Solid Evidence Backs Heart Attack Prevention Initiative
It is clear that if you want to avoid a stroke or heart attack in your life time, there are some simple steps you can take which have proven statistically significant. These are simply: (1) treat high blood pressure if you have it, (2) stop smoking if you smoke, (3) treat your cholesterol if it is high with statins and diet also keep your red meat down in your diet, (4) regular exercises on a daily basis to keep fit, (5) keep your weight in normal ranges for your age, (6) take one baby aspirin each day which has value not only for prevention of cardiac and stroke events, but also prevention of many forms of cancer.
The formula is easy and you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand these 6 simple things to keep you healthy.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Hair Loss
Dear Dr Rassman,
I am a regular reader of your blog, so first of all let me congratulate you on the highly informative and useful resource you have created.
I am a 21 year old male with thinning at the crown and right-had side of the scalp. My question regards shampoo and hair loss.
I came across this article which describes the alleged effect of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) found in most commercial shampoos nowadays. Apparently due to the acidic nature of the chemical, it could be blamed for accelerated hair loss.
First of all, I’m not suggesting that MPB in men is caused by this chemical, otherwise we’d all be bald! The bit of the article that interests me is the part which suggests that it (SLS) can cause damage to hair follicles which have just shed their minaturized hair due to MPB, thus accelerating the balding process.
All in all, I’m simply seeking your medical opinion on this issue and asking if you think it’s worth trying an SLS-free shampoo.
Keep up the good work
Based on the article link you sent, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) does not look like a safe additive in shampoos, BUT by using the powers of the Internet (*cough* Google search), I have found that this is nothing more than an urban myth. Yes, it is true that SLS is used in de-greasers and yet is also found in shampoo (and toothpaste), but it is found in the personal hygiene products at much lower levels than the stuff used to clean your garage floor. If you have very weak and miniaturized hair, you can try using an SLS-free shampoo to see if that makes a difference. I don’t have an answer one way or another, and if you are concerned, using SLS-free shampoo shouldn’t be a problem. There are a number of shampoos that do not contain SLS, marketed perfectly for people that buy into hysteria. However, I think it is way overblown and wouldn’t concern myself with it.
You can find much more information about SLS at Snopes.com, a great site for debunking myths. Also, HairSite.com has a good point / counterpoint breakdown showing both sides of the argument. Even the American Cancer Society has spoken out on how the SLS rumor is completely false.
2008-05-09 15:33:092008-05-06 11:45:12Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Hair Loss
Sodium Hydroxide is in My Shampoo!
I read that sodium hydroxide is one of the chemicals used for hair straightening, and it can burn the scalp if it comes in contact with it too long. I also noticed that sodium hydroxide is an ingredient in both my shampoo. Is this bad for my hair?
At the low concentrations, the sodium hydroxide should not hurt you or your hair (such as in shampoos)… but when you are using higher concentrations for straightening it, you must be careful.
Soda related to hair loss?
In a recent published paper in the Journal or Nutrients, by Ysinghua University in Beijing, identified a new link between men who drink excess amounts of soda (sugary drinks with or without artificial sweeteners) and even energy drinks with hair loss. The study was large. We have long blamed sugar and artificial sweeteners for many human diseases. This report is a new alarm showing that excess sugars can even be an accelerant for balding.
Soccer Player Wayne Rooney’s Hair Transplant
Just would like to share with everyone a recent post by Wayne Rooney (professional soccer player with Manchester United) who recently admitted to a hair transplant procedure in the British Daily Mail
The FUE procedure shows a radical improvement in terms of density in the photos immediately after the procedure. I can only assume that the results with improve dramatically in the months to come. Based on the cost posted ($30,000 pounds), I would assume that 4000 grafts were transplanted. I thought that 2000 was a realistic number based on FUE. Wesley Sneijder (another professional soccer player with Inter Milan in Italy), also has the procedure done last year. For men in their twenties, FUE would appear to be the way to go if you can afford it. Especially if you like to keep your hair short as they do. Anyway, just thought that this would be an interesting story to share with your followers. Thanks for all your great and informative work!
I’ve seen quite a bit in the news about Wayne Rooney, and I must admit I had no idea who he was before learning he had a hair transplant. I don’t follow soccer. The hairline shown in the photo he posted looks like it was placed high and perfectly rounded with a few little zig-zags to break it up, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see once the results grow out.
