x
Ask our Doctors

Skin Renewal Doctors all have a broad knowledge, background and passion for aesthetic medicine. Please feel free to ask them your questions and concerns.

Treatments

According to the American Hair Loss Association, most men will suffer from hair loss by the age of 35. By the age of 50, 85% of men can expect to say goodbye to their locks. Women aren’t safe from hair loss, either. Some statistics state that up to 40% of women will experience hair thinning by the age the of 40. Some cases of hair loss cannot be reversed due to genetics or illness and some hair loss sufferers can affect their condition with diet. There are certain foods and vitamins which can improve the look and feel of hair, prevent hair loss, or even help grow new hair.

Our Hair loss IV cocktail consists of a combination of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants in order to improve absorption of the nutrients, to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. The cocktail consists of Glutathione, Vitamin C, Vitamin B combinations, Zinc and Selenium.

frequently asked
questions

Which foods are important to prevent hair loss?

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Avoiding omega-3 fatty acids can result in an itchy, dry scalp, which can leave your hair looking and feeling flat and thin. Even worse, dry scalp can lead to hair loss.

Salmon and other fish are high in heart and hair-healthy omega-3s. If you do not like fish, walnuts and flax (both the seed and the oil) are excellent alternative sources. Omega-3s don’t just benefit the skin on the outside of your head, the fatty acids can also help with brain function and memory loss too.

Foods rich in B-vitamins

When it comes to hair loss amongst women, a Vitamin B deficiency may be a likely culprit. Birth control pills and consuming large amounts of alcohol can cause Vitamin B6 depletion, which can cause numerous problems from pink eye to neurological disorders, not to mention alopecia. Since the body doesn’t make Vitamin B6 on its own, it has to be consumed either in food or as a supplement. In this instance via intravenous injection.

Furthermore, a diet lacking in Vitamin B12 can lead to hair loss. Vegetarians, those who suffer from anaemia, and those with digestion issues can suffer from a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Eggs and Dairy Products such as milk, yoghurt, cheese, eggs etc. are loaded with essential nutrients such as proteins, Vitamin B12, iron, zinc and Omega 6 fatty acids. Dairy products are also a great source of biotin (Vitamin B7) that is known to fight hair loss.Add walnuts to your diet to prevent hair loss. It is the only known nut that contains biotin, B vitamins (B1, B6 and B9), Vitamin E, plenty of protein and magnesium, all of which strengthen hair cuticles and nourish the scalp. It helps protect your cells from DNA damage which may be caused due to sun exposure.

Vitamin B6 can be found in raw garlic, sunflower seeds, liver, Brussels sprouts, and wheat bran. For Vitamin B12, consume more animal proteins and cheese. If you don’t eat animal proteins, a Vitamin B complex shot will give you all the Vitamin B12 you need.

Foods with Vitamin C

You could be eating foods with Vitamin C for healthy hair, but if you’re skipping a daily dose of vitamin C, you might not be absorbing all of the nutrients you need to halt or reverse hair loss. Vitamin C is important in the absorption of all the other nutrients.

If you choose to eat your vitamin C instead of taking a supplement, make sure you get plenty of citrus fruit, cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts), kiwi, strawberries and leafy greens. Spinach: Spinach is a great source of iron, vitamin A and C and protein. Iron deficiency is the main cause of hair fall and spinach is not only iron-rich, it also contains sebum which acts as a natural conditioner for hair. It also provides us with omega-3 acid, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron. These help in maintaining a healthy scalp and lustrous hair. Foods rich in Vitamin-C: Vitamin C supports the absorption of iron in our body, the deficiency of which may lead to hair loss. Vitamin C is also known for its antioxidant properties which reduces the damage caused by free radicals that may make your hair brittle and weak. Add fruits like oranges, papaya, blueberries, lime and kiwi to your diet. Vitamin C also helps in the production of an essential protein called collagen which strengthens blood vessels that supports the hair shafts.

Great news if you like your food spicy, you can eat green and red chilli peppers which are both excellent sources of vitamin C, even better than oranges. If you can’t get enough of these foods into your diet, then a Vitamin C IV (received intravenously) may be your answer or specifically our Hair loss IV with all the correct nutrient all in one cocktail.

