernstein is Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in New York. He is recognized worldwide for pioneering Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation. Dr. Bernstein’s hair restoration center in Manhattan is devoted to the treatment of hair loss using his state-of-the-art hair transplant techniques. To read more publications on hair loss, visit http://www.bernsteinmedical.com/.

 
 

FASTEST WAY TO GROW HAIR FASTER

28 June;  Author: Hair Wigs

FASTEST WAY TO GROW HAIR FASTER

So you are wondering if you there are hone remedies that will make your hair grow faster? You always here the same old saying? You can’t make hair grow faster because it is genetic, this is not true! It is a bit like saying, no matter how much fertilizer you give a plant it won’t grow faster because it is genetic

Yes you have genes and that won’t change much but you can use steps to speed hair growth… It is much like a plant, it has genetic definitions but if you give it tender loving care it will grow faster. So long as respect your hair it will grow faster if you do the right things to it. So if you really want to grow hair faster read this carefully!

First step is to think of how good or bad is your hair condition-so is your hair healthy, shiny and strong, or is it full of split ends, damaged hair and frizzy. So you need to grow your hair out? Or do you simply need to give it more length, thickness and health?

If you hair is damaged you will need to grow hair faster so that you can grow out hair that is damaged and crunchy

So first step to grow hair faster is to get a trim to remove as much of the damage as possible and that is where cutting of split ends come in.

Lets get one grow hair faster myth out of the way and that is “does cutting hair make your hair grow faster?”

And the answer is no! Whiles split ends will not slow down growth, since your hair grows from the scalp, but getting rid of split ends will make your hair more healthy and attractive… if you don’t cut split ends , the split ends will run down to the root of the hair , damaging the new hair growth you get. So take a few snips off of your hair every 8 weeks

Hair grows faster because there is abundant blood flow to the scalp and you can boost the rate of blood flow several ways

First get an oil called Mira hair oil, it has several herbs that will send blood to your scalp and allow faster hair growth

Next use a scalp massage as follows: put the Mira hair oil into your scalp and then massage with your fingers in small circles, starting from the base of the scalp to the front of the head, 3-5 minutes is all you need. The oil together with the massage will boost hair growth

Using a wide toothed comb will also help distribute the Mira hair oil evenly around your scalp, and it will also stimulate blood flow to the scalp

A boar bristle brush will also help stimulate hair growth, use the oil with the brush and your hair will grow fast

To summarize you need a good herbal hair oil and then follow the methods I just shared to grow hair fast

Once we have taken external measures we can focus on the internal measures and to do this you need to follow the following steps for faster hair growth:

You need to check your diet to ensure you grow hair faster. You need to exercise and sleep enough?  To grow hair faster you need at least 8 hours of sleep and you need at least 30 minutes of exercise four times a week

Exercise is crucial;-when you sweat it cleans out the hair pores and allows the hair follicles to breathe and grow

It will also push blood to the scalp and the entire body

You need to minimize stress to grow hair faster. So do some meditation and yoga and quite the mind. You will grow hair faster when your body and mind is healthy

You can’t stress over your hair growth efforts as stress will make you lose hair and slow down hair growth
To grow hair faster you need to consume lots of protein as Hair consists of protein also known as keratinized protein. So be sure that you are getting enough. Protein

You need lots of vegetables and fruits such as: Nuts, chicken, egg whites, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains; milk will all allow good hair growth

I suggest you take amino avoid capsules for faster hair growth. Amino acids go right into the blood and if you are using Mira hair oil and following the suggestions you will grow hair faster

You need lots of hair vitamins; the best is Vitamin B, C and Biotin. Many vitamins and minerals will help grow hair faster-these include: biotin, beta-carotene, biosil, B complexes, magnesium, silica, selium, sulfur, zinc, nettle, and flaxseed oil.
Vitamin C will also help grow hair faster by boosting health of your system
prenatal pills are gold when it comes to growing hair, studies show that they will make your hair grow fast

it has been shown by studies that Biotin will promote hair cell growth, it also encourages the production of good fatty acids, allows good metabolism of fats, and produce good amino acids needed to grow hair faster

MSM is a  food that comes from the ocean  and it is found naturally in the human body. MSM has been shown in numerous studies to lengthen the anagen or hair growth phase.

