Hair Products – Page 97

December 19, 2005

Hair Problems from Bleaching – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am a male and I did a bad job of bleaching my hair and it burned my scalp. When I used the bleach I used it only on the top of my head. The hair on the top of my head seems to be growing slower than the back and sides where I applied the bleach. I am only 18 so can the hair loss be due to the bleach?

It would be unusual for any long term damage from a single bleaching episode on your hair. Assuming that you wait a year or so, everything should resolve. Make sure that you do not have male genetic hair loss, by getting your head mapped out for minaturization. If you do have genetic hair loss, thinning could have been precipitated by the bleaching and proper medications may be in order (like Propecia). Get a good doctor to evaluate you.

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December 19, 2005

Treatment Options for Thinning Crown – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

hello-
i’m a 22 year old male-been thinning on the crown/upper back of the head for about 3 years now. i’ve tried everything…used propecia in conjunction with minox 5 % 2x a day for about 18 months with no noticable results. my front hairline is very thick-as is the hair on the sides and lower back of my head. my most recent regimen (for the past 9 months) has been 0.5 mg of Avodart and miniox 5% + tretinoin 2x a day-including nizoral shampoo every 3 days with a arbonne shampoo and conditioner daily. also i’ve been using arbonne’s thermal fusion scalp therapy in the shower every day religiously. still no results-no thicker on the top. do you have any suggestions for what to do? should i continue this regimen and add something else in order to avoid a shed? i’m lost and could use some detailed advice from someone who knows what they’re talking about. you certainly seem to be the right guy. thanks for your help.

Sounds like you have tried it all. Considering that you have tried both Propecia and Avodart, it seems, if you have male pattern balding, the pattern will take over and the balding will not be controlled by the various medications. Not everyone’s hair loss is controlled by these medications. Have you already had your scalp mapped out for miniaturization? If you have, then the measurements would point to the value of the medications you have taken. I always get a mapped out baseline before I start treatment, because I would want to tell you the value of these medications on the course of your hair loss. The mapping process will let you know what progression you are having so that you and your doctor can better plan for your future hair loss.

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December 16, 2005

Kevis, Avacore, Regenix – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Dr. Rassman,

I am 25-years-old and for a year or two my hair has been thinning along the hairline (just above the forehead). I can see that it is not nearly as thick as it used to be, but it is not yet noticeable to others. About ten months ago I started taking Propecia and using Nizoral Shampoo, but I am not satisfied with the results as I have only seen a moderate slowing in the rate of hair loss and no detectable re-growth.

I want to take further action and would like to know what options I should consider. I am currently looking into Avacore, Kevis, Avodart/Dutasteride, a laser brush, and Regenix. Are any of these products worthwhile? Are there others I should know about? I feel like I need to do something fast before it looks like I am losing my hair. What should I do?

I look forward to hearing form you. Thank you for your help and for the website. Best regards.

I have a somewhat standard answer to your question. First get yourself analyzed for miniaturization with your scalp mapped out so that under a good doctor, you can have your hair progress or lack of progress measured over time as you move between different treatment modalities. With this mapping, you will (at the least) know if anything is really working and put numbers to it.

Of the suggested treatments you intend to try, some have minoxidil as the active ingredient, but at a much higher price than you can purchase it a Walmart or other discount stores. If you like paying more then by all means go for it. Avodart (dutasteride) has been discussed on this site in great detail. The laser comb is not well documented for benefit, but there is clearly a lot of hype and only costs between $500-800, so again, if you feel that spending money might help, by all means try it. I have had good reports about Regenix, but no objective measurements for hair regrowth.

If you are in the Southern California area, I would be happy to see you if you’d like to setup a consultation for your problem. The alternative is going bald, unless you can gain better control of what is happening to you.

December 14, 2005

Hair Loss InformationHead & Shoulders Shampoo – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Somebody mentioned losing hair after using Head ‘n Shoulders shampoo. In the fall of 1975, I started using Head ‘n Shoulders shampoo and immediately started losing hair and even though I could not prove the causal relation between the two, I immediately quit using Head ‘n Shoulders. Even though my hair has still receded and thinned somewhat since then, I have always been curious if anyone has taken a look at Head ‘n Shoulders and complaints about that brand of shampoo as a possible cause of hair loss.

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Head and Shoulders Head & Shoulders shampoo, to my knowledge, does not contribute to hair loss. You are the first person who has presented this complaint to me. It is very possible that there was a coincidence between the shampoo and the change in your hair loss status.

