Hair loss company Svenson has introduced a new hair loss product to the Asian market that they claim can treat excess shedding by means of a unique stem extract serum. The Svenson website claims that the extract is: “Formulated with a blend of powerful and effective ingredients that target beyond the roots of your hair problems.”

The website goes on to explains that the system works by “using Nano Encapsulation technology,” where apparently the “stem extract formula reaches deep into the scalp allowing for a slow-release effect”. The result is allegedly “fuller-looking hair,” and the treatment also claims to promote “vital nourishment to hair follicles for “healthier and thick looking hair”.

Big Claims, Where’s The Evidence?

Michael Bernstein, chief trichologist of USA Svenson, said StemPlus was “a result of scientific stem-cell research” that has been “acclaimed by leading trichologists in the US and Europe.”

There has long been discussion of stem cells for hair loss treatment, however Svenson is yet to publish any conclusive study results that prove the effectiveness of their latest offering, and no significant medical body such as the FDA, has licensed or approved the treatment, which uses stem cells from South Korea.

Mark Birch, Svenson’s British international trichologist, says that the treatment rebuilds a healthy and dense scalp through increased subcutaneous fat below the scalp whilst providing anti-microbial benefits, healing any inflammation.

There have been several studies with regards to using stem cells as part of a hair loss treatment, from generating hair on mice with stem cells, to the so called ‘vampire bat treatment‘ that involves re-injecting people with their own stem cells. However, medical bodies are yet to approve any form of stem cell treatment for male pattern hair loss, and whilst studies provide interesting data and prove the need for further research, a definitive case for stem cell treatment for male pattern hair loss is yet to be made.

The Proven Treatment

For those wishing to address their hair loss, the MHRA and the FDA (the UK and US medical regulatory bodies) have licensed or approved just two medications, which are highly complementary. The first of these, Propecia, works by blocking DHT, the androgen hormone that damages hair follicles atop the scalp, causing them to shrink and produce thinner hair.

The second proven medication, minoxidil, is a topical treatment that stimulates new hair growth. Belgravia offers minoxidil in a variety of formulations, and a hair loss specialist can create a bespoke treatment plan around your exact needs, potentially including a high strength minoxidil for particularly stubborn thinning.

Treatment plans also contain a range of hair growth boosters, such as the FDA cleared LaserComb, which can speed up regrowth in some cases. Regular check-ups are also important as they allow a specialist to measure your progress and adapt your treatment if necessary.

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert or complete our Online Consultation Form from anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our Hair Loss Success Stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of success that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 020 7730 6666 any time for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

It was announced last weekend that Peter Capaldi, famous for playing spin doctor Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It, would be taking the reigns as the new Doctor Who in the hit BBC show. Fans of the show have been accused of ageism when they complained that Capaldi, 55, was too old for the role.

The Scotsman, who had been the bookies favourite to win the role, is the same age as the original Doctor, William Hartnell, who took up the role in 1963. Capaldi, whose somewhat unruly hair appears thick and healthy, will most likely be keen to prevent hair loss to ward off further comments about his age.

Who’s the Doctor?

So, what are the possible reasons behind Capaldi’s great head of hair? He may be genetically lucky, and not carry or be carrying without expressing baldness genes. We inherit the predisposition to hair loss from our family tree, although environmental factors can mean that we begin to express the gene sooner than we may have otherwise have done, so Capaldi may just be fortunate in this respect.

It is also possible that Capaldi is undergoing treatment for hair loss. Hair loss cannot be treated pre-emptively, but when the first signs of male pattern hair loss appear, commonly a general thinning atop the scalp or a receding hairline, a hair loss treatment plan can be begun to hopefully stop the baldness progressing and regrow the thinning hair.

Fighting Hair Loss

In order to prevent hair loss progressing, the first of two medications licensed by the MHRA and approved by the FDA, Propecia, can be used to block DHT, the androgen hormone that causes follicular miniaturisation atop the scalp, the process that leads to thinner, weaker hair being produced. If left untreated, DHT can eventually cause follicles to stop producing hair altogether, at which point the hair loss becomes medically untreatable.

Propecia is most effective when combined with the second proven medication, minoxidil, a topical treatment that stimulates hair regrowth. For particularly stubborn thinning, Belgravia produce a high strength minoxidil cream, which also contains azelaic acid, an ingredient that appears to block DHT when applied locally.

A Belgravia treatment programme would contain the two medications along with a range of treatment boosters selected by your hair loss specialist. Whilst these additions will not treat your hair loss, they will ensure all-round hair and scalp health, providing the ideal basis for good regrowth results, leaving you with all the time in the world for saving the universe.

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How to prevent baldness

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. We offer clinically proven treatments for hair loss, as part of comprehensive treatment programmes offered by our hair loss specialists. Our in-house pharmacies produce high-strength medications for hair loss that contain medically proven ingredients and are available at no other clinic worldwide. Treatment programmes are available by visiting the centres or for home-use, anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our hair loss success stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of hair regrowth that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 0800 077 6666 for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

Diet drinks have already been linked with hair loss, however new research shows that these popular products may also cause weight gain.

Study findings show weight gain

Whilst previous research has linked additives in sugar-free diet drinks with hair loss, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that trial participants who consumed diet drinks, gained almost triple the abdominal fat than those who did not consume diet soda.

The study analysed data from 749 people over a 9 year period. Participants recorded how many cans they drank per day, every two years, stating if these were diet or regular varieties.

Those who did not drink diet soda gained approximately 0.8 inches around their middles. In comparison, those who drank sugar-free alternatives on a daily basis gained 3.2 inches, while occasional drinkers gained 1.8 inches.

Diet drinks and hair loss

Other studies have recorded an increase in appetite from diet drinks, which may lead to excessive calorie intake. In turn, this can lead to an increase in body weight and even obesity, which can cause issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and hair loss conditions.

The most common reason for shedding due to dietary issues is Telogen Effluvium. This condition temporarily shuts down hair production, causing shedding, and thinning hair.

Common dietary issues surrounding diet drinks and hair loss relate to the following, all of which can trigger diffuse thinning from Telogen Effluvium:

Aspartame, the key ingredient in diet foods and drinks, although regulated by the FDA, has a number of listed side effects. These include brain tumours, bloating and depression as well as an elevated appetite, weight gain and increased belly fat.

