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5/15/2024

I got a hair transplant in Istanbul...

I got a hair transplant in Istanbul,
a sanctuary for balding men.
It pulled me out of a dark place.
Picture
It was a scorching August day in 2022 and I was lounging at the pool of the Mercedes Club, my fitness center in midtown Manhattan. I had invited one of my best friends Bennett to spend the day with me.

When he walked onto the pool deck and took off his hat, I nearly passed out. A year ago, he was essentially a bald headed man. But today — about eight months after he took a trip to Turkey — he had a fully restored hairline.

Happiness. Jealousy. Shock. Intrigue. Fear. I was flooded with emotions. Bennett, who's three years older than me and was a bit further along in the balding process, had been my hair loss mentor.

But now, he was one of the growing number of men who traveled 5,000 miles to Istanbul, the global capital for hair transplant surgery. According to the Turkish Health Tourism Association, about one million people traveled to Turkey for a hair transplant in 2022, spending about $2 billion.

Balding has become huge global business in the past two decades. It's projected to be worth over $11 billion by the end of 2024.

So far, no matter how many new, promising pills and treatments hit the market, none have made the transplant redundant. If anything, it's booming, and Turkey has built a reputation as the go-to destination.

Looking at Bennett's luscious hair poolside was the first moment I seriously considered joining the ranks of the millions of men who have traveled to what's become known as "Hairstanbul."


Read More

9/7/2023

Care for your second hair properly at home

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Second hair needs intensive and special care, especially after the summer. The gfh, Society for Hair Aesthetics, gives tips on how to care for a second hair in the bathroom at home:
Summer is coming to an end and often the hair has suffered from high temperatures, strong sun and UV radiation. Now it's time again: get to the hair care! For people who rely on hair replacements due to hair loss, this means a little more than just jumping in the shower.

Scalp protection and professional care
It is important to use the right hair replacement care products, because normal hair care products are only suitable for natural hair that has grown, but not for hair replacement. Special products ensure a long life for the hair replacement.

The overall durability of the hair replacement depends on how often the hairpiece or wig is worn and how professionally it is treated and cared for. A permanent hair integration, for example, has to be removed and reattached every four to five weeks, since your own hair continues to grow. Under these conditions, a hairpiece can last between eight and ten months.

Second hair: washing, caring for, styling
Basically, it is important to distinguish whether the wig or hairpiece is made of real hair or synthetic fibers. Because the requirements for care and handling are fundamentally different. Real hair is basically treated like your own hair: it can be washed, blow-dried, treated with curlers and straighteners, even dyed and permed. However, as with natural hair, the hairstyle only lasts a few days.
Human hair care - this is how it works:
  1. Brush or comb hair carefully.

  2. In the case of permanently bonded wigs, the first hair wash should take place no earlier than 24 hours after attachment in order to ensure secure adhesion. It is best to wash in the shower with a special shampoo – for example ContactSkin Shampoo plus lukewarm water mixed well. Distribute shampoo evenly in wet hair and knead in lightly. Definitely don't rub!

  3. Then rinse well with water.

  4. A conditioner is ideal so that the wig falls lightly and airily. To do this, dissolve a professional product such as ContactSkin Balsam in approx. 1/8l of lukewarm water. Distribute the mixture evenly over wet hair and gently knead. Of course, the scratch ban also applies here!

  5. Rinse with water, gently wiping off excess water. Gently pat your hair dry with a towel – without rubbing, of course.

  6. A professional finishing product is recommended to smooth the hair structure and improve combability. 
                                                   
  7. Haircut, style, blow dry or air dry as usual.
Synthetic hair care - Do's & Don'ts
Do's:    
  • Use hairbrushes with soft bristles.
  • When washing your hair, rinse out the shampoo and conditioner thoroughly.
  • Always add shampoo & conditioner for synthetic wigs to cold water in a sink or bowl
  • To style, wait until the wig is completely dry. The best way to do this is to place the wig on a wig stand.

​Don'ts:
  • Avoid products containing alcohol and oil.
  • Do not rub wet hair roughly, just gently squeeze it out in a towel and let it air dry.
  • Never use hot water.
  • Do not rinse out treatments, this will give the fibers a neat shine.
  • Beware of dryers, hair straighteners or hair dryers - synthetic hair usually doesn't like that! Only special high-tech synthetic fibres, such as HR Beauty Fiber from gfh's Wellness Classic Collection, cannot be harmed by heat.
  • Synthetic hair should never be combed or styled when wet.
Source: gfh, Society for Hair Aesthetics
from TopHair.de

7/29/2023

Simple ways men can bulk up thin strands and hide hair loss

Celebrity hairstylist Jay Small shares the
​simple ways men can bulk up thin strands and hide hair loss
Picture
If you're losing your hair, going in for a haircut might feel like the last thing you want to do. But a smart, stylish cut can make thinning hair appear fuller, according to celebrity hairstylist Jay Small.