Update August 18, 2008 —
Although I initially posted this almost 3 years ago, this has become a very hot topic as of late and the readers have provided some good commentary below.

December 12, 2005

Revivogen and Kevis – Balding Blog

Hi Dr. Rassman,
What are your thoughts on Revivogen and Kevis? Revivogen seems to be pushed pretty hard as a “natural” DHT blocker that supposedly works well. I hear Kevis commercials on AM radio all the time. is there any validity to their claims?
thank you

Revivogen seems to make claims about ‘proven’ DHT blocking and ‘Doctor formulated’ natural ingredients. Kevis has minoxidil as an active ingredient. There is clear value to minoxidil, but you can buy this over the counter at substantially less money than with the Kevis formula and Revivogen has made claims that are not widely accepted although it has been around for years with some good reports by some consumers. I have made comments on non-FDA approved medications and claims about safety and effectiveness in the past (see Scalpmed and ViTrichol for examples).

December 8, 2005

Green Tea to Treat Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi,
I am currently 24, I have been orphaned since 4 years old. so I have no idea if this problem of mine is linked to genetics. At about 16 years old I notice my hairline receeding, I was kind of ignorent then. About a year ago someone mentioned the (dreaded fact) since then I’ve been looking for alternatives to Medical drugs. I came across an article written about the 5-alpha Reductase inhibitors found in EGCG (green-tea)I was wondering if you know if and when there might be conclusive evidence with American Science, I do hope I don’t come off sounding like a (Jack-ass), but it really scares me to think that especially in (starting my own family )is lost due to the American Standard. Oh yeah on the Norwood Diagram, I am currently Type II.

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What should scare you more is letting the hair be lost while you, as an amateur, try to do what hair professionals do every day. You need a diagnosis (even more important for you, because your genetic family line is unknown) and you need your scalp mapped out for miniaturization to find out if you are balding from genetic causes.

As far as green tea is concerned, I frankly do not know. If it really worked, more and more people would be using it and telling me about it. Just something to think about. I am curious, does one drink it or pour it on their head? Ha!

December 7, 2005

Remaxx – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

2 quick questions…
I am currently taking propecia but have been reading on the web about the effectiveness of avodart which seems to be substantially better than propecia. Would you advise taking it if I could get my hands on it?(it seems like I could get it from overseas UK pharmacy’s)

Also, have you ever heard Remaxx products? I went to a Dr. for a consult and he said post-op that they have a couple of products that would be beneficial. Basically, a shampoo, conditioner, and replenisher. Have you ever heard of this co.? Any help on these subjects would be great.
Thanks

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Avodart is discussed heavily on this site. You can see all of the articles referencing Avodart here.

Remaxx products show an extreme and unrealistic / unbelievable before and after photo. When they look unbelievable, I generally take a dim view of the company and its products. These products are just another offering in a mass market of claims galore for hair regrowth.

December 5, 2005

Waxing Transplanted Hair – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

HI,
I am about a #7 on the baldness scale and I have about 200 (2-3 hair) plugs on the front hairline. I now want to go bald and was considering waxing (although painful) in the plug area. (There is nothing really wrong with my transplant, I just like the bald look better on me). My question: Will waxing do any damage to this area or the plugs themselves? Your advise is greatly appreciated.

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Waxing may eventually produce traction alopecia and as such, it may in the longer term cause these ‘waxed’ hairs to fall out. If the plugs are really plugs in the old doll’s head view, there are better options including excision, FUE extraction, and laser hair removal. The problem with the doll’s head plugs is that there is often skin changes associated with them, such as cobblestoning and depigmentation, which may stand out if you go bald. Take a look at our newhair.com site and search for “plug” to see and learn much from the many pages of information on this subject.

December 1, 2005

Bio Matrix, Extreme Hair Therapy, and High Pressure Sales – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I have recently turned 21 years old, and have been out of school last semester saving for some kind of solution to get my hair back. I have visited Bosley and Hair Club for Men (HCFM). Bosley was very cordial and did not pressure me or get me to sign a contract during my consultation or anything. They answered my questions at the time and left me with info and the consultant’s card. HCFM on the other hand views me more as a walking dollar sign rather than someone with a concern. I visited them 3 weeks ago and I still get calls from the consultant or salesman, I should say 2 to 3 times a day. I walked in, watched a tape, and then he told me I was too young for transplant surgery and he recommended the all new “Bio Matrix Transplant”. Within minutes he hustled me into signing a 3500 dollar contract. I called the next day and cancelled after reading more about it. Its basically a wig, which disgusts me. Anyways, then I met with him again to talk to him about EXT Extreme Hair Therapy. He said it was the same price as the Bio Matrix thing, which I think is a lie because I can’t imagine vitamins, shampoos, and monoxidil can cost over 3000 dollars for a years supply!!! It is my firm belief that he works on commission, and that is why my voicemail has 10 messages on it right now.

