The Urge to Pull: Trichotillomania

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Most people agree that having hair pulled out is a very unpleasant feeling. For someone with trichotillomania, though, pulling hair out feels good — and may help the person deal with stress and anxiety. Trichotillomania is one of the more unusual hair loss diseases. What causes this hair loss disorder, and can it be cured?

What Is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a disorder that causes a person to have an overwhelming urge to pull out their own hair. Symptoms of trichotillomania include:

  • noticeable hair loss
  • increased tension right before pulling out hair, or when trying to resist pulling
  • pleasure or relief when hair is pulled

As long as hair pulling is not caused by another health issue, and it causes the puller enough problems to interfere with daily life, it can be classified as trichotillomania.

TTM is closely related to obsessive-compulsive disorder. The International OCD Foundation sheds light on the difference between the two:

  • OCD sufferers have repetitive behaviors that distract from bad feelings but do not bring pleasure.
  • TTM sufferers get pleasure or relief from pulling hair.

Scientists do not know the cause of TTM. Symptoms of TTM increase when the body encounters stress. Interestingly, this stress can be either negative stress (e.g., money problems) or positive stress (e.g., planning a trip). The brain does not differentiate between the signals, so both types of stress can increase the desire to pull hair.

What Are Complications of TTM?

On an emotional level, the sufferer may experience tremendous stress and shame because of their behavior. This can prevent them from going to work, engaging in social activities or pursuing higher education. Physically speaking, one of the worst complications occurs when a person eats the hair they pull. Strands of hair can build up in the intestines and cause painful, even life-threatening blockages, which may require surgery.

Can Trichotillomania be Cured?

There are several treatments for TTM. Different methods may work for some and not for others.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) interrupts and resets the mental processes that lead to hair pulling. Through CBT, the patient identifies the factors that lead to the desire to pull, then learns techniques that can redirect those urges. To be effective, CBT should be performed by a qualified psychologist.

Medication

There are several medications that have been helpful for TTM patients. Among the most effective are the antidepressant clomipramine and the amino acid N-acetyl cysteine. SSRIs like Prozac have had mixed results; a few patients have reported that they stopped pulling their hair completely, while others felt no effect whatsoever.

Support Groups

Because sufferers of trichotillomania deal with debilitating of shame, support groups can be very helpful. Hair pullers may find that being in a support group helps them to focus their energies on finding an effective strategy, rather than hiding their disorder and feeling embarrassed.

Alternative Therapies

Certain hair pullers have reported success with alternative therapies like biofeedback, hypnotism or a strict regimen of diet and exercise. These methods have not been studied by scientists, so their usefulness remains in question.
Who Suffers from Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania often begins in childhood or adolescence, but TTM symptoms can onset at any time in life. Boys and girls seem to be equally affected in childhood, but among adults, TTM appears to be more common among women.

Actress Olivia Munn has been open about suffering from Trichotillomania. In an interview for Self magazine, she speaks of the stress that brought on hair pulling. “I had it growing up, having had a little bit of a tumultuous upbringing, moving around a lot with a mixed family with five kids.” She remarked that the stress of being an actress has, at times, brought that anxiety back. “I just didn’t want to let anybody down,” she said.

Trichotillomania can affect anyone at any age. VanScoy Hair Clinics specializes in hair replacement and hair loss solutions for those who suffer from Trichotillomania. We have many options to choose from. To learn more, call us at (419) 289-6665 or click here and make an appointment online.

Photo Credit: Martin Cathrae Via Flickr Creative Commons

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Different Types of Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair Transplant Surgery for Men and Women

There are several different types of hair transplant surgery options available today.  The most common types of hair transplants are FUT and FUE hair transplants.

FUT stands for Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation. Follicular units are hair groupings as they occur naturally on the scalp and typically contain 1, 2, 3 or 4 hairs. By means of the removal of a thin strip of scalp from the back of the patient’s head, hair follicles are taken from a donor area which is not susceptible to balding and dissected into individual grafts. They are then transplanted to the balding area of the scalp.

