Post Hair Loss Questions and Get Answers

Before recommending a treatment, balding men and women must discover what’s causing their hair loss. In most cases, hair loss is due to genetics, causing hair to be vulnerable to the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Though DHT is more prominent in men, it’s also found in women and still the number 1 cause of baldness in the world. However, other conditions can contribute to or even cause non-genetic hair loss.

Due to promotional propaganda and misinformation spread through the internet, differentiating fact from fiction can be difficult. Below, we expose the legends and distinguish what can and cannot contribute to or cause thinning hair.

Stress Causes Hair Loss: If you ask just about everyone, most would tell you that stress can cause you to go bald. Read this article to learn whether or not there is any truth to this highly popular belief.

Daily Hair Washing and Hair Loss: Due to the amount of hair men and women find in the shower, some have conjectured that daily washing can cause your hair to thin. Learn if there is any truth to this concern.

Accutane Acne Treatment and Baldness: Learn why Accutane treatment for acne might be detrimental to your hair.

Hair Pulling, Styling, and Hair Loss: Not everyone pulls their own hair out. However, excessive hair pulling or styling can be the cause of isolated balding. Learn why and whether or not this is temporary or permanent.

Getting your hair loss questions answered quickly and accurately is what draws balding men and women to our site’s resources. Thankfully, our sites include plenty of information and a great multitude of knowledgeable patients and quality physicians regularly contributing their expertise to our Hair Loss Q & A Blog and hair loss discussion forum.

Below you will find answers to 5 of this week’s hot topic hair loss related questions provided by educated hair loss sufferers and physician experts. We encourage you to contribute your thoughts to any of these articles by adding comments to the blog articles. Some of this week’s hot topics include:

Real Solutions for Female Hair Loss Sufferers: The high esteemed Coalition member Dr. Keene gives advice to female hair loss sufferers and how to successfully combat baldness.

How Permanent is a Hair Transplant? Learn whether or not a hair transplant is really permanent and what, if anything you can do to contribute to its success.

Can Young Hair Loss Sufferers Get Hair Transplants? Learn why hair restoration surgery may be suitable for young patients in certain circumstances.

Warnings about Possible Side Effects with Rogaine (Minoxidil): Coalition member Dr. Paul Shapiro cautions patients on the possible side effects of Rogaine (minoxidil) and what to do if you experience them.

How Much Hair Can be Transplanted in a Single Session? Patients are often enamored with large hair transplant megasessions. Learn how many grafts can be realistically harvested and transplanted and the reasons and conditions why.

Hair loss not only affects men and women physically but can often be a confidence killer, turning the outgoing into introverts. Whereas all men and women have their personal preferences and tastes, often times balding men and women feel ugly and as a result won’t take the plunge to proactively pursue someone they’re romantically interested in.  But is hair loss or a lack of self confidence the real culprit?

In this discussion, balding men wrestle with the emotional detriment alopecia has caused them and whether or not women could ever really find the bald man attractive. Share your own experience with losing hair and how it has or has not negatively impacted your social and dating life.

Bill - aka Falceros
Associate Publisher/Editor

Technorati Tags: Hair loss, balding, alopecia, bald, losing hair

I’m trying to determine if I’m balding due to genetics or an iron deficiency.  Can hair loss really be caused by a lack of iron in the body?

This question was posed by a hair loss sufferer seeking hair loss help on our hair restoration forum and answered by Dr. Steven Gabel of Hillsboro, OR who is an elite member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.  His professional answer is below.

Iron deficiency is a real cause of hair loss. I have seen several cases of iron deficiency as a causative factor for alopecia in women. When I see women for hair loss, one of the things I investigate, along with other blood tests, is their iron levels. For men, a blood work up is rare, however, if their history and examination are not consistent with androgenetic alopecia, then I will investigate further.

A while back, I went to a lecture about hair loss by an expert dermatologist who specializes in alopecia (she was one of the original physicians in the phase trials for Propecia before it went to market) and she reports that even low iron levels contributes to hair loss. Women do have a higher degree of iron loss because of their monthly cycles, but I think you may want to have your physician work this up.

Steven Gabel, M.D.

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Bill - aka Falceros
Associate Publisher/Editor

Technorati Tags: balding, iron deficiency, hair loss, hair loss help, alopecia, androgenetic alopecia, Propecia

I have a friend who is experiencing female hair loss for a number of years which may be a side effect of medication she has been taking. She has scheduled an appointment to have possible hair extensions at a clinic in Toronto that services those suffering hair loss as result of chemotherapy treatments and/or have fragile hair. I’m just wondering if anyone is aware of a more permanent hair loss solution or has anyone else experienced this problem?  My partner has recently undergone his own hair transplantation and has had some success and thought that others may have some helpful advice.

In my opinion, before considering any hair extensions or any other possible solution for your friend’s balding condition, you really need to tell your friend to consult a dermatologist to find what’s causing it with certainty. 

Female hair loss in particular can be caused by a number of things. If it’s a medication she’s taking, perhaps the doctor prescribing it can put her on something else that doesn’t include hair loss as a possible side effect.

Your friend should be tested for medical conditions such as a thyroid disorder, low ferritin levels, an iron deficiency, hormonal issues, etc. She should have her scalp, medical history and current situation examined to pinpoint what’s causing her hair loss.

