How Can David Beckham’s Hair Look So Great Now?

/by William Rassman, M.D./2 /,

I was wondering whether it is possible to go from miniaturization such as these pictures of david beckham (click both links): Beckham 1, Beckham 2

To a head of hair such as what he has now in 2010 which is in the link below (click link): Beckham 2010

My question is, beckham actually cant take finasteride as sports wont allow him to take the medication. How is it possible to go from quite severe miniaturization to a good head of hair. Also is not a wig or hair piece as he shaved his head off infront of a live audience. Is it possible to get the results that Beckham has some how and with what.

Thanks

David BeckhamI’ve written about David Beckham before, and I agree that his hair does look great now. A see-through look can have multiple causes:

  1. character — fine hair
  2. length — short hair
  3. presence of miniaturization if the thin look is mostly on the front and top

And if there is actual hair loss, it could’ve been from stress in his life or some other medical issue causing some early acceleration of genetic balding… or this whole thing could’ve been as simple as poor/unflattering lighting. It’s tough to tell how real his loss is based on photos from differing angles and light sources.

Can medication be completely ruled out? Finasteride was at one time banned in most professional sports, but the World Anti-Doping Agency has removed it from their prohibited drug list. I don’t know if that applies to the various soccer/football leagues.

Tags: beckham, soccer, football, hairloss, hair loss

Now That Intercytex is Dead…

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

Given the recent winding up of Intercytex, what hopes for a future cure or improved prevention treatments? Do you know of any new avenues that are being pursued? Has Intercytex’s research been bought by another company or is it dead in the water?

IntercytexI found an article (requires free login) about Intercytex’s death. Here’s a quote from the article:

“Shareholders at Manchester-based medical firm Intercytex have approved its plans to sell off its assets and leave the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The shares will be canceled on January 8 and the company’s name will be changed to Regenerative Medicine Assets.”

Bummer. I don’t know where their research has been sold to or if it will continue elsewhere (it’s not mentioned on their site yet). There is much going on beyond what Intercytex had been doing, so all is not lost. With a potential multi-billion dollar payoff, industry is not giving up on cures for balding.

Tags: intercytex, hair cloning, hairloss, hair loss

Taking Propecia with Paxil?

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

Hello

Thank you for this great site. I learn so much from here. Here is my question, SSRI drugs can cause hairloss as a side effect. Is this hairloss permanent and will taking propecia and a SSRI drug like paxil be beneficial in reducing the possibility of hairloss as a side effect of the SSRI drug?

thank you for the help.

Many drugs (including Paxil) can cause hair loss, but the hair loss from medication usually diffuse (not in a pattern). For the diffuse hair loss that occurs in women, the hair should grow back within about a year after stopping the medication. For men, taking Propecia (finasteride) will probably not protect against the hair loss that is caused by these medications.

Some people who feel that are losing hair from their drug may ALSO have androgenic alopecia. This is why you need to go see a doctor for a complete physical examination and a good diagnosis to distinguish the impact of the drug on the non-patterned component of the hair loss.

Tags: paroxetine, paxil, propecia, finasteride, hairloss, hair loss

Splitting Follicular Units, Surgeon Precautions?

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

Is it possible and convenient for you to provide the clarification on the following?

  1. What are the effects of keeping donor hair out of body for a long time?
  2. What is the advantage of follicular units not be split.
  3. What are other precautions/questions should I be asking the surgeon over here in India?

Yes, it is possible to clarify:

  1. If they are kept moist ALL of the time, they can stay out of the body for up to 8 hours safely without loss.
  2. They are naturally that way and they look best. If the units are split into smaller than follicular unit, you have the risk of follicular death.
  3. I’ve written much about things to look out for when choosing a hair transplant surgeon. Check out these featured posts: Selecting a Hair Transplant Doctor and How to Avoid Dishonest Hair Transplant Doctors.
Tags: hair transplant, hairloss, hair loss, follicular units, surgeon

Hairy Ball Theorem of Topology

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

Have you encountered the Hairy Ball Theorem of Topology. Seems to me it is germane to your field. Quote: “you can’t comb a hairy ball flat without creating a cowlick”

See: Hairy ball theorem, also: Cowlick

Enjoy.

Thank you for the information, but what my patients do with their balls is none of my business.

In all seriousness, aside from the word “hairy” in the name of the theorem, I don’t see a case where I could’ve possibly encountered this in surgery.

Tags: hairy ball theorem, topology

Here’s My Photos — Should I Be on Hair Meds?

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

Hello Doctor. I am a 22 y.o. male and my father and all his brothers are bald. My mother’s brothers all have their hair except for one. I have a few pictures here, I was wondering if you can take a look at them and tell me what I am on the Norwood scale, I mean exactly with decimals if you have to. Also, do you feel I should be taking any medications at this point?

Finally, is the hair on the sides of the head, I mean a couple inches above the ear to near above the eyebrow supposed to be thinner than the hair on top of the head?

Thank you very much. Here are the pics. Thanks!