The second method is the FUE method of hair transplantation Follicular Unit Extraction involves taking the individual Follicular Unit grafts from the back of the head one by one by cutting around it through a tiny specialized instrument or robotic machine and removing the hair follicles. The process can be tedious and will takes a few hours but is painless after a few numbing injections are given. Once removed from the donor area, the follicular unit is then transplanted.

MUHG Hair Transplant Surgery

PAI Hair Transplant Surgery Cleveland Columbus Ashland OhioPAI Medical, of which we are a member, pioneered a third hair transplantation method a number of years ago called Multi-Unit Hair Grafting (MUHG). MUHG Multi-Unit Hair Graft transplantation became so successful that PAI patented it in both the USA and Canada. Multi-Unit Hair Grafting, offers patients suffering from hair loss the most natural appearance and, importantly, the greatest density per procedure versus any either FUE or FUT hair transplantation. The bottom line for our patients is that more hair can be transplanted per procedure. This means fewer procedures are needed to reach a patient’s hair restoration goal.

A blend of surgical hair transplant technologies, and a variety of different-sized hair groupings, known as grafts, are used to best fit the individual patient’s needs. Micro and macro multi-unit grafting involves transferring hairs in natural groupings. These grouping are used to create a much more realistic hair line that keeps with the patients age and realistic hair restoration goals. This process is constrained only by the hair density and the quality of the hair in the patient’s donor area, the extremes in contrast between scalp and hair color, and texture and limited curl. The grafts are inserted into pre-cut micro and mini slits that are strategically designed to aesthetically improve the density of your existing hair, lower your hairline, and fill in balding areas. There is no other hair transplant procedure currently available that has shown the ability to accomplish what Multi-Unit Hair Grafting has able to achieve, both in men and in women.

VanScoy Hair Clinics offers Multi-Unit Hair Grafting hair transplantation at each of our three hair loss clinic locations in Ashland, Cleveland, and Columbus Ohio.

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Hair Loss Myths: Fact or Fiction

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Many people facing hair loss are well informed on the ins and outs of their specific condition. They might have heard that at least half of all men will have experience some degree of hair loss by the age of 50, or that 40 percent of hair loss victims are women, or even that the leading cause of hair loss is hereditary patterns. Although those are all true statements, there are some fictitious statements that get passed around which help the hair loss industry along. The real trouble is trying to decipher between fact and fiction.

Is it really your mom’s side of the family to blame for your hair loss? Can wearing a baseball hat actually make you go bald? The following are a few of the most common myths about hair loss, fact or fiction:

Hair Loss comes from the mother’s side

Fiction! Contrary to what people say, it is not your mom’s side to blame for your hair loss. Although male pattern baldness is hereditary, it has been proven that the condition could just as easily come from the father’s side as well. Since this condition is genetic, it cannot be prevented, but it can be treated.

Baseball Caps Cause Baldness

This one is actually fiction to. Health experts have not found any sort of specific link between hair loss and wearing a cap. Only hats that are tight enough to cut off circulation to the follicles would cause hair loss.

Poor Treatment of Hair, Causes Hair Loss

Fact! Using too much styling product like dyes and perms can cause hair loss. It is also stated that tight buns and braids can cause hair loss through follicle damage, so be sure to avoid those as much as possible. Even women that are trying to bleach their hair with natural sunlight should be sure to put a hat on because overexposure to the sun’s UV rays have shown to cause hair loss as well.

Hair Loss from Stress

This is a fact, but not in every aspect. Scientists have found that extreme emotional or medical related trauma can cause sudden hair loss. However, it is noted that stress stemming from every day stress of work and family life will not cause hair loss.

Hair Loss Only Occurs When You’re Old

This is fiction. Just like some of the examples given above, male pattern baldness among other conditions can occur as early as the teen years, or the early 20’s for women. For these cases, VanScoy hair loss specialists can work to help rule out a typical causes such as hormonal issues.

