Clip Hair Extensions

When it comes to treating baldness, it is medicinal pills and topicals that spring to most peoples’ minds as the options holding the greatest promise. There are also other available treatment options, such as surgical and non-surgical hair replacement, but to date only oral and topical medicinal treatments have been proven to reduce and reverse hair loss naturally. Hair surgery, though providing the best cosmetic results, cannot slow or reverse hair loss. Natural and herbal hair loss treatments seek to mimic medicinal treatments in their mode of action but their effectiveness in treating hair loss has never been confirmed in any serious clinical study and too many of them are associated with hair scams.

The two medicinal treatments that have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the US for treating hair loss are topical minoxidil (trade name Rogaine/Regaine) and oral finasteride (Propecia). These two hair loss drugs have been also approved by national health supervisory authorities in many other countries. Topical minoxidil is suitable for both sexes, whereas finasteride can only be prescribed to male patients. Minoxidil is a vasodilator, originally used to treat high blood pressure, which was later found to stimulate new hair growth when applied topically to the scalp. Its exact mechanism of action is not known, though.

Finasteride is an antiandrogen that was originally applied to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate enlargement. It acts by blocking conversion of the male hormone testosterone to the follicle harming didydrotestosterone (DHT). The discovery of finasteride’s positive effects on hair growth led to finding the true cause of hereditary baldness, which are the harmful attacks of DHT on our hair follicles. Since making this discovery, a quest for other alternative DHT blockers has begun, especially amongst antiandrogen drugs and herbs that have been traditionally used to treat urinary problems.

Dutasteride (trade name Avodart) is a drug similar to finasteride and has been studied extensively for treating hair loss. It is currently undergoing phase III clinical testing. Avodart has been approved for treating BPH and is thus available in pharmacies in many countries around the world. Although it has not yet been approved for hair loss by any national health supervisory authority, it is being prescribed by some clinics and doctors to male patients who no longer respond to finasteride. Dutasteride is believed by many doctors and patients to be a more powerful hair loss drug than finasteride but also with more severe side effects.

Flutamide (trade name Eulexin) is an extremely powerful antiandrogen used to treat prostate cancer. It works by binding to the androgen receptors and thus competing with DHT. Oral use of flutamide can cause serious side effects but it is believed that topical applications might have less adverse side effects and could be, in the future, used to combat hereditary hair loss. More research is needed to verify such claims.

Spironolactone (trade name Aldactone) is another antiandrogen that acts by binding to androgen receptors, competing with DHT. It is used in women to treat acne, hair loss and hirsutism (excess body hair) and although there are some generic topical applications out there for treatment of male pattern baldness containing spironolactone, it has never been approved to treat hair loss in men and should better be avoided.

Aminexil, was developed by L’Oreal to treat baldness in men and women and its molecule is quite similar to that of minoxidil. Its mode of action is not exactly known and it is considered to be a weaker weapon in the fight against hereditary baldness than minoxidil.

The most promising novel drug under development is called NEOSH101. It happens to be in phase II clinical trials and is supposed to be a hair growth stimulant, distantly related in its actions to minoxidil. Although not expected to become an ultimate cure for baldness, it could improve the chances of hair loss sufferers of regrowing some of their lost hair.

The above list of medicinal treatments for hair loss is not exhaustive. There are a number of other drugs that are believed to help treat hereditary baldness, such as superoxide dismutase, ketoconazole, fluridil, alfatradiol, etc. (for more info read: http://www.greyhairloss.com/medicinal-hair-loss-remedies.html ) but none of them has ever been proven in any serious clinical study to promote new hair growth and further studies will be needed to evaluate their positive effects on hair loss. Therefore, for the time being, minoxidil and finasteride remain the main weapons in the fight against genetically-determined hair loss conditions in male patients.

“A hair on the head is worth two on the brush.” – Irish ProverbAs you might know, I always like to share my lessons learned, experience and insights to help others succeed. So here are my hair tips!Yes, I also was suffering from losing my hair and getting a bit bald… Runs in the family and getting older and a busy lifestyle took their toll on my scalp as well… Based on various discussions I had on how to prevent or even stop losing your hair…, I can hereby reveal the secret ingredients you’ll need to stop losing and even start growing the hair on your scalp again!On the advise of several friends of mine (two are GP’s) I started taking Propecia pills and using a special hair gain lotion. The result is that I now dare to reference this process as it is also working for me: I stopped losing hair and I started gaining more hair!!! After 3 months I do not have empty/thin hair area’s on my scalp anymore!