Small has two decades of experience that includes work with celebrities like Matt Damon, Luke Grimes, and Noah Centineo. He also cofounded Arey, a dietary supplement and hair serum brand for aging and graying hair.

The stylist told Insider that "hair thinning and hair loss for men, specifically," is the most common issue he encounters at the salon. Here are his top tips for making thinning, aging hair appear fuller and healthier.

A comb-over can look chic if done properly

Don't dismiss the comb-over, Small said, especially one done at the hands of a skilled stylist.

"I know it's a cliché to talk about a comb-over," he said, but "there are ways in which you can leave a little bit of hair and not have it be very obvious."

He recommends a comb-over to some clients who are losing a significant amount of hair on the crown of their head.

But maintaining a chic comb-over requires more frequent visits to the salon, to make sure the combing isn't too obvious. A man with thinning hair who chooses to rock a comb-over might need to visit their stylist every four to six weeks to ensure the remaining hair remains neat and not overgrown.

Small also recommends using a powdered dry shampoo to minimize greasiness, which can make hair lie flat on the scalp. Keeping hair dry can add volume, making your hair look fuller.

He says look for a dry shampoo that is not aerosolized — those spray cans can be loaded with up to 95% propellants like benzene, which isn't actually helping absorb any oil; it's just pushing the spray out of the can. Also avoid dry shampoos with alcohol in them, which can dry out your scalp. Instead, find a small bottle of dry shampoo powder, ideally one where 100% of the ingredients target oil absorption.

Consider changing your part or chopping off some length to help your hair look fuller
Picture
If you're noticing a visible bald spot on your head, you might want to change up your part so more hair covers the exposed thinning area, Small said.

Though the change might feel "awkward" at first, the stylist recommends trying out a new part with wet hair and blow-drying your hair in the direction of the part. Changing your part later on, once hair is dry, might make the hair "stick up" unnaturally, Small said.

If you happen to have a longer hairstyle, chopping off some of that length can also help make hair look fuller.

"The longer your hair is, the finer your hair will look," he said.

Finally, don't let your hair loss deter you from keeping your scalp healthy and clean. If you wash your hair frequently, find a gentle shampoo that won't over-cleanse. You may also want to consider a weekly scrub, like an acid-based exfoliating treatment that can help "balance the bacteria" on your scalp, Small said.

Above all, be open with your hair stylist

Small says he understands it can be hard for clients to bring up new hair loss issues with their stylist.
"A lot of times people aren't really willing to talk about it," he said.

He tries to find "tasteful" ways to broach issues or changes he's seeing on a particular client's scalp.
​
"Our job is to have a conversation that a wife or a friend might not have," he said.
from Business Insider

6/22/2023

Trichotillomania: What is behind pathological hair tearing and how hairdressers can help

This article is from a German site I follow, Top Hair. 
The article has been translated into English.
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​People who suffer from trichotillomania compulsively pull out their hair. A current scientific study examines how hairdressers can help.

It's a wonderful feeling when you have customers in front of you and run your fingers through their hair, moving it and feeling its structure. For some people, however, this feeling when touching their own hair is compulsively documented. They are among the approximately one to two percent in Germany who are affected by the obsessive-compulsive disorder trichotillomania: They not only feel the movement and texture of one of their hairs, but also separate and pluck it out. Not isolated and not by chance, but targeted and above all again and again and in large numbers. In the process, those affected pluck or tear out scalp hair, eyelashes or eyebrows or even pubic and armpit hair. The visible consequences such as bald spots on the head or missing eyebrows and eyelashes are a heavy burden for those affected.

Haircut as an offer of help

A visit to the hairdresser is therefore unimaginable for many years. Instead, they hide the bald spots with towels, hats or often unprofessional hairpieces and draw eyebrows with decorative cosmetics.
The only remedy is almost always behavioral therapy, with which those affected can reduce the often underlying pressure to perform and improve the disturbed impulse control. But even a carefully executed haircut and a loving hair wash and treatment can have a positive effect on the well-being of those affected, hairdresser and certified psychologist Linda Hollatz is sure.

She is doing her doctorate on this topic at the University of Cologne. With the help of two studies, she wants to raise awareness of trichotillomania and the role that hairdressers can play in dealing with the disorder: "We hope that the results will give us a better understanding of the specific personal and professional hair care needs of those affected be able to win. 
A next step would then be to develop hair care interventions that can help people manage their hair pulling. "

contribute to enlightenment

In the first study, those affected are asked online about their hair care behavior and whether they let other people touch them or even dare to go to a salon. “For the second, experimental study, I developed a mindfulness-based hair appointment . I train the participating hairdressers and bring them and those affected together for an appointment. Above all, this ensures privacy for those affected and the knowledge that the hairdresser is familiar with the disease and that no explanation is required on your part.”

