Gary Heron: The Hair Centre (Trichologists) Launch Blog.

Monday, 23 June 2008

Contact The Hair Centre

Do you have a hair loss or scalp problem that you would like to discuss?
You can contact The Hair Centre in the following ways:

10 Greycoat Place,
Westminster,
London,
SW1P 1SB

Email: Click Here To Email Us

Telephone:0207 976 6868

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Client Testimonials

I am now delighted to say that my hair is thickening and, believe it or not, growing back!

My Hair Has Thickened; Hair Loss Success: Read full testimonial >>

The overall condition of my hair and scalp improved greatly and I found it very reassuring to know that only natural products are used in the manufacture of The Hair Centre products.

Hair and Scalp Condition Has Improved, Hair Story: Read full testimonial >>

I have no hesitation in recommending The Hair Centre's trichologically balanced treatments and shampoo products, really are first class - they are the best

Bald Patch Improvement: Read full testimonial >>

The knowledge of the trichologists and the staff online at The Hair Centre some of whom are speaking from personal experience alongside a scientific background, gives you confidence from the start.

Knowledgeable, Experienced Hair Consultant: Read full testimonial >>

Since I started using The Hair Centre’s No.4 and No.15 shampoo’s on alternate days along with No.8 for my irratation and itchy scalp, there has been an incredible improvement in the condition of my scalp.

Itchy Scaly Improvement: Read full testimonial >>

I am currently using a maintenance shampoo recommended by The Hair Centre at home and I am very happy with the results and will continue to use it after the treatment has finished in three months’ time as it has put my hair in a much healthier condition

Healthier Hare: Read full testimonial >>

We hope this covers everything, but please do not hesitate to contact us on 0207 976 6868 or Click Here To Email Us if you are unsure of anything or require further advice regarding your treatment.

Hair Loss - Scalp Conditions - Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Hair Loss?

Can Stress cause Hair Loss?

What Is DHT and How does It cause Hair Loss?

Is my Hair Loss Genetic ?

Can Hair Loss Occur in teenagers?

What is the Cause of Sudden Hair Loss?

Can Shampoos and Other Hair Styling Products Cause Hair Loss?

Can My Hairstyle Cause My Hair to Fall Out?

How Does Minoxidil Work and is there an alternative?

Are High-Strength Minoxidil Formulas better than Lower-Strength Ones and is there a natural equivilant?

Is It True That Saw Palmetto (Biostim) Is Better for
Treating Hair Loss Better Than Finasteride?

How Effective Is Finasteride?

What’s the Difference Between Propecia, Proscar and Biostim?

How Long Does It Take to See Results From Any Treatment Program?

When Should I Consider Surgery to Treat Hair Loss?

How Effective Is Hair Transplantation?

What is the hair growth cycle?

How do I know I have a hair loss problem?

Hair loss after pregnancy

New Medical Breakthrough In The Treatment of Hair Loss/Baldness

Plant base Propecia

Biostem is Propecia, but without the side effects.

The most common form of hair loss is genetic. Androgenetic alopecia occurs in approximately 60% of men and 10% of women in the U.K. However, if you are a sufferer you do not have to simply live with it as your parents and grandparents may have had to. You can take an active step today and discover Biostim, the new, highly effective hair loss stabiliser and hair regrowth stimulant available directly from our laboratories.

Genetic Hair Loss

In men, androgenetic alopecia has a characteristic pattern of hair loss; it begins with a slight recession at the front hairline and is followed by thinning on the crown of the head.

In women, androgenetic alopecia is often linked to hormonal changes with the hair loss following events such as the menopause, childbirth or as a result of stopping or starting oral contraceptive pills. The hair loss is also generally more uniform over the scalp than in the male counterpart.

In both sexes, the hair loss results from a complex chemical reaction when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts the testosterone in the system into DHT or dihydrotestosterone. The hair follicles are genetically predisposed to be oversensitive to the DHT and become smaller and smaller with time, leading to the eventual hair loss.

How does Biostim work?

