Hair Loss News: Radio Aire DJ Restores Hair

Male celebrities seem to be queuing up to banish their baldness with a range of different hair treatments and transplants. Catherine Scott talks to Yorkshire DJ JK about his decision.

Men are no longer sitting back and watching their hair disappear. A plethora of celebrities, from James Nesbitt to Wayne Rooney, have now made hair transplants and treatments for men a hot topic of conversation.

One of Yorkshire’s own local celebrities, DJ Jason Griffiths (aka JK of radio and television double act JK and Joel) has now talked about his recent hair replacement treatment in a bid to dissolve the stigma surrounding male hair loss.

Jason has admitted to feelings of insecurity, often highlighted through him being in the spotlight. The 36-year-old Radio Aire DJ has been aware of his diminishing hairline since the age of 25, a common problem among many males, but highlighted further because of his career in children’s television.

Having tried a variety of different pills and potions over the years, Jason has tried to take a humorous approach to the subject and taken to hiding his hair under a cap.

Jason said: ‘Hair loss is often seen as just “one of those things that happen” but it can be very hard to come to terms with it as it affects the way you see yourself as well as your confidence.

‘Working in children’s television, it’s obviously important to convey an image of vitality, energy, and, I suppose, a youthful edge, so it doesn’t help when you realise you are going bald.

‘I never thought I’d see the day when my career relied upon my looks — I have had numerous comments made about my thinning hair over the years, with colleagues joking about getting the camera angle to hide my bald patch, or “egg in the nest” as it’s most often referred to’.

A hair replacement clinic picked up on Jason’s concerns and contacted him to see if they could help, or at least let him know that there are a number of treatments available.

After attending a couple of consultation sessions, which involved taking hair samples and scalp measurements, Jason decided on a hair replacement system.

Three weeks later, Jason went back to the clinic to have the system fitted. A combination of thin lace netting and human hair, which is pre-matched to the original hair’s colour and texture, was fitted over Jason’s scalp using a bonding solution.

According to the clinic, the hair replacement system allows clients to go about their daily life as normal, which is important for Jason as a lot of his time is spent performing various stunts on television.

He needs to return to the Hair Loss Studio every 3–5 weeks, as he would with regular haircut appointments, to have the system removed, cleaned, cut and restyled in line with his own hair growth.

Jason said: ‘I think it’s important to raise the concerns that most men feel and try to dissolve the stigma around hair replacement.

‘When I told my wife I was thinking about going ahead with this treatment, she just said, “So what — it’s just like me getting hair extensions”’.

The director of the hair replacement clinic said: ‘Hair loss is a common unspoken problem among most men.

‘We’re really eager to eliminate any initial concerns about hair replacement treatments and the negative connotations that are often insinuated.

‘Thankfully, there are a number of high-profile men who are leading the way for change, like JK and, of course, Wayne Rooney’.

Living with Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss, affecting 6.5m men in the UK. It generally starts with a little thinning of the hair, followed by wider hair loss, allowing more of the scalp to become visible. For a few men, this process starts as early as the late teens. By the age of 60, most men have some degree of hair loss. Some men aren’t troubled by this at all; others, however, suffer great emotional distress associated with a lack of self-esteem and, in some cases, depression. If you have inherited the genes responsible for male pattern baldness, there’s little you can do to prevent it from happening.

Q&A: 5-ARIs Increase the Risk of High-Grade Prostate Cancer

On June 9, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed the public of new safety information for drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs). Men who take these drugs may have an increased risk of being diagnosed with a more serious form of prostate cancer (high-grade prostate cancer). The Warnings and Precautions section of the labels for all FDA-approved 5-ARIs has been revised to include information about this risk.

Q1. What are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs)?

A. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) are a class of prescription medicines primarily used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. BPH is a common condition in men older than 40 and is characterized by an enlarged prostate and symptoms such as frequent urination and difficulty emptying the bladder. Drugs in this class are finasteride (marketed as Proscar [finasteride 5 mg] and Propecia [finasteride 1 mg]) and dutasteride (marketed as Avodart).

Avodart and Proscar are indicated for the treatment of BPH symptoms in men with an enlarged prostate. They are also approved to reduce the risk of urinary retention or surgery related to BPH.

Propecia is only indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss.

Q2. What is high-grade prostate cancer?

A. High-grade prostate cancer is an aggressive type of prostate cancer, meaning it grows and spreads faster compared to low-grade prostate cancer. High-grade prostate cancer is a serious disease, but accounts for a small portion of all diagnosed prostate cancers.

Q3. Why are the labels of all 5-ARIs being revised?