So What Supplements Should I Avoid?
Hi Dr Rassman, you recently responded to one of my questions with this reply: No, I am not aware of any specific ingredients in any supplements (when taken as directed) that could cause hair loss. Some of the supplements that may have steroid type effects cause hair loss. Keep in mind any medications, supplements, and food when taken in excess can be harmful to your body. My question is, can you tell me what ingredients may have a steroid type effect so that I can know what to look out for? Thank you.
There are several types of medications with steroid activities, and I believe the ones that you are referring to are anabolic or androgenic steroids. Androgens are steroids that control the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics. They are also the ones used for muscle building purposes. Testosterone is the most well-known androgen and is prescribed for male patients who don’t produce it regularly, such as patients with delayed puberty. There are several other androgens including Dehydroepinephrone (DHEA), Androstenedione, Androstenediol, Androsterone, and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with somehow similar effects. The anabolic steroids may also be ingredients of other commercial products. They are used for treatment of body wasting in patients with AIDS and other diseases with loss of muscle mass. Athletes and others abuse these steroids to boost performance and also to improve physical appearance. The side effects of anabolic steroids could be severe and are not limited to hair loss, and it is necessary for anyone who takes these type of steroids to discuss their potential side effects with a doctor.
2006-11-30 14:35:322006-11-29 15:37:49So What Supplements Should I Avoid?
So Nothing Can Be Done for Alopecia Universalis Patients?
Is Alopecia Universalis a dead end?? hair cloning and transplant isn’t beneficial at all in this stage ?
Thank you
There is no medical cure for alopecia universalis patients. Cloning isn’t available and transplantation isn’t an option, since alopecia universalis patients don’t have hair to harvest.
There is an alternative option — Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP). We have had one alopecia totalis patient treated with SMP. Look for Client 26 here (4th one down on the right).
So Is BHT for Very Short Hairstyles a Good Idea or Not?
Dear Sir,
I read the Q&A titled “If I Want to Have a Very Short Hair Style Forever, Can I Use BHT?”I could not figure out what your view is about this. I think the sender’s idea sounds good but I would like to have your view as to what you think of Body hair transplant in this scenario if one wants to nearly shave his hair or cropped hair look.
Best Regard
Hair transplants from the scalp are far superior to body hair transplants, even with the short haircut you want. That is what FUE offers. I don’t recommend body hair transplants.
2013-03-07 09:04:222013-03-06 11:37:03So Is BHT for Very Short Hairstyles a Good Idea or Not?
So, if I replace my receding hairline, what happens in another 5-10 years when I continue to recede? Answer: A Master Plan with a good doctor who measures your Hair Bank!
I have been doing hair transplants for 29 years and started off doing Follicular Unit Transplants (which I pioneered) with large sessions of follicular units rather than the old type of plugs as well as FUE which I started doing in the mid-1990s. I first published the idea that a Master Plan is critical for every person and it must take into account the limited hair in the donor area. I discussed looking at the donor area as a bank account, but rather than money, it is hair in that account. The unique thing about a donor area bank account is that there are never deposits, only withdrawals. So the doctor MUST ALWAYS document how much hair is in the ‘donor bank’ and with each withdrawal, he must plan to leave enough to satisfy the patients initial needs and his long term needs as more hair is ALWAYS lost over time. I have transplanted patients over the 29 years, keeping up with the progressive balding process to keep them hairy. I have always been honest if compromises are necessary. Today, too many doctors think short-term because it is better for them financially if they move a lot of ‘bank hair’ out earlier. Also, the patient frequently thinks short term, and doesn’t appreciate the problems he may run into in the future. But the doctors who want to get your money now are not the doctors you want. Always be sure that your doctor talks about your donor supply (bank) as he depletes it with FUE or FUT because you know what is going to happen WHEN you lose more hair in the future (a guarantee so read this: https://baldingblog.com/need-master-plan-think-hair-transplants-photos/). Here is an example of one of many of my patients who have stayed ‘hairy’ despite continued hair loss: https://baldingblog.com/norwood-class-7-pattern-patient-received-11000-grafts-plus-smp/