Dody's Blog at Greyhairloss.com

Rogaine Consumer Reviews

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:52:16 GMT

It works for me

By DB, age 33, who has been using Rogaine for Women for three months:

This is my third month using Rogaine for Women 2%. I have mild hair loss located at the very front of my head, and per my dermatologists advice gave Rogaine a try.

This is the beginning of my 3rd month using Rogaine and I can clearly see new growth. Moreover, the new growth is thicker in diameter than the original hairs which is why I can see them so clearly.

Now, here is the downside. Rogaine works a bit too well for me as I have experienced unwanted hair growth on my face as well. The once barely visible fine or "baby" hairs are much thicker too AND have migrated further down my face. I also grew a stray hair on my nose - LOL.

That said, my once sparse eyebrow hairs are also thickening which is another plus for me.

Though facial hair growth is bad for a woman I am willing to deal with this as it indicates that my body is responding to Rogaine. And since I pluck and wax anyway, this really is not an issue.

I experienced dandruff during the first two weeks but this has resolved itself.

All I can say is give it a try, what do you have to lose except for the obvious - more hair.

Examining Flutamide's Hair Growth Promoting Properties

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:26:14 GMT

Flutamide is a non-steroid antiandrogen binding to androgen receptors and thus competing for this place with follicle-harming dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is a very powerful antiandrogen, available only by doctor's prescription. Oral flutamide is used in women to treat hirsutism (excess body hair) and acne and in men to treat prostate cancer. One clinical study has shown that flutamide is as effective in treating hirsutism as spironolactone and finasteride. Antiandrogenic effects of flutamide have lead to its use as a hair loss treatment in women and it is sometimes speculated that its topical applications might also be suitable for men.

In one small study flutamide was successful in producing a small but definite reduction in hair loss in hyper-androgenic pre-menopausal women with female pattern hair loss. In another study of a human scalp graft that was transplanted onto mice, it was shown that topically applied antiandrogens, such as flutamide and finasteride, are effective in extending hair length and diameter as well as in increasing the number of hairs per graft. It has been nine years since this study was published and to date no clinical evaluation of flutamide's effects on human hair growth has been conducted. Therefore, given the current level of clinical data, it seems fair to say that the margin of success as a hair loss treatment is too small for flutamide to be regarded as an effective medication for hair loss, while the health risks involved are too high.

Touch of Gray Consumer Reviews

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:38:59 GMT

Covered ALL Grey

By Harry, age 50, who used Touch of Gray once:

I used the "Medium Brown" version and it covered all of the grey which is not really what I wanted. Fortunately it lasts only about a month. Not sure why it completely removed all of my grey instead of just some of it as advertised.

HairMax LaserComb Consumer Reviews

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:03:32 GMT

Hairmax Light

by Dixon Duval from New Mexico, age 55, who has been using HairMax LaserComb for eight months:

I purchased this device with high hopes, unfortunately after maximum use over 8 months it was ineffective. So if you think shining a little red light on your head will make your hair grow...my advice is wait until the price drops to $5.

(Poly) Re-Nature Consumer Reviews

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:34:35 GMT

Still amazing!

By bearbeard from Netherlands, age 61, who has been using (Poly) Re-Nature for five years:

In December of 2008 I reviewed this product and I'm still absolutely amazed by the effectiveness and quality. It gives a look that's so utter natural ...! My only fear is that the company will EVER change the product or will EVER withdraw it from the market ... b.t.w. I know nothing about any long-term damage or health-risk, but I'm using it for at least 5 years now, without any sign of damage to my hair.

Sulfasalazine for Alopecia Areata

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:50:39 GMT

Alopecia areata is an unpredictable, autoimmune, hair loss disease affecting about 2% of the population. There are several existing treatments for alopecia areata but none of them offers stable and satisfactory results. A recently-conducted study with sulfasalazine shows that there is some hope of regrowing hair, even in patients with severe cases of alopecia areata. Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory medication first used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, seronegative arthropathies and psoriasis. During a period of three years, 26 patients with recalcitrant or severe alopecia areata (>40% hair loss) were enrolled in an open-label, uncontrolled clinical trial. Efficacy evaluation was performed with clinical examination. 22 patients completed the treatment. Based on the response to sulfasalazine, patients were divided into three brackets: no hair regrowth (< 10% terminal hairs), partial hair regrowth (10%-90% terminal hairs), and complete hair regrowth (90%-100% terminal hairs). Overall, 68% (15 patients) responded to the therapy; 27% (six patients) achieved complete hair regrowth, and 41% (nine patients) had partial hair regrowth. Seven patients (32%) had no hair regrowth. 10 patients (45%) suffered a partial or complete relapse after finishing the treatment. Side effects following the treatment were observed in seven patients (32%). The study concluded that sulfasalazine could be considered a therapeutic alternative in the treatment of alopecia areata because of its low incidence of severe side effects, good tolerability and acceptable efficacy.

Source:
An uncontrolled, open label study of sulfasalazine in severe alopecia areata.
Aghaei S.
Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.

Xandrox Consumer Reviews (15% Minoxidil with 5% Azelaic Acid)

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:00:53 GMT

Feels better than Rogaine

by Garry from NY, age 30, who has been using minoxidil 15% with azelaic acid 5% (Xandrox) for two years:

I am using a mixture of 15% minoxidil and 5% azelaic acid with good success. I have tried numerous other minoxidil products in the past but this seems to work best for me. The only drawback is that it leaves a residue of crystallised minoxidil on my scalp after drying but, despite that, it is less irritating to my skin than branded Rogaine and dries faster. And last but not least, 15% strong minoxidil has noticeably thickened my hair.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Speeding Up Hair Growth

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:44:56 GMT

It is often said that you cannot speed up your hair growth but it does not seem to be absolutely true. Many people who have tried a dietary supplement called methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for longer than two months report faster hair growth and in some of them this extra intake of organic sulphur leads to improving the thickness of their existing hair. These effects obviously last only as long as you use this substance. Therefore, MSM’s hair growth-promoting properties have led to its inclusion in a number of hair loss therapies.

MSM is an organic sulphur compound that can be found in a number of foods and in small amounts it is also produced in the human body. It is widely available as a nutritional supplement. MSM has been clinically proven to be beneficial in treating knee osteoarthritis and it is believed to be helpful in treating a variety of other health conditions such as allergies, snoring, interstitial cystitis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, etc. But many of those claims are not supported by any clinical evidence. The fact that MSM speeds up hair growth and thickens or stiffens the hair shaft is, the author’s own observation, supported by reports from several other individuals who have experimented with its extra intake. Although no defined daily dose exists and, for most conditions, 1.500-2.000mg of MSM a day are recommended, in order to speed up and thicken your hair 800-1.000mg daily should be a sufficient amount. MSM does not have any known adverse side effects. It is not very recommended to use MSM by people who are covering their grey, as it will speed up the growth of all of their hair and, since the white hair typically grows faster than regular pigmented hair, it will only exacerbate their situation, requiring more frequent hair colouring.

Revita Consumer Reviews

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:24:34 GMT

Seems good but way too expensive

By Greg from the WA, age 32, who has been using Revita shampoo for four months:

I have bought only one bottle so far, to use it once a week, and I am nearing the end of it now. I wanted to see if it was any better than Nizoral shampoo, which I have been using for two years to treat dandruff and itchiness. This product also contains a number of natural substances that are thought to promote hair growth. But get real, no matter how powerful these substances are, they cannot grow you new hair unless you leave them on the whole night. This is a shampoo that you have to wash off after several minutes. Revita is quite good at combating dandruff and it made my hair silkier and feel fuller. But many other shampoos can do that also. I doubt that this product is worth $30 a bottle if you intend to use it every day. I will continue with Nizoral shampoo but may occasionally buy Revita to give my scalp a refreshing change.

Nizoral Consumer Reviews

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:17:33 GMT

Nizoral makes my hair darker

by Myhairloss, age 29, who has been using Nizoral for two months:

I had read that Nizoral shampoo helps eliminate DHT in the scalp and decided to give it a go, although I am not suffering from dandruff. I am using minoxidil and generic Propecia daily against my hair loss and now, since about eight weeks ago, I shampoo my hair once a week with Nizoral. My first observation, after less than two months, is that my hair appears healthier and I have less grey. My hair has also gone a shade darker and feels softer. Until now I have not noticed any change in the quality of my hair while on Propecia and minoxidil. I have to wait for another two months or so to fully evaluate the results and see whether it was only a seasonal change in hair colour or not.

Latest Study Results of HairMax LaserComb's Safety and Effectiveness

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:54:55 GMT

HairMax LaserComb Laser Phototherapy Device in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled, Multicentre Trial.

The use of low levels of visible or near-infrared light for reducing pain, inflammation and oedema, promoting the healing of wounds, deeper tissue and nerves, and preventing tissue damage has been known for almost 40 years, since the invention of lasers. The HairMax LaserComb is a hand-held, lower level, laser therapy device that contains a single laser module that emits nine beams. The device parts the user's hair by combs that are attached to the device. This improves the delivery of the distributed laser light to the scalp. By parting the hair, the laser energy can be delivered to the scalp of the user without being obstructed by the individual hairs on the scalp.

The primary aim of the study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of the HairMax LaserComb laser phototherapy device in the promotion of hair growth and in the cessation of hair loss in males diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia. This double-blind, placebo device-controlled, multicentre, 26-week trial randomly allocated male patients with Norwood-Hamilton classes IIa-V to treatment with the HairMax LaserComb or the placebo device. The placebo device used in the study was identical to the active device except that the laser light was replaced by a non-active incandescent light source. Of the 110 patients who completed the study, subjects in the HairMax LaserComb’s treatment group exhibited a significantly greater increase in mean terminal hair density than subjects in the placebo device group. Consistent with this evidence for primary effectiveness, significant improvements in overall hair regrowth were demonstrated in terms of patients' subjective assessments. No further details on those improvements were provided though. The HairMax LaserComb was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported and no statistical difference in adverse effects between the study groups.

The results of this study suggest that the HairMax LaserComb is an effective, well tolerated and safe laser phototherapy device for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in males. This study was conducted by a private dermatology practice in Maitland, Florida. Further independent studies on a larger scale will be needed to confirm the positive findings from this report, as this very much looks like a sponsored study.

Examining Fo-Ti's Benefits for Reversing Gray Hair

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:23:58 GMT

Fo-Ti is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy derived from the root of polygonum multiflorum, a climbing plant native to China, now also widely grown in Taiwan and Japan. It is available in two forms: as unprocessed white Fo-Ti and processed red Fo-Ti, the red variety being considered the stronger of the two. Fo-Ti has been used in China for thousands of years as a longevity tonic under the name He Shou Wu (black haired Mr. He). This name refers to the 9th century legend of an old villager named Mr. He who took Fo-Ti and restored his black hair, youthful appearance and vitality and managed to father his first children at the age of 60. He lived to 130, maintaining his black hair. Other health benefits attributed to Fo-Ti root include its ability to reduce cholesterol levels in the bloodstream and thus protect against heart diseases; its ability to rejuvenate endocrine glands, which strengthens the body; its anti-cancer properties, sedative effects and ability to improve mental health; plus its ability to enhance the memory and beneficial effects on female fertility.

