Scientific breakthrough made for hair loss treatments

A new breakthrough by British scientists has raised hope for those suffering with hair loss, and the therapy may even provide help to victims of burns.

The results of the tests could pave the way for more hair loss treatments for both men and women, after results demonstrated it was possible to grow new hair follicles from human skin cells – basically the cells that contain the ‘instruction book’ for growing new hair.

Tests are still at an early stage, but the scientists from Durham University in the UK and Columbia University in the U.S. claim that their findings represent a huge breakthrough in treating hair loss that effects millions of men and women around the world, often causing a great deal of distress.

Not only this, but it seems a 40-year wait could be over in the futile efforts to successfully regenerate the crucial structures in the skin that enable hair to grow.

Human hair follicles are incredibly difficult to replicate in a laboratory environment, but the new technique has shown evidence they can be stimulated to grow in skin tissue and also to generate hair shafts.

Currently, expensive hair transplants notoriously used by footballer Wayne Rooney involve the surgeon transplanting hair follicles from the back of the head (where there is plentiful hair) to where it is needed at the front. Therefore, they are simply redistributing already present hair compared to the new technique, which could significantly boost the amount of hairs on the head.

Columbia University researcher Dr Angela Christiano, herself a sufferer of alopecia and experiences clumps of hair falling out, said the research “has the potential to transform the medical treatment of hair loss”.

“Our method…has the potential to actually grow new follicles using a patient’s own cells. This could greatly expand the utility of hair-restoration surgery to women and to younger patients – now it is largely restricted to the treatment of male-pattern baldness in patients with stable disease. It could make hair transplantation available to individuals with a limited number of follicles, including those with female-pattern hair loss, scarring alopecia and hair loss due to burns,” she said.

The team of scientists started extracting tiny cells called dermal papillae from strips of human hair cells. These cells are located at the base of a hair and contain the ‘instruction book’ for the successful growth of new hair.

Next, they cloned the cells in a dish, making sure they had several copies of each cell. Similar procedures have been done previously but without any results in getting the cells grow hair after they have been put back into skin.

The Anglo-American team decided to turn the dish of cells upside down, to help them to form into the clumps found in nature. These clumps were transplanted into human skin grafted onto the backs of mice.

It was found that the cells from each of the seven human donors grew hairs and in some cases, the tufts broke through the skin.

Although the hairs were white in colour, Durham researcher Professor Colin Jahoda is optimistic it should be possible to create coloured hair and by using a sample of a person’s own cells, any new hair should be very similar in texture and curliness.

“It’s a key step because it is saying that you can multiply the process. It’s not just about one-for-one replacement. But you need to get hair that is the right colour and texture and this will need further work before human clinical trials can begin,” he said.

The cost to patients is still yet to be determined as clinical trials need to be carried out first. However, it is likely to be cheaper than hair transplants which can range anywhere in price from £6,000 all the way up to £30,000 per patient.

High-tech iGrow Hair Growth System uses lasers to re-grow lost hair

The battle against hair loss has a new futuristic-looking device in its arsenal, in the form of a new high-tech helmet that will apparently help to regrow hairs through the use of lasers.

Setting users back a whopping £665, the iGrow Hair Growth System utilises low-level laser therapy (LLLT) – 51 low-level red laser and LED lights. The creators Apira Science claim the device will strengthen cells within the hair follicles, and benefit those experiencing thinning hair, hereditary baldness, or have other hair loss conditions.

The iGrow helmet should be worn for 25 minutes, and to prevent the person feeling bored, it comes equipped with an iPod and MP3 interface, in addition to some headphones built-in for good measure.
Just a few months ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the iGrow specifically for the promotion of hair growth in males who have androgenetic alopecia and is attainable by prescription only.

However, Apira CEO Nicholas Brox commented in a news release that Apira are attempting to receive authorisation for iGrow to be an over-the-counter product, in addition to be available to women too.

Apira have made bold claims about the iGrow and say it is ‘zero’ side-effects, is safe and effective, and provides a minimum of 35-40% increase in hair growth – with results apparently evident within just six weeks. However, there will be a nine month wait for the iGrow to properly take effect. This is more of a wait than the popular hair loss treatment Finasteride (Propecia), which has been shown to prevent further hair loss and promote the re-growth of scalp hair in roughly 80% of patients within three to six months.

Giving his opinion about the iGrow device, which bears a resemblance to an old salon hairdryer, Dr Thomy Kouremada-Zioga, hair transplant surgeon at The Private Clinic of Harley Street, commented: “Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a safe form of light treatment which has long been explored as a potential resolution to genetic forms of hair loss common in men and women, like androgenetic alopecia or pattern balding. It is intended for men and women with thinning hair or pattern baldness caused by a hereditary condition, and not by any other form of hair loss.”

