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Throughout history, men and women have been searching for the secret to curing hair loss. In fact, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (The father of modern medicine) was not unlike modern day hair loss sufferers attempting to reverse their balding. Among other “treatments” to curb hair loss, Hippocrates devised an ancient hair loss remedy that included a mixture of horseradish, cumin, pigeon droppings, and nettles to be applied to the scalp. As you may have guessed, this and hundreds of other wacky treatments have proven to be ineffective in combating thinning hair. The good news for the men and women of the 21^st century is that real options, both surgical and non-surgical now exist.

Despite the number of proven treatments today, many men and women are convinced that the real “cure” already exists and is known only to a select few individuals including the rich and the famous. Unfortunately, these hair loss sufferers quite often find themselves parting with hundreds or thousands of dollars as they gobble up every whimsical lotion, tonic, pill or device being hawked on late-night TV or in the back of magazines. So how do you know what works and what doesn’t in the world of hair restoration?

This question comes from a member of our Hair Restoration Forums and Social Community:

I’m investigating natural hair loss solutions and looking for information on topical magnesium oil. How does it work? Is it effective in fighting genetic baldness?

Magnesium oil, as a hair loss solution, relies upon a generally untested balding theory. As early as the 1940s, researchers began looking at calcium and it’s role in inflammation, wounds, and hair loss. In one instance, a medical student preparing cadavers for anatomical studies noted that bald individuals also demonstrated increased levels of bone calcification in their skulls. From here, the student hypothesized that increased levels of calcium caused a calcification or hardening of the body’s soft tissues. In this instance, calcium build-up caused a hardening of the scalp and forced the hair follicles to die and shed.

Magnesium helps break down and block this calcification, meaning a topical application of magnesium oil to the scalp would (in theory) prevent tissue hardening and save the hair follicles. However, the theory of scalp calcification and its effect on hair shedding is still generally untested, and should probably not be fully accepted until appropriate research is conducted. Because of this, it’s most likely more effective to utilize proven topical hair loss solutions, such as minoxidil (Rogaine), for the time being. However, magnesium, as a supplement, is usually recommended for the maintenance of healthy hair and could be an indication that further research is necessary.

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Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc

Although the topic of green tea as a hair loss remedy is a popular subject, few discussions focus on the tea as a topical therapy. Because of this, many wonder if applying green tea to the scalp can help slow or reverse androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. According to a study conducted at the Seoul University National Hospital, a key ingredient in green tea may have some validity as a topical hair loss treatment.

The study focuses on epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a compound found in green tea, and its effect on dermal papilla cells and hair growth cycles. After removing and treating a section of follicular units from research subjects, the scientific team found that the EGCG stimulates hair growth by forcing hair follicles to remain in the expansion, or Anagen phase, and by increasing the active stage of dermal papilla cells (which are robust and lively during the follicular growth phase). However, despite the fact that these results seem promising, there are several issues to consider before concluding that topical green tea can help battle balding.

Recently, a topic was started on the Hair Restoration Discussion Forums to address an interesting issue regarding concerns about Rogaine foam hair loss treatment melting:

Despite how well it’s been working for my hair loss, I’m having an issue with Rogaine foam and the heat. Essentially, I’m wondering if there is any way to stop Rogaine foam from quickly dissolving in hot temperatures? I live in a converted attic with no air conditioning, and it’s always around ten degrees hotter here than in the rest of the house. I’ve tried storing the bottles in different places and even next to fans, but most of the time the foam instantly dissolves or melts  in the cap as soon as I squirt it out. Does anyone have any tips on how to prevent this sort of thing from happening?

Although a scientific answer to this question probably does not exist, several forum members have provided suggestions and explained how they keep Rogaine foam from dissolving in the heat. These methods include: placing the bottle in the refrigerator before use, applying the foam directly to the scalp (where it is meant to dissolve and melt), holding one’s hands under cold water for 20 – 30 seconds before handling the foam, keeping the container on ice water before applying, and even holding ice cubes before spraying the foam onto the hand.

Do you have an idea or method to keep Rogaine foam from dissolving and melting in the heat? If so, feel free to participate on the hair restoration discussion forum topic Cooling Off Rogaine Foam?

This question comes from a member of the Hair Restoration Social Community and Discussion Forums:

I recently underwent a hair transplant procedure and I’m now looking for some form of hair loss medication to help maintain my natural hair. I’ve heard people discuss taking oral minoxidil (traditionally known as the topical hair loss drug Rogaine) or Loniten. Is this recommended? Will it help with my hair loss? Are there any side effects?

As you may know, minoxidil (the active hair restoration ingredient in Rogaine) was originally used as a high blood pressure medication. However, after introducing the drug, patients utilizing minoxidil, or Loniten as it was marketed in oral (pill) form, began to experience an unexpected side effect – increased growth and darkening of body hair. It didn’t take long for biomedical companies to realize the potential this compound had as a hair restoration drug, and it was soon produced in a 2%, topical form for those experiencing hair loss.

Knowing this, it’s understandable to wonder if oral minoxidil could be used to treat genetic baldness. Although numerous patients have found success with topical minoxidil, it is difficult to recommend the oral version as a hair loss medication. There are three reasons why oral minoxidil (Loniten) should probably not be used as a hair loss medication:

First, individuals who utilize Loniten for high blood pressure are also required to take a second medication to help the body rid itself of excess water. Without taking this secondary medication, a patient on Loniten will experience significant water retention and weight gain.

After various questions on the Hair Restoration Discussion Forums, Spex – a senior member and consultant to Coalition surgeon Dr. Alan Feller, decided to address the issue of seasonal hair shedding or temporary seasonal hair loss:

Shedding is something that guys (and girls) need to be well aware of so that when it occurs (often seasonally), you do not panic and start organizing your next hair transplant surgery in a desperate attempt to regain your lack of “density”.