What is it and how does it work?1. Propecia or Proscar (Finasteride, MSD) pills (for men only) are the only once-a-day pill for the treatment of certain types of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). Finasteride acts in the body to significantly lower levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by inhibiting the type 2 5 Alpha Reductase enzyme which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT. High amounts of DHT contribute to prostate enlargement as well as hair loss in individuals with a genetic pre-disposition to it.

For all information on Finasteride, please see the Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finasteride

2. Minoxidil Topical Application lotion: Minoxidil is used to stimulate hair growth and to slow balding. It opens up the hair veins and enables hair growth. In combination with Finasteride it has the highest effect. It is most effective for men whose hair loss is recent. Unfortunately Minoxidil has no effect on receding hairlines.Why use both?A clinical study has shown that a combination therapy of Minoxidil and Finasteride (Propecia or Proscar) shows great promise in the treatment of hair loss. It may potentially become the main stay therapy in this condition. Please see: http://www.regrowth.com/hairloss-remedy/remox/promox-study.cfmHow and how often to take?1. You take one Propecia (1mg) or one Proscar (1.25mg or 1mg) pill once a day. Preferably take on an empty stomach (officially Propecia and Proscar can be taken with or without food) with a glass of grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice contains substances which inhibit certain digestive enzymes that break down Finasteride thus boosting (more or less doubling) your bloodsteam uptake of the drug. Important: because grapefruit juice boosts the uptake, make sure do not take any other medication besides the Finasteride! Otherwise just use water.2. Every morning and every evening you drop 1ml of Minoxidil Topical lotion on your dry scalp and just lightly rub it in. It’s that simple and easy!How long to take it?The advise for a long lasting result is to take both for at least 12 months.What are the risks/side effects?Risks and side effects will differ per person, so always make sure you consult your GP, doctor or another qualified medical specialist first.My own experience with side effects:1. My GP told me that when taking Finasteride pills there is a risk of getting a lower libido and decreased sex lust…. Fortunately, so far that did not happen to me. I’ve not experienced any negative side effects. OK, just one: some hair started growing on my chest…

2. Minoxidil Topical lotion may cause side effects like: scalp itching, dryness, scaling, flaking, irritation, or burning. If it happens than most often in the early stage after start of using the lotion. Personally I have not experienced any negative side effects so far.What does it cost?1. Monthly doses of Propecia (Finasteride, MSD) pills is approx. $80. Cost-conscious customers usually buy Proscar® (Finasteride, MSD) and cut the 5mg tablet into fourths (1.25mg) or even fifths (1mg) therefore getting all the benefits of Propecia at a dramatically reduced pricetag. If you cut Proscar into fourths ( 1.25mg ) you only need 3 boxes to save your hair for the entire year! Compare that to 12 boxes of Propecia and you will realise that Proscar is the cheapest way to save your hair and your save your bank balance. For more info, please see: http://hairloss.cyberatlantis.com/proscar.php2. If you manage to buy the lotion online or at a discount pharmacy the price per box with 3 to 5 bottles of 60ml will vary between $129 and $249. It just depends on what kind of brand/packaging it has…..I shopped around and found a package with 5 bottles (enough for 5 months) for $129. The average cost per month for 1 60ml bottle of lotion will be approx. $25.How to get it?1. Propecia or Proscar pills can be obtained with a prescription from your GP. For Propecia pills, please ask your GP for repeat prescription of at least 6x or 12x (1 per month).2. Minoxidil Topical Application lotion can be obtained at most drugstores (again; my advise is to shop around for the best price. It could save you $50-$75 per package!). The Minoxidil Topical lotion I’m using is Hair A-Gain.

