Keeping healthy hair through the colder months of the year can be a task. Some people are well aware that cold temperatures is damaging to your hair, but a lot of people have no idea! Queue this blog.

Let’s talk about what cold weather does to your hair. First off, a brisk 50 degrees isn’t bad for your hair. And that’s cold to us Texans. But if you’re traveling outside of Texas into those below freezing states, we recommend just staying no to that, and snuggling up with your dog on the couch while eating all things peppermint bark. But if you absolutely must go somewhere uncomfortably cold, keep in mind that those temperatures can and will affect your hair in one way or another. But Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas/Fort Worth has your back… err... head.

Dry/itchy scalp

The thing about winter is that it calls for two things: layers and dark clothing. We aren’t fashion experts. But we know a thing or two from binge watching Netflix shows based out of colder areas of America. Layers upon layers upon thermals. That’s what winter is all about in terms of clothing. Typically during this time, dark clothing is a classic, fashionable trend. But this isn’t a fashion blog, so where am I going with this? Cold weather can quickly turn your healthy head into a snowglobe of dandruff. The lower temperatures dry your skin out, and your scalp is no exception. With a dry scalp comes and itchy scalp. The last thing you want is to be wearing a black peacoat with bright white flakes all over your shoulders when it isn’t snowing outside. This is not flattering for you at your significant other’s work holiday party. So what can you do? The best thing you can do is keep your scalp moisturized with a dandruff shampoo. You can still use whatever your normal shampoo and conditioner are, but consider massaging some Head & Shoulders into your scalp after using your regular product. Let it sit for a minute, then wash it out. Do this every other day to keep that scalp from flaking all over the place during chilly temperatures! Most people don’t know that Head & Shoulders isn’t just a dandruff fighting shampoo, but it also keeps your hair healthy and strong.

Beanies

So, it’s cold outside and you don’t want to spend the time doing your hair. Or maybe your hair is thinning, and you want to wear a beanie or a hat so people don’t notice. Totally understandable. But be aware that although the cold weather can cause your scalp to dry out and damage your hair, wearing tight beanies or hats frequently can permanently damage your hair and even cause excessive thinning. Think of it this way: Put a brick on some nice St. Augustine grass during the summer. Leave it there for the entire day. Now pick it up and look at the grass it was sitting on. It will be smashed, matted down, and discolored. If you keep that brick on the grass over time, that grass dies. This is how wearing a beanie constantly affects your healthy St. Augustine-esque hair. Be mindful of how often you wear hats and beanies, and think about how that can damage and thin your hair over time.

If you had too much spiked eggnog last night and you woke up late this morning, throw that beanie on to save time. Then call Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas/Fort Worth so we can hook you up with healthier, rejuvenated hair for next year. Worth it!

Contact us now for a free consultation! Get your life back for the holidays!

Dry shampoos are an easy way to freshen your hair without having to wet, wash, rinse, repeat. When you are busy or on the run, the powder (usually starch or talc-based) absorbs excess grease and dirt by being sprayed or sprinkled onto the scalp. Dry shampoos are the perfect refresh for your holiday look adding long-lasting volume as well as texture. 

The process is simple:

• Apply the dry shampoo to your scalp
• Work into roots of hair by massaging with your fingers
• Let sit for about a minute
• Brush and style as usual

While there are benefits, there are also some problems associated with the regular use of dry shampoo.

The Benefits:

• Dry shampoos are easy and convenient to use for those who do not want to wash their hair often or have hair that easily becomes greasy throughout the day. Many people also use dry shampoos for a quick fix after going to the gym.
• It preserves bleached and colored hair.
• By eliminating the need for daily styling, you can avoid excessive heat that causes damaged hair and split ends.
• Prevents hair from becoming to dry
• By blow-drying, curling, and straightening less often, your hair gets a break from the heat.
• Dry shampoo can be used in certain problem areas of the hair, such as bangs that collect forehead oils.
• It can also be used in areas that need more volume than the rest of the hair.
• Stretches out you blow for 2 to 3 days.
• Smells nice and clean.
• Revives your hair after a workout.
• It is affordable. If you are willing to pay a little more, some dry shampoos even use an assortment of natural ingredients.
• Dry shampoos now come in a variety of colors so you can cover your gray while refreshing your do.
• Its just plain convenient and saves time.
  
• Newer products have special additives that can add nutrients to your hair.
• There is an assortment of dry shampoos available for every hair type.

