Post Hair Loss Questions and Get Answers

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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Technorati Tags: Rogaine, minoxidil, Propecia, finasteride, hair transplant, hair loss, hair restoration, follicular unit hair transplantation

My hair is thinning in the crown and the front. I’m not bald yet but I’m on the way. I’m interested in follicular unit hair transplantation and I’d like to know how much I can expect to pay, what is the risk of infection and how long for recovery?

Those are great questions! The cost of a hair transplant procedure will vary depending on your choice of doctor and how many follicular unit grafts you need. Without seeing photos of your hair loss, it would be impossible for me to speculate on your total cost but you can expect to pay around $4 to $5 USD per graft.

If you are experiencing thinning hair but not yet bald, you may want to explore non-surgical hair loss treatments such as Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride).

There are many variables that affect hair transplant healing, hair growth and recovery times and these issues can be better addressed by scheduling a free consultation with one of our recommended hair restoration physicians.

I highly recommend that you spend some time on our hair loss forum and social community researching our doctors, looking at before and after hair transplant photos and communicating with patients before making any decisions.

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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
Follow our community on Twitter
Watch hair transplant videos on YouTube

This concerned inquiry comes from the Question and Answer section of the Hair Restoration Discussion Forums:

I’ve previously never experienced any issues with my hair, but for the past year it’s been severely thinning. I’ve tried searching online, but I’m still not sure how women are supposed to fight female hair loss? Is hair transplant surgery an option?

Since hair loss affects both males and females, several therapies exist for women battling thinning hair:

First, Rogaine (minoxidil), a FDA approved therapy, produces a line of topical medication specifically for female hair loss. Since this product is trusted and proven, it’s highly recommended as a non-surgical option for female balding.

Second, numerous women battle thinning hair by undergoing a hair transplant procedure with a recommended hair restoration physician. Recent cases presented on our hair loss discussion forum by Dr. William Lindsey (seen here) and Dr. Sheldon Kabaker (seen here) demonstrate the effectiveness of a female hair transplant.

Additionally, before using any of these therapies, it’s highly recommended that female hair loss sufferers make an appointment with a dermatologist to analyze their hair loss. It could be caused by a variety of different things and letting an expert give his or her opinion on why your hair is thinning and how to proceed is a responsible first step.

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