Caffeine, another ingredient associated with diet drinks, when consumed in large amounts can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially in vitamin B, zinc and potassium. It can also place undue stress on the body from the release of adrenaline, resulting in a number of health issues, including Telogen Effluvium.

Zinc is important for normal hair growth, and a deficiency can weaken hair follicles.

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use glucose (blood sugar) properly. This can put the body under large amounts of strain, disrupting the hair growth cycle.

Natural is key

Many of us consume diet products in an attempt to lose extra pounds. However, the most effective way to keep your hair healthy and weight stable is to eat a balanced diet full of natural whole foods, avoiding artificial additives that add little or no nutritional value to your diet.

Senior Belgravia hair loss specialist, Leonora Doclis advises “Although sweeteners may not directly cause hair loss, they can trigger other conditions that can lead to hair loss. Cutting down or eliminating additives found in diet drinks is recommended. Unless advised for medical reasons, you are better off including natural alternatives in your diet.”

A daily dietary supplement, such as Hair Vitalics, may help you to ensure your scalp receives the necessary nutrients for healthy hair growth. Also, whilst the condition should clear up naturally within six months, assuming the underlying cause is dealt with first, treatment for Telogen Effluvium can help to speed up regrowth. A hair loss professional will be able to provide a diagnosis, establish any underlying dietary concerns and provide advice on how best to deal with these issues.

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert or complete our Online Consultation Form from anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our Hair Loss Success Stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of success that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 020 7730 6666 any time for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

The male characters of hit TV series Mad Men are known to take pride in their slick appearance, but not everyone can be a Don Draper.

Played by Vincent Kartheiser, Pete Campbell showed clear signs of hair loss, which progressed throughout the show’s seven seasons and has been charted in a new video.

Character evolution

Pete’s receding hairline was brought to life when the actor, who showed great dedication to the role, gradually shaved his own hair to reflect the character’s deteriorating hairline.

The often bitter and frustrated Mad Men character dealt with a number of emotionally challenging storylines during the show. The media even put Pete Campbell on ‘suicide watch’ after he struggled to cope with money and relationship issues.

The arising anxiety may have contributed to, or even triggered, Campbell’s hair loss, as chronicled in the video which you can watch below. Story continues after video.

Effect of stress on male pattern baldness

Whilst the pattern of Pete’s hair loss appears to suggest the hereditary condition Male Pattern Baldness, personal and work-related stress can also play a part.

The impact of challenging events such as divorce, relationship problems, or the death of a family member can trigger a substantial rise in the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone, which forms part of the adrenal gland, is tasked with the metabolic functions, cell regeneration and the fight-or-flight responses.

In turn, this can prematurely spark hair to enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, causing Telogen Effluvium (TE). Hair loss from this condition alone is temporary, lasting up to six months. However, TE can also exacerbate or trigger Male Pattern Hair Loss, in those with a genetic predisposition.

It is also possible to have both of these hair loss conditions at the same time.

Getting help

This Belgravia Client is Seeing Improvements to His Receding Hairline Following Treatment – Click the Image to View his Full Success Story

Shedding more hair than normal during stressful times may indicate a hair loss issue, but it is not a reason to panic.

Firstly, the underlying cause of the shedding – in this case, stress – needs to be eliminated. Once that has been dealt with, or is in hand, hair loss treatment is more likely to prove effective.

A hair loss specialist will be able to provide a diagnosis of your condition and expert advice about how to deal with it.

Treatment for Telogen Effluvium includes a course of high strength minoxidil, which works by stimulating hair growth when applied to the affected area.  

Minoxidil is one of two treatments licensed by the MHRA and approved by the FDA for reversing Male Pattern Baldness, and is a particularly efficient way to treat a receding hairline like Pete’s. The other is Finasteride 1mg, a daily tablet which inhibits DHT and restricts the follicles’ ability to produce hair.

Using a comprehensive, combined treatment course for male hair loss featuring both of these components can provide significant results, as seen in many of Belgravia’s ‘before and during’ treatment client photoscans. In addition to the example here, pictured right, you can find hundreds of these in our Hair Loss Success Stories. 

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert or complete our Online Consultation Form from anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our Hair Loss Success Stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of success that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 020 7730 6666 any time for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

After learning that the two year old son of a member of his security team was battling leukaemia, former president George Bush Snr decided to shave his head as part of a charity effort to raise money for Patrick’s cancer treatment.

Members of the former leader’s secret service detail have also been going bald for the good cause, after a staff member got the ball roiling by agreeing to shave his head in support of Patrick if someone would donate $500 to Patrick’s Pals. Whilst Patrick’s prognosis is “very positive” according to the website, it is expected that their will be years of treatment ahead.

Bald for a Great Cause

President Bush and his wife Laura lost their infant daughter Robin to leukaemia a number of decades ago in 1953, which may have influenced Bush’s decision to join the fundraising effort. The fundraising team’s website states that they will also be taking part in a motorcycle benefit run. You can donate online by following this link.

Needless to say, Bush’s gesture went down well online, with current President Barack Obama’ s office tweeting a picture of Bush and Patrick, urging supporters to show their support. Bill Clinton also chimed in, saying that he loved what Bush was doing and that he “looked great”.

Sadly, hair loss from cancer treatment cannot be treated medically, although hair should regrow in the months following the treatment course. The reason behind hair loss from chemotherapy is that the drugs used to attack the cancer cells often kill certain healthy cells along the way, such as hair cells. By preventing the hair cells from dividing, cancer drugs progressively lead to hair thinning and as the shaft breaks away from the scalp, severe hair loss.

Hair Loss from Cancer

For radiotherapy, high-energy radiation rays can damage the hair follicles when they are directed onto the scalp and cause the hair to fall out. Depending on the amount of radiation therapy received, hair loss can in some circumstances be permanent.

Natural hair growth will resume within a year for 75% of patients whose cancer treatments lead to hair loss. There is also, for certain patients who are receiving chemotherapy, the option to use a relatively new piece of technology called the cooling cap which can help to prevent hair loss. The caps work by reducing the blood supply carrying the chemotherapy chemicals to the scalp, meaning less hair cells are damaged.

