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Ever wondered why some people keep a full head of hair their entire life, while others start noticing hair loss or a receding hairline early on? This might have more to do with your genes than you realize.  Take a moment to dive into the genes behind hair loss and how our team can help you enjoy a fuller head of hair again.  A look at hair genetics Your hair is significantly influenced by the genetic material you inherit from your parents. It’s ot just the color and texture, but also how, when, and sometimes, why you might start losing it.  The gene variants associated with hair loss can be passed down from either of your parents. This makes your family history a key indicator of your hair’s fate. If several members of your family experienced hair loss, it’s worth paying attention to your hair’s health and considering early preventive measures. Early intervention can help in managing and sometimes significantly delaying the onset of genetic hair loss. For those curious about their genetic likelihood of experiencing hair loss or balding, talk to your provider about genetic testing. These advanced tests can identify specific genetic markers associated with hair loss. Being aware of your genetic predisposition helps you to make informed decisions regarding your hair’s health. It helps you to be proactive, taking part in preventive care, and thinking about treatment options that address your unique genetic makeup. Understanding androgenetic alopecia Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss both men and women can experience. Researchers believe it results from a combination of genetics and hormonal changes.  In men, this type of hair loss shows up as a receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown. Women, on the other hand, might notice a gradual thinning of hair across the entire scalp. Awareness of your family’s history of androgenetic alopecia can help you prepare for and combat potential hair loss. You can take preventive care or seek professional advice earlier rather than later. The role of hormones Genes alone don’t always explain hair loss. Your hormones also play an important role. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a form of testosterone, is often a significant player in hair loss.  Elevated levels of DHT can lead to the miniaturization of hair follicles, resulting in thinner, shorter, and more fragile hair. Both men and women produce testosterone, so both can experience the effects of DHT on hair loss.  Understanding your hormonal health, alongside your genetic profile, offers a more comprehensive look at the potential for and progression of hair loss. Managing genetic hair loss Once you know your family history and the results of any genetic and hormonal tests, you can take steps and be proactive about managing hair loss. There are some preventive measures you can take, which can help you maintain your hair.  For example, adopting a stress-minimizing lifestyle and a hair-healthy diet can help you keep your hair healthy and minimize hair loss. You might also consider using shampoos and other topical therapies designed to slow hair loss.  However, if you’re worried about hair loss, consulting with a hair restoration specialist, like Dr. Maag, is the best way to learn the most effective treatment options for you. As a physician, Dr. Maag approaches your hair loss through a medical lens.  Taking into account your family history, unique genetics, medical history, and the results of a physical exam, he develops a personalized treatment plan. If you want more information about balding and hair loss and the ways you can hold on to your hair, don’t wait to schedule a consultation online or over the phone.

Have you noticed sudden and significant hair loss, even if your family history suggests otherwise? Although the most common type of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is often inherited, other factors can contribute to hair loss.   Many of our clients are surprised to learn that diet and nutritional deficiencies can play a role in your hair woes. Keep reading as we explore the relationship between nutritional deficiencies and hair loss, plus the effective solutions our team uses to help you reclaim your locks. Hair loss and nutrition: What to watch out for Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for your overall health, so it’s no surprise that when your diet is deficient in key nutrients, the health of your hair suffers. Put another way, a healthy diet prevents deficiencies of vital vitamins and minerals and keeps your hair nourished.  Everyone’s body is different, so if you suspect your diet is playing a role in your hair loss, consult with our expert, Dr. Maag. Our team evaluates your symptoms and explores the possible role a lack of key nutrients plays in your hair loss.  While you wait for your appointment, here’s a look at some of the most common nutritional deficiencies and how they cause or worsen hair loss: Protein: The foundation of healthy hair Protein plays a vital role in overall hair health, as your hair structure consists predominantly of this essential macronutrient. However, excessive or inadequate protein intake can lead to hair-related issues.  