For best results combine all these vitamins and you will grow hair faster

To grow hair faster you need to stimulate blood flow to your scalp. There are several ways to do this, the best is doing aerobics as mentioned you need 4 workouts a week of 30 minutes

Next way to grow hair faster by stimulating blood flow is to massage your scalp.  To do this you need to take the tips of your fingers and simply massage your scalp all over small circular movements are best to stimulate hair growth, all you need is 10 minutes 4 times a week

another way to stimulate hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the scalp is to you a wide toothed wooden comb to brush your hair. You should note that you should not over brush your hair and you should not use a bristled brush since it years and damaged your hair

Wear loose hair styles and avoid tight hair styles as they will damage and weaken your hair roots

Also avoid hit showers as hot water will also weaken your hair roots and will allow hair to fall easily

A good way to stimulate blood flow to the scalp is to give yourself hair tugs, you put your fingers into your hair and gently grab it and pull gently for a few seconds and let go, do this for all the hair you can get, the pull will stimulate blood flow to the scalp

Finally use Mira hair oil, it is good herbal oil that contains herbs known to stimulate hair growth, herbs like Hibiscus and Aloe Vera have been know to give hair strength and length!

Rob Maraby is the author of over 25 self published books on health, beauty and marketing! Try Mira hair oil for Free The Secret To to faster hair growth-click here and you will not be disappointed

 
 

How to Put Hair Extensions The Easy Way

At the time you are thinking of fixing your hair extensions, it is very necessary to select the correct fastening technique for your hair extensions. We have various methods to put hair extensions, ranging from chemical attachment, clip ins, weaving to fusion. Nevertheless, we have two kinds of fusion and it’s necessary to be aware of the similarity involving the two if you plan to follow this method to fix your extensions. The two kinds of fusion we have are namely thermal and cold fusion.

The two methods perform similar solution, but the difference is that the means you use to put it on varies. For instance, these two forms of hair extension attachment namely cold and thermal fusion fixes your hair on strand by strand system. This will give you a fabulous coverage and to an extreme natural appearance due to the extensions will come down in a natural manner just as the way your usual hair appears.

Due to the huge quantity of time which falls into fixing extensions, it requires a lot of hours to finish it so it’s necessary for you to know the amount of time it will take you if you are selecting the thermal or cold fusion. The fact is that you will be sitting down for sometime. The good side is that if you put your hair extensions through the fusion method of affixation, it is going to make your hair extensions appear nice for an extended length of period more than the other kinds of hair affixation technique used these days.

The thermal fusion utilizes a heat gun to soften the fixing substance which is found at the end of the hair extension. The end will attach to your hair strand and will form an extended bond which will last long. Thermal fusion is a well known method to put hair extensions due to they stay for long and can be fixed the way you want in order to get the kind of appearance you wish to get from it. The cons of using it are that thermal fusion utilizes heat which can scathe your hair when isn’t applied the appropriate way.

Cold fusion is a modernistic and innovative method of putting hair extensions. It utilizes sound waves to make the end of your hair extensions soft and makes it easy for you to fuse your hair extensions with no need to expose your hair to scathe caused by heat. You will not also experience any jeopardy of burning the scalp with the cold fusion method. This will make it easy for the hair extension to be fixed much more near to the base of the hair strands due to you will not be exposed to burning.

Hair Extensions DIY is a video guide which contains easy to follow step by step instructions which you can apply to fix your own hair extensions using your two hands in less than an hour. You can learn more about how it works at Hair Extensions DIY

 
 

Products Shampoo For Thinning Hairs

27 June;  Author: Hair Wigs

Products Shampoo For Thinning Hairs

Is your hair is not friends with you? Is your hair is a problem for you? The biggest problem hair that felt by the people is when they are experiencing thinning hair. They will stand in front of the mirror for a long time just to complain about their hair is thin. â??Why do I have thinning hair?â? Or perhaps they become allergic to the comb. Because each facing the mirror, they always feel insecure because her hair looks. Especially for women, hair is more valuable than the woman herself. Have you ever heard â??Hair is the crown of a womanâ?? They will try even to spend so many dollars to change their thin hair more volume. Especially if you’re young. Surely you feel uncomfortable and embarrassing. Some of them shave their thin hair and change their hair styles so as not to look thin.

In this article, I’ll give you shampoo products for thinning hair can be a reference for you to choose the best for you.

