Hair and Culture

Dr. Harris understands the phenomenal results that can be achieved when expertise, technology, and cultural sensitivity are used in harmony. This integral approach for hair repair and restoration has often been overlooked by the aesthetic care community. Hair stylists and barbers are frequently confronted with clients concerns regarding hair loss. Yet, typically they are without the clinical expertise to make appropriate recommendations. Dermatologists have the expertise, but often do not devote the time to exploring the nuances of healthy hair care practices outside of clinical advice for an itchy or dry scalp. Trichologists, Specialist in the study of hair structure and diseases, can bridge the expertise/time gap, but are unable to prescribe pharmaceutical treatments when indicated. Surgeons frequently seek out candidates who would best benefit from a surgical solution. The Center for Aesthetic Modernism team believes we are at a crossroads given the fragmented nature of professionals and the very real epidemic of hair loss confronting women of all ethnicities, but particularly those of African descent. Dr. Harris brings together multiple disciplines of expertise, combined with state-of-the-art technology, to provide each patient with exceptional and individualized care.

Understanding Hair Loss

Hair thinning and loss stems from four main causes: genetics, stress, autoimmunity, and lifestyle. While some hair thinning and baldness may be predisposed based on ancestry, psychological stresses and hormone imbalances play a role. In addition, the body may sometimes reject hair as a foreign object which leads to hair loss. A higher-calorie, higher-fat diet coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle increases one’s susceptibility to hair loss.

Hair is composed of strong structural protein called keratin. This is the same protein that makes up the nails and outer layer of the skin. Hair follicles grow in repeated cycles. The hair growth cycle consists of three stages; the anagen, or growing phase, the catagen, or intermediate phase, and the telogen or shedding phase.

Hair Analysis

Digital Scalp Analysis

A microscope/camera system is used to clearly show each new patient the number of dormant hair follicles in a square centimeter. Using the Monte O. Harris, MD customized hair therapy treatment; the hairs can be put into the anagen phase of growth. This digital analysis system dramatically demonstrates improvement throughout therapy.

Traction Alopecia

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BEFORE	AFTER

Traction alopecia is characterized by hair loss primarily along the hairline, especially around the temples and above the ears. It is attributed to hairstyling practices that result in prolonged tension on the hair – namely weaves, braids, and ponytails. Our comprehensive approach to hair loss combines innovative therapies which are particularly useful for treating hair loss associated with traction alopecia. This integrative approach involves cutting edge hair analysis, a supportive stylist network to assist with healthy styling options, topical "hairceutical" treatments, laser light therapy and targeted surgical transplantation for advanced hair loss.

Traction alopecia is actually quite common and affects both men and women across the globe. For instance, traction alopecia was described as early as 1907 in Greenland. The traditional Greenlandic hairstyle at that time resembled the modern-day ponytail, and women developed a characteristic hair loss in the temple region. Similar patterns of hair loss have been described in many diverse cultures ranging from Danish girls who wore ponytails in the 1950s to the women of Northern Sudan who have traditionally worn their hair in tight cornrows with long extensions. Traction alopecia is most often observed in women; however, it has also been described in Sikh boys whose long hair is twisted into a tight bun on top of the scalp.

Although described in many different cultures and ethnicities, traction alopecia is most prevalent in women of African descent. African American women often subject their hair to prolonged pulling and tension to straighten the natural kinky, curly texture. African American hair is significantly more fragile than Caucasian hair. As a result, hair breakage and loss are seen more commonly. Hair loss associated with traction results in hairs that are short and thin. If the pulling persists for long durations, total absence of follicles and balding can occur.

The image above showcases a woman of African descent from Maryland who presented with extensive frontal-temporal hair loss and thinning due to traction alopecia. 6 months following hair transplantation by Dr. Harris, note the increased density and growth along the hairline.