Month: April 2022

A derivative of activated vitamin D may help to manage hair loss caused by alopecia areata (AA), according to a new study.
AA is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, resulting in the loss of clumps of hair, and occasionally, baldness. The disorder currently affects approximately 6.8 million people in the United States. Results from a pilot study have shown that a vitamin D derivative called calcipotriol may be an effective treatment for AA.

In the recent study, which was published in the journal Dermatologic Therapy, participants applied a 0.005 percent calcipotriol lotion twice daily for three months. Researchers measured hair regrowth after four, eight, and 12 weeks, finding that regrowth began to occur after an average of 4.2 weeks. Hair regrowth had begun in 59 percent of patients after 12 weeks of treatment.
“Topical calcipotriol can be an alternative treatment in AA and it could prove to be more useful in patients who are vitamin D deficient,” the authors said.

A previous study suggested that the severity of AA was linked to low vitamin D levels, while another found that the hair follicles of AA patients contained fewer vitamin D receptors than those of healthy controls.

Female hair loss is an issue frequently seen and can at times, prove a challenging problem to solve!

A trend towards this type of hair loss seems to be quite apparent in recent years, indeed research has shown that as many as 1 in 4 women can experience hair loss of this kind.

As a Trichologist I see this issue daily. Often presenting as a Diffuse (widespread) hair loss. Telogen Effluvium either acute or chronic (over 6 months’ duration) is the most common. Another common problem is Female pattern hair loss, which is the now more preferred term for Androgenic Alopecia.

These two conditions can be largely confused and are all too frequently misunderstood. The exact causes of either is relatively unknown but many studies have been done to look into the most likely.

Frustratingly though, no cause is found in approximately one third of Telogen effluvium cases leaving many confused.
Female pattern hair loss can be very varied in its progression and severity resulting in many sufferers feeling quite desperate.
For the Trichologist it is several areas that are investigated and wider treatment options that bring about the best results for women.
Investigations are most important before any treatment can be decided upon. This will include, among other things, a detailed case history which may indicate the cause of the hair loss and would usually have occurred some 6 to 8 weeks before the hair begins any noticeable shedding.

The condition Telogen effluvium, usually presents with an increased number of hairs in the grooming and washing process, sometimes even blocking the plug! In some cases, thinning of the hair is observed resulting in less dense hair causing much anxiety. Fear of washing the hair can then lead to further problems with the hair /scalp and even more noticeable hair fall when eventually the hair is washed.
Female pattern hair loss is presented by more of the scalp becoming visible and wider partings observed over time rather than a sudden hair fall.

Seeing a Trichologist will include various examinations to exclude other types of hair loss and to determine if any hairdressing practices or scalp issues are causing or adding to the problem.

Healthy hair isn’t defined by shine alone. True hair health comes from strength, elasticity, hydration, and a balanced scalp. If you’re unsure whether your hair is in good condition, this checklist will help you assess it quickly and accurately.

Use these simple tests and visual cues to understand what your hair needs and how to keep it thriving.

1. Your Hair Has a Natural, Consistent Shine

Healthy hair reflects light evenly and looks smooth from root to tip.
Signs of healthy hair:

• natural sheen
• smooth surface
• even light reflection

Signs of damage:

• dullness
• rough texture
• uneven appearance

Visual example: a glossy, smooth strand compared with a dry, frayed one.

2. Your Hair Feels Smooth From Root to Tip

Run your fingers down a strand.

Healthy hair feels:

• soft
• smooth
• consistent in texture

Unhealthy hair feels:

• rough
• brittle
• bumpy (a sign of cuticle damage)

Visual example: a smooth cuticle layer versus a lifted, damaged cuticle.

3. Your Hair Has Good Elasticity

Elasticity shows how well your hair stretches without breaking.

Test: gently stretch a single strand.

Healthy hair:

• stretches and returns to its original length
• feels flexible

Unhealthy hair:

• snaps immediately
• feels stiff or overly stretchy

Visual example: a strand that stretches and bounces back versus one that snaps mid‑stretch.

4. Minimal Breakage and Split Ends

Healthy hair maintains its structure.

Signs of healthy hair:

• few visible split ends
• minimal breakage when brushing
• clean, intact ends

Signs of damage:

• frayed or feathered tips
• white dots at the ends
• lots of short, broken pieces

Visual example: a clean, blunt end versus a frayed, split end.

5. Your Hair Retains Moisture Well

Healthy hair holds hydration.

Healthy hair:

• feels soft for days after washing
• doesn’t tangle excessively
• absorbs products evenly

Unhealthy hair:

• feels dry within hours
• tangles easily
• soaks up products but still feels dry

Visual example: a hydrated curl clumping together versus a dry curl separating and frizzing.

6. Your Scalp Feels Comfortable and Balanced

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.

Healthy scalp:

• no itching
• no flaking
• no redness
• no tightness or burning

Unhealthy scalp:

• persistent itch
• flakes or oil imbalance
• soreness or sensitivity
• visible redness or bumps

Visual example: a calm, even‑toned scalp versus an inflamed or flaky one.

7. You Shed a Normal Amount of Hair

Shedding is normal — losing 50–100 hairs per day is typical.

Healthy hair:

• sheds consistently
• regrows at a normal rate
• maintains density

Unhealthy hair:

• sudden increase in shedding
• visible thinning
• widening parting

Visual example: a normal amount of shed hair in a brush versus excessive shedding.

8. Your Hair Responds Well to Styling

Healthy hair behaves predictably.

Healthy hair:

• holds styles
• smooths easily
• resists frizz with minimal product

Unhealthy hair:

• won’t hold shape
• frizzes quickly
• feels unmanageable

Visual example: a smooth blow‑dry versus a frizzy, uneven finish.

Quick Healthy Hair Checklist

Healthy hair typically shows:

• natural shine
• smooth texture
• good elasticity
• minimal breakage
• balanced moisture
• comfortable scalp
• normal shedding
• predictable styling behaviour

If several of these areas are lacking, your hair may need targeted care or professional assessment.

Final Thoughts

Healthy hair is the result of strong strands, balanced moisture, and a calm, well‑functioning scalp. If you notice dryness, breakage, scalp irritation, or increased shedding, it may be time to adjust your routine or seek professional guidance.

A trichologist can help identify the cause and guide you toward healthier, stronger hair.

There is some news on a new drug to rival Minoxidil for hair growth. A new research report appearing online in The FASEB Journal shows how the FDA-approved glaucoma drug, bimatoprost, causes human hair to regrow. It’s been commercially available as a way to lengthen eyelashes, but these data are the first to show that it can actually grow human hair from the scalp.
“We hope this study will lead to the development of a new therapy for balding which should improve the quality of life for many people with hair loss,” said Valerie Randall, a researcher involved in the work from the University of Bradford, Bradford, UK. “Further research should increase our understanding of how hair follicles work and thereby allow new therapeutic approaches for many hair growth disorders.”
To make this discovery, Randall and colleagues conducted three sets of experiments. Two involved human cells and the other involved mice. The tests on human cells involved using hair follicles growing in organ culture as well as those take directly from the human scalp. In both of these experiments, the scientists found that bimatoprost led to hair growth. The third set of experiments involved applying bimatoprost to the skin of bald spots on mice. As was the case with human cells, the drug caused hair to regrow. “This discovery could be the long- awaited follow up to Viagra that middle-aged men have been waiting for,” said Gerald Weissmann, MD, editor-in-chief of The FASEB Journal. “Given that the drug is already approved for human use and its safety profile is generally understood, this looks like a promising discovery that has been right in front of our eyes the whole time.