Not so Beneficial:

• Dry shampoo can aggravate existing scalp problems, such as dandruff
• Some cheap dry shampoo brands contain slightly toxic ingredients, while also leaving visible flakes and white powder in your hair.
• Dry shampoos can dry your hair and scalp out to the point where it no longer looks healthy and shiny.
• By stripping away natural oils and clogging the scalps pores, regrowth can become slower and/or difficult.

If you do decide to use dry shampoo, be willing to spend a little extra on the organic products that do not use aluminum.

Solutions for Hair Loss

At Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas / Fort Worth, we take pride in being able to offer you both surgical and non-surgical hair loss solutions. By introducing new and innovative technologies, we can provide our clients with the widest array of hair loss solutions.

We understand what it's like to be frustrated in the search for answers. At Apollo of Dallas / Fort Worth that frustration ends! We strive not only to solve your hair loss problem, but to provide the most positive, comfortable, and confidential service in the hair replacement industry.

Call us now for a FREE consultation! Get your life back!

Hair Loss Study: Scientists reverse aging-associated skin wrinkles and hair loss in a mouse model

A gene mutation causes wrinkled skin and hair loss; turning off that mutation restores the mouse to normal appearance.

Wrinkled skin and hair loss are hallmarks of aging. What if they could be reversed?

Keshav Singh, Ph.D., and colleagues have done just that, in a mouse model developed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. When a mutation leading to mitochondrial dysfunction is induced, the mouse develops wrinkled skin and extensive, visible hair loss in a matter of weeks. When the mitochondrial function is restored by turning off the gene responsible for mitochondrial dysfunction, the mouse returns to smooth skin and thick fur, indistinguishable from a healthy mouse of the same age.

"To our knowledge, this observation is unprecedented," said Singh, a professor of genetics in the UAB School of Medicine.

Importantly, the mutation that does this is in a nuclear gene affecting mitochondrial function, the tiny organelles known as the powerhouses of the cells. Numerous mitochondria in cells produce 90 percent of the chemical energy cells need to survive.

In humans, a decline in mitochondrial function is seen during aging, and mitochondrial dysfunction can drive age-related diseases. A depletion of the DNA in mitochondria is also implicated in human mitochondrial diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, age-associated neurological disorders and cancer.

"This mouse model," Singh said, "should provide an unprecedented opportunity for the development of preventive and therapeutic drug development strategies to augment the mitochondrial functions for the treatment of aging-associated skin and hair pathology and other human diseases in which mitochondrial dysfunction plays a significant role."

The mutation in the mouse model is induced when the antibiotic doxycycline is added to the food or drinking water. This causes depletion of mitochondrial DNA because the enzyme to replicate the DNA becomes inactive.

In four weeks, the mice showed gray hair, reduced hair density, hair loss, slowed movements and lethargy, changes that are reminiscent of natural aging. Wrinkled skin was seen four to eight weeks after induction of the mutation, and females had more severe skin wrinkles than males.

Dramatically, this hair loss and wrinkled skin could be reversed by turning off the mutation. The photos below show the hair loss and wrinkled skin after two months of doxycycline induction, and the same mouse a month later after doxycycline was stopped, allowing restoration of the depleted mitochondrial DNA.

Little change was seen in other organs when the mutation was induced, suggesting an important role for mitochondria in skin compared to other tissues.

The wrinkled skin showed changes similar to those seen in both intrinsic and extrinsic aging -- intrinsic aging is the natural process of aging, and extrinsic aging is the effect of external factors that influence aging, such as skin wrinkles that develop from excess sun or long-term smoking.

Among the details, the skin of induced-mutation mice showed increased numbers of skin cells, abnormal thickening of the outer layer, dysfunctional hair follicles and increased inflammation that appeared to contribute to skin pathology. These are similar to extrinsic aging of the skin in humans. The mice with depleted mitochondrial DNA also showed changed expression of four aging-associated markers in cells, similar to intrinsic aging.

The skin also showed disruption in the balance between matrix metalloproteinase enzymes and their tissue-specific inhibitor -- a balance of these two is necessary to maintain the collagen fibers in the skin that prevent wrinkling.

The mitochondria of induced-mutation mice had reduced mitochondrial DNA content, altered mitochondrial gene expression, and instability of the large complexes in mitochondria that are involved in oxidative phosphorylation.

Reversal of the mutation restored mitochondrial function, as well as the skin and hair pathology. This showed that mitochondria are reversible regulators of skin aging and loss of hair, an observation that Singh calls "surprising."