Patient

There is a suggestion that you are a very early Norwood Class 3 balding pattern, because the corners look like that have moved upward… but without seeing you I can not tell much as there are no landmarks for me to base a judgment. Send me new photos that are taken closer than the ones you showed, and please lift your eyebrows on the frontal and side views so I can see landmarks that allow me to make the distinction between an early Class 3 pattern or just a maturing hairline. If you do not have miniaturization (difficult to tell in the photos provided), what you have would then appear to lean more to a maturing hairline. I couldn’t recommend hair medications at this stage without photographs that tell a better story.

If you are in California (we have two offices here), I’d recommend setting up a free consultation with us, and then you can walk out with a diagnosis and a treatment plan if it is needed.

Tags: hairloss, hair loss, norwood, diagnosis

Hair So Real

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

Hello Doctor

Are you familiar with the “Hair So Real” hair building fibers ? It is just like toppik , but much much cheaper. Which is what concerns me . Could it be cheaper because of inferior quality? I have tried H.S.R. and it does a very decent job .But what about its ingredients ? Are they safe to use ?

HairSoReal.com

Hair So RealHair So Real looks like it is similar to Toppik. I don’t know about the ingredients, so I can’t comment on that. Really, I am not endorsing or disapproving of these products. In general they all work pretty well in concealing thinning hair. Many of my patients often use these type of products and most of our experience is with Toppik or DermMatch.

I remembered that one of my staff members here in Los Angeles has mentioned that he tried Hair So Real, so I got his take on it. He said, “I used Hair So Real for over a year and know people who are still using it, and never had any problems. The price is great, but I switched to DermMatch recently because it seems to work better for my crown and back of the head.”

So there you go.

Tags: hair so real, toppik, dermmatch, hairloss, hair loss, concealer

If Seborrheic Dermatitis Doesn’t Cause Hair Loss, Why Was I Told That Was the Problem?

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

I read one of your articles that state clogged pores, poor circulation and excessive seb. oil does not contribute to hair loss. I am experiencing hair loss, I was diagnosed with seborreah dermatitis…..did my healthcare provider provide me with inaccurate information regarding my hair loss

“Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp or inside the ear. It can occur with or without reddened skin.” (Source: Google Health)

Seborrheic dermatitis CAN cause hair loss when the scalp is scratched, but it is not the permanent type of hair loss from genetic (androgenic) balding. People who have seborrheic dermatitis sometimes have genetic balding so when these two conditions are present at the same time, the hair loss is always caused by the genetic component. This can also be confusing so that the affected person can think that the seborrheic dermatitis is the cause of the hair loss when it is not. Too many doctors and healthcare providers mistakenly link the dermatitis to the balding.

Tags: seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, hairloss, hair loss

Should I Wait to Start Propecia — and How Much Should I Take?

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

I am 21 years old and noticed the hair on top of my head is thinning and is very easy to see the scalp when wet. Also have a little bit of a receding hairline and very small bald spot on the crown (can only really see when hair is wet). I am just wondering if I should wait a few years before starting propecia because i heard it loses its effects after a while? Also if I do start since it is not that bad yet should I take propecia everyday or every other day or any other sort of amount?

The dosing should be 1mg a day, but this is a prescription medication and I can’t give alternate dosing advice as I’m not your doctor. Talk to your physician about it.

If you’ve got male pattern baldness, Propecia (finasteride) works best when started early in the thinning process. You should not want to wait until you’ve lost a ton of hair before you start it as it might be less effective. If you start the medication earlier, it has a greater chance to halt the hair loss. As a 21 year old, the frequency of reversing the thinning and loss is some areas is much higher than if you wait 5 more years.

Tags: propecia, finasteride, hairloss, hair loss

Transplanting Hair Into a Cleft Lip Scar, Follow-Up

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

This is a follow-up to a post last week, Transplanting Hair Into a Cleft Lip Scar:

Hi Dr. Rassman, this is a continuation from the cleft lip question. I forgot to add, the failed surgery was due to laser surgery. It became a hypertrophic scar after the laser surgery. So not sure if hair transplant is possible for that??

thanks for answer the question though

For a specific case, I’d need to make an examination to see what could be possible. Generally, transplanted hair grafts in real hypertrophic scars (keloids) often do not grow as well.

Tags: keloid, scarring, hair transplant, cleft lip, hair loss, hairloss, facial hair

My Doctors Aren’t Eager to Diagnose My Female Hair Loss

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

(female)
Hi Doctor,
I am a 21 year old college student who lives in San Diego. Over the last couple of months I’ve noticed a excessive amount of my hair falling out (especially in the shower). I have always had beyond a full head of hair but lately, it just feels thinner and I have hair all over my carpet to prove it. My friends always make fun of me because i’m constantly shedding everywhere but lately its beyond too much. I have done some research and almost want to diagnose myself with iron deficiency anemia.

Recently, I am constantly tired, dizzy, have headaches, have shortness of breath (lately), don’t eat very much meat, don’t take vitamins, and last time I went to the doctor, they told me that my heart rate was way too high. Not to mention, live a stressful life, go out drinking way too often with friends and smoke cigarettes. I just made myself sound so TERRIBLE but i’m beginning to worry and no one at Kaiser seems to be losing sleep over what could possibly be wrong with me.