Biostim is composed of a variety of different ingredients all of which either directly or indirectly benefit hair loss stabilisation and some of which stimulate hair growth. The 11 most important ingredients are as follows:

Sabal Serrulata Extract (Biogen)
Mono Propylene Glycol
Ceramide
Panthenol
Calcium Panthothenate (Vitamin B3)
Vitamin E
Vitamin A
Vitamin H (Biotin)
Vitamin H (P.A.B.A.)
Inositol (Vitamin B8)
Aqua

Description

A combination of naturally occurring 5-reductase inhibitors with added multivitamin complex for the stimulation of hair follicles suppressed by the action of Androgens in cases of androgenic alopecia.

Mode of Action

5-reductase inhibitors act as anti-androgens, reducing the levels of di-hydroxy testosterone (DHT), decreasing the levels of androgen activity at the target site. The consequent reduced levels of DHT stabilise or reduce the level of atrophy of the hair follicle and shaft in the genetically determined areas in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. The hair growth period (anagen) is prolonged and promotes increased hair growth and density.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials of the natural ingredients have established anti-androgen activity and the ability to suppress di-hydroxy testosterone (DHT) formation, beneficial in cases of androgenic alopecia. The increased dermal papilla activity increases hair cell production and proliferation, increases the number of hairs in the anagen phase and increases the A/T (anagen/telogen ration).

Biostim has been shown to be a strong inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase in the dermal papilla and to increase hair cell proliferation, particularly on hairs suppressed by androgenic activity. It is believed that the effect of the Biostim is to interfere with the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and so there follows a positive response. Biostim is also a good natural source of oestrogen, this may also aid the ‘stimulating’ effect of the plant.

Another very important ingredient, which is derived from the vitamin B complex and is a powerful vasodilator, that is to say, it draws the blood to the surface of the skin in the area to which it is applied. The effect of this on the scalp is, firstly, to ‘shock’ any dormant hair follicles from the telogen (resting) phase into the anagen (growing) phase and, secondly, to generally increase the blood supply to the given area, allowing the metabolism to increase and the hair to receive more blood than would normally be the case.

Biostim has been formulated with an alcohol compound to carry the active materials to the target site with a minimum of loss into other scalp tissues.

Biostim also contains a highly effective anti-dandruff agent that clears the scalp of the dead skin cells and scale that would otherwise absorb much of the lotion and render it less effective.

Another major innovation with Biostim is the incorporation of PANTHANOL into the formulation. Panthanol is a natural constituent of healthy hair and so often included in shampoos and conditioners as it has an ability to penetrate into the cortex of the hair to reinforce the chemical bonds and strengthen the hair.

The panthanol used in Biostim is not diluted by water as when with shampoos and conditioners and so reaches the hair at the strength at which it is incorporated into the product; this is extremely important as the effectiveness of panthanol is directly proportional to the level reaching the cortex and therefore in Biostim it can have an outstanding effect on the strength of the hair.

Clinical trials prove that both male and female patients found Biostim reduced hair loss significantly and caused stabilisation within 3 months – all experienced significant hair regrowth between 6 to 12 months.

SERENOA REPENS / SAW PALMETTO

Serenoa repens is the medical name for the herb saw palmetto. Some studies have shown the saw palmetto may have the same effect as the drug finasteride in treating hair loss and prostate enlargement diseases. It has been suggested that both hair loss and prostate disease are related to the hormone DHT (Dihydrotesterone) which is formed when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase interacts with the male hormone testosterone.

Finasteride is marketed as Proscar (5mg finasteride) or propecia (1mg finasteride) by the Merck & Co. Both Proscar and Propecia are oral medication and has been approved by the FDA in the United States. Proscar is usually prescribed for people with benign prostate enlargement. Propecia was approved by the FDA in December 1997 as the first ever anti-baldness pill. Both Proscar and Propecia are available by prescription only.

Finasteride works as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It reduces the amount of 5-alpha reductase in our body and thereby reduces the formation of DHT, which is the main cause for hair loss and prostate disease. DHT is formed when 5-alpha reductase interacts with the male hormone testosterone. DHT is a derivate of testosterone but is many times more potent. Hair follicles that are sensitive to DHT tend to fall off when exposed to the hormone.

Research has shown that the herb Saw Palmetto has the same effects as finasteride in treating patients with benign prostate enlargement. In fact, the herb is very popular and common in Germany and is available as an over-the-counter medication. There are many studies in Germany that confirm the effectiveness of saw Palmetto in treating patients with prostate disease.

