Category: Hair Products

Dear Dr Rassman,

Do you use probabilities when assessing future hairloss in a man who has MPB? I’m 23 and on Propecia. Men on my mothers side and fathers side are basically Norwood 7: both of my uncles were Norwood 6. My father is Norwood 7. His father was Norwood 7. My mother’s father was Norwood 7. If you had a patient that has a similar history of balding as me, what would you tell him? Would you say there is a high probability that he’ll become a Norwood 7?

To let you know how much balding I currently have:

I definitely have reduced hair density all over (not actual visible balding yet). There is some slight visible balding in my crown. My hairline is starting to recede past the “mature hairline” area. I’ve been on Propecia for about 1 1/2 years and it’s slowed down the balding significantly but it hasn’t stopped and grown hairs. I understand it might be difficult to answer my question without seeing my hair but any information you provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

There is now a blood test which will look at your genetics to assess your risk for hair loss (see HairDX Genetic Hair Loss Test System). Predicting possibility through a test like this, however, has minimal value in my eyes, because it does not tell you what is happening to you, but it makes it known that you carry the genetic marker. Getting your hair mapped out for miniaturization will tell you what is happening now and it will allow you to follow your hair loss over time and judge the effectiveness of the treatments. Or, why not do both?

As hair loss can skip generations, I couldn’t say what the probability is for losing your hair without an exam.

Read your blog questioning the LaserComb. I have been using it for a year and have had substantial regrowth. I can understand why you want to sow doubt in peoples’ minds. This $575 device is a direct threat to your practice where you charge each patient thousands of dollars. Why don’t you also note that there is a 20 week return privilege?

That’s great for you! I am publishing your comments since you claim the LaserComb had value and I believe that sharing your experience with others is important. I wish I would receive more such positive comments about this type of technology and maybe your “insightful” note will get others to write about their experiences. I don’t think that you should be angry with me for voicing my opinion, as I am not angry or threatened by yours. I find it funny that some anonymous people feel they need to attack me for voicing an opinion on my own website. Unless you’re an employee with the manufacturer or investor in the product, I don’t understand why you’d be so personally connected that you think you need to defend it.

I’m trying to keep an open mind that it may work, and if I see good firsthand scientific proof that it works, my attitude can change. I have two lasers in my Los Angeles office for patient use and I’m unfortunately just not seeing any substantial growth in those patients that use it. I am not so ready to believe in a cure that may not be there and I don’t want to produce hope that is hollow. That is why I allow my surgical patients to use the laser at no charge so I can get their feedback on its value. We take photos of some laser patients periodically to note whether it is effective or not over time. Most people are ‘iffy’ about its value as they report it to me, and the pictures I have viewed are not showing much change over time. Do you know many doctors who have a $50,000 laser in their office and do not charge for its use?

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