HAIRPOD™

When you start losing your hair, your barber or hair stylist is the first line of defense to help you look sharp and feel your best. In this episode, I sit down with master barber Craig Whitely – better known as Craig the Barber – to talk about all things grooming from the barber’s perspective. He’s got all the tips, from the best hair loss styles to the tools that really work (and the ones that don’t).

Hair Loss Styles: The Right Cut Matters

Hair loss happens to so many of us, and many barbers have tricks for making it less noticeable. To achieve the appearance of a full head of hair, Craig recommends subtle fades, softer hairlines, and strategic styling. What works best for you will depend on where your hair loss is most obvious, your hair texture, and your face shape, so make sure you’re working with a barber who can take all of those things into account. Of course, a fresh haircut will mask the symptoms of mild or early hair loss, but stopping (or, in some cases, reversing) hair loss takes more advanced tools.

Products for Hair Loss

Popular hair loss solutions come in many shapes and sizes, and Craig discusses some of the ones that people seek out, including fibers that attach to the existing hairs, which can give a fuller appearance (as long as they don’t get wet). Many quick fixes come with their caveats, so it’s important to do your research or talk to a hair loss specialist to see what’s going to work best for you. Craig has seen some good results for his clients who use minoxidil - in the majority of cases, it helps clients maintain their current hair length and thickness.

Hair Health: Creating Good Daily Habits

Stopping hair loss starts with healthy daily habits. Craig suggests starting with a daily routine that includes keeping the scalp stimulated and moisturized. Grooming creams can help keep the scalp hydrated, which supports hair follicle health. Regular exfoliation also helps remove product and skin buildup, which can stifle hair follicles. Craig also recommends choosing a hairstyle that supports long-term hair health, which means avoiding heavier hairstyles or managing the weight of heavy hair carefully so the follicle isn’t experiencing consistent tension.

Hair Loss and Confidence: Find an Ally

Hair loss happens in stages. No matter where you are in your hair journey, there are actions you can take today to care for your hair and boost your confidence. Working with someone who understands hair loss can help you figure out what that action might be for you. Professionals like Craig remind us that no one has to face hair loss alone, and there’s always something you can do to feel your best.

Resources

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Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

This week, I sat down with Rachel Rivera to unravel the mystery surrounding hair systems. We took an in-depth look at how hair systems work and whether they look and feel as natural as they claim to. Rachel shares the secrets behind how stylists like her achieve the seamless, natural looks that hair systems are so famous for.

Hair Systems: Not Your Grandpa’s Hair Loss Solution

Hair loss is nothing new, and hair loss solutions have been around for a long time. As the technology continues to improve, so does the overall look, feel, and experience of using something like a hair system to achieve the look you desire. While traditional hair replacement tools looked heavy and artificial, today’s hair systems blend seamlessly with your natural hair and scalp. Advancements in both the materials and adhesives used have made hair systems more comfortable, breathable, and durable than ever.

Hair Loss Stylists to the Rescue

One of the benefits of using a hair system is that they can be completely customized to match every individual’s hair color, texture, and preferred style. Before creating these unique hair systems, stylists meet with new clients to talk about everything from their hair color to their lifestyle – it all gets taken into account. Personalization goes beyond just ensuring the hair looks good, too. Materials, like adhesives, can be adjusted to ensure total efficacy and comfort.

Learn to Use a Hair System

Hair loss stylists like Rachel can help educate you on how to make sure your hair system keeps looking good between visits to the salon. From showing you the right shampoos to use when you wash your new hair to teaching you how to reapply in case you experience any lifting, your hair loss expert is there for you. If you work with a company like HairClub, you even have access to salons all over the country, should you wish to get a touch-up while you’re traveling. Whether you’re certain that a hair system is the next step for you or you’re just curious about learning more, a great first step is to reach out to a hair loss professional to get more information.

Resources

Book a Free Consultation today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

In this episode, I sit down with triple-board certified nutritionist Julie Olson to discuss how we can hack our nutrition and achieve optimum hair health. If you’re interested in learning about the building blocks of hair and getting some tips on how we can all improve the strength and fullness of our hair today, look no further!

Nutrition and Healthy Hair

Julie’s personal experience with hair loss began with a stressful experience and a fast-paced lifestyle. When she stopped working her corporate job, she saw it had a massive impact on her health. This was the catalyst for beginning her journey as a nutritionist, focusing on making targeted changes to her diet to restore her hair naturally. Her experience serves as a reminder that proper nutrition is key in any hair loss prevention strategy.

