All Posts Tagged: hair loss remedies

8 Receding Hairline Treatments in 2019

8 Receding Hairline Treatments in 2019

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Is your hairline starting to look like a shoreline with an incoming low tide? If the amount of hair loss is getting obvious by the day, it is wise to act on it now if you plan to manage its progression. There are several receding hairline treatments that are available for you to use at present, all with their own approach to control excessive shedding and restore hair volume.

If you are looking for a way to address your follicular dilemma, then you must read this.

Hair Loss Facts

Hair loss doesn’t necessarily mean that you are experiencing a medical crisis. It is normal for us to lose hair every day. However, we don’t lose them in clumps, rather, we only shed around 50-100 hair strands each day. That may sound like a lot, but you’ll hardly even notice this at all. It’ s only when there is significant hair loss that it becomes apparent that hair density is thinning out, or it may be your hairline starting to recede.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8diYLhl8bWU

Excessive hair loss is a multifactorial phenomenon. It could potentially stem from genetics, stress, medications, or certain conditions. In men, the usual culprit behind the problem is embedded in their DNA which results in a condition referred to as male androgenetic alopecia. This is true not only in older gentlemen, but even for younger men as well.

Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness is caused by a hormone which triggers hair thinning and shedding. In some men, it may start in the middle portion of the scalp while it slowly increases in diameter. For others, it can start at the frontal hairline and it recedes backward.

Receding Hairline Treatments

Propecia

Finasteride (Propecia) is an FDA-approved first-line treatment for male androgenetic alopecia. Originally indicated for enlarged prostates, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it was later discovered that it can also trigger hair growth. However, it is only possible by using a fifth of the dose prescribed for prostate enlargement. The medication has shown reliable results in halting receding hairlines and restoring hair density.

Originally indicated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it was later discovered that Finasteride can also trigger hair growth.

However, the success is marred with threats of impotence, sexual dysfunction, and other untoward side effects. It may be able to save your locks, but it can also adversely affect your libido. Concern stems from the fact that medications must be taken regularly to maintain results. It has been reported that it is with long-term use that sexual side effects occur.  

Today, Propecia is still considered a safe and well-tolerated medication. Researchers are still pushing for further research to extensively evaluate if there are any unique characteristics that are present in affected individuals suffering from prolonged sexual dysfunction, and even depression, after using Propecia.

This potential side effect is an important matter for discussion between you and your doctor before treatment is started so you can be guided accordingly. Men with a history of oligospermia (low sperm count) or infertility are advised to avoid the drug, especially if you are planning to start a family soon.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is also a recognized treatment for a receding hairline or male pattern baldness. Originally used to treat hypertension, it was also observed that one of its side effects is increased hair growth. While this response is not fully understood, researchers believe that it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the hair follicles that encourages hair to grow. Eventually, these results earned Minoxidil an FDA approval for male androgenetic alopecia.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment against receding hairlines or male pattern baldness.

Topical Minoxidil has been proven to be an effective treatment for hair loss; taking around six months to see results. However, the major factor to take into consideration when using minoxidil is your commitment to the product. It is best applied twice a day and it must be taken religiously otherwise its effects will revert if discontinued.

Proper application is also essential to ensure that it is thoroughly applied to the scalp. It must be sufficiently absorbed to deliver the treatment down to the hair follicles where it is needed the most. Make sure that your hair and scalp is cleaned thoroughly and dried prior to application. A clarifying shampoo helps remove buildup from excess oils and styling products.

The problem with minoxidil is that alcohol is the ingredient which allows the medication to penetrate the scalp. Alcohol-based products can dry the skin and scalp resulting in dandruff. You may need to use an anti-dandruff shampoo to counter this problem.

Corticosteroid

This treatment is generally recommended for the treatment of alopecia areata as well as other severe forms such as alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. This medication comes in injectable, topical or oral form with an aim to prevent the immune system from attacking the hair follicles and encourage hair regrowth in patients suffering from alopecia.

Corticosteroid prevents the immune system from attacking the hair follicles and cause hair loss.

Steroid injections are best used on small patches of hair loss. The treatment may involve having several injections to deliver the solution directly to the scalp. This is also its drawback because patients must be subjected to it every few months as it is required in the administration of this drug. 

Topical steroids on the other hand are applied directly on the scalp surface. It is sold as a lotion, gel, or foam. This is an easier means of application with the type of corticosteroids delivered including, betamethasone, mometasone, and hydrocortisone. While they are convenient, it is important that a patient be mindful of the associated side effects with prolonged use, such as acne and thinning of the skin.