He added: “This technology is not particularly new; it is something that has been around for many years in different forms. For example, for many years now I have recommended certain patients (both men and women) use a laser comb, which is a very similar device to the iGrow Hair Growth System. A laser comb like this also works with LLLT technology, but is a much smaller device. From the patients I have seen who have gone on to use the system, I can see that it can offer some positive effects when used in conjunction with a product which stimulates hair growth like Regaine. However, it is very unlikely that a patient who is losing their hair will see any form of major restoration by using the device. It may cause some of the thin hair on the patient’s head to look slightly thicker and healthier, but the patient is unlikely to see any form of actual re-growth. Before investing in a system like this, it is important that the man or woman understands exactly what is causing their hair loss; something which a hair loss specialist will be able to determine. Investing in a device like this may offer no long-term solution at all to the patient and it should not be viewed as a viable long-term hair restoration method.”

Hair-raising facts

. After you are born, no new hair follicles are formed.
. Approximately 100,000 hair follicles cover the average scalp.
. Half of all men have thinning hair by the time they reach the age of 50.
. Male pattern baldness accounts for 95% of hair loss cases in men.
. Male pattern baldness can actually be inherited from the mother’s or father’s side.
. Male pattern baldness can start in your teens, or as late as your 30s.

Best foods for healthy hair

Most of us have probably seen at least one television advert for the latest ‘miracle’ shampoo that claims to give you luscious, glowing and healthy-looking hair by using said shampoo.  In recent years, Cheryl Cole is the latest in a long line of celebrities who have provided their good looking presence for such adverts, endorsing the L’Oréal shampoo products – ‘because you’re worth it’, as the memorable slogan states.

In one particular advert that features the attractive Geordie singer, she smiles at viewers and pronounces: “My hair feels stronger, full of life, replenished with a healthy shine. It’s got its mojo back.” Of course, information not fully made clear is that in addition to being blessed with good genes, the diet that these chosen celebrities are on is without doubt a lot healthier than the average person due to them being able to afford luxuries like personal chefs and trainers. Oh, included on the aforementioned advert is a very small disclaimer than informs viewers that Cole is sporting hair extensions…costing in the region of £1,000!

So, if you are not a multi-millionaire singer but are curious how to go about achieving healthier hair, what can you do? Well, if it is actually hair loss that is the problem (a problem ironically sometimes caused by extensions), there are clinically proven products available such as Regaine (for both men and women), Propecia (for men), Dianette and Florisene (for women).

However, as highlighted earlier, dietary choices can also have a major impact of the health, strength and structure of our hair. Occasionally, hair loss can actually be linked to a lack of certain vitamins and minerals.  A diet that is sparse of foods containing these important nutrients can be detrimental to maintaining a good head of hair.

Here are some of the best foods for healthy hair:

. Salmon – It contains plenty of protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids; all vital for healthy hair. Your body doesn’t produce omega-3, but it is an essential component of hair growth. Approximately 3% of the hair shaft is comprised of these fatty acids. In addition, omega-3s are contained in cell membranes in the skin of your scalp and within the natural oils that maintain scalp and hair hydration.

. Walnuts – As well as boosting sperm health (mentioned yesterday), walnuts are just like salmon in that they are rich in omega-3. As your hair is unprotected from the sun’s rays, it is exposed to DNA damage and therefore the biotin and vitamin E in walnuts are particularly useful as they shield the cells from such damage.

. Carrots – It is a widely known fact that carrots are great at boosting vision. However, they are also rich in vitamin A. This helps in promoting the formation of sebum oil in the scalp. Sebum keeps your scalp and hair moisturised, resulting in much healthier hair.

. Beef – If you aren’t suffering with high cholesterol, beef (eaten in moderation) is excellent for hair. It contains protein, vitamin B, iron, zinc and other vital minerals that aid in maintaining the health of your hair and scalp.

. Prunes – Are you suffering from dryness, stiffness, thinning or discolouration? If so, then a lack of iron in your diet may be the cause for these problems. Prunes are known to be rich in iron and not only do they provide a boost to hair texture, they are great for ensuring regular bowel movements.

. Eggs – For those wanting a head of healthy looking hair, eggs are the way to go (again, eaten in moderation). They are packed with essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, zinc and omega-6 fatty acids. Lacking any of these vitamins and minerals will have a negative impact on hair. Eggs also contain biotin – useful to help combat hair loss.

. Green tea – Green tea is rich in polyphenols which work to keep your scalp healthy. A healthy scalp therefore means much healthier hair! Some experts also argue that washing your hair with green tea or applying it to the scalp can help with conditions such as psoriasis and dandruff by soothing skin and lessening irritation.

Wayne Rooney undergoes a ‘top-up’ hair transplant

Almost two years to the day since he underwent his first hair transplant, 27-year-old Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney has had a second, ‘top-up’ procedure at the same private London Harley Street Hair Clinic that he first visited in 2011.

The technique performed to combat Rooney’s baldness two years ago was Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), an excruciatingly long operation that involves the surgeon extracting thousands of hair follicles from an area where they are in abundance – usually the back of the head – and then re-planting them into the areas where they are most needed.