Other tips?Yes, these three tips are proven ones as well (at least for me):1. Stop using fancy shampoo’s. Just use baby shampoo! The best you can use is the Johnson & Johnson: ‘Johnson’s baby shampoo plus conditioner’ (red/pink bottle). It is scientifically proven to be less harmful to your hair.2. Stop washing your hair every day. Just wash your hair bi-daily, which will be less harmful to your scalp and your hair.3. Stop using gel, spray or foam to model your hair. Start using men’s hair wax, hair paste, or hair creme to model your hair. The difference is that gel, spray’s and foams will often affect your scalp and can also negatively impact the quality of your hair. Wax or hair creme will “sit” on your hair and will not touch your scalp, nor impact the hair veins or quality of the hair.”Experience is a comb that is given to you, when you have already lost you hair.” – Giorgos ZambetasI hope my experience helps you as well, as it works well for me! Thanks, warm regards & success,Patrick Driessen

© Patrick W. Driessen. All rights reserved.

Surgical versus non surgical management of Baldness

(www.divinecosmeticsurgery.com)Baldness is probably the most rampant of plastic surgical problems, and indeed is the most common consultation in males in a Plastic Surgeon’s office. We know the reasons for baldness, and it should not come as a surprise to learn that baldness is also present in females, evidenced by hair thinning and then patches of baldness, particularly in the perimenopausal and post- menopausal women. Various surgical and non surgical procedures like hair transplant, hair weaving and bonding, wigs, medical therapy like minoxidil and finasteride are in use and present a confusing array of treatment for the bald patientSo what are the choices Hair loss and thinning is a direct effect of the role of testosterone on the its receptors in the scalp, and the hair region in the back of the head is usually fairly resistant to the effects of testosterone, and thus maintains hair for longer periods. It is these facts that are the basis of various treatment modalities.Role of Medical therapy Finasteride is a testosterone receptor blocker, and blocks the effect of testosterone. Thus it allows a decrease in hair fall and probably gets back a few of the faller hair, in that the nano hair, that are there, probably get thicker. It is a drug, used primarily in older patients with prostate problems. In baldness the dosage that is prescribed is very small from 1 mg daily to alternate days; at this dose there are virtually no side effectsMinoxidil is an agent that increases the blood supply of the scalp, and indirectly increases the density of the hair, and a small reduction of hair fall. However, less than half of the people who actually use it, have a tangible benefit. Both these drugs need to be taken for prolonged periods, often the life time.Hair transplant – this is the only true solution to baldness. The surgical procedure which is a single day job, done under local anesthesia, and hardly any discomfort, is the only natural procedure available. The hair that is implanted, almost never falls, can grow to any length, and do not require maintenance. There are almost no precautions to be taken after a hair transplant. It is possible to repeat the procedure after 6 months gap for almost 3 times. However we have to know that hair transplant requires 6 months for effect to show, as the hair has to pass through a natural phase. Also, we cannot assure a density, that was present in younger ages, and for one to achieve that kind of density, repeat procedures are required.Hair weaving, bonding – these are artificial procedures, in which someone elses hair is used to cover the head. The hair is fixed to the head with silicone adhesives, or with clips or sutures to the remaining hair. The advantage is that it is a fast procedure, painless, instant, and gives a great density. However low costs should not influence the decision, since one has to go the beauty parlour every 2 weeks to get it refixed, adding to the costs. Also one cannot go out in a strong wind or heavy rainfall, cannot swim, or airdive, or perform any exertional outdoor activity or physical contact sports. Sever allergies are known to occur with the adhesives, and hair gets loose from the constant traction of the clips that is used to fix the patch.HAIR TRANSPLANT IS THE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!About Me Dr Amit Gupta is a Plastic Surgeon from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, who has specialized in the fields of Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Surgery, Microfollicular Hair Transplant, and Lasers. He was awarded with Gold Medal during his training for his academic days, Dr Amit Gupta joined the superspeciality Course of Plastic Surgery at Maulana Azad Medical College which he cleared in 2007 in his attempt. During his training he underwent training in Burns Trauma Management Cancer and Microvascular Surgery Reconstructive and Congenital Defect Correction Surgery. He then pursued specialized fellowships in Cosmetic Surgery in Belgium (Europe) and Brazil. He has trained with Dr Patrick Tonnard in Belgium where he was trained in MACS Lift Surgery which is the most current development in the field of Facial Rejuvenative Surgery in Europe. He then pursued fellowships in Cosmetic Surgery in Brazil where he trained with the likes of Dr Ruth Graf and Dr Ana Zulmira who are regarded as icons in Cosmetic Surgery