Does spaceflight affect hair?

Can you imagine soaring across the stars? Or getting to see the dark side of the moon? Astronauts may get to experience these amazing opportunities but at quite a sacrifice. And I'm not just referring to the dehydrated packages they call food. There are a number of serious health implications associated with spaceflight. Examples of health implications can include calcium loss and deterioration of muscles^1,2. But does spaceflight affect hair?

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been trying to address this question since 2009. They have been taking hair samples from astronauts before, during and after spaceflights³. These scientists are hoping to use hair as a tool for monitoring the health of the astronauts during missions. Through examining hair they hope to discover the stress level of astronauts, as well as mineral and calcium levels³. Hair can also reflect the type of sleep schedules the astronauts keep during the mission. This is based on the fact that hair can imitate a person's circadian rhythm, their biological clock⁴.

This is just one of the many hair studies conducted during spaceflight. Astronauts as well as mice have had their hair examined during their visits at the International Space Satiation (ISS). Mice, during their 3 month visit to the ISS, showed alterations in their hair follicle cycle⁵. It was found that these mice had an increased amount of hair follicles in the growth phase⁵.

Additionally, the astronauts at ISS also participated in a hair study. During a 6 month mission, ten astronauts periodically took samples of their hair⁶. These samples were studied when they returned to earth. It was found that some astronauts had experienced changes in their hair follicles that differed according to gender⁶.

Overall it does seem like spaceflight does impact hair. With a trip to Mars on the horizon, further information on the effect of spaceflight on hair follicles might be upcoming.

Article by: Sarah Versteeg MSc, Mediprobe Research Inc. 

1. Sekiguchi C. Issues of health care under weightlessness. Acta Physiol Scand Suppl. 1994;616:89–97.


2. Greenleaf JE, Bulbulian R, Bernauer EM, Haskell WL, Moore T. Exercise-training protocols for astronauts in microgravity. J Appl Physiol Bethesda Md 1985. 1989 Dec;67(6):2191–204.


3. Ohshima H. Space Medicine: Ultimate Preventive Medicine for Human Space Flight [Internet]. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. [cited 2016 Jul 26]. Available from: http://global.jaxa.jp/article/special/experiment/ohshima01_e.html


4. Akashi M, Soma H, Yamamoto T, Tsugitomi A, Yamashita S, Yamamoto T, et al. Noninvasive method for assessing the human circadian clock using hair follicle cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Aug 31;107(35):15643–8.


5. Neutelings T, Nusgens BV, Liu Y, Tavella S, Ruggiu A, Cancedda R, et al. Skin physiology in microgravity: a 3-month stay aboard ISS induces dermal atrophy and affects cutaneous muscle and hair follicles cycling in mice. Npj Microgravity. 2015 May 27;1:15002.


6. Terada M, Seki M, Takahashi R, Yamada S, Higashibata A, Majima HJ, et al. Effects of a Closed Space Environment on Gene Expression in Hair Follicles of Astronauts in the International Space Station. PloS One. 2016;11(3):e0150801.

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Treating Hair Loss: The Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Hair System

5) Side-Effect Free

Using a hair system means no drugs are required. There are only two medications currently approved for common causes of hair loss such as pattern baldness¹. These medications have been shown to decrease further loss and improve new growth, but both have their downsides and only one is approved for use in women^2,3. Minoxidil is the topical foam/solution which is approved for both sexes; however users commonly find the daily applications cumbersome¹. The second option, finasteride, is only recommended for use in men. Furthermore, there is some growing concern about sexually-related side effects with finasteride use, although clinical trials report that it is safe and well-tolerated⁴. Both products can also be used in combination with a hair system.

4) Non-Invasive

Surgery is not for everyone. Choosing a hair system is a great option for those who are not comfortable with the procedure. Moreover surgery is obviously a big decision.  A hair system can also be used as an interim fix for those who are considering surgery but are not quite ready to move forward.

