Using a Blow Dryer After Applying Minoxidil?

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

Blow dryerMinoxidil leaves hair wet and it takes some time for it to dry sufficiently to be able to apply hair styling product properly. Would it be ok to use a blow dryer soon after applying minoxidil to dry the hair quicker? My concern is a dryer would make the minoxidil ‘evaporate’ before it has had time to be absorbed by the skin. What do you think? Many thanks.

I do not believe using a blow dryer will negatively affect the application of minoxidil on your scalp, but first just give the minoxidil a chance to dry on its own (10-15 minutes). You can try using the blow dryer on the low setting, but the evaporation will be mostly from the non-active alcohol in the solution and not the active minoxidil compound.

Tags: minoxidil, blow dryer, blowdryer, hairdryer, hair dryer, rogaine, regaine, hairloss, hair loss

Switched from Propecia to 1/2 Proscar Each Day and Now My Hair Is Falling Out Rapidly

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

Hello again Doctor,

About 3 months ago, I switched from taking Propecia to Proscar. I found the pills to be difficult to slice into 4 pieces, so I just took 1/2 of one instead (the pharmacist only charges me a $10 co-pay, so I can live with spending an extra $5 a month). I asked Dr. Bernstein if this was OK, and he said yes. The problem is my hair has been falling out more rapidly and I’ve become extremely frustrated. My question is this – is this coincidental or should I go back to taking Propecia? or is it possible that I am taking too much?. Thank you for this website and for your time.

I doubt that the higher dose (2.5mg finasteride) that you’re taking will work less effectively than the lower dose of Propecia (1mg finasteride) and cause you to rapidly lose hair. It might just be a coincidence, but you should discuss this with your prescribing doctor.

Tags: propecia, finasteride, proscar, hairloss, hair loss

Multiple Sclerosis and Hair Loss?

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

(female)
I have noticed that my hair is breaking off. There are several pieces of hair that are only two inches long on the top of my head. I color my hair to cover the gray, but I am also on several medications. I was diagnosed with MS in 2003. Do you have any thoughts on what could be causing this?
Thank you.

Look at the medications that you are using for the cause of your hair loss. Some medications used in treatment of multiple sclerosis (like mitoxantrone) can cause mild hair loss. Speak with your doctor about them.

Tags: multiple sclerosis, ms, hairloss, hair loss, mitoxantrone

Pull on the Hair and Rub Garlic On It for Regrowth?

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

I read about this hair regrowth technique on the internet about massaging the scalp, and pulling on the hair and at night rubbing garlic into the hair and sleeping with it (it suggested other things like nail scratching and brush scratching the scalp, ect. I tried it for about two weeks (the first week putting olive oil on every night before bed).

Now my hair, which was a bit receded on the sides has significantly receded on the sides and into the top. In only two weeks (and it was pretty stable before). I am wondering if any of these techniques (like the scalp massages, or pulling, or even the garlic) could have caused the losses.

I just feel so lost and a bit depressed as to why it changed so drastically and what to do about it, if I can just even get it back to the way it was two weeks ago.

Thanks so much for your help.

GarlicRubbing on the hair and scalp can force out weak hairs, and that is why we suggest no rough scalp massage. Pulling on your hair absolutely will not help either. I have heard of such remedies over the years. Some of them are pretty funny, like keeping various animal droppings on your head while you sleep, pouring animal urine on the scalp, standing on your head for hours (just being upside down is thought to bring more blood supply to the head), and on and on.

What is wrong with going to a doctor who knows things that you do not, can diagnose what you can not, and can treat you with appropriate effective treatment modalities? The real cost to you is the time delays you are putting into getting to the root of the problem. To answer your question though, garlic won’t regrow your hair… but added to butter, it makes for a tasty sauce on bread.

Tags: garlic, pulling, hairloss, hair loss, urine, head stands

Would Hair Cloning Make New Follicles or Regenerate Old Ones?

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

Dear Doctor,

I know you have had many questions on hair multiplication over the years (but here is another one).

When/if hair cloning becomes commercially viable will it regenerate old, dead hair follices and make them DHT resistant so they continuously grow or will it create new follicles? I imagine it would be better to regenerate old follicles so that the hair grows in the same direction. I know that intercytex have managed to grow hair on a high proportion of their volunteers in phase 2 of their product, but was wondering whether you have any inside knowledge of whether they are creating new follicles or creating new ones. Also, what do you think of their progress? Many thanks

SaltSome people think that there is a missing protein, and that when present, it will kick in hair growth from some residual hair elements that are in the scalp. If a missing protein is the answer, then the growth cycle may be dependent upon that molecule (see Scientists Find Hair Growth Molecule in Mice). There are many approaches to creating hair — some with existing hair follicles that are weak, from dead hair follicles that may not really be dead, or from stem cells which may actually turn into a hair organ/follicle.