Since both hair loss and prostate disease are related to DHT, many suggest that Saw Palmetto will also be effective in treating people with hair loss by reducing the amount of DHT in our body and around the hair follicles. Although there is no formal study or testing to confirm the effectiveness of Saw Palmetto in treating hair loss, many companies are already preparing topical hair lotions that are formulated with saw Palmetto.

Since women are CAUTIONED AGAINST using Propecia (1mg finasteride) due to potential side effects that may affect foetus development and cause birth defects, saw palmetto may seem to be a natural alternative for women who are suffering from hair loss. For men who are concerned of the potential side effects of Propecia (1mg finasteride), such as loss of sex drive and impotence as reported by 2% of te participants who took Propecia during clinical testing, saw palmetto is also the natural alternative. There are very few reported side effects of saw Palmetto that have been documented.

Hair Loss Conditions

Everybody will experience some degree of trouble with his or her hair or scalp at some time; we include some introductory information below on a few of the common disorders and hair loss conditions.

However, in order to treat your hair and scalp effectively we would recommend that you have a diagnosis made as soon as possible by one of our experienced trichologists. Close examination of the hair and scalp and a thorough check of your medical history will allow us to diagnose your problem correctly and recommend the correct treatment.

Complaints of the hair and scalp are very common and we would always recommend that you treat any problem as soon as it appears as a minor problem can develop into a more serious condition if left untreated. Early diagnosis will give us the best possible opportunity to help you by providing you with the most effective and up-to-date trichological medication.

Hair Loss & Thinning

Hereditary:
Andronetic thinning (FPB)
Female pattern balding
Andronetic thinning (MPB)
Male pattern balding

Alopecia:
Alopecia areata
Alopecia universalis
Alopecia totalis

Physical:
Traction alopecia
Friction alopecia
Weathering (trichorrhexis nodosa)

Other Disorders:
Late Onset Thinning (age related)
Diffuse thinning
Telogen Effluvium
Psedopelade

Scalp Disorders

Genetic:
Seborrgoeic dermatitis
Seborrhoeic eczema
Pityrisias simplex (dandruff)
Pityriasis amiantecea
Psoriasis
Acne necrotics milaris

Infection:
Folliculitis
Folliculitis decalvans
Mycotic Infection

Other Disorders:
Pruritis
Seborrheoea
Seborrheoeic cyst

The Hair Centre Latest Hair Loss Blog Post

The Hair Centre, A Healthy Head of Hair

Everybody will experience some degree of trouble with his or her hair or scalp at some time. However, if you are experiencing hair loss or an irritating scalp problem you do not need to just tolerate it. You can take an active step today and seek help from The Hair ...

Male Hair Loss Products/Treatments

For many men, losing hair is something will have to be faced as part of the aging process. Common hair loss can be treated with preventative hair loss treatments and products. Iif this is happening to you, you are not alone, as a simple walk down the street will show you. About 25 per cent of men begin losing hair before they reach 30 and two thirds before the age of 60. Sometimes men can begin losing hair in their teens and can reach their early twenties with very little, if any, hair left on the crown of their head. Usually, however, the hair loss is gradual, developing over a period of twenty to thirty years.

The most common cause of hair loss in men is genetic:

Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) has a characteristic pattern of hair loss; it begins with a slight recession at the front hairline and is followed by thinning on the crown of the head. The hair above the ears and at the nape of the neck is unaffected. This hair loss results from a complex chemical reaction when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts the testosterone in the system into DHT or dihydrotestosterone. The hair follicles are genetically predisposed to be oversensitive to the DHT and become smaller and smaller with time, leading to the eventual hair loss.

If you are suffering from patchy hair loss you may be suffering from another form of alopecia:

Alopecia Areata is an extremely common condition and will affect 1% to 2% of the population at some point in their lives. Most sufferers are children and young adults (below 40 years old), though it can affect people of all ages. The hair loss is sudden and manifests itself in small, smooth-skinned patches that are likely to gradually widen with time. It can also affect the sufferer’s nails, giving them a pitted, ridged or brittle appearance. The exact cause is still unknown, although current theories include an auto-immune disease, stress or suggest a genetic basis. If the hair loss progresses until all the scalp hair is lost this is known as alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis if all the body hair is lost as well.