Related Articles

Hair loss from cancer not growing back as it should

Young girls donate hair to hair loss charities

Hats off to hair loss

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. We offer clinically proven treatments for hair loss, as part of comprehensive treatment programmes offered by our hair loss specialists. Our in-house pharmacies produce high-strength medications for hair loss that contain medically proven ingredients and are available at no other clinic worldwide. Treatment programmes are available by visiting the centres or for home-use, anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our hair loss success stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of hair regrowth that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 0800 077 6666 for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

She’s reinvented herself as a bottle blonde rock chic, but former teen star Miley Cyrus was previously known for being the epitome of the wholesome American girl, her hair worn long and either curly or super-straight as she starred in her hit Hannah Montana TV series.

However, the star has just revealed in a recent interview that her lush locks were not her own, and were actually fake. Speaking about her old Harper’s Bazaar cover which depicts Miley carrying a guitar case, her hair flowing behind her, the 20 year old said: “That was all fake! That’s my simple life yet I have like 350 extensions in my hair. That was not real. None of it was ever real. None of it was ever growing out of my head.”

“That was all fake!”

Miley caused a stir almost a year ago when she chopped her locks off and bleached her short crop of hair. Whilst bleaching hair can dry it out, causing breakage and therefore an overall thinning, it shouldn’t impact hair that is yet to grow. There is a slight risk of hair loss due to allergic reaction to the dye (hence why doing a patch test is important) and burns from dye chemicals being left on too long, but if you use as instructed hair dye should not cause hair loss.

Hair extensions, on the other hand, can cause more long term damage. A condition known as traction alopecia can occur as a result of using extensions for a considerable amount of time. This happens because extensions put undue pressure on the hair follicle on account of their weight, which over time can damage the follicle to the extent that hair is no longer produced.

Damage Control

If you’re noticing that your natural hair is becoming thinner in the places where extensions are usually attached, the first step is to cease using the extensions (and if they’re clip on, make sure you give your hair plenty of breaks in between their use, if ceasing using them altogether is not an option).

For women worried about thinning hair, there is a clinically proven hair loss medication available to them that has been licensed by the FDA and approved by the MHRA. Minoxidil, which comes in the form of a liquid or a high strength minoxidil cream, is applied directly to the thinning areas, allowing for highly targeted treatment.

Minoxidil has produced great results for Belgravia patients with traction alopecia, some examples of which can be seen here, here and here. As well as deciding on your ideal daily dosage of minoxidil and combining it with certain added ingredients that can help prevent further hair loss, a hair loss specialist will select certain hair growth boosters to form a truly comprehensive hair loss treatment plan.

Related Articles

Hair trends of 2013 – will they cause hair loss?

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How to avoid hair loss from traction alopecia

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. We offer clinically proven treatments for hair loss, as part of comprehensive treatment programmes offered by our hair loss specialists. Our in-house pharmacies produce high-strength medications for hair loss that contain medically proven ingredients and are available at no other clinic worldwide. Treatment programmes are available by visiting the centres or for home-use, anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our hair loss success stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of hair regrowth that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 0800 077 6666 for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

A fashion designer who lost hair due to alopecia totalis at the age of just 18 months has spoken out about she manages her condition, including choosing clothes that compliment her baldness. Rachel Fleit, who is the creative director for the hip New York-based womenswear brand Honor NYC, told Refinery 29: “After 30 years of being bald, I know what works and what doesn’t work.”

Speaking candidly, Fleit explained that she steers clear of structured blazers and dresses because they make her look like a “Svedka vodka fembot” and prefers more feminine cuts, with floaty, soft shapes being a favourite. Fleit is also a fan of accessorising, and enjoys adding big scarves and dangly earrings to her looks.

An Inspiration

The fashionista likes to keep it simple in the day in terms of make-up, though she employs darker eyeshadows to glam up her look at night. In terms of style icons, Fleit cites Blondie singer Debbie Harry, Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, Bianca Jagger, Barbra Streisand and “Cher in the 60s”. However, Fleit hasn’t always been so comfortable in her own skin, admitting that coming to terms with her hair loss has been a “deeply layered process”.

Fleit wore wigs everyday from the age of four until her college years, when she decided to ditch them and be open about her alopecia and “stop hiding”, and whilst she used to craft multiple scarves into large turbans, these days she leaves her head uncovered more often than not.

In order to help her come to terms with her condition, Fleit started attending annual alopecia conferences in order to be part of a support network of young people with the hair loss condition. Speaking about living with the disorder, Fleit commented: “This condition isn’t a physical illness, in no way am I sick, I just have no hair. It has a psychological and emotional impact on me.”

When Alopecia is Treatable

Alopecia totalis cannot be treated, however alopecia areata, where hair loss is patchy on the scalp, can in some circumstances be tackled with a hair loss treatment programme. By using a high strength minoxidil cream, Belgravia have successfully treated many cases of alopecia areata, and a hair loss specialist will be able to establish whether your individual case is likely to benefit from using the topical medication.

Because alopecia areata (and totalis, when the whole scalp is bald, and universalis, where all body hair is lost) is an auto-immune disorder, it is tricky to treat. This type of hair loss occurs when the body attacks its own anagen hair follicles and suppresses or stops hair growth, and it cannot be “cured”.

Like another form of hair loss in women, the genetic condition female pattern hair loss, treating alopecia is about managing the condition rather than eradicating it. And for women who are struggling to come to terms with their hair loss, Fleit advises: “Be comfortable in your own skin and the beauty will shine right out of you.”

Related Articles

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The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. We offer clinically proven treatments for hair loss, as part of comprehensive treatment programmes offered by our hair loss specialists. Our in-house pharmacies produce high-strength medications for hair loss that contain medically proven ingredients and are available at no other clinic worldwide. Treatment programmes are available by visiting the centres or for home-use, anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our hair loss success stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of hair regrowth that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 0800 077 6666 for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

Gastric bypass is a serious operation that is used to help obese people lose weight in a relatively short period of time. The operation can vary, but generally involves the stomach being separated into two ‘pouches,’ a smaller upper pouch and a larger ‘remnant’ pouch, before the small intestine is connected to both. This means that there is a marked reduction in the functional volume of the stomach of around 90%.

Because of the fact that it is a major operation, and therefore complications are a risk, only those who are morbidly obese are eligible for the weight loss surgery, which can save lives. The same is true of gastric sleeve surgery. The aim is to stabilise weight loss at a considerably lower weight and maintain it there. As well as more serious side effects such as haemorrhage and bowel obstruction, nutritional deficiencies can result from the reduction in food intake.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss in women the form of diffuse thinning (where hair loss is even across the scalp, as supposed to patchy loss) and there are many different types of deficiency. Possible deficiencies include secondary hyperthyroidism due to inadequate absorption of calcium, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, Vitamin B12 and A deficiencies and protein malnutrition. A blood test can often establish the exact deficiency, and once this has been addressed hair should regrow.