Essential Nutrients for Hair Growth

Protein is critical for healthy hair. Hair is primarily made up of keratin, a type of protein, and without adequate protein intake, hair growth can slow down. Other vital nutrients for hair health include iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Julie cautions us against believing everything we hear and see online, however – in her experience, biotin isn’t something we need to supplement in our diets, despite the hype. The most important thing to do is ensure you’re getting a balanced diet and rely on supplements only if you know you have a deficiency in a particular nutrient.

Foods to Avoid for Better Hair Health

Some foods actually contribute to hair loss. Julie discusses how highly processed foods, especially processed meats like hot dogs, can contribute to inflammation and nutrient imbalances that may worsen hair loss. Processed meats and fried foods contain unhealthy fats that can increase inflammation, while sugary snacks and refined carbs spike blood sugar levels, which can impact our hormones. Dehydration can also impact hair in a negative way, so ingesting anything that dehydrates you isn’t recommended. Making mindful food choices is one of the best ways to support hair health naturally.

Hair Loss Prevention – Holistically

Hair loss isn’t just about what you eat—it’s about how well your body absorbs nutrients and maintains balance. Stress, gut health, and hydration all play a role in whether your body can properly use the nutrients you consume. Julie emphasizes the importance of looking at your health holistically rather than relying on quick-fix supplements. By focusing on a balanced diet, stress management, and overall wellness, you can create the optimal conditions for healthy, thriving hair.

Resources

Book a Free Consultation today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

This week on HairPod, I spoke with Meg Weatherman about living with trichotillomania, a mental health disorder that caused her to start pulling out her own hair in the second grade. Listen in to hear how she manages this condition and how she has found hope through support and self-care.

Understanding Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a mental health condition classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. For Meg, it started as what seemed like a harmless habit—tugging at her eyelashes. However, as the behavior escalated, she began pulling her hair more frequently. Neither Meg nor her parents initially understood the condition, making it difficult to find effective interventions. Many people with trichotillomania struggle with self-blame, but research indicates that TTM is rooted in mental health, often linked to underlying conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder.

The Emotional Toll of Hair Loss

Hair loss, regardless of the cause, can be an emotionally challenging experience. It often leads to feelings of isolation and confusion, particularly for individuals who develop trichotillomania at a young age. Meg began experiencing noticeable hair loss at just eight years old, leading to additional struggles at school. The lack of awareness about trichotillomania contributed to bullying and name-calling from classmates, further increasing her anxiety and worsening her symptoms. This cycle continued until she sought help from mental health professionals. Meg encourages parents and educators to foster empathy among children, as people struggling with hair loss—especially due to mental health disorders—often face silent battles.

Solutions for Hair Loss: Trichotillomania

Finding the right hair loss solution for trichotillomania is a highly personal process, requiring trial and error. Meg experimented with various solutions before discovering what made her feel most confident. She prefers **hair toppers**, which provide the coverage she desires while allowing her to remove them as needed to care for her scalp. Beyond external solutions, self-care plays a crucial role in her journey. Prioritizing wellness, mental health support, and self-confidence-building activities have helped her manage her condition more effectively. While no single solution works for everyone, a combination of personalized hair restoration options and mental health treatment can make a significant difference.

Meg’s story sheds light on the challenges of living with trichotillomania and highlights the importance of awareness, support, and self-acceptance. With the right approach, individuals struggling with TTM can regain confidence and take meaningful steps toward healing.

Resources

Book a Free Consultation today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Topical hair loss treatments are one of the first options many people turn to, but it’s not easy to separate effective solutions from marketing hype. Hair restoration surgeon Dr. Ross Kopelman, joined me on HairPod to discuss the effectiveness of topical solutions and how to determine if they’re the right fit for you. 

Do Topical Hair Loss Treatments Work for Everyone?

Topical hair loss solutions, such as serums and leave-in treatments, can be effective for both men and women with mild hair loss/thinning. However, these treatments require a long-term commitment to see results due to the natural hair growth cycle. Dr. Ross Kopelman recommends topical minoxidil for many of his clients. Still, he notes that individuals experiencing aggressive hair loss may not get the results they want from any topical treatment alone.

The Role of Natural Topical Solutions for Hair Loss

Natural hair loss remedies are growing in popularity, with rosemary oil being one of the most talked-about options. Dr. Kopelman shared that studies comparing rosemary oil to 2% minoxidil show promising results, especially for individuals unable to use stronger medications, such as those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, he cautioned that natural solutions, while beneficial, do not address one of the root causes of hair loss: dihydrotestosterone (DHT). For some, combining natural remedies with other treatments may offer a balanced approach.

Treating Hair Loss Holistically

Topical hair loss treatments and natural remedies can play a role in managing hair loss, but they’re only part of the equation. Dr. Kopelman shared the importance of determining the root cause of hair loss and addressing this in your treatment plan. He also touched on advanced options like oral finasteride and dutasteride, which block DHT, and oral minoxidil, which prolongs the hair growth phase. While finasteride and minoxidil are the only FDA-approved treatments for hair loss, these drugs can come with some side effects. Working with a hair restoration professional can help you minimize or avoid side effects entirely.

