Can I Accelerate Male Pattern Baldness?

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

is there any way to speed up mpb???? if mpb is caused by adrogens, would using any product that may otherwise cause some form of hairloss speed it up??? acelerate it????
also do you recomend any recomended sleep patterns for men loosing their hair?

Good question. Although the mechanism of hair loss in men is known to be hormone related, there are many other factors that can accelerate your hair loss, including:

  • emotional changes and stress
  • major medical condition
  • major surgery
  • inflammation of skin
  • nutritional imbalance
  • steroid or steroid-like drug use
  • extreme dieting
  • hair transplant surgery

Having said that, most of those conditions never cause permanent hair loss if you don’t have the genetic susceptibility for it.

Tags: hairloss, hair loss, genetic, genes, surgery, medical, diet, accelerate, speed

Experiencing Shock Loss Months After My Hair Transplant

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /, , ,

Ok here’s my situation, about 7 months ago I got about 1400 grafts performed. The standard strip style surgery. I’ve healed up well and I would say less than 2 months after surgery the hairs immediately started to grow. I also started propecia right before the surgery. I experienced shock loss immediately after the surgery and it ceased about 2 months after. I shaved my head completely and my hair grew in like crazy very thick and flowing. About 4 months after the surgery my hair started to fall out again and has since been falling out and progressively getting worse. I apply rogaine and copper peptide solution daily and am not doing anything any different. What can you suggest as a course of action?

Because of the protective effect against shock hair loss, you should’ve been taking Propecia (finasteride 1mg) prior to the hair transplant surgery — so the question now is whether you started it early enough (best a few weeks before the procedure). Accelerated hair loss associated with a hair transplant is most probably caused by shock loss. One must use the history and the association to point to the cause. You might be going through a hair loss cycle unrelated to what you are doing and there may not be anything you can do except to wait for your hair cycle to take its course. If there was a considerable amount of miniaturized hairs, then you would be a ‘set-up’ for shock loss. Studying your hair miniaturization and distribution may point to more information in helping to make a diagnosis, but as I am not your doctor, I have no access to your patient records and can’t provide much more help than suggesting you post these questions to your doctor.

Tags: hairloss, hair loss, shock loss, finasteride, propecia, rogaine

What If I Try Rogaine and Propecia, Then Phase Out Rogaine Gradually?

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

Dear Doctor Rassman:

I’m 28 and have noticed a rather rapid hair loss on top, behind the hairline. I’m scheduled for a miniaturization study next week. I’m afraid of the 6 month gamble on Propecia only–the one you recommend, particularly because hair loss seems so sudden and fast. What if I use Rogaine and Propecia simultaneously and if and when hair loss is reversed–say a year from now–gradually phase out Rogaine? Would my body be able to tell which hairs owe their existence specifically to Monoxidil and I lose the benefit I gained from it and keep only the hair supported by Propecia? Thanks.

The mechanism of action is different for finasteride and minoxidil. If you use both and receive benefits, then stop using Rogaine, you will lose any benefits from the Rogaine. It isn’t possible to tell which drug gave which benefits, which is why I recommend starting with one and then adding the other if necessary. Propecia does not keep hair grown by minoxidil and vice versa.

In other words, what you’re suggesting is not a good idea.

Tags: propecia, finasteride, minoxidil, rogaine, hairloss, hair loss

Can I Flatten a Keloid in Donor Area?

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /, ,

i had hair transplantation in 2001. I had only two small patches to cover them but during the surgery i shed too many hairs and now i have a large scar at the back of my head and also have kind of wounds in some of the transplanted areas where scab is formed and i keep scratching those areas(what to do to get rid of these wounds). The scar at the back is like a small Keloid, is there a war to get it removed or flatten with some steroid injection? Also tell me if i can have hair transplanted on the area from where strip was taken so that i can keep short hair and that area remains covered. If it is possible hair from which part of the body will be taken as i dont want to donate hair from the back of my scalp. Chest hair, shoulder hair etc will do the job. Thanks

Wow, this is pretty complicated. I really can’t give a proper response without at least pictures and I may need to even see you directly to see precisely what needs to be worked with.

Keloids may respond to steroids directly placed into the keloid if it is relatively fresh (past few months). Some people are keloid formers. You can always do FUE for hair transplants. Flattening them does not usually work. In your case, using body hair is a possibility.

Tags: keloid, hairloss, hair loss, hairtransplant, hair transplant, donor, scar

My Hair Turns White Then Back to My Natural Color

/by William Rassman, M.D./3 /

Hi, I’m 22 yr. old female, and I’ve had a few strands of white hair since I was like 15 yrs. old. The thing is the white hair doesn’t start growing in white immediately. First it grows in my natural hair color, then turns white, the afterwards it turns black again. it’s really weird, And i used to pluck it but now since only the root of its white, i don’t even bother anymore. what does this mean?

First of all, plucking of the hair is not good as it eventually kills the hair. I have heard of dark hair that lightens (sun causes bleaching of the hair), but I have never heard of hair that turns black after first turning white (other than in a person with hormonal altering brain tumors). My first reaction is wondering what are you doing to your hair to cause this phenomenon. Unfortunately, I have no advice for you as this is a new one for me.