The aim of the study is to use the specially designed treatment appointments to find out what experiences those affected have with these appointments and whether this measure has an effect on hair-pulling behavior and self-esteem. The hair-pulling behavior and self-esteem of those affected are measured before and up to 60 days after the appointment. Hairdressers participating in the study are prepared for the appointment with virtual training. In the training, Linda Hollatz provides information in eight modules about the disease, communication with those affected, mindfulness and hair cutting techniques.

Training for hairdressers

Three training rounds for hairdressers on the so-called "mindfulness-based haircut" have already been completed. According to Linda Hollatz, more will take place this spring.

The treatment she developed, which she teaches in the training courses for the study, is based on three fundamental factors: privacy, the prior knowledge of the hairdressers and sufficient time . "I would like to show that receiving treatment that is loving and mindful can help those affected to cope better with their obsessive-compulsive disorder. I have had this experience myself and now I would like to prove it scientifically,” says Linda Hollatz. "A total of around 60 participating hairdressers that I can bring together with those affected would be ideal."

So far, almost 20 hairdressers have taken part and also treated those affected according to the "mindfulness-based haircut". 
This also includes master hairdresser and natural hairdresser Jennifer Lohmer from Bonn. She reports: “In contrast to normal treatment , a passive role and restraint on the part of the hairdresser is particularly important. The focus is on the customer's condition and not so much on a trendy haircut. Whether or not the customer would like advice on a haircut or possible treatment of bald spots, whether she would like general communication or would prefer to be treated without further communication - all of this is carefully clarified beforehand. What I find most important is a professional and at the same time understanding attitude. Linda prepared us for this in the training. This was then very easy to implement in the actual treatment.”

trust and security
​
Master hairdresser Peter Fischer from Kassel has also already completed the training, but has not yet received a treatment appointment as part of the study. However, he has been working as a natural hairdresser since 2007 and always prioritizes mindfulness when making appointments. "Time, space, peace and quiet and communication are always important factors for us in our appointments," he emphasizes. “ I want to give our customers the security that they are seen and heard, no matter what (hair) problems they come to us with . The treatment of people affected by trichotillomania was new to me in terms of the symptoms, but treating people with care was not. I find it extremely important that we hairdressers act professionally and in an informed manner when it comes to such issues.Clarification is always the be-all and end-all. The customer must know: I am taken seriously here, I can trust here, my need is recognized here. "

Education among hairdressers is another concern of the study for Linda Hollatz: “The more salons know about the disease and deal with it professionally, the better for those affected. To dare to go to the hairdresser again after many years is a huge effort. If you can even feel comfortable there and find an understanding and knowledgeable contact person, that can help to develop a positive feeling about dealing with your own hair again.”

Anyone interested in participating in the study and wanting to know more about trichotillomania can contact Linda Hollatz at[email protected] or T: (040) 52 57 0022.


INFO: WHAT IS TRICHOTILLOMANIA?

​
Trichotillomania is an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder in which sufferers pull their own hair. They cannot stop the behavior, although they suffer greatly from hair pulling and its consequences. The hairs on the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes are most commonly pulled out. In general, however, all parts of the body where hair grows can be affected. Hair pulling is perceived as distracting, comforting, or relieving tension, which perpetuates the behavior. Acting as an act of pleasure can also play a role: Often, playing with the hair between the fingers, touching the mouth with the hair or biting the hair is simply perceived as pleasant. The action becomes an everyday ritual, for example when driving a car, reading or making a phone call.
Tips for dealing with trichotillomania sufferers

Antonia Peters, herself affected by trichotillomania for years and now chairwoman of the German Association of Compulsive Diseases, knows the needs of trichotillomania patients when they go to the hairdresser: “The feeling of shame is extremely great. Those affected often do not go to the hairdresser for years, cut their own hair, clip it and style it in such a way that bald spots are covered. Or they name other reasons for bald spots when they visit the hairdresser: hormones, medication, nutrition, allergies, metabolism, etc.

If you, as a hairdresser, discover a diffusely bald spot with many equally short stubbles, it could be trichotillomania. A possible procedure would then be to address the customer carefully, sensitively and impartially: “I see you have a thin or bald spot here. Would you like advice on this? Could it also be that it is not due to reason XYZ, but that you may have plucked hair yourself there? I've read a lot about it/I know the topic. Would you like to talk about it or may I advise you on this?”

Communicate professionalism, understanding and expertise to the customer. Offer to treat her in a separate area - if there is one - or at a marginal appointment. In such situations, those affected may be more likely to open up and express their desire to have their hair styled more easily.