The properties that have attracted the attention of hair care product manufacturers are those related to Fo-Ti's assumed ability to counteract premature aging processes (such as reversing gray hair) and maximize the length of hair growth cycles. Therefore, Fo-Ti can be now found as a principal active ingredient in many herbal/natural remedies for reversing gray hair and stopping hair loss. But none of these benefits has ever been confirmed in any clinical study. The empirical evidence of Fo-Ti's positive effects on human hair seems to mainly consist of references to the legend of Mr. He from the 9th century A.D. The current consumer reports are mixed at best and the personal experience of the author of this review with using Fo-Ti to reverse his gray hair is negative. The most frequently reported side effects include digestive problems, diarrhoea and allergic reactions. Fo-Ti should not be digested by pregnant and breast feeding women or children. Nonetheless, being one of the main healing plants of traditional Chinese medicine, Fo-Ti may possess various other health benefits not directly related to hair and, therefore, it could be used successfully to improve your overall health.

Propecia Consumer Reviews

Wed, 27 May 2009 22:00:49 GMT

Works but makes me fat

By Ali from Texas, age 33, who has been using Propecia for eight months:

Although I cannot complain about a lower sex drive or breast enlargement caused by Propecia, I have experienced a significant increase in my body mass around my waist in eight months on this drug. I ditched it about four months ago and I am doing more exercises now to drop weight. I cannot find any reason for my sudden weight increase other than getting on Propecia. I would like to resume using it once I am back at my normal size to see what happens when I exercise more. I saw some of my vellus hair becoming longer and more pigmented and would like to try it again.

Adenosine Stimulates Hair Growth and Thickens Hair in Women

Sat, 23 May 2009 06:17:02 GMT

Adenosine is a nucleoside naturally occurring in all cells of the human body. It plays an important role in biochemical processes such as energy transfer and signal transduction. In one small clinical study conducted a few years ago, adenosine was shown to thicken miniaturised hair of Japanese men affected by androgenetic alopecia. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study with 30 Japanese women suffering from female pattern hair loss has been conducted recently in order to investigate the efficacy and safety of adenosine-based hair loss therapy in women. Volunteers used either 0.75% adenosine lotion or a placebo, which were applied topically twice daily for twelve months. The efficacy was then evaluated by dermatologists, research investigators and by self-assessment. Phototrichograms were used to help with the evaluation. The study concluded that adenosine significantly improved the hair loss condition in women by stimulating hair growth and by thickening their hair shafts. No side effects were observed during the trial. Further independent studies on a larger scale will be needed to confirm the positive findings from this report. Adenosine is already commercially available in hair loss cures such as Adenogen manufactured by the Japanese cosmetics firm Shiseido and in several generic products such as Dermenodex, Spectral DNC and Nioxin.

Source:
Adenosine increases anagen hair growth and thick hairs in Japanese women with female pattern hair loss: a pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Oura H; Iino M; Nakazawa Y; Tajima M; Ideta R; Nakaya Y; Arase S; Kishimoto J
The Journal of dermatology, 2008 Dec;35(12):763-7

Youthair Consumer Reviews

Thu, 21 May 2009 07:36:42 GMT

Truth_stands_tall

By Avi from San Diego, age 28, who has been using Youthair for 9 months:

This product is a total Fraud and by far the worst I have ever used. Do you want to know a logical explanation behind it? Go to Youthair site, and if you click on Submit a review button on a review page, it takes you to an email address link. Meaning they want you to send in a mail, then they will review your review and then decide whether to post it on their site or not.
The last comment - You flush your $$ bills down the toilet and you are going to get the same worth as Youthair products. I promise!!

Surgical Complications in Hair Transplantation

Wed, 20 May 2009 20:23:44 GMT

Hair surgery, like any other surgery, has its risks and possible side effects. Potential surgical and post-surgical complications arising from hair transplantation can be discouraging to many prospective hair transplant candidates. Most of the published literature on this matter deals with individual case reports rather than analysing series of patients. A study has been conducted recently analysing 425 hair transplant patients (407 men and 17 women) with a mean age of 37 years, who underwent 533 hair transplant procedures. They were observed for at least one year post surgery in order to evaluate surgical and post-surgical complications. An overall complications rate of 4.7% was determined. This percentage mainly consisted of enlarged scarring (1.2%), infection and inflammation of hair follicles, called folliculitis (1.0%), dying of hair follicles in the donor area (0.8%), keloid scarring (0.4%), excessive bleeding (0.2%), hiccups (0.2%), scalp infections (0.2%) and pyogenic granuloma (0.2%). The frequency of enlarged scars increased proportionally with the number of surgical procedures that the patient underwent. The study concluded that good communication between the patient and the surgeon, a proper clinical and laboratory assessment of the patient, accurate surgical technique, use of suitable equipment, a well trained surgical team and careful postoperative attention to the patient are crucial for successful hair transplantation and for reducing the complication rates. However, there are a number of other side effects that have not been mentioned in this study, such as weak hair growth due to the transaction of implanted hair follicles, the long healing process in the scar (which may be due to several different factors), scalp numbness and tension, etc. Therefore, the likelihood of adverse side effects occurring during and after hair transplant surgery is probably a bit higher than the complications rate found in this study.

Source:
Surgical complications in hair transplantation: a series of 533 procedures
Salanitri S; Gonçalves AJ; Helene A Jr; Lopes FH
Aesthetic surgery journal / the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic surgery; VOL: 29 (1); p. 72-6 /2009 Jan-Feb/

HairMax LaserComb Consumer Reviews

Mon, 18 May 2009 10:41:13 GMT

Reducing gray hair

by Leonard Stillman from Lexington International, age 35, who has been using HairMax LaserComb for five years:

We read the post regarding the reduction in grayness of hair. The HairMax LaserComb does not claim to exert any change in melanocytes to alter grey hair. However, many users have ancecdotally reported these changes upon using the HairMax LaserComb.

The HairMaxLaserComb not only effects hair density, but also prevents further hair loss with continued use. A change in hair density greater than 20% is considered to be evidence of significant results, but sometimes it is difficult to notice this change.

In conclusion, users have reported not only regrowth of hair in male pattern baldness, but have also noticed changes in quality and condition of the hair.

Intercytex Facing Serious Financial Difficulties

Tue, 05 May 2009 20:53:13 GMT

Skin regeneration specialist Intercytex put itself up for sale following the failure of a Phase III study of its leading project involving Cyzact, a therapy for healing chronic wounds caused by venous leg ulcers. This failure, combined with poor economic results in 2008, leaves the company struggling to secure financing for its existing projects. Net losses for 2008 exceeded ₤10m, sharply eroding the net assets, which now stand at a mere ₤7m. Despite the aforementioned difficulties, Intercytex is said to have made good progress on its four remaining developments, including the hair regeneration project ICX-TRC, but the information released was minimal and uninformative. Already, prior to this financial turmoil, the company had announced that it did not intend to continue financing the clinical and commercial development of ICX-TRC beyond the current Phase II trial phase and would seek to bring in a partner once they had the complete data package from the Phase II trial. Bosley, the largest chain of hair transplant clinics in the US, which already owns an option to negotiate distribution rights for the new product, will be interesting to watch now as to whether they decide to get more financially involved in this project.

ThymuSkin Consumer Reviews

Sun, 03 May 2009 10:24:48 GMT

Bald Spots Gone

By Austin from Texas, age 35, who has been using ThymuSkin for six months:

Thymusking gel stopped and reversed my hair loss. Nothing ever worked before.

HairMax LaserComb Consumer Reviews

Sat, 02 May 2009 10:30:40 GMT

Reducing gray hair

by diego from CA, age 58, who has been using HairMax LaserComb for five months:

I acquired this device knowing that it has not been approved by the FDA for reversing hair loss, despite the general belief that it has. My goal was to improve the overall health of my hair while continuing with minoxidil treatment. I did not expect HairMax to grow me a full head of hair. After about five months of regular use, my hair has the same density and thickness as before but it has helped with my gray hair and that is something I did not expect. This light has reduced my gray hair by about 20%.

Consumer Reviews of Grecian Formula

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:43:21 GMT

It takes longer to work

By Robin, age 59, who has been using Grecian formula for seven years:

It has become increasingly more difficult to cover my grey hair with Grecian. Now I read that I am not the only consumer experiencing difficulties with this product. The bottle says it contains lead acetate but this stuff is much less efficient than it used to be. I thought that Grecian was becoming less effective on my hair due to the many years of its continued use or that my hair has grown too white to get covered but the reason might be the formula has changed. It is so weak that I am considering trying something else.

Transplanting Grey Hair

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:53:37 GMT

It is a common misconception to believe that grey hair cannot be transplanted. But contrary to this widespread belief, grey or white hair can be transplanted as successfully as normal, pigmented hair. Grey hair is normal healthy hair and has been observed to be even more resistant to external factors than hair of original colour. It is also courser and grows faster than normal, pigmented hair. However, if there is any difficulty with transplanting grey hair, it is not because of its durability but due to the fact that the colourless, white hair, though thicker than regular hair, is less noticeable. And, since the supply of the donor hair is limited and the cost of transplanting white hair is the same as for pigmented hair, it is less economical to transplant white hair, as it does not create the same illusion of fullness as normal, pigmented hair. However, this does not apply to people who dye their hair. For those who would like to avoid transplanting white hair it is important to know that the follicular unit extraction method is a more suitable technique compared to traditional strip harvesting because it can easily identify and avoid the extraction of grey hair follicles. Age alone is not a determining factor in hair transplant surgery either. Critical factors with regards to a patient’s suitability for hair surgery, such as balding pattern, overall physical condition, flexibility of the scalp, sufficient density in the donor area, etc. are the same in people of all ages.

Touch of Gray Consumer Reviews

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:49:31 GMT

Natural looking

By Larry B from MB, age 53, who has been using Touch of Gray for two weeks:

This is the first off the shelf product like this I've tried. In the past I've gone to a hair stylist that combed in color to give the salt and pepper look.

The problem with stylists are:
a) its not a technique most of the them know;
b) cost me around $50 a shot; and
c) the results were uneven - either sometimes resulting in not enough color or other times all one color with no gray.

I tried this once so far, and it did exactly what I'd hoped. It darkened my hair while leaving the gray. And it was absolutely natural looking. My wife and kids said they'd never guess it was colored.

The only negative so far is that the chemicals did slightly bother me the first day - but I guess they do at the stylists too. Plus the stuff can get messy unless your careful. Apply either shirtless or with something disposable.

But overall, the results were better and more natural looking at 1/8th the cost and 1/4th the time than they would be at the stylists.

Ah the money I could have been saving...

Great stuff!

Alpecin Consumer Reviews

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:15:15 GMT

Hair regrowth formula

By Diane from the UK, age 45, who has been using Alpecin for three months:

My hair has been thinning for almost 7-8 years, due to extensive weaving and extensions. My hair was also extremely weak and fragile. My hair was so thin and fine, I could no longer conceal my bald patches around my temples and around the forehead.

I decided to try out alpecin (I had a good feeling this could help). The sensation was intense and it turned out to be the most effective hair product I have ever used. Not only has my hair regrown, my hair is now dense and extremely strong from the roots. My hair has not been this thick since I was 20 years old. Some products do work.

Folligen Consumer Reviews

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 05:57:59 GMT

Speeds up healing

By Jeff from the US, age 52, who has been using Folligen for two months:

I had a lipoma removed from the top of my scalp where my hair is very thin. I have been using minoxidil for years to control my hair loss and wanted to resume the treatment as soon as I could. I tried this spray in order to speed up the healing and reduce scarring and I was amazed at how quick and effective it was at closing the wound. It also left my scalp feeling healthy. This stuff is quite messy, it stains your pillow case and colors your hair, so I cannot recommend using it on a regular basis.