Most of people consume more than two times the recommended daily amount of protein, so it’s unlikely you’re deficient in this nutrient. Excessive protein intake, however, can result in a biotin deficiency, causing hair loss.  Minerals: The building blocks of strong hair The minerals iron, zinc, and selenium are crucial for maintaining healthy hair. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which can mean your hair follicles don’t get the nutrients they need, and your hair growth cycle gets disrupted.  Moreover, selenium deficiencies impact scalp and hair follicle health, while insufficient zinc levels can contribute to acute and chronic hair loss. Incorporating foods like nuts, lentils, and dark leafy greens can help maintain the right mineral levels and support your hair health. Vitamins: Hair growth boosters Maintaining the right balance of vitamins is essential for healthy hair growth. Imbalances can trigger or worsen hair loss. Excessive vitamin A intake, for instance, can disrupt the hair growth cycle and result in sudden hair loss.  On the other hand, vitamin B7 (biotin) deficiency leads to brittle hair and increased hair shedding. Getting enough vitamin C is necessary to absorb iron, and if you don’t consume enough, you can make iron deficiency-induced hair loss worse.  To stay on top of your hair health, be sure to include vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet.  Help for thinning hair Whether your thinning hair is because of nutritional deficiencies or another reason, at Honest Hair Restoration, we empathize with the challenges losing your hair brings. From your initial consultation to the final steps of your hair restoration journey, our team provides unwavering support and guidance. Depending on your personal needs and preferences, our team may recommend one or a combination of the following hair restoration treatments: Struggling with thinning hair? Learn about your treatment options by scheduling a consultation online or at the location most convenient to you. 

If you’re tired of trying to cover up or hide your hair loss with hats or creative parts and hairstyles, you aren’t alone. Thinning hair can destroy your self-confidence and make it difficult to feel good about yourself at work, home, or in social settings. Though surgical treatments can help, they aren’t your only option.  Our team offers different nonsurgical therapies to address hair loss and restore your self-esteem. Your treatment starts with a comprehensive hair loss consultation at which the team determine which nonsurgical treatment will best help your hair loss. To get started with a fuller head of hair in the new year, schedule an appointment at Honest Hair Restoration today. In the meantime, here’s a closer look at our three favorite nonsurgical hair loss therapies.  1. Custom-blended medications After reviewing your unique hair loss, Dr. Maag may recommend custom-blended, prescription and prescription-strength medications. Some medications are topical, while others may be delivered orally, and they may either slow hair loss to help you retain more hair or help promote hair regrowth.  Medications are available for both men and women. Some block an enzyme that affects hormone conversion related to hair loss, while others slow the production of androgen hormones. Dr. Maag reviews each medication with you, taking time to answer any questions or concerns you have.  Medications generally take three to six months to produce noticeable effects since they work within your natural hair cycle. Side effects are rare, but possible, and depend on which medication you take. For example, topical medications may trigger scalp irritation, while oral medication might affect libido.     2. Low-level laser therapy For some patients, we recommend low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a safe, nonsurgical treatment for hair loss that uses near-infrared energy. It works by improving blood flow to your scalp and stimulating weak follicles to trigger growth. The range of wavelengths of light used during treatment promotes cellular regeneration and growth in a process called photobiomodulation. There are few negative side effects, making LLLT a safe therapy for good candidates.  Recent research shows LLLT to be an effective, low-risk therapy for regrowing hair in both men and women. Many patients with the best results combine LLLT with hair-loss medications, which can enhance hair regrowth.  3. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses platelets from your blood to boost new cell production, stimulate healing, and increase follicular activity. This means you start to grow new hair gradually over the course of your hair cycle, giving you a naturally fuller head of hair.   During your PRP therapy session, a team member draws a small amount of blood from your arm, then spins it in a centrifuge. This separates the platelets from the other contents of your blood.  Platelets contain growth factors, which stimulate new hair growth. It’s a safe treatment for most healthy adults and is especially effective in helping patients with genetic hair loss. Dr. Maag reviews your medical history before recommending PRP therapy since the treatment may not be ideal if you have certain medical conditions.    Learn more about nonsurgical hair restoration by scheduling a consultation online or over the phone.