Hair loss can also result from a scalp problem. Inflammation of the scalp leads to production of superoxide, which causes hair shedding and will lead to diffuse hair loss.

These are just a few of the reasons for hair loss. It order to treat hair loss effectively we would recommend that you have a diagnosis made as soon as possible by one of our experienced trichologists. Stress can be an aggravator in almost all cases of hair loss and an accurate diagnosis will always, at the very least, take some of the stress away from you.

Female Hair Loss Products/Treatments

In today’s increasingly stressful world, the number of women suffering from hair loss is increasing. We all want to look our best and damage to a woman’s ‘crowning glory’ can be a uniquely upsetting affliction.

Hair loss in woman can generally be seen evenly across the scalp, without definite bald patches. If this is happening to you, the following conditions may be affecting you:

Diffuse hair loss is a gradual thinning of the hair as opposed to a straightforward bald patch and is the most common type of hair loss in women. The replacement of old hairs by new hairs is slowed down so that the hair becomes sparse and the scalp can be seen clearly through the hair. The causes can be numerous and include stress, restriction of the blood supply, a poor nervous system and hormonal influences.

Androgenetic alopecia (female pattern baldness) in women is often linked to hormonal changes with the hair loss following events such as the menopause, childbirth or as a result of stopping or starting oral contraceptive pills. The hair loss is generally more uniform over the scalp than in the male counterpart, but also results from a complex chemical reaction when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts the testosterone in the system into DHT or dihydrotestosterone. The hair follicles are genetically predisposed to be over sensitive to the DHT and become smaller and smaller with time, leading to the eventual hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium occurs when the growing phase of the hair is interrupted prematurely causing the hair follicles to enter the telogen (resting) phase of the hair cycle earlier than normal. Two to four months later, following the normal cyclic pattern, diffuse shedding of the hair begins. When this happens there are not enough hairs left in the anagen phase, or growing phase, and the result is diffuse thinning of the hair.

Pregnancy will also affect hair production. Hormone levels increase as the pregnancy begins and slow down the hair growth cycle. Hairs that should stop growing continue to grow beyond their usual life cycle. Often this means that the hair appears to grow thicker as more hairs are present than normal. Following the birth, hormone levels change very quickly and hairs that were growing beyond their normal lifespan enter the telogen phase at this time and begin to fall out. This can sometimes appear to happen all at once and can be very worrying to the new mother.

Late onset thinning can be seen in diffuse hair loss across the scalp as density is reduced gradually. This is due to age-related hormonal changes as the natural reduction of oestrogen/progesterone production results in the hair follicles becoming smaller and smaller. These produce finer and finer hair until there is a general reduction in overall density.

If your hair loss is patchy you may be suffering from a form of alopecia:

Alopecia Areata is an extremely common condition and will affect 1% to 2% of the population at some point in their lives. Most sufferers are children and young adults (below 40 years old), though it can affect people of all ages. The hair loss is sudden and manifests itself in small, smooth-skinned patches that are likely to gradually widen with time. It can also affect the sufferer’s nails, giving them a pitted, ridged or brittle appearance. The exact cause is still unknown, although current theories include an auto-immune disease, stress or suggest a genetic basis. If the hair loss progresses until all the scalp hair is lost this is known as alopecia totalis or as alopecia universalis if all the body hair is lost as well.

Pseudopelade is characterised by the development of small, smooth patches without any clinical changes other than transient erythema (redness). The initial patch is usually on the crown of the head, but can occur anywhere on the scalp. It is generally regarded as a clinical syndrome, which may be the end result of any one of a number of different pathological processes due to a weakened immune system.

Hair loss can also have traumatic origins:

Chemical trauma can be caused to the hair by bleaching, relaxing, perming or even dying the hair. The chemicals involved in these processes can damage the hair’s protein structure, making the hair dehydrated and brittle and often causing hair loss. As well as damaging the hair’s protein structure, these chemicals are also not good for the scalp and can irritate it.

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by constant tension on the hair, such as that created by an over-tight ponytail, plaiting or through using too tight rollers to style the hair. The action of pulling on the hair over a long period of time results in the gradual shrinking of the hair follicle and so the hairs produced become finer and finer.

Injury to the body or surgery and its associated anaesthetics and medications can also cause an interruption of the normal growth cycle. A relatively minor injury can result in disproportionably severe hair loss.