3) Cost

The high price tag of a hair transplant can understandably be a large deterrent. Because of this, a hair system can be a great economical choice. Hair systems are available in a wide price range, mostly depending on whether you choose to order a custom piece. Fortunately, even without customization, most high quality hair systems can provide good results when applied by an experienced hair restoration specialist.

2) Available for Men and Women

As mentioned above, hair restoration options are more limited for women. A definite advantage of hair systems is that they are safe and effective for both sexes.

1) Results

As the main reason why people seek treatment in the first place, good results is definitely one of the most important considerations when choosing your method of hair restoration. With hair systems available in all shapes, sizes, textures, lengths, densities and colours, it's possible to cover bald patches and thinning while blending with existing hair, making the system undetectable. Choose a high quality system for best results and go about your normal day including shampooing and styling with a full head of hair.

Article by: Dr. J.L. Carviel, PhD, Mediprobe Research Inc.

References

1. Semalty M, Semalty A, Joshi GP, Rawat MSM. Hair growth and rejuvenation: an overview. J Dermatol Treat. 2011 Jun;22(3):123–32.


2. Gupta AK, Charrette A. Topical Minoxidil: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Its Efficacy in Androgenetic Alopecia. Skinmed. 2015 Jun;13(3):185–9.


3. Kaufman KD, Olsen EA, Whiting D, Savin R, DeVillez R, Bergfeld W, et al. Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride Male Pattern Hair Loss Study Group. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998 Oct;39(4 Pt 1):578–89.


4. Gupta AK, Charrette A. The efficacy and safety of 5α-reductase inhibitors in androgenetic alopecia: a network meta-analysis and benefit-risk assessment of finasteride and dutasteride. J Dermatol Treat. 2014 Apr;25(2):156–61.

 

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How to Prepare Your Child for Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

Cancer. Just the word can bring chills to those that know what it's like to battle this relentless disease. You wouldn't wish it upon anyone. But what happens when a child gets diagnosed with cancer? Should hair loss be an expected side effect of treatment?

Treatment, such as chemotherapy, can be an option for children diagnosed with cancer. For parents, the decision to treat their child can be influenced by many factors such as family members, the cost of treatment and length of hospitalization¹. Additionally, there are also many side effects that need to be considered such as hair loss. Hair loss is a common side effect of cancer treatments and has been reported in 80% of children treated with chemotherapy (n=51)^2,3. Hairs in the anagen (growth) phase are commonly lost during chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is reversible, with re-growth typically occurring within a few months after treatment.

It has been found that parents, on average, don't ask their child's oncologists about the possibility of hair loss, with only 26% of parents seeking information on side-effects (n=40)². Chemotherapy-induced alopecia can be difficult to deal with and can discourage children from playing with friends or playing outdoors⁴. Alopecia has also led to bullying at school⁴. Preparing for the possibility of hair loss through educating both your child and their classmates is a good first step in the preparation process. Purchasing a hat for your child before treatment can also help as hats are a common and affordable strategy to hide temporary hair loss⁴. Purchasing a hair system can also be another way to help build your child's confidence as they wait for their hair to grow back.

Resources, strategies to hide hair loss and further information on chemotherapy-induced alopecia in children can be found through support groups, other parents on your cancer ward as well as your oncologist⁵.

Article by: Sarah Versteeg MSc, Mediprobe Research Inc. 

1. Mostert S, Njuguna F, Langat SC, Slot AJM, Skiles J, Sitaresmi MN, et al. Two overlooked contributors to abandonment of childhood cancer treatment in Kenya: parents' social network and experiences with hospital retention policies. Psychooncology. 2014 Jun;23(6):700–7.


2. Gunawan S, Wolters E, van Dongen J, van de Ven P, Sitaresmi M, Veerman A, et al. Parents' and health-care providers' perspectives on side- effects of childhood cancer treatment in Indonesia. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev APJCP. 2014;15(8):3593–9.


