Is air pollution linked to hair loss?

10th February 2020

We all know the damage that air pollution can do to our overall health, especially to our respiratory system. However, research suggests that dirty air might also have a more visible impact – it might be causing hair loss.

It’s thought that exposure to common pollutants may be the culprit. Researchers found that when cells on the scalp were in close proximity to dust and diesel for 24 hours, the levels of the protein responsible for hair growth decreased significantly. Scientists noted that the more pollutants the hair cells were exposed to, the bigger the impact on the protein levels. And, of course, in order to grow healthy hair, the scalp also needs to be healthy, but if it’s damaged by air pollution the hair follicles can also be affected.

It’s important to note that the research was carried out in a lab, with a full day’s worth of exposure – it doesn’t show exactly how pollutants will affect the hair in daily life. In any area where there are cars – not just busy cities – particulate matter in the air such as metal deposits cling to the hair, making it drier, dull and unmanageable. So, how can we protect against the damage?

Just as we wouldn’t go to sleep without washing the day’s grime off our skin, the same should apply to our hair. Regularly washing hair with a good-quality shampoo will help to keep the scalp clean and free of pollutants. If you’re going to somewhere with high levels of pollution, a hat can be a good way of protecting your hair from airborne particles – it can help to shield your scalp from UV rays, too, which will further aid your scalp’s health.

Menopausal hair loss: what you need to know

31st January 2020

Recently, American actress and TV presenter Ricki Lake opened up about her hair loss, revealing that a combination of yo-yo dieting, stress and styling damage over the years had taken its toll. It’s an issue that many women can relate to, but few feel comfortable talking about.

Losing some hair volume is a natural part of the ageing process, but for women who have approached menopause, it can come as a shock when they notice the change in their hair. Some women experience it as all-over hair loss, whilst others notice thinning around the front or the crown of the head.

Menopause causes oestrogen levels to drop, and as oestrogen is a hair-friendly hormone that helps to keep hair in the ‘growing’ phase, the decreased levels mean that the hair grows more slowly and becomes thinner.

The drop in oestrogen can also mean the effects of androgens – male hormones – can increase. These hormones shrink hair follicles, making them produce increasingly more fragile hairs and eventually none at all.

Hormones may be the biggest factor in menopausal hair loss, but for some women contributing factors such as stress, genetic predisposition or nutritional deficiencies can also make shedding worse. Other medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can also cause hair loss, so it’s always worth visiting a GP to check your overall health.

Many women find losing their hair to be incredibly distressing, but there are ways to manage it. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial at every age, so make sure you’re eating plenty of whole grains, good fats and vegetables.

Plastic Surgery Undressed: Farjo appears on BBC Three

30th January 2020

The Farjo team have made their debut in Plastic Surgery Undressed – BBC Three’s reality show now available on BBC iPlayer!

The show, fronted by Vogue Williams and Mobeen Azhar, delves into the world of cosmetic surgery, giving prospective patients an insight into the procedures they are hoping to undergo. In each episode, four people who are considering surgery discuss the pros and cons with former patients, speak to experts and watch a live stream of the procedure.

At the end of the show – and with a more informed opinion – the four participants then decide if they would still like to go ahead with their surgery.

This hair transplant (Series 2, episode 2) episode focuses on four people who are unhappy with their hair and are considering undergoing a transplant. One of the participants is worried that his receding hairline is making him look older than his years, whilst another rarely leaves the house without a hat due to his low self-confidence. The third potential patient has grown tired of his friends joking about his thinning hair, whilst the fourth is a transgender woman who would like a more feminine hairline.

There are many reasons why someone might want to undergo a hair transplant, but it’s so important to be fully informed before you take the plunge – especially because there may be another procedure that would work better for you, or you might not be a suitable candidate.

The show was the perfect way for the surgery seekers to discuss their concerns and ask any burning questions. They watched closely as Drs Bessam and Nilofer, and the surgical team carried out a hair transplant first-hand, to see if it might sway their decision. Did any of the participants decide to go through with the surgery? Well, you’ll have to watch and find out for yourself!