Hair loss affects a lot of men yearly, with a large chunk of that population consisting of aging men who are in their 50’s to 60’s.
When this happens to men around this age, we often attribute it to aging. But 20% of the total number consists of the guys who are still in their twenties to early thirties and are already losing a significant amount of hair.
Virender Sehwag is among these unfortunate individuals and had to be placed in a position where his condition is uncomfortably discussed in public.
There are a number of ways to treat this problem and it includes medications, laser, hair pieces and even the tacky comb-overs. But hair transplant is the treatment option most widely known to be an aggressive approach which is able to create a dramatic improvement.
This surgical method entails having to remove donor hairs at the back of the scalp which are then implanted to the bald or recipient area. Two known approach for removing hair donors are the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) or the strip method and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction).
Unlike the other well-publicized hair transplant of Bollywood’s Salman Khan, the one that Sehwag had is different than the popular methods used.
"You sell good when you look good", says Virender Sehwag concerning his hair transplant result in 2010. Sehwag is battling androgenetic alopecia.
For his case, DHI or Direct Hair Implantation method is used. DHI is known as the “no touch” technique which utilizes a small pen-like instrument which is able to implant hair follicles without having to resort to force or excessive handling from the surgeon. Therefore it limits the chances of follicular damage. Furthermore, it also allows the surgeon to control the placement, direction and depth of the hair grafts.
This procedure is able to create a natural-looking hairline, widow’s peak and crown swirls. It also eliminates the need for scalpels, holes and excessive pain because it is done on the topmost layer of the skin. With that only a small amount of local anesthetic is even required.
Today Virender Sehwag is most definitely impressed with his hair transplant results. This can also be evidenced by the improvement of his facial profile.
However this procedure can cost you more than the usual FUT and FUE method of hair transplantation. If budget is a concern but quality is top priority, the usual procedures are just as good when creating a natural-looking outcome. The secret here is that whether if it is FUT, FUE or DHI, it is best to choose a certified and highly skilled hair transplant surgeon.
Like Virender Sehwag, you can have a successful hair transplant of your own when you trust the right people to do it. Photo credit: public.resource.org via Small Kitchen / CC BY
One of Bollywood’s biggest actor and bad boy, Salman Khan was one of the few celebrities who are open about his battle with hair loss and his hair transplant.
As a person whose career is hinged largely on his looks, he certainly used the aggressive approach to relieve the problem. And today, his results became one of those that people look on to as a perfect example of a successful hair transplant.
Hair loss is a condition that is suffered by men, usually those who are aging. But unfortunately for 20% of these men, experience hair loss during their twenties. Salman Khan who is still in his early thirties was already showing signs of a receding hair line. And for someone who had a good volume of hair and whose image was defined by it, a hair transplant is a good option.
Compared to other treatments, hair transplant is considered to be the best viable choice because it gives good coverage and permanent results.
Unfortunately not all hair transplant services result to success, and Khan found this out in his first procedure back in 2003. He had another work done in Dubai back in 2007 to correct the botched results. It was said that it was an American doctor who performed the procedure, but no name was revealed to the public.
To Khan’s advantage, the results were highly favorable as evidenced by the excellent hair coverage. But what approach was used on Salman Khan?
As a public figure, it is important that the outcome provided good aesthetic results. This means that as much as possible it should be natural-looking and free from scars. That is why he opted for FUE or the Follicular Unit Extraction technique.
In hair transplant there are two approaches used to remove the follicular units or the donor hair grafts, and these are FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant) and FUE. FUT is the traditional technique which removes a strip of the scalp containing the hair grafts. Each donor graft is then extracted by hair technicians using a high-powered microscope before it is implanted back to the head.
But the major drawback with FUT is that it causes a large scar at the back of the head, which is exactly what Khan was most certain to avoid. This led him to choose the more lengthy and expensive but aesthetically pleasing FUE.
FUE was developed in order to answer to the aesthetic drawback with FUT. Using a special tool; individual grafts are removed using a punch technique. As a result this leads to less detectable scars that also heal faster.
Reports claim that Khan’s donor grafts were taken from his body hair. This was to maintain the number of hairs in his head. And this is also possible and has been the method used by some patients. Body hair is also a viable option to treat baldness.
Some reports also claimed that due to the scarcity of donor hairs, some synthetic hair was also used to improve volume.
Today Salman Khan graces the screen with a head full of hair and an image crisis is fully averted with a good hair transplant.
There have been speculations whether NBA’s most valuable player Lebron James joined the pool of celebrities who have gotten hair transplants. This spurred when a Nike Diamond Collection Apparel catalogue for the Holiday season came out with him sporting a much rather fuller head of hair.
James, who garnered a remarkable streak during last basketball season have impressed a lot of fans and even critics. However, no matter how much he shines on the court, he can’t veer away from the locker room jokes and comments from reporters about his receding hair line.
