Hair shedding can be normal but depending on the amount of hair shedding may determine whether or not you are experiencing genetic hair loss. 

Hair goes through a growth cycle in 3 distinct phases.

The Anagen Phase:  (The Growing Phase).  This is where the hair is actively growing from it’s hair follicle.  Typically, this phase lasts for several years without changing.  Next is the catagen phase.

The Catagen Phase:  (Intermediate or Resting Phase).  This is where the hair follicle stops producing hair for a period of about 2-4 weeks as its getting ready to shed (the telogen phase).

The Telogen Phase:  (The Shedding Phase).  The previous hair sheds with the onset of new hair that is growing underneath the surface of the skin from the hair follicle.  The new hair growing is in the Anagen phase which leads to a repeat of the hair growth cycle.  For those who are considering or have recnelty undergone a hair transplant, this is why the transplanted hairs will shed for 3-5 months before growing again.  However, with hair transplantation - it’s a bit different as the hair follicle rests in catagen for awhile before anagen begins.

In the hair growth cycle, it is normal to shed between 50-100 hairs a day as hair follicles go through the above. 

Whereas the above hair growth cycle is normal, here are a few signs that you may be losing hair:

1.      Excessive Shedding:  Seeing more than 50-100 hairs a day could be an indication that you are losing your hair.  Note: certain medications (especially hair loss medications like Propecia and Rogaine) also may cause this and may not be an absolute sign of hair loss.

1. Hair Changes Appearance:  If your hairline is receeding or you notice areas of thinning hair (change in hair thickness or color), this may be a sign of hair loss. 

For those who are experiencing Androgenetic Alopecia (genetic hair loss), the hair growth cycle for those hairs that are genetically predisposed to DHT (the hormone responsible for hair loss) speeds up, lessening the time of the Anagen or growth phase.  These genetically predisposed hairs will continue to grow for awhile, but after each cycle, will appear smaller and finer, containing less pigment - until eventually the hair eventually dies.

Something I found on the internet today that i think proves so true…..

Dr William Rassman who is a well respected hair transplant surgeon claims that the importance of a good head of hair shouldn’t be underestimated especially in this current economic climate. He explained that with job markets becoming more competitive, having the edge other candidates for jobs could make all the difference.

He said that the job market place has been shown to favour men who have a full head of hair over those who are bald. He also explained that having a full head of hair can also enhance the confidence of a man which in turn helps him in his career to achieve his goals. Dr Rassman also noted that having good hair was extremely important for certain jobs such as going into politics and that there had not been a bald president of America since Eisenhower and that both Clinton and Obama were helped by having plenty of hair.

Other jobs where having hair was essential were those in the performing arts where appearance was almost everything. He explained that many people were put off by hair restoration surgery because it could cost a lot of money however when this was considered as part of the cost of getting a good job it did not seem to be so much.

 As we gather with friends and family over this holiday season, don’t be too shocked when hearing comments on how so and so’s hair is thinning, or that bald spot in the back is getting a little larger. You might even be a victim as well.  Nothing too scathing, but enough where you might find yourself in the bathroom trying to comb yourhair to best conceal the balding areas. Well not this year.  As with my family, my friends are now aware of what I have been up too the last few months.  I have shown them all, what they thought was impossible is very much a reality.  I love going to the Christmas parties this year.  Everyone has commented on the new growth in the front, and have even pulled up old pictures of me on their computers just to confirm what their eyes are seeing. 

The new year is approaching and I can’t emphaize enough to put “do something about my hair loss” at the top of the resolution list.

More pictures to come from the 5 month marker.

How many men and women would like to have hair for christmas?  I for one will have my hair for christmas.  It has been just about 4 months now and my hair has really started to come in.  I have been searching the web for other transplants photos with people that are at approximatly the same time frame as myself, and so far I think I have exceeded the standards for growth.  This is do to the use of LLLT. (Low Level Light Therapy)

Here are some more photos of the scar and some close ups of the new transplanted hair.

3 months to the day

Well, I have finally hit the 3^rd month of my very own hair transplant from PAI Medical!  The last month has been just amazing.  The laser hair therapy has improved my hair growth overall and especially in the transplanted section in leaps and bounds.  I constantly get comments on how much hair has come in and that the staff at the clinic have not seen such an incredible result like mine in a patient at the 3 month stage.

I feel a lot more confidence now that my hair loss issue has been solved. My existing hair has become fuller and healthier in the crown area. Once again, this is an indication that the laser hair therapy is doing what it is supposed to do not only for my transplanted hair but also for my existing hair. I can’t wait to show it all off during the upcoming holidays!

A consult with a woman today inspired me to write this blog today. Due to an old accident, she suffers from hair loss on a spot on her head that has not had any hair growth for the last 10 years.  She loves swimming and has not been comfortable going to the pool since the accident. After years of discussing how to solve her issue with her husband, she searched our website and felt that it was finally time.  I shared with her some pictures of women that have had transplants done, and informed her about the benefits of laser hair therapy too.  I explained how both procedures work and performed a hair analysis so that we can get an accurate assessment of the current state of her hair. We will do a follow-up hair analysis after 6 months of her laser hair program. She is scheduled for a July 2009 hair transplant. It was so exhilarating to plan a proactive roadmap to solve the issue that has been niggling at her for so many years and feeling her satisfaction and anticipation, that I ended my day on that high note! 

Just this week I have had consultations with people ranging from a 26 year old new graduate to a man in his 60’s, looking forward to retirement.  The 26 year old has been thinning since his early 20’s due to intense stress from school studies coupled with male-pattern baldness running rampant in his family.  He expressed concern about finding a job, and that due to his hair loss he actually started to feel older because he looked older,..  Our 1^st consultation lasted about an hour, we discussed hairlines, density, and the usual characteristics of male pattern baldness, including options that are available to strengthen and keep his current hair.  After much discussion, we laid out a plan. He will undergo a PAI Laser Hair Therapy Program, where he will be initially coming into the clinic 3 times per week for 20 minute sessions. This will strengthen both his existing hair and the area where he will be receiving new transplanted hair.  His procedure is scheduled for January 2009 and we are planning to transplant between 6000-7000 hairs in one session. Combined with the laser hair program, he is very excited to get things started.

I am back from my training and have learned so much about the causes of hair loss and other scalp problems and the treatments available to those who experience these problems. I have started to meet potential clients under the supervision of our other experienced counselors and have decided to dedicate this blog to hair loss sufferers and also to let people know that they are not alone, that there are solutions, that it is a very solvable problem that can be addressed easily and effectively. As the weeks go on I will be posting both updates on my progress but also on some of the patients that I counsel. This is the most exciting part of the process. This blog is to help others identify themselves with other people that suffer from hair loss. If you have any questions, or concerns please don’t hesitate to leave me a message, and I will strive to answer you as soon as possible. Happy trails as I ride to uncover the myths, the truth and the simplicity of solutions about hair loss!