Hair Products – Page 36

February 26, 2009

Hair Loss InformationRetane – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi Dr Rassman, like many others, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to maintain this blog. I’m 40, have considerable recession at the temples, but recently I started noticing more in the middle front and overall thinning. Obviously that’s not sitting well with me, probably causing a chicken and the egg situation, as its stressing me out, which can be a major contributor.

Do you think Propecia would still do anything for me? In addition, Retane is another product I’ve read about. Have you heard of it and if so, whether its worth looking into further. I hope you will be able to respond to my question. Thanks very much in advance.

Block Quote

Retane Retane doesn’t appear to have anything of value in it to regrow your hair or cease your hair loss. This list the ingredients on their site as inositol, biotin, protodioscin, folic acid, vitamin B5, vitamin E, aloe vera, and ginseng panax extract. These ingredients simply don’t have value in treating hair loss. The product’s website references an 86% success rate over and over — and a closer look at the clinical study they reference shows that it was conducted 7 years ago, included only 22 people (15 men, 7 women), and was only 4 weeks long. Their website informs us that you might see regrowth at the 6 week mark, so why their “study” went to only 4 weeks is beyond me. That is such a half-cooked study for a hair growth treatment that I don’t think I need to go further with my comments.

As for the other part to your question — I haven’t seen your photos and don’t really have a full history of your hair loss, but if your doctor prescribes Propecia to you, I don’t see why it couldn’t work. At the very least, it could halt the hair loss from progressing for some time. As long as you know that you for sure have genetic balding (think miniaturization mapping), you should spend your money on a hair loss treatment that is proven to work, like Propecia and minoxidil.

February 24, 2009

Hair Loss InformationTransplanting Red Hair – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hello,

I am a 27 year old with red hair. Over the past several months it has been receeding quite quickly especially in the temple region. I went to a specialist today in Toronto to learn more about hair transplants to see if I might get one in the future. He told me that because I have redhair & fair skin that a transplant would look unnatural on me? I suffer from depression & this made me very sad as I was thinking that my hair loss is not so bad because if worst comes to worst I could always get a transplant. Now I’m afraid because of what he said that this is not in the cards. Please I would really appreciate it if you could let me know if you’ve ever transplanted a fair skinned ginger & if the results have looked natural? He also recommended provillus & advised against propecia, which I have been on for a month now? Thanks for your time.

Block Quote

I don’t know what this “specialist” you went to is talking about in regards to the results being unnatural. I have some of my best results from transplanting people with red hair. Plus, all of his advice on Propecia (which I believe is a great medication) and Provillus (which I do not believe has much value) seems opposite to everything I’ve written here on this blog.

If you’d like me to set your mind at ease, we can arrange to have a telephone consultation. First, send me photographs of your hair loss and your contact info (reference this post when sending), and I’ll be in contact so I can address the misinformation with you.

February 20, 2009

Are Aderans Clinical Studies Run Through the FDA? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I noticed that Aderans has started their phase 2 studies: AderansResearch.com. However, I can’t seem to find anything from the FDA clinical site regarding their study. I tried e-mailing Aderans and got no response, so I was hoping somone with more clout might be able to help. Do you know anything about this? Are they going to go through FDA procedures and oversite?

Also, I thought that Ken Washenik was legit (he’s even presenting at the AAD conference this year). But he’s associated with this project and Bosley. Any insight into this? Is this going to be something we should consider if the technology does come out?

Finally, given the new information from Histogen, I have done some research and found that there’s a concern that some people may develp tumors from stem cell therapy. Is this something we should be worried about with this new technique presented by Histogen?

Thanks for all your help!

Block Quote

All of your questions and insights are significant and right on. We can not force Aderans to reveal what it is doing. FDA studies in this phase are kept confidential until results are formally released.

Yes, Dr. Washenik is the medical director at Bosley, which is one of the many companies Aderans owns. Also in their portfolio of companies is Aderans Co. Ltd (wig maker), Medical Hair Restoration (another large hair clinic chain), and a variety of others across the globe (see Aderans Group).

The concept of tumors produced by stem cells has been published in many articles over the years and you can research this on Google.