Different Sensitivities of Hairs to DHT within the Follicular Unit in Women

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:55:27 GMT

The balding pattern in women suffering from androgenetic alopecia is different from the male pattern, which makes it more difficult to diagnose. Women lose their hair throughout the whole scalp, which is known as diffuse hair loss, and in the early stages it is less recognisable. Diffuse hair loss makes women bad candidates for hair transplantation as it is impossible to tell which hair follicles are not going to be affected by miniaturisation in the future. In men, hairs at the back and on the sides of the head are not susceptible to balding and can be used for hair transplantation. However, the latest findings show that female pattern baldness does not affect all hairs within the follicular unit equally. A follicular unit can contain between one and four hairs. The research shows that the average number of terminal hairs in a follicular unit in women not affected by hereditary baldness is three versus two in women suffering from hair loss. These findings indicate that a certain hierarchy exists within the follicular unit determined by the susceptibility of individual hairs within each unit to the harmful effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) attacks, which results in uneven hair miniaturisation.

GreyBan Consumer Reviews

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:04:37 GMT

Grayban worked Miracles

By Debi from Massachusetts, age 48, who has been using GreyBan for two weeks:

First of all I have baby fine strawberry blonde hair. Since the color of my hair is almost impossible to duplicate out of a bottle, I was unable to use over the counter hair dyes. Even professional salons could not duplicate my hair color. I was so glad to find something that would return my hair color to it's once beautiful glory and hide the impeding gray. I say results after only two treatments! It does leave your hair looking like it's greasy. So I apply it only at night and then I can wash my hair the next morning. This gives it time to work it's magic. It's great that my hair now looks like it did when I was in my teens and twentys! I would definitely recommend this anyone with fair colored hair, it works great!!

Grey Hair – Three Most Frequently Asked Questions

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:23:59 GMT

1) What is the best treatment for reversing grey hair?
Premature grey hair can be a result of various medical conditions such as vitiligo, anaemia, chronic vitamin B deficiency, thyroid imbalance, alopecia areata, excessive stress, etc., but most often it is genetically determined. If you are not sure about the cause of you grey hair you need to consult your doctor. In the case that your grey hair is caused by one of the aforementioned medical conditions, addressing the causes can lead to the prevention of further greying. If your grey hair is genetically determined or caused by normal aging, there is relatively little you can do to prevent it. Current medicinal science does not know any medicine, herb, vitamin or therapy that can effectively bring back your original hair colour or halt the greying process. B vitamins, especially PABA and folic acid, are often mentioned as effective anti-grey hair vitamins but they have only been observed to help people with vitamin B deficiency and only those whose deficiency was caused by bad diet, and that is only a small percentage of premature grey hair sufferers. A number of commercial products claim to reverse grey hair but the evidence of their effectiveness is typically anecdotal. Hence, referring to the above, the only available treatment for natural greying is to cover your grey hair. You can either use a regular hair dye or a progressive hair colorant.

2) What options do I have to cover my white hair?
You can use regular hair dyes or progressive hair colorants to cover your white hair. If you wish to change the colour of your hair discretely and unnoticeably, a progressive hair colorant is the more suitable option of the two. The two most recommended products on this site are Re-Nature and GreyBan. Please note that this website is not associated with any product manufacturer or marketer and this recommendation was made purely on the basis of evaluating consumers experiences and the available factual data. However, it is important to note that progressive hair colorants are less effective in covering white hair than permanent hair dyes and, therefore, they have to be applied more frequently, which makes them a more expensive option. Secondly, progressive hair colorants will not cover all of your white hair, so use them only if you want to keep some of your hair grey. They work great if you use them selectively to target only certain areas. And lastly, progressive hair colorants work gradually for several days after being applied until you wash them off and some of them continue working even after the hair has been shampooed. As for hair dyes, they can be temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent and permanent, depending on the durability of their coverage. The best choice amongst them for covering grey hair are permanent hair dyes. However, hair dyes do not allow you to target only certain areas, they cover all your hair, white and pigmented, and do their work immediately as you apply them.

3) Where in the US (North America) can I buy Re-Nature?
Re-Nature is currently not available in stores and pharmacies in either USA or Canada. It can only be ordered from overseas. It is readily available in online pharmacies in Australia and Germany, where it can be ordered for delivery to North America. No evidence has been found that Henkel (owner of the Schwarzkopf brand) has applied for regulatory approval in the US or Canada yet. There is no reason to believe that registering this product could be a difficult regulatory issue, as Re-Nature has been approved in Australia, New Zealand and in many countries of the European Union, and some of them have very strict rules on allowing the use of harmful chemicals in consumer products and are known for banning lead acetate from cosmetics. Hence, the date when this product could become available for distribution in North America cannot be reasonably estimated.

Rogaine Foam Consumer Reviews

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:12:51 GMT

Easy to apply and fast drying

By Neil from the US, age 33, who has been using Rogaine foam for year and a half:

This is a great improvement over the liquid form. It has its typical smell that many are complaining about but other than that this stuff is practically unnoticeable in your hair a few minutes after application. It does not differ from minoxidil lotion in terms of its efficacy and the premium you pay is for it being so easy to apply. In my opinion, Rogaine foam is amongst the best hair loss solutions currently available. I will continue using it.

Consumer Reviews of Boom Boom Hair

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:11:10 GMT

w

By Sid from Canada, age 22, who has been using Boom Boom Hair for two years:

mirage fiber is better!

Beta-Sitosterol for Hair Loss

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:58:46 GMT

Beta-sitosterol is a plant-derived phytosterol found in saw palmetto, pygeum africanum, pumpkin seeds, rice bran, wheat germ, corn oils, soybeans, etc. Due to its ability to emulsify fats, it is widely used as a cholesterol-reducing supplement. Studies have shown that the use of beta-sitosterol also improves urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is often assumed that this effect is achieved through blocking the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Although it seems possible that beta-sitosterol could help relieve symptoms associated with BPH, no piece of scientific evidence exists that shows it would do so by reducing the DHT levels in our body. DHT happens to be the main culprit responsible for enlarged prostates (BPH), as well as hereditary hair loss in men and women. Despite the aforementioned beta-sitosterol is becoming increasingly popular and can be found in numerous herbal and natural hair loss remedies, both in oral and in topical applications.

The health benefits of beta-sitosterol are less well studied than those of another assumed natural DHT blocker - saw palmetto. But since the effectiveness of saw palmetto in treating BPH and hair loss is derived from the presence of phytosterols, you can refer to research conducted on saw palmetto if you wish to discover the health potential of beta-sitosterol (see also: Can Saw Palmetto Help Treat Hair Loss?). No clinical evidence exists that saw palmetto could be beneficial in promoting hair growth and recently it was cast in doubt whether it even helps shrink enlarged prostates, for which it has been used for decades. This new finding also puts in doubt naturalists’ claims that beta-sitosterol promotes hair growth. Nevertheless, due to its low health risk profile, beta-sitosterol can be used safely by those patients who are, for whatever reason, seeking an alternative to the medicinal DHT inhibitors such as finasteride or as an experimental supplement to their existing hair regrowth regimen or as a substitute for saw palmetto. Unlike saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol can also be used by women and children.

ScalpMed Consumer Reviews

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:26:06 GMT

Burning my scalp

By Andy from Illinois, age 29, who has been using ScalpMed for four months:

After four months of using this product, I can say it was designed to earn money for its originator not to grow hair. I know I should give it at least six months to see results but I am reluctant to continue. I am going back to minoxidil and biotin, as these two things have worked a lot better for me. This stuff gives me an itching and burning scalp and I cannot believe this is a healthy environment for growing thicker hair.

Topical Finasteride Gel as Effective as Oral Drug?

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:32:02 GMT

A recently published clinical study from Iran shows that topical finasteride in the form of a topical gel is as effective in treating male pattern baldness as oral use of this drug. This double blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted over a period of 6 months on 45 male subjects who had been balding for 1.5 - 2 years.

Serial measurements indicated a significant increase in hair thickness and terminal hair counts in both groups. The study concluded that as a result of the treatment there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of hair thickness, hair counts and the size of the balding area, hence the therapeutic effects of both, finasteride gel and finasteride pill, could be considered relatively similar to each other. However, no comparison was provided regarding the side effects. Further independent studies on a larger scale will be needed to confirm the positive findings from this report.

Revivogen Consumer Reviews

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 08:19:27 GMT

Unpleasant stuff

By Greg, age 34, who has been using Revivogen for six months:

I have been using Revivogen system for six months, finishing my stock about a year ago. The shampoo and conditioner were OK but the liquid you are supposed to apply to your hair daily is unbearable. It feels oily, makes your hair sticky and does not enable you to style your hair. Its smell is so unbearable that you can only apply it a few hours before going to bed and then you stain your pillow case. I did not expect Revivogen to grow back my lost hair. This product did not make my condition any better or worse and I do not think this weird substance is worth the money and effort you have to put in.

Pygeum Africanum as a Natural Hair Loss Treatment

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 09:04:29 GMT

Pygeum africanum is an evergreen tree growing in the higher elevations of Africa. The extract from its bark is rich in derivatives of natural fatty acids and is used in herbal medications to relieve urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although the mechanism of its action is unknown, it is assumed that it could inhibit conversion of the male hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT happens to be the main cause of BPH (or prostate enlargement) and is also considered the main culprit in causing male as well as female pattern baldness. Pygeum africanum is less studied than another assumed natural DHT blocker - saw palmetto. In one small study, the effects of pygeum africanum on BPH were examined in conjunction with nettle root extract and it was concluded that combining these two substances increases the effectiveness of each herb. Pygeum appears to be the stronger component in treating BPH than nettle root.

The assumed ability of pygeum africanum to block conversion of testosterone to DHT has lead to its many applications in natural and herbal hair loss remedies. However, pygeum africanum has never been the focus of any clinical hair loss study. In addition to the lack of scientific evidence supporting its use as a hair loss remedy, there is also no empirical evidence available, as no relevant consumer reports exist of it being beneficial in promoting hair growth. Due to its low health risk profile, it can be used safely by those patients who are, for whatever reason, seeking an alternative to the medicinal DHT inhibitors, such as finasteride, or as an experimental supplement to your existing hair regrowth regimen. Pygeum may not be used by pregnant and breast-feeding women or by children.

Consumer Reviews of Boom Boom Hair

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:14:22 GMT

Hair building fiber

By Bruno Dangeels from Italy, age 27, who has been using Boom Boom Hair for two years:

I was visiting an actor friend in LA, he received a product called Boom Boom Hair. I tried it and loved it. My hair colour is dark blond so I use the wheat shade.

Procerin Consumer Reviews

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:48:10 GMT

No tangible results

By longhair, age 44, who has been using Procerin for three months:

“Procerin contains a mix of herbal extracts and vitamins that are supposed to provide your hair with essential nutrients and neutralise the negative impact of dihydrotestosterone, which makes this treatment effective in reversing hair loss in men caused by androgenetic alopecia”.

Although I cannot confirm this claim as I have not been able to regrow a single hair so far, I think the pills cannot do you any harm unless you are allergic to their herbal components. This stuff dries out your mouth, though, and interrupts your sleep at night. Make sure you have a bottle of water by your bed. The liquid is sticky and smelly and can only be used at night and then washed off in the morning. It looks too aggressive to be applied daily. It merely made my hair recede faster. I would like to give Procerin two and a half stars, which is not possible here, so I am giving it three, as I do not want to sound too negative. This product may help you keep your hair a bit longer but do not think of growing back the hair you have lost. Avoid using the topical lotion.