Has Lebron James finally had enough?
If the rumors were true, James is not the first famous athlete who had some hair transplant done. The English striker for Manchester United, Wayne Rooney was also candid about his surgical hair restoration procedure. At the ripe age of 26 Rooney’s battle with hair loss have also been catching media attention. James, who is now 27, is also observed to have a slowly progressing hair loss, which he conveniently conceals with a headband while on the court.
But some have started to suspect that his hair loss could be progressing as he was seen wearing two headbands during games. Unfortunately for him, he cannot wear it off the court without looking silly, leaving him with no choice but to brazenly sport his receding hairline. With a 14 million dollar paycheck, it comes as no surprise if he had some work done.
People are suspecting that he had the work done a little over two months ago, which is why we should be expecting the headband to go down a bit more to conceal those growing hair plugs. But we’ll just have to wait and see soon.
Hair loss and men in their 20's
The number of men who are starting to lose hair in their twenties is increasing every year. Back in the day, we only equate this with aging but we see younger males experiencing receding hairlines. Genetic predisposition, diet, stress, medications, and lifestyle are the factors that could be shifting the demographic affected to those who are much younger.
There are different ways to manage hair loss, from medications, laser treatment and the more invasive and expensive hair transplant surgery. Surgical hair restoration seems to be the best resort, but some bow out of it because of its hefty price tag.
These are well suited for those, like Lebron James who have more than enough to cash out on a very good procedure. But if you have the means and determined to get the kind of coverage a hair transplant is able to produce, the first important step is to find you a certified and reputable hair transplant surgeon. You could end up with something like Wayne Rooney’s impressively natural-looking results.
Another ingenious method to conceal the hair loss problem is to shave it off. Studies even show that those with shaved heads are considered to be appear more dominant, masculine, taller, and strong and even exuding leadership potential. This is much more preferable compared to the ingenious comb over and less appealing toupees.
Hair restoration surgery has long been proven to be a viable option for male pattern baldness. Not only does it help restore hair coverage, but it also helps augment a man’s confidence. However, hair transplant scars that may occur after the surgery is one of the issues that patients face.
Fortunately, new developments available today provide a lot of ways to treat the problem. It is important for men who underwent hair transplant surgery to manage the scars properly.
Some might not want others to know that they had something done, while others simply want to have a clean cut look when wearing their hair short. The degree of scarring in a hair transplant will depend on two factors that are controllable and uncontrollable.
First is the manner on which the doctor creates and closes the scar. The location should neither be too high or too low, and it should be closed properly using the right technique. An uncontrollable factor in scar formation is the patient’s genetic healing capacity.
Some may heal better than others, showing a very thin and faint scar that is barely visible. Some, on the other hand, may tend to have thicker and wider scars. In the recipient area the scar formation can be evident around the grafts. These can be in the form of bumps or dents, but these are not as visible as the linear scar at the donor site.
Scar Treatment Options
The easiest and cheapest way to manage a hair transplant scar is to grow the hair longer. For the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) technique in particular, the linear scar over the donor area at the back of the head can be visible. But with longer locks, this can be concealed easily. However, not all men who underwent hair transplant would go for longer hair, which is why experts look for other possible options.
One way to conceal hair transplant scarring is to use a concealer. It comes in different colors so patients can match based on the surrounding the skin. It has to be applied every day because this is only a temporary method, and it can last until your next shower sometimes even shorter. Brands such as DermMatch and ProTHIK are the ones most patients swear by.
DermMatch is prepared as a compacted powder concealer, while ProTHIK is more known to have superior water resistant and rub-resistant capabilities. The problem with concealers is that not everyone is keen on taking the time to apply it every day, and even several times daily for some. Micro hair tattooing (MHT) is also another way to hide hair transplant scars.
Compared to concealers, this is a more permanent solution. The tattoo is made over the scars to cover it up, and it is made to look as close as possible to the person’s natural hair color. The cosmetic tattoo artist will use several needles of varying sizes and different pigmentation to create a realistic effect. There are companies who develop their own brand of scalp pigmentation inks to perfectly camouflage the scar tissue. It recognizes the tough nature of a scar tissue making it less sensitive in receiving pigmentation or even retains it.
A particular service such as Good Look Ink Scalp Micro Pigmentation first provides a pre-treatment procedure before the actual tattoo is applied. It makes the scar retain the ink better because the process induces the natural production of collagen beneath scarred area. It makes it more vascularized causing the tissue to be healthy and for the ink to stay better.
The company also claims that the pre-treatment method can break down the scar tissue which causes the collagen fibers to realign and stimulate the production of melanin. As a result, both color and texture of the scar is improved allowing the tattoo to match the surrounding scalp more closely.