1.   Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Dermenodex Scalp Cleansing Shampoo
Dermenodex Scalp Cleansing Shampoo is a shampoo for fine and thinning hair. With proper use it can clean and remove dirt from scalp (oil, dry dead skin and dirt), helps  improve hair growth, maintaining and protecting the hair and scalp, while removing the build-up of DHT (dihydrotestosterone)

2.   Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Kerastase Reflection Bain Miroir
Kerastase Bain Miroir is a shampoo for thinning hair that makes your hair becomes thin, shiny, and your hair color treatments. Not only makes your hair feel very soft, but also protects against external aggression and, smoothing and unify the surface of hair fibers.

3.   Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Murad
Murad Professional Scalp Treatment Shampoo is shampoo for fine and thinning hair is straight clean dry scalp, die and pollute the environment. When you massage into your hair, the therapeutic lather promotes circulation which stimulates the hair follicles, making clean scalp and encourage new hair growth.

4.   Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Nixoin Sys 4
Nixoin System 4 Cleanser is for fine, shampoo hair thinning, gentle cleaner and remove toxins such as DHT  (dihydrotestosterone).  Volumizing gentle daily cleanser eliminates  DHT  and residues from the hair and scalp as well as provide protection to the scalp from drying irritation.

5.   Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Nourish
NOURISH is thin hair shampoo that helps stop thinning, add body and fullness to limp hair. Helps restore moisture, heals inflammation or irritation of the scalp and provide nutrients lost through excessive styling, dirt, sebum or the sun or heat damage, and improving the health of the scalp.

6.   Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Phyto Trichovital Energizing Shampoo
Phyto Trichovital Energizing Shampoo (Thinning Hairs Exclusively For Men ),  Phytoaxil is an innovative cleanser for anyone suffering from thinning hair. A 100% botanical active agent formulated with ginseng extract and zinc, it fortifies the scalp and invigorates the hair.

7.   Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Phyto For Women
Phyto Phytocyane Thinning Hair Shampoo for Women is a combination of plant-based active ingredients that restores the vitality of your hair. Rapeseed procyanidins capture free radicals and protect the hair bulb. Combination with a mild cleansing base derived from coconut oil makes Phytocyane Shampoo effective, gentle, and pleasant to use.

8.   Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Rejuve 3
Rejuve 3 Thinning Hair Shampoo is a rich, high-lathering formula to revitalixe stressed hair and scalp. With panthenol and essential oils, Rejuve 3 nourishes scalp and hair root to stimulate hair growth and remove pore-clogging impurities. Provides dandruff control, anti breakage, and long lasting moisture to protect your hair from harsh elemental factors.

9.    Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Therapy-g-3
Therapy-G-3-Step Hair Care System For Thinning is therapy-g- a systematic approach to effectively treating thinning or fine hair. Includes antioxidant shampoo, follicle stimulator, and hair volumizing treatment.

10.  Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Therapy-G-Antioksidan
Therapy -G- Antioksidan Shampoo For Thinning Or Fine is therapy -g- complex rich in protein, vitamins and  botanicals  to become the most effective treatment and fashion styling system for thinning or fine hair.

11.  Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Vitatress
Vitatress From Nexxus Biotin Shampoo, with vitamins and materials useful for the treatment safe thin hair. Makes hair look shiny, soft and volumizing.

12.  Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Leonor Grey
Leonor Greyl Bain B Shampoo Vitalisant, specially formulated for thin hair, color-treated, highlighted hair and sensitive.

13.  Shampoo Thinning Hairs – Joe Grooming
Joe Grooming Shampoo is a thickening shampoo for men fine and thinning hair.  Exclusive formula, will easily seep into every strand of hair without making your hair dry or brittle and  strengthening the hair shaft to make hair healthy shine.

So many hair care products thinning on the market, but in this article, I just give a few products for your reference in choosing a thinning hair shampoo. In the next article, I will give details of the content of each product that I attach.

For futher information, visit http://shampoothinninghairs.com

 
 

Risks Associated With Hair-Care Formulations

In all mammals, hair develops as an epidermal structure from papillae deep in the skin and acquires characteristic patterns on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and elsewhere on the body. In humans, hair growth is continuous throughout life (declining with advancing age), occurs in cyclic patterns, and is influenced by androgens, thyroid hormones, and dietary factors. Human hair is composed largely of keratin and consists of a narrow central medulla surrounded by a thick envelope (cortex) of elongate cells, which contain numerous melanin granules that determine the natural color. The hair is ensheathed in a multilayered cuticle of overlapping cells that become progressively imbricated with continued growth. These cuticular cells are rich in cystine and become rough or show a weathered appearance through exposure to environment or poor health.