Can Hair Loss Be Cured?

Hair loss cures are a topic many people are interested in, and Dr. Kopelman stresses that at his time, there are no permanent cures for hair loss. Advances in genetic modification and cloning may eventually revolutionize the field, but for now, treatments like minoxidil and finasteride remain the most effective tools.

Dr. Kopelman’s insights remind us that while hair loss treatments have come a long way, finding the right solution requires patience, professional guidance, and a personalized approach.

Resources

Book a Free Consultation today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Is thyroid dysfunction causing your hair loss? In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Emily Kiberd, an expert in thyroid health. She talked about this little organ’s role in all of the processes in our bodies, symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, and practical things you can start doing today to improve the health of your thyroid.

Thyroid Function and Hair Health

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ responsible for secreting hormones that regulate every metabolic process in the body. Common symptoms of thyroid disorders include fatigue, difficulty losing weight, brain fog, feeling cold, and hair loss. In Dr. Kiberd’s experience, many women have experienced symptoms of thyroid dysfunction for as many as ten years before receiving adequate treatment.

Is a Thyroid Disorder Causing Your Hair Loss?

Diagnosing hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism comes down to some very simple blood tests, but it sometimes takes a specialist to recognize the symptoms as thyroid-related. Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune thyroid disorder that presents in 90% of people with hypothyroidism. Stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental factors can trigger these issues in people who have a genetic predisposition to thyroid problems, and reducing the amount of stressors on the body can reduce symptoms, including hair thinning.

Improve Your Thyroid and Hair Health

Dr. Kiberd recommends starting with dietary adjustments, proper sleep, stress management, and avoiding overtraining to help manage thyroid health. Nutrient-dense foods like proteins and vegetables are great for the thyroid, and it’s important to identify sources of stress in your environment that could be hindering hormone production in the thyroid. Dr. Kiberd recommends taking good care of yourself as a start, but working with a professional will ultimately lead to better results and faster hair regrowth, if that is the cause of your hair loss.

Resources

Book a Free Consultation today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Hair loss “miracle cures” are all over social media, and the before-and-afters all look too good to be true. This week on HairPod, I’m speaking with hair loss expert Dr. Phipps to break down what works, what doesn’t, and the science behind it. 

Hair Loss Cures - Hope or Hype?

Hair loss can be an emotional experience for many people, and “miracle” hair loss cures seem to be on the rise. The number of options can be overwhelming, and if you don’t know the science, it’s tough to separate proven products from fads and trends. Professionals in the industry are your first line of defense against products that overpromise and underdeliver – working with someone who can help you understand your specific type of hair loss will save you money and heartbreak in the long run (see our resources section for a link to a free consultation!)

Stem Cell Therapy for Hair Loss

Is stem cell therapy a safe and effective way to fight hair loss? Dr. Phipps can’t say for sure, as this hair loss treatment method has not been cleared by the FDA. Investigation into this is ongoing, as stem cells have been shown to have regenerative properties when used in other types of therapy. She strongly cautions anyone who seeks this type of treatment to only work with medical doctors to ensure that there is some sort of overarching regulatory practice. At this time, there is no guarantee that stem cell treatment for hair loss is effective or safe.

Are Essential Oils Effective for Treating Hair Loss?

Natural treatments for hair loss are trending on social media, but do the results live up to the hype? Dr. Phipps explains that some botanicals, like pumpkin seed oil and rosemary oil, often have stimulating properties for our hair follicles, which can encourage hair growth. These treatments can have some impact for people who are experiencing diverse thinning but probably aren’t going to regrow hair on a bald spot. Dr. Phipps also cautions that cheaper essential oils probably are not potent enough to have a significant aesthetic effect, as the process of distilling these oils is very costly.

Supplements for Hair Health and Growth

Supplements and vitamins are an important part of overall hair health but aren’t a good solitary option for regrowing hair or slowing hair loss. This depends significantly on the type of hair loss a person is experiencing and the quality of the supplements. Working with an expert in hair growth (not just someone selling supplements online) is essential to ensure the supplements themselves have undergone testing to ensure their effectiveness. When used as a part of a broader regimen, supplements can improve hair growth by strengthening hair shafts and improving health overall.

The Best Treatments for Hair Loss

The best hair loss treatment plan takes into account the cause of an individual’s hair loss and uses a holistic approach. Proven medications like finasteride make up the most effective and safest options for hair regrowth and retention, and when included as part of a regimen, can yield great results for many people. Speaking with a professional can help determine whether they’ll work for you and what options are available if they do not. Dr. Phipps advises that treatments that look “too good to be true” usually are, but urges people not to lose hope, as there are great treatments out there.