I do not really keep up with Intercytex, but you can go to their site and get an update from their various news releases. Just as most press releases, they are written by a public relations person to hype the product or company, so take what you read with a grain of salt.

Tags: intercytex, cloning, hair cloning, follicle, hairloss, hair loss

Should I Replace Propecia with Minoxidil?

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

What about Regaine Minoxidil 2% thats sprays the hair. Is it effective? This way I avoid having the side effects of the propecia.

Minoxidil is effective on its own, but for men, I’ve seen a greater response to Propecia and it is what I recommend for my patients. Minoxidil (available over the counter without prescription) is not a substitute for Propecia (by doctor’s prescription only).

If you’re considering switching from Propecia to minoxidil and have been on Propecia for a while and saw benefits from it, I have no doubt that you will lose lots of hair if you swap one for the other. It should be noted that both medications have their risks of side effects, although quite small.

Tags: propecia, finasteride, minoxidil, rogaine, regaine, hairloss, hairloss

My Hair Is Thinning Where My Head Lays on My Pillow

/by William Rassman, M.D./5 /

I love your site.

I have a strange question for you. For the last few months I have been sleeping with my hand kind of positioned as a pillow, if that makes sense. I also sleep on one side and it just so happens my hair has thinned out just in this area. Between the ear and my temple right at the front edge. This is exactly where my hand is when I sleep. Could this be caused from this. I have changed my sleeping pattern, will the hair grow back. Thanks

PillowI have never seen this before and only have had one person that I can recall even writing to me about a similar situation (Ergonomic Pillow and Hair Loss), and except for people who have trichotillomania and pull on their hair even in their sleep.

You should be examined by a good doctor. A miniaturization study should be done to see just what is happening. If your hair is miniaturized and you are rubbing on it, it might come out.

Tags: pillow, sleep, hairloss, hair loss

Can My 2 Year Old Son Have Hair Transplanted into Scalp Scars?

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

what age is ok to have hair transplant? i have a son who’s 2 years of age and he has two scars on his scalp about 1 centimeter (diameter) each…

thanks..

It might be traumatic to do it now. I would wait until he’s older and if this becomes a social issue, then it is something to consider. I have performed surgery on children, but most don’t care until they approach their teenage years when looks are important to them. I would not suggest this is something you should pursue at this time.

Tags: hairtransplant, hair transplant, child, age, scar

Would Propecia Prevent a Teenager from Growing Facial Hair?

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

Hello Doctor. I was wondering as Propecia affects male hormones, would taking the medication when you are 18 prevent anything such as facial hair growing and other changes that happen as you grow older?

DHT is partly responsible for growing beard hair and blocking DHT might slow it down. For boys younger than 18, it is not recommended.

Tags: propecia, finasteride, hairloss, hair loss, dht, beard, facial hair

My Hairy Butt Is Perfect for Donor Hair!

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

Hello

I have little donor hair for a transplant, and not much on my body either. Except in my arse, it is very hairy there and when I shave it off it always grows back quickly. Please answer my
question seriously, would it be possible to transplant these hairs onto my head?

Thanks

This is the first time I have ever been asked that question. Yes, it could be done… but I am not sure it would be worth it.

Tags: arse, butt, hairloss, hair loss, hair transplant, hairtransplant, bht

Transplanting a Norwood Class 2 to a Class 1?

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

Thank you for all of your informative hard work! I am currently a Norwood 2 & may be progessing to a Norwood 3. I was curious to see if you could post any pictures of patients who’ve went (w/ the help of FUT or FUE) from a Norwood 3 to a Norwood 2 & some pics of those who’ve went from a Norwood 2 to a Norwood 1. Thanks in advance!

Norwood Class 2
Norwood Class 2
 
 
Norwood Class 1
Norwood Class 1

Most people who are young and have frontal recession are experiencing the maturing hairline and are not balding. I do not transplant the frontal hairline in these patients unless there is a reason that it has to be done. I remember an actor who had a lead role in a daytime soap opera TV series. As his hairline was maturing, he got indications that they were going to phase him out of the show because they wanted a person with a juvenile hairline, as the daytime women that watched the show apparently had fantasies about very young men (I’m not kidding). In that case, I did move him back to somewhere between a Norwood Class 1 and 2 and his million dollar a year income kept him secure.

I do transplant women routinely who have lost frontal hair and want their hairline back. Typically, a woman is a Norwood Class 1 and so to answer your question, I’d like to point you to a woman’s hairline reconstruction, which is now a Norwood Class 1. See Female Hairline Restoration After Brow Lift. There is essentially no difference in the process. Creating a female or Norwood Class 1 hairline is not an easy chore. The surgeon must be very experienced when creating it due to the direction of the hair in the corners. Look carefully at your wife, girlfriend, mother, or sister’s hairline and note the direction of the hair in the corners — it flows from the center of the hairline to the temple prominences. That growing process along with the transition from one part of the frontal hairline to another must be done right, or it will look awkward and artificial. If you are an actor or top line male model, I might consider bringing you back to a Norwood Class 1. In other words, I’ll do it, but it’s rare and we must have a meeting of the minds when embarking on this process.

