cutting hair strengthens such as it does for a plant or a tree

“I often hear that haircut strengthens them, just like a tree. Is this true?”

The hair in contrast to a plant or a tree is alive only in its lower part, buried under the skin. The upper part is made of keratin, an inert and”dead” substance. The hair is insensitive, does not hurt when you cut it. So when you cut the hair to strengthen it,  like you would do for a tree, this has no effect. The apparent improvement that you get at this moment is often linked to the disappearance of the tip of the hair especially when it is forked.

Aldactone Spironolactone hair loss treatment

Is the Spironolactone effective in case of hair loss?

The Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a diuretic hypotensor which is sometimes used as treatment against hair loss. In fact, an anti-androgen effect has been observed and that is why it is used by male-female transsexuals. It blocks the male hormone receivers, inhibits enzymes of male hormones metabolism and increases estrogens. There is no study proving its efficiency in man hair loss. This does not prevent numerous patients from using it in this purpose. Its use in woman hair loss seems more logical. Its anti-androgen effect can justify its use for a woman producing too much male hormone. However, they should not expect a very important effect.

Finasteride Propecia sexual side effect

Does Propecia (Finasteride) have sexual side effects for life as reported in a recent article?

The article mentioned, which caused a big stir in June, 2011 is the following: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02255.x/abstract
Here is a typical example of a study with no scientific worth. Indeed, it is an interview of 71 persons taking Propecia and complaining about the persistency of secondary sexual effects even after stopping taking Propecia. Given the numerous ways of this study, no double blind test, no hormonal dosage, we cannot exclude the possibility of a placebo effect in all these patients. An ISHRS committee was created and expressed their opinion:

http://www.ishrs.org/articles/finasteride-announcement.htm

Side effect Finasteride Propecia

Propecia, Finasteride, side effects: why are there so many negative opinions on the web concerning Finasteride?

The web is the best and the worst information source. Concerning Finasteride and its side effects, you find a lot of personal opinions, not supported by scientific studies. You have to know that in a field like that of sexual side effects, the rate of placebo effect is rather high. At least one person out of two presents sexual effects which are in reality of placebo origin. On the other hand, the web concentrates the opinions of unsatisfied patients. Those who take Propecia without presenting any problem do not meet on newsgroups …

Effectiveness and efficacy of proscar effect of Propecia Finasteride on hair loss

What is the minimum deadline to see the effect
of Propecia (Finasteride) on hair loss?

It is very important to be patient when you use
Finasteride. Indeed, its action is often delayed and discreet. It is often
necessary to wait for a few weeks before being able to observe a slowing down
of the fall out (between 3 and 6 months). The action is all the more difficult
to objectivize that the normal hair loss is about a hundred a day. On the
contrary, the action of Finasteride is very often revealed when the patient
stops its use. At this moment a more important fall than the basic loss
re-appears.

Finasteride Propecia frontal hair loss

Does Propecia (Finasteride) act on the frontal hair loss?

Of course, it does, just as much as Minoxidil does. The reason for which we can often read that it is active only on the vertex is simple: the studies which proved its action were made at this level. The experience however demonstrates that the treatment is also effective on the forehead and the front area. As far as the hair loss often begins in this zone, and taken into account that Finasteride does not allow the growth of hair that have disappeared, you should not expect a re-growth in the front area but only stabilization.

Man Propecia Finasteride contamination condom danger

Can a man using Propecia (Finasteride) contaminate his partner if he does not use a condom?

There is no observation of a case in which a baby would be born with abnormalities due to the contamination of a woman by a partner consuming Propecia. However, by caution, the Merck laboratories recommend the use of a condom for men consuming Propecia. Most of the doctors consider that there is no danger. The most careful ones recommend stopping taking Propecia during the fertile period of his partner.
Here is the text written by Merck. The calculation shows that even when considering the highest rate of Finasteride in the sperm and considering the complete absorption of this quantity by the pregnant woman, the received dose would still be 750 times inferior to the dose which creates an abnormality in the rhesus monkey.
“Semen levels have been measured in 35 men taking finasteride 1 mg/day for 6 weeks. In 60% (21 of 35) of the samples, finasteride levels were undetectable (<0.2 ng/mL). The mean finasteride level was 0.26 ng/mL and the highest level measured was 1.52 ng/mL. Using the highest semen level measured  and assuming 100% absorption from a 5-mL ejaculate per day, human exposure through vaginal absorption would be up to 7.6 ng per day, which is 750 times lower than the exposure from the no-effect dose for developmental abnormalities in Rhesus monkeys and 650-fold less than the dose of finasteride (5 µg) that had no effect on circulating DHT levels in men (see PRECAUTIONS, Pregnancy).”
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/p/propecia/propecia_pi.pdf

Propecia Finasteride woman forbidden

Does Propecia (Finasteride) act on women?