The Dermaroller is also a possible solution for hair transplant scars that is being observed lately. Even though it is primarily intended for acne scars treatment, stretch mark reduction, and anti-aging purposes, there are some patients who use it for hair transplant scars.
The Dermroller is a roller that is lined with needles which you roll over your skin in order to stimulate collagen production in the area. There is no definitive answer yet on whether it can help with the strip scar in a hair transplant, but some clinics are saying that they see no reason not to try it for this specific purpose.
However, there are some patients who share their positive experience with Dermroller because this product can actually be used at home. In forums they supported their claims with photos saying that the appearance of the strip scar has improved.
Another treatment that is also used on surgical scars is Fraxel. It is a non-invasive fractional laser treatment that is used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, sun spots, acne and melasma. It is believed by some clinics as a viable option for hair transplant scars because it works for any skin color without targeting melanin (the substance that causes the skin to darken). It works great for scars that are either flattened or elevated.
For some instead of just covering it up, they just want to get rid of the problem entirely, that is why they opt for scar revision surgery. In this procedure, the scar is removed and the scalp is pulled back together. There will still be some scarring but it will be much smaller than the original. The downside to this surgery is that as the person ages and the scalp loses its elasticity there is a good chance that the scar can widen, making it visible again.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is also another method of concealing hair transplant scars. It can be rather costly since you basically have to go under another hair transplant surgery. This time, the donor grafts are taken from the beard or chest hair and then implanted on the scar. Those with a high hair density in other areas of the body are considered to be the best candidates for this treatment.
Trycophitic Closure Technique Before your hair transplant surgery, discuss hair transplant scar treatments available to your surgeon. Your hair transplant surgeon can help minimize scarring by using a certain closure technique. Most surgeons use the trycophitic closure technique (TCT). Through the TCT the scars can be concealed well because the hairs can grow right through them.
So you think that you are doing everything you can to keep your hair as healthy as possible. But why is it that it doesn't seem to grow the way you hope it to be? This often boils down to two factors, and these are the hair care techniques and the products that you use. But let us go to five specific reasons that hamper healthy hair growth. Hormones Did you know that you are also producing some amounts of male hormones? In addition to estrogen, your body also produces testosterone. The outcome of hair growth depends on the critical balance between these two hormones. Estrogen is the hormone that aids in the growth process, and even elongates the growth cycle when a woman enters pregnancy. When a woman has higher levels of testosterone in the body it can cause the hair to become thin and eventually shed, however it tends to grow thicker in areas such as the chin and the chest. So if you notice that your hair is starting to get thin and shed in excessive amounts, it might be a sign that you should get your hormone levels checked. Supplement overkill? Taking supplements gives a boost to the health. The good thing about this is that they are easily available giving everyone the chance at optimum body function. However, a lot of people self-prescribe which lead to large doses of the nutrients. Too much of the good thing may actually be no longer beneficial for the body, and one side effect of this is hair loss. If you think that you are falling short on some vitamins or minerals, it pays to get yourself checked by your doctor so that you can be prescribed with a blood workup. Eating disorders Your diet is one of the very things that you have to assess when you start to notice hair fall. If you are suffering from certain eating disorders, it also follows that hair can eventually suffer. For instance forgoing a lot of foods particularly those rich in protein can make the hair prone to breakage, slow growth and even hair loss. If you sense that you have an eating disorder, it is best for you to seek counseling. The physical symptoms will also start to improve once the root cause of the problem is also resolved. Low Iron Levels A very important mineral for hair growth is iron, and when you have low levels of these there is a tendency for you to lose hair excessively. A blood workup can check your iron levels, and results can tell you if you need iron supplementation. However, it doesn’t always follow that low iron levels can lead to hair loss. Some individuals don’t necessarily go through with this. If iron is an issue when it comes to your overall health, it is best for you to consult your doctor. Although it has a handful of benefits, iron is something that you also should not take in excess. Thyroid heath The hormones that your thyroid produce affects the growth and health of your hair, that is why if you have an under active thyroid, you would notice your hair that grows slower and sheds faster. Experts suggest that supplementation using synthetic hormones can help regain balance which also restores the normal growth phase of the hair. Again a blood workup is needed to check for thyroid function. Medications or supplements can be taken to reverse or halt any process of hair loss that could occur.
In a recent report by Fox News men are pining for more masculine features making it the latest trend for male cosmetic surgery for 2013. Gone are the days where the guys go for rounded chins and pert noses similar to that of Zac Efron or Leonardo Di Caprio.
Today, ethnic features are in particularly those with the likes of Daniel Craig, Jon Hamm or Michael Fassbender. According to Dr. Steven Teitelbaum, who is an associate professor of plastic surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine, “There’s less of a desire now for conventionally beautiful white-bread face. People are embracing strong features like ethnic, non-traditional noses.”