During the treatment, you can always ask subtly whether certain touches are desired, such as washing or brushing. Avoid pulling the hair too hard when cutting your hair. Create positive anchors by e.g. For example, offer a light day make-up in a completely nonjudgmental manner. Build trust by taking a step back.”
INFORMATION AND HELP

German society of obsessive-compulsive disorders e. V.:
Antonia Peters, chairwoman of the DGZ e. V., is a former sufferer and trichotillomania expert with regular telephone consultation hours (free of charge and nationwide):www.zwaenge.de

Hamburg self-help group Skinpicking / Dermatillomania – Hair Pulling Disorder / Trichotillomania and other BFRBs: Currently via zoom every 2nd and 4th Monday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.,www.selbsthilfe-bfrb.de
​

Self-help groups by zip code:
www.zwaenge.de/selbsthilfe/shg_liste/
Also, here is a link to the ADAA (Anxiety & Depression Association in America) on 
​Trichotillomania – Facts and Treatment

6/21/2023

Promising New Hair Loss Treatment Using MicroRNA

​Breakthrough Hair Loss Treatment May Have Been Discovered Using MicroRNA

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  • Scientists say hair follicles become stiffer as we grow older, contributing to hair loss.
  • However, a new study found that a type of microRNA helps to soften the follicles, aiding hair regrowth.
  • Experts say this could lead to the development of a new treatment for baldness.
  • More work is needed, however, since only mice studies have been done so far.
Male pattern baldness, a type of hereditary hair loss, is very common among men.

In fact, about two-thirds of men will experience an appreciable amount of hair loss by the time they reach age 35. And, by the age of 50, this figure rises to 85%. Additionally, a quarter of men will begin to have hair loss even before they are 21.
​
Hair loss can be troubling for menTrusted Source with many reporting that their baldness makes them feel less attractive, depressed, or fearful of growing older.

Now, however, researchers say they may have found a promising new treatment for this often emotionally distressing condition.

According to the study authors, hair follicles become stiffer due to aging.

However, their study, which appears in the journal PNAS, found that softening hair follicle cells by increasing the production of a particular type of microRNA could aid in increasing hair growth and regeneration.

Tiny RNA particles may be the key to reversing baldness

According to board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, who was not involved in the study, hair follicles have various stem cells that are responsible for the regulation of hair growth.

“This new study may have found a breakthrough in hair regeneration using small RNA particles or microRNA,” she explained.

“More specifically,” she noted, “miR-205 has been identified as an important microRNA that can potentially stimulate hair growth.”

Green said that RNA (ribonucleic acid) is present in all living cells. It acts as a messenger to carry instructions from our DNA to regulate protein production.

Hair follicles can become stiffer as we age, which, in turn, affects hair growth.

“In this study, researchers found that increasing the production of miR-205 softened the stem cells,” said Green. “By softening the hair follicle stem cells, hair growth increased in both young and old mice.”

The effect was fairly quick, as well. Green noted that there was increased hair growth after just ten days.

How this would be different from current baldness treatments

Dr. Ken L. Williams, Jr., a hair surgeon and founder of Orange County Hair Restoration in Irvine, CA, who was also not a part of the study, explained that current FDA-approved treatments for hair loss and thinning in both men and women include:
  • minoxidil (Rogaine)
  • finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)
  • laser light therapy
  • platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
“Hair restoration surgery is also a successful surgical decision for patients who meet criteria,” he added.

Green further explained that any treatment based on the current study would work via a different mechanism than what we currently have available.

“Minoxidil works by shortening the resting phase of the hair growth cycle and elongating the growth phase,” she said. “Minoxidil also reverses follicle miniaturization and stimulates circulation around the hair follicles.”

In the case of finasteride, it works by inhibiting DHT, which is a male hormone that is responsible for male pattern baldness. “Hair follicles are sensitive to hormonal changes and especially DHT,” she added.

Laser light therapyTrusted Source utilizes light in wavelengths ranging from red to infrared to stimulate tissue regeneration and repair.

Finally, she said, PRP involves injecting a concentration of platelets rich in growth factors, which improves the health of follicles, increases blood supply, and stimulates reparative cells.

What this could mean for the future of hair loss treatment

Williams said, “The final outcomes or medical translation of these types of data is always promising, but is impossible to determine so early after discovery.”

However, he noted that it is possible that a new treatment will be developed based on these findings.

Green additionally cautioned that the study was only performed on genetically engineered mice. More research is needed before we will know if this process will work in humans, she advised.

However, if a new treatment does come to fruition, it will “significantly advance hair restoration,” Green concluded, noting that she believes that researchers will probably look at a topical treatment that delivers microRNA directly into the skin.
​
Williams said, however, that it is too early to know what type of delivery system will be created for miR-205, whether that would be a transdermal injection or an oral tablet.
from Healthline
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