We have no study proving the action of Finasteride in women. On the
other hand, there would be an increase of the risk of breast cancer.
Finally, it is formally disadvised in pregnant women. For all these
reasons, it is not advised for women.Some doctors tried it on postmenopausal women with a
certain success, they assert. However, a double blindstudy on 137 women did not show any
difference between the finasteride group and the placebo group.
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/p/propecia/propecia_pi.pdf

Finasteride Propecia day time morning testosterone

Is there a best moment of the day to take Propecia ( Finasteride)?

The absorption of Finasteride is not influenced by the taking of food. It can thus be consumed indifferently with, later or during the meal. Given that the rate of testosterone is the highest in the morning, we sometimes recommend to consume Finasteride at this moment.The DHT rate (the hormone which derives from the testosterone and is responsible for hair loss) is the strongest in the morning. So, some people recommend using Propecia on getting up. The half-life of Propecia is 4 hours, which could incite to spread the taking over two or three times a day.

Testosterone blood concentration DHT dihydro testosterone

What is the influence of Finasteride on testosterone rate in the blood?

On the contrary to what patients are afraid of, the testosterone rate increases slightly. On the other hand, the DHT rate (dihydrotestosterone) decreases by about 50%. Finasteride prevents the testosterone transformation into DHT. This explains both blood modifications observed.

Finasteride Proscar Propecia muscle sportmen body builder

Some sportsmen (body builder) are afraid that Finasteride might prevent the normal muscular development, is this true?

Finasteride is a medicine which blocks the transformation of the testosterone in DHT where the enzyme 5 reductase Alpha exists. The DHT rate in the blood decreases by 70 % and the rate of testosterone increases slightly by 8 %. The experience does not show any change as far as the secondary sexual characters are concerned. There is no feminization and the muscular mass does not decrease. We can thus reassure those who are afraid of losing their muscular mass when they take Propecia.

Woman Minoxidil Regaine 2

What is the risk for a woman applying Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) 5 %?

The pharmaceutical companies which commercialize Regaine are too cautious regarding the potential side effects of the minoxidil in women. Indeed, a growth of hair on the lower part of the face has been noticed in women using the minoxidil 5 %, as well as a hypotensive tendency sometimes and a local irritation of the scalp. This growth of hair might be linked to the migration of the product, either via the blood circulation, or by the flow via the lymphatics through the face skin. Therefore we advise the user to check her face carefully. If hairs appear, it is recommended to stop the application of the lotion or to decrease the dose and the frequency.

Propecia Finasteride woman pregnant pregnancy no touch

Why is it forbidden to (potentially) pregnant women to use or even touch Propecia (Finasteride)?

During the first quarter of the pregnancy, the male fetus develops its genital organs. The DHT (a by-product of testosterone) interferes in this process. For that reason, it is not advised to pregnant women to manipulate and all the more to consume Finasteride. In fact, Finasteride causes abnormalities of the genitalia of the male fetus in animals.

Finasteride Propecia for how long delay

Do we have a sufficient experience concerning Finasteride (Propecia)?

In 1992, Finasteride (5 mg) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which Merck marketed under the brand name Proscar.
In 1997, Merck was successful in obtaining FDA approval for a second indication of Finasteride (1 mg) for treatment of male pattern baldness (MPB), which was marketed under the brand name Propecia.
The experience concerning side effects is thus around 20 years.

Propecia Finasteride Proscar double blind study

Results of Propecia (Finasteride) analyzed by the double blind technique

The double blind test is the only reliable test to check the effects of Finasteride. It consists in giving to a large number of patients either Finasteride or a placebo. It is called double blind because neither the patient nor the doctor knows who takes the placebo and who takes the Finasteride.
After 12 months, 58 % of the placebo patients will have abnormally lost their hair; 72 % after 24 months, and  100% after 5 years. After 12 months, only 14 % of the Propecia patients will have abnormally lost their hair, 17 % after 24 months and 35 % after 5 years. We can thus conclude that Propecia is clearly more effective than the treatment based on placebo.

