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Many people who think of “hair loss” typically conjure an image of the dreaded “horseshoe” pattern of genetic balding that many men develop. However, while balding is typically seen as a male affliction, it also affects an estimated 30 million women in the United States alone and may also be caused by a variety of non-genetic factors.

There are many types of hair loss; the most common of which in both men and women is androgenic alopecia.  This progressive balding condition is a result of genetics and the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which binds with the receptor sites of vulnerable hair follicles causing them to miniaturize and fall out over time. Currently, the most effective medical hair loss treatment for men with genetic balding is a combination of Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil). Propecia has been shown to slow the conversion of testosterone to DHT and can be helpful in slowing, stopping or in some cases, reversing hair loss when it is used early enough. The mechanisms behind Rogaine’s effect on hair loss are not fully understood but it is thought to increase blood supply to the hair follicles through dilation of the blood vessels. It is important to note that Propecia is not approved for use by females and should not be taken or even handled by women of child-bearing age.   For those who can’t or don’t want to use Propecia, there are credible alternative treatments for hair loss worth exploring.   You are encouraged to visit our online discounted hair loss product shop for a list of products we recommend.

Recently we launched our new online hair loss product shop offering credible and proven non-surgical hair loss products at the lowest prices online. Now we’d like to provide the dedicated members of our Hair Restoration Forum and Social Community with a substantial discount at our store as a thank you for their active participation.

Members who go above and beyond by regularly helping and supporting others will earn a permanent 20% discount after having made “100 genuine and thoughtful posts”.  For more details about qualifying for and obtaining your discount, visit the discussion topic, 20% Online Hair Loss Product Store Discount to Members with Over 100 Helpful Posts.

You are also encouraged to add your suggestions for future incentives by contributing to the topic “Buy Credible Hair Loss Treatments Online at Very Low Prices and Discounts for Members“.

This is a great way to save big on products like Rogaine (minoxidil), Nizoral and much more so don’t delay!

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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

Get Proven Hair Loss Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new Online Hair Loss Product Store

Technorati Tags: hair loss, hair loss products, Hair Restoration, Hair Loss Treatment, Rogaine, minoxidil, Nizoral

Choosing the right hair loss treatment for you requires careful research. Non-surgical hair loss treatments cover a wide variety of products including hair restoration systems, concealers and medications that offer the promise of thicker, fuller hair. While there are more proven and credible hair loss treatments available today than ever before, there are always scammers lurking about, waiting to turn your pain into profit. So, how can you be sure that the treatment you’re buying is legitimate? Below we discuss several credible hair loss products available today.

Every man and woman suffering from genetic baldness should consider the use of both antiandrogens and hair growth stimulators. While antiandrogens like Propecia, Crinagen, Revivogen and shampoos like Nizoral and Revita can help stop hair loss at its core by blocking DHT, hair growth stimulators like Rogaine and Tricomin can help jump start and promote new growth. Note that the only FDA approved and arguably the most effective products for treating hair loss are Propecia and Rogaine. However, women or those men who have experienced adverse side effects while taking Propecia may wish to try natural alternatives.

Often, patients find that using one or two products from each category in combination provides enhanced results. One such combination; Propecia, Rogaine and Nizoral Shampoo has come to be known as “The Big Three” for men. It is widely held among hair loss experts that finasteride and minoxidil, when used in combination, have a synergistic effect on the thinning, balding scalp – that is, the results from both products combined are greater than the sum of their individual results. Adding Nizoral to the mix may inhibit some additional DHT due to its active ingredient ketoconazole which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Many people think of balding as strictly a male affliction. However, the estimated 30 million balding women in the United States comprise roughly 40% of American hair loss sufferers. This female segment of the balding population is increasingly seeking answers and treatments for the multitude of conditions leading to female hair loss.

The main culprit behind female balding is genetics. In fact, 96% of all female balding is due to androgenetic alopecia. Unlike male pattern baldness which can manifest itself in any number of patterns, female pattern baldness is often diffuse in nature (occurring over the entire area of the scalp) as represented by the Ludwig Scale.

Aside from genetic balding, non-genetic factors such as pregnancy, crash dieting, traumatic stress, low iron levels, medical conditions, etc. can lead to a condition known as telogen effluvium. This condition includes the rapid shedding of healthy hair when the body senses that it needs to divert its energies elsewhere.   Telogen effluvium is often reversible after successfully treating the stressor causing the condition. However, just as it typically takes three to four months for the hair to shed, it may take three to four months for the hair to regrow after successful treatment.

Other factors influencing female hair loss are menopause, medications such as birth control pills, trauma and illness. Trauma may arise from burns, scarring or traction alopecia. This condition arises when damage is done to the hair follicle by continual pulling and tight tension for very long periods and is common among women who wear tightly braided hairstyles or weaves. In fact, photographs recently emerged on the Internet indicating that supermodel Naomi Campbell may be a victim of traction alopecia. There is no medical treatment for this condition. However, if diagnosed early, traction alopecia is reversible.

