Dermatologist vs. Hair Loss Practitioner

Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in over 3000 conditions and disorders involving skin, hair, and nails. Skin is quite a complex organ, and beyond what we can see with the naked eye, there is much that happens beneath the surface. Dermatologist goes to school for 12 plus years to study all of the in's and outs of the Dermis and epidermis ( scientific word skin). One might visit a dermatologist if they are experiencing unusual symptoms or growths from the skin that causes discomfort, pain, and in some cases, disease such as skin cancers that can cause death.

Hair Loss Practitioners are not doctors but experts who understand the science of hair and its causes to grow or fall. As a dermatologist, hair loss practitioners work closely with people suffering from hair loss to treat and or curing the unusual hair fall. Unlike dermatologists who are doctors, hair loss practitioners cannot prescribe any topical or oral medications but are certified to use topical products designed to promote hair growth and fight hair loss. Hair loss practitioners should be a licensed cosmetologist with advanced training from an accredited program that provides certifications. The certifications ensure that there is a national board that recognizes and approves of the program.

Let's imagine for a moment that one is suffering from hair loss due to nutrient deficiencies. The best way to determine if that is the possible cause of the hair fall, a dermatologist may have to order blood work to diagnose what is happening internally. One should consider consulting with a hair loss practitioner, who should also be a licensed cosmetologist. The hair loss practitioner will ensure that the correct products and tools are being used systematically and routinely to further promote hair growth according to hair condition, type, density, porosity elasticity, etc.

If you are under the care of a dermatologist for hair growth, having a certified/licensed hair loss practitioner as your hair care professional would be a plus. Having this dynamic duo would help ensure hair regrowth success. Ensuring that the internal body is healthy ensures that what the body produces externally will be healthy also. Remember, it's not enough to see one, especially if you do not see favorable or constant results. Hair loss can be one of those things that some battle for a short time or a lifetime; however, once it is stopped, it can be easily maintained. There may come a time while under the care of a dermatologist, the treatment's evasiveness or aggressiveness is no longer needed. That is when your Hair loss practitioner will maintain your hair growth and keep it healthy and stylish. Remember, healthy hair is always trending at Blown Away Hair Salon & Hair Restoration studio. For more information or to schedule a healthy hair check-up, visit us at www.hairrestorationva.com

#hairloss #haircare #hairgrowth

Let’s Talk About Alopecia

Hair loss sufferers are commonly diagnosed with a condition called ALOPECIA. Most times, when diagnosed with this condition, sufferers don’t know what the term means. They understand that it is the common term used to define hair loss, but for most, that is not enough. The term is very vague and often offers no resolve or insight into what’s going on. The purpose of this post is to offer a better understanding of the condition.

Let me began with Alopecia Areata. This type of Alopecia can be best defined as patchy hair loss. Bald spots are commonly found all over the head in small patches. This type of Alopecia or hair loss is on set by stress. This type of Alopecia does not just affect the hair on your head. It can affect the hair on your whole body. Although there are other causes for Areata Alopecia, this type of hair loss is treatable, not excluding medical reasons. If gone untreated, it can result in Alopecia Totalis.

Alopecia Totalis can be best defined as complete and TOTAL hair loss of the head. The progression of this hair loss can be fast or slow. This type of Alopecia is treatable. Alopecia Universalis can be defined as hair loss over the entire body, including the eyebrows and lashes. This form of Alopecia is rare but treatable (Blown Away Salon & Hair restoration Studio, deals mainly with the head).

Alopecia Barbe or hair loss of the beard is a real thing! Men who suffer from hair loss, mostly genetic, can lose the hair in their beards. Most men would rather have this happen versus losing the hair on their heads. Either way, this type of Alopecia is treatable.

The most common and familiar type of Alopecia is androgenic. This Alopecia causes miniaturization of the hair strand, which we commonly call hair thinning. Thinning or loss of density is commonly recognized by receding in the hairline, temple, and the hair loss in the crown. This type of hair loss is treatable.

Postpartum Alopecia is more common than people know. It often occurs times after women give birth. It is a mild condition of hair loss for some women, and for some, it is severe and extremely noticeable. Often after hormones shift and re-adjust, hair loss stops, hair growth reoccurs and continues as normal.

Traction Alopecia, unfortunately, is more common than not. This type of hair loss occurs when constantly wearing your hair in really tight styles like braids, weaves, improper wig fitting, etc., causes hair loss. Traction Alopecia can be treated but will turn into permanent hair loss if gone untreated more often than not.

Cicatricial Alopecia or Scarring Alopecia is rare but occurs when hair follicles are destroyed or inflamed. While healing, the follicle is replaced by scar tissue under the follicle, destroying it and the sebaceous glands. Cicatricial Alopecia or Scarring Alopecia is caused by improper use of chemicals and burning of the scalp with products such as lightener, relaxers, keratin, color, perms, etc. I often see Cicatricial Alopecia or Scarring Alopecia in clients who care for their hair at home with products purchased from non-professional sites or stores. These types of Alopecia are nonreversible and untreatable.

Alopecia is the broad term used to describe hair loss. Although difficult to deal with in most cases, it is very treatable. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from Alopecia in any form, early prevention with treatment produces the best results. Book your consultation today.

What Is Hair Loss?

The loss of anything can be scary, emotional, confusing, and in most cases, so hurtful that it becomes incapacitating. Hair loss is no different! I have experienced and battled medical hair loss, and I am very familiar with all of the feelings and fears associated with hair loss.

The best way hair loss (alopecia) can be defined is: abnormal or excessive shedding or falling of hair that exceeds 50 to 100 strands daily. Over 20 million Americans suffer from hair loss. The permanent loss of hair can begin as early as age 20 and in some cases as young as adolescence. The most common type of hair loss is heredity; however, it is not the only cause.

As styling options and beauty services frequently change, hair loss is becoming more prevalent than ever. Many people who once visited salons regularly are caring for their hair at home. In some cases having friends and or unlicensed professionals provides styling services that have adverse effects on the health of the hair and scalp.

What many do not realize is there is a science attached to hair health and growth. The human body's anatomy and physiology in which the hair is an appendage can be quite complicated. The complication occurs when one cannot connect the theoretical science of skin, hair health, and practicality of styling hair, resulting in hair loss.

Being a licensed professional for over 23 years, I have seen home hairstyling end horrifically in that the hair loss becomes permanent. Poor hair and scalp health, chemical damage, excessive pulling, overly tight braids, improper extension, and wig installs are a few examples of self-inflicted alopecia.

How do I know if I am suffering from hair loss? If you have been asking yourself that question, it may be time for you to see a hair care professional. Common symptoms of people suffering from hair loss may include, but not limited to:

• Excessive hair strands on the pillow

• Excessive hair strands on collars of clothing

• Excessive shedding with or without combing or brushing

• Extra hair in the drain, during, after, or without shampooing

• Noticeable thinning, especially in the temples and crown (top) of head

• Loss of elasticity (hair easily breaks or stretches like a band and break)

• Receding hairlines

• Widening of parts (especially on women)

Hair loss (alopecia) can be treated, especially with early detection. Hair loss can be very hard to deal with, but ignoring it will not make it go away; unfortunately, in most cases, it only gets worst. If you need help determining if you are suffering from hair loss, Book a preventative hair loss consultation for an up-close, in-person analysis of your hair health.

www.hairrestorationva.com

#hairloss #haircare #hairgrowth