Acceptance - the ONLY 'cure' ?

[SimBa]

Hi all

We've all heard it said that acceptance is the ONLY cure for hair loss, with many corners advocating this approach. And to some extent, it's something which ALL people with hair loss will do regardless of their approach because hair loss will continue and we have to accept this regardless if we opt for the Big 3 approach, hair systems, transplants or clippers. So it can be said that we all HAVE to accept it to a greater or lesser extent because we can't control the 'loss'.

With this said, I used to think that deep down acceptance was the 'cure' of hair loss and still have suspicions but something which gets lost in all the talk of acceptance is that not all guys with hair loss go bald. There are a lot of variations and stages, which Norwood have latched on to, but whether there is a one size fits all approach that many are advocating its not certain.

It may be true for all people with hair loss that it's an experience, some say a journey, and that most people with this will continue to lose more hair, but even this is not certain as some people seem to stay at the same stage of hair loss for years. Look at the comedian Alan Carr, as one example, he has had that level of hair loss since he's been famous which is well over a decade.

We all experience this hair process but where it will end up is anyone's guess. Some guys seem to have rapid hair loss and for these it seems pointless for anything other than pure acceptance, as they don't seem to get time to make decisions and then its gone. Nature seems to decide for them. Then others experience a slow process which leads them to deciding between the hirsute route or buzzing it off and opting for pure acceptance. Because of these 'stages' and the age of people who may be picturing a retirement either basking a bald dome or with a degree of remaining hair, it leaves many second guessing where they believe their hair loss experience will end and act according to this on which route they choose.

Be really interested on others take on this ?

 

[Bigmac]

If you’re able to buzz your hair down or just accept the situation then that’s great. You’re correct about the different variations to hair loss patterns. It can be very unpredictable, a gradual loss, accelerated loss, partial loss, but without the ability to see our future self we need to plan accordingly if we do indeed go down the surgical route.

Alan Carrs loss was minimal. If he is not on hair loss meds I’d say he has a good chance of keeping enough hair that no more loss is visible.

What is your situation?

 

[SimBa]

If you’re able to buzz your hair down or just accept the situation then that’s great. You’re correct about the different variations to hair loss patterns. It can be very unpredictable, a gradual loss, accelerated loss, partial loss, but without the ability to see our future self we need to plan accordingly if we do indeed go down the surgical route.

Alan Carrs loss was minimal. If he is not on hair loss meds I’d say he has a good chance of keeping enough hair that no more loss is visible.

What is your situation?

I first noticed hair issues when I hit around 40 and now got to around a NW3-4 diffuse with an emerging solar panel at the back. I've done the usual Minoxidil and Finasteride, the latter for many years but then the sides got too much and really dropped off this. I'm considering the HT route as I figure this would see me into retirement with a pretty good thatch. Worst case, I could get away with 2 HT's as I have a lot of donor area..

It doesn't hugely concern me but I am something of an all or nothing guy and think hair loss should either get on with it and go bald or stop the whole process as I can't stand halfway houses.

You ?

 

[Bigmac]

The concern many doctors have is hair loss can accelerate later on in life. Without meds it creates more risk. Even donor hair that many consider will last a lifetime can and does succumb to DHT.
Maybe you could consider topical Finasteride or oral minoxidil.
Here is Ronnie responding well to the meds.
Hair loss meds
Me, I’m on oral Finasteride and have had multiple transplants.

 

[SimBa]

Have you been happy with the HT outcomes and is your picture profile your hair situation with mainly crown HT work ?

 

[NZK Medical]

Using treatment is a personal decision. No one can enforce you to use it. But if you start it should be given a decent go. Also understanding that treatment results are often subtle. But if your decision is to not use treatment. That is also fine. Allow your hair to follow a natural pattern. As it matures it often gives an idea of where the point of stabilising is. But, it may affect the planning of any hair restoration.

Assuming there are no underlying outside influences affecting the hair growth. Illness, stress, etc. As a man ages as a rule the hair loss matures slower. If hair loss occurs at an earlier age there is a greater tendency for it to accelerate to an advancing stage, say NW4 plus. Over a relatively short ten-year period. Which in the bigger picture of adulthood is no time. But not so when between 20 and 30 years of age.

Hair loss is divided over two separate areas. The crown loss combined with hairline recession. Creates a concern for donor hair management. As Bigmac said, this creates a concern for the Dr. The need to try and meet the individual´s expectations. At the same time having to look into the future. Worst case scenario if hair loss does advance. The donor can safely maintain a natural-looking hair restoration.

This concern can lead to not wanting a hair transplant. As simjb stated, some are all or nothing people. So even if they can be taken back say 20 years in terms of hair coverage. If everything cannot be achieved, be it in one go or maybe multiple sessions. They would rather not start. Which if the case is fine. Better to understand the reality than be unhappy down the line.

This is a good thread. That examines the stages of hair loss and coming to terms with how you wish to deal with it. Either leave it to nature or take steps to maintain or restore. This makes it very personal as one man’s happiness may be another’s incomplete result. Regardless of how natural the look is.

 

[Bigmac]

Have you been happy with the HT outcomes and is your picture profile your hair situation with mainly crown HT work ?

I’m very happy with the repair surgeries I had and the final outcome. Three quarters of my work was crown and scars, the other quarter was my hairline and temple points.
My journeys are documented in the patient section.