Understanding Hair
Valued member
A hair transplant is not always the best option, or a good option. Consequently, if hair loss is a concern, then it´s time to look at the alternatives. Choices driven by age, or hair loss pattern, or simply not wanting to commit to having elective surgery, with the available options varying in outcomes.
Especially if hair loss is minimal, or your priority is to stabilise further hair loss, then treatment should be the first consideration. With a saturated market, and interesting claims, only three treatments received specific approval as (FDA - American Food & Drug Administration) treatment for male pattern baldness. While having been through extensive research and testing, results will still vary from person to person.
It´s important to have a balanced mind when considering starting a hair loss treatment. While there are documented cases of dramatic improvements from treatment, the norm is more akin to stabilising future hair loss, and a general improvement in hair quality. But that in its self is impactful if it can maintain hair coverage for years. Always consult a specialist before starting treatment and check for any potential side effects.
Minoxidil (topical) is an application applied to the scalp twice daily, 1ml each. Available over the counter in 2% or 5% lotion and foam form. The active ingredient increases blood circulation locally, acting as a vasodilator. We know it stimulates the hair follicle's active growth (the anagen phase), causing the hairs to thicken and grow longer. Minoxidil helps slow down the rate of hair loss in approximately 70%-75% of patients, and about one in two patients’ experiences hair regrowth. Minoxidil can cause an initial increase in hair shedding in the first weeks of starting, but this calms down, and the hairs begin to regrow. It will take around two to four months before less hair falls out and six to seven months to see hair regrowth.
Finasteride (oral), in 1mg tablet, taken daily, inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which triggers the hair loss gene, causing male pattern hair loss. Only available on prescription. It slows hair loss and stimulates hair regrowth. Women should have no skin contact with the tablet for use by men only. In clinical trials, 1mg of finasteride, branded as Propecia®, stopped hair loss in over 80% of cases and stimulated hair re-growth in around half of the patients. A Propecia® side effect, is a change in sexual desire or function in 2% of men.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT the most recently FDA-approved treatment uses low-level red laser light (655nm), stimulating hair follicles. Low-Level Laser Therapy, or "cold" lasers, do not release energy in the form of heat. The light wavelength emitted from a low-level laser repairs tissues that have impaired cellular metabolism by stimulating blood circulation and encouraging the regeneration of normal, healthy tissues. Laser light stimulates microcirculation. As well as decrease inflammation and improve cellular metabolism and protein synthesis.
While not an exhausted list, these are popular alternates treatments for male pattern hair loss. Dutasteride oral - A synthetic 4-azasteroid is a selective and competitive inhibitor of both type-1 and type-2 isoenzymes of 5-α-reductase. Dutasteride was effective in randomized, placebo-controlled trials in androgenetic alopecia. Like finasteride, dutasteride is now a popular treatment choice. Finasteride, topical - while not FDA-approved, lacks the systemic adverse effects of oral finasteride. Topical finasteride reduces both scalp and plasma DHT levels. In an open-label pharmacodynamic study, a 7-day treatment of twice-daily finasteride 0.25% topical solution and once-daily finasteride 1 mg oral tablet supplied similar inhibition of plasma DHT. Topical finasteride reduces the potential for systemic side effects, including the risk of sexual dysfunction. Minoxidil, oral treatment - PubMed article search, discusses oral minoxidil as the primary form of treatment for hair loss published up to April 2020. Results: Seventeen studies with 634 patients used oral minoxidil as the primary treatment for hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia was the most studied condition, but other conditions included telogen effluvium, lichen planopilaris, loose anagen hair syndrome, monilethrix, alopecia areata, and permanent chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Conclusion: Oral minoxidil was an effective and well-tolerated treatment alternative for healthy patients with difficulty with topical formulations. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32622136/)
PRP - Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a popular hair loss treatment also used in other areas of medicine. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses the natural growth factors found in our blood cells to help heal damaged tissue. PRP uses blood drawn from the individual and then spun in a centrifuge at a specific rpm to isolate the growth factor cells in the blood, then injected back into the treatment area. Activating the concentrated platelets in platelet-rich plasma releases growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells your body produces, enhancing the body's natural healing process.