Chemically, human hair contains approximately 85 percent protein, 7 percent water, 3 percent lipid , 4.7 percent protein-bound sulfur (as cystine), and low concentrations of trace minerals (e.g., iron, zinc, copper). The phosphorus content is approximately 80 milligrams per 100 grams of hair. Hair is normally associated with sebum and exocrine secretions from skin glands that confer greasiness but influence its water content and mechanical and physical properties.

Hair follicles are determined prenatally; about 100,000 hairs are found on the scalp region of most adults. Hair density, color, and condition vary according to age, race, and genetic background. Natural hair colors vary from albino or white to blond, red, or intense black and reflect ethnic origin, age, diet, and health. While hair color is closely related to the density of melanin granules, impairment in a person’s health or substances in the diet that influence the availability of trace minerals are potential causes of changes in hair color or condition. The configuration of the hair shaft (i.e., straight, wavy, spiral, or peppercorn) is attributable to the number and distribution of disulfide bonds. Hair straightening requires reduction of these disulfide bonds and fiber cross-linkages.

Hair serves to eliminate toxic materials (e.g., lead) and metabolites from the body, and may be used to monitor environmental contamination. For example, copper deficiency is a cause of Menke’s “kinky” hair syndrome; protein deficiency leads to hair loss and discoloration. Hair keratin carries a strong negative charge and binds inorganic materials; it becomes prone to discoloration through exposure to environmental chemicals (e.g., cobalt, tar in cigarettes, picric acid, trinitrotoluene, etc.). Prolonged exposure to copper in diet, tap water, or swimming pools is a cause of green hair.

Melanin granules are secreted by melanocytes in the hair papilla and distributed to keratin in the hair cortex and inner layers of the hair sheath during normal development. Melanogenesis is subject to hormonal control and has been the focus of intensive genetic studies. Two main forms of melanin exist in human skin—eumelanin and phaeomelanin, both of which are derived from tyrosine through the action of tyrosinase (a cupro-enzyme) and possibly other key enzymes (with nickel, chromium, iron, and manganese as cofactors). Tyrosine is converted to dihydroxyphenylalanine and, via a series of intermediate steps, to indole-5,6-quinone, which polymerizes to eumelanin. Phaeomelanins are produced by a similar mechanism but with the incorporation of sulfur (as cysteine) by a nonenzymatic step in the oxidation process.

Hair color is a balance between these two melanins. Albino or white-haired individuals have latent melanocytes, but possibly show defects in tyrosinasemediated events. Graying of the hair is age-related and possibly results from declining melanocytic function or retarded hair growth resulting from atrophy or degenerative changes in hair papillae. Hair melanin absorbs insufficient ultraviolet (UV) light energy to afford protection for most individuals against sunburn.

A wide variety of dyes, dressings, and conditioners are available to men and women to enhance the color of hair or to alter its condition, providing the “feel good” factor. Natural hair dyes such as henna and mineral salts are still used, but hair dyeing increasingly involves careful chemical manipulation of the chemistry of hair fibers through bleaching or enhancement of natural colors. Additionally, social and cultural customs have led to the increasing demand for exotic colors. Hair coloring is a well-defined science with intense study of the interaction between hair keratin and highly reactive organic dyes, oxidizing agents, and conditioners.

The dyeing process provides for temporary, semipermanent (direct dyes), and oxidation-type reactions (semipermanent or permanent colors). It may involve absorption or adsorption (electrostatic) of the colorant into/to the hair structure, bleaching or otherwise masking the natural melanin colors, or alteration of the structure of the hair shaft, allowing deep penetration of the colorant. The hair cuticle provides a barrier to the absorption of hair dyes, particularly those of high molecular weight, but damaged fibers exhibiting higher negative charges and reduced phospholipid content are more porous. Dye uptake is determined by the partition coefficient between the hair and the dye carrier (water, alcohol, etc.), pH, and chemical charge (dye-fiber interaction). Thickeners and surfactants can also influence dye uptake.

Henna is the oldest and most widely used vegetable dye utilized in hair coloring. A temporary chestnut color is produced in blond or auburn hair by applying a paste of henna flowers and leaves ground in hot water immediately before use. (The dye is unstable in aqueous solution.) The addition of indigo achieves darker blue-black shades; extracts of walnut shell or logwood enhance brown coloration. Hair dyes and other hair treatments have been popular for centuries, but in recent years have been more chemically sophisticated, taking into account the chemical makeup of hair.