Finasteride sport sportmen forbiden Propecia Proscar

Why is the Propecia (Finasteride) treatment forbidden to sportsmen?

Finasteride (Propecia) modifies the urinary dosage of certain forbidden steroids used in sports doping. It has no direct action on the muscular system. For more details, http://www.ishrs.org/articles/olympic-athletes.htm and http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10374487 It is recommended to every sportsman to ask its federation to have the list of the forbidden medications.

Minoxidil 2 vs 5 Regaine Rogaine

What rate of active principles must the by-products of Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) have in order to be really efficient?

These last years, the rate has been increased from 2 % to 5 %. Effectiveness is manifestly better. It is also recommended to use it twice a day rather than one.

The details of the study are the following : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12196747.

Here are the conclusions : In men with andro genetic alopecia, using Minoxidil 5% has been really more efficient than minoxidil 2% and than placebo, giving a better hair re-growth (45% additional re-growth  with  5% after 48 weeks treatment). The results were also visible earlier. Unfortunately, the skin irritation was also pore frequent with Minoxidil 5%.

 

 

Difference Minoxidil Regaine Rogaine 2 5

What is the difference between Minoxidil and Rogaine?

Minoxidil is the scientific, generic name. Regaine or Rogaine are the commercial names of the minoxidil. These products are of course more expensive than the generic form which can also be bought at the pharmacist’s. Regaine often crystallizes less frequently than the generic form. I recommend to always buy spare spray tips in order to be able to replace those who get blocked   by  the minoxidil precipitation.

difference between a definitive hair loss and a telogen effluvium

What is the difference between a definitive hair loss and a telogen effluvium?

An effluvium is a diffuse hair loss, usually linked to an attack or a deficiency. It stops the cycle but does not kill it permanently. Usually, before a definitive hair loss, the hair experiences a period of several years during which it grows slowly and ends up being miniaturized.

Effluvium Telogene hair loss definitive

How can people make the difference between a chronic effluvium and a permanent fall out?

On the one hand, the telogen effluvium concerns the whole scalp, which is not the case with the fall from androgenetic origin. On the other hand, the effluvium is often linked with a well known reason dating back two or three months earlier. Finally, if there is still any doubt, it is possible to make a test called trichogram. They tear off about fifty hair and they check their aspect, which allows to differentiate dead hair and living hair. It is also possible to make a photo-trichogram. It consists in cutting  a small long-haired surface very short and observe its evolution within 2 days. The hair in anagen phase will be the only ones to have grown. In this way, it is possible to evaluate the proportion of dead hair in comparison with living ones.

Minoxidil Regaine heart cardiac blood pressure

Is it recommended to use Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) in persons having cardiac problems?

A priori there is not contraindication. Indeed, Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) is a powerful hypotensor which acts by arteries vasodilatation when it is taken in tablet. When it is used in the case of hair loss, it is applied on the skin on a local level. At this moment, there is a small local reduction and in certain particularly sensitive patients, a slight low blood pressure might occur. In this case, it will be necessary to decrease the dose or, worse, to stop the use of minoxidil.

Cause effluvium telogene

What are the main reasons of a telogen effluvium?

The telogen effluvium corresponds to the hair transition from its anagen phase (growth) to a telogen phase (death). It takes three months for the dead hair to come off. This is why the effluvium always occurs a certain time after an aggression.
The causes are stress in a wide sense : general anesthesia, childbirth, important fever episode, hormonal changes, or stopping taking birth-control pills, post partum, iron or zinc deficiency, or taking certain medications causing reactions     (antidepressants, depressors, cholesterol lowering pills, anti-inflammatory, anti -ulcer, antihistaminics …)

Minoxidil Regaine Rogaine foamhair transplant replacement restoration

Do we know how Minoxidil acts?

Rather surprisingly, no one knows precisely how Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) acts. When it is taken by the mouth (oral route), it has a hypotensive action by vasodilatation (dilatation of arteries). It is possible that it acts in the same way when it is used in its liquid form. It penetrates the skin and might act on the follicle vascularization on a local level. The fact remains that if no one knows exactly how it acts, we know very well  the effects it produces on hair: it lengthens the term of the hair cycle, which means that it gives hair the possibility to live longer and therefore to grow. We have also noticed an increase of the diameter of miniaturized hair.

Woman Minoxidil Regaine 5

Why is Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) 5% not recommended in women?