For those worried about not getting enough hair-friendly nutrients, a dietary supplement may be beneficial – though these are not intended to replace a balanced and varied healthy diet. Belgravia’s specialists have formulated the exclusive Hair Vitalics for Women food supplement for healthy hair growth. Containing a unique blend comprising zinc, biotin, selenium, copper and a number of other highly-targeted vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanical extracts, this one-a-day tablet is suitable for vegetarians, and free from gluten, lactose, salt, sugar and yeast.

Shock to the System

Another way in which gastric bypass surgery can cause hair loss is short term loss on account of the shock to the system that occurs after an operation, which is known as telogen effluvium. Again, this sort of loss generally causes diffuse thinning over the top and sides of the scalp.

Because the body considers hair as a non-essential system, when it is under pressure it reroutes its resources away from the hair and to more essential functions. This causes hair to prematurely enter the resting (telogen) stage of the cycle from the anagen, or growth stage. After three months, the hair will shed, and this delay means that it is often unexpected and people may fail to realise the cause.

Treating Hair Loss in Women

For women who experience hair loss that does not regrow within a year of their operation, it’s important to establish the cause in order to know whether the hair loss itself needs to be treated. Telogen effluvium that isn’t growing back fully can be treated using a hair loss treatment plan that contains the only medication licensed or approved by the MHRA and the FDA (the UK and US medical regulatory bodies) minoxidil.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment that stimulates hair growth, even in areas where miniaturisation on account of female pattern hair loss (genetic hair loss) has occurred, as long as some degree of hair is still growing. Available in a variety of formulations, high strength minoxidil is particularly effective for stubborn thinning and a hair loss specialist can recommend the best solution for you, based on the type and severity of your hair thinning.

Minoxidil is used as part of a hair loss treatment programme, which involves hair growth boosters such as the FDA cleared LLLT devices, including the LaserComb. Combined with close monitoring by, and on-going support from a dedicated hair loss specialist, Belgravia’s approach to treating women’s hair loss ensures a convenient, supportive process – as many clients attest to.

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert or complete our Online Consultation Form from anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our Hair Loss Success Stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of success that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 020 7730 6666 any time for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

She shocked fans at Comic-Con last week by removing her wig to reveal a shaved head in preparation for starring in a new film, and whilst many responded positively to the brave decision, a few fans of Karen Gillan haven’t taken her decision lightly.

However, rather than aim their comments at Gillan herself, the angry fans instead attacked the director of upcoming flick Guardians of the Galaxy, James Gunn, who took to his Twitter account in protest, saying: “If you are sending me hate messages about making @KarenGillan2 shave her head, you might consider the overall state of your life.”

“Everyone should shave their heads”

The former Dr Who star, who had tricked fans by wearing a wig the day before her big reveal at the science fiction convention said: “It’s liberating. I think everyone here should shave their heads.” The response at Comic-Con itself was hugely positive, with fans cheering as Gillan threw her wig into the crowd.

Happily, not all fans on social networking site Twitter have been so confrontational. One user said: “Nothing but love for you and Scottish cueball from me, man!”

There has been an encouraging trend of women choosing to cut their hair short or shave their head for roles, and the largely positive reaction of the public will be a comfort to women who go bald without making the choice to do so. From Emmerdale actress Lesley Dunn to movie star Anne Hathaway, women are no longer relying on skin caps to ‘fake’ hair loss.

Hair loss in women can have a lot of different causes. From the genetic condition female pattern hair loss, which requires a hair loss treatment plan to prevent it from slowly worsening, to short terms hair loss conditions such as telogen effluvium and hair loss from cancer treatment, losing hair can be a scary and difficult experience for many.

If you’re losing hair and are unsure why, getting blood tests to rule out certain causes is the first step. From thyroid problems to nutritional deficiencies, treating hair loss is often about tackling the underlying issues as well as the actual shedding.

Women’s Hair Loss: The Causes

If blood tests are inconclusive, it may be that chronic stress, a sudden shock, illness, or stopping taking the birth control pill is to blame. In general, hair loss that occurs in this way will grow back by itself, but sometimes hair will not fully recover, and this is when the one medication licensed by the MHRA and approved by the FDA for use as a female hair loss treatment, minoxidil, can come in useful.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment, and is applied twice a day in a strength decided by a hair loss specialist based on your individual case. For stubborn hair loss and for patchy hair loss caused by alopecia areata, our unique high strength minoxidil cream can produce brilliant results. Minoxidil is combined with a variety of hair growth boosters to create a comprehensive treatment plan, and our hair loss specialists are available seven days a week for support.

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. We offer clinically proven treatments for hair loss, as part of comprehensive treatment programmes offered by our hair loss specialists. Our in-house pharmacies produce high-strength medications for hair loss that contain medically proven ingredients and are available at no other clinic worldwide. Treatment programmes are available by visiting the centres or for home-use, anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our hair loss success stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of hair regrowth that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 0800 077 6666 for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

After learning that the two year old son of a member of his security team was battling leukaemia, former president George Bush Snr decided to shave his head as part of a charity effort to raise money for Patrick’s cancer treatment.

Members of the former leader’s secret service detail have also been going bald for the good cause, after a staff member got the ball roiling by agreeing to shave his head in support of Patrick if someone would donate $500 to Patrick’s Pals. Whilst Patrick’s prognosis is “very positive” according to the website, it is expected that their will be years of treatment ahead.

Bald for a Great Cause

President Bush and his wife Laura lost their infant daughter Robin to leukaemia a number of decades ago in 1953, which may have influenced Bush’s decision to join the fundraising effort. The fundraising team’s website states that they will also be taking part in a motorcycle benefit run. You can donate online by following this link.

Needless to say, Bush’s gesture went down well online, with current President Barack Obama’ s office tweeting a picture of Bush and Patrick, urging supporters to show their support. Bill Clinton also chimed in, saying that he loved what Bush was doing and that he “looked great”.

