*Disclaimer: this article is sponsored by Rite Aid, the exclusive distributor of Fresh Cell Shampoo. Please visit their website for more information www.freshcellshampoo.co.za. Contact Rite Aid for more info on stocking Fresh Cell Shampoo +27 11 325 2686 / info@riteaid.co.za
Hair loss, medically termed “alopecia,” is derived from the Greek word “alopex,” meaning fox. It was originally associated with mange observed on fox fur. Hair loss is a widespread concern, impacting millions of people globally.
While commonly linked with ageing, hair loss can occur at any life stage due to various factors. Individuals experiencing hair loss should consult healthcare professionals to understand the underlying causes and explore personalised treatment options tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
The Psychological Impact of Hair Loss
“The greatest learning curve I have had from treating hair loss over the past 18 years is the psychological impact that it can have on a person,” says Dr Cathy Davies.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
- Genetics: One primary cause of hair loss is genetics. Male and female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is inherited and can start as early as the teenage years. This type of hair loss results from a combination of genetic predisposition and the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that miniaturises hair follicles over time.
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can contribute to hair loss. Hormonal imbalances can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, leading to excessive shedding or thinning.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like alopecia areata, autoimmune disorders, scalp infections, and chronic illnesses can trigger hair loss. Certain medications and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer can also result in sudden, temporary hair loss known as chemotherapy-induced alopecia.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, copper, or B vitamins have been linked to hair loss or weak and thinning hair.
- Stress: Emotional or physical stress, poor nutrition, crash dieting, and excessive styling or treatments (like frequent use of hot tools or harsh chemicals) can weaken hair follicles, leading to hair loss over time.
- Traction and Pulling: Hairstyles that involve tight braids, ponytails, and buns can cause hair loss along the hairline over time.
Dr Cathy remarks, “Shedding can be a clue that something systemic has occurred. It may be a one-time event such as a fever (think Covid), general anaesthetic, drastic weight loss, stressful event, or an ongoing condition such as low iron or thyroid problems. Shedding usually occurs two to three months after the stressor and is usually reversible, but the underlying condition needs to be investigated and treated while at the same time nurturing hair.”
It is crucial to note that although sometimes the cause is obvious, many other types of hair loss, including infectious and scarring types, need professional diagnosis and management by a dermatologist.
Current Treatments for Hair Loss
The hair loss market is a billion-dollar industry, yet hair loss remains difficult to treat, and there is no holy grail yet. There are few clinically proven, effective treatments, particularly where the cause of the hair loss is ongoing, such as genetic causes or chronic conditions. It is important to rectify and optimise underlying nutritional and hormonal status and well-being while addressing the scalp and hair.
The only FDA-approved medications for hair loss are topical minoxidil and oral finasteride (for males). These medications need to be prescribed and monitored by a doctor and must be used on an ongoing basis. Both medications may result in unwanted side effects which should be fully discussed with the prescribing doctor (REFERENCE 1).
Recently, stem cell-based therapies have received attention as potential novel treatments that focus on reactivating hair follicle stem cells and enhancing hair follicle growth, regeneration, and development (REFERENCE 2). Stem cell-based therapy approaches include stem cells from the patient’s own cells, stem cell-derived conditioned medium, and stem cell-derived exosomes. The use of human-derived cells is restricted in many countries.
Advances in cellular therapies for hair care have led to the development of in-clinic treatments (such as exosomes and platelet-derived therapies) as well as at-home use shampoos and topical treatments targeting hair loss with a novel approach. A new focus is being placed on stem cell-secreted bioactive molecules, such as growth factors, as potential boosters of hair follicle regeneration.
Shampoos and Hair Loss
Shampoos primarily aim to clean the scalp and keep it in optimal condition but may also contain ingredients that support healthy hair growth. Ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, and panthenol are incorporated into these products to stimulate hair growth, strengthen hair follicles, and improve scalp health.
New innovative therapies have been smartly added to shampoo formulations to enhance growth and stimulation properties. Conditioned media (the substance derived from stem cells) may have the ability to regenerate hair follicles and rejuvenate dormant hair follicles (REFERENCE 3).
Fresh Cell Shampoo: An Innovative Solution
“A firm favourite in my practice for home use is Fresh Cell Shampoo, formulated by Korean chemical engineers, especially for thinning and loss of hair. In Korea, a hair care treatment has always involved a deep scalp cleanse, and their scientists have an advanced understanding of scalp physiology,” states Dr Cathy.
Fresh Cell Shampoo contains stem cell culture medium as well as seven other beneficial ingredients: salicylic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, menthol, rosemary leaf oil, green tea extract, Centella Asiatica extract, and olive leaf extract.
A shampoo containing cell culture medium products may provide:
- A delay in the ageing process and hair loss
- Regeneration of damaged cells of the scalp and hair
- Root strengthening due to restoration and nutrition of hair follicles
- Hair growth stimulation
Appropriate education about the correct use of hair care products and grooming is essential to help patients adhere to alopecia treatment and achieve the best possible hair and scalp health.
Recommended Usage
Dr Cathy recommends a double shampoo protocol. An initial shampoo should remove dirt and build-up on the scalp, then a second round of shampoo should be foamed and left in to activate for up to five minutes before rinsing (rather than the 2 to 3 minutes usually recommended). Ensure that shampoo is thoroughly removed by rinsing well with warm (not hot) water. In places with hard water or desalinated water, a shower filter is recommended.
Tshepo Mashale, barber to the stars, notes that many clients come into the salon with a heavy build-up of products on their scalps and do not wash adequately. A deep cleanse is essential for optimal hair growth.
In conclusion
Hair loss can have a significant impact on self-esteem and quality of life, prompting many individuals to seek effective treatments. While traditional options like medications and surgical interventions remain prevalent, innovative approaches such as stem cell therapy offer exciting prospects for the future of hair loss treatment.
Further research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and optimal dose of these therapies. In the meantime, individuals experiencing hair loss should consult with healthcare professionals to explore personalised treatment options tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
*Disclaimer: this article is sponsored by Rite Aid, the exclusive distributor of Fresh Cell Shampoo. Please visit their website for more information www.freshcellshampoo.co.za. Contact Rite Aid for more info on stocking Fresh Cell Shampoo +27 11 325 2686 / info@riteaid.co.za
References:
- Blumeyer A, Tosti A, Messenger A, Reygagne P, Del Marmol V, Spuls PI, Trakatelli M, Finner A, Kiesewetter F, Trüeb R, Rzany B, Blume-Peytavi U. Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and men. JDtsch Dermatol Ges 2011; 9Suppl 6: S1-57.
- Egger A, Tomic-Canic M, Tosti A. Advances in Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Hair Loss. CellR4 Repair Replace Regen Reprogram. 2020;8. Epub 2020 Sep 2. PMID: 32968692; PMCID: PMC7508456.
- Yuan A-R, Bian Q, Gao J-Q. Current advances in stem cell-based therapies for hair regeneration. European Journal of Pharmacology 2020; 173197. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Medical Practitioner, Johannesburg MBBCh (Wits 1998) MBA (Henley 2007)
Dr Cathy is a General Practitioner with a special interest in hair transplantation and aesthetic medicine. She is a lead educator for PRF Edu, Venice Florida. Dr Cathy is renowned for her TV show "Outpatients" which aired from 2018 to 2020, helping victims of violent injuries, burn victims and those seeking life changing hair restoration. She is also a published author.
- Dr Cathy Davieshttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-cathy-davies
- Dr Cathy Davieshttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-cathy-davies
- Dr Cathy Davieshttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-cathy-davies