"It suggests that epigenetic mechanisms underlying mitochondria-to-nucleus cross-talk must play an important role in the restoration of normal skin and hair phenotype," Singh said, who has a secondary UAB appointment as professor of pathology. "Further experiments are required to determine whether phenotypic changes in other organs can also be reversed to wildtype level by restoration of mitrochondrial DNA."

Story Source:

Materials provided by University of Alabama at Birmingham. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference:

1. Bhupendra Singh, Trenton R. Schoeb, Prachi Bajpai, Andrzej Slominski, Keshav K. Singh. Reversing wrinkled skin and hair loss in mice by restoring mitochondrial function. Cell Death & Disease, 2018; 9 (7) DOI: 

PAGE CITATION:

University of Alabama at Birmingham. "Scientists reverse aging-associated skin wrinkles and hair loss in a mouse model: A gene mutation causes wrinkled skin and hair loss; turning off that mutation restores the mouse to normal appearance.." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 July 2018. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180720112808.htm>.

The ABC's of Hair Care - Get Your Vitamins 

Good nutrition is the basis for beautiful, healthy hair. While hair may be important for your self-image, it is not essential to maintain life so, when nutrients are in short supply, your body will convert them to more life-sustaining functions. Here are a handful of vitamins & minerals that can help your hair be healthy.

Vitamin A:
All cells need vitamin A for growth. This includes hair, the fastest growing tissue in the human body. Vitamin A can be found in animal products such as milk, eggs and yogurt. Cod liver oil is a particularly good source.

Vitamin B Complex:
Vitamin B promotes healthy skin, nails, and shiny hair. While all the different variations of B are found in a large array of food, try focusing on nuts, brown rice, eggs and green vegetables.

Vitamin C:
Your body needs vitamin C to create a protein known as collagen which is an important part of hair structure. Grab citrus fruits, strawberriesand peppers to get your vitamin C fix. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron, a mineral necessary for hair growth.

Vitamin D:
Recent studies have highlighted a correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and hair loss, particularly in women. This vitamin is known to help with the health of hair follicles. Getting vitamin D is as simple as standing out in the sun, but if you're sensitive to UV rays, try eating mushrooms, fatty fish or egg yolks.

Vitamin E:
In a 2010 study, people with hair loss experienced a 34.5% increase in hair growth after supplementing with vitamin E for 8 months. Get your vitamin E from yummy avocados, spinach & almonds.

Iron:
When it comes to restoring hair growth, iron seems to play a big role. While having an iron deficiency doesn't necessarily mean hair loss, not having enough iron in your blood can make it worse. Try eating more meat, egg yolk and dark leafy greens for the best impact.

Zinc:
The last mineral in the alphabetical array of nutrients should not be last on your list. Zinc also provides a variety of benefits, and can be easily found in red meats, poultry, fish, whole wheats and dairy. Did you know that there are actually shampoos that contain zinc? It's that good for hair restoration.

For a well-rounded diet be sure to get all the vitamins and minerals you need, here is a list of some nutrient-dense foods:

Restore your Hair and your Life

Apollo Hair Reconstruction (AHR) is a proprietary nonsurgical hair replacement technique that not only restores your hair and natural appearance but also can restore your self-confidence and improve the quality of your life.

Contact Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas, Fort Worth today to inquire about AHR for men and women, or to learn about any of our other customized hair loss solutions to solve virtually any hair loss condition.

Call us now for your free consultation (800) 339-4247

Be Kind to Your Hair 

Things that reduce your hairs’ strength and elasticity, and cause it to break more easily include, chemical processing (such as bleaching and highlighting), keratin straightening treatments, the suns UV rays, salt, chlorinated water, perms and the overuse of heated styling aids can result in hair damage and breakage. Luckily, for most of these issues, the hair grows back or the loss can be reversed with medical treatments. But it is important to see a professional if there seems to be something wrong, because the sooner treatment is started, the better the chances are for improving your growing season. Here are a few tips to curb hair breakage:  

• Don't brush your hair too often
• Apply a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment to your hair at least once a week
• Gently remove tangles with a wide-tooth comb, starting at your ends and gradually working up towards the roots 
• Use a heat protective serum before blow drying
• Don't pull your hair back too tightly when you style
• Try not to wrap hair ties too tightly around your hair. This can cut into the hair shaft and cause breakage.
• Protect your hair from the sun in the summer
• Limit your use of hair straighteners, hot roller or curling irons to twice a week
• If you bleach your hair, try not to overlap previous applications
• Trim split ends - if you leave them they can break further up your hair shaft

Here at Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas/Ft. Worth, our hair restoration specialists offer a number of treatment options to fit your specific needs. From hair regrowth for women, hair transplants, chemotherapy wigs, and laser hair therapy—we are your number-one resource for hair replacement services in the Dallas and Ft. Worth areas. 