Sadly, hair loss from cancer treatment cannot be treated medically, although hair should regrow in the months following the treatment course. The reason behind hair loss from chemotherapy is that the drugs used to attack the cancer cells often kill certain healthy cells along the way, such as hair cells. By preventing the hair cells from dividing, cancer drugs progressively lead to hair thinning and as the shaft breaks away from the scalp, severe hair loss.

Hair Loss from Cancer

For radiotherapy, high-energy radiation rays can damage the hair follicles when they are directed onto the scalp and cause the hair to fall out. Depending on the amount of radiation therapy received, hair loss can in some circumstances be permanent.

Natural hair growth will resume within a year for 75% of patients whose cancer treatments lead to hair loss. There is also, for certain patients who are receiving chemotherapy, the option to use a relatively new piece of technology called the cooling cap which can help to prevent hair loss. The caps work by reducing the blood supply carrying the chemotherapy chemicals to the scalp, meaning less hair cells are damaged.

Related Articles

Hair loss from cancer not growing back as it should

Young girls donate hair to hair loss charities

Hats off to hair loss

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. We offer clinically proven treatments for hair loss, as part of comprehensive treatment programmes offered by our hair loss specialists. Our in-house pharmacies produce high-strength medications for hair loss that contain medically proven ingredients and are available at no other clinic worldwide. Treatment programmes are available by visiting the centres or for home-use, anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our hair loss success stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of hair regrowth that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 0800 077 6666 for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

She’s reinvented herself as a bottle blonde rock chic, but former teen star Miley Cyrus was previously known for being the epitome of the wholesome American girl, her hair worn long and either curly or super-straight as she starred in her hit Hannah Montana TV series.

However, the star has just revealed in a recent interview that her lush locks were not her own, and were actually fake. Speaking about her old Harper’s Bazaar cover which depicts Miley carrying a guitar case, her hair flowing behind her, the 20 year old said: “That was all fake! That’s my simple life yet I have like 350 extensions in my hair. That was not real. None of it was ever real. None of it was ever growing out of my head.”

“That was all fake!”

Miley caused a stir almost a year ago when she chopped her locks off and bleached her short crop of hair. Whilst bleaching hair can dry it out, causing breakage and therefore an overall thinning, it shouldn’t impact hair that is yet to grow. There is a slight risk of hair loss due to allergic reaction to the dye (hence why doing a patch test is important) and burns from dye chemicals being left on too long, but if you use as instructed hair dye should not cause hair loss.

Hair extensions, on the other hand, can cause more long term damage. A condition known as traction alopecia can occur as a result of using extensions for a considerable amount of time. This happens because extensions put undue pressure on the hair follicle on account of their weight, which over time can damage the follicle to the extent that hair is no longer produced.

Damage Control

If you’re noticing that your natural hair is becoming thinner in the places where extensions are usually attached, the first step is to cease using the extensions (and if they’re clip on, make sure you give your hair plenty of breaks in between their use, if ceasing using them altogether is not an option).

For women worried about thinning hair, there is a clinically proven hair loss medication available to them that has been licensed by the FDA and approved by the MHRA. Minoxidil, which comes in the form of a liquid or a high strength minoxidil cream, is applied directly to the thinning areas, allowing for highly targeted treatment.

Minoxidil has produced great results for Belgravia patients with traction alopecia, some examples of which can be seen here, here and here. As well as deciding on your ideal daily dosage of minoxidil and combining it with certain added ingredients that can help prevent further hair loss, a hair loss specialist will select certain hair growth boosters to form a truly comprehensive hair loss treatment plan.

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The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. We offer clinically proven treatments for hair loss, as part of comprehensive treatment programmes offered by our hair loss specialists. Our in-house pharmacies produce high-strength medications for hair loss that contain medically proven ingredients and are available at no other clinic worldwide. Treatment programmes are available by visiting the centres or for home-use, anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our hair loss success stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of hair regrowth that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 0800 077 6666 for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

A fashion designer who lost hair due to alopecia totalis at the age of just 18 months has spoken out about she manages her condition, including choosing clothes that compliment her baldness. Rachel Fleit, who is the creative director for the hip New York-based womenswear brand Honor NYC, told Refinery 29: “After 30 years of being bald, I know what works and what doesn’t work.”

Speaking candidly, Fleit explained that she steers clear of structured blazers and dresses because they make her look like a “Svedka vodka fembot” and prefers more feminine cuts, with floaty, soft shapes being a favourite. Fleit is also a fan of accessorising, and enjoys adding big scarves and dangly earrings to her looks.

An Inspiration

The fashionista likes to keep it simple in the day in terms of make-up, though she employs darker eyeshadows to glam up her look at night. In terms of style icons, Fleit cites Blondie singer Debbie Harry, Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, Bianca Jagger, Barbra Streisand and “Cher in the 60s”. However, Fleit hasn’t always been so comfortable in her own skin, admitting that coming to terms with her hair loss has been a “deeply layered process”.

Fleit wore wigs everyday from the age of four until her college years, when she decided to ditch them and be open about her alopecia and “stop hiding”, and whilst she used to craft multiple scarves into large turbans, these days she leaves her head uncovered more often than not.

In order to help her come to terms with her condition, Fleit started attending annual alopecia conferences in order to be part of a support network of young people with the hair loss condition. Speaking about living with the disorder, Fleit commented: “This condition isn’t a physical illness, in no way am I sick, I just have no hair. It has a psychological and emotional impact on me.”

When Alopecia is Treatable

Alopecia totalis cannot be treated, however alopecia areata, where hair loss is patchy on the scalp, can in some circumstances be tackled with a hair loss treatment programme. By using a high strength minoxidil cream, Belgravia have successfully treated many cases of alopecia areata, and a hair loss specialist will be able to establish whether your individual case is likely to benefit from using the topical medication.

Because alopecia areata (and totalis, when the whole scalp is bald, and universalis, where all body hair is lost) is an auto-immune disorder, it is tricky to treat. This type of hair loss occurs when the body attacks its own anagen hair follicles and suppresses or stops hair growth, and it cannot be “cured”.

Like another form of hair loss in women, the genetic condition female pattern hair loss, treating alopecia is about managing the condition rather than eradicating it. And for women who are struggling to come to terms with their hair loss, Fleit advises: “Be comfortable in your own skin and the beauty will shine right out of you.”