Of the mineral dyes, only lead acetate is commercially available. In the United States, the FDA permits maximal concentrations of 0.6 percent; in the United Kingdom, less than 1 percent is allowed. (Kohl or “surma,” an eyelash and eyelid cosmetic used in Asian countries, contains up to 80 percent lead and is a known cause of anemia.) In contact with hair, the lead salt is poorly absorbed but interacts with keratin to deposit lead sulfide (at permitted levels [<0.5%] lead is absorbed into the skin without toxic implications). Silver nitrate has been used to color hair brown-black without significant absorption of metal into the circulation; silver is deposited in the hair cortex as silver sulfide. Metallic hair dyes tend to be long-lasting and are lost as hair grows and is shed naturally. Hair coloration is achieved as a gradual process through repeated application of rinses or pastes over several days.

Temporary dyes are frequently acidic and provide short-term coloration. They are of low penetration and do not involve melanin bleaching or structural changes in the hair fiber. They are commonly identified with a color index (CI) number; they are water-soluble, high-molecular-weight pigments. Temporary dyes are employed in water-thin color rinses, colored hair-setting lotions, colored styling gels, lotions, and shampoos. Hair dyeing is improved when the colors are applied under moderate heat. Hair dyeing and color balance is difficult to control with temporary methods because of the inconsistency of dye delivery systems and instability of the dye-keratin “bonding.”

Semipermanent dyeing systems are designed to last for several weeks. They impart darker colors without the use of oxidizing agents or structural changes in the hair shaft or papillae. Melanin may be partly masked but is not bleached. These dyes diffuse more readily into and out of the hair (aided by solvents and surfactants) and are progressively lost with hair shampooing and normal growth. The method employs dyes that are already colored, and in general is without the toxic risks associated with semipermanent or permanent methods, which involve de novo color production and strong oxidizing agents. When the dye is lost through shampooing, the hair resumes its natural color.

Oxidative hair dyeing systems involve the use of more toxic reagents. They are multistep processes leading to semipermanent or permanent coloration, according to the extent of bleaching involved. Surfactants and solvents influence the penetration of the active constituents; alkalizing agents determine pH. The resulting hair colorations are more stable against normal wearing processes than semi permanent preparations and involve an initial oxidation reaction, a coupling reaction, and production of a color reaction with dyeing of the hair fiber. The process requires a primary intermediate, a m -coupler or secondary intermediate (color modifiers), and hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as the oxidizing agent; it has the capacity to bleach melanin but it initiates the first coupling reaction and the ultimate development of the color. Initial oxidation of primary intermediates (e.g., p -aminophenol, p -phenylenediamine) by hydrogen peroxide is followed by coupling with an agent like m -aminophenols, or m -phenylenediamines. Further oxidation of this secondary intermediate leads to the formation of colored indamines, indolanilines, and indophenols. As a general rule, the higher is the electron-donating capacity of the coupling agent, the higher is the absorbance maximum of the indo-dye formed.  

Many of the organic aromatic amines used in hair dyes are strong sensitizers and oxidative dyes should be used with extreme caution. P -phenylenediamine and its derivatives, commonly employed in permanent or semipermanent hair colorings, are strong sensitizing agents and may damage the hair. Although a large number of possible combinations of primary intermediates and couplers leading to the production of exotic hair colors are possible, the cost of conducting regulatory toxicological evaluation is prohibitive in developing many interesting colors.

Lightening or removal of hair color without structurally damaging the hair shaft is a difficult process. Oxidizing agents, including hydrogen peroxide, can be extremely harmful to hair and will oxidize some cystine to cysteic acid, rendering the fibers less cohesive and susceptible to hydration and swelling under alkaline conditions. Bleached hair shows a loss of melanin granules at the periphery of the hair. Hair color is lost (platinum blond appearance) and the fibers become dry and fragile. Bleaching is inhibited by shampoos or acid rinses.

Hair conditioning includes permanent waving, straightening, and setting. In each case, sequential chemical treatments lead to modifications of the hair shaft with temporary or prolonged changes in disulfide bond distribution and behavioral characteristics. Softening, reshaping, and hardening are integral to permanent waving and involve an initial reduction in disulfide bonds and adhesiveness of adjacent hairs using heat or steam, thioglycollates, or ammonium hydroxide; styling with heated rollers; and setting or neutralizing the reaction. This last event is a reversal of the earlier reduction process with reconstitution of disulfide bonds from adjacent cystine moieties using hydrogen peroxide or a similar oxidizer. Hair straightening is a similar process, but may involve the additional use of hair dressings like gels, sprays, and creams (pomades) to hold the hair in place. Hot comb techniques may be used to disrupt the disulfide bonds followed by application of oils, petroleum jelly, or liquid paraffin.