Tags: hair color, hair character, color, change

My Transplanted Hair Started Growing Immediately

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /,

I had a hair transplant surgery 3 months ago. Immediately after my hair transplant,and im talking about the 1.5 to 2nd month, i realized my hair to grow up as now im on the 3rd month and my right hairline is covered with hair, something that does not happen on the right. My doctor also had confirmed this with me in front.My question is, is it guaranteed that my hair where the transplanted area is will continue to grow and generate new hair until the 6-8 month as expected?is there any chance to stop growing from now on?

Thanks

Some hair will grow immediately in about 5% of patients and 5% of the hairs. You might still see more over time, but not more than 100% of what was transplanted. Nobody ever gets two for one.

Tags: hairtransplant, hair transplant, hairloss, hair loss

It Feels Like Something Is Moving In My Scalp

/by William Rassman, M.D./3 /

Hi doc,

I am a 26 year old black female and I have been experiencing hair loss. For the past year or so, I’ve noticed that my hair has been thinnning (front of scalp), and then lately, I’ve notice
white clumps around my hair shaft. And sometimes, I would feel as though something is moving in my scalp (not lice). And its getting worse. I have set an appt. with a dermotalogist, but I
doubt it they will find out what’s wrong with me. I’ve tried everything and nothing seems to help. I wash my hair every week and I get a relaxer every 4 months. I would greatly appreciate
your advice–thank you.

You need an examination. Parasites like lice are a primary diagnosis, but your visit to your dermatologist is the right first step.

Tags: lice, scalp, examination, parasite

I’m Losing My Hair, But I Don’t Want Hair Restoration!

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /,

Hello,

I am losing my hair and I am interested in what options you have to fix that. I am not looking just for a hair restoration, I also looking for solution to prevent future hair lose, because doing surgery every year is not an option I am looking for.

I have a Class 3 pattern. Please help me

Norwood Class 4AThere are no easy answers to your problem. We can slow hair loss with drugs like Propecia (finasteride 1mg) and we can force some new hair to grow (or slow down the fall out) in some people with minoxidil. However, putting your hair back to its state prior to losing it, is just not where today’s medical science is. The good news, depending upon your age, is that a Master Plan can be developed to predict the hair loss and treat as appropriate.

Hair transplants do not require a lifetime of yearly surgeries, but it is a fall back position when you lost hair and want it back because it works and lasts your lifetime. Let’s say that you have a Norwood Class 3 pattern right now, but you will eventually migrate to a Norwood 4A pattern (see diagram above at right). You would have to chase the hair loss over the time it takes to evolve, but with good drug treatment, that might be delayed for years and years. I wish we had an answer to your basic question, but medical science is where it is. I am optimistic that sometime in the future we can slow the hair loss down even better, perhaps even reverse it with hair cloning (10+ years away by my estimations), or even develop a much better hair treatment drug. Only time will tell.

Tags: hairloss, hair loss, hair transplant, hairtransplant, hair cloning, norwood, propecia, finasteride

Who Dares to Criticize Dr. Rassman?!

/by William Rassman, M.D./1 /

Dear Dr. Rassman;

It just irked me that someone will have the audacity to criticize you on your blog. You know what? If they don’t like it that’s too bad. It is after all your website.

Please stop posting all of these stupid idiotic comments from people who have no appreciation for what you do for us. You’re the only doctor I’ve come across that tells it like it is.

Thank you for your honesty.

I try to post and respond to any emails that I find interesting. Some people are just unhappy with my “call it like I see it” attitude and that I refuse to give people false hope. Others are just very outspoken and want to make sure everyone knows that they are the only ones with the correct point of view. The bottom line is that you can’t please everyone all the time, and although there isn’t a large amount of negative emails that I receive, I do get one from time to time. I like to try to post all possible viewpoints, regardless of how ridiculous the writer may sound. If someone wants to call me out, good luck with that.

Anyway, thank you for your kind words. I do appreciate the continued support!

Oh, for those those that are itching to be critical, the title of this post was meant to be a joke. I’m not above being humorous from time to time.

Tags: baldingblog, balding blog, hairloss, hair loss, rassman

Thyronorm and Female Hair Loss?

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /,

Hello Doctor,
I am 23 year old female and have been losing about 100 hair everyday. I had undergone a thyroid goitre surgery when I was 20 years i.e in 2004 and had lost tremendous amount of hair then due to hormonal imbalance. I have been taking Thyronorm ever since to supplement hormones. After that my hair loss reduced a little bit but never stopped. I have noticed and increase in my hair loss since past 10 months. I got my thyroid tested 8 months ago and it was normal.

I have also started taking iron pills since past one month. I am extremely worried about my situation and don’t understand what I can do. I have heard that there are certain oils in hair that make hair follicles really small and hair never grows back. Is that true? Are there any tests that I can perform to figure out the actual reason for the loss? what medication would you recommend me in my case?