If hair loss has advanced, and treatment unable to deliver your goals, and a hair transplant is not an option, either for personal reasons, medical or being a poor candidate. There are possibilities to camouflage hair loss and thinning.
Hair systems.
A hair system is a term for what is commonly known as a wig or hairpiece. Hair systems made with human or synthetic hair. They can be custom made to the precise measurement of the individual´s head shape and size. For frequent removal use clips and tape, however, for more permanency they attached to the scalp with a bonding adhesive for three to six weeks before removal, cleaning, and re-attaching. Hair systems have a shelf life, depending on the base material they can last 3-6 weeks to a year or longer. The hair can also break or fall out over time. As a result, need replacing. Hair replacement systems often have a bad name, as bad ones are so obvious, and they do require looking after to keep that blend with the natural hair, but a well cut, with an appropriately designed hairline are hard to spot, unless you really know what you are looking for.
Concealers.
A concealer product usually is in a powder or spray form that aims to mask the thinning areas. The fibres stick to the hair shaft and secure with hair spray. However, there can be a concern about rain or getting wet. They are available in a variety of colours, from blond to black. While they can work well, they need a good amount of hair to work naturally, washed out daily and often less is more.
Scalp Pigmentation.
Head tattoo, scalp pigmentation, scalp micro pigmentation (SMP). All variations of the same hair loss concealer treatment. The SMP practitioner injects small deposits of pigment into the scalp. The small dots can mimic the look of shaved hair follicles. Alternatively, it can help with longer diffuse thinning hair to block the scalp visibility. Commonly a problem that female hair loss sufferers suffer from. As it has the advantage not relying on hair, SMP can help even the most advanced hair loss patterns. Giving the appearance of a full head of hair, just shaved. Covering Alopecia areata spots, when shaving the surrounding hair. SMP can also help to conceal old scars, usually old hair transplant scars. Adding pigment to the scar tissue helps the area blend with the surrounding hair. The pigment can require multiple sessions to finally build up and maintain the tone. Overtime the pigment can fade and require touch up sessions. How long the pigment lasts differ depending on factors such as the quality of the pigment and the competence of the technician.
Always do your research to understand your options, along with the pros and cons of each before approaching a clinic for their suggestion.
Especially if hair loss is minimal, or your priority is to stabilise further hair loss, then treatment should be the first consideration. With a saturated market, and interesting claims, only three treatments received specific approval as (FDA - American Food & Drug Administration) treatment for male pattern baldness. While having been through extensive research and testing, results will still vary from person to person.
It´s important to have a balanced mind when considering starting a hair loss treatment. While there are documented cases of dramatic improvements from treatment, the norm is more akin to stabilising future hair loss, and a general improvement in hair quality. But that in its self is impactful if it can maintain hair coverage for years. Always consult a specialist before starting treatment and check for any potential side effects.
Minoxidil (topical) is an application applied to the scalp twice daily, 1ml each. Available over the counter in 2% or 5% lotion and foam form. The active ingredient increases blood circulation locally, acting as a vasodilator. We know it stimulates the hair follicle's active growth (the anagen phase), causing the hairs to thicken and grow longer. Minoxidil helps slow down the rate of hair loss in approximately 70%-75% of patients, and about one in two patients’ experiences hair regrowth. Minoxidil can cause an initial increase in hair shedding in the first weeks of starting, but this calms down, and the hairs begin to regrow. It will take around two to four months before less hair falls out and six to seven months to see hair regrowth.
Finasteride (oral), in 1mg tablet, taken daily, inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which triggers the hair loss gene, causing male pattern hair loss. Only available on prescription. It slows hair loss and stimulates hair regrowth. Women should have no skin contact with the tablet for use by men only. In clinical trials, 1mg of finasteride, branded as Propecia®, stopped hair loss in over 80% of cases and stimulated hair re-growth in around half of the patients. A Propecia® side effect, is a change in sexual desire or function in 2% of men.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT the most recently FDA-approved treatment uses low-level red laser light (655nm), stimulating hair follicles. Low-Level Laser Therapy, or "cold" lasers, do not release energy in the form of heat. The light wavelength emitted from a low-level laser repairs tissues that have impaired cellular metabolism by stimulating blood circulation and encouraging the regeneration of normal, healthy tissues. Laser light stimulates microcirculation. As well as decrease inflammation and improve cellular metabolism and protein synthesis.