Many hair loss sufferers have been duped by marketing hype and scams surrounding bogus treatments promising miracles but delivering disappointment. So how can you be certain which treatments are legitimate and which ones are a waste of time and money? Recognizing the need for a convenient and reputable place to purchase credible and proven non-surgical hair loss treatments, the Hair Transplant Network recently celebrated the launch of its own online store featuring discrete shipping and express delivery.

The publishers of this community have spent countless hours researching these treatments, their benefits and costs. Thus, we are confident that we are offering the very best hair loss solutions at some of the lowest prices online. Visit our online product store now to purchase, review and rate various products proven and scientifically backed to treat baldness.

We will soon be offering additional incentives and discounts to members of the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network with a proven history of contributing helpful and supportive posts to our community. The number and content of these posts will be considered when rewarding members with substantial discounts. To add your ideas and suggestions for implementing these discounts and additional incentives visit the discussion topic “Buy Credible Hair Loss Treatments at Very Low Prices and Discounts for Forum Members”

You are strongly encouraged to research all products you are considering before purchasing them in order understand the benefits, limitations, and potential side effects of these treatments. To learn more about the only FDA approved treatments for baldness and dozens of alternative solutions, visit the Hair Loss Learning Center.

As anyone suffering from genetic balding can tell you, this condition is progressive. Despite some very effective treatments for hair loss, most notably Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil), the fight against balding can be quite challenging over the long term since hair loss is progressive and unpredictable. Topical concealers can help by temporarily providing balding men and women with thicker looking hair instantly.

Many men and women swear by these products and have very positive experiences to share. However, while all of these concealers are marketed as being easy to apply, non-messy and virtually permanent until washed out, some users complain of problems including; messy application, running and discoloration when sweating or caught in the rain and staining of hands and pillows.

These concerns led forum member “EpilepticSceptic” to start the thread Will “concealers” evolve and advance further in 5-10 years?, prompting members to share their thoughts and wishes regarding future innovations. Follow the link to contribute your opinions to the discussion.
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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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Technorati Tags: balding, hair loss, Propecia, finasteride, Rogaine, minoxidil

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 the Hair Restoration Social Community and Discussion Forums:

I underwent a hair transplant procedure earlier this week and I was wondering how long I need to wait before using styling products? I’m returning to work soon, and need to know if I should wait before using gel and Toppik?

As hair restoration procedures become less invasive, hair loss suffers are able to resume regular activities at accelerated rates post-surgery. Part of this healing process involves continuing with normal hair styling regimens and routines. However, despite the fact that many patients are eager to begin styling their hair regularly, most are equally cautious when it comes to disturbing newly implanted follicular unit grafts.

Knowing this, it’s reasonable to conclude that once the new grafts are properly anchored, it’s safe to use styling products such as gel, mousse, sprays, and hair concealers. Since grafts are properly set between day 7 and 10 (with most experts agreeing that grafts are anchored by day 7), it’s safe to use styling products 7-10 days after hair transplant surgery (after 10 days if one wants to be cautious).

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Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant 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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Technorati Tags: hair transplant, Toppik, hair restoration, hair loss, follicular unit graft, hair concealers, hair transplant surgery

Following a series of questions regarding concealer usage after a hair transplant procedure, Spex, a dedicated Hair Restoration Forum member and consultant to Coalition hair transplant surgeon Dr. Alan Feller, comprehensively addressed the issue on our hair loss forums. In his post, Spex tackles questions concerning different types of concealers, when concealer should be used, and the best way to apply concealer:

When and how to apply hair loss concealers:

These hair loss products can be fantastic when applied correctly (I always found less is more). Especially when you find the one/s that best suit you. Balding men and women that do use them know they can be time consuming to apply (especially in a bind), but also very effective. Nevertheless, the products out there are fantastic to help thinning hair and hair restoration postoperative concerns.

Using concealer is honestly a case of trial and error – as there is no hard and fast rule to which one will work best and at what time. However, most can help immensely in the early stages during recovery from hair transplant surgery.

Waiting a minimum of 7-10 days before application  is advisable, simply because the scalp needs to heal. I think the best advice I can personally give guys looking into concealers is to test them out (possibly even before surgery). This way, you get a feel for the different products and how to use them. Don’t invest heavily in everything all at once. Experiment with small amounts/ testers and see how each concealer works. Also, don’t get frustrated if you don’t find success with a product right away. It takes time to find and properly apply the concealer best suited for you. Remember, each hair loss product also requires some pre-existing hair to work, so don’t expect miracle results too soon.

Hair loss sufferers will do anything to hide their baldness from the world. While some sport the fancy comb over look, others wear their favorite hats and head coverings.

Today, many hair loss sufferers have turned to topical concealers such as Toppik, Dermmatch, and Nanogen to mask their baldness and create the illusion of a more lustrous head of hair. But how effective are these hair loss products? Do they effectively mask complete baldness or do they work better on consumers with thinning hair? Will concealers hold up under harsh weather conditions and/or when swimming?

Members of our community were recently discussing the effectiveness of Toppik and other topical concealers on our forum. You are encouraged to join in the discussion to read what others are saying and offer your input.

Bill Seemiller
Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum
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Watch hair transplant videos  on YouTube

Technorati Tags: Hair loss, baldness, comb over, Toppik, Dermmatch, Nanogen, thinning hair, concealers, Bill Seemiller