Steroid tablets are no longer recommended for the treatment alopecia because it was found that they pose serious side effects such as stomach ulcers and diabetes.

Laser Treatment

One of the hair loss treatments that is slowly making a mark in the market today is low-level laser hair treatment. With the movement towards non-invasive options, it’s no surprise that laser is gaining favor in a lot of hair loss victims. But how effective is it in delivering its promised results?

Low-level laser helps stimulate hair growth and it can also be an adjunct therapy to other hair loss treatments.

The use of laser in hair restoration should be taken with a grain of salt because it is not a definitive or a miracle treatment. There are several factors that must be taken into consideration such as the extent of hair loss, the treatment that it is concurrently used with, and the type of hair loss that you are suffering from.

In a recent study, it was shown that laser treatment created a significant improvement in patients with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). With some slight variety in data, some studies showed that low-level laser treatment is effective when combined with topical minoxidil. However, when compared to the results of a hair transplant, the latter provides a faster and more dramatic change.

Hair Transplant

A hair transplant procedure is considered the last resort in hair restoration because of its invasive nature. It is for this reason and the accompanying cost that makes proper advice and planning is necessary to ensure positive results. 

Surgical hair restoration comes in two different approaches, the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). FUT is the traditional method which involves the creation of a linear incision that runs across the back of the scalp to remove a piece of the scalp containing the donor hairs. Meanwhile, the FUE method is less invasive because it only involves the removal of the donor grafts directly on the scalp using a special tool. It is less traumatic to the scalp and it doesn’t result in obvious scars, however it may be pricier.

Proper advice and planning are necessary to help ensure a positive outcome with Hair Transplant surgery. 

Hair transplant price vary for each individual, and it depends on the following:

  • The area of hair loss that must be covered
  • The type of technique used
  • The country, region, or clinic where you will have your hair transplant done
  • The doctor who performs the procedure
  • The type of procedure (whether if it is a primary procedure or a repair)

Hair transplant surgery has been hailed a reliable solution in restoring hair loss. It may come with risks inherent to its surgical nature, but this can be significantly lessened when you have it done by reputable and certified surgeons. It gives you the volume and coverage that comes out natural-looking. Therefore, despite its cost, many are considering this treatment.

Start by getting the help that you need today from someone who is on the same page as you. Book your consultation today and ask Dr Daood of the Sydney Hair Transplant Clinic your burning hair transplant questions.

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7 Ways You To Ensure Hair Loss Treatment Success

7 Ways You To Ensure Hair Loss Treatment Success

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What are the odds of men losing their hair as they age?

It varies—but like a lot of things, this will depend on a lot of factors. Genes can play a role but so does lifestyle. While most men experience hair loss around the age of 30, some can experience it as early as their 20s.

What’s common among those who suffer from male pattern baldness though is that symptoms of gradual hair loss can be hard to notice. So in a lot of cases, they don’t even notice until nearly half their hair is gone. Thankfully, hair transplant surgery has a respectable number of successful cases that it has earned a reputation for being a reliable solution for hair loss.

The complexity and demand for high surgical competency for this procedure means the process can be a little costly. But as far as hair loss remedies go, it’s an investment that definitely pays off. Knowing this, you want to make sure that you consider these key factors to ensure hair loss treatment success—

1. Take the time to find a good surgeon

Finding a surgeon is a like looking for a champion.

There are several hair transplant surgeons in Sydney alone, but not everyone may have the same vision you have in mind. Therefore, it pays to have someone who completely understands your aesthetic; someone who is open to answer all your questions, and someone who listens carefully to your goals and expectations.

Achieving all this means you need to make the effort to find a professional whose approach can address your concerns. Essentially, he should be able to champion your objectives, take the approach you’re comfortable with, and provide you with the care you want to be given throughout the whole process.

Don’t just take their word for it as well. Make sure you look at hard evidence to back up everything that is being said. Proof may come as the following:

Training

Remember that you are not only looking for a surgeon, but a hair transplant surgeon. Cosmetic surgery may be considered the “wild west” of medicine with less than qualified doctors coming in, but you can always outsmart the system. Turn on your inner sleuth and look at all the sources available to you – be it through word-of-mouth, print, or online. You may check the ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) website to check the doctor’s background, his years of experience, and affiliations.

