Category: News

Qu. It’s fall and I’m noticing more hair loss, is this normal?With the falling of leaves from the trees, many people think losing more scalp hair is normal at this time of the year. There’s only been a little research done on what is known as ‘seasonal hair fall’, and the results have been inconclusive. Therefore, I suggest you ask yourself the following: “Do I have extra hair loss at this time of the year every year?”. If the answer is yes, then you probably have seasonal hair loss and it could be normal for you; however, if the answer is no, or the hair loss is more excessive than usual, then it may be due to other reasons and I would suggest you visit a specialist for advice.Qu. Why do I get more scalp itching and dandruff in the fall?
This is a very common problem and is often due to weather changes. During the fall the temperature and humidity decrease causing the scalp to lose moisture. This can lead to an increase in scalp flaking and irritation. Sometimes there is also a little flaking and redness long the hair line and in the eyebrows. People with an oily scalp are actually more likely to have this problem. I suggest washing your hair every day to remove the dandruff build up and to keep the scalp clean so reducing the itchiness. Also, turn your humidifier on at home, especially at night, to help put more moisture in the air.

Qu. My hair, which is wavy all summer, goes limp in the fall, why?

Again, it’s because of the change in humidity. During the summer the hair absorbs moisture from the air and, if it is naturally curly to begin with, will become wavy and have more body (unfortunately, it can also go frizzy and become dull!). When the fall comes, the humidity drops and so less moisture is available causing the hair to go limper. This problem often occurs if your hair is damaged or too dry. I suggest using a conditioner every time you wash your hair and also use a deep conditioning treatment (such as British Science Formulations® Hair Strengthener) on a regular basis to help trap the correct level of moisture in your hair and so give it more shine and body throughout the year.

Dr. David Kingsley & Associates specialize in helping people with autumn hair and scalp problems.

 

Losing hair can not only be devastating for a person, but all the commercials you see on TV or hear on the radio can make the situation even more difficult. When people begin to notice their hair falling out, they tend to panic and not think straight. They buy anything and everything that they see advertised, with little thought to what these products do or whether they will work for their particular hair-loss condition. Then, if the product or treatment doesn’t work immediately, they will try something else until they have either exhausted all their options or spent all their money.

The bottom line to what you should do when you first notice your hair falling or thinning is to think about a strategy that makes the most sense to you and try to stick with it. Take control of your hair loss; don’t let it control you.

I have five suggestions for you to follow that may help you form a plan of action:

1. Don’t Panic!
I understand the worry that hair loss causes and the frustration that comes from trying to find the right treatment. This is why I advise you to take a step back and rationalize your condition, even though it may be hard. It is important that you don’t panic and do the wrong thing.

2. Find Out Why You Are Losing Your Hair.
Seek a specialist who seems to know what he or she is doing, and make sure you are tested for all the most common causes of hair loss, such as thyroid problems, anemia or iron deficiency (especially in women), and so forth. Even if genetic hair loss is the most obvious reason, other factors that could be contributing to your hair loss or making it worse should be explored.

Even if you find two or more causes for your hair loss, each may not be playing an equal role. For instance, it could be that 90 percent of your hair loss is genetic, while only 10 percent is say, diet. Although a specialist is unable to give exact percentages to each cause, it is still worth understanding and finding all the contributing factors, however minor they may be.

3. Treat Each of the Causes of Your Hair Loss.
Once the causes of your hair loss have been ascertained, try and correct what can be corrected, even if it only may be playing a very small role in your hair loss. For instance, taking the example I gave in the previous paragraph, if your poor diet is contributing only a small part to your hair loss, it should still be addressed. It may give you a better chance of seeing some improvement to your hair. I invariably suggest a multi-treatment approach to hair loss, as the more things you do, the faster and more likely you are to see results. Also, it makes you feel that something is being done and that you are being pro-active.

4. Be Patient Waiting for Your Treatment Regimen to Work.
This is often the most difficult thing to do, as you are losing hair and there appears no sign that the loss will stop. However, it often takes three months (sometimes up to six months) for a treatment to work. The more you change your treatment procedure before you have given it a fair chance, the more time and money you have wasted. If you are comfortable with the specialist and know that he or she has tried to find why your hair is falling out, then give that treatment program time before seeking other advice.

5. Don’t be Afraid to Wash, Color, or Style Your Hair.
The importance of cosmetically improving your hair is often understated. The bottom line for you seeking treatments for your hair loss is so that when you look in the mirror, you feel comfortable with the way your hair looks. Within reason, do whatever you need to attain this sense of well-being.

To make an appointment with Dr. David Kingsley, please call 718-698-4700 or email us using the form at the bottom of this page.

©British Science Corporation 2018

Genetic hair loss is caused by the action of male hormones (androgens) upon a genetically sensitive hair follicle. The development of genetic hair loss is associated with the shortening of the growing phase of the hair cycle and consequently with an increase in the proportion of resting hairs. Also, there is a reduction in the size of the affected follicles causing the hair on your head to become increasingly shorter and finer.

Are you likely to experience genetic hair loss? It depends on many factors. The more close family members that have genetic hair loss, the higher the percentage chance there is for you to have the condition. Also, if you have similar hair characteristics to someone in your family with hair loss (for example, color, hair type, etc.), then it may increase your chances of losing hair.

Men
For most men, the onset of genetic hair loss occurs before the age of 30, however, as they become older, the chances that they will lose hair due to genetic reasons increases proportionally. For instance, a thirty-year-old will have a 30% chance of losing hair, a forty-year-old will have a 40% chance, a fifty-year-old will have a 50% chance, and so on. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery over 35 million American men suffer genetic hair loss. In men, the hair begins to recede at the temples and/or to thin in the vertex (crown) area. Eventually, the whole frontal-crown area of the scalp can be involved.

Women
Studies indicate that genetic hair loss occurs in about 30% to 50% of women. The hair loss is typically diffuse (evenly distributed), affecting the frontal and crown areas with similar severity. Often a small band of denser hair is retained along the frontal hair line. Often, genetic hair loss in women begins around menopause.

Not all hair loss is genetic hair loss so it’s best to have a specialist check your condition before starting a treatment regimen. Genetic hair loss has been treated with minoxidil (Rogaine)–2% for women, 5% for men, scalp stimulants, laser therapy, spironolactone (women), propecia (men). A multitude of other drugs and therapies have also claimed to regrow genetic hair loss. Although no treatment has yet shown to be a 100% reliable, there is presently considerable ongoing research into finding a cure.

Dr. David Kingsley & Associates specialize in helping people with genetic hair loss. For information on setting up an appointment, please click here.

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