I am eagerly looking forward to hear from you. Please help. Thank you

It is normal to lose around 100+ hairs a day, as about 100 hairs per day are regrown to balance the loss. Medical conditions such as thyroid problems and iron deficiencies are associated with hair loss, but it can still persist despite adequate treatment. There is only one medication FDA approved for treating women with hair loss — minoxidil (marketed as Rogaine).

To my knowledge, the impact of hormones on the size of the hair follicles below the skin has not been demonstrated and that includes oils that are either applied by you or internal to your skin.

Tags: thyroid, thyronorm, hairloss, hair loss, female, women, woman, oil, iron, rogaine, minoxidil

Hypothetical — Hair Cloning Scar Repair

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /, ,

I’m definitely hoping that hair cloning will one day be a reality, but my question is, even if I opt for a hair transplant today, doesn’t mean I cannot benefit from hair cloning in the future when it is available right? the cloned hair can simply be planted back into the donor area?

Hair cloning is still in its infancy and we do not have much information about the process of a hair transplant with cloned hair, but I believe you are right and if it becomes available we should be able to transplant cloned hair anywhere that we do with conventional hair transplants now. Currently, we can transplant hair into scalp scars of any kind, including the donor scar in patients who have an unusually widened scar. The process should not be different with cloned hair for all types of scar tissue.

Tags: hairtransplant, hair transplant, hair cloning, cloning, scar

Should I Start with 2% or 5% Minoxidil?

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

I’m barely in my mid-20s yet I have, in the past few months especially, noticed my hair thinning. I’ve considered using rogaine, but also have considered propecia.

What would be most effective? should I use the 5% rogaine if I go that route, or the 2%? I’m not bald at all, but the hair is thinning and I’d like to take some preventive matinence to at
least delay the effects. It seems like a year ago I had much more fuller hair. Are there any that can also treat some thinning in the frontal region?

First, I’d recommend that you get a diagnosis and a Master Plan done with a good doctor. Once you know if you are actually balding, then you can be appropriate with the treatment. It is a little crazy to commit yourself for life to a drug without a diagnosis. Let your doctor help you make the appropriate suggestion.

The higher dose of minoxidil has more potential for side effects. I can not recommend what to do, but if it were me, I might try the higher dose first and if I get side effect, pull back.

Tags: minoxidil, rogaine, hairloss, hair loss

Switching from ScalpMed to Cheaper Minoxidil

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

Doc, thanks for the wonderful blog. Amidst all of the information on the internet, it is nice to have a credible source that provides a wide array of information. With that said, I am 23 and tried ScalpMed (their marketing was too good to pass up). I have experienced success with said product and was wondering if switching to a different (cheaper) version of minoxidil would cause unecessary shedding? I am happy with my hair currently and wouldnt want the process to be accelerated. Also would starting propecia cause more shedding or shock loss? Thank you.

I would imagine that switching to standard minoxidil is just as good and should not cause additional hair loss. The use of Rogaine Foam may be better.

Tags: hairloss, hair loss, scalpmed, minoxidil, rogaine, rogaine foam

After Moving and Exercising Daily, My Hair Feels Stronger

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

Dr Rassman,
I am 27 years old and have noticed thinning more on my left side, particularly the left occipito-parietal area, higher up nearer the crown. Since returning from India ( there for 4 years) I have noticed new hair on the frontal hairline, which is more on the left side. Also, hairs are growing longer but not thicker. I jog every other day and have noticed my hair feels a little stronger. Is there any medical basis for this or is it all just psychological?! Thanks

Hair loss in genetic balding people is impacted by stress or even the absence of it. Maybe that is what you are noticing.

Tags: exercise, hairloss, hair loss

Dr Rassman, You Are So Pessimistic!

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

Dr william
i need to ask you something. why don’t you give people any hope in life? your OPINIONS are so pessimistic. like the one i read that if a father has a balding gene he may not express male pattern baldness in his whole lifetime. so how did you know at the first place that he got a balding gene? and if you know the balding gene please say it’s name to the people here. of course if you have a balding gene you will certainly go bald unless you have a proof. thanks

If you think that I am negative, that is an interesting observation. Throughout my life, I have been called an optimist, but I must be pragmatic and realistic when writing this blog every day. For example, I can not say that hair cloning will come about shortly as others might say, because my research pointed to a troubled view on the timelines for cloning. Likewise, you state that I’ve said something like, “if a father has a balding gene he may not express male pattern baldness in his whole lifetime.” Using the “if“, I was discussing possible considerations. If you call this pessimistic, the language speaks to itself. It has long been said that writers are accountable by their words. Mine are right in your question. Do you have a personal problem with me?

There are well over 100 genes controlling hair loss and hair growth and hair cycles and hair death. Hair is one of the more complex organs in the body, because it has elements that arise from all three of the germ layers of the embryo and the control and coordination of those three layers and their contributions to grow a single follicular unit is so complex, that we still don’t command it or understand it all. That is the crux of the research going on. I hope that this helps.

Tags: pessimistic, hairloss, hair loss, hair cloning, haircloning, clone, gene, genetic