Many non-genetic conditions can be cured by treating the condition causing it. There is no cure for androgenic alopecia (genetic female or male pattern baldness) however; treatment options like Rogaine (minoxidil) may be helpful.

Nobody likes going bald. Though no hair loss cure exists, being knowledgeable on the most recent advancements in hair loss remedies will help you make an educated decision on the best hair restoration solutions for you.

Below you will find answers to 5 of this week’s top topic hair loss related questions provided by real patients and physician experts. You can also ask your own questions and get answers on our hair restoration forum or privately by using our contact form.

Unlocking the Secrets to Deceptive Hair Loss Treatment Marketing

Does Hair Taken from the Donor Site Grow Back after a Hair Transplant? (Dr. Keene)

What about a Guaranteed “No Scar” Hair Transplant Procedure? (Dr. Lindsey)

Why Can’t Rogaine 5% for Men be Used by Women?

The Top 3 Hair Transplant Considerations

Additionally, these questions and more are answered daily on our news and blog sites including the Hair Transplant Network, and the Hair Loss Learning Center.

Bill - aka Falceros
Associate Publisher/Editor

Technorati Tags: bald, hair loss cure, hair loss, hair restoration

I am a 23 year old female and the top of my head is starting to part itself and separate at the part leaving it appear very patchy and almost as if I’m balding or experiencing hair loss.  The hair is rough and my scalp is tender and sore.  The back still feels soft, full, and healthy. This leaves me insecure and concerned.  Am I going bald already? Baldness is not in my family history.  What can I do?

If your hair loss pattern looks anything like the patterns in the Ludwig scale, you may be experiencing genetic female hair loss (androgenic alopecia. 

Scalp tenderness around the affected area however may be an indication of a scalp infection such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.  These scalp infections have been also known to cause hair loss.  Treating the infection is the best way to reverse the hair loss process.

To be sure, I encourage you to see a dermatologist for a full scalp analysis and medical evaluation.  A dermatologist can perform these tests, determine if you are losing your hair, and narrow down what may be causing hair loss in your case.  If the cause is genetic, you may want to consider Rogaine 2% minoxidil for women in the areas of thinning hair.  It is not a baldness cure, but often times, it can help strengthen thinning hair and possibly slow down or stop hair loss in the areas you apply it.

I am a 24 year old girl with long hair.  Currently, the ends of my hair are splitting and it appears to be getting thin.  am I experiencing hair loss? Kindly advise.

Though split ends are not necessarily a sign of hair loss, without proper treatment, your hair may appear thinner and damaged.  Split ends can make it appear like thinning hair for a few reasons.  First, when the hair shaft splits, one thicker hair will appear like two thinner hairs.  Improper hair treatment will also cause breakage and damage to the hair, making it appear less “healthy”.

Be sure to use both shampoo and conditioner regularly and see your stylist about a haircut and best practices to treat your hair to prevent damage to your hair.  It is also best to get a semi-regular treatment to remove split ends before they splay too far down the hair.

Bill - aka Falceros
Associate Publisher/Editor

Technorati Tags: hair loss, thinning hair, hair treatment

Most men and women don’t start considering hair loss treatment options until they’ve already lost a great deal of hair. But what if you could catch it in its early stages, or even before balding starts?

Preventing the progression of baldness is far easier than trying to grow hair in completely bald areas. Below we’ve listed several tips that may just help you save the hair you have.

Regular Physician Checkups: A qualified hair restoration physician or dermatologist can analyze your scalp under magnification and look for signs of miniaturization and hair loss not yet visible to the naked eye. Regular checkups can help you plan for treatment if necessary before too much hair is lost.

Treating Your Hair Loss Early: If you find you are experiencing hair loss, starting medical treatment early may help you save your hair. Non-surgical hair loss treatments like Propecia (finasteride – men only) and Rogaine (minoxidil) can be very effective in stopping the progression of male pattern baldness.

Important Health and Hair Care Tips: Though genetic baldness occurs in men and women with even the healthiest lifestyle and hair, keeping your body and hair healthy can minimize the chance of non-genetic hair loss. Minimize junk food and pollution intake such as smoking and alcohol. Shampoo and condition your hair daily. Don’t color treat your hair or excessively pull or over-style it.

This hair loss question was answered by Dr. Sharon Keene of AZ, an elite member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.

Since the birth of my son in 2005, my hair has been progressively getting thinner.  Hair loss started 3 months after his birth and has continued since.  I am only 29 years old. I do notice some new hair growth, but it appears to get thinner each time until hair regrowth no longer continues.  My mother is has thinning hair that is getting worse in the front and and on the crown of her head.  My dad is bald except for the sides and back of his head.

My 16 year old brother is already experiencing hair loss in the center and back of his head.  I have been bothered by this for some time, watching it happen right before my eyes.  It’s really starting to take a toll on my self confidence.  My options on how i wear my hair are now limited to pinning it up or a ponytail.  My balding is very noticeable in the center, especially in the front.  Although my hair all over has become thinner, I am determined to be proactive in fighting it before it gets the best of me.  what are the best hair loss treatment options available to me?  Thank you for your time in reading and responding to this.

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