Hair Loss FAQ’s

Understanding the cause of hair loss may better indicate exactly why it presently has no cure.  The most common cause of hair loss in men and women, is male and female pattern baldness, also known as 
Androgenetic Alopecia.

First, Androgenetic, consisting of ANDROGEN (Any of the various hormones that control the appearance and development of masculine characteristics such as testosterone). And GENETIC–the inheritance of genes from either the mother or the father’s side of the family. Add AGE, which when coupled with genetics, represents a time clock that will signal the hair follicle to produce an enzyme named 5 alpha reductase. When the testosterone present in the follicle combines with the enzyme 5 alpha reductase, it produces dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Second, ALOPECIA meaning hair loss, of which there are many types. Put simply, scientists are working against aging, hormones and genetics.

Common Causes of Hair Loss:

• Alopecia areata: Generally thought to be an autoimmune disorder. Causes “patchy” hair loss, often in small circular areas in different areas of the scalp.
• Alopecia totalis: Total hair loss of the scalp, (an advanced form of alopecia areata).
• Alopecia universalis: Hair loss of the entire body, (also an advanced form of alopecia areata).
• Traction alopecia: Hair loss caused by physical stress and tension on the hair such as prolonged use of hair weaving, corn rows etc.
• Telogen effiuvium: Hair loss Caused by Physical stress, emotional stress, thyroid abnormalities, medications and hormonal causes normally associated with females.
• Anagen effiuvium: Generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle.
• Trichotillomania (TTM), or “trich” as it is commonly known, is an impulse control disorder characterized by the repeated urge to pull out scalp hair, eyelashes, facial hair, nose hair, eyebrows or other body hair, often  resulting in noticeable bald patches.
• Chemotherapy:  One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy treatment is hair loss. Chemotherapy hair loss may occur on the scalp, face, underarms, and other places on the body.

Non-Surgical Hair Restoration FAQ

Q: My hair is thinning and I don’t want surgery. What can I do?

A: There are several non-surgical options available to you at Santangelo Hair Replacement in Buffalo, such as the our exclusive SensiGraft procedure, among others.

Q: I’m a very active person. Can I still participate in sports?

A: Yes, the purpose of Santangelo Hair Replacement’s procedures is to allow you to do the things that you stopped doing because of your hair loss, such as swimming, boating, water skiing and even riding your Harley.

Q: Are there any limitations on the hair style I choose, or how I can comb my hair?

A: You can comb your hair anyway you want, even straight back.

Q: What if I decide to move out of state?

A: We would be happy to refer you to another Transitions affiliated hair replacement studio or hair restoration center in your new location, without interrupting the type and quality of service to which you have become accustomed.

Surgical Hair Restoration FAQ

Q: Who is a good candidate for surgical hair transplantation?

A: While many men and women suffering from thinning hair, hair loss and baldness are viable candidates for hair transplantation, individual patient’s expectations and objectives must be realistic.

The single most important factor to consider is how bald the patient will become at a later age.

Q: Will I need more than one session?

A: Each patient is different depending on their goals and expectations, as well as the level case study of each candidate.

Q. I often hear the words “a good candidate” associated with hair transplantation.  What exactly constitutes a good candidate?

A.  Some of the important factors that make an individual a good candidate for hair transplant surgery include:

1. The overall quality and abundance of existing hair, as well as it’s texture, color, and curl.
2. The age of the prospective patient – The older you are, the more recognizable your hair loss pattern will be.
3. Patient expectation – Do you realize that you will not gain one additional hair?  Hair transplantation involves relocating hairs you already have.

Hair Loss & Women

The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause, although it may begin as early as puberty. Normal hair shedding is approximately 100-125 hairs per day. Fortunately, these hairs are replaced. True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not regrown or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parent’s side of the family.

There are two different types of hair loss, medically known as Anagen Effluvium and Telogen Effluvium. Anagen Effluvium is generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle. Telogen Effluvium, is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage.

The most common causes of Telogen Effluvium are:

• Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change
• Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member
• Thyroid abnormalities
• Medications: High doses of Vitamin A, Blood pressure and Gout medications
• Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause

When the above causes of Telogen Effluvium are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.

Myths Related to Hair Loss

• Frequent shampooing contributes to hair loss
• Hats and wigs cause hair loss
• 100 strokes of the hair brush daily will create healthier hair
• Permanent hair loss is caused by perms, colors and other cosmetic treatments
• Women are expected to develop significant hair loss if they are healthy
• Shaving one’s head will cause the hair to grow back thicker
• Standing on one’s head will cause increased circulation and thereby stimulate hair growth
• Dandruff causes permanent hair loss
• There are cosmetic products that will cause the hair to grow thicker and faster
• Stress causes permanent hair loss
• Hair loss does not occur in the late teens or early twenties
• Hair loss affects only intellectuals
• There is a cure for Androgenetic Alopecia

Consult Your Dermatologist

These are only a few of the common myths heard by physicians and other hair loss specialists on a daily basis. At Santangelo Hair Replacement, we strongly recommend that you first have your hair loss diagnosed by a competent dermatologist who sees hair loss patients on a regular basis. Once you know the diagnosis you will have a better understanding of exactly which treatment option may be best for you.