Mousses are designed for hair styling and setting hair in position. Commonly, formulations are based on cationic conditioning polymers with quaternary ammonium salts, alcohols, perfumes, colorants, water, and preservatives. They may be in propellant, foam, or jelly form for direct application to hair after shampoo or cutting.  

Dr. Badruddin Khan teaches Chemistry in the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.

 
 

Hair Extensions and your Legal Rights

25 June;  Author: Hair Wigs

Hair Extensions and your Legal Rights

With dozens of Hair Extension application techniques available on the market, it is imperative you know which technique is the most appropriate for your hair and what to do when things go wrong.  Pictures of celebrities with bald patches and severe hair trauma are not uncommon.  When you visit a hair salon you put your hair in the hands of a professional and expect to receive a quality service for an agreed amount. 

 So what are your rights when you suffer hair loss directly resulting from a hair extension service?

 THE LAW

It is not against the law for an untrained person to provide hairdressing services, but, the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 does offer some protection. Among other things, this law says that hairdressers, like other service providers, must work with reasonable skill and care.  The law also stipulates that any professional carrying out services to the public MUST have liability insurance.  Hair Loss as a result of a hair extension service would be classed as ‘Injury’ and you are likely to be able to pursue this kind of claim on a ‘No Win No Fee’ basis. If you have not suffered actual hair loss but believe you have received a substandard service you can take the salon or hair extensions technician to small claims court.  This would involve filling out an official form which briefly lays out the details of your claim.  

 DISCLAIMERS

A disclaimer is a defensive measure, essentially a denial of your right to claim costs from the salon should you experience any problems with your hair extensions.  Because you have a right to have the service you paid for carried out with reasonable skill and care, this may render the disclaimer invalid, so even if you have signed a disclaimer you may still be able to claim against a salon.  In any case you should avoid signing a disclaimer.  Many salons request you sign this legal document as hair extensions are a potentially problematic service and any problems that are thrown up can be quite costly to rectify. 

 THE HAIR EXTENSION CONSULTATION

This is the first step in deciding whether you would like a hair extension service and allows the technician to check you are suitable for the service.  The technician should check for ‘Contra- Indicators’ which can include; 

Pregnancy

Infestations of the scalp

Medication that can cause hair loss

Broken skin or Irritation of the scalp

Unexplained hair loss including diffuse hair loss and alopecia 

Remember to talk to your potential hair extension technician at length, your consultation should last a minimum of 30 minutes.  Ensure the technician is experienced and/or qualified to carry out the service you require.  Ask for details of past clients, if the technician has done good work in the past, his or her clients will be happy to speak to you.  Ask if the extensions require professional maintenance and if so, enquire about the scheduled intervals and associated costs.  Ask about the risks associated with the hair extensions so you can make an informed choice.  Always get a written quote so there are no surprises after the hair extensions have been applied.

 PROTECT YOURSELF WITH EVIDENCE

Whether you are required to sign paperwork or not it is imperative that you keep your own records.    Take 4 pictures of your natural hair that clearly shows you from the back, front, right and left.  Print these out and ask the hair technician to sign and date the pictures, an official stamp will be helpful if available. This will leave you  with proof of your natural hair directly before the service.  When your hair extensions are removed ensure you repeat the process.

 IN COURT

Understandably, very few judges would have any real knowledge about the hair extension service and will be reluctant to make a judgement if your case is unclear.  Ensure you protect yourself as afore mentioned with photographic evidence and paperwork to support your claim, otherwise you may find you have wasted time and money.

Whilst this information is designed to protect you against poorly applied hair extensions it is important that you take very good care of your new hair extensions style so you avoid inflicting damage to your natural hair yourself. 

Pay very close attention to the aftercare advice you are given and get these instructions in writing.
Follow your advised professional maintenance schedule.
Ensure your hair extensions are removed by a professional, preferably by the same technician that applied the extensions.
Avoid undue pressure on your hair and scalp by brushing hair extensions carefully.
Only use products and styling tools recommended by your hair extension technician.