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The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. We offer clinically proven treatments for hair loss, as part of comprehensive treatment programmes offered by our hair loss specialists. Our in-house pharmacies produce high-strength medications for hair loss that contain medically proven ingredients and are available at no other clinic worldwide. Treatment programmes are available by visiting the centres or for home-use, anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our hair loss success stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of hair regrowth that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 0800 077 6666 for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

Gastric bypass is a serious operation that is used to help obese people lose weight in a relatively short period of time. The operation can vary, but generally involves the stomach being separated into two ‘pouches,’ a smaller upper pouch and a larger ‘remnant’ pouch, before the small intestine is connected to both. This means that there is a marked reduction in the functional volume of the stomach of around 90%.

Because of the fact that it is a major operation, and therefore complications are a risk, only those who are morbidly obese are eligible for the weight loss surgery, which can save lives. The same is true of gastric sleeve surgery. The aim is to stabilise weight loss at a considerably lower weight and maintain it there. As well as more serious side effects such as haemorrhage and bowel obstruction, nutritional deficiencies can result from the reduction in food intake.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss in women the form of diffuse thinning (where hair loss is even across the scalp, as supposed to patchy loss) and there are many different types of deficiency. Possible deficiencies include secondary hyperthyroidism due to inadequate absorption of calcium, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, Vitamin B12 and A deficiencies and protein malnutrition. A blood test can often establish the exact deficiency, and once this has been addressed hair should regrow.

For those worried about not getting enough hair-friendly nutrients, a dietary supplement may be beneficial – though these are not intended to replace a balanced and varied healthy diet. Belgravia’s specialists have formulated the exclusive Hair Vitalics for Women food supplement for healthy hair growth. Containing a unique blend comprising zinc, biotin, selenium, copper and a number of other highly-targeted vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanical extracts, this one-a-day tablet is suitable for vegetarians, and free from gluten, lactose, salt, sugar and yeast.

Shock to the System

Another way in which gastric bypass surgery can cause hair loss is short term loss on account of the shock to the system that occurs after an operation, which is known as telogen effluvium. Again, this sort of loss generally causes diffuse thinning over the top and sides of the scalp.

Because the body considers hair as a non-essential system, when it is under pressure it reroutes its resources away from the hair and to more essential functions. This causes hair to prematurely enter the resting (telogen) stage of the cycle from the anagen, or growth stage. After three months, the hair will shed, and this delay means that it is often unexpected and people may fail to realise the cause.

Treating Hair Loss in Women

For women who experience hair loss that does not regrow within a year of their operation, it’s important to establish the cause in order to know whether the hair loss itself needs to be treated. Telogen effluvium that isn’t growing back fully can be treated using a hair loss treatment plan that contains the only medication licensed or approved by the MHRA and the FDA (the UK and US medical regulatory bodies) minoxidil.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment that stimulates hair growth, even in areas where miniaturisation on account of female pattern hair loss (genetic hair loss) has occurred, as long as some degree of hair is still growing. Available in a variety of formulations, high strength minoxidil is particularly effective for stubborn thinning and a hair loss specialist can recommend the best solution for you, based on the type and severity of your hair thinning.

Minoxidil is used as part of a hair loss treatment programme, which involves hair growth boosters such as the FDA cleared LLLT devices, including the LaserComb. Combined with close monitoring by, and on-going support from a dedicated hair loss specialist, Belgravia’s approach to treating women’s hair loss ensures a convenient, supportive process – as many clients attest to.

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert or complete our Online Consultation Form from anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our Hair Loss Success Stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of success that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 020 7730 6666 any time for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

She shocked fans at Comic-Con last week by removing her wig to reveal a shaved head in preparation for starring in a new film, and whilst many responded positively to the brave decision, a few fans of Karen Gillan haven’t taken her decision lightly.

However, rather than aim their comments at Gillan herself, the angry fans instead attacked the director of upcoming flick Guardians of the Galaxy, James Gunn, who took to his Twitter account in protest, saying: “If you are sending me hate messages about making @KarenGillan2 shave her head, you might consider the overall state of your life.”

“Everyone should shave their heads”

The former Dr Who star, who had tricked fans by wearing a wig the day before her big reveal at the science fiction convention said: “It’s liberating. I think everyone here should shave their heads.” The response at Comic-Con itself was hugely positive, with fans cheering as Gillan threw her wig into the crowd.

Happily, not all fans on social networking site Twitter have been so confrontational. One user said: “Nothing but love for you and Scottish cueball from me, man!”

There has been an encouraging trend of women choosing to cut their hair short or shave their head for roles, and the largely positive reaction of the public will be a comfort to women who go bald without making the choice to do so. From Emmerdale actress Lesley Dunn to movie star Anne Hathaway, women are no longer relying on skin caps to ‘fake’ hair loss.

Hair loss in women can have a lot of different causes. From the genetic condition female pattern hair loss, which requires a hair loss treatment plan to prevent it from slowly worsening, to short terms hair loss conditions such as telogen effluvium and hair loss from cancer treatment, losing hair can be a scary and difficult experience for many.

If you’re losing hair and are unsure why, getting blood tests to rule out certain causes is the first step. From thyroid problems to nutritional deficiencies, treating hair loss is often about tackling the underlying issues as well as the actual shedding.

Women’s Hair Loss: The Causes

If blood tests are inconclusive, it may be that chronic stress, a sudden shock, illness, or stopping taking the birth control pill is to blame. In general, hair loss that occurs in this way will grow back by itself, but sometimes hair will not fully recover, and this is when the one medication licensed by the MHRA and approved by the FDA for use as a female hair loss treatment, minoxidil, can come in useful.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment, and is applied twice a day in a strength decided by a hair loss specialist based on your individual case. For stubborn hair loss and for patchy hair loss caused by alopecia areata, our unique high strength minoxidil cream can produce brilliant results. Minoxidil is combined with a variety of hair growth boosters to create a comprehensive treatment plan, and our hair loss specialists are available seven days a week for support.

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. We offer clinically proven treatments for hair loss, as part of comprehensive treatment programmes offered by our hair loss specialists. Our in-house pharmacies produce high-strength medications for hair loss that contain medically proven ingredients and are available at no other clinic worldwide. Treatment programmes are available by visiting the centres or for home-use, anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our hair loss success stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of hair regrowth that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 0800 077 6666 for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

Last week, Queen Elizabeth’s personal stylist, Ian Carmichael, said that said that women in their 40s, 50s and beyond are wrong in thinking that cutting their hair shorter will help them turn back the clock or save them from looking like mutton dressed as lamb.

