S.T.RA.N.D 

Dear Colleague, 

 

Hair loss is widespread.  More than 70% of men and 40% of women will experience hair loss by the age of 70. In addition, some previously rare irreversible scarring hair loss conditions (frontal fibrosing alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, lichen planopilaris) are on the rise.

 

Although we understand hair loss is not life-threatening; it can be life-altering. Several studies have demonstrated its effects on mental health including increased rates of depression and adverse effects on self-esteem.

 

People experiencing hair loss may be met with confusion when attempting to seek assistance.  This is primarily due to the extraordinary amount of information found on the Internet and social media.  Although some hair loss conditions may have a spontaneous recovery, there are others that may signal systemic issues, require medications, and or result in permanent hair loss if not diagnosed and managed early

 

Docs4Hair, created by two dermatologists and hair restoration surgeons, was developed as a resource to highlight dermatologists dedicated, experienced and exquisitely sensitive to patients with alopecia.  The website was also developed to provide evidence-based hair loss information and education about current and emerging theories, products, treatments, and procedures.  

 

Due to significant feedback and interest from our colleagues, last year we organized our inaugural Textured Hair Restoration Workshop! It was a tremendous success and we received rave reviews from our participants:

 

“This weekend has been like a dream come true for me.  One of the main reasons that I became a dermatologist is simply because of hair and hair loss has been my passion.  The level of professionalism displayed by the staff, the camaraderie that I feel like we’ve developed and just the whole hands on experience, I feel will just transform my practice and I’ll bring more to my patients and hopefully change their lives for the better.” -Dr. C

 

Docs4Hair also lists recommended local stylists. Given the close relationship that many people have with their stylists, several studies have demonstrated the potential efficacy using barbers and beauticians in health education campaigns.  Hair stylists can also serve a crucial role in alerting people of their hair loss.  In one published paper, hair stylists were responsible for informing 21% of study participants about their hair loss.  Stylists aid hair loss sufferers by teaching proper and safe hair grooming practices, using skills to mask hair loss areas, and making custom wig units.  Some stylists have also gotten further training in trichology.  

 

Dr. Chesahna Kindred and Susan Peterkin created the first dermatologic salon, PeterKindred Hair and Scalp Wellness Center, so hair styling and dermatology could finally be bridged to bring hair loss patients a true holistic experience with their hair and health.  For far too long, “Hairstylists and Dermatologists have been playing for the same team, but have not been communicating” (Dr. Kindred). 

 

Susan Peterkin and Dr. Kindred wanted to create a platform that would target the lack of shared knowledge between hairstylists and dermatologists, so S.T.R.A.N.D (Stylists Training, Researching, and Networking with Dermatologists) was born. 

 

S.T.R.A.N.D is  the first-ever educational program that brings leaders in dermatology and hair care together to teach courses, lead talks, create a network dedicated to the continuation of hair care practices, and ultimately give back to their respective fields through research. Stylists are taught to “triage” prospective hair loss patients until they can see a dermatologist.  S.T.R.A.N.D has thus far held several sold out successful workshops.  

 

Docs4Hair and S.T.R.A.N.D share the same common goal of early intervention and treatment for hair loss disorder by highly trained dermatologists. Despite the messaging to patients  from dermatologists to seek help as soon as they notice hair loss, long wait times and lack of access to dermatology services in some cities creates frustration and delays in diagnosis.  

 

In an effort to increase access to dermatologic care for  hair loss patients, Docs4Hair and S.T.R.A.N.D request your assistance as a dermatologist well- trained and passionate about hair loss disorders. We ask for you to reserve 1-2 appointments per month for hair loss patients referred from STRAND-trained stylists.

 

With your help, we hope to increase the visibility of dermatologists as the experts in hair loss disorders and improve alopecia outcomes.  

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Achiamah Osei-Tutu, MD, FAAD, FISHRS

Docs4Hair        

 

Meena Singh, MD, FAAD, FISHRS

Docs4Hair                      

 

Chesahna Kindred, MD, FAAD

S.T.R.A.N.D           

 

Susan Peterkin

S.T.R.A.N.D