Various reports had suggested Rooney paid anywhere between an incredible £15,000 – £30,000 amount for his initial hair transplant, following endless jibes from teammates about his premature balding. At the time, he stated: “Just to confirm to all my followers I have had a hair transplant. I was going bald at 25 why not. I’m delighted with the result.” Rooney had previously touched upon the subject of his hair loss in his autobiography. He said he looked at himself in the mirror and thought: “Bloody hell, you’re going bald and you’re only a young lad.”

Rooney has been pictured numerous times in recent months with seemingly much thinner, wispier hair, calling into question the long-term effectiveness of such expensive hair transplants – often costing up to tens of thousands of pounds. Just last month at an England training base, onlookers were shocked to see his hair thickness had diminished considerably and his scalp was clearly visible.

However, Clinic director Nadeem Uddin Khan delivered the news of Rooney’s second hair restoration operation, which lasted nine hours, saying: “He visited us for pre-planned second-stage treatment of his successful transplant. This was scheduled when he began in 2011. It’s standard.” A separate source told The Sun newspaper: “It was very successful. He’s as pleased as punch with the results and can’t wait to unveil his new look.”

The pre-planned top-up transplant could not have come at a better time for Rooney after hair loss expert Dr Asim Shahmalak spoke last month about thinning areas appearing on the footballer’s head and even advised another transplant before baldness strikes again.

Dr Shahmalak, a hair transplant surgeon on Channel 4′s Embarrassing Bodies, had seen recent pictures of Rooney and commented: “It’s very clear from the pictures that Wayne has kept hold of the hair from his first transplant at the front of his head. But he has continued to lose his hair further back on his head and on his crown. It has given him two noticeable bald patches. The best way to remedy this is with a second hair transplant. He also needs to start using the drug Propecia, which footballers can take quite legally without failing any drug tests…”

Visit the Men’s Health or Women’s Health area of the Medical Specialists Pharmacy website to find out more information on how to obtain hair loss treatments such as the previously mentioned Propecia, and other popular products such as those featured on television – Regaine and Alpecin caffeine shampoo.

Is Wimbledon hero Andy Murray losing his hair?

As he held the gold, glistening Wimbledon trophy aloft to thousands of adoring and hysterical fans, Andy Murray could look back on a staggering 12 months in which he won gold at the London 2012 Summer Olympics, claimed his first ever Grand Slam – the US Open, won at The Queen’s Club Championship, before winning his second Grand Slam and in the process becoming the first British winner of the Wimbledon men’s singles title since Fred Perry’s 1936 victory.

However, maybe the pressures of finally capturing his first ever Grand Slam and the annual huge pressure placed on him by the media before each Wimbledon tournament has got to him. More specifically, his hair.

As the sweat ran from the top of his head and dripped down his face, it was evident to millions around the world that Murray, 26, is not quite as thick on top as he used to be. In his early 20’s the Scottish tennis superstar sported a wide variety of wacky hairstyles, even resembling the Simpson’s character Sideshow Bob at one point…although Chelsea footballer David Luiz seems to have now taken over that mantle!

We suspect Murray may already be aware of his possible impending male pattern baldness problems as both his father William Murray and his mother’s father Roy Erskine have experienced significant hair loss themselves. It is worth remembering that even if both parents have retained a full head of hair, men may still carry the gene for male pattern baldness and loss of hair may come from further back in the family tree than your parents.

In addition, in a TV interview conducted in September 2011, his former doubles partner Ross Hutchins raised the subject of Murray’s diminishing mane. Hutchins explained how the two British players enjoyed making fun of each other.

He said: “It’s about getting at each other’s faults and getting to Andy’s is pretty easy”, pointing to the Scot’s hairline and added: “It’s around this sort of area we like to pick up on.” Murray jokingly laughed: “It’s because I’m starting to lose my hair. That’s one of his good ones.”

When asked, leading UK Trichologist David Bailey said, “Andy has been losing his hair for some time now. Over the last few years his frontal hair line has changed and he has receded at the temples, but on Sunday his thinning crown area was clearly visible. He may now have the crown at Wimbledon, but he is definitely losing it hair wise.”

Fortunately for Murray and the other over 6 million men in the UK suffering from hair loss, Medical Specialists Pharmacy are able to offer the prescription-only medication Propecia (finasteride), which is commonly used to treat male pattern baldness and works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which thought to cause hair loss.  It is obtainable following a quick and easy 4 step process which includes an online consultation with one of our in-house doctors, priced from as little as £47.58 per month.

Other options in addition to Propecia include Regaine Lotion and Regaine Foam, as featured in numerous television adverts. Obtainable from Medical Specialists Pharmacy from as little as £49.95 and £59.95 respectively, Regaine products contain the active ingredient Minoxidil which is clinically proven to help prevent further hereditary hair loss, showing success in 4 out of 5 men. It works by increasing the blood supply to the hair follicles which helps to strengthen existing hair and stimulate secondary hair growth.

There are also emerging over the counter products that have been released in recent times. Alpecin Caffeine C1 Shampoo stimulates hair growth directly at the roots, strengthens weakened hair roots and prevents hereditary hair loss. In just in 2 minutes, the active ingredient travels along the hair shaft directly into the hair follicles. If the shampoo is left on for longer, the caffeine will also penetrate into the scalp.