(Poly) Re-Nature Consumer Reviews

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:00:47 GMT

This stuff works.

By Joe from USA, age 39, who has been using (Poly) Re-Nature for one month:

I decided to try out Re-Nature after reading the active ingredient did not contain lead acetate. I had been using Youthair (to little effect) but my wife freaked out a bit when she learned that it contained lead. So, i decided to order Re-Nature despite the fact it cannot be purchased in the US (for reasons I still don't understand - i wound up ordering it online from some online pharmacy in Australia). I have relatively short hair that is about 85-90% gray. After two applications of the product i had a noticeable difference in hair color. After four applications I was really getting my natural black (Irish) hair color back – with the exception of my sideburns and widows peak which stayed quite gray. After the first couple of applications i did see a slight blue tint to my hair which eventually faded out and has not shown itself again even after subsequent applications. I apply it every weekend now and am very satisfied - just wish I could pick it up at the corner pharmacy instead of having to order it from the other side of the world.

Use of Topical Sironolactone in Treating Male Pattern Baldness

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 04:56:09 GMT

Spironolactone (trade name Aldactone) is a diuretic causing increased amounts of sodium and water to be excreted from the body, while potassium is retained. Because of its ability to promote potassium retention in the body, its uncontrolled intake can lead to hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia, an abnormal increase of electrolyte potassium in the blood, can profoundly affect the nervous system and heart and, when extreme, can be fatal. Recent studies also indicate that spironolactone might be carcinogenic and, therefore, unnecessary use of this drug should be avoided.

Spironolactone happens to have anti-androgenic effects, which has lead to its use as a hair loss treatment. However, due to its feminizing effects, including breast enlargement, the oral form of this drug should not be prescribed to male patients. There are some generic topical applications available to male hair loss sufferers but empirical evidence suggests that spironolactone is not a very powerful weapon in the fight against male pattern baldness. Most consumers report no regrowth at all, whereas the most common complaint is about its weird smell. Considering the potential negative side effects and the low effectiveness of this drug, male hair loss patients should give preference to other more powerful and less harmful anti-androgens, such as finasteride or dutasteride, and consider it only as a weapon of last resort. For women, who typically have fewer options when it comes to treating baldness and due to the lower risk it presents to their health, spironolactone is an acceptable alternative to finasteride.

Consumer Reviews of Grecian Formula

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:37:49 GMT

It doesn't work anymore

By John Townsend from Canada, age 55, who has been using Grecian formula for ten years:

I have used this product for years & have been quite satisfied with it.
Just recently however something has changed. The product simply doesn't work anymore.

Provillus Consumer Reviews

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:49:23 GMT

Do not expect miracles from a vitamin pill

by Joseph, age 45, who has been using Provillus for four months:

Povillus is a vitamin pill. Do not expect it to grow back the hair you lost years ago. My impression is that it makes my hair grow faster and look shinier. I have not experienced any hair thickening or regrowth. I am giving it three stars for being seemingly a good mix of useful nutrients promoting healthy hair.

Is Drinking Green Tea Good for Slowing Hair Loss?

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:57:42 GMT

Green tea is made from the dried leaves of the tea plant (camellia sinensis), whereas black tea is made from leaves of the same plant that have gone through a fermentation process before being dried. Green tea is rich in catechins, which are known to have anti-oxidant properties and it is, therefore, often claimed to help prevent cancer. In addition, green tea has been credited with providing a wide variety of other health benefits, such as helping to prevent heart disease, strokes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer disease and tooth decay, some of which have not been validated by scientific evidence. The Chinese have been consuming green tea for 5000 years (longer than back tea) and the only negative side effect reported from drinking it has been insomnia, due to the fact that it contains caffeine.

In one study green tea was reported to reduce dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the body but this claim has not been independently verified. This assumption brought attention to green tea as a potential natural cure for hair loss. Many natural hair loss remedies include green tea extract in their pills as well as their topical applications. However, until now, no clinical studies have been done to show the efficacy of green tea in preventing hair loss in humans. In one study of the effects of green tea on hair loss in mice, it was concluded that green tea did not stop hair loss by blocking DHT, as many had originally speculated, but as a result of its anti-inflammatory properties. In another study, it was suggested that green tea could act on our hair in a similar fashion to minoxidil, which is thought to stimulate hair growth because of its anti-oxidative capacity.

In summary, it can be concluded that no scientific proof exists that green tea is beneficial in promoting hair growth and there is no empirical evidence of its benefits available either, as most consumers who use green tea also use other hair growth-promoting agents. Nevertheless, including green tea in your daily regimen cannot be harmful, considering its many other health benefits. Since there is no proof of its efficacy for treating hair loss, there is no recommended daily dose level either, so it is up to the user to decide.

Youthair Consumer Reviews

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:20:12 GMT

It works but is a bit inconvenient to use

By Reni, age 49, who has been using Youthair for almost two years:

This is a good product to cover your gray, if you do not want to color all your hair. For those wishing to cover all their white areas, a regular hair dye is a more economical solution. The difficulty with this product is that it is effective in changing the hair color only so long as it stays in your hair. I usually apply it in the morning after washing my hair, then in the evening and again in the morning and wash it off the next morning. Thus it stays in my hair for 48 hours, while repeated applications seem to increase its efficacy. I do this once a week. The problem is styling your hair once you have this stuff on or when you start sweating or are caught in the rain - the chemical smell will start spreading instantly. This product really works, though you have to use it more frequently than a regular hair dye but it works more naturally.

Vitamins and Minerals

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:58:50 GMT

Reader's feedback from Mark

I would beg to differ on your comments that claim that hair loss cannot be caused by a vitamin/mineral deficiency. About a year ago, I was in a health shop for some calcium and I noticed a new herbal hair loss product. I researched it on the web and found out this incredibly expensive product was just simply vitamins and a special herb. So I ended up doing a lot of research on the Web and ended up with this mix of Vitamins. One daily multi Vitamin, two B50 complex vitamins, two 500mg vitamin C with bioflavonoids, one 1000 mg MSM, one 160mg Saw Palmetto extract and an Omega 3-6-9 cold pressed oils. I have also altered my diet so that everything is whole grain and I have increased my aerobic exercise. Before I started all this, I had widows peak and the center hair was very thin. Now, the center hair is fuller and thicker. Whether any new hair has been revived I do not know and what part of the treatment worked I do not know. All I know is before I looked balding and now you can hardly tell. I might want to also add that I had an itchy scalp and had heard about hair mites. I used an apple cider vinegar cold wash for 2 weeks and my scalp has not been itchy since. The added bonus is my nails are healthier and stronger. Most of this is for the hair but I also started it for general health. By the way, I saw all the snake oil sites and researched each portion of my regime to see if there was any real research behind it and came up with this mix. It would take too long into the reasons I chose this mix. I plan to drop to just Omega 3 oils and I will be making my own shampoo out off pure soap and a few additives since I shower daily.

Also, I have just started up Minoxidil to see if I can get even more improvement on hair re-growth. This is just an experiment and if I have not seen dramatic results in 4 months, I will drop it.

Use of Stinging Nettle in Hair Loss Remedies

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:16:40 GMT

Stinging nettle (urtica dioica) is a common perennial plant, native to the temperate and subtropical zone of the northern hemisphere. As its name suggests, it is best known for its ability to deliver a considerable sting, which occurs when small hairs on its leaves and stem brush against skin, causing a burning sensation and a rash which can last up to 24 hours. The plant has, for centuries, been used in many cultures as a traditional folk medicine to treat various conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis, anaemia, kidney problems, inflammation of the urinary tract, etc. In addition to becoming a popular healing plant, stinging nettle has, in some cultures, been used as a vegetable and, due to its high nutritional value, is often compared with spinach.

For our purposes, the most significant application of stinging nettle today is the use of its root extract to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is believed to have the same root cause as hereditary hair loss. Nettle root extract has been observed in some studies to relieve symptoms of BPH and, hence, it is believed that it is able to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to follicle-harming dihydrotestosterone (DHT). However, no clinical studies have been conducted to date into nettles’ ability to combat hair loss and its mechanism of action in regards to treating BPH remains unknown. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, nettle root extract has become a popular ingredient in a number of herbal and natural, hair loss treatments alongside other assumed DHT blockers such as saw palmetto and pygeum africanum. In one recent study, the ability of nettle to relieve the symptoms of BPH was compared with pygeum africanum and it seems that it needs to be used in significantly higher dosages in order to achieve the same benefit. Caution is advised to patients using nettle root extract since the whole plant is known to be allergenic to a lot of people. Other than that the risk of adverse events during nettle root treatment is low, as is its toxicity.

In summary, stinging nettle is not a proven DHT inhibitor because its mode of action is not known. It cannot be considered as a hair loss treatment either since it has never been used in any clinical hair loss study. In addition to the lack of scientific evidence supporting its use as a hair loss remedy, there is also no empirical evidence available, as no relevant consumer reports exist of it being beneficial in promoting hair growth. Due to its low health risk profile, it can be used safely by those patients who are, for whatever reason, seeking an alternative to the medicinal DHT inhibitors such as finasteride, or as an experimental supplement to your existing hair regrowth regimen.

Viviscal Consumer Reviews

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:39:39 GMT

Amazing product!

By Andrea from Fairless Hills, PA, age 27, who has been using Viviscal for six months:

For me, this product is nothing short of fabulous!! I have had thin, stringy, blonde hair my entire life. I've tried pretty much every product on the market, including herbal and natural remedies. Nothing worked. I saw this product in a women's beauty product catalogue and decided to give it a try. With continued use, my hair grew longer and faster and actually grew in thicker! I always wear my hair up because I was so embarrassed that it was thin. When I wore it down, my entire family commented on how noticeably thick it had gotten. I stopped using the product because I couldn't afford it anymore and there were no negative side effects...i.e., my hair didn't fall out, thin out, etc. I am going to start using it again to see if I get increased results. HIGHLY recommend this product! And yes, I am a REAL customer.

(Poly) Re-Nature Consumer Reviews

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:15:13 GMT

renature

By bearbeard, age 61, who has been using Re-Nature for four years:

I don't know if it's because I'm just a lucky one to have fantastic results with this product... It's simply great, never had any problem (only once in a period of 4 years I had a strange allergic reaction, while I use it every 2 weeks!). It works absolutely wonderful and gives a very natural look and I use it ALWAYS for my beard and moustache, too. It seems it's especially developed for me (I mean for my type of hair, which turns more and more grey, while my original colour was brown/dark-blonde). By the way, I always use the DARK type of this product, because the medium-type doesn't do very much.

Alpecin Consumer Reviews

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:46:43 GMT

Does nothing to stop hair loss

By Peter from Belgium, age 39 who has been using Alpecin for 5 months:

Hello, my review is based on five months experience with Alpecin after-shampoo liquid. Initially, I applied it religiously after each shampoo wash for about four months. I liked the burning and refreshing feeling it gave me, as I thought it was necessary in order to bring the caffeine and other active ingredients to deeper skin layers, down to the hair follicles. It also seemed to stiffen my hair with each application but I have not noticed any improvement in my hair loss condition and certainly no regrowth. After about three months of using it my hair became lighter in colour, which has to be due to the liquid’s high alcohol content. Shortly I decided to continue using it only twice a week until finishing my stock and I am becoming increasingly sceptical about caffeine’s positive impact on my hair loss. My hair loss is hereditary and it is fair to say that no product could hold it back so far.