FOODS RICH IN ZINC

Zinc promotes good skin immunity and wound healing and protects against UV radiation and inflammation. Zinc is very important for the prevention of hair loss. Best food sources of zinc: kidney, liver, red meat, oysters and other shellfish, scallops, and pumpkin seeds. Lentils are loaded with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. Besides this, lentils are full of folic acid which is necessary for restoring the health of red blood cells that supply the skin and scalp with much-needed oxygen.

Food Rich in Vitamin A

Carrots and Sweet Potatoes: Sneak carrots in your diet for those long and lustrous locks. Known to be good for the eyes, carrots contain Vitamin A that also improves hair growth. Sweet potatoes are also packed with beta-carotene that converts to vitamin A in our body. A deficiency of vitamin A may lead to a dry and itchy scalp.

Food rich in Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that works in conjunction with vitamin E to help prevent oxidative damage in the body. Selenium also helps iodine regulate metabolism and selenium help recycle vitamin C in the body by improving overall cellular protection. Selenium works as a powerful antioxidant and is required for your body to create glutathione which is your bodies master antioxidant. For this reason, consuming foods high in selenium can support detoxification and take stress off the organs like the liver and thyroid.

  • Selenium deficiency symptoms include:
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Weakened immune system
  • Infertility in men and women
  • Depression
  • Heart disease
  • Increased risk of cancer
  • Hair loss

A selenium deficiency is generally seen in areas where the soil does not contain much selenium, such as certain regions of China. A deficiency may lead to pain and muscle weakness. Selenium sources are Brazil nuts, Tuna, Grass-fed beef, Sardines, Turkey, Beef liver, chicken eggs and Spinach.

INCLUDE FERMENTED FOODS REGULARLY

  • Good gut health is strongly connected to skin health
  • The gut microbiome needs probiotics and prebiotics to thrive
  • Fermented foods contain live organisms as well as prebiotic fibres to help promote gut health
  • If the patient’s skin issues are caused by histamine intolerance, fermented foods could worsen their condition
Can Leaky gut also cause Hair loss?

60% of the population has leaky gut and are totally unaware that they have this common syndrome. Nutrients that have been properly digested will normally pass through the lining of the gut into the bloodstream. The blood then carries the nutrients through the body to the various organs and glands of the body, and in the process, the roots of your hair are also supplied with nutrients.

Normally, the cells of the gut walls are tightly packed, but when the intestinal lining becomes irritated, holes develop in the gut wall (“leaky gut”) which allow unwanted larger food particles into the bloodstream. These unwanted substances are seen as ‘foreign’ by the immune system, and this triggers an antibody reaction.

When the intestinal lining becomes further damaged, larger substances such as bacteria, undigested food particles and toxins pass directly through into the bloodstream. This in turn alarms the immune system even further, so more antibodies are released. This fight produces oxidants which cause inflammation throughout the body. You now have a situation where you may likely develop an auto-immune disease.

The most common causes for a leaky gut are low stomach acid, Roaccutane, antibiotics, NSAIDS, excess alcohol, constant stress, toxic metals, invasive organisms and eating foods you are intolerant to. The main foods that are irritating the gut are grains/ gluten, dairy products, sugar, soya and alcohol. To effectively treat "leaky gut " the 4 Rs of gut restoration need to be adhered to.

Can Fungal, bacterial or parasite infections cause Hair loss?

Overgrowth of Candida, or C-Albicans, fungus, metal toxicity and bacterial forms can either all by themselves or all together (usually this is the case) set one up for the inability of the immune system to function normally creating the mal-absorption of the body's ability to function. A total depletion of minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and hormones results in hair loss.

Which medications and drugs can cause Hair loss?

Certain chemicals and medicines (prescription drugs) have known toxicity on the hair roots and growth. Long-term use of chemotherapy, cancer medication, steroids, antibiotics, antiepileptic, antihypertensive medications to name a few, have been observed to produce hair loss in some patients. Don't forget to include the use of the birth control pill which creates "Estrogen Dominance" and, throws of the delicate balance of testosterone, and progesterone again, contributing to the loss of hair.

