Kaley Cuoco Ditches Short Hair

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Kaley Cuoco celebrated wrapping up another season of her hit show with a new look. The star ditched her character's bob for long extensions, saying on Instagram of the decision, "It's very important for me to change my look after wrapping each season :) I love playing Penny, but it's good for me to bring it back to Kaley, last year I chopped it all off- this year I'm doing the opposite."

While extensions may seem like an easy way to change up your style, they aren't without risks. 

The reality is, hair extensions are actually 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. Hair transplantation is the most effective way to reverse this condition.

If you are a regular user of hair extensions, weaves, braids or wigs that attach to the hair, your hair follicles are in danger of permanent damage.

Hollywood often leads the world when it comes to style, but this is one trend I recommend avoiding!

2-Year Old North West Gets Hair Extensions

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Extensions are no stranger to celebrities. I discuss their use, and the risks associated with them, quite frequently. But this week, after seeing photos of 2-year old North West with extensions, it seemed appropriate to discuss them, yet again! 

To get right to the point, hair extensions are extremely harmful to your 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. Hair transplantation is the most effective way to reverse this condition.

While this may seem extreme, it does happen, and more frequently than these extension-loving celebrities may want to admit. In the case of North West, the use of extensions at this age is simply not a good idea. Her hair follicles are not as strong, and are more susceptible to damage. 

My advice would be for both mom, and daughter, to stick to more natural styles, for the sake of their hair!

The #1 Hair Loss Risk for Female Celebrities

 

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While we usually think of hair loss as a 'man's problem,' the reality is that a majority of women tend to experience some type of thinning over the course of their lives - particularly after menopause.

However, many women experience it much earlier in life. There are a number of causes for this - early onset androgenetic alopecia, hair breakage and fallout due to harsh chemical treatments and styling, poor nutrition, medications, health complications, etc. 

But among female celebrities, the cause of early hair loss is often due to one extremely bad styling decision - hair extensions.

Every year, hair extensions seem to become even more popular, which is unfortunate because they can take a heavy toll on the follicles - a fact which many women don't seem to realize. Over the years, a number of celebrities have been spotted with bald spots that likely were caused by extensions - Naomi Campbell, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, Fergie, Jennifer Aniston and more.  

The problem with extensions is that they put excess weight on the hair, pulling the follicles. This pulling can physically damage the follicles, leading to permanent bald patches throughout the scalp in a condition known as traction alopecia or scarring alopecia. Once the follicle has been damaged in this way, it's irrecoverable. The only way to restore the lost hair is to undergo a micro-surgical hair transplant.

Why I'm a Fan of Demi Lovato's New Hair Extensions

 

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Demi Lovato, the 22-year old singer and actress, is almost as well known for her constantly changing hair styles as she is her amazing vocals. Now, she's going one step further by announcing a new line of hair extensions called Secret Color.

Anyone who's read this blog or my media interviews knows that I'm highly critical of hair extensions. In many cases, extensions aren't applied properly or are used too often and the artificial weight upon the hair can strain the underlying follicles, resulting in a permanent type of hair loss known as 'traction alopecia.' Over the years, a number of celebrities have been spotted with bald spots and hairline recession as a result of extensions - one of the most well-known examples is Naomi Campbell.

However, Secret Color is different from traditional hair extensions - it isn't clipped or glued onto the hair, instead it is attached by a simple headband which doesn't put pressure on the hair strands or the underlying follicles. This unique design, which is patent-pending, makes it possible for women to wear these extensions without the risks of causing long-term damage to their hair.

So, while I'm not a fan of traditional hair extensions, I do support Ms. Lovato's safer, healthier design. 

Is Kim Kardashian Going Bald?

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Recent photos of Kim Kardashian have the Internet buzzing that the reality star may be losing her hair. The shots, taken of her in workout clothes, sans makeup, show signs of thinning. Has her love of extensions caught up with her, or is she experiencing postpartum hair loss? 

The answer, probably both. 
Postpartum hair loss is relatively common - but she doesn't need to worry, it isn't permanent. The medical community believes the hair loss could be triggered by the hormonal fluctuations that occur during this period. While pregnant, women see a surge in their estrogen and progesterone levels (which is why women have such great hair when pregnant) - and after the baby is born, these levels return to the pre-pregnancy level. It is this sudden drop-off in hormone levels that causes the hair follicles to go into short-term shock.

As a result, shedding is quite common in the months following the delivery. But the bottom line is, postpartum hair loss is normal, temporary, and shouldn't be a problem or a cause for major concern.