A.  The labels of all 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) are being revised based on FDA’s review of two large studies examining whether these drug products (Proscar, Avodart) reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The studies did find an overall reduction in the risk of lower-grade forms of prostate cancer, but both studies also showed an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer.

As a result of these two studies, the labels of all FDA-approved 5-ARIs will be revised to include new information that these drug products may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. The product labeling will also state that 5-ARIs are not approved for the prevention of prostate cancer.

Traction Alopecia: Expert Expresses Damaging Effects of Hair Extensions

A hair loss expert at the London Centre of Trichology came out and said that in the last two years, he’s seen a 15 percent increase in women seeking treatment after damaging their hair with glue extensions—which he now believes should be straight-up banned before they scalp more women.

The trichologist told BBC that the extension-related hair loss is traction alopecia, a condition caused when too much tension is regularly placed on the hair roots, pulling out the hairs and damaging the follicles permanently. Yikes!

We asked New York City dermatologist Francesca Fusco, who specializes in hair loss, if hair extensions are going to give us hair reductions in the long run.

What’s your take on this news linking an increase in hair damage to extensions?

It doesn’t surprise me. It’s true—but it’s true for a variety of reasons. It’s not the hair extensions per se that are bad. It’s like anything—if you get artificial nails done or eyelash extensions—it’s about whether the person who is doing it and you, the person who is getting them, knows how to maintain them. I don’t think extensions should be banned; they should be done properly.

Is there a way to have extensions and not have hair damage or loss?

Yes. Go to a pro who really knows how to do extensions. Professionals should have undergone training; this is not something you want to have done at your local nail salon. And you should go back to your stylist for maintenance at least once a month. The stylist will make sure that the extensions are on properly, and if one is pulling at the hair, they’ll remove it and reapply it the proper way.

They can also rotate the areas that they put the hair extensions on so it’s not the same group of hairs under stress every time. Rotating means less damage to the hair follicles. And [at home], you shouldn’t pull at [extensions] too much when styling.

Say I’ve noticed some hair loss . . .

If you’re starting to experience hair loss, address it right away. This will eventually damage the hair follicle and the hair loss will be permanent. So if you’re seeing [some loss] now, eventually the follicle will be scarred and you won’t get that hair back.

Are sewn-in extensions less harmful than glue extensions?

No. Sewn-in are more damaging than glue-in, which in America are called individual keratin extensions. The corn-rowing [involved in the sewn-in process] is stressful on the hair and the hair follicles. There’s more weight on the surface area with sewn-in extensions than individual keratin strands. Individual keratin strands are better.

If you notice an extension is pulling on your hair, see your stylist about having it removed and reapplied. If you’re already experiencing hair loss due to your extensions, have the extensions removed and see a doctor.

Finding a Hair Loss Solution in a Hair Restoration Clinic

With hair restoration clinics, effective hair restoration means loss of hair no longer has to be a lifelong problem.

Hair restoration centres or clinics have finally given hope to those suffering from thinning hair or hair loss. Recapturing that youthful look and confidence is possible with cutting-edge procedures.

Medical hair restoration is a process that has seen tremendous advancements in recent years. Individuals suffering from hair loss or thinning hair have long hoped for a reliable treatment to their condition. Unfortunately, for decades all available methods available to these people did little to actually hide the problem, let alone offer any hope of a long-term solution.

The best these people could hope for was an approach that made their thinning hair less noticeable from a distance but wouldn’t hold up to closer scrutiny. Things have changed since the advent of the hair restoration clinics. The procedures performed at these centres and clinics have radically changed how people view medical hair restoration.

Individuals who visit hair restoration clinics and are treated by their doctors are able to look in the mirror and see a reflection they hadn’t in years and one they assumed they wouldn’t see again. It’s a shocking revelation for someone that had come to accept the fact that they’d be bald or have thinning hair for the rest of their life.

Not only does medical hair restoration change the way a person looks but it literally changes the way they approach the world as well. The restored confidence in individuals that had this procedure done is immeasurable. It has an amazing impact on their personal and professional lives. Anyone living with thinning hair should schedule a consultation (which can be free and, more importantly, completely confidential) with these clinics to learn about the options available to them.

Regrow Healthy Hair with Herbs

The earlier you treat hair loss, the better your chances are of growing your hair back. You can use natural treatments to stimulate hair growth and stop excessive hair shedding or hair thinning.

You can help revitalize your follicles and stimulate hair growth by massaging your scalp daily. This will increase the amount of blood flow to your scalp. The blood carries vitamins and nutrients to the roots where the strands are fed, so a healthy blood flow can help nourish both the strands and follicles. Another benefit of massaging your scalp is that it helps to get rid of dirt and bacteria which can clog the follicles and can prevent nutrients from penetrating your scalp.