Shedding unfortunately is part of the hair transplant ”process”. Seasonal shedding along with medication shedding (if you are taking hair loss medications such as Propecia (finasteride) or Rogaine (minoxidil)) happens to all of us. I personally experienced a shed recently which left my hair looking very thin, and even though I knew it was only a shed it still made me anxious and very self-conscious. This feeling happens every time, but I know through experience it occurs because of the periodic “shedding process” and that given time it will slowly but surely come back in. Yes, a waiting game …yet again!

When it does occur just park and ride it out – like in the early days of your hair restoration surgery. Try not to scrutinize by watching the shedding process, applying products, washing your hair, conditioning it, washing it again (etc.)!  Also, remember the time period when you start and stop the shedding process. This way,  the next time it occurs you can limit the anxiety levels associated with seasonal shedding.

Unlike male pattern baldness, which can manifest itself in any number of patterns as classified on the Hamilton-Norwood scale, female pattern hair loss is often diffuse or occurring over the entire area of the scalp. While there are factors such as childbirth, menopause or even stress that can induce temporary female balding, 96% of female balding is hereditary.

So what’s a woman with thinning hair to do? Currently there is only one FDA approved, non-surgical hair loss treatment for women, Rogaine (2% minoxidil). Like men however, women with hair loss may benefit from using concealers such as Toppik or DermMatch.  A female patient may also wish to explore surgical hair restoration as an option.

Women that may benefit are those that have a distinct pattern of hair loss more typically associated with male pattern baldness; those whose hair loss is caused by traction alopecia (damage done to the hair follicle by continual pulling and tight tension for very long periods); and women who have suffered hair loss due to trauma such as burns or scarring. Women with diffuse hair thinning all over the scalp typically don’t make good candidates.

Below, you’ll find examples of when surgical hair restoration can be appropriate for women.  These examples were recently posted by leading hair restoration physicians on our popular hair loss discussion forum.

Dr. Dorin – Female Traction Alopecia Healing Series – 1965 FUT

Dr. Lindsey – 6 Month Check on Female Postage Stamp FUE

This inquiry was asked by a member of our Hair Restoration Social Community and Discussion Forums:

This question has to do with my hair loss, but not loss from my head. I’ve recently noticed that the hair on the outside of my legs, just above my ankles is bald and smooth while the rest of my legs are quite hairy. I researched online, and it seems as if many other individuals suffer from body hair loss. Does anyone know what causes this phenomenon, and if a hair transplant procedure or medications (like finasteride and minoxidil) will restore the hair?

After some investigation, it appears that you’re right and this is a commonly discussed issue. However, finding answers proves a much more difficult task. From my research, it seems as if there are two schools of thought:

1. Body hair loss (such as leg hair loss) is type of genetic condition in men aged 35 years and older. Much like male pattern baldness, body hair loss is highly influenced by your genes and likely carried out by certain hormones.

2. Body hair loss is a type of traction alopecia (hair loss from pulling or tension on the hairs) from wearing tight socks or continually crossing one’s legs in a particular position.

Regardless, it appears as if most experts don’t suggest any oral/topical medications or surgical solutions for the issue, though switching to low-cut socks and refraining from continual leg-crossing may help if the ankle hair loss is caused by traction alopecia.
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Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc

This question comes from a member of the Hair Restoration Discussion Forums:

For the past few months, I’ve use Propecia to battle my ongoing hair loss. It’s working well, but I’m considering adding some herbal hair loss medications, particularly He shou wu (Fo-Ti). Does anyone know if these herbal medications negatively interfere with finasteride?

He shou wu, also known as Fo-Ti, is a native Chinese plant used by many for anti-aging purposes. In fact, the Chinese name Fo-Ti translates to “black-haired Mr. He” – an old, Chinese villager who allegedly used the root to change his grey hair black! In modern times, Individuals utilize the herb to prevent pre-mature aging, grey hair, certain sexual dysfunctions, and increase overall vitality and strength.

However, despite centuries of usage, Fo-Ti has only demonstrated a slight ability to lower cholesterol levels and improve immune function. Additionally, no legitimate studies on the effectiveness of Fo-Ti in humans exist, and possible side-effects include diarrhea, limb numbness and, in some severe cases, liver complications.

Frankly, it’s unclear (but unlikely) that He shou wu would interact with your Propecia regimen. However, because of unproven results, untested usage, and potential side-effects, it may not be an effective or recommended therapy in general (especially for hair restoration). Furthermore, proven medications, such as minoxidil (or Rogaine) will most likely produce a much more consistent, safe result and are usually suggested before alternative medications like Fo-Ti. I recommend consulting with one of our recommended hair restoration physicians (to further address any concerns) and consider adding minoxidil to your hair loss regimen.

I’m 25 years old and my doctor recommended Rogaine( minoxidil) for my hair loss but people tell me it doesn’t work. I am also not sure if I’m willing to take Propecia (finasteride) because I’m afraid of the possible side effects such as erectile dysfunction. Should I consider a hair transplant instead?

This hair loss question was answered by Dr. Glenn Charles of Florida who is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.  His professional answer is below.

You should definitely consider Propecia and or Rogaine to slow down the hair loss. There is even a chance that you could get some improvement without surgical hair restoration. At least give it a try. If you have any side effects then simply discontinue use. The surgical option will still be available.

Doing follicular unit hair transplantation in the crown on a 25 year old patient without even trying some non-surgical hair restoration options would not be very wise.

Dr. Glenn Charles, FL

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David – aka TakingThePlunge
Assistant Publisher and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum
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