Naomi Campbell's Hair Loss Woes

Photo by PR Photos, edited/notated by 
Dr. Alan Bauman

It has long been speculated that Naomi Campbell struggles with traction alopecia. New concerns were sparked this week after she was photographed at an event wearing a wig. 

Over the years, Campbell has been photographed with bald spots, which appear to be the result of years of tight hairstyles, weaves, and extensions. 

Well known for her long time use of hair extensions, the British supermodel appears to be dealing with the consequences of the pulling, styling and abuse her follicles have suffered over many years. Common amongst ethnicities who wear tight braids, those who use hair extensions over a long period of time, attach wigs or weaves with glue/clips/tape, or those who suffer from trichotillomania (hair-pulling disease), traction alopecia is a result of the chronic tension or pulling on the follicles causing irreparable damage.

The definitive cure is hair transplantation which permanently replaces the follicles into the bald skin. However, without a change in hair-care habits, the transplanted hair is also at risk.

Interview: RealSimple March Issue

I was recently asked by RealSimple magazine to discuss how we grow, and lose, our hair. Our discussion can be found in the March issue, available now. 

NBA Hair Awards - GQ.com

Who has the best hair in the NBA? Who has the worst? Do ponytails belong on the court? To find out, check out GQ.com's NBA Hair Awards, see the slideshow here. 

I write a lot about celebrities, but a growing number of high profile athletes are taking advantage of the new technologies available to treat hair loss. In the past few years, Broncos' wide receiver Wes Welker, LeBron James, and Tom Brady have all reportedly undergone hair transplants to help restore their hairlines. English footballer Wayne Rooney even documented his transplant experience for the media and his fans. 

No doubt these athletes are drawn to new transplant techniques that require little downtime and discreet healing. The FDA-approved NeoGraft FUE device is used to extract individual hair follicles from the donor area at the back of the patient's scalp which are then implanted into the bald areas of the scalp. This method replaces the prior technique of cutting a large strip from the back of the patient's scalp and eliminates the use of sutures or staples. FUE procedures leave no linear scar and patients can return to moderate athletic activity in just days instead of weeks making it perfect for athletes.

Bradley Cooper Reportedly Taking Propecia

Photo by PR Photos

According to reports, Oscar-nominee Bradley Cooper is allegedly taking Propecia to combat the early signs of hair loss. Cooper, 39, has become a popular leading man in Hollywood over the past few years, so it wouldn't surprise me that he would take preventative measures to maintain his leading man looks. As he approaches 40, he faces a 40 percent chance of hair loss.

While more celebrities and athletes are opening up about their experience with hair transplants, it is still less common for them to discuss their Propecia use, but this doesn't mean it isn't widely used in Hollywood! I would guess that more than a few of Hollywood's leading men are taking advantage of Propecia, as well as the other preventative measures to protect their hairlines. 

If the rumors are true, good for Cooper for taking preventative action against hair loss. If not, it may not be a bad idea to talk to a hair restoration physician about his options.

LOVE is in the hAIR!

When is the last time you showed your hair some love?

Whether you are fighting dry hair during the winter months, or frizz during the summer, it is always good to reevaluate your beauty regimen to make sure you are giving your hair everything it needs to be thick, healthy and beautiful all year ‘round. 

In honor of Valentine's Day, here are four easy ways to show your hair a little extra TLC. 

