Advanced hair studio

[goosen01]

Evening all!
I had a consultation with advanced hair studio today and would love to hear from anyone that has used them or considered using them.I'm not too sure what to make of it as yet, only 3 months into my research of what to do....I like the sound of "non surgical" but not sure on the "wig" (for want of a better description).Their "strand by strand" technique is what I would be looking at, potentially with some lazering too, although that's not so appealing at first glance. Rough cost for the strand by strand is £5000 plus monthly "haircuts" @ £55 each.The chap was dead against the use of Finasteride too. Highlighting the side effects etc. Which left me confused, as the two other companies I've seen (ziering & transforming lives) were very pro the drug.
Any advice would be appreciated...
Still confused!

 

[Bigmac]

Propecia can have side effects which is a risk with any medication, imagine all the people allergic to Penicilin telling everyone else not to use it as they suffered sides.
Enough of that, what level of hairloss are you, maybe he does not want you to use Propecia as you may regrow your hair, therefor no need for his strand by strand. I would try it.
If the meds work you may never need strand by strand, with you visiting Ht clinics are you thinking of maybe having strip or FUE.

 

[goosen01]

My hair loss has been labelled at nw 5. The two HT consultants I've seen have both suggested different surgeries, ziering were all for FUT, whilst the other was FUE. Both looking at roughly 2500 grafts.
AHS today suggested that HT wasn't the best route for me as i have substaintal hair loss, which will continue and I only have so much donor hair.
I get that ultimately they want you to buy into their way of doing it so the are going to dress up different scenarios in their favour.

 

[Bigmac]

If you went Ht route 2500 would most probably give you a thin frontal third and hairline to some degree to frame your face. Depending on donor availability you may be able to get more coverage but they will take your level of loss into consideration when planning it out. It is advisable to try the meds ( my non medical opinion ) with your level of loss to stabilise it if possible.
Which procedure are you thinking would best suit you.
I'm pretty sure the strand by strand has to be replaced at some point, don't know if this is free or you pay all over again, worth asking how long it actually lasts.

 

[goosen01]

Which procedure....honestly, not sure. The more research I do and different options I get, the more confused I become!

 

[garageland]

Goosen,

Out of interest how did they 'sell' their strand by strand to you? What is your impression of what it is?

 

[goosen01]

Their method at first was "shock" ie you've list too much hair already to have a hair transplant. After that comment I was somewhat sceptical. The whole approach was very "pushy salesmen" which being a salesperson myself didn't bother me but did leave a sour taste compared to the other consultations I've had.
After seeing the 5 minute video it was clear to me that this was a wig (expensive flash, but still a wig).
I wasn't too fussed with this as they all looked very well done. That said I haven't seen one in the flesh as yet.
When I said to the consultant it was a wig, he quickly corrected me that it wasn't, to which I replied again it's a fancy wig.
I'm glad I went, it's all great info gathering before I make my decision. I've since read today on a few forums that ahs has had plenty of bad reviews, both for their strand by strand and laser treatments.

 

[Clairegee]

Don't fall for the bs they tell you...... It's a fancy wig glued to your head that causes more damage to the scalp and whatever hair you have left. Imagine what your skin feels like when you have a sticky plaster on for a few days, soft and mushy right ?....... Now imagine a huge plaster glued to your head for 5/6 weeks at a time, how will your scalp and hair survive being starved of air and light..... Did they mention that your head will be shaved prior to the glueing, at the 5 week interval when you are required to have the wig removed for cleaning/ maintenance they will charge you £500 for this on top of the other charges.

I fell victim to this several years ago....... Cost me a fortune, left me with less hair, stay well clear.

 

[goosen01]

Thanks clairegee. I've read many reviews this afternoon on a different forum, all of which were bad war stories like yours. The more I learn about ahs the less I like. Your description is very good, the plaster likeness makes total sense and not something I'm interested in.
Thanks for your insight.
What did you do instead?

 

[yidd0]

Do not...I repeat NOT go anywhere near this company. I'm amazed they haven't been shut down.

The lazer therapy is bullshit. All they do is give you an extremely expensive supply of minoxidil and then sit you under this ridiculous contraption pretending that it is doing something.

Strand by strand is a wig. Not a very good one at that. Totaly detectable.

I've been there done it all with these lot. I will do a better write up explaining what they are all about soon.

Please take my word for it fella, don't go near them...you have been warned.

 

[goosen01]

Thanks Yiddo. My mind is pretty much made up, to not touch this lot. There are just too many bad use cases to ignore.
I think I'm set on surgery of some kind, yet to decide on FUE or fut and which surgeon yet though 😁😁😁

 

[Bigmac]

Take your time researching and ask as many questions you need on here.

 

[garageland]

Yes I fell for their strand by strand, was warned off transplants and this was 20 years ago so they are still trying the same tactics. Hair systems work for many guys and can look good but you need to know what you are getting yourself into with maintenance. Many better and cheaper companies out there if you are considering this.

Take your time and research as bigmac says and have many conversations and in person consults for surgery, ask questions and talk to former patients. You may have to go with your gut feeling in the end but it seemed to be spot on with your observations so far.

 

[bullitnut]

I would take the advice offered here as the Strand by strand imo is nothing more than an expensive wig, i have seen the damage these systems can do to some peoples scalp first hand too and the ones ive seen look awful. (just my opinion). I would try the meds to see if you can stabilize your loss first...as BM says you may even regrow some hair.
Just be careful i'm pretty sure if you went the ahs route you would be constantly paranoid that you may get found out. Good luck dude

 

[goosen01]

Cheers bullitnutt. I'm not progressing with ahs, the whole "wig" thing is a big no no.
I am keen to find out more about the meds...side effects are the key thing. Have you taken Finasteride? And did you suffer side effects?
Lots of people have suggested using them and it seems the place to start before HT.

 

[bullitnut]

Yes mate i take meds i take Finasteride and have done for many years with no notable side effects. I use Rogaine foam too before bed and wash it out in the morning. I also take MSM and Biotin supplements to help with general hair health, and use Nizoral Twice a week. Hope this helps dude.

 

[goosen01]

Thanks Bullitnut...just read your web site info, great stuff! Glad you've made good choices now and well on the mend.
Re the meds, do you have one place that you buy them from? One thing I'm not sure on is where best to buy. I'm a little nervous about buying from the internet as you don't know what you are getting is legit.