Apollo Hair Reconstruction (AHR) is a proprietary nonsurgical hair replacement technique that not only restores your hair and natural appearance but also can restore your self-confidence and improve the quality of your life. Contact Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas, Fort Worth today to inquire about AHR for men and women, or to learn about any of our other customized hair loss solutions to solve virtually any hair loss condition.

Call us now for your free consultation (800) 339-4247

Minimizing Chlorine Damage on Hair

During the summer months, there are few things more relaxing than spending a day in the pool. Whether you’re taking advantage of the full-body workout that swimming provides, or simply spending the day lounging on a float, you will want to take some precautions to ensure that your hair remains shiny and healthy.

One of the primary culprits of summer hair damage is the chlorine that is used as a disinfectant in pools. The chemical is necessary to keep the pool clean and free of harmful bacteria, but it can also strip moisture from your hair and scalp. While occasional exposure to chlorine won’t do any permanent damage to your hair, you are more likely to experience issues if you swim frequently. Hair that is dry, fine, or has been color-treated, permed, or relaxed is much more likely to suffer damage. Luckily, there are steps that you can take to prepare your locks for a summer full of fun.

One of the most important things that you can do before getting into the pool is to soak your hair with clean tap water. Your hair behaves similarly to a sponge, and once saturated it will be less likely to absorb chlorine. You may also consider applying a silicone-based hair serum or a dollop of coconut-oil to hold in the moisture and repel the chlorinated water. Silicone swim caps are lightweight, breathable, and will also help to decrease your exposure.

Once out of the pool, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water to remove as much chlorine as possible. As soon as you can, shampoo and condition your hair and be sure to rinse with cool water. If you are a very frequent swimmer, consider purchasing a specialty shampoo designed for chlorine removal. Finally, use a quality leave-in conditioning treatment to restore the moisture and protein that have been removed.

If your hair is frizzy and straw-like or your scalp is dry and itchy, is it’s likely that you are already seeing signs of chlorine damage. The first step is to remove the chemical build-up in your hair. There are plenty of clarifying shampoos and specialty products on the market today. If you prefer a more natural approach, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water and rinse through your hair. As an alternative, you can mix one-part apple cider vinegar with four-parts of water. You can tell it’s working if your hair feels slimy while you are rinsing it. After clarifying, use a deep conditioner and a leave-in treatment. For serious damage, consult your hairstylist for professional treatment and a fresh cut.

Keep Swimming

Caring for Your Naked Head 

When you have a bald or shaven head, it can be tempting to leave your scalp alone. However, it is extremely important that you take care of it. Here are some tips for you:

Wash it. Even though your hair is bald, your scalp will still produce oils and become a magnet for dirt. In turn, this can clog your pores and stunt hair growth. You can easily prevent these issues by using a shampoo. If you have dandruff, use a dandruff shampoo. Scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by spraying your hair with Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water before washing your hair. Mix 1-part Apple Cider vinegar with 2 parts water. Please check to make sure you are not allergic to the mixture. 

Massage it. If you are trying to regrow your hair, consider doing scalp massages. They can increase the blood flow to your scalp and promote hair growth. Do scalp massages a few times a week, especially when you wash your hair. This way, you can do it all in one shot! 

Moisturize it. Who has time for dry scalp and/or dandruff flakes? Me neither! Apply a good moisturizer to your scalp; this can include a conditioner. Your scalp is more prone to dryness, because it is exposed to the elements, especially in the cooler months.

Use Sunscreen. Like your skin, your scalp needs protection from the UV rays of the sun. Before you head outside, apply sunscreen to your scalp to help prevent damage. Another alternative to sunscreen is hats and scarves. This way you can cover your scalp and look stylish doing it! 

Shave it. If you want to keep your hair shaved, there are a few things to remember. Before applying shaving cream or soap, wet your hair and brush it against the direction it grows. Another alternative to shaving cream is hair conditioner. It’s thick, moisturizing, and can help provide a smoother shave. Be sure your razor is not dull or rusty. Shave in the direction the hair grows, and try not to apply too much pressure. 