I think this is the consequence of the drift of our notion of caution regarding the use of medications. Indeed, after many complaints from consumers in recent years, pharmaceutical companies, covered with legal advice, make every effort to avoid trials and convictions. From the moment that hair appeared on the face of women using Minoxidil (Rogaine or Regaine) (evidence that it is active on the hair), and this mainly when the rate of 5 % was used (evidence that a higher rate is more effective), the company chose to disadvise its use in women. I think it is perfectly legitimate for a woman to use it. They should just pay close attention to the appearance of facial hair. If it occurs (the frequency of appearance is very weak),  it is of course always time to decrease the dosage.

Minoxidil Regaine Rogaine pregnant pregnancy woman

Is Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) recommended during a pregnancy / before / after?

We only have little proof of the Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) toxicity in pregnant women. http: // thedrugsafety.com / minoxidil /.  The four cases mentioned in literature show anomalies in the fetus development. In these four cases, women used the oral route minoxidil, and not the liquid form.  As a result, the exposure was more important than when it is used in the liquid form at local level. However, we know that the minoxidil is fully or partly absorbed by the skin. So, it is disadvised to continue using the minoxidil during the pregnancy. However, the good news is that the pregnancy in itself protects the hair of the woman thanks to the increase of the estrogen rate. It will therefore be necessary to pay attention to resume taking minoxidil after delivery. The use of Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) during feeding is moreover allowed.

Minoxidil spray bottle application

Which is the advice for the application of Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) to avoid oily hair?

The users often complain about the tendency of the minoxidil to grease hair. It is due to the use of propylene glycol in the lotion composition. This product favors the solubilization of the minoxidil but is not volatile. When the lotion is applied on the hair, alcohol evaporates and only the minoxidil and the propylene glycol remain. There are therefore two good reasons to avoid applying the solution to hair itself. On the one hand, because the minoxidil which lands on the surface of the hair has no action on it and, on the other hand, because doing so hair will be “greasy”. It is therefore necessary to use small sprays with long beak such as those made for throat pains, and to pulverize in small touches in between the hair.

Stopping treatment Minoxidil Regaine Rogaine

While the stop of the Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) application is not recommended, why is it necessary to stop it for some days during a hair transplant? What are the possible consequences of this stop on the fall out of hair?

You must continue using Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) until the day of the surgery. However it is imperative to stop it during about ten days after the surgery. We are just cautious about the possible effect that the alcohol in the solution might have on the grafts.

Minoxidil Propecia delay time utilisation

At what moment does the treatment (Minoxidil or Propecia) become useless? When can you consider that the hair loss has stabilized?

The Minoxidil as well as the Finasteride are symptomatic treatments. It means that they treat the consequences and not the cause of the disease. This one is hereditary and up to now cannot be treated in a definitive way. Minoxidil (Regaine or Rogaine) and Finasteride only act on areas where hair remains. When the skin is absolutely beardless, it is useless to continue applying it. Unfortunately, it will not cause any re-growth at this level.

Hair transplant old young age

I’m 22 years old, and I started losing my hair when I was 16. My skull is almost bald. Somebody told me that it is not recommended to have a hair transplant when you are too young. What is your opinion about it?

What matters the most is not the age but the stage of baldness reached. Obviously, it is important to be very careful and reserved when a young person, with a little baldness, wants a hair transplant. If you do not understand precisely the causes of the hair loss, it is better to wait and postpone the surgery. Moreover, some medical treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are often very efficient at that age but if the baldness reached an important stage, it is possible to make a hair transplant before the recommended age, which is 25 years old. It would be best to see a good doctor, who will analyse your case and recommend you a therapeutic solution.

Incision density hair transplant replacement

I would like to know your opinion about the density of incisions. I have read that some doctors can reach 90 grafts per cm². Is it possible? Is it reasonable?

This is a very interesting question. There are two important limits for the density of the recepient sites. First, if you go over the number of 35 or 40 recepient sites per cm² there is a risk of bad regrow. There is also very often the risk that the grafts collapse because the density is not reasonnable. Second, the patients who asked for a high density forget that the number of grafts, even if it is an important number, must be spread on a surface big enough to make a satisfying result. If we increase too much the density, the surface to cover will decrease. It is better to think about it in this way. What is the best way to spread in density and on the surface the number of grafts reached? The key to obtain a good hair transplant is more the distribution’s strategy then the quest for maximal density.