The royal hairstylist added that many celebrities would have lost their sex appeal years ago if they’d chopped their hair short, giving the example of James Bond actress Jane Seymour, 62, as an older woman who has made the long-haired look work for her.

Time to Break the Trend

So why do women often cut their hair shorter as they age? Whilst for some it’s a simple case of preferring a short style due to the appearance of it compared to long hair, or finding short locks easier to maintain, many women feel forced to cut their hair short due to a decline in their hair’s thickness.

Hair loss in women after the menopause is very common, and the condition is known as female pattern hair loss. This type of excess shedding occurs due to a genetic predisposition, whereby we inherit the genes for baldness from our family tree.

Pattern hair loss in women usually occurs diffusely over the top of the scalp. If you’ve noticed your hair thinning in this area (as supposed to all over the scalp, which means you may have telogen effluvium) a hair loss treatment plan is needed to prevent further thinning, as this type of hair loss will not regrow by itself and will gradually worsen.

For women, there is only one medication that has been licensed by the MHRA and approved by the FDA to treat hair loss: minoxidil. This topical treatment is available in a variety of strengths, allowing a hair loss specialist to select the best dosage for the severity of your hair loss, up to a high strength minoxidil cream for stubborn shedding.

Thick Hair Post-Menopause

As well as varying the strength of our minoxidil, Belgravia combine various added ingredients with the formulations, such as azelaic acid and Medroxyprogesterone, which appear to block DHT when applied locally. DHT is an androgen hormone that causes hair loss on account of follicular miniaturisation in those with a genetic disposition, and blocking it gives follicles the change to recover.

Whilst DHT is the culprit behind male pattern hair loss, for women it is usually a combination of DHT sensitivity and other hormones and deficiencies such as low levels of iron. It is also important to undergo blood tests to rule out other causes such as faulty thyroid function.

At Belgravia we combine your ideal formulation of minoxidil with a variety of treatment boosters such as the FDA cleared Laser Comb and nutritional supplement Hair Vitalics to ensure all approaches to treating hair loss and keeping hair healthy are covered. We also offer advice and support seven days a week, in person and by phone or over email.

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The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. We offer clinically proven treatments for hair loss, as part of comprehensive treatment programmes offered by our hair loss specialists. Our in-house pharmacies produce high-strength medications for hair loss that contain medically proven ingredients and are available at no other clinic worldwide. Treatment programmes are available by visiting the centres or for home-use, anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our hair loss success stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of hair regrowth that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 0800 077 6666 for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

She’s normally known for wearing her hair in Marilyn Monroe style peroxide blonde curls, but popstar Rita Ora changed it up this week by styling her hair in tight French braids with what looked like extensions attached at the back of her head.

The Hot Right Now singer was performing at the Lytham Proms Festival Weekend near Blackpool, Lancashire on Sunday night, and teamed her novel new hairstyle with a crop top and baggy leather trousers and a large gold belt, seemingly channelling boxer chic.

Boxing Clever

The 22 year old is known for her ever-changing look, and so it’s unlikely that her hair will remain in braids for long. However, if she becomes fond of the tightly pulled hairstyle, she should be aware of the risks that come with it, namely hair loss from traction alopecia.

Traction alopecia occurs when undue pressure is put on the hair follicle, pulling on the root. The result of this, over an extended period of time, can be hair loss. as hairs are pulled out and the follicles damaged. Ceasing to wear the hair in tight styles and not using hair extensions is the first step towards stopping the damage, but sometimes hair will not grow back by itself and needs treatment.

Belgravia have found that a high strength minoxidil cream can achieve great regrowth results for people with damage from traction alopecia. Minoxidil is a topical hair loss medication that has been licensed by the MHRA and approved by the FDA, and is applied twice a day in a matter of seconds.

Whilst the exact mechanism that makes minoxidil so effective as a hair loss treatment is still unclear, the fact is that it has achieved great results for many thousands of men and women at Belgravia, just take a look at the before and during treatment photographs on our success story blog.

Hair Loss from Braiding or Extensions?

At Belgravia, an initial free consultation will determine whether your traction alopecia is treatable, and realistically what results might be expected. The best minoxidil formulation is then decided upon by your dedicated hair loss specialist, in terms of both the strength and the added ingredients.

Alongside minoxidil, a truly comprehensive treatment plan contains a variety of hair growth boosters such as the HairMax LaserComb, which can speed up the regrowth, and Hair Vitalics, Belgravia’s specially formulated nutritional supplement that helps keep hair healthy and looking great.

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The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. We offer clinically proven treatments for hair loss, as part of comprehensive treatment programmes offered by our hair loss specialists. Our in-house pharmacies produce high-strength medications for hair loss that contain medically proven ingredients and are available at no other clinic worldwide. Treatment programmes are available by visiting the centres or for home-use, anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our hair loss success stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of hair regrowth that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 0800 077 6666 for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

A man who invented the cooling cap, which can be used by cancer patients to help prevent hair loss from cancer treatment, has made a list of six inspiring people that Michael Hayman, the co-founder of StartUp Britain, has credited with “changing lives”.

Glenn Paxman was inspired both by his father Eric, who created the beer cooler, and his wife Susie, who sadly passed away from cancer at the age of just 34. Seeing how devastated Susie was when she lost her hair during chemotherapy, Glenn went about finding a way to prevent other women having to go through the same ordeal when tackling their illness.

An Inspirational Invention

True to his word, the first prototype of the cooling cap was made available at the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary in 1997, and Paxman Coolers, Glenn’s company, was formed in 1998.

Based on the fact that 8 per cent of women with cancer reject chemotherapy because they don’t want to lose their hair, Glenn’s innovation could be said to be lifesaving, as well as a welcome relief for many women concerned about hair loss.

Around 70 per cent of patients who use Paxman’s systems do not need a wig, and Paxman has helped many thousands of cancer sufferers in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America. He is now expanding the business into the North American and Japanese markets.

Hair Loss from Cancer Treatment

Hair loss from cancer treatment cannot be treated using a medically-based hair loss treatment plan. However, this type of hair loss should always be temporary, and hair should begin to regrow in the months following the end of the treatment.

