Post Hair Loss Questions and Get Answers

This comment, from a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums, was answered by Coalition hair transplant surgeon Dr. William Lindsey:

Before you start shouting Nizoral and Selsun Blue, hear me out. Since I started Propecia (finasteride), my scalp has been itchy. I soon went for the Zinc Pyrithione, Selenium Sulfide, etc., but that seemed to make things much itchier.  I then reverted to regular shampoo and things got a bit better.

My hairdresser mentioned that my scalp looked dry rather than it being dandruff.  I then started using hydrating conditioner which has helped a lot, but my scalp still itches intermittently. I’ve Googled for scalp moisturizer but haven’t found much. Do you guys have any suggestions?

I think a trial of Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo, available at most grocery stores in our area for about $9.00, is worthwhile. I find that it solves most dry problems. If it doesn’t help in a few weeks I’d see a dermatologist.

T/Gel shampoo has tar in it so it’s not the best smelling. Not a problem for old married guys but if you are single you may want to pick up a better smelling shampoo or conditioner to use after the T/Gel.

Dr. William Lindsey – McLean, VA

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit the hair loss forum and social community

For many balding men and women, a trip to the hair salon is a negative experience. Often times, hair cutting and styling sessions reveal the true nature of one’s progressive hair loss, and this can leave individuals feeling anxious and concerned. When this occurs, patrons often ask hair stylists for advice regarding the types of preventive hair loss treatments to consider. Unfortunately, hair stylists often do not have familiar products in the salon to recommend to these concerned consumers. However, this is about to change because Revivogen recently announced that its line of hair loss shampoos, conditioners, and scalp therapy treatments are now available in hair salons.

Revivogen is also available at discounted prices via our hair loss product store.

Revivogen is a line of topical treatments designed to lower the levels of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) – the hair loss causing hormone – in the scalp. Revivogen’s Scalp Treatment Therapy, Bio-Cleansing shampoo, and Thickening Conditioner contain several ingredients, including Saw Palmetto and GLA/ALA fatty acids, which block the production of DHT in the scalp. Much like finasteride (Propecia), the key ingredients in Revivogen products inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to the hair follicle-damaging DHT. By lowering these levels, Revivogen may help halt progressive thinning and maintain current hair levels.

This question, asked by a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums, was answered by Coalition hair restoration physician Dr. Cam Simmons:

I am 23 years old and I am losing my hair since I was 18. I have a very dry scalp with white deposits. I tried shaving my head but the deposits reappear in a few months. They are thick deposits closely attached to the skin so if I comb or scratch them, hair in that area comes out along with the deposits. My hairs are very thin and dry. If I comb or run a hand, many hairs come out every time.

I have lost a lot of hairs and tried using Nizoral shampoo and fungal infection cream on a doctor’s recommendation but nothing worked. At this stage I am very confused about what to do. I would really appreciate if anyone can help me out with the situation here.

You need to see a hair specialist or dermatologist in person. The most common causes of flaky dry skin are seborrhea and psoriasis but they don’t usually cause hair loss. Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil) are great for slowing androgenic alopecia (genetic balding) but AGA involves shrinking hairs not shedding hairs.

You need to get an accurate assessment and diagnosis before anyone can recommend the best treatment.

Dr. Cam Simmons

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This comment, addressed by Coalition hair restoration surgeon Dr. William Lindsey, was shared by a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums:

I had a small (by today’s standards) hair transplant back in the late 90′s and part of the pre-op instructions included using Hibiclens as a shampoo a few days before surgery. I have never seen Hibiclens mentioned in this forum and was curious if any doctors still suggest using it either before or after hair restoration surgery?

We used to Hibiclens shampoo for hair transplants, facelifts, skin reconstructions, everything. Good stuff. And it discolors less than iodine soap. Going back 10 years or more we used Physohex for everything. It was great soap, killed all bugs! But it was taken off the market.

From a practical standpoint nowadays, we usually just wash with alcohol or surgical soap, then rinse with water. The scalp’s blood supply is so good, it is statistically difficult, although not impossible, to infect the scalp with a clean case (which is what hair transplant is–not a sterile case).

I have yet to have an infection in a non-smoker, but as many folks know, I do give 5 days of post-op antibiotics to everyone.

I ask people to take a shower the night before or the morning of hair transplant surgery. Occasionally we have someone who appears to not have showered in some time and we just do our usual cleaning. So far we have not had a problem.

I’ve undergone follicular unit extraction (FUE) on the frontal lobes (800 grafts). Though I understand that shock loss will occur around the grafted areas, I’ve also noticed a general thinning of hair across the entire top of my head. Furthermore, I’m experiencing intermittent itchiness and tender sizeable bumps throughout the top of my head too.

I had my treatment 3 weeks ago. All appears to have healed well, the surgery was smooth but I’m really concerned and need some objective opinions as to what is happening and if it’s normal.

I’ve been taking Propecia (finasteride) for 12 years now and Rogaine for the last 2 months. Please help! Thank you.

Since you’ve added Rogaine (minoxidil) to your regimen in the last two months, the thinning hair you are noticing may be shedding caused by the drug. Combined with shock loss from the hair restoration surgery, your hair could very well appear much thinner for the first several months. Between three to four months post-surgery and after staring minoxidil, you should begin to see the shed hairs and transplanted hairs regrow.

It’s normal to experience pimples in the hair transplant recipient area. If you are seeing bumps appear in other areas of your head, I suggest consulting with your doctor. Likewise, itching is to be expected in the recipient areas but not in the untreated parts of the head. You may find that adding a quality dandruff shampoo like Nizoral to your hair loss regimen will help with itching.