Milanitin and Alpotin Twins

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:16:01 GMT

Milanitin and Alpotin are two identical twins ready to sort out nearly all of your hair problems. Milanitin, in its own words, is an amazing, 100% guaranteed treatment for your premature grey hair, whereas Alpotin can, in the same convincing way, take care of your alopecia. No matter how long you have been suffering from premature grey hair, The company marketing Milanitin assures you that with its use you will regain your condition faster than with any other solution currently available. And guess what, Alpotin can give you the same assurance when it comes to alopecia. Milanitin's composition is 100% safe and all of its ingredients are purely natural and free from any negative side effects. Needless to say, Alpotin offers no less safety. And finally, Milanitin is an established treatment that produces time-tested results. Did you think Alpotin would not?

Both of these 'miracle' cures are homeopathic and, since they are like identical twins, their dosage happens to be the same. They also cost the same - US$95 for two 30ml bottles that will last for two months. Admittedly, they are not cheap but what would you expect for a guaranteed risk-free treatment?

If you want to convince yourself about the benefits of these two ‘miracle’ cures, check out their websites (Milanitin, Alpotin). And if you have decided to buy either of them, be careful when ordering. Make sure you do not order a hair loss treatment if you are a grey hair sufferer, or vice versa. Or would it matter so much?

If you have not guessed by now, this story is a little joke and I do not recommend buying either of these two products.

Why Do We Like Natural Hair Loss Treatments?

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:04:09 GMT

The sales of natural hair loss treatments are breaking historical highs these days and new products are emerging every day. This swing to all-natural products seems to be a general consumer trend not confined to the hair loss industry. The modern glutamate generation is reinventing traditional products in all walks of life. Generations that have long got used to nutritional supplements to prop up their immune systems, instead of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, are now changing their consumer preferences and learning to appreciate organic produce. This situation creates great opportunities to bring in new products and artful marketers are exploiting them. The cosmetics field stands in the forefront of this trend, with hair loss products being no exception.

The arguments that convince increasing numbers of consumers to buy hair loss products labelled as all-natural are usually very simple. They are assumed to be more effective than medicinal products but without having any negative side effects. However, the scientific evidence and consumer experience do not support such claims.
The claim of superior efficacy is based on the assumption that the natural substances used are substitutes for synthetic drugs and, since there are so many different kinds of them within each formula, they work together to enhance the total effectiveness. The fact is, however, that nobody knows how this complex system works. In addition, no herbal extract or naturally-derived substance has ever been clinically proven to promote hair growth. Most of such claims refer to studies conducted on rodents or in vitro or very small sponsored human studies. Admittedly, there are some promising substances of natural origin but all of them require further examination in order to establish safe dosages and efficient delivery systems.

The second argument, regarding the lack of negative side effects, does not hold water either. Natural hair loss treatments are not known to have any negative side effects because they have never been tested for them. This is not the same as not having any. Natural hair-care products are a frequent cause of allergic reactions. Furthermore, a number of natural hair loss products come in the form of pill supplements, and overdoses on certain minerals and vitamins can cause serious health problems, such as liver damage, as the body tries to expel excessive levels of some elements. One thing is certain, though, most of such products will seldom work as promised and thus the chances that you will ever use them long enough to develop any problems from systemic overdose are relatively slim.

Rogaine Foam Consumer Reviews

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:49:57 GMT

The best version of minoxidil I have used

By evergreen from Bristol UK, age 45, who has been using Rogaine foam for 8 months:

I’ve used liquid Rogaine for about three and a half years, sometimes experiencing itchy scalp and dandruff, which caused me to break off the treatment quite a few times. I have tried other oily generic lotions too but the problem has always been the same, they took long hours to dry and made my hair sticky. In April, I started using Rogaine foam and I think I will stay with it as long as there is no better hair-growth stimulant available. It is easy to apply, dries quickly, visually it cannot be recognised and it is not giving me dandruff. It is, though, a lot more expensive than the liquid. The weakness is its unpleasant chemical scent. I do not know what is in it that it smells so weird but its smell will be with you for about half an hour. The foam appears to me to be just as effective as the liquid Rogaine in stopping my hair loss. I have not experienced any regrowth before and I doubt Rogaine foam will give me any either. I am using it as a prevention and to thicken my existing hair and I am not combining it with any other hair-growth treatment.

Five Major Rules to Follow When Treating Hair Loss

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:51:11 GMT

1) Start early
The greatest mistake many hair loss patients make is denying they are suffering from hair loss. Typically you have to lose about 50% of your hair in the thinning area to notice that you are balding. Many sufferers are extremely pessimistic about being able to regrow lost hair and do not want to try anything. Only after they have lost a substantial portion of their hair do they realise they are looking older than their age and decide to try something. But reversing hair loss is a lot more difficult task and takes much longer to register results than halting the further progression of baldness.

2) Start with proven remedies
Most hair loss sufferers begin approaching their problem cautiously. They get scared by proven medicinal products, such as finasteride and minoxidil, because of the many negative reviews regarding their alleged side effects. This is a catch used by the marketers of various hair scams who spread stories about the negative side effects of medicinal treatments in order to lure you in to their scam. As a result many people decide to begin with natural alternatives. This usually wastes their time and they keep losing further hair. It is very strongly recommended to start with proven medicinal remedies and try alternative treatments only as a support therapy or if medicinal drugs have failed or caused side effects. The chances of medicinal products actually causing negative side effects are typically less than one percent.

3) Take pictures of your scalp
Since most hair loss sufferers do not believe they can really regrow lost hair, they do not take any pictures of their scalp at the beginning of their treatment. Thus, whether things are improving or not, they have no old photos for later comparisons and cannot evaluate the effectiveness of their treatment.

4) No Overdosing or Using Multiple Treatments Simultaneously
Another common mistake is overdosing and using multiple treatments simultaneously. If you want to try different things, do not start applying them all at the same time. Any treatment requires a minimum of four months to kick in and you should allow it at least six months to deliver results. Please note that overdosing will not speed up or improve results either but it can lead to the emergence of negative side effects. Be consistent and patient.

5) Do Not Overreact to Shedding
Do not overreact to shedding by discontinuing the treatment. You are not balding because your hair is falling out, but because it is getting finer and thinner with every hair’s life cycle until it is not replaced by another hair at all. Shedding is often a good sign, telling you that the new treatment is working. Hair follicles must shed the old thin fibre, in order to rearrange themselves and start producing thicker hair. Get over it and you will most likely be rewarded.

Pantostin Consumer Reviews (Ell-Cranell Alpha)

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:23:08 GMT

For me (not yet bald and just thinning), this stuff is great

By Young American from USA, age 52 who has been using Pantostin for 6 weeks:

So I have a lot of hair but beginning around 3 years ago, stylists began noticing thinness and they are really talking about it lately, sometimes recommending quack remedies.

I used minoxidil, supposedly a one-month bottle and it was gone in just over 2 weeks (my fault, naturally, how could I be so careless as to use it up too fast, blah-blah). I tried this stuff instead and after only a few weeks my hair is now bushy and full, the stylists won't shut up about it. No joke. The product will not grow hair on bald spots it seems, but if you are losing hair, this could be the ticket, despite the "weak weapon" meme that everybody likes to repeat.

Is It Possible to Reverse Grey Hair?

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:55:24 GMT

Reversing grey hair is similar to regrowing lost hair due to hereditary factors in that it requires interference with our genes and resetting our internal clock. Although there are various other causes of grey hair, such as excessive stress, bad diet, vitamin B deficiency and smoking, all of them put together account for less grey than the single biggest cause - genetics. There is no essential difference between premature and normal, age-related greying process. The pigment that determines the colour of our hair is produced by special cells at the root of our hair called melanocytes. It is the lifespan of melanocytes that determines the onset of the greying process. This lifespan is genetically given and has little to do with our age or life-expectancy. Once melanocytes die, the hair turns white. It is by virtue of nature that some people will experience their first grey in their teens while others take all their black hair to the grave. If more than 50% of a person’s hair is white by the age of 40, it is considered premature. No matter whether we are treating grey hair in a twenty year old or in a seventy year old person, the approach should be the same.

Many people, most recently and increasingly men, are dyeing their hair. Whether you use conventional, permanent or semi-permanent hair dyes or progressive grey hair colorants, the results are usually satisfactory. That is provided you do not suffer from an allergy. However, many grey hair sufferers believe they can reverse their greying hair naturally. But is it possible? Given the currently available treatment options, it seems it is not. Reversing the greying of hair naturally appears at least as difficult as regrowing lost hair from a bald spot. There is no scientific evidence that any existing medicinal substance, herb, dietary supplement or natural product can prevent or reverse greying hair. Several cosmetic and pharmaceutical giants are working on the discovery of the ultimate cure for greying hair but no satisfactory solution is available yet. There are some promising lines of genetic research, most notably telomere research, that could produce the ultimate answer to greying hair but their practical applications are a good ten years away.

Despite the lack of scientific and consumer evidence about reversing grey hair, there are some commercial products that claim to rejuvenate the dead melanocytes and reverse greying. Most anti-grey hair products either use Fo-Ti, referring to the centuries old legend of Mr He, who recovered his original hair colour, youthful appearance and vitality from traditional Chinese medicinal herb (also known as He Shou Wu), or use B vitamins (mostly PABA and folic acid) as their main ingredients, since some forms of premature greying are believed to be caused by vitamin B deficiency. However, such products are ineffective for the vast majority of grey hair sufferers. The sad truth is that most anti-grey hair products are a scam.

GreyBan Consumer Reviews

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:00:59 GMT

Having continued success

By Nick, age 51, who has been using GreyBan for one year:

I had been using Grecian formula before trying GreyBan. It had worked for me but it became seemingly less effective after many years of continued use. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that GreyBan does a better job of blending white hair with my remaining dark brown hair. It seems to work better for brownish hair, whereas Grecian is more suitable for shades of black. But GreyBan should not be expected to dye all your hair in one application. It needs to be applied regularly and will never cover all your white hair. My worst areas of white are on the sides and some of the hairs there never grow dark. I give it only four stars because it needs to be applied at least twice a week which is much less convenient than using a permanent hair dye.

Melancor-NH Consumer Reviews

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:15:08 GMT

Save your money and nerves

By Martin, age 42, who has been using Melancor NH for 6 months:

I have tried it for the full six months and my gray hair is as gray as it ever was. All I got was diarrhoea after each morning pill. I regret I did not study the consumer reviews more carefully before I got into it. This product is a nutritional supplement and might work well for those who want to lose weight. I am not balding so I cannot comment on its ability to regrow hair but I am sceptical it can help with that either.

Will Recent Advances in Hair Science Put Hair Transplant Clinics Out of Business?

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:00:43 GMT

Hair transplant clinics have been experiencing a tremendous rise in popularity and patient numbers in recent years, which is mainly due to improvements in the hair surgery techniques they use. Today’s hair transplants can give you a completely natural look, particularly thanks to the advent of follicular unit extraction technology. But all hair transplantation techniques face one constraint - a limited supply of donor hair. The maximum number of grafts that can be transplanted is, depending on the individual’s hair density in the donor area, between 10,000 and 12,000, which numbers about 20,000 - 24,000 hairs. A full head of hair is about 100,000 hairs. But there is the possibility that this weakness could be finally overcome in the not too distant future. The easiest solution to this problem would be a pill or a topical solution but, despite significant advances in the development of novel medicinal drugs and promising genetic research into telomeres, the ultimate oral or topical cure for baldness is not expected to emerge within the next ten years. However, there are some promising technologies that might become commercially available within about five to seven years.