Culprits include e.g. Roaccutane, oral contraceptives (causes unopposed Estrogen), anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors, B- Blockers, Lithium, anti-thyroid drugs, anticonvulsants, excess Vit A and Steroid use.

Severe emotional distress and acute stressors can cause Hair loss:

Emotional or stressful situations such as a relationship first break up, writing matric, divorce etc can cause hair loss. Certain "acute" diseases result in a Compromised Immune System and may result in the loss of hair.

Endocrine deficiencies;

PCOS, Hypo or Hyperthyroidism, menopause and 3-4 months post-partum due to loss of progesterone can result in Hair loss. 

3-4 months after febrile or acute illness or acute stressors, surgery, chronic systemic illness the body can also experience symptoms of hair loss. Hormones including androgen, estrogen and in most cases the lack of progesterone causes variations during different phases in life may contribute to excessive hair loss. Decreased progesterone due to oral contraceptives (causes unopposed Oestrogen).

Other reasons for Alopecia or Hair loss?

Traction alopecia

  • Traction alopecia can be caused by tight braids, rollers or ponytails.
  • Rapid weight loss, smoking, drug abuse, diabetes, Anorexia Nervosa.
  • Dietary problems Eating disorders, veganism, vegetarianism.
  • Psych history e.g. Trichotillomania, Twisting, Pulling, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Anorexia Nervosa.
  • Skin disorders e.g. seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, and discoid lupus all linked to leaky gut and AI disease.

Food rich in Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that works in conjunction with vitamin E to help prevent oxidative damage in the body. Selenium also helps iodine regulate metabolism and selenium helps recycle vitamin C in the body improving overall cellular protection. Selenium works as a powerful antioxidant and is required for your body to create glutathione your bodies master antioxidant. For this reason, consuming foods high in selenium can support detoxification and take stress off the organs like the liver and thyroid.

  • Selenium deficiency symptoms include:
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Weakened immune system
  • Infertility in men and women
  • Depression
  • Heart disease
  • Increased risk of cancer
  • Hair loss

A selenium deficiency is generally seen in areas where the soil does not contain much selenium, such as certain regions of China. A deficiency may lead to pain and muscle weakness. Selenium sources are Brazil nuts, Tuna, Grass-fed beef, Sardines, Turkey, Beef liver, chicken eggs, Spinach.

Frequently asked questions

Which foods are important to prevent hair loss?

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Avoiding omega-3 fatty acids can result in an itchy, dry scalp, which can leave your hair looking and feeling flat and thin. Even worse, dry scalp can lead to hair loss.

Salmon and other fish are high in heart and hair-healthy omega-3s. If you do not like fish, walnuts and flax (both the seed and the oil) are excellent alternative sources. Omega-3s don’t just benefit the skin on the outside of your head, the fatty acids can also help with brain function and memory loss too.

Foods rich in B-vitamins

When it comes to hair loss amongst women, a Vitamin B deficiency may be a likely culprit. Birth control pills and consuming large amounts of alcohol can cause Vitamin B6 depletion, which can cause numerous problems from pink eye to neurological disorders, not to mention alopecia. Since the body doesn’t make Vitamin B6 on its own, it has to be consumed either in food or as a supplement. In this instance via intravenous injection.

Furthermore, a diet lacking in Vitamin B12 can lead to hair loss. Vegetarians, those who suffer from anaemia, and those with digestion issues can suffer from a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Eggs and Dairy Products such as milk, yoghurt, cheese, eggs etc. are loaded with essential nutrients such as proteins, Vitamin B12, iron, zinc and Omega 6 fatty acids. Dairy products are also a great source of biotin (Vitamin B7) that is known to fight hair loss.Add walnuts to your diet to prevent hair loss. It is the only known nut that contains biotin, B vitamins (B1, B6 and B9), Vitamin E, plenty of protein and magnesium, all of which strengthen hair cuticles and nourish the scalp. It helps protect your cells from DNA damage which may be caused due to sun exposure.