For women whose hair has failed to regrow to its previous thickness, it may be that the onset of female pattern hair loss has been triggered by the illness or its treatment, or has coincided with the hair loss from cancer treatment.

Hair loss in women that is due to genetics can be treated with minoxidil, a topical treatment that is best used as part of a hair loss treatment plan that contains a variety of treatment boosters to ensure overall hair health. Regular clinical monitoring also ensures that treatment is progressing well, and Belgravia clients often find that where hair loss is particularly stubborn, a recommended high strength minoxidil product available from the range at our in-clinic pharmacies can help.

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The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert or complete our Online Consultation Form from anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our Hair Loss Success Stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of success that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 020 7730 6666 any time for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

She’s known for her love of extensions, and has favoured a blonde look in recent years, and was often pictured in wigs and weaves earlier in her career, but mega-star Beyoncé has ditched her long locks in favour of a pixie crop. As she surprised her fans by posting images of her new super-short style on her Instagram, people wondered why the singer had gone for the chop.

Perhaps she was inspired by fellow popstar Rihanna, who also debuted a short style this week, but there’s also a number of other reasons Beyoncé may have felt it necessary to stop wearing her hair long. First off, it may be that years of dyeing it, particularly bleaching, has damaged her tresses.

Pixie Perfection

For those worried about hair loss, dyeing hair should not result in permanent damage, and the new hair the grows after the dyeing process should be healthy and normal. A rare exception would be when chemical burns or allergies occur on the scalp as a result of hair dye, though these can be avoided by careful use of home dye kits (be aware of the timing) and using the patch test technique before applying the dye.

There is, however, forms of hair styling that can cause permanent damage to the hair, and which Beyoncé has been known to favour in the past. Tight braids or ponytails and other forms of ‘up-dos’ along with weaves and hair extensions/wigs can all cause a condition called traction alopecia.

Traction alopecia occurs when undue pressure is  placed upon the hair follicles on account of extra weight or tension being applied. Styles that apply constant pressure or a large amount of weight, such as corn-rows or clip-in extensions may be worse than individually attached extensions, but there is no entirely safe way to wear any of the potential traction alopecia-causing styles.

Queen Bey’s Good Hair Day

When hair loss from traction alopecia occurs, it’s important to cease using the hairstyling techniques or additions that caused it. When this is done, hair should grow back by itself, however if styling techniques are used over a relatively long period of time, this form of hair loss in women may require treatment to regrow.

For traction alopecia, Belgravia have found that their high strength minoxidil cream has proven particularly effective at treating traction alopecia. Minoxidil is a topical treatment that works by stimulating new hair regrowth, and is applied twice a day in a matter of seconds.

Minoxidil is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive hair loss treatment plan that contains a variety of hair growth boosters, which help to maintain and improve the condition of hair, from the FDA cleared LaserComb to the nutritional supplement Hair Vitalics.

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. We offer clinically proven treatments for hair loss, as part of comprehensive treatment programmes offered by our hair loss specialists. Our in-house pharmacies produce high-strength medications for hair loss that contain medically proven ingredients and are available at no other clinic worldwide. Treatment programmes are available by visiting the centres or for home-use, anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our hair loss success stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of hair regrowth that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 0800 077 6666 for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.

Diet drinks have already been linked with hair loss, however new research shows that these popular products may also cause weight gain.

Study findings show weight gain

Whilst previous research has linked additives in sugar-free diet drinks with hair loss, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that trial participants who consumed diet drinks, gained almost triple the abdominal fat than those who did not consume diet soda.

The study analysed data from 749 people over a 9 year period. Participants recorded how many cans they drank per day, every two years, stating if these were diet or regular varieties.

Those who did not drink diet soda gained approximately 0.8 inches around their middles. In comparison, those who drank sugar-free alternatives on a daily basis gained 3.2 inches, while occasional drinkers gained 1.8 inches.

Diet drinks and hair loss

Other studies have recorded an increase in appetite from diet drinks, which may lead to excessive calorie intake. In turn, this can lead to an increase in body weight and even obesity, which can cause issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and hair loss conditions.

The most common reason for shedding due to dietary issues is Telogen Effluvium. This condition temporarily shuts down hair production, causing shedding, and thinning hair.

Common dietary issues surrounding diet drinks and hair loss relate to the following, all of which can trigger diffuse thinning from Telogen Effluvium:

Aspartame, the key ingredient in diet foods and drinks, although regulated by the FDA, has a number of listed side effects. These include brain tumours, bloating and depression as well as an elevated appetite, weight gain and increased belly fat.

Caffeine, another ingredient associated with diet drinks, when consumed in large amounts can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially in vitamin B, zinc and potassium. It can also place undue stress on the body from the release of adrenaline, resulting in a number of health issues, including Telogen Effluvium.

Zinc is important for normal hair growth, and a deficiency can weaken hair follicles.

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use glucose (blood sugar) properly. This can put the body under large amounts of strain, disrupting the hair growth cycle.

Natural is key

Many of us consume diet products in an attempt to lose extra pounds. However, the most effective way to keep your hair healthy and weight stable is to eat a balanced diet full of natural whole foods, avoiding artificial additives that add little or no nutritional value to your diet.

Senior Belgravia hair loss specialist, Leonora Doclis advises “Although sweeteners may not directly cause hair loss, they can trigger other conditions that can lead to hair loss. Cutting down or eliminating additives found in diet drinks is recommended. Unless advised for medical reasons, you are better off including natural alternatives in your diet.”

A daily dietary supplement, such as Hair Vitalics, may help you to ensure your scalp receives the necessary nutrients for healthy hair growth. Also, whilst the condition should clear up naturally within six months, assuming the underlying cause is dealt with first, treatment for Telogen Effluvium can help to speed up regrowth. A hair loss professional will be able to provide a diagnosis, establish any underlying dietary concerns and provide advice on how best to deal with these issues.

The Belgravia Centre—————————————————————————————————–

The Belgravia Centre is the leader in hair loss treatment in the UK, with two clinics based in Central London. If you are worried about hair loss you can arrange a free consultation with a hair loss expert or complete our Online Consultation Form from anywhere in the UK or the rest of the world. View our Hair Loss Success Stories, which are the largest collection of such success stories in the world and demonstrate the levels of success that so many of Belgravia’s patients achieve. You can also phone 020 7730 6666 any time for our hair loss helpline or to arrange a free consultation.