 Hair Extensions can be a fun way to change your look but always remember to take time and research the service before taking the plunge.

Shannel is a Hair Extension and Hair Loss Solution Expert

 
 

Hair Removal Questions & Answers

25 June;  Author: Hair Wigs

Hair Removal Questions & Answers

Morehair removalquestions please visit : Hair-Removal-FAQs.com

GURLS..WHATS THE BEST HAIR REMOVAL CREME??PLZ N TNX?
hey there, imm so sick of shaving.. im 19 and have be shaving since like 11 as i have murky hair… hair on my legs and “down there” is in a minute caorse.grr. can anyone recommened a hair removal creme that works well?? please dont mention wax, as i dont have the money……

GURLS..WHATS THE BEST HAIR REMOVAL CREME??PLZ N TNX?
hey there, imm so sick of shaving.. im 19 and have be shaving since like 11 as i have see hair… hair on my legs and “down there” is in a minute caorse.grr. can anyone recommened a hair removal creme that works well?? please dont mention wax, as i dont have the money……

Hair color remove grill?
I had dyed my hair a blond color a few months spinal column well I then go and put black hair dye in and can`t bear it. It not on all my mostly the underside and back. So it is black dye over blond dye….whats the best route to get rid of the black? And if i…

Hair Color Remover “Color OOPS.”…?
Okay I got my hair colored(all over) approaching in 2007 and I highlighted my hair 3 months ago and I want to remove it. I hold wavy/curly hair so I have to resembling straighten my hair every time I wet it. It’s becoming a niggle so I want to get my original spike color(even if it’s…

Hair color remover back bleach?
Hi there! I have bleached my mane myself before with great results but I considered necessary to lessen the damage by first using a color remover and then a round of bleach. I am currently a prevailing conditions brown with subtle red tones. I would like to catch back to platinum. Are there any spine experts…

Hair color remover for gray fleece?
I’m almost completely gray and I’ve been coloring for years. I want to remove the color and go pay for to my natural gray hair. And I don’t want to cut it. Does anybody know of a passageway to remove color without turning it yellow? This is the hardest article I’ve ever done in my…

Hair color remover for highlighted pelt?
i just got highlights, and i really resembling them but i don’t want to keep up with the upholding and get them touched up all the time. is within anyway that i can use the hair color remover to get rid of them? my fuzz is naturally a dark blonde, so i don’t mull over…

Hair Color Remover For Red Hair?
Okay so I had black hair, next got it bleached and colored red professionally. The I dyed it with “temporary” maylsian cherry similar to 3 times within that time and now-kinda I want to go blonde, but I don’t want to shift through so many stages from going red to blonde since its the hardest…

Hair color remover give support to!!?
I dyed my hair this morning, which was probably a mistake since i budge to work in a couple of hours, and now i enjoy hair dye stains all on my frontage and it won’t come off, i tried soap and water, plain wash my hair, and it still won’t come off, i have need…

Hair color remover messed up my coat!?
Okay here is my dilemma! I dyed my hair black and I hated it because it be way too dark..so I bought a box of hackle color remover and it made my hair turn into a red/orange color..so I dyed it to a soft dark brown and it did crap to my fuzz..and the…

Hair color remover turned my fuzz red?
i used a hair color remover which turned my hair ginger dying it an ash blonde didnt help even tho i’ve done it 5 times in the finishing 6 months and i’ve heard of this thing where on earth to get rid of orange i hold to dye it red b/c thats the base…

Hair Color Remover, do I double boxes?
I need to strip my hair of color. Is it similar to hackle dye in the fact that if I enjoy longer hair, I need two boxes fairly than one? Or is more of a one box is all you need? And another point is that most products say you can color immediately after…

Hair color remover…?
What if your natural hair color is grey and you enjoy dyed it and you use hair color remover, what would the outcome be? It will only faid it because the pigment will really stick to white/grey spine. If you have died it red, it will faid to a washed out red colour, if it’s a brown, it…

Hair color remover..?
What is the best kind of hair color remover to use that wont incapacitate my hair, and will it be safe to color right over top after words? I enjoy brown hair and want to go spinal column to blonde. It is SOOOO hard to remove colour. my suggestion if ur not too dark brown. gain highlights. and…

Hair color remover?
8 months ago i dyed my hair back to black and presently i want to go for a light hazelnut brown. however i hear that you cannot dye in any color once you color them black unless you bleach them or use hair color remover. but is curls color remover the same as bleaching? and if i do…