3. Sitaresmi MN, Mostert S, Purwanto I, Gundy CM, Sutaryo null, Veerman AJP. Chemotherapy-related side effects in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Indonesia: parental perceptions. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs Off J Assoc Pediatr Oncol Nurses. 2009 Aug;26(4):198–207.


4. Gunawan S, Broeke CT, Ven P van de, Arnoldussen M, Kaspers G, Mostert S. Parental Experiences with Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia among Childhood Cancer Patients in Indonesia. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev APJCP. 2016;17(4):1717–23.


5. Njuguna F, Mostert S, Seijffert A, Musimbi J, Langat S, van der Burgt RHM, et al. Parental experiences of childhood cancer treatment in Kenya. Support Care Cancer Off J Multinatl Assoc Support Care Cancer. 2015 May;23(5):1251–9.

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How to cover hair transplant scars – FUE & SMP

Hair transplants are a common way we can adjust our hairlines and create coverage in our thinning areas. There are many different techniques used in hair transplants. Strip excision, follicular unit extraction (FUE) and partial longitudinal-follicular unit transplantation are examples of some techniques used today. Although all of these can leave scars, some are significantly more noticeable than others.

During strip excision, a strip of tissue is removed from the donor area, and hair follicles are harvested under the microscope¹.  These hair follicles are then inserted into desired locations in the recipient areas of the scalp. A long and possibly wide linear scar is created with this technique, which can be noticeable for those who prefer shorter hairstyles². Fortunately, if you have a linear scar from a past hair transplant there are a few options you can use to conceal your scar.

FUE can help hide scars from previous hair transplants. The FUE technique removes the hair follicle directly from the scalp using sharp instruments such as punches and forceps³. These hair follicles are then placed on to or near previous scars to help hide their appearance. Robots can also be used to assist this procedure, helping to obtain large amounts of hair follicles if required⁴.   FUE does not produce any additional linear scars. It can also be performed so that growth of hair follicles are preserved in the donor region^5,6. This will help to maintain good coverage in the donor area as you wait for your hair to grow back. To get more information on FUE procedures currently available, ensure to speak to your hair consultant.

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is another technique that can be used to cover scars. SMP is essentially a stippling patterned tattoo created with different sized and shaped needles⁷. This tattoo can give the impression of hair⁸. It can be useful to conceal and improve scars created by both strip and FUE harvesting⁸. This technique has been quite successful with high patient satisfaction⁷.

These are just a few techniques that can be helpful to hide scars. With technology and methods always advancing there might not be linear scars to hide in the future.

Article by: Sarah Versteeg MSc, Mediprobe Research Inc. 

1. Gupta AK, Lyons DCA, Daigle D, Harris JA. Surgical hair restoration and the advent of a robotic-assisted extraction device. SkinMed. 2014 Aug;12(4):213–6.


2. Avram MR, Watkins SA. Robotic follicular unit extraction in hair transplantation. Dermatol Surg Off Publ Am Soc Dermatol Surg Al. 2014 Dec;40(12):1319–27.


3. Dua A, Dua K. Follicular unit extraction hair transplant. J Cutan Aesthetic Surg. 2010 May;3(2):76–81.


4. Rashid RM. Follicular unit extraction with the Artas robotic hair transplant system system: an evaluation of FUE yield. Dermatol Online J. 2014;20(4):22341.


5. Avram MR, Rogers N, Watkins S. Side-effects from follicular unit extraction in hair transplantation. J Cutan Aesthetic Surg. 2014 Jul;7(3):177–9.


6. Gho CG, Martino Neumann HA. Donor hair follicle preservation by partial follicular unit extraction. A method to optimize hair transplantation. J Dermatol Treat. 2010 Nov;21(6):337–49.


7. Rassman WR, Pak JP, Kim J, Estrin NF. Scalp micropigmentation: a concealer for hair and scalp deformities. J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2015 Mar;8(3):35–42.


8. Rose PT. Hair restoration surgery: challenges and solutions. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:361–70.

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