Let us help

Everyone is different when it comes to the reasons for hair loss. We understand that your needs are different than other, which is why we off many different hair replacement options. Visit us today for a free consultation.

 

Photo Credit: Chun-Hung Eric Cheng via Flickr Creative Commons

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Red Hair Is Rare

Red hair is rareRed hair is rare and the unspoken battle between hair colors has been going on for ages. Brunettes shudder at the idea of blondes having the most fun, and redheads are sick of the stigma tied to their hair color, along with nicknames. Today we end the war of the shades and tell you that, indeed, redheads are rare and do have more fun.

The Science Behind How Red Hair Is Rare

For all you redheads out there, know that you truly are one of a kind. Less than 2 percent of the world’s population is born a redhead, and it’s very difficult to be blessed with those beautiful ruby locks. For someone to be born with red hair, both parents must carry the recessive mutated MC1R gene, which is located on chromosome number 16. Even more rare is a blue-eyed redhead; this combination is found in less than 1 percent of the world’s population. Any blue-eyed, red-haired anomalies out there? Thank your parents!

The Posers

Since having red hair is so rare, many people will do whatever it takes to appear as if they were born with the color; on the downside, dying your hair red is extremely high maintenance, and it can be expensive. The color fades quickly, but for many people it is worth the time and effort. If you don’t want to make that big of a commitment, you can change to a strawberry blonde or burnt brown color. Neither are classically red, but hints and hues of the color can be almost as good as the real thing! A redhead can light up a room and is sure to have heads turning at the sight of such a rare and magnificent mane.

The Real Deal

Want proof that redheads do in fact have more fun? Just take a look at some of the most famous natural reds. Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Kidman and Isla Fisher are just a few celebrities who rock the red. Throughout almost the entirety of their careers, these women have kept their red hair and represented redheads throughout the globe proudly. Not only are they beautiful, but they definitely have a lot of fun (maybe Lindsay Lohan a bit too much).

The moral of the story is that regardless of your hair color, it is all about the attitude. Redheads spend their lives standing out so they may have a head start, but be yourself and your true colors will shine.

Hair Loss Does Not Have To Prevent You From Having Red Hair

If you or someone you know is experiencing hair loss and want to have the ability to style, color, and have the look they use to have back, then we invite you and them to a free visit! Contact us today for a free consultation by clicking here!

Photo Credit: Brooke Duckart Flickr Creative Commons

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Three Tips You Need to Know Before Buying a Wig

There are many reasons why you might find yourself considering wearing a wig, but if you’ve never actually shopped for a wig before, you may have some misconceptions about them. Contrary to popular belief, there are many wigs that not only look and feel natural, but also complement your features and seem as though they were actually your real hair. To achieve this, you simply need to be more informed about wigs and how to select a good quality wig that suits you.

Choose a wig style that complements your face

Just as not every hairstyle you tried was suitable for your features, not every wig will look right on you, either. The first step to choosing a good wig is to find a style and color to match your features, which will help the wig to look more natural on you. One of our Hair Loss Specialist can determine the perfect wig for you based on what your looking for and our expertise at fitting wigs to your features that will look natural.

Don’t be afraid to ask for opinions

You may not want everyone to know you are wearing a wig, but having someone along to offer his or her honest opinion can be extremely helpful. A wig that looks comfortable and natural to you may not look so to others, so having a friend who can offer suggestions and help you choose is worthwhile. We always encourage people to bring someone they can trust that can be there to help.

Choose a high-quality wig

Wigs are made with varying methods of construction. You don’t necessarily need to be an expert on wig construction to choose a good one, but knowing a little can help you find one that meets your needs and your budget. If you want to restyle your wig, you’ll need to purchase one that allows you to do so, as some wigs are designed to be worn just one particular way. Additionally, you can purchase a high end wig, which achieves a much more natural look. They are typically more expensive, but well worth it if you plan to wear the wig often.
Taking the time to learn more about how wigs are constructed will help you to better understand why some wigs are priced a certain way and why they are considered better quality. Being comfortable is important if you will be wearing the wig often, so choosing the best-quality wig you can afford is recommended.

