Hollywood's Unhealthy Obsession with Hair Extensions

 

Photo by PR Photos

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.

Jessica Simpson's "Hottie" - Combover?

Pop star Jessica Simpson said she's in her first real "healthy relationship," this time with former NFL tight end Eric Johnson. But after looking at recent pictures of the happy duo, it appears Johnson has some hairline recession up top - and, worse, he tries to hide it with a poorly advised combover/Caesar cut. Yikes! Time to throw a penalty flag on this one.


Looks like its time to consider medical treatment with finasteride (Propecia) or other fda-approved treatment if he's going to stop the recession.