Hair multiplication is one of them. It is often referred to as hair cloning or follicular neogenesis. It consists of the culturing and multiplying of cells that come from hair follicles which have been extracted from the donor area at the back of the head and injecting these cultivated dermal papilla cells into the bald scalp where they are expected to induce new hair growth. The second promising line of development involves generating new hair follicles in wounds of hair-free skin. Both of these methods might be good for generating new hair follicles in bald areas but they may not be so good when it comes to controlling the thickness and the shade of newly-grown hair and the direction of its growth. Therefore, seeding follicle implants into the frontal area of the scalp will probably remain necessary. In addition, both of these new techniques are expected to be performed at hair transplant clinics. Although some hair transplant surgeons may sound sceptical when it comes to commenting on recent advances in these new techniques, they might, in the future, become their greatest providers, as the popularity of hair surgery gets a further boost due to the unlimited supply of donor hair. The benefit to the consumer, besides the unlimited supply of donor hair, should be that the quality should correspond to the best that hair surgery technology has to offer today but at a lower price.

HairMax LaserComb Consumer Reviews

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 02:50:28 GMT

Too expensive for what it does

by Rob70 from Ontario, age 38, who has been using HairMax LaserComb for four months:

I have only been using HairMax for four months now and I cannot say yet how effective it is in regrowing hair but it has made my hair feel thicker, which is a better result than I expected. I still have my natural hairline and am thinning only in the crown area, which is where HairMax is thought to work best. Customer reviews of other types of lasercombs that I saw confirm my experience with HairMax in relation to it causing accelerated shedding in the first two months of treatment. It worried me at first but now I think I have recovered all the hair I lost during the shedding phase. I should mention that I had been using minoxidil for two and a half years prior to buying HairMax and I was happy to ditch the drug on the day I started with the laser treatment. Since I do not want to use drugs again, I will continue with this non-chemical treatment, hoping to get at least the same results as from minoxidil. The greatest drawback of this product is its price, as it cost me more than my previous two and a half years of minoxidil. This is a big investment if you do not know whether it is going to work, but it comes with a 20-week, money-back guarantee. There are other types of less expensive lasercombs that may work equally well.

Have You Ever Been the Victim of a Hair Scam?

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:33:45 GMT

It is an accepted fact that at least 90% of all hair loss products available on the market today are a scam. However, this general knowledge does not prevent many of us from falling into the same old marketing trap and buying some. Billions of dollars spent annually on useless rubbish confirm this statement. Although some hair frauds have been brought to court, most of the fraudulent businesses continue as usual. But how is it possible that hundreds of thousands of hair loss sufferers from all corners of the world get caught every year, year after year? Do they sue anybody or, if nothing else works, do they at least complain and spread their word? The vast majority of them don’t. They are happy if they can recover at least a small fraction of their initial investment through any money-back guarantee and are too ashamed to tell anybody of their bad experience, whereas others blame themselves for not adhering to the instructions provided by the manufacturer and accept their own responsibility for failure. And after all, buying a useless, six-month, hair loss treatment does not ruin you financially, anyway.

It is not easy to draw a dividing line between a hair scam and a product sold with good intentions but which fails to live up to your expectations. Very often consumers fail to follow instructions and abandon their treatment when it is yet too early to tell whether it is working. But many of us have tried a product and followed all the instructions religiously and seen no improvement. Admittedly, we do not know whether this product works for other hair loss sufferers but we know with absolute certainty it doesn’t for us. This knowledge alone may not be of much value but if shared it could become an effective weapon in the fight against hair loss fraud. It is astonishing that fraudulent businesses can continue selling their rubbish in this day and age when most of their customers have internet access.

For those who would like to have their opinion spread, there are some platforms that can be used to share your experiences with the hair loss products you have tried, such as independent hair loss forums, hair loss blogs such as this one; and some marketers’ websites also encourage their customers to write independent product reviews. It is unfortunate that to this day many of these platforms are more often used by the marketers to promote their own products rather than experience-sharing consumers who they were originally designed for.

Spectral DNC Consumer Reviews

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 07:34:04 GMT

Decent results but you have to wash your hair daily

by Denny from VA, age 37, who has been using Spectral DNC for 1.5 years:

I know it may not work the same for everyone but I am generally pleased with this product. I am getting really good results, as it seems to have stabilised my hair loss condition and made my existing hair grow faster and thicker. Spectral has its weaknesses, too, as it is quite expensive, the spray bottle clogs up, it is oily and gives my hair a yellow tinge if I do not shampoo daily. It also gave me terrible shedding initially, which lasted nearly two months. But I am glad now I was patient and did not abandon the treatment. All the hair I have shed came back thicker and stronger. Since it is so greasy I am considering using it only once a day at night, to see what happens.

Hair Thickeners and Hair Loss Concealers

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:03:23 GMT

Hair thickeners are, besides wigs, the quickest method of replacing lost hair. Whether we call these products hair thickeners or hair loss concealers, they do the same job and that is to make thin areas on our scalp appear fuller. All of these products have the reputation of coming off on the pillow case at night and of not having the ability to withstand rain or wind. However, some of them are surprisingly resistant and effective.

Various types of hair thickeners take different approaches to covering thin areas. Some of them use micro fibres that are statically charged and cling tightly to your existing hair and they have been covered in one of the previous posts, “Hair Loss Concealers”; whereas others colour your scalp, eliminating the contrast between your hair and scalp, or coat and penetrate your hair and trap moisture and hair-thickening proteins in the hair shaft, thus giving it more body. I like to call this last type of hair loss concealers hair thickeners because this is exactly what they are doing - they make your hair thicker in diameter. As mentioned before, some products, in addition to thickening your existing hair, colour the skin of the balding scalp so that it matches the colour of your hair. This greatly improves the optical elusion of fuller hair. Hair thickeners usually come in several variable shades. The best known products in this category are DerMatch, Thicker Fuller Hair, COUVRe Protein Hair Expander, ProThick and Toppek Hair Fattener.

Many consumers praise hair thickeners for being extremely resistant to external factors, such as wind and water or coming off on a pillow case. They even allow you to continue with your topical hair loss treatment, such as minoxidil. Some users achieve incredibly good results from a combination of a moisturising hair thickener such as DerMatch and a micro fibrous hair loss concealer such as Toppik (see folica’s DerMatch customer reviews). Negative comments are in the most cases related to difficulties with applying these products accurately, as using them efficiently takes practice. There have been several negative comments related to the limited choice of hair shades.

Crinagen Review

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:20:09 GMT

Crinagen is a water-based, all-natural mixture that comes in the form of a topical scalp spray. It has been used by men and women to treat hereditary baldness for more than ten years now. The two most powerful components of Crinagen are proanthocyanidins and azelaic acid. Both of them have been shown in small independently unverified studies to either promote hair growth or inhibit DHT but their actual efficacy in treating hereditary baldness in humans is unknown. Other active ingredients include niacin (one of the main active substances of a popular hair scam from the 1980s - Helsinki formula), zinc, vitamin B6, ginkgo biloba, essential fatty acids and saw palmetto. Saw palmetto, though not clinically proven to promote hair growth, is by far the most popular active ingredient used in natural hair loss products these days.

Crinagen is not being sold through the usual distribution channels typical for similar products, such as Amazon and Folica. As a result, there are no consumer reviews of Crinagen available other than a few statements at hair loss forums. There seem to be several dedicated users of Crinagen who continue buying the product as they believe it is helping them maintain their existing hair count. It is neither proven nor promised that Crinagen can regrow lost hair. Crinagen lacks the heavy promotion of Provillus & Co. and thus sells at a significantly lower price than most of its natural peers.

The Myth of Hair Turning Gray Overnight

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:24:04 GMT

You have heard stories of people experiencing a sudden trauma, resulting in their hair turning gray literally overnight. Both Thomas More and Marie Antoinette were reported to have experienced this rapid change before their executions. But is it possible? There is a similar hair condition called telogen effluvium that is characterised by sudden loss of hair. It occurs when a big trauma such as a tragic accident, bankruptcy, severe stress, major illness or surgery, chemotherapy (but also childbirth) cause a rapid increase in shedding and result in a person developing a sudden, diffuse hair loss condition. The stressful event can cause the hair follicles to prematurely cease growing hair and enter a resting phase. The hair will then stay in the resting phase for about three months, after which a large amount of hair will be shed suddenly. Hence, the sudden loss of hair will be delayed by about three months from the moment of experiencing the trauma. But reports of people turning gray overnight do not mention any delay. Nevertheless, telogen effluvium offers a plausible explanation to this mystery.

Hair is a protein that gets its natural colour from the presence of a pigment called melanin. Once the melanin-producing cells die, the hair turns white. Gray hair is actually a white hair whereas gray hair is only an optical illusion, a mix of white and pigmented hair. But hair cannot suddenly turn white because the hair you see is a dead fibre. The only living hair is underneath the skin while all the hair you see above the surface is dead and cannot change colour without external chemical influence such as bleaching or dyeing. A plausible explanation of a sudden change in hair colour is possible when employing the theory of rapid loss of hair - telogen effluvium. In people who have a mix of pigmented and white hair, the white hair is less likely to fall out. The reason might be that the white hair is stronger, as it is usually thicker in diameter and can better withstand shock. The result of such sudden diffuse loss of hair is that a person can go gray overnight as he sheds most of his pigmented hair. In regards to the aforementioned historical figures, they experienced a significant trauma, such as defeat or imprisonment, which triggered telogen effluvium, while the optical effect of suddenly turning gray was delayed until the big shed happened shortly before the day of their execution.

Nizoral Consumer Reviews

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:04:16 GMT

Just started

by Doris Jones, age 54, who has been using Nizoral for a month:

I read about Nizoral long ago and had to buy it with a doctor's prescription but no insurance so it was pricey. Now I can get it online so I'm trying it again. I have the post menopause hairloss thinning. I read one guy's personal blog where he was not selling anything and he had tried all the things like Minoxidil and Finasteride but went back to Nizoral and said it had helped him. I plan to stick with it this time and be more vigilant in using it.

Treatment Options for Alopecia Areata

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:51:10 GMT

Alopecia areata (spot baldness, patch baldness) is an autoimmune disease in which the person’s immune system decides to attack its own hair follicles. It is an unpredictable but reversible condition and there is no treatment at the moment that delivers reliable results. Sometimes hair grows back after a few years with no treatment necessary and it stays, and sometimes it fall out again. Due to its unpredictable nature, it is difficult to say whether the treatment you are currently using is effective or not. Many people decide to ignore this condition and take no treatment at all, in order to avoid possible side-effects. Alopecia areata in itself is harmless and thus doing nothing will not lead to any additional health problems.

The most common treatment for alopecia areata, which has been proven effective in a number of patients, is the use of steroids, such as cortisone, that can be either injected into the bald spot or applied topically. Steroids are supposed to suppress the local auto-immune reaction that is causing the hair loss. The second most frequently used drug is the topical, minoxidil, the most common hair growth stimulant used to treat male pattern baldness. Minoxidil can also be used as a supportive treatment to steroid therapy. Both minoxidil and steroids are effective only in patients with small bald spots. Another common method of treating alopecia areata is the topical application of an irritant called anthralin, which can also be applied in combination with minoxidil.