In this article, recommended hair transplant surgeon Dr. Parsa Mohebi shares his expert advice regarding the causes and treatments of female hair loss.

Hair loss in women can be a devastating condition. Most women notice some degrees of hair loss or thinning hair in their 50s or 60s.  However, patterned hair loss in women can happen at any age and it could be for a variety of causes. Typical patterned hair loss in women usually presents differently than typical patterned hair loss in men. Unlike male patterned hair loss which may present with receding from the forehead or expanding balding spot on the crown, patterned hair loss in women tends to present as diffuse thinning on the front and top of the head.

The treatment options for women with hair loss may be more limited than men who have male patterned hair loss.  Only a certain group of women with hair loss can benefit from surgical hair restoration. Many women with hair loss need specific lab work among other diagnostics before finalizing their treatment planning.  Many doctors who are not familiar with intricacies of female hair loss treat every women who complains of hair loss with Rogaine (minoxidil) or other hair loss medications before properly examining them and without coming up with a proper diagnosis.

We at US Hair Restoration Centers have developed an algorithm for proper management of female hair loss that could be followed by any practitioner to address the particular complexities of female hair loss diagnosis and treatment.

I turned 25 last December and I’ve been balding since I was 17. I’ve been following the standard hair loss treatment regimen of hair-stimulating medications for 11 months now – 2 applications of Rogaine (5% minoxidil) daily + Propecia (1mg finasteride) daily + Nizoral shampoo every few days.

Six weeks ago I broke out in a nasty rash on my neck and forehead, and developed severe dandruff. At first I thought I had had an allergic reaction to something so I stopped using certain cosmetics (e.g., toner, moisturizer.) Then I thought there might be something in the water in my new apartment. Three weeks ago I found myself back at my general practitioner’s for the fourth time to finally be told that I had a fungal infection, which I have since been treating on various anti-fungal creams and shampoos.

This week I came to the conclusion that my reaction must be due to the minoxidil. I had previously thought that switching from Rogaine to Kirkland Minoxidil back in November 2011 may have been the reason – using a cheaper brand, etc. But after starting back on Rogaine last month, my infection has not altered.  I have made progress with my fungal infection since stopping minoxidil on Monday.

If I stop minoxidil, will I lose hair if I stop using minoxidil but carry on using finasteride and Nizoral?  Do you think I can go back to minoxidil after my fungal infection has completely gone?

I am experiencing hair loss of about 40-60 strands a day. I have lost lots at my temples. It’s gone really deep. My goals are:

1.   To prevent further balding.
2.   If somehow I can regrow hair at my temples (is this too much to ask for)

I read about platelet rich plasma (PRP) and ACell. I don’t know how effective they are. Can anyone explain if this is effective? I don’t know if I have thinning hair. I have undergone no hair loss treatment yet. My stylist told me that there is thinning of hair at the front. Please advise which doctor I should consider in the Los Angeles area.

There is currently no non-surgical hair loss treatment available that is likely to restore your receding hairline. However, your best bet to retain the hair you have and potentially add density to thinning hair is using Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). These are the only two clinically proven and FDA approved drugs for the treatment of androgenic alopecia.

In addition to these drugs, you may also wish to add Nizoral Shampoo to your hair growth regimen. Nizoral contains the active ingredient Ketoconazole which may be a mild DHT blocker. Used in combination, Rogaine, Propecia and Nizoral are known affectionately as “The Big Three”.

To restore your hairline, you may require hair transplant surgery. To learn more about your options I suggest consulting with one or more of the prescreened, quality hair restoration physicians recommended by the Hair Transplant Network. You can also click here for a list of recommended doctors in California.

Treating hair loss is a multibillion dollar industry. Unfortunately for the millions of balding men and women across the globe, sorting out effective non-surgical hair loss treatments from the multitude of hair growth scams out there can be tough.

Those suffering from androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness) have a veritable cornucopia of herbal and drug-based topicals, tablets, shampoos and even mechanical devices to choose from. Many of these products make lofty claims to turn back the clock and restore bald heads to luscious, flowing locks. But buyer beware! Currently there is no hair loss cure. However, there are a few select products that are clinically proven and FDA approved or simply offer compelling evidence to support their claims to regrow hair.

To learn more about which treatments are really effective for thinning hair read the article:

Which Hair Loss Treatments Really Work?

To purchase credible treatments for balding at extremely low prices, visit our online hair loss treatments store.

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit the hair loss forum and social community

Get Proven Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new online hair loss treatment shop.

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In this article, recommended hair transplant surgeon Dr. Parsa Mohebi shares his expert advice regarding hair loss shampoos.

As a doctor who specializes in hair restoration, I frequently receive questions about which shampoos should be used for the prevention and maintenance of hair loss. This question comes from many patients as a result of heavily marketed products which claim to solve every hair loss problem which exists. Although shampoos can affect the quality of a person’s hair, its overall influence on hair growth is minimal.

Shampoo is primarily suited toward keeping hair clean and adding shine. It is incapable of replacing lost hair for men or women who suffer from patterned baldness. Although there are some shampoos which contain chemicals that are harmful to hair follicles, most shampoos found in everyday stores do not contain these additives. Shampoos only affect hair shafts and the actual hair follicles are what truly determine whether hair will grow.

Cleansers can also safely be used without causing damage to permanent hair growth. Some cleansers on the market make great claims of opening scalp pores and oxygenating hair follicles. Although those are clever sounding claims, they are not realistic. Hair follicles do not absorb oxygen or nutrition from the outside of the scalp. Rather, they get the necessary amino acids from the bloodstream.