Hair Foundation Blog

Recently, Aderans Research has been in the news a lot for its work in cell-based solutions. In January, the company discussed its Ji Gami™ family of cell products at the 2012 Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference in Maui and its expansion  to four new cities for its ongoing trials.

The Hair Foundation’s Vice Chair, Ken Washenik, M.D., Ph. D. is involved in the trials through his role as Aderan’s Chief Executive Officer.

Aderans is a subsidiary of Aderans Co., Ltd, the world’s largest wig manufacturer, and affiliate of Bosley, global leaders in surgical hair restoration, where Washenik is the Medical Director.

In this video from the 4th International Congress Research Against Hair Loss , Washenik discussed the most advances in hair cloning.

Take a look.

Presentation by Dr. Ken Washenik on Hair Cloning

At the recent 2012 Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference in Maui, the Hair Foundation’s Vice Chair, Dr. Ken Washenik, M.D, Ph.D., gave a presentation called, “Emerging Therapies for Hair Loss.”  It focused on new and breakthrough treatments in hair loss, such as clinical treatments.

Another topic in Washenik’s discussion was the progress Aderans Research has made on the Ji Gami™ family of cell products. This is a key component in the company’s cell-based solutions to androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), according to a press release.

Washenik serves as the company’s chief executive. Earlier this month, Aderans Research announced the expansion of its hair loss clinical trials to four new cities. With almost 350 subjects, this trial represents one of the largest for researching cell-based solutions for pattern hair loss.

Aderans Research has been a pioneer in the research and development of safe, effective cell engineered products for hair regeneration. The Atlanta-based company is a subsidiary of Aderans Co., Ltd, the world’s largest wig manufacturer, and an affiliate of Bosley, a global leader in surgical hair restoration.

In addition to his presentation on hair loss, Washenik was also a participant in an audience question and answer session comprised of practicing dermatologists.

Joining Washenik at the conference were two other Hair Foundation members. The doctors sat on the following panels.

Hair Foundation Scientific Advisory Council Member Dr. Valerie Callender, M.D

Clinical and Therapeutic Challenges in Medical Dermatology: Sweat, Hair, Pigmentary Disorders and Warts and Management of Pigment Disorders

Hair Foundation’s Board of Trustees secretary Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos,  M.D., FAAD

Cosmeceuticals in Dermatology and Clinical and Therapeutic Challenges in Appearance Procedures

Beginning this month, the Hair Foundation will be sending out monthly online newsletters. For this post, we’ve included some timely stories as we slowly approach the end of summer. If you are interested in receiving our online newsletter or have story ideas, please contact us at info@hairfoundation.org.

Sun Care for Your Scalp 

While we all put sunscreen on our bodies to protect it from the sun, it’s also important to put it on your scalp. For those with thinning hair or balding heads, you’re more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer in these overexposed areas than on your body, so protect your head accordingly.

You don’t want to deal with a dry, peeling head after the sun damage is done.

“Remember to always apply sunscreen with at least an SPF15 to the scalp that is exposed to the sun, usually at either the part or the scalp area that is most exposed,” says Paul T. Rose, MD, JD, and Hair Foundation Board Member. “After swimming or sweating, it’s important to reapply frequently as sunscreen easily comes off and leaves the scalp unprotected.”

Here are a few tips:

• Buy new sunscreen every year. It’s tempting to just finish that half-full bottle in your cabinet at the start of another summer, but most sunscreens lose sun protection over time and the product will not protect as needed.
• Look for some of the new dry shampoo, styling and color coverage products that also offer UV protection
• Purchase sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Sunscreens with oxybenzone are toxic and when it soaks into your skin, it is also a contributor to skin cancer
• Always use a product with a SPF. This summer there’s been a trend toward higher SPFs which are now readily available; try to buy the highest coverage possible. SPF 30, will provide protection for most of the day but if you get sunburnt in 10 minutes, SPF 30 will protect you for 300 minutes and with an SPF as low as 15, you’ll be protected from the sun for only 150 minutes
• Just by walking, sitting in a car or a near a window, you are subject to harmful UV rays known as secondary UV exposure
• If you are concerned about your hair looking greasy, try either a light spray sunscreen or a stick version on the exposed skin. Then, use a clarifying shampoo at the end of the day to remove any remaining build-up
• If you get sunburn on your scalp, take an anti-inflammatory like Advil or Aleve and avoid powder-based hair products. Also, try not to wash your hair over the next few days to avoid further dryness and irritation
• Remember, the sun is strongest during the midday between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. so it’s recommended you reduce your exposure during these hours
• Always wear a hat if possible. It will cover your scalp and protect your face and neck

Summer Hair: Dealing with Heat and Frizz

Combating this summer’s heat wave is hard enough but dealing with the effects on hair is sometimes an even greater challenge. Wearing hair in a ponytail or a hair clip are often the go-to remedies but there’s more you can do for this summer time effect. 