Topical immunotherapy, which consists of a topical application of an immuno-suppressant such as cyclosporine or diphencyprone, is considered to be the most effective treatment option for patients with extensive bald areas. But it is also one of the most drastic approaches when it comes to causing severe side effects. The alternative treatment for extensive alopecia areata is PUVA, which stands for “psoralen plus ultraviolet A radiation”. As its name says, it is a photochemotherapy, consisting of a topical or oral application of the drug called psoralen, followed by ultraviolet radiation. Potential side effects stem mainly from the use of ultraviolet radiation.

As is common with all hair loss treatments, there are alternative non-prescription remedies for alopecia areata too, which do not require professional consultation. Calosol is one such treatment that has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. It contains a number of ingredients commonly found in natural hair loss products used to treat male pattern baldness, although it claims to be specifically designed to address alopecia areata. The results of such treatments are typically questionable and they cannot be recommended on this site.

Eucapil Consumer Reviews

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:54:31 GMT

Sweating makes it ineffective

by petrklic from Prague Czech Republic, age 29, who has been using Eucapil for 6 months:

After about three months of applying Eucapil every other day, each time waiting for one hour after washing my hair, I have noticed small colourless hairs growing at my temples and alongside my hairline. This growth was, however, preceded by increased shedding, which started about two months into the treatment and my existing hair began losing its colour, becoming as colourless as my newly grown baby hairs. After about four months on Eucapil, my hair on top became noticeably lighter in colour than the remaining hair, dandruff appeared and after another month, in July, I started losing my newly-grown, colourless hair. One of the weaknesses of this therapy is that water destroys Eucapil’s main active substance and sweating makes it ineffective. I have replaced Eucapil with generic minoxidil this summer.

Reminex Review

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:56:37 GMT

Reminex is yet another gray hair product, using Fo-Ti as its principal active ingredient. It consists of pills and a shampoo. Other products relying on Fo-Ti’s ill-assumed ability to reverse graying process include Shen Min, Shou Wu Pill and Shou Wu Pian, to name just a few. Apart from Fo-Ti extract, the Reminex formula consists of vitamin B complex (including PABA and folic acid, a deficiency of which is often associated with causing gray hair), choline and inositol (supplements usually grouped within the vitamin B complex), minerals (zinc, iodine, calcium), bromelain (a natural anti-inflammatory agent), cysteine (active ingredient in cysteine permanent wave lotions, reducing keratin) and collagen (a protein that coats the hair and penetrates the cuticle, making hair appear thicker, shinier and more manageable).

There are no consumer reviews of Reminex, except for noticeably made-up customer testimonials available on the Reminex home page and a few other sites selling and promoting it. Although this product contains all the best-known substances commonly associated with restoring gray hair, none of them has ever been clinically proven to help treat age-related or premature gray hair. Reminex could be potentially beneficial to people suffering from a deficiency of one of the B vitamins but it is very unlikely to reverse a genetically-determined graying process.

In summary, it can be said that Reminex is a mix of Fo-Ti, vitamin B complex, several minerals and a few additives commonly used in hair cosmetics. It may make your hair look shinier and thicker but it will do nothing to replace the missing pigment in the follicles producing your white hair. As yet, there seems to be no treatment that could do it.

All Roads Lead to Hair Transplant Surgery

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:40:35 GMT

Hair transplant surgery is, besides wearing wigs and using concealers, the only method of hair restoration that produces guaranteed results that everyone will notice. If you use medicinal drugs or believe in magic and employ herbal remedies to regrow your lost hair, it can take years to see any results and most likely you will be the only person to spot them. Medicinal therapies such as pills and topicals may be good at preventing hair loss but do not yet offer a satisfactory solution to restoring lost hair despite tremendous progress in medicinal drug research and development in recent years.

The main drawbacks of hair surgery, as perceived by potential patients, are its high cost and the inconveniences that you have to put up with. The cost of hair surgery starts at 5,000 US dollars per procedure, which is between three and ten US dollars per graft, depending on the geographical location, the extent of the surgery and the technique used (as follicular unit transplantation is less expensive than follicular unit extraction). But this is not the total expense. You have to include the cost of finasteride or any other hair loss treatment that you will have to bear with for the rest of your life, in order to prevent further loss of hair in areas adjacent to the current bald spot. The second factor that puts many people off is the inconvenience. Hair transplant surgery is a cosmetic surgery and as such requires local anaesthesia and a healing period of a couple of weeks. Additionally, most patients require two or more sessions to achieve a satisfactory improvement. It also involves the risks typical for any surgery performed on the head, such as excessive swelling and bleeding, a long healing process for the scar, shock hair loss, scalp numbness and tension, etc. And lastly, there is the aforementioned need to stay on hair loss prevention medication for the rest of your days that could one day become unbearable due to its side effects.

Hair transplant surgery requires a strong commitment to one’s own hair but offers benefits that will remain unrivalled by any other hair restoration method in the foreseeable future. Hair loss drugs are not going to provide satisfactory regrowth earlier than the next ten years, whereas new surgical technologies such as hair cloning or generating new hair follicles in wounds will most likely also require surgical hair implants in the frontal area of the scalp. It appears that some kind of hair transplant surgery will remain unavoidable for restoring lost hair for many years to come.

Treating Hereditary Hair Loss in Women

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:53:02 GMT

Hereditary hair loss in women is more common than most of us seem to think. At first look, it may not be as visible as it is in men due to its different pattern but it is no less challenging to treat than male pattern baldness. The typical female balding pattern is a diffuse hair loss affecting almost the entire scalp, although the thinning is more pronounced on top of the head rather than on the back and the sides. As a rule of thumb, one can say that we need to lose about 50% of our hair in the thinning area to notice that we are balding. This rule applies to the female pattern baldness too. But since female hair loss is less focused than the male form and thus covers a larger area of the scalp, women may lose a bigger portion of their overall hair before noticing any change.

Female pattern baldness has the same main cause as its male form and that is the biologically active metabolite of the male hormone testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which attacks and kills hair follicles. The exact mechanism of its action is not known, though. However, treating female pattern baldness faces two major obstacles. First, women cannot use some of the most effective drugs proven to treat hair loss in males. They may not be prescribed male anti-androgen drugs such as finasteride (Propecia) or dutasteride and they can only use 2% minoxidil solution as a higher concentration might induce undesirable hair growth on other parts of their face and body. Secondly, women usually make poor candidates for hair transplantation as advanced female pattern hair loss may affect most of their scalp, leaving them with insufficient hair density in the donor area.

Doctors are often reluctant to prescribe anti-androgen medications to women suffering from hair loss, especially oral applications. But there are some anti-androgens that can be effectively used to treat female pattern baldness. The most common among them is spironolactone, better known under its trade name, Aldactone. Spironolactone’s anti-androgen activity consists in binding to the androgen receptor and preventing its interactions with DHT.

Another potent anti-androgen that is prescribed for female hair loss is cyproterone acetate, better known under its many trade names, such as Diane 35, Diane 50 and Ginette 35. This contraceptive is also used to treat acne. Similar to spironolactone, cyproterone acetate exerts its anti-androgen activity by blocking DHT from binding to androgen receptors and is considered to be a more powerful weapon in fighting female pattern baldness than spironolactone.

An alternative to the oral use of anti-androgen drugs is a topical application of estrogen solutions, which is said to be almost as effective as their systemic administration. The best known product in this category is Crinohermal, which uses estradiol as its main active substance. This female hormone inhibits the production of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to follicle-harming DHT.

Estrogen levels decline in the skin with age. Once women enter menopause, their levels of estrogen decline and more testosterone is then bio-available to be converted to DHT. A hormone replacement therapy is commonly prescribed at menopause, with estrogens and progesterone pills and creams probably the most common forms of treatment for hereditary baldness for women in menopause.

This list of treatments includes the best proven medicinal remedies for female pattern baldness but it is not exhaustive. There are some other substances that might be helpful, such as aminexil, ketoconazole, fluridil, flutamide, alfatradiol, as well as herbal hair loss cures that are always readily available to help us spend some extra money. However, none of these products has ever been clinically proven to be nearly as effective as the aforementioned medical treatments.

Review of Re:nual Serum

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:35:44 GMT

Re:nual serum is a new anti-gray hair product developed by the Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido. It is supposed to slow down the graying process and restore hair's youthful texture while creating the optimal environment to grow healthy and lustrous hair. The product’s ‘before and after’ pictures reveal a reduction of gray hair over a 32 week period. The improvement is not dramatic but clearly noticeable (said to be 50%). It is not known whether this improvement is due to the reduction in number of white hairs or a kind of optical illusion resulting from the new shine and more body that this product gives to the existing pigmented hair. White hair is naturally thicker in diameter and grows faster than normal pigmented hair and is thus more noticeable. Some consumers have reported that re:nual serum increased their hair growth speed and, if this increase were selective, affecting mainly the pigmented hairs while giving them more body, it could give the impression of there being less gray hair.

Re:nual serum is a herbal product consisting of panax ginseng, which is assumed to encourage healthy hair growth; Japanese sansho pepper, which is believed to slow the greying process; and hops extract thought to enhance hair’s natural pigment. Both panax ginseng (or Asian ginseng) and hops extract are frequently used in other hair care products, mainly in natural hair loss remedies, ginseng for its assumed ability to improve blood circulation and as an antioxidant, and hops for their anti-bacterial properties. Employing Japanese sansho pepper (or Sichuan pepper) is a novelty, though it is a widely grown pepper used in Asian cuisine. However, neither sansho pepper nor panax ginseng or hops extract have ever been clinically proven to be beneficial either in promoting hair growth or reversing gray hair.

Re:nual serum is a new and quite expensive product and, therefore, consumer reviews are extremely rare. There are generic anti-gray hair treatments already commercially available (e.g. ReMelanil V2) that have included black sansho pepper from Japan in their formula but consumer reviews do not exist either. I am wondering how many people will now start experimenting with applying sansho pepper to their hair and can later report on their success or lack of in reversing gray hair.

Review of Nizoral Shampoo

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:53:22 GMT

Nizoral shampoo is one of the best proven weapons in fight against fungal infections of the scalp such as dandruff. Its main active ingredient is a drug called ketoconazole. Nizoral shampoo usually comes with 1% or 2% of ketoconazole. In some countries the 2% strong Nizoral shampoo requires a doctor’s prescription. Using Nizoral twice a week will usually keep your dandruff at bay. It is not necessary to shampoo your hair with Nizoral daily because its main active substance, ketoconazol, binds to the protein of your hair and for several days continues attacking and killing the fungus that causes the dandruff and infections. One of the less well documented properties of the Nizoral shampoo and its main active ingredient, ketoconazole, is their ability to fight baldness. In one small study 2% ketoconazole was shown to be as effective as 2% minoxidil solution in promoting hair growth. It is assumed that ketoconazole works as an anti-androgen, reducing the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the scalp. However, sufficient clinical evidence does not exist to confirm such assumptions. Numbers of hair loss patients are experiencing itchiness and inflammations of their scalp caused by diverse minoxidil solutions and are relying on the Nizoral shampoo to help them fight these negative side effects, usually with very good rates of success. This enables them to continue with their hair loss treatment avoiding scalp inflammations.

Consumer reviews of the Nizoral shampoo are plentiful and very positive as far as treating dandruff and other fungal scalp infections is concerned. Many hair loss sufferers have included Nizoral in their daily regimen since they believe in its ability to regrow hair. Nonetheless, it is almost impossible to find convincing consumer evidence that Nizoral shampoo is an effective hair loss treatment.