I tell you all that to say this: I need a good doctor to speak with to give me honest answers and someone who can give me the best route to go with this thing. I go to you because I read from this site and see how much knowledge you have and know you are trying to help and educate people, and I appreciate that.

My hair loss started probably at age 17 or so. I have no “bald” spots but my hair is thin on top now and would like to get it back to the way it was. I believe doing something now will help since it is still early. People can see through to my scalp. I used to spike the front of my hair and now I comb it forward and cut it short to try to hide the thining. Is hair transplantation out of the question, is hairgenesis an option, and perhaps is HCFM’s EXT an option? Please give any help you can as I am looking to act now with whatever solution necessary. Also if you can direct me to a good ethical doctor in my area that would be awesome!!! I will supply before and after pics in another email another day when I have access to a computer. I am typing this on my sidekick2. I am also curious about your thoughts on procerin. Looks like a good product. Thank you for your time and I appreciate what you are doing on this site!!

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I have heard horror stories about hair salesmen in the past and yours is, unfortunately, very typical. Commission sales are the driving force for the free enterprise system we live with. Car salesmen also get to me in a similar way, so I hate buying a car just because I do not want to deal with the saleman. I absoletely believe that salesmen should not be turning men into victims and certainly salesmen have no place, absolutely no place, in a medical practice.

Take a look at my post yesterday titled The Truth About Cheap Hair Transplants, for it goes into the entire process of shopping for hair restoration. Also, see the post on Hair Club for Men from earlier today. As you are aware, you need a good doctor, but to be more specific, you need one who can map out your scalp and give you a good diagnosis. Young men often can reverse genetic hair loss by using Propecia. Go to the ISHRS site to find a good doctor in your area.

Hair loss from age 17 to 21

We generally do not like to transplant young men, but according to your pictures (thank you for granting me permission to post them), the pattern you show is classic male patterned genetic hair loss. Your scalp needs to be mapped out for miniaturization. If you do have genetic hair loss, this is best treated with Propecia first. Allow the drug 8 months to have a good chance to reverse or at least stop the hair loss. With a good doctor managing you and understanding where you are coming from, a hair transplant is possible if you do not respond to Propecia, but you must have a good assessment of your donor supply and your final pattern should be estimated prior to considering a hair transplant. Also, the issue of your maturity, your financial ability to follow the process, and a worst case look at your Master Plan must be commanded by you in advance of such decisions. I would love to get to meet with you, so if you plan on a trip to California on a discounted airline, you might be surprised at what you will learn and find it of great value for the trip. The consultation is free.

Oh, and in regards to Procerin, please see my previous comments here.

Good luck.

November 30, 2005

Hair Loss InformationNatural Supplements for Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

hey doc… thanks for your reply. A few weeks ago I posted a question to you: Maturing Hair Line at 18 Years Old

what I would like to add is I’m of east Indian origin and my hairline is in the form of an U curve and is thinning badly. I will try Procepia eventually but I would like to know your opinion on natural suppliments. I’m taking multivitamins + 2 capsules of saw palmeeto every day. The thing I don’t like about procepia is that its a drug and most drugs produces side-effects…and I think that there are natural remedies for every ailment.

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I have answered this type of question many times. Natural remedies include every conceivable thing, some of which is safe (saw palmetto), some of which can kill (arsenic), some of which may be different by different suppliers (saw palmetto), some of which is effective (vitamins that are antioxidants), some of which are ineffective or have variable effectiveness (saw palmetto). I only picked saw palmetto, because it meets many of these opposing criteria, but it plain does not work.

There is all of this focus upon side effects. Remember, arsenic is a natural supplement and it kills; death is a side effect. Sexual side effects are known with saw palmetto, but the sexual side effects with Propecia only occur in 1 out of 100 people. Why assume that you will get the bad sexual side effect from Propecia, just because a drug company is honest and compelled by the FDA to tell you about it? The suppliers of saw palmetto do not have to disclose it; the drug company that makes Propecia does.

If you really care about your hair loss, why do you want to risk losing it or your health, when there are safe alternatives? I am afraid that I do not understand the logic here, but you are not alone with that type of thinking. Sorry if I am harsh, but I do not seem to get the message over to my readership and I really do not understand where I am failing to communicate.