February 18, 2009

Hair Loss InformationHistogen’s ReGenica – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Snippet from the press release:

Dr. Gail Naughton, CEO of Histogen, Inc., a regenerative medicine company developing solutions based on the products of newborn fibroblasts grown under embryonic conditions, will address attendees tomorrow at the 4th Annual Stem Cell Summit in New York. Dr. Naughton will be presenting preliminary mid-trial results from Histogen’s first human clinical evaluation of ReGenicaTM for hair regrowth.

The primary objective of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study is to evaluate safety in the clinical application of the ReGenica product for hair regrowth. Histogen is also examining product efficacy as a secondary objective, specifically looking at the same end-points the Company has seen in the animal model – new hair growth, and the thickness of new and existing hair. The study is in progress, but the Company has reviewed data from the scheduled 12 week time point and is pleased with the results to date.

Block Quote

Read the full text — Histogen to Present Preliminary Hair Regrowth Clinical Results at Stem Cell Summit

This is all quite exciting! Until I see actual data it wouldn’t be professional of me to comment further, though. There’s also an article I just found from yesterday with a photo of preliminary results, and they look very promising (see here). The hair count does appear to be increased. Remember, this is all very early clinical trial stuff, but I’ll post more info as it becomes available.

Their site is here if you want to do some further research. Or to read more about Wnt proteins, as it seems that it relates to the ReGenica product, see here.

February 18, 2009

Hair Loss InformationSunetics Laser Gets an FDA Warning – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

It seems you overlooked yet another laser device maker that was issued a warning letter from the FDA. Apparently the FDA had some problems with the marketing of the Sunetics laser brush. Funny thing is if you read the warning letter (provided in the link below), the FDA acknowledges that they applied for clearance in January of 2008. It’s been over 1 year and they still haven’t received clearance!? Also it’s funny how the Lexington International’s Lasercomb hasn’t yet received clearance for hair growth in women yet that study had to have been completed at least when Lexington received their warning letter back in May. Which leads me to one final question, if 650 nm is the optimal wavelength for hair growth, and all of these laser devices are within that wavelength, how can only one device receive clearance (and only for men)? Almost forgot, here is the link to the Sunetics warning letter page.

FDA – Sunetics International Corporation Warning Letter

Block Quote

The warning letter starts:

“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has learned that your firm is marketing the Sunetics Laser Hair Brush and the Laser Skin Brush in the United States (U.S.) without marketing clearance or approval, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act).”

The letter from the FDA is dated in August, 2008. The FDA usually posts their warning letters publicly months after they send them out. I don’t know if Sunetics got their act together, but I assume that is the case, as their website still shows these products. I know I’ve said it before, but I don’t believe that the low level light therapy works. It is just that simple.

February 17, 2009

Are Laser Treatments Beneficial for Women? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I read your blog daily and I know you are very skeptical about laser treatment of hair loss in men/women. However, it benefits us all to know about new stories and developments so I figured I would send this to you and ask your thoughts about it. I saw a laser procedure on the T.V. show “The Doctors” of a woman receiving a procedure and as I could not find it discussed on your
site, here is the link: thedoctorstv.com

Is this basically the same thinking behind the Lasercomb and other laser treatments or is this something new? Is this something only to be beneficial to women and not men is this is something worthwhile? I am skeptical about it myself. Thank you for your time!

The machine they showed looks to be the same one I had in my office for some time (and got rid of). Each hair laser maker will tell you their product is best because of various reasons, but you’re good to be skeptical. As soon as the FDA clearance (showing that it is safe, not that is effective) happened for the lasers, the flood gates opened. There are very few options for women with genetic hair loss, so it’s not hard to see why someone might try to market a new hair device towards the female group. Plus, it makes for good television.

I’ve written about the various handheld and full sit-down lasers before. Bottom line — there is no solid scientific evidence that the low level light therapy (laser) will positively impact hair growth.

Paid advertisements (not an endorsement):

February 16, 2009

Do I Need to Wash Toppik Off Before Applying Rogaine? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am a 52-year-old woman with diffuse hair loss. I’m using Toppik and thinking about starting Rogaine. My question: do I have to wash the Toppik out of my hair in the evening before I can put the Rogaine on?

The Toppik tends to “clump” on my scalp by the end of the day, so if I don’t wash it out, I’ll be rubbing the Rogaine on top of the Toppik fibers. But having to wash my hair twice a day (morning and evening) seems excessive.

Thanks for any advice.

It is best to use Toppik as the last thing you do. The Rogaine should be applied first and give it some time before the use of Toppik.