Board Certification

To earn these certifications, one must pass written and oral examinations to be considered. This is only open to surgeons who have performed a certain number of hair transplants, show proof of their training, and can provide evidence of their caseloads. It is also important that a doctor regularly attends conferences to be updated about the advances in his field. This is also a reflection of their commitment to education, ongoing training, and constant improvement in their specialty.

Experience

Experience would tell you for how long the doctor has been in practice and if he consistently delivers reliable results. Specifically ask about his experience in performing hair transplants and not just the mere practice in medicine. His experience in the types of hair transplant approach (FUT or FUE) he uses is also vital information to clarify, especially if you are particular about the level of invasiveness.

Results

Checking a hair transplant surgeon’s previous work should be an important part of your research process. Don’t hesitate to ask for before and after photos from the doctor you are considering. If possible, try to ask if you can meet some of his previous patients in person. Being able to personally assess the result of a past patient allows you a better picture of the surgeon’s quality of work.

2. Avoid the “Yes Man”

It’s definitely comforting to have a medical team that understands your concerns—especially if you’re looking to find a solution to a long-standing aesthetic problem. But don’t let your need to find a solution let you overlook the fact that when it comes to hair transplant surgery, there are lot more considerations that just finding a doctor that says yes to what you want.

There are cases where a hair transplant isn’t the best choice for you and a good medical team should be upfront about that fact. For example, some patients may want to fill in bald areas, but if filling in bald areas will only create an unnatural appearance as natural hair loss progresses, a reliable team should inform them about it. Remember, your hair transplant surgeon is your champion, and he should be able to hold that position even if it meant saying no.

3. Be wary of shadow surgeries

The rise of hair transplant surgeries today, has prompted an increase of shadow surgeries.

Shadow surgeries are procedures that are performed by a technician instead of an actual doctor. Patients meet and consult with a doctor, but the actual procedure is delegated. Note however that institutions like ISHRS still recommend hair transplants to be conducted by the actual doctor; so be sure to ask about this and discuss it with your medical team.

4. Don’t fall for the sales pitch

Ethical practice is something that some shady practitioners simply choose to ignore. Be wary of clinics who rely on aggressive sales and advertising techniques to push you into signing up for a surgery that most surgeons would otherwise think is dangerous or inappropriate.

5. Take the time to search for reputable clinics

When looking for a reputable clinic, be sure to keep a good eye out for red flags. This process starts from your Internet search and lead right down to your actual consultation. Be wary about the following:

  • False claims and advertising, like pain-free procedures.
  • Limited understanding of medical conditions that may have caused your baldness.
  • Clinics that don’t specialize solely on hair restoration and dabble on other procedures.
  • Inability of the actual doctor to sit down and meet with you.
  • Clinics that feel like procedures follow a production line where all patients receive a cookie-cutter solution.

6. Refusing to take the extra steps to see if you are a suitable candidate

Clients often send photos seeking  opinion or advice. However, photos alone are not enough to assess if you would be a “good” candidate for hair transplant surgery. It is important that you see a doctor in person. A personal consultation allows the surgeon to closely inspect your hair and give advice on which appropriate blood tests should be taken to check the root cause of your hair loss.

The fact that you are losing hair doesn’t automatically earn you a spot on the operating table. Prudence dictates that a patient should not be allowed to undergo the surgery if several factors show that you’re not a suitable candidate.

7. Don’t just base it on cost

Looking for the best value for your money is always wise, however, being constantly on the hunt for a bargain might place you in a precarious situation.

It’s always important to see what the standard rates are in your area. This gives you the baseline that allows you to assess the cost of your investment. But cost should always be considered in the context of quality. So be sure to read the fine print and study the more technical details.

We hope that you take these reminders into account during your consultation. Your hair restoration journey, should you choose surgery, is one that should be taken with the proper precautions to ensure success.

With that said–what other concerns do you have about this procedure? Give us a call and ask away. And if you want to make sure that you’re on the right track for success in your surgical hair restoration journey, be sure to get in touch with us.
If you have any further questions about where your money gets transplanted during hair transplant procedures, you can ask Dr. Daood of the Sydney Hair Transplant Clinic.

Book your Private Consultation

If you are considering FUE or FUT Hair Transplant surgery please contact us for further information on pricing and procedural information.

To book a private consultation today with Dr. Daood call 1300 656 236.

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8 Unusual Hair Loss Remedies Throughout the History

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Hair loss has inspired a lot of impressive technologies today that can even create the most natural-looking results you could imagine. However, behind the advancements and successes in hair restoration are some bizarre remedies along the way. Here are some that made a mark in history.