Need Help Choosing the Right High Quality Wig?

We know how sometimes it can be overwhelming to choose the right wig with all the choices and options that are available to you. If you or someone you know is looking for a wig, then we invite you to a free visit here at VanScoy hair clinics. We have three convenient locations and you can schedule an appointment by clicking here.

Photo Credit: Mike Mozart via Flickr Creative Commons

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Diet-Related Hair Loss

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Diet-Related Hair Loss

Could your diet be causing your hair loss? Following a restrictive diet can cause your hair to thin or even fall out. If you need to stick to a diet for medical or lifestyle reasons, use these tips to make sure you get all the nutrients you need to keep your hair healthy.

Weight Loss and Hair Loss

Shedding pounds to reach a healthy weight can reduce your risk of many long-term health conditions, but in the short-term a very low-calorie diet can have negative effects on hair health. According to dermatologists, hair loss is common after a weight loss of 15 or more pounds, but growth usually returns once the weight stabilizes.

Protein for Hair Health

Hair is made from protein, so not getting enough protein reduces your body’s ability to produce hair. This causes a disproportionately large number of hairs to go into the resting phase of hair growth, which lasts around three months, before falling out. If you notice that you are shedding more hairs than usual, check that you are getting enough protein in your diet. Adults need to eat two or three servings of protein-rich foods every day, such as lean meat, fish, beans, eggs or peanut butter.

Iron and Hair Loss

Hair loss can be a symptom of iron deficiency, which your doctor can quickly diagnose using a blood test. Vegetarians are most likely to suffer from iron deficiency, as iron in plants is not as easily absorbed by the body as iron in meat. If you are vegetarian, consider eating cereals that have been fortified with iron to increase your intake. Soybeans, pumpkin seeds, lentils and spinach are also good sources of iron.

Vitamin D for Hair Health

Many people don’t get enough vitamin D. The body can produce vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight, but excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer. Other sources of vitamin D include fortified cereals and milk. Vitamin D plays a vital role in the body’s cycle of hair production.

If you’re worried about hair loss, see your doctor for advice. Many vitamin deficiencies can be quickly diagnosed with a blood test. Once you know which nutrients you lack, you can change your diet or take supplements to support the health of your hair.

For any questions you may have or to speak to a hair loss expert, Contact Us or visit our website for more information!

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It’s Trich Awareness Month!!!

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Ohio Hair Restoration and Hair Loss Treatment Specialists

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We’re on TV – Talking about Hair Loss (Part 4)

Here’s part two of our interview on “I Love My Job” on Columbus TV.  We’re talking about hair loss, hair loss treatments and what can be done about thinning hair and balding in men and women.  Here’s part four of our interview.  We’re always here to talk with you privately and confidentially about any hair loss concerns you may have.  Please give us a call.  There’s no obligation at all.

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We’re on TV – Talking about Hair Loss (Part 3)

Here’s part two of our interview on “I Love My Job” on Columbus TV.  We’re talking about hair loss, hair loss treatments and what can be done about thinning hair and balding in men and women.  Here’s part three of our interview.  We’re always here to talk with you privately and confidentially about any hair loss concerns you may have.  Please give us a call.  There’s no obligation at all.

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We’re on TV – Talking about Hair Loss (Part 2)

Here’s part two of our interview on “I Love My Job” on Columbus TV.  We’re talking about hair loss, hair loss treatments and what can be done about thinning hair and balding in men and women.  Here’s part two of our interview.  We’re always here to talk with you privately and confidentially about any hair loss concerns you may have.  Please give us a call.  There’s no obligation at all.

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