Resources

Book a Free Consultation today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

Happy New Year, from the HairPod team! This week, we’re going through my top 5 HairPod moments of 2024. Tune in for some of the most impactful moments we’ve had so far on this podcast, and check out the resources section at the bottom for links to all of these episodes in full! 

What is TrichoView? with Steve Barth

Steve Barth, one of the founding fathers of HairClub, joined Kevin on episode 23 to discuss the development of TrichoView, a cutting-edge technology for personalized hair and scalp analysis. This system revolutionized HairClub’s approach, combining physiological data with psychological insights to offer individualized treatment plans. It’s one of the most important advancements in hair care, and this clip dives into the science behind it.

Finasteride vs. Dutasteride with Dr. Angela Phipps

In episode 34, Dr. Angela Phipps helped me understand the effectiveness of the hair loss medication finasteride. I share my personal experience as well, because after years on finasteride, I still found I was losing some hair. Dr. Phipps explains why about 10% of patients need a second medication, dutasteride, to fight their male pattern hair loss. 

Nutrition's Impact on Hair Loss with Eva Proudman

Your diet plays a huge role in how much hair you lose and how fast. In episode 24 with Eva Proudman, I learned just how important it can be. In this clip, she shares essential dietary advice for hair health, emphasizing the importance of protein and the foods that nourish your hair. If you’ve been noticing hair loss after changing your diet or rapid weight loss, check out her episode using the link below.

Joey Logano’s Hair System Journey

NASCAR legend Joey Logano shared his hair loss journey in episode 1, and as a hair system user myself, I was curious to know how far he pushes his system and whether he worries if it will come off while he’s driving in a hot stock car. From initial doubts to confidently racing in extreme temperatures, Joey talks about how his hair system stays put even under the hottest conditions. 

The Science Behind Laser Hair Therapy with Dr. Angela Phipps

Laser hair therapy was another highlight from episode 42, where Dr. Phipps explained how low-level light therapy can stimulate hair follicle cells, improving hair health and promoting regrowth. While not a miracle cure, laser therapy can have significant impacts when used consistently, as long as it works for your type of hair loss. Dr. Phipps clarifies why and how it works, as well as who laser therapy isn’t a good option for to help listeners develop realistic expectations.

Resources

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Episode 23: The Creation of TrichoView with Steve Barth

Episode 34: Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss with Dr. Angie Phipps

Episode 24: Ask a Trichologist: What is Causing My Hair Loss? With Eva Proudman

Episode 1: Alopecia Doesn’t Slow Me Down with Joey Logano

Episode 42: Laser Hair Therapy Benefits with Dr. Angie Phipps

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.

In this episode of HairPod, we brought Dr. Phipps back in to share her knowledge with us once again! She came on the podcast to tell us how the holiday season can impact our hair, and what we can start doing now to improve our hair and scalp health.

Reducing Stress-Related Hair Loss

Hair loss during the holidays has a few culprits, but one of the main ones is stress. Sure, the holidays bring us a lot of joy, but the impacts of travel, hosting friends or family, attending social events, and gift-giving all add up. Dr. Phipps emphasizes that it is the prolonged stress we experience during the winter season that causes hair loss and not the typical day-to-day stress we all experience. Stress may not cause hair loss in everyone, but people who are prone to male- or female-pattern hair loss may see an increase in their hair loss during stressful periods.

Other Causes of Hair Loss in Winter

Winter-related health concerns can have an impact on our overall hair health. Many people experience more dryness during the winter (this, of course, will depend on your climate), and this can lead to dry and flaky scalps. If dead skin builds up on the scalp, it can become difficult for hair follicles to work in a healthy, normal way, so cleansing the scalp and even moisturizing it can help with scalp and hair health. Dr. Phipps also touches on how diet affects hair health – she says they don’t see many negative impacts from people eating a more rich or sugary diet during the holidays, but diet drugs after the holidays can increase hair loss in some people.

What to Do About Winter Hair Loss

If you want to make sure your hair looks healthy and full in all of your holiday pictures this year, but you’re concerned about hair loss, Dr. Phipps said it’s good to start treating your hair loss issues early. Of course, it can take a few months with certain treatments to start seeing results. To get you through the holiday season, Dr. Phipps recommends HairClub’s Xtrands, a process that weaves fibers into your existing hair to increase density and volume. The consultation to assess if Xtrands will work for your unique situation is free.

Resources

Book a Free Consultation today!

Thanks for listening to HairPod. We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please leave us a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. If you’d like to connect with us on social media to share your story, check us out on Instagram @HairClub. HairPod is a production of TSE Studios. Our theme music is from SoundStripe.