You can try drinking the combined juice of spinach and lettuce. This concoction can stimulate hair growth. Similarly, you can drink the mixed juices of lettuce, carrot and alfalfa.

We all know that aloe vera contains properties that are great for healing our skin from cuts and burns. But did you know it contains enzymes that also promote hair growth? It is probably one of the best herbal remedies for hair regrowth.

Henna has been used for hundreds of years to stimulate hair growth in women. Aside from promoting healthy hair growth, henna is also good in preventing further hair loss. The herb has also been scientifically proven to bond well with other proteins which makes it a good natural hair loss treatment. To use it, crush the herb until its consistency has become that of a paste. Apply this directly to the hair and scalp and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

Aloe vera is known to not only help stop hair loss but also to encourage hair growth. The gel from the plant can be massaged directly onto your scalp to cleanse the pores, repair the damaged hair and create a balanced PH level. Leave the gel on your head for 1 hour before rinsing it off. You can also opt for over-the-counter aloe vera products that you can use to stop hair loss.

Jojoba oil has been used in Mexico and America for centuries to promote hair growth. It is a very good moisturizer and works well on the scalp; it contains properties similar to the benefits given off by sebum secreted by the scalp. Jojoba oil has also helps in controlling dandruff. It is also a safe treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and seborrhea.

Should I Shave My Head to Solve My Hair Loss Problem?

At some point in everyone’s life, men and women will experience hair loss. There are different degrees of hair loss that they may experience with some not as noticeable as others. If the hair loss becomes a consistent pattern and nothing is done about it, then definitely it will fall out at its own pace. The question at this point that a lot of people ask is if they should just shave their head for good or do something of the sort. This article will further define the boundaries on helping make that decision.

Even if you’re losing hair, it does not mean that it will happen forever. There are plenty of approved medications on the market today, approved by the FDA, that can help at least stop the loss of hair. However, if you’re losing hair unevenly, like in splotches, then it might be prudent to shave your head. It’s totally your choice and whether you shave your head or not will be accepted by society. Shaving a head seems like a drastic thing to do but so many people shave their heads for promotional sakes. Sure a lot of these people don’t have a hair loss problem but the point here is that shaving your head does not make you an outcast of society. Okay now, shaving your head shouldn’t be so scary now that you understand that you won’t be the only one in the world that’s done it.

Now being proactive in the matter of hair regrowth can definitely help out as well. If you value your hair and if you’re a fighter, then there is hope for hair regrowth to happen to you. Taking medications to at least stop the current hair loss is the first order of business. Getting an analysis done by a doctor and getting a recommendation is needed. You will get an initial course of action that may or may not work.

Hair growth takes time to react to the actions that you’re taking for yourself. Hair loss doesn’t happen overnight so don’t expect hair regrowth to happen the next day. Get the right attitude and the right support system and you will be in control of your destiny when it comes to hair regrowth. Just because you’re losing hair right now doesn’t mean it will happen forever. You can do something about it or not. Either decision will be okay as long as you accept it.

Shaving your head puts you in a distinct class of people that are unique and are also looked upon as ambassadors of the world. Take pride in who you are and no one will be able to take that confidence that only you can give yourself. If you go the route to regrow your hair, then you are in good company, and given the circumstances it shows that you cherish the appearance you want to give to the world.

Stop Being a Hair Loss Sufferer

So you are suffering from hair loss and you want a proven way to put an end to it, well then you can make use of essential oils extracted from hibiscus and coconut. It is an old formula and technique used in Ayurvedic treatments to stop hair loss and regrow hair. It will take about 2–3 weeks to see visible changes, that is, rate of hair loss declines and hair regrowth comes later from there. It really is one of the best hair growth remedies. It is a sure way to boost hair growth.

Here is the best mode of application of a herbal hair oil. You merely take a little oil—about a half teaspoon—and apply it onto your scalp little by little till your scalp is well coated with the oil. Now massage the oil in circular motion with your fingers. You can also massage the oil by firmly pressing your scalp starting at the top of the nape and moving towards the top of your head. When you’re done, allow the oil to sit overnight and then wash it out with a mild shampoo.

The finest frequency for a scalp massage and oil treatment is 2–3 times each week. Other measures of hair loss treatment will consist of exercising; this aids blood circulation towards the scalp. You will also need to do some meditation to help keep anxiety at bay. Meditation will stop hair loss–causing hormones that result in hair damage. So if you’re balding, then take time to meditate or relax since doing so can keep hair loss–causing hormones at bay.

You also have to eat fruits and green leafy vegetables and stay away from junk food. Certain fruits and green leafy vegetables contain B vitamins, which assist in hair growth.