Vitamin B6 can be found in raw garlic, sunflower seeds, liver, Brussels sprouts, and wheat bran. For Vitamin B12, consume more animal proteins and cheese. If you don’t eat animal proteins, a Vitamin B complex shot will give you all the Vitamin B12 you need.

Foods with Vitamin C

You could be eating foods with Vitamin C for healthy hair, but if you’re skipping a daily dose of vitamin C, you might not be absorbing all of the nutrients you need to halt or reverse hair loss. Vitamin C is important in the absorption of all the other nutrients.

If you choose to eat your vitamin C instead of taking a supplement, make sure you get plenty of citrus fruit, cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts), kiwi, strawberries and leafy greens. Spinach: Spinach is a great source of iron, vitamin A and C and protein. Iron deficiency is the main cause of hair fall and spinach is not only iron-rich, it also contains sebum which acts as a natural conditioner for hair. It also provides us with omega-3 acid, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron. These help in maintaining a healthy scalp and lustrous hair. Foods rich in Vitamin-C: Vitamin C supports the absorption of iron in our body, the deficiency of which may lead to hair loss. Vitamin C is also known for its antioxidant properties which reduces the damage caused by free radicals that may make your hair brittle and weak. Add fruits like oranges, papaya, blueberries, lime and kiwi to your diet. Vitamin C also helps in the production of an essential protein called collagen which strengthens blood vessels that supports the hair shafts.

Great news if you like your food spicy, you can eat green and red chilli peppers which are both excellent sources of vitamin C, even better than oranges. If you can’t get enough of these foods into your diet, then a Vitamin C IV (received intravenously) may be your answer or specifically our Hair loss IV with all the correct nutrient all in one cocktail.

FOODS RICH IN ZINC

Zinc promotes good skin immunity and wound healing and protects against UV radiation and inflammation. Zinc is very important for the prevention of hair loss. Best food sources of zinc: kidney, liver, red meat, oysters and other shellfish, scallops, and pumpkin seeds. Lentils are loaded with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. Besides this, lentils are full of folic acid which is necessary for restoring the health of red blood cells that supply the skin and scalp with much-needed oxygen.

Food Rich in Vitamin A

Carrots and Sweet Potatoes: Sneak carrots in your diet for those long and lustrous locks. Known to be good for the eyes, carrots contain Vitamin A that also improves hair growth. Sweet potatoes are also packed with beta-carotene that converts to vitamin A in our body. A deficiency of vitamin A may lead to a dry and itchy scalp.

Food rich in Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that works in conjunction with vitamin E to help prevent oxidative damage in the body. Selenium also helps iodine regulate metabolism and selenium help recycle vitamin C in the body by improving overall cellular protection. Selenium works as a powerful antioxidant and is required for your body to create glutathione which is your bodies master antioxidant. For this reason, consuming foods high in selenium can support detoxification and take stress off the organs like the liver and thyroid.

  • Selenium deficiency symptoms include:
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Weakened immune system
  • Infertility in men and women
  • Depression
  • Heart disease
  • Increased risk of cancer
  • Hair loss

A selenium deficiency is generally seen in areas where the soil does not contain much selenium, such as certain regions of China. A deficiency may lead to pain and muscle weakness. Selenium sources are Brazil nuts, Tuna, Grass-fed beef, Sardines, Turkey, Beef liver, chicken eggs and Spinach.

INCLUDE FERMENTED FOODS REGULARLY

  • Good gut health is strongly connected to skin health
  • The gut microbiome needs probiotics and prebiotics to thrive
  • Fermented foods contain live organisms as well as prebiotic fibres to help promote gut health
  • If the patient’s skin issues are caused by histamine intolerance, fermented foods could worsen their condition
Can Leaky gut also cause Hair loss?

60% of the population has leaky gut and are totally unaware that they have this common syndrome. Nutrients that have been properly digested will normally pass through the lining of the gut into the bloodstream. The blood then carries the nutrients through the body to the various organs and glands of the body, and in the process, the roots of your hair are also supplied with nutrients.