A Greek tragedy

Hippocrates was definitely a thinker way beyond his time which is only why he is called the ‘Father of Modern Medicine.’ It was him who first saw the connection between hair loss and male hormones. He observed that men who are castrated before they hit puberty were not affected by hair loss.

Today, this was known to be due to the absence of testosterone which could convert to the hair loss culprit – DHT (dihydrotestosterone).

For this, Hippocrates developed several treatments in which one included a mixture of cumin, nettles, horseradish, and pigeon droppings. This was to be applied on the scalp for the intent of re-growing hair, but it was unsuccessful. Castration was later on confirmed by Duke University to prevent hair loss but was also deemed to be commercially unacceptable. Today, a fringe around a bald pate is called a Hippocratic Wreath, which was done so by his colleagues in his honor.

Egyptian hair loss magic

The Egyptians have been known for their signature wigs, but behind the hairpiece, they were also in a constant search for a cure for hair loss. One of their interesting solutions includes reciting a magic spell to the sun god and then swallowing a mixture of onions, honey, iron, red lead, and alabaster.

Another measure was rubbing different animal fats on the scalp, which also lead to disappointing results. Some accounts found on The Eber’s Papyrus described a concoction of fats from a crocodile, hippo, snake, tomcat, and ibex. If this fails, another option is to boil porcupine hair and leave it on the scalp for four days.

Caesar and his leaves

When Julius Caesar started to lose his hair, he tried to everything to reverse it and keep the condition a secret. In his attempts to conceal his thinning hair, the Roman dictator tried to grow his remaining hair longer at the back. In a less than a successful attempt, he tried to cover his bald spot by combing all his hair forward, giving the infamous comb-over its ancient roots.

Seeing that this technique was no good, his lover Cleopatra recommended a rather unusual topical remedy which consisted of horse teeth, ground mice, and bear grease. This had very little effect, so the dictator took to nature for his final solution and one which soon became his signature look – he donned a laurel wreath around his scalp.

Chicken for follicles that “chickened” out

In the 17th century, British men were really at the hard end in trying to keep their hair. Male health magazines at the time advised the gentlemen to apply chicken dung to their head to protect them from going bald. On the other end of the spectrum, it was also advised that cat dung helps remove unwanted hair.

snake-oil-hair-loss-remedies-historyPhoto credit: istolethetv via Foter.com / CC BY

Snake oil

In the 19th century “snake oil” salesmen became a big thing in the United States. These people are actually swindlers masquerading to be doctors who are peddling these potions which are basically phony concoctions. What made them a hit are the lofty promises that this was supposed to reverse hair loss and pretty much every condition that ails you.

This is also the time when the infamous ointment called Seven Sutherland Sister’s Hair Grower was shoved into the throats of desperate and naïve buyers by a family of sideshow performers with tresses which spanned 37 feet between them.

Victorian locks

Around 1876 to 1913, people in America were doing the opposite of what most people suffering from hair loss would do – they were brushing their hair incessantly. What makes matter worse is the fact that they use stiff brushes for the job, thinking that this can promote soft and shiny hair. Applying a mixture of cologne, spirit of camphor and a pigment of cantharides every night was also believed to halt hair loss.

Sucking it up

In 1936, a certain company called the Crosley Corporation which manufactures radios and automobiles ventured into personal care products. They created the Xervac machine which was supposed to create a suction on the head through a helmet-encased vacuum pump to stimulate hair growth. It can be rented for home use or it can be found in barbershops. Men can kick back and relax while the vacuum works on the follicles. Today this machine is displayed in the Museum of Quackery Medicine, although the sole intent of this invention was not to fool anyone.

The 20th-century hot heads

At this time in history, manufacturers attempted to take huge strides in developing cutting-edge solutions for hair loss. These efforts brought the market the Thermocap device by a company called Merke Institute. Men, and even women, who are suffering from thinning locks only had to spend 15 minutes each day under the heat introduced by the bonnet-like gear and blue light. This was intended to stimulate dormant hair bulbs into growing. Unfortunately, this solution didn’t come out to be successful.

Thanks to modern medicine, we now have better options for hair loss. We are even better equipped with knowledge regarding home remedies, instead of going for the strange and disgusting. However, if you want to take bigger strides to restore your hair, a hair transplant can be a good final option. Like some of the treatments mentioned above, this procedure also had its crude beginnings but has far improved over the years making it reliable.

If you want to know about this in detail, come and talk to us at the Sydney Hair Transplant Clinic or you could drop us a line here.
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