Why do when summer hair frizzies happen? This occurs when dry hair sucks up moisture from the humidity and your shafts swell and kink up all over. Many people will have “bigger” hair from humidity. By hydrating your hair, it can help your hair from acting as a sponge in humid weather.

“Ways to combat summer heat and frizz will depend on your hair texture,” said Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos, Secretary of the Hair Foundation Board of Trustees. “However, there are a lot of simple at-home things you can do and lots of great products on the market that will help.”

Fine and straight hair? This type tends to go flat so style it by lifting sections and then misting your hair with a dry shampoo or a mist shine spray. Before leaving the house spritz on some heat-protective spray to prevent further damage.

Curly hair? It’s the battle of the frizzies and to combat them, try using mousse through wet hair, then air-dry your hair. For dry hair, put on some anti-frizzing styling cream and glide it over your hair to smooth frizzies. Think about washing your hair at night. Apply a styling product on your hair, and then tie it in a knot or loose ponytail.

Coarse or textured hair? The sun can dry your hair, making it dull. To add some life back in your hair, rub a serum over it to get some for shine. Also use a deep conditioner on your hair.

And for all hair types, use a deep condition on your hair every time you wash it and leave it on for five minutes while showering.

Pool Hair? One last summertime effect on your hair that many people think is a myth: chlorine can turn your hair green. It has this effect on blonde hair.

Why does hair turn green? Dr. Matt Leavitt explained, “Oxidized metals in the water binds to the proteins in your hair shaft. They deposit their colors and blonde hair turns a green tint. Regardless of hair type and color, chlorine in swimming pools not only dries out your hair, it can leave hair brittle, especially on colored or highlighted hair.”

To protect your hair from chlorine, wear a swim cap, rinse in non-chlorinated water before and after swimming and use a mild clarifying shampoo and proper conditioner.

Finasteride Task Force

In April, the ISHRS convened the Task Force on Finasteride (Proscar) Adverse Event Controversies to evaluate published data and to inform and update ISHRS members regarding “men with androgenetic alopecia who have claimed to have experienced persistent sexual side effects following the use and subsequent discontinuation of Finasteride.”

At the time, the ISHRS Web site noted that the task force was in the process of gathering information and forming an interdisciplinary panel to discuss the issues. It will keep ISHRS members informed regarding post-marketing adverse events.

Here’s a link to the statement.

According to the May/June Forum newsletter, Hair Foundation Board members, Drs. Ken Washenik, and Dow Stough, have been included on the task force and they have joined a group that is currently evaluating this complex topic.

The newsletter story further notes the task force will consult urology and sexual function experts to evaluate the connection between Finasteride and persistent sexual dysfunc­tion. They will determine if hair restoration specialists need to make changes when counseling and treating patients should a link between the two be found.  

We will continue to update you on this topic.

Photo courtesy of HairMax

In June, Lexington Intl, LLC (“Lexington”), a Hair Foundation partner, received FDA Clearance to market its HairMax LaserComb® Lux 9 for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss) and the promotion of hair growth.

On Aug. 4, CBS Philadelphia ran a story about this HairMax LaserComb. It featured a 53-year-old woman with hereditary hair loss and included Hair Foundation’s Vice Chair, Dr. Ken Washenik, as a hair loss medical expert.

Here’s a link to the video and some background on the story.

In an additional story about the LaserComb Lux 9, here’s one from Univision.

Want to learn more about the HairMax LaserComb Lux 9 for women? Check out this June 10 Hair Foundation blog post.

For many people, Lady Gaga is seen as a music icon, an individual, a very creative person and yes, a woman who struggles with hair loss. The 25-year-old has been open about her hair loss and has said that her hair has started to fall out because of the constant hair dyeing. The natural brunette is known for platinum blonde hair and because of it, she’s been open about her hair loss.