• Feed Your Hungry Hair – It may seem unrelated, but what you eat, or don’t eat, has a huge impact on the health of our hair. A diet rich in whole foods, especially protein, is essential to achieving and maintaining healthy hair, while on the flipside, caloric, iron and protein deficiencies are among the most common nutritional triggers for unhealthy hair and hair loss. So if you want to show your hair you care, put down the box of chocolates and replace it with one of the many, healthy hair foods, like salmon, which is loaded with omega-3 fatty acid, dark green vegetables for vitamins A and C, and nuts, which are a terrific source of zinc, which can prevent hair shedding. 
• Avoid Over-Styling – Salon perms, Brazilian blowouts, frequent color treatments and even that super hot blow dryer or that flat iron used over and over again at home can degrade the proteins that make up your hair and its protective cuticle. Turn down the heat or say ‘no’ to the compulsive flat ironing in order to protect your hair from thermal damage. Products like Pantene Thermal Protection and Shine Spray can be helpful in decreasing friction and improving shine. Harsh chemicals are another risk to your hair. 
• Treat Your Scalp – Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp! But unfortunately, too many women forget to give their scalp the attention it needs. Daily shampooing and conditioning may help keep your hair healthy, but sometimes the scalp needs a little specialized attention. Whether your scalp is dry, itchy, flaky, or oily, it is easier than you may think to get a beautiful healthy scalp. Love your scalp like you love the skin of your face, and take care of it the same way. 
• Give Your Hair a Boost – Sleep habits, smoking, medications, and alcohol consumption can all affect the health of your hair. With so many factors at play with the health of our hair, including our genetic risks and inherited hair qualities, it is good to remember to give your hair a little extra TLC from time to time. For many looking to give their at-risk hair a little boost, “LOVE” is spelled “L-A-S-E-R.” Originally getting the nod from the FDA as a side effect-free way to treat hair loss, low level laser "brushes," "hoods" and "caps" are now being used by more women to simply improve hair quality by helping hair follicles create thicker, fuller, shinier and healthier hair. 

Just remember, your hair can be your crowning glory, or an endless nightmare—it is up to you! Isn’t it time you showed your hair some love? 

Julianne Hough Joins Team Pixie

Photo by PR Photos

Lately I've been discussing the pixie trend that is sweeping Hollywood, and it looks like Julianne Hough is the newest member of Team Pixie. The 'Dancing with the Stars' alum is making headlines after ditching her extensions in favor of a sleek new cut. Hough, 25, joins a growing number of celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Pamela Anderson, and even Beyonce - though she has since gone back to extensions. 

While Hough didn't give a reason behind her new look, it is quite possible her frequent use of extensions was taking a toll on her hair. I've discussed many times the risks that come with the use of extensions and weaves, but no matter how many celebrities fall victim, women still seem to love the ever-changing looks they provide. Hopefully, more women will take a cue from these stars and give their hair a break. A good hair cut is a great way to get your hair healthy again, as long as you change the habits that were damaging your hair in the first place! 

Huffington Post Slideshow - When Do Men Go Bald?

I was recently asked by Huffington Post to answer the age-old question, 'When Do Men Go Bald?' This question of course doesn't have a simple answer, but if you're interested in learning more, check out the slideshow here, where we discuss everything from symptoms and statistics to triggers and treatments. 

If you’re worried about hair loss, it is important to consult with a both your primary doctor and an experienced hair restoration physician—a doctor who specializes exclusively in the medical diagnosis, treatments and tracking of hair loss and regrowth. Only a qualified and experienced hair restoration physician can prescribe the most effective multi-therapy treatment options, including the latest available medical treatments and minimally-invasive transplants.

Jennifer Aniston Goes Back to Extensions

Photo by PR Photos

This past November, Jennifer Aniston cut her signature locks into a short bob and publicly discussed the fragile state of her hair. Aniston was quoted in Elle magazine saying her hair "reacted badly to a Brazilian Blowout treatment," prompting the star to chop her hair. 

But it appears Aniston is already missing her long locks, because she was spotted out recently with long extensions, which may again put her damaged hair at risk. I've talked about the risks associated with extensions countless times on here, and I'll say it again, hair extensions can be extremely harmful to the hair follicles. Because of the excess weight and pulling, hair extensions, when worn too much, can lead to a type of hair loss called "traction alopecia." Traction alopecia is a form of "scarring alopecia" and characterized by an obliteration of the hair follicles. 

Hollywood often leads the world when it comes to style, but this is one trend that I'd be happy to see fade away.