Hair color remover?
dyed my hair from light brown to a dark red alburn and i hate it how can i get it out its a perment description ( thought it was the 24 shampoo kind) help! the salon say they have stuff that takes it out but they want a fortune! You can get one and the same color of…

Hair color remover?
i bleach my hair a while back… dyed it bright red, after it faded light red, then dyed it again bright red immediately i used hair color remover twice… what color should it be when the hair color remover comes out of ur quill… will it go back to bleach.. and i am dying my tresses pink will…

Hair color remover?
i dyed my hair black 4 months ago..with bath out hair color it wouldnt come out..i tried everything to get it out. it didnt work. my mom go out and bought permanemt hair color pretty close to my natural brown spine color. i did that..and my roots ended up redish/orangish. i hate it and want it gone immediately…

Hair color remover?
i got sum stuff at sally’s today… and i used it like it said confer on in for 30 mins with the blow dyer and adjectives now it is like a faded red…. b4 it be a kinda of dark red is that how it is suppost to look? ps… i am dying my hair pink… will it…

Hair dye remover disaster. PLEASE HELP!!?
I don’t even know if this can be fixed at home, but thought it was worth a try. I have easily dark blonde hair dyed squirt blue-black. I wanted to try a dark burgundy brown but didnt devise it would show up over the black. So I got a hair dye remover apparatus and it…

Hair dye remover from hackle?
I’ve been dyeing my hair for two years presently. I really want to go back to my pure colour, but I know I can’t bleach it again because it will ruin my hair. Is there a instrument to get rid of all the hackle dye without ruining my hair? If you own severely treated hair, I…

Hair dye remover on my leader in a minute. HELP ASAP? tresses professionals or experienced population!?
when i am washing it out will i see any of the color coming out or will it be clear because its rinsing clear and im afraid it didnt work. will i have to do it again? Don’t do it again! You are credible to…

Hair Dye Remover on Necklace?
I used Color Oops and then I used a hair dye mixed beside a developer on my hair last hours of darkness and I forgot to take my necklace off…. its adjectives black and wierd now…. is it ruined? Is there any path I can fix it? I can’t tell if its just discolored or if…

Hair dye remover… BE NICE!!?
Lreal Color Zap. I read it’ll take dark out of insubstantial. I’m naturally blonde. Wanted to go hurricane lantern brown. Came out DARK brown with alot of red. I want it completely out but dont want to bleach… Do you think this will do the trick? please abet me! BE NICE! Hair dye remover will damage…

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Virgin Hair Extensions

24 June;  Author: Hair Wigs

Virgin Hair Extensions

Non cuticle hair causes tangles, matting and poor performance.
Indian hair extensions are very popular because Indian hair is not as coarse as Chinese hair extensions and not as silky as European hair extensions. It is important to note that European hair comes in many natural occurring colors where as Indian hair comes in natural occurring blacks, dark brown and brown. Now the mass is catching on and those with the knowledge are seeking out better quality hair. Cuticle hair is cut from the donors head. Non cuticle hair is hair that has been swept from floors and removed from brushes. Primarily Indian hair extensions are worn by African American women, mixed race women. Virgin, Indian hair extensions is available in three textures: straight, wavy and curly. There are some places that sell color treated hair extensions as virgin Remy Hair. Indian hair is more versatile and comes in several textures that can be worn by many ethnicities. There are pedigrees in hair extensions. All the hair is not aligned in the same direction. Cuticle hair or Remy Hair is premium quality extensions. There are however many Hispanic women and Caucasian women wearing Indian hair extensions.

Cuticle hair extensions are the highest level human hair extensions available. There is less tangling and the hair has longer shelf life. Many African American celebrities in Los Angeles, CA and Atlanta, GA chose cuticle Indian hair extensions. All of the hair is aligned in the same direction and applied to a weft or arranged in bulks for fusion or pre-tipped hair. This is a bit misleading. Human hair extensions that have not been processed are considered virgin, Remy hair extensions. Who can blame them? No one wants to spend money on throw away hair. Informed women are realizing that they can save money in the long run by purchasing quality Remy reusable hair extensions.
Blond Indian hair is not virgin hair. Once the hair has been color treated it is no longer virgin hair because the hair has been chemically altered. Most cuticle hair extensions can last a year or beyond.

Cuticle hair extensions are long lasting, durable, do not tangle, maintains sheen over time and therefore reusable for up to a year.

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