Normally, the cells of the gut walls are tightly packed, but when the intestinal lining becomes irritated, holes develop in the gut wall (“leaky gut”) which allow unwanted larger food particles into the bloodstream. These unwanted substances are seen as ‘foreign’ by the immune system, and this triggers an antibody reaction.

When the intestinal lining becomes further damaged, larger substances such as bacteria, undigested food particles and toxins pass directly through into the bloodstream. This in turn alarms the immune system even further, so more antibodies are released. This fight produces oxidants which cause inflammation throughout the body. You now have a situation where you may likely develop an auto-immune disease.

The most common causes for a leaky gut are low stomach acid, Roaccutane, antibiotics, NSAIDS, excess alcohol, constant stress, toxic metals, invasive organisms and eating foods you are intolerant to. The main foods that are irritating the gut are grains/ gluten, dairy products, sugar, soya and alcohol. To effectively treat "leaky gut " the 4 Rs of gut restoration need to be adhered to.

Can Fungal, bacterial or parasite infections cause Hair loss?

Overgrowth of Candida, or C-Albicans, fungus, metal toxicity and bacterial forms can either all by themselves or all together (usually this is the case) set one up for the inability of the immune system to function normally creating the mal-absorption of the body's ability to function. A total depletion of minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and hormones results in hair loss.

Which medications and drugs can cause Hair loss?

Certain chemicals and medicines (prescription drugs) have known toxicity on the hair roots and growth. Long-term use of chemotherapy, cancer medication, steroids, antibiotics, antiepileptic, antihypertensive medications to name a few, have been observed to produce hair loss in some patients. Don't forget to include the use of the birth control pill which creates "Estrogen Dominance" and, throws of the delicate balance of testosterone, and progesterone again, contributing to the loss of hair.

Culprits include e.g. Roaccutane, oral contraceptives (causes unopposed Estrogen), anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors, B- Blockers, Lithium, anti-thyroid drugs, anticonvulsants, excess Vit A and Steroid use.

Severe emotional distress and acute stressors can cause Hair loss:

Emotional or stressful situations such as a relationship first break up, writing matric, divorce etc can cause hair loss. Certain "acute" diseases result in a Compromised Immune System and may result in the loss of hair.

Endocrine deficiencies;

PCOS, Hypo or Hyperthyroidism, menopause and 3-4 months post-partum due to loss of progesterone can result in Hair loss. 

3-4 months after febrile or acute illness or acute stressors, surgery, chronic systemic illness the body can also experience symptoms of hair loss. Hormones including androgen, estrogen and in most cases the lack of progesterone causes variations during different phases in life may contribute to excessive hair loss. Decreased progesterone due to oral contraceptives (causes unopposed Oestrogen).

Other reasons for Alopecia or Hair loss?

Traction alopecia

  • Traction alopecia can be caused by tight braids, rollers or ponytails.
  • Rapid weight loss, smoking, drug abuse, diabetes, Anorexia Nervosa.
  • Dietary problems Eating disorders, veganism, vegetarianism.
  • Psych history e.g. Trichotillomania, Twisting, Pulling, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Anorexia Nervosa.
  • Skin disorders e.g. seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, and discoid lupus all linked to leaky gut and AI disease.

Food rich in Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that works in conjunction with vitamin E to help prevent oxidative damage in the body. Selenium also helps iodine regulate metabolism and selenium helps recycle vitamin C in the body improving overall cellular protection. Selenium works as a powerful antioxidant and is required for your body to create glutathione your bodies master antioxidant. For this reason, consuming foods high in selenium can support detoxification and take stress off the organs like the liver and thyroid.

  • Selenium deficiency symptoms include:
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Weakened immune system
  • Infertility in men and women
  • Depression
  • Heart disease
  • Increased risk of cancer
  • Hair loss

A selenium deficiency is generally seen in areas where the soil does not contain much selenium, such as certain regions of China. A deficiency may lead to pain and muscle weakness. Selenium sources are Brazil nuts, Tuna, Grass-fed beef, Sardines, Turkey, Beef liver, chicken eggs, Spinach.