So what’s a woman to do about hair loss? In a recent AOL blog post, rumors have been swirling that Lady Gaga is using Minoxidil (Rogaine®) to combat her hair loss.

What is Rogaine? It is the only FDA-approved topical solution to regrow your hair. For women, it enables them to take control of hair loss and start regrowing healthy hair. It is a very good treatment for hereditary hair loss. Initially sold as a prescription product, Rogaine is now sold over the counter and for women, the 2% solution is recommended.

One thing to keep in mind, according to Dr. Matt Leavitt, president and CEO of the Hair Foundation, in his book, “Women and Hair Loss: A Physician’s Perspective,”

Use of minoxidil to abate hair loss or re-grow hair should be viewed as a lifetime commitment if the re-growth is to be maintained.

Leavitt further explains,

More density to the hair is achieved with continuous use, which allows for easier styling, but bear in mind that it does not replace all of the missing hair and that the response to treatment is individual.

Side effects may include an itchy scalp and other minor skin irritations, which occurs in approximately 6% of females, according to Leavitt.

Want to learn more about women and hair loss? Check out this March 29 Q&A blog with the Hair Foundation’s vice chairman, Dr. Ken Washenik  and the Hair Foundation’s new physician videos.

In this video from New York’s PIX11 , Dr. Ken Washenik, Hair Foundation’s vice chairman, discusses causes of hair loss and offers treatment suggestions. He mentions Hair Foundation’s partner, Lexington Intl, which recently received FDA clearance for its HairMax Laser Comb.

To learn more about women and hair loss as well as treatments, please visit the Hair Foundation’s new physician video series.

With Father’s Day just two weeks ago, it’s time to start thinking about a gift for Dad. In this post from Bosley’s Battle Against Bald (Hair Foundation’s Vice Chair Ken Washenik is Bosley’s Medical Director), they present some interesting ideas for the dad with hair challenges and a sense of humor.

Famous bald father, David Beckham - photo by menwomenhairstyles.com

• 4HeadWear Hats– These hats are specially designed with the needs of balding men in mind, such as advanced moisture wicking and UV protection.
• Give your dad a full head of spikey hair, anytime he wants it with Flair Hair visors.
• It’s not only Father’s Day, it’s BBQ Season. If your dad likes grilling up tasty food for the family, the “A Few Great Heads” BBQ apron is a must-have.
• Help your dad bring awareness to the plight of the balding man with this “Struggling Hair Farmer” t-shirt.
• Mix a little attitude in with that caffeine. Get your dad a “With a Body Like Mine Who Needs Hair?” Coffee Mug.

This week, the Hair Foundation launched its new nine-part physician video series on its website. These videos include the Hair Foundation’s esteemed Board of physicians, Dr. Matt Leavitt, Dr. E. Antonio Mangubat, Dr. Dow Stough and Dr. Ken Washenik, as narrators along with the inclusion of the Hair Foundation’s partners’ products as visuals.

The videos range in two to four-minute lengths and viewers will find that the doctors offer advice, discuss topics, and describe patient stories through real-world examples and visuals.

Check out the videos on the Hair Foundations site:
Video: Types of Hair Loss
Video: Understanding & Living With Hair Loss
Video: Men and Hair Loss
Video: Women and Hair Lossn
Video: Children and Hair Loss
Video: Hair Loss and Self Esteem
Video: Hair Loss Diagnosis and Medical Treatments
Video: Hair Care and Maintenance
Video: Hair Disease and Treatments

This spring, the Hair Foundation’s doctors served as experts and helped film a nine-part video series for public use. They cover a variety of hair

Photo by hopefulfarm.com

topics and viewers will find many of their common questions answered.

Drs. Matt Leavitt, Dow Stough,E. Antonio Mangubat and Ken Washenik discussed the following video topics:

• Types of Hair Loss
• Understanding and Living with Hair Loss
• Men and Hair Loss
• Women and Hair Loss
• Children and Hair Loss
• Hair Loss and Self-Esteem
• Combating Hair Loss: Diagnosis and Medical Treatments
• Hair Care and Maintenance before Hair Loss Occurs
• Hair Disease and Treatments

These free videos run between two to four minutes in length and they include patients, real world examples and visuals.

Look for their availability soon on the HF website, YouTube and partners’ websites.