Wearing a shaven or bald head does require some maintenance, including washing, massaging, moisturizing, protecting, and shaving it, but it will ensure that your scalp is healthy and looks great!

Solutions for Hair Loss

At Apollo Hair Replacement of Dallas / Fort Worth, we take pride in being able to offer you both surgical and non-surgical hair loss solutions. By introducing new and innovative technologies, we can provide our clients with the widest array of hair loss solutions.

We understand what it's like to be frustrated in the search for answers. At Apollo of Dallas / Fort Worth that frustration ends! We strive not only to solve your hair loss problem, but to provide the most positive, comfortable, and confidential service in the hair replacement industry.

Call us now for a FREE consultation! Get your life back!

REPORT: Research Links Hair Loss to Styling

Summer Hair Made Simple
With the summer months fast approaching, most people are spending
more time in the sun and in the pool. With the hot weather, beach trips,
and summer parties, it can be easy to let your hair become dry and damaged. However, with some easy tricks, you can keep your hair
healthy and happy during summer.

Condition Often
Deep conditioning your hair once a week or applying apple cider vinegar diluted with water is one of the best ways to keep it healthy after exposure to sunlight.

Wash Less Frequently
Shampooing your hair every day strips your hair of its natural oils and
dries it out. Just rinse with water after going to the beach or the pool to prevent damage.

Use Hair Sunscreen
Hair sunscreen prevents your hair from fading or drying out from sun damage. You can use a spray sunscreen or a long-lasting, deep conditioning sunscreen.

Keep Your Hair Loose
Pulling your hair into a tight ponytail or bun can pull, tear, and break your hair, especially if it's brittle from sun damage. Instead, try a loose braid or ponytail.

Wear a Hat
Wearing a hat is the best way to protect your scalp, neck, and ears from sun damage. It can also help your scalp and hair stay moisturized.

Don't Use Products Everyday
Summer is the best time to keep a natural look for your hair. Using too many chemical-filled products can make your hair weak and brittle. Avoid products for at least a few days a week, or use all-natural products.

Minimize Heat Styling
Using heat on your hair causes damage during all seasons, but in summer, your hair is already being exposed to hot temperatures in the outside air. Avoid using heat more than once or twice a week to keep hair healthy.

Use a Comb Instead of a Brush
If your hair is dry or brittle from sun exposure, using a brush, especially on wet hair, can cause breakage and split ends. Use a wide-toothed comb instead to minimize damage.

Protect Your Color
Color-treated hair can easily become noticeably damaged from sunlight and from chlorine in pools. Avoid exposing your hair to chlorinated water as much as possible, and use a conditioner for color-treated hair.

Avoid Swimmer's Hair
If you have blonde or color-treated hair, wet your hair before entering a pool to reduce the amount of chlorine your hair absorbs. You can also rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar diluted with water after swimming.

Another answer to your beauty problems has hit the airways. The latest craze in hair care is using Coca-Cola to wash hair instead of water. It has several reported benefits to your hair, and it may seem like it is worth a try. However, you may run into tangles along the way.

Suki Waterhouse, a model and actress, is known for her incredible hair. She recently reported to US Weekly that she rinses her hair out with Coca-Cola, which makes it look thick, tousled, and shiny. It is hard to believe that the beverage that is known to be so harmful to our health may be so beneficial to our hair.

Apparently, this sugary drink contains phosphoric acid, which has a very low pH. Applying it to your hair makes the cuticles tighten and the strands look more smooth. This, in turn, also defines curls more and reigns in any wispy hairs. Some people also report that the sugar builds up the hair, which makes it look thicker and fuller.

Rather than reaching for the sea-salt spray, going for a regular can of Coca-cola has the same effect on hair. It will add texture, volume, and shine. There, however, may be a downside.

The sugar in this product can cause your hair to stick together and tangle much easier than the typical shampoo and conditioner-type products. After getting out of the shower with Coca-cola dripping from your head, you may experience a sticky feeling in your hair and on your skin that is uncomfortable and even painful when trying to brush your hair out. Be sure to brush you hair while it is still wet, before all of the strands dry together.

However, despite the possible downfalls to this trick, users have reported positive results with this inexpensive hair hack. People have noticeably more texture and their hair looks like it has been tossed by the beach breeze, which is always a popular look for people.

Soak your hair in Coca-cola for two minutes in the shower and squeeze out the excess. When you're finished, let it dry and enjoy your new look. Your hair will probably dry a bit faster than normal, so that is an extra benefit.