Tag: hair restoration

Categories : DermatologyTags :

When Hair Breaks Records: What Extraordinary Growth Reveals about Hair

On By ModernMedia

Science-backed insights and fascinating feats from the world of hair growth

Photo by Natasha Brazil on Unsplash

From a 2.26-metre Afro to hair strong enough to suspend a person mid-air, some of the world’s most jaw-dropping records remind us just how extraordinary human hair can be. While these feats may seem unbelievable, they highlight the biology behind hair’s strength, resilience, and growth potential.

“Exceptional hair growth is the result of discipline, not coincidence,” says Dr Kashmal Kalan, Medical Director at Alvi Armani South Africa. “A healthy scalp and uninterrupted growth cycles form the foundation for strong, resilient hair.”

The Biology Behind Every Strand

Hair grows in three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). The anagen phase – lasting anywhere from two to seven years – largely determines how long hair can grow before naturally shedding. People who achieve exceptional lengths often have extended anagen phases, allowing their hair to keep growing far beyond the average.

While genetics set the baseline, lifestyle and environment play a powerful role in influencing growth potential. Nutrition, hormones, stress levels, and scalp health all impact the length and quality of the anagen phase. “We can’t rewrite DNA,” notes Dr Kalan, “but we can influence how genes express themselves.”

Lifestyle Matters

Healthy hair begins long before the styling stage.

  • Nutrition: Diets rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins support follicle strength.
  • Stress: Elevated stress hormones can shorten the growth phase and trigger shedding.
  • Sleep: Proper rest gives follicles the recovery time they need.
  • Scalp care: Gentle exfoliation, oiling, and protective styling can improve circulation and reduce breakage.

Science over hype

Despite bold marketing promises, there are no “miracle” serums that can regrow hair overnight. “Anything claiming dramatic growth in weeks is a red flag,” says Dr Kalan. Scientifically supported treatments – such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), mesotherapy, and exosome therapy – can optimise follicle function, strengthen roots, and support sustained, natural growth.

“Healthy hair growth is a process grounded in biology, not marketing,” adds Dr Kalan.

Regenerative Approaches for Natural, Lasting Results

At Alvi Armani South Africa, regenerative science is at the core of every treatment. Using advanced techniques such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) alongside PRP and exosome therapy, the clinic works with the body’s own biology to restore growth naturally.

“Our goal is always natural, lasting outcomes – hair that feels and looks strong, resilient, and vibrant,” concludes Dr Kalan.

From strength and endurance to sheer volume and creativity, these hair-related world records showcase just how remarkable human hair can be.

  • Most golf tees in hair: Anya Bannasch (USA) set a 2024 record with 711 golf tees in her hair – almost double her original goal.
  • Longest time suspended by hair: Leila Noone, a circus artist, hung from a single knot of her hair for over 25 minutes beneath California’s redwoods in 2025.
  • Largest afro: Jessica Martinez from New York City is attempting to break the record with an afro measuring about 36 cm high and 51 cm wide, inspiring confidence in natural hair.
  • Largest ball of human hair: “Hoss”, made entirely from donated hair, continues to grow through global contributions and features in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! exhibitions.

These feats highlight the versatility, strength, and creative expression found in something as simple – and as complex – as human hair.

For more information, visit www.alviarmani.co.za.

Categories : DermatologyTags :

Healthy Habits, Better Hair: How Lifestyle Choices Impact Hair Restoration

On By ModernMedia

Dr Kashmal Kalan urges patients to prioritise health before surgery – and offers hope to those recovering from illness

Hair loss is often viewed as a cosmetic concern, but emerging clinical insights confirm what many medical professionals have long understood: overall health is one of the most significant contributors to hair loss, and a crucial factor in whether hair restoration procedures succeed.

According to Dr Kashmal Kalan, Medical Director at Alvi Armani South Africa, chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are closely linked to diffuse hair thinning, particularly when left undiagnosed or poorly managed.

“These conditions disrupt blood flow, create oxidative stress, and limit nutrient supply to the hair follicles. That directly affects hair growth and viability, especially in patients with a genetic predisposition to balding.”

While pattern baldness is widely understood, lifestyle factors are often overlooked until the condition becomes advanced. “People are often surprised to learn that their smoking, alcohol use, stress levels, or even recreational drug use may be accelerating their hair loss or interfering with their recovery.”

In fact, undisclosed drug use can compromise not only natural regrowth but also post-surgical outcomes. “We’ve seen poor graft uptake and higher complication rates in these cases. That’s why our pre-surgical assessments are so thorough. We need full transparency to ensure patient safety and the best possible results.”

Hair restoration is a medical procedure, not a cosmetic quick fix – and a patient’s internal health matters just as much as surgical precision. At Alvi Armani South Africa, all patients undergo full blood work and health screening before being approved for surgery.

“This is vital not only for safety, but often for diagnosis. Hair loss can sometimes be the first visible symptom of an underlying condition. Through our screenings, we’ve detected cases of unmanaged diabetes, hypertension, and even early autoimmune markers.” 

Even once cleared for surgery, long-term success requires commitment from both doctor and patient. “The patient’s role is just as important as the surgeon’s. They need to maintain their health so the body can heal and support strong, sustainable regrowth.”

 In July, Alvi Armani South Africa announced a partnership with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), offering free consultations and personalised advice to cancer survivors – many of whom face permanent scarring or delayed hair regrowth after treatment.

 “Hair loss after cancer goes far deeper than appearance,” he notes. “It impacts confidence, identity, and how survivors re-enter everyday life. The good news for survivors is that minimally invasive Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) techniques can provide an effective pathway to emotional and physical restoration – but only when the body is ready.”

 For those in earlier stages of hair loss, early intervention is key. “If the cause is lifestyle-related, healthier habits can help. If it’s genetic, medications or non-surgical treatments may stabilise the loss, sometimes delaying or even eliminating the need for surgery. But ultimately, it’s simple: healthy hair starts with a healthy body.

 “We can deliver technically flawless procedures, but healing still depends on the patient. When people approach hair restoration with the same seriousness as any other medical treatment, the results – and their overall wellbeing – are far better,” concludes Dr Kalan.