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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.

This question comes from the Non Surgical Treatments for Baldness section of the Hair Restoration Discussion Forums:

Hello, after doing some reading on the Hair Restoration Discussion Forums, I’ve decided to take the first step and begin a Propecia regimen. Can someone tell me where to get the right stuff online?

Since its inception, the internet has revolutionized the way consumers and businesses purchase and deliver goods. However, it’s sometimes important to remember that just because you can purchase certain items online, doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. Propecia may be one of those products.

Because of a lack of regulation, quality control, shipping issues, and no true verification process, it might not be a good idea to purchase Propecia on the internet. Granted, sites probably exist that ship legitimate Propecia for a reasonable price, but the potential problems of ordering a prescription medication (such as Propecia or Proscar) online may simply outweigh the potential benefits.

However, since finasteride is a useful tool in the fight against hair loss, it’s important to utilize the medication at reasonable cost and effort. So, to obtain easy and affordable Propecia without the hazards and issues of online purchasing, I recommend a consultation and legitimate prescription from one of the recommended hair restoration physicians on the Hair Transplant Network. Not only do virtually all of these screened, recommended physicians offer prescriptions for Propecia, but many will do so during a free consultation. This method removes the risks while keeping costs low and quality high.

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

While Rogaine (minoxidil) is the most effective and only proven topical hair loss treatment on the market today, there are several alternative topical treatments worth considering adding to your treatment regimen. But given the overwhelming number of new hair loss products developed and advertised every week, how can you know which ones may work and which ones won’t?

The reality is that there are no non-surgical hair loss solutions proven to regrow hair in completely bald areas. But some treatments show promise in thickening and strengthening areas of thinning hair.

To learn more about and discuss alternative, credible hair loss treatments that are scientifically backed to work, visit “What is the Best Topical?”

Bill Seemiller – aka Falceros
Managing Publisher of 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

Technorati Tags: hair loss products, hair loss, regrow hair, thinning hair, hair loss treatments, Bill Seemiller, Falceros

Hi. I was just wondering about something: Is there any particular kind of hat I can wear while applying Rogaine?

Just to clarify, there is no practical, recommended way to apply Rogaine (minoxidil) while you are wearing a hat. I suppose it might be remotely possible to treat the area through the open space above the adjuster in the back of a baseball cap, but this would be time consuming and counterproductive.

Consumer medical information for the original formula advised users to wait at least an hour after using Rogaine before putting a hat on; however, Rogaine Foam is absorbed into the scalp more quickly. Many users consider this to be the  superior method for topically treating thinning hair.

In my opinion, as long as the area has completely dried and no residue remains, you’re free to wear your cap or apply other hair care products in moderation such as gel or hairspray after minoxidil. Using a blow dryer on a light, cool setting (never hot) can speed up the drying process without causing breakage or  inducing further hair loss. For more information, I suggest you visit the company’s official site and browse through the Q & A section.

Anthony – Editorial Assistant / Forum Co-Moderator of 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 out Hair Restoration Discussion Forum.
Follow our community on Twitter.
Watch hair transplant videos on YouTube.

The notion that injuring the scalp can potentially increase the effectiveness of proven topical hair loss treatments has caught the attention of our hair restoration forum community.  The Nanogen Scalproller claims it can help treat thinning hair and improve the effects of any topical treatment for baldness by slightly wounding the skin with its small titanium needles.  Allegedly, the wounds allow for quick and efficient penetration and absorption of topical hair loss treatments into the skin.

To discuss the Nanogen Scalproller and its ability in aiding the effectiveness of proven treatments such as Rogaine foam, visit this discussion thread.

Bill Seemiller – aka Falceros
Managing Publisher of 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

Technorati Tags: hair loss treatments, thinning hair, baldness, Nanogen Scalproller, Bill Seemiller, Falceros

When flipping through the channels on TV late at night, I sometimes get sucked into the Scalp Med infomercials promising a new thick head of hair.  It also claims to be FDA approved.  Is this the hair loss cure we’ve all been waiting for?

Scalp Med infomercials are very popular this time of year, especially as the holidays approach.  Sold as a treatment for female and male pattern baldness, Scalp Med boasts that the “results will provide you with thicker, cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful hair”.  The Scalp Med infomercial presents dozens of rich consumer testimonies praising Scalp Med and providing us wild dreams of restoring a full head of hair.  While one woman claims, “it was nothing short of a miracle for me”, another male consumer boasts, “there’s nothing better out there”.  Oh really? 

Scalp Med is Just Overpriced Minoxidil

While Scalp Med is technically a viable hair loss treatment, what they don’t readily tell you is that that the only “active” ingredient in both the men’s and women’s solution is minoxidil, and significantly overpriced at that. 

Because minoxidil has been FDA approved as a treatment for male and female hair loss, Scalp Med can make the same claims Rogaine can.  The extra cash you could be saving by purchasing Rogaine (minoxidil) most likely goes toward marketing and the ”inactive” ingredients that do nothing to stop genetic baldness or regrow hair. 

Copper Peptides are known for their healing properties which is why products like Graftcyte are very popular for patients who’ve just undergone hair transplant surgery. Copper Peptides also have also shown some science behind it indicating it may prove to be beneficial for those with hair loss.

However, despite the claims of potential successful hair regrowth with Copper Peptides, clinical evidence and supporting proof are required to cut past the hype. To see what members of our community are saying, view the topic “Copper Peptides” on our forum. Feel free to share your own experience with this product and/or your opinion of it.

Bill – aka Falceros
Associate Publisher/Editor

Technorati Tags: Copper Peptides, Graftcyte, hair transplant, hair loss, hair regrowth

I am only 18 years old and have the androgenetic alopecia in the temple region.  I have been using minoxidil 2% for the last 10 months, but only small thin hair is growing back in the temple region.  I am so upset.  Please send me your valuable suggestions.

Unfortunately, though Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil) are proven hair loss treatments, they’re only technically proven for the balding crown.  That doesn’t mean that they won’t help stop the progression of male pattern baldness from the front however, only hair transplant surgery is proven to grow hair in completely bald areas.

Because hair loss is progressive and you’ve started losing hair at such an early age, you may want to consider staying on Rogaine and adding Propecia to your regime.  Even if they don’t regrow hair, they may just help slow down or stop future hair loss.

Bill Seemiller – aka Falceros
Associate Publisher/Editor

Technorati Tags: androgenetic alopecia, thin hair, Propecia, finasteride, Rogaine, minoxidil, hair loss treatments, balding, male pattern baldness, hair transplant, bald, hair loss