With these demands, people are opting for combination procedures that complement each other such as chin implants and nose surgery. Along with the square and defined jaws, it would indeed look better with a nose that would suit it perfectly for an overall improved result.
But one concern that men have is fitting these procedures into their tight schedules. With everything being so hectic they want something that would give them faster results.
Experts address this problem through smaller instruments which create finer incisions that also heal faster. Adding to that procedure such as micro-liposuction can help define the jawline which is often a problem area, particularly for those men in their thirties.
This is because of sun exposure and excess fat. With just mild sedation and half an hour of surgery with no sutures, one can already get the sculpting that they want with only very minimal bruising. Other options which are non-invasive in nature include Ultherapy.
This is known to be a non-invasive treatment which requires ultrasound technology that provides heat to the skin. It then heats up the collagen layers stimulating the skin tissue to tighten and generate new ones as well.
Less invasive procedures are more suitable for men in their 30's, who are not yet showing significant signs of aging. They don’t have much skin laxity to address that is why they don’t require too many alterations. This also allows them to go back to work the next day.
But one concern that is raised with non-invasive cosmetic treatments is that they can be addictive. With it being so easy to get and fast to recover from, some men can find themselves hooked into it. Take for instance the human Ken doll, Justin Jedlica, who just made a total artwork out of his face by using dermal fillers which is just one of the 113 cosmetic surgeries he had.
This can make you question whether the men today have gone extremely vain.
There are a lot of factors at play as to why male cosmetic surgery cases have increased in the past year. The media is one major influence and the highly competitive nature of the workforce also pushed some of these guys to get the enhancements needed. On that note, men are also becoming more critical on looks when it comes to their female counterparts. In a recent survey, men are saying that they would like their girl to get cosmetic surgery to improve their looks.
Procedures that they would want their girlfriends had done include liposuction, breast enhancement, nose jobs and Botox.
Summer not only gives you salty skin and load of fun memories, but this season can also give you a string of hair problems. This can also be a problem to men as the very hot weather makes them vulnerable to it. The damage can be substantial with hair loss that is 3-4 times than usual, or it could be create significant shedding.
The summer can create more hair loss because this season can result to an abnormal secretion of the hormones that are responsible for hair growth. But this would also be affected by the state of your hair. For example, if your locks already have low density you are definitely more at risk for hair shedding. With the heat of the sun at its peak during the summer, one reason that could cause hair loss is dehydration.
When our system is unable to get enough water, it can leave the hair to become malnourished. Not enough water also means fewer nutrients which eventually cause the hairs to fall in excessive amounts. Another problem that most guys encounter during the season is flaky scalp due to the inflammation caused by the summer heat. If ever you start to notice flake formation the only way to combat this is to choose the right shampoo. Use one that is formulated particularly for dry hair and contains the ingredient ketoconazole.
This has an anti-yeast action since dandruff may be caused by an overreaction of the normal yeast that is found on the skin. Other ingredients that work the same way include zinc, selenium sulphide, tar, and salycilic acid. If one product does not work for you, you can shift to other brands with a different active ingredient.
But if ever the dryness and flakiness persists, it would certainly help to make an appointment with your doctor because you might already need a prescription-strength dandruff shampoo.
It is also inevitable to get exposed to too much sunlight during the summer which causes the scalp to get burnt. Men are more prone to get sunburn on their scalp because this area is often not protected. The characteristic of sunburn can come in small patches particularly in areas near the hairline, or it could affect larger areas that don’t have that much hair. You can treat sunburn to the scalp by massaging the affected area with a UV-healing shampoo which also has a cleansing action. Aloe Vera extract applied to the burnt area can also relieve the problem, but you have to make sure that it doesn't contain any alcohol.
For thinning or bald spots apply sunscreen over it with an SPF of 30 for proper protection. A spray form would be easier to apply. If the degree of sunburn already results to blisters, you can apply an antibiotic ointment to those that have ruptured and opened. This promotes immediate healing and prevents the introduction of infection.
The summer season can also bring in textural changes to the hair due to the hot temperature. You can apply petroleum base to the scalp to promote deep conditioning to the scalp. It improves blood circulation to the area and restores moisture. Those products that add extra body can also give your hair better coating making it shinier. But if your hair is too short or naturally straight you can do away with conditioners and opt for a combination shampoo/conditioner instead.
You can enjoy summer without having to worry about hair loss, you just have to learn how take care of your scalp and hair during the season. These are simple precautions which can leave you with a healthy head of hair you can enjoy for the rest of the year!
Kaelyn is a beauty, fashion and fitness blogger who maintains a very regular schedule of posting tons of cool health, fitness and lifestyle information. Her passion for her blog certainly shows through in her content. Bs sure to click through and check her out on Twitter @kaelynlimsg