However, if Kim is trying to hide her thinning through the continued use of hair extensions, she could be risking more severe, and possibly permanent damage. My advice to Kim would be to lay off the extensions, especially during this period when her hair is in a weakened state. But if is she really wants to speed up the hair recovery process, she may want to consider a regimen of low level laser therapy and a vitamin supplement like Viviscal Pro to help stimulate healthy hair growth. 

Divorce Stress Causing Khloe Kardashian to Lose Her Hair?

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As if Khloe Kardashian's public divorce drama wasn't already hard enough, new photos suggest the reality star may be seeing signs of hair loss, which some are attributing to divorce stress.

While it may seem strange that divorce can lead to hair loss, studies have found that it can in fact trigger hair loss in women. One study in particular found that, genetics aside, marital status is the next strongest predictor of hair loss in women. Stress alone doesn't cause permanent hair loss, but it commonly contributes to temporary hair loss, called telogen effluvium, in both men and women. The good news is, this type of hair loss can usually be reversed by reducing your stress. 

Khloe's locks may very well be feeling the effects of her divorce, but I have a feeling her frequent use of extensions is also a factor in her hair troubles. As I've mentioned countless times, hair extensions are actually 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."

Whatever is behind her hair loss, if she wants to speed up the hair recovery process, she may also want to consider a regimen of low level laser therapy and a vitamin supplement like Viviscal to help stimulate healthy hair growth. 

Beyonce Says Goodbye to Extensions

Long luscious hair, in the form of hair extensions, have been a staple of Beyonce's look for years now, but she debuted a new look this morning on Instagram: a pixie cut! It is hard to say whether her new cut is the result of the scuffle she had with an industrial fan during a recent show, where her hair got caught during her routine, or if she was seeing damage from the extensions. Maybe the busy superstar mom was just ready for a change, whatever the motivation, she looks great! 

Hair extensions have become a dangerously popular trend in, and out, of Hollywood, but unfortunately, many women don't realize that they are actually 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. Hair transplantation is the most effective way to reverse this condition.

I hope that women take Beyonce's new look as an example and consider saying goodbye to their hair extensions! 

Hollywood's Unhealthy Obsession with Hair Extensions

 

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The June 21st issue of The Hollywood Reporter has a feature on the growing demand in Hollywood for hair extensions. A wide range of celebrities are reportedly using them - Rihanna, Vanessa Hudgens, Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez, just to name a few. And, of course, who can forget Naomi Campbell's side-effects from extensions?

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

And that's just the point: hair extensions are actually 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. Hair transplantation is the most effective way to reverse this condition.

If you are a regular user of hair extensions, weaves, braids or wigs that attach to the hair, your hair follicles are in danger of permanent damage. 

Hollywood often leads the world when it comes to style, but the new extension trend is definitely one to avoid.

Naomi Campbell's Shocking Bald Patches

It has long been speculated that Naomi Campbell struggles with traction alopecia. New concerns were sparked this week after photos taken during a recent summer vacation showed the supermodel with shocking bald patches and a receding hairline.

Known for her long time use of hair extensions, it appears the British supermodel is now dealing with the consequences of the pulling, styling and abuse her follicles have suffered over many years. 

Traction Alopecia is common among people 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), and 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.

Jennifer Aniston: Extensions Ruined My Hair

Jennifer Aniston caused a stir earlier this year when she chopped her famous golden locks, but a new interview with InStyle magazine reveals there was more to the decision than a simple restyle. 

It appears even the Hollywood starlet wasn't immune from the damage that can be caused by extreme hair styling.

Aniston's frequent use of hair extensions were taking their toll on her hair, causing it to become "thinned out." She explained her decision to the magazine: "The real reason I cut my hair? My real hair was getting thinned out again from all the extensions. It was starting to look fake."

Aniston is hardly the first celebrity to be faced with thinning hair after extensions and extreme styling, but the good news is, the damage is reversible. As long as she doesn't go back to her old habits, her hair should grow back healthy and revived. But, if is she wants to speed up the hair recovery process, as I'm sure she does, she may want to consider a regimen of low level laser therapy and a vitamin supplement like Viviscal to help stimulate healthy hair growth. 

Slash Cuts Divorce Plans

Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash recently called off plans to divorce his wife of nine years. That's good news, but I'm more interested in the legendary rocker's hair. 


As the rocker has aged, his long curly hair has appeared to be ageless ... Which has led many to speculate that he might be wearing a wig.


It's difficult to tell from the photos if he is in fact using hair extensions, but I don't think so. After all, recent photos show that he has some hairline recession up top. If he was wearing a wig, he'd probably try to hide that too. However, I do suspect the 45-year old is using hair dye to keep his locks a youthful black. (FYI, men have a 40-percent of hair loss in their 40s. The odds of going gray go up considerably too. See my previous post on that subject here.)


But whatever the facts may be, one thing is certain: the guy rocks!