Tags: actor, celebrity, hairloss, hair loss, hair transplant, hairtransplant, norwood, hairline

Doctor Gave Me Betamethasone for My Hair Loss

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

Hi I am 26 years old and I recently moved to a new country for the 6 months but I noticed that I have been gradually losing hair for the past year or so(even while I was still in my home country). I’ve seen a local dermatologist here in Taiwan but I am having some reservations about him. He did a hasty (literally) 2 min. check-up, where he just casually looked over my scalp and he didn’t bother to ask me any questions about my family history or my lifestyle hair. He just immediately related my condition to the stress of moving to a new country. Afterwards, he sprayed nitrogen of some sort into my hair, he told me to come back once a week and then gave me a prescription for betamethasone (apply 4 times a day) and polytar liquid to wash my hair once a day. I am wondering if it’s time to find a new doctor? What kinds of procedures should I expect in my first meeting with my doctor? How should I go about finding a good one? Thanks in advance

Kitchen sinkI believe that you are right to consider getting another doctor. You actually know what to look for in a doctor by your description:

  • One that gives you the time for him to ask questions about you and your family history of hair loss
  • One that does a thorough hair and scalp examination including a study of the hair for miniaturization analysis
  • One that answers your questions and engages you enough to give you the trust you need

Sounds like his treatments are everything (including the kitchen sink), but I think that you know that the kitchen sink will not bring your hair back. If you were my patient, I would advise you to stay away from betamethasone, as it is a steroid which might hurt you with regard to producing even more hair loss. Good luck.

Tags: hairloss, hair loss, dermatology, betamethasone, steroid

My Trichologist Told Me I Had Poor Blood Circulation and Oily Scalp That Can Be Fixed for $5000

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

Hi Doctor,
I just made a trip to a local trichologist (Svenson Hair). They did a scalp and minituarisation study for me. She commented that I have a few hairs growing from the same pore, as well as minituarisation at same parts. She also said I had dandruff that was not flaky, and a sensitive scalp (some slight redness).

So she said that I had these problems:

  1. Poor blood circulation (said my scalp was grey in some areas)
  2. Dandruff clinging to my pores (thus blocking the new hair from growing out. Said it was worse than flaky dandruff)
  3. Oily scalp

The treatment package was going to cost 5000 dollars, and she started to use the words VERY SEVERE as we got along, as she sensed my apprehension. However I’m not sure what she said was true. Can you help me verify the 3 points as above? Are they true??? I’m currently on Propecia.

Thank you very much. I hope no one gets pressured by such trichologists into a 5k package.

In my opinion, none of what your trichologist told you is true. We often grow multiple hair follicles (called follicular units) from one pore. If you have an oily scalp, you can treat it with shampoo formulated for oily hair/scalp, available at most drug stores or grocery stores. Grey scalp from poor circulation? Don’t waste your money! Now that I’ve saved you $5000, if that money is burning a hole in your pocket I suggest that you will get more satisfaction by donating some of it to charity.

Tags: trichologist, hairloss, hair loss, dandruff, blood circulation, oily scalp

Seborrheic Dermatitis After a Hair Transplant

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

Hello Doc. can you please answer this question please. Can a flare up of seborrheic dermatitis during the growth period (3-9 months)following a hair transplant procedure,in the recipeint area(itching,redness,swelling, etc..) lead to poor results of the transplant?? Also if the scar from a strip harvest is still pink and tender 6 months after procedure, will it always be like that or will it eventually toughen and turn all the way white? thx

Seborrheic dermatitis should not impact hair growth from a hair transplant. Scars can be judged by their width, and scars that are greater than 3mm may cause a problem. The pink color is usually gone in less than 6 months, but it can be delayed. The pink color has really more to do with the way your body heals the scar (appearance) than on the actual strength of the healed wound at six months.

Tags: hairtransplant, hair transplant, seborrheic dermatitis, hairloss, hair loss, scars, scarring

Acne, Dandruff, Hair Loss, and the Unexplained Mysteries of the World

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

BigfootI believe acne and dandruff and hair loss are related. They are all caused by cells that go through their cellular life cycle at much faster rates than normal. How can this be denied?

I believe Bigfoot, the Yeti, and the Loch Ness monster are all related. They’re unexplained mysteries that can’t be proven. How can my claim be denied?

Honestly, it is very easy to deny something and much harder to prove something. Show me scientific proof and I won’t deny your theory.

Tags: acne, dandruff, hair loss, hairloss, bigfoot, yeti, loch ness monster