Paid advertisements (not an endorsement):

February 16, 2009

List of Hair Loss “Cures” Includes Bending Exercises and Putting Castor Oil on Your Scalp – Balding Blog

Doctor I found a bunch of so called “cures” for hair loss online can you tell me if any of these are true.

(taken from Amazines.com)

“Excess stress, lack of hair care, a dirty scalp, and the lack of nutritious foods can precipitate hair loss. As well, consuming excess amounts of caffeine, sugar, fats and carbonated drinks can cause hair loss.

On the contrary, various forms of exercises that require the body to be bent forwards or backwards will also result in increased blood flow to the scalp, which will promote healthy hair and a healthy scalp. Consuming foods rich with essential nutrients will also promote healthy hair growth.

Home remedies for hair loss are the best options, and they are safe and dirt cheap. They do not have any side effects and don’t cause any damage. And the good news is that there are so many remedies available to stop hair loss, that if one doesn’t work another one might.

One of the methods is to take some fenugreek seeds and soak them in water overnight in a big bowl. Next morning, apply the water to your scalp and wrap the head in a towel.

Let it remain like that for three hours and then shampoo to get rid of the fenugreek smell. Following this routine daily for a month may solve your problem; however, those who catch colds easily shouldn’t try this or stop as soon as they feel that they are about to catch cold.

Another method for hair loss prevention is to apply castor oil to hair roots and scalp before bedtime, yet try to avoid getting castor oil on the rest of your hair. In the morning, shampoo to remove the oil. Continue this process once every week for 7 to 10 weeks. This is one of the many hair loss treatments that may stop hair loss, although it may not work for some people. There is no harm in trying this treatment.”

If none of these are true why are so many people so ignorant on hair loss?

We all look for that miracle cure for hair loss, but it is elusive. I couldn’t begin to guess why people are ignorant about these “treatments”. Perhaps the power of suggestion is at play. Perhaps they are easy to dupe. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…

Quite a funny list there, though. Why not apply manure to your head? I mean, fertilizer helps crops grow in the field, so why wouldn’t it work to regrow hair on your scalp? I’m sure if I put a “Rassman’s Own” label on a bag of cow droppings, someone would buy it with the express purpose of applying it to their head. Any takers?

February 13, 2009

After 10 Years on Propecia, I’m Seeing Hair Loss Again – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hi:

I am a 30 year old male that started taking Propecia 10 years ago. For almost that entire time, I have been very happy with the results. However, starting just 6 months ago, I have noticed a considerable amount of daily shedding, especially in the shower. I have also noticed a great deal more of recession in the hairline. To help combat this, I have started applying Rogaine Foam, and taking Procerin tablets regularly.

I am sure I will have to wait a little longer to see if the added products help combat the shedding, but my question to you, is should I increase the Propecia dosage as well? Right now I am only taking 1mg. Hair Loss is common in my family, as my two older brothers are almost completely bald. I’d like to do what I can to avoid ending up there myself. If you could share your initial thoughts with me, I’d appreciate it.

Thanks

The 1mg dose recommendation is across the board, but it might be worth a try at 2mg as more and more doctors are now trying a slightly higher dose. Double check with your prescribing physician, but if you do not have side effects, go for it.

We really do not know how finasteride will alter the long term (15+ year) balding pattern. We are hopeful that it will slow the balding down, but the real question is, “Will you still eventually wind up at your final hair loss pattern?” Propecia has been on the market only about 12 years, so we don’t really have the experience over a 20 year time period.

Paid advertisements (not an endorsement):

February 12, 2009

Vitamin C Supplement Ester-C and Hair Strength – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Ester-C has greatly reduced the amount of hair that I naturally shed. I have tried this three times and have experienced the same results. There are several people that have witnessed my results. Shedding has been reduced by approximately 80%. I also take Avodart, but it is the Ester-C that has had this effect. I haven’t noticed any increase in actual hair growth from Ester-C. I just seems to make the hair stay in the follicle better. To sum it up, by taking Ester-C my hair would survive a pull test far better. This is factual information and could easily be proven.

Thanks

Block Quote

I am unfamiliar with the connection of vitamin C to hair loss prevention or increasing the strength of your hair while pulling on it. Maybe the use of Avodart (dutasteride) is somehow potentiated by it, but that is like playing roulette and any guess is as good as another one.