While not an exhausted list, these are popular alternates treatments for male pattern hair loss. Dutasteride oral - A synthetic 4-azasteroid is a selective and competitive inhibitor of both type-1 and type-2 isoenzymes of 5-α-reductase. Dutasteride was effective in randomized, placebo-controlled trials in androgenetic alopecia. Like finasteride, dutasteride is now a popular treatment choice. Finasteride, topical - while not FDA-approved, lacks the systemic adverse effects of oral finasteride. Topical finasteride reduces both scalp and plasma DHT levels. In an open-label pharmacodynamic study, a 7-day treatment of twice-daily finasteride 0.25% topical solution and once-daily finasteride 1 mg oral tablet supplied similar inhibition of plasma DHT. Topical finasteride reduces the potential for systemic side effects, including the risk of sexual dysfunction. Minoxidil, oral treatment - PubMed article search, discusses oral minoxidil as the primary form of treatment for hair loss published up to April 2020. Results: Seventeen studies with 634 patients used oral minoxidil as the primary treatment for hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia was the most studied condition, but other conditions included telogen effluvium, lichen planopilaris, loose anagen hair syndrome, monilethrix, alopecia areata, and permanent chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Conclusion: Oral minoxidil was an effective and well-tolerated treatment alternative for healthy patients with difficulty with topical formulations. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32622136/)
PRP - Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a popular hair loss treatment also used in other areas of medicine. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses the natural growth factors found in our blood cells to help heal damaged tissue. PRP uses blood drawn from the individual and then spun in a centrifuge at a specific rpm to isolate the growth factor cells in the blood, then injected back into the treatment area. Activating the concentrated platelets in platelet-rich plasma releases growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells your body produces, enhancing the body's natural healing process.
If hair loss has advanced, and treatment unable to deliver your goals, and a hair transplant is not an option, either for personal reasons, medical or being a poor candidate. There are possibilities to camouflage hair loss and thinning.
Hair systems.
A hair system is a term for what is commonly known as a wig or hairpiece. Hair systems made with human or synthetic hair. They can be custom made to the precise measurement of the individual´s head shape and size. For frequent removal use clips and tape, however, for more permanency they attached to the scalp with a bonding adhesive for three to six weeks before removal, cleaning, and re-attaching. Hair systems have a shelf life, depending on the base material they can last 3-6 weeks to a year or longer. The hair can also break or fall out over time. As a result, need replacing. Hair replacement systems often have a bad name, as bad ones are so obvious, and they do require looking after to keep that blend with the natural hair, but a well cut, with an appropriately designed hairline are hard to spot, unless you really know what you are looking for.
Concealers.
A concealer product usually is in a powder or spray form that aims to mask the thinning areas. The fibres stick to the hair shaft and secure with hair spray. However, there can be a concern about rain or getting wet. They are available in a variety of colours, from blond to black. While they can work well, they need a good amount of hair to work naturally, washed out daily and often less is more.
Scalp Pigmentation.
Head tattoo, scalp pigmentation, scalp micro pigmentation (SMP). All variations of the same hair loss concealer treatment. The SMP practitioner injects small deposits of pigment into the scalp. The small dots can mimic the look of shaved hair follicles. Alternatively, it can help with longer diffuse thinning hair to block the scalp visibility. Commonly a problem that female hair loss sufferers suffer from. As it has the advantage not relying on hair, SMP can help even the most advanced hair loss patterns. Giving the appearance of a full head of hair, just shaved. Covering Alopecia areata spots, when shaving the surrounding hair. SMP can also help to conceal old scars, usually old hair transplant scars. Adding pigment to the scar tissue helps the area blend with the surrounding hair. The pigment can require multiple sessions to finally build up and maintain the tone. Overtime the pigment can fade and require touch up sessions. How long the pigment lasts differ depending on factors such as the quality of the pigment and the competence of the technician.
Always do your research to understand your options, along with the pros and cons of each before approaching a clinic for their suggestion.