What do you think doctor?

Most doctors are trained to treat medical issues and bill the insurance company to make their living. It seems that hair loss is generally not a priority from a purely medical perspective. My cynicism aside, there really is no definitive cure for hair loss in women, but you need a diagnosis by a doctor who has experience in this field. In addition, there are many causes of hair loss in women and you need to understand where you stand with these causes. There is only one FDA approved hair loss medication for women… Rogaine (minoxidil).

Things that come to my mind as I read your post as possible contributing sources of hair loss:

  1. You go “out drinking way too often”
  2. You “smoke cigarettes”
  3. You don’t eat well
  4. You have too much stress
  5. You say your heart rate is too high? Why?
  6. You think you have iron deficiency anemia? Why?
  7. You are constantly tired, dizzy, have headaches? Why?

Aside from hair loss issues, you do not sound too healthy. You need to go back to your doctors at Kaiser and get to the bottom of this!

Tags: hairloss, hair loss, female hair loss

Hair Loss After Partial Hysterectomy and Stresses of Life

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

In 2006 I had a partial hysterectomy (uterus only). This past July my doctor put me on 1 mg. of Divigel. I’ve noticed the past couple of months that my hair is falling out. I don’t know if it is the hormone replacement therapy or not. I should note that when I’ve had surgery or a stressful time in my life, I tend to shed, but the hair comes back. I’m wondering if my “empty nest” this fall or the Divigel is causing the hair loss. Any ideas?

DivigelStresses (emotional, surgical, medical, etc) can all cause some degree of hair loss. It usually takes about one year or so before you notice the hairs regrow once the stress is under control. Or, it could be the medication you’re on. Divigel (estradiol gel) does list mild hair loss as a common side effect.

It is best to discuss your concerns with your doctor that is treating you. On top of the stress and medication, there may be other medical issues that you are not aware of as well. In the end, hair loss for women is very frustrating for doctors and patients alike. There is no one magic bullet or a defining cause. And worse yet, there is no definitive treatment (let alone, a cure). Good luck.

Tags: divigel, estradiol, gel, hairloss, hair loss, stress, hysterectomy, female hair loss

Any Link Between Body Hair and MPB?

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

I’m sure that this question has been asked many times but are body hair and baldness related? My dad suffers from MPB and he inherited it from his maternal grandfather. He first noticed a receding hairline at 16. My dad also has a lot of body hair and matured quite early. I’ve been told that I carry a lot of my mother’s genes but I have a lot of body hair like my dad.I’ve noticed a very slight recession in my hairline and I asked my dad and he didn’t know if I was losing it and I went to my dermatologist and she wasn’t sure either. Any information that you can give me would be great.

Like your dad and your dermatologist, I am not sure if you’re losing your hair either. I haven’t seen photos or have any way to determine if you’re in the early stages of balding, your hairline is maturing, or if you’re just worrying about nothing. Since you’re worried about male pattern baldness, you should have your scalp examined for signs of miniaturization.

The the hard fact is, if you inherited the hair loss gene, you inherited the gene. It’s really not related to body hair. Body hair is another genetic trait as well in itself and to my knowledge, these two are not directly related to each other.

Tags: mpb, body hair, hairloss, hair loss, genetic

If I Stop Minoxidil, What Kind of Hair Loss Should I Expect?

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

I am 26 years old male and i’ve applied minoxidil once a day since age 21, but only in the two sides of my hairline where i had a problem, not in the rest of my hair. My father is totally bald. My treatment was taking place with some breaks, like 8-9 months treatment, 2 months stopping treatment. When i was stopping the treatment, the hair that was grown from minoxidil were falling out, and then after re-starting the treatment they were starting to grow again.

i have no sign of baldness in my crown, where i’ve never applied minoxidil. i want to ask you that if i stop using it at all, what kind of hairloss should i expect?

If you’re going to keep starting and stopping the medication, I don’t see the point in using it. If you stop using the medication completely, I’d expect any benefits that the minoxidil gave you will soon disappear. I don’t know what your hair loss pattern is or how much the medication was helping, so I have no way of knowing what kind of hair loss you’ll see. But if minoxidil regrew hair, that hair will fall out when you stop using it. Why are you playing Russian Roulette with your hair?

Tags: minoxidil, rogaine, hairloss, hair loss

Would Avodart Protect Against Shock Loss?

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

Dr.Rassman,
I certainly look forward to reading your blog each day. In the past you stated that some individuals are convinced that topical Nizoral 2%, used in conjuction with Propecia, helps with hair growth. What are your thoughts about using Avodart with Nizoral instead? Also, do you think Avodart might have the same effect as Propecia in minimizing shock loss in a hair transplant?

Thank You!

I generally do not recommend Avodart (dutasteride), and so I really don’t have any experience with patients that use it to protect against shock loss following a hair transplant. In theory it should protect against shock loss similar to how Propecia does.

Tags: avodart, dutasteride, propecia, finasteride, hairloss, hair loss, shock loss