Will Dutasteride Ever Get Approved for Hair Loss?

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:48:32 GMT

Dutasteride, better known under its trade name, Avodart, is considered by many dermatologists and hair loss sufferers to be the most effective treatment for male pattern baldness available today. In its activity it is similar to finasteride (Propecia) but more powerful since it is a dual 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Unlike finasteride, it inhibits both types of 5-alpha reductase and thus is a more potent drug for inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to the follicle-harming dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Patients’ experience and the clinical studies conducted to date confirm the assumption that it is more potent in promoting hair growth, too. One thing that is still missing, though, is the official stamp of approval from a major health supervisory authority such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so as to be officially admitted as a hair loss treatment. Dutasteride (Avodart) has been approved and used for years to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) in many countries and thus it is readily available in pharmacies around the world. Furthermore, many doctors already prescribe Avodart for genetically determined hair thinning and numerous on-line pharmacies sell it as a hair loss drug.

But what has happened to Glaxo’s Phase III clinical study conducted in Korea that has been going on since December 2006? The initial study is said to have finished in January 2008, but its results have not been published yet. Referring to the previous studies, it seems that Glaxo will be able to prove that dutasteride is a superior 5-alpha reductase inhibitor to finasteride and thus, in all likelihood, also a more potent hair loss treatment. But the conclusions that most of us are waiting for are those related to its safety. The question of whether the additional benefit over finasteride is worth the increased risk has not yet been answered.

As regards to the effectiveness of dutasteride, it seems fair to say that being a dual 5-alpha reductase inhibitor makes it a lot more effective, as half of its dose (2.5 mg versus finasteride’s 5mg) has been proven to reduce serum DHT by about 90% compared with 70% for finasteride. Although human studies have not shown that dutasteride-induced side effects are any more severe than those from finasteride, dutasteride remains in the human body for much longer. The serum half-life of finasteride is only eight hours versus four weeks for dutasteride. Hence, it is estimated that finasteride disappears from our body within 24 hours whereas dutasteride stays for several months.

No matter whether dutasteride will ever get approved by the FDA for treating hair loss, for many men it has already become the weapon of last resort in their fight against receding hair.

Avacor Review

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 06:24:46 GMT

There is probably no other hair loss product today that has caused so much controversy as Avacor. It has been the focus of legal wrangling, media attention and reporting for several years now. Although it is considered by many to be a hair scam, it is not much different from many other natural hair-growth products. Avacor is a set of several hair loss products, whereas the topical formulation and nutritional capsules are those that are supposed to hold the key to regrowing hair. Due to the inclusion of minoxidil (5%) in the topical formulation, Avacor is suitable only for men.

Minoxidil was the first substance approved by the FDA in the US to treat male pattern baldness and it has since been approved by the equivalent health authorities in many other countries of the world. The main active ingredient in nutritional capsules is saw palmetto. Saw palmetto’s potency in treating hair loss is usually compared with finasteride and it is often presented as its safe natural alternative. This claim is, however, unsubstantiated as nobody really knows whether saw palmetto can help treat baldness. In spite of this, it is the most popular ingredient in natural hair loss remedies. Other ingredients include grape seed extract (rich in essential fatty acids and procyanidins), ginkgo biloba, horsetail (antioxidant) and bilberry. None of these herbs and fruits has been clinically proven to be beneficial in treating baldness (except procyanidin).

Avacor consumer reviews are few and mixed and its reputation is clouded by the shady individual behind it, who goes by the name of Dr Gordon. In summary, Avacor is the combination of a proven medicinal treatment represented by its topical (minoxidil) and assumed natural DHT blockers contained in the capsules and at 85 dollars a month it is outrageously expensive.

Can Saw Palmetto Help Treat Hair Loss?

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:48:31 GMT

Saw palmetto is an extract from the fruits of serenoa repens, a small palm tree endemic to the southern part of the US. It has been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat urinary conditions in men and in the past few decades it has become a very popular alternative remedy for treating enlarged prostates (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Its assumed ability to inhibit production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is believed to be the main cause of prostate problems, as well as hereditary hair loss, has recently led to its applications in hair-growth products.

Saw palmetto is often presented as a safe, natural alternative to the medicinal DHT-inhibitor, finasteride. As a principal ingredient, it can be found in numerous popular hair loss remedies, such as Provillus, Procerin, Advecia, Avacor, Revivogen, Scalp Med and many others. Marketers of such products claim that saw palmetto is a safe, natural DHT blocker, whereas finasteride, though assumed to work by the same mode of action, is often associated with severe side effects. However, scientists cannot agree on whether saw palmetto is beneficial in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, for which it has been used for decades, let alone in treating baldness. The fact is that nobody seems to know.

Saw palmetto is not a regulated pharmaceutical and it has never been clinically tested for treating hair loss. However, this lack of sound scientific evidence is no obstacle when it comes to promoting it as a natural hair loss cure. Since the market for herbal OTC products is little regulated in most countries, in comparison with pharmaceuticals, it allows plenty of room for the marketers’ imagination. The promoters of herbal products are in a much better position when it comes to making unrealistic promises compared to pharmaceuticals. In their efforts to maximise revenues, they sometimes forget to mention certain facts. A quick internet search turned up the list of the following side effects that were reported by saw palmetto users: allergic reactions, stomach pain and diarrhoea, severe bleeding during saw palmetto use, difficulty with erections, testicular discomfort, breast tenderness and enlargement, changes in sexual desire and a warning that saw palmetto extract is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding because of its possible hormonal activity. Does that differ considerably from what finasteride is frequently blamed for?

Tricomin Review

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:45:59 GMT

Tricomin is a hair-care product which has pioneered the use of copper peptides for treating thinning hair. It comes in the form of a spray and can be used by both men and women. Several other products now employ similar molecules to treat hair loss, with Folligen being the best known among them. The main active ingredient is a patented formula of triamino copper nutritional complex. Copper peptides are proven to be strong anti-inflammatories and help repair scalp damage. In addition, they are believed to be potent DHT inhibitors and thought to lengthen the growth cycle of hair.

Other active ingredients include essential amino acids and minerals. Tricomin is one of very few hair loss products that has been subjected to clinical testing in the US for FDA approval and reported positive growth effects. It was, though, withdrawn during Phase II as its manufacturer decided to release Tricomin as a cosmetic product. Tricomin can be viewed as a predecessor of a similar product called Folligen.

The manufacturer recommends using Tricomin as a complementary treatment to either minoxidil or finasteride. It is reasonable to assume that copper peptides could cure the redness and dandruff caused by minoxidil use. However, some consumers using Tricomin or Folligen complained about itchy scalps, although it is the opposite of what copper peptides are expected to do. It appears that there might be quite a few people out there allergic to copper and its compounds. Many users were also put off due to excessive flaking. Consumer reviews have been mixed so far but it seems that in some patients Tricomin helped thicken the hair, though very few cases of regrowth have been reported.

Procerin Review

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:16:05 GMT

Procerin is, alongside Provillus and Revivogen, one of the best known and the most heavily-promoted, natural hair loss remedies in North America. It is men’s only formula, consisting of a topical lotion and supplement tablets. The main active ingredient in the supplement tablets, besides vitamin B6 (pyroxidine) and minerals (magnesium, zinc), is saw palmetto (1,500 mg of extract daily). Saw palmetto’s potency in treating hair loss is usually compared with finasteride and it is often presented as its safe natural substitute. This claim is, however, unsubstantiated as no clinical proof exists that saw palmetto can be beneficial in treating baldness. Nevertheless, saw palmetto is used by hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of hair loss sufferers around the world.

Other ingredients, besides filling agents, include herbal extracts from gotu kola, nettle root, pumpkin seed oil, eleuthero root, uva ursi (bearberry) and muira puama (herbal aphrodisiac). The topical Procerin also consists of natural substances that are assumed to be able to block DHT, such as saw palmetto, nettle root, azelaic acid and substances rich in essential fatty acids, such as avocado oil, grape seed extract and gamma linolenic acid. None of the aforementioned natural substances has been clinically proven to be beneficial in treating baldness, whether in oral or in topical form.

Procerin has a strong presence on the web. There is no shortage of websites that review, promote and sell Procerin, while providing testimonials that are 100% supportive. In addition, there are plenty of Procerin customer reviews on the web with questionable credibility. Many of the testimonials sound too good to be true and are doing Procerin’s reputation more harm than good. Hence, a great deal of caution is advised when interpreting reviews and testimonials from the web. Consumer reviews at amazon.com seem the most reasonable from those currently available, whereas a rip-off report by some dissatisfied customers may be useful reading too. This is a natural product that may or may not work. It is thought to be capable of slowing down hair loss rather than regrowing hair.

Revivogen Review

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:11:33 GMT

Revivogen is one of the most heavily-promoted, natural hair loss products on the internet, although its marketing campaign appears to have been losing steam recently. It comes in the form of a topical formulation, supported by a shampoo and a conditioner. Revivogen should achieve best results in patients who are in the early stage of hair loss. It is expected to stop the further progression of baldness and to thicken the existing hair. Revivogen gives no promise of regrowth. It is suitable for use by men and women.

The main active ingredients in Revivogen are popular substances used in similar products such as vitamin B6, zinc, azelaic acid, grape seed extract (rich in essential fatty acids and procyanidins), beta-sitosterol and saw palmetto extract. Saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol are often presented as natural alternatives to finasteride but their effectiveness in treating hair loss has not yet been confirmed in any clinical trial. Although nobody can say whether they are effective in promoting new hair growth, they are very popular and frequently used in natural hair loss cures. Other key ingredients include alpha and gamma linolenic acid, oleic acid (essential fatty acids), procyanidin, vitamin B3 and tocopherol (antioxidant). Although many of the aforementioned substances make hair claims based on studies in rodents and in vitro, none of them has ever been clinically proven to treat baldness (except procyanidin).

One thing that makes Revivogen unique is its own patented delivery mechanism called transmerol follicular delivery system (TFDS). Spectral DNC is assumed to use a similar delivery mechanism. This new delivery system enhances the absorption of the active ingredients so that they penetrate the scalp deeply and access the hair follicle to maximise their efficacy. Revivogen has conducted its own consumer trial with 39 participants and the results can be viewed on their website. They seem fair and show that Revivogen should be used in patients who are in the early stage of baldness to halt hair loss and thicken hair. Revivogen uses intelligent marketing, with educational videos presented by its inventor uploaded on various social websites such as this one on youtube.com. If you check some of the older positive comments (page 8 or so) you will notice they are from users who only signed in once to post a comment on the benefits of Revivogen therapy and have never returned to watch anything else on youtube.com since then. You may also notice that some of them have not even bothered to watch this video. Consumer reviews are plentiful but mixed. In all fairness it should be noted that many consumer reviews seem to be made up but at the same time some customers were put off simply because they did not like Revivogen being greasy, with no consideration given to its efficacy.

Hair Surgery Risks and Side Effects

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:05:47 GMT

Hair surgery, like any other surgery, has its limitations and potential risks. Not everyone is a good candidate, since you need to have a sufficient hair density in the donor area. People suffering from diffuse hair loss - female pattern baldness - are usually bad candidates.

The biggest risk you take once you have decided to go ahead with the hair transplantation is that the end-result may not meet your expectations, though the change is basically irreversible. Hair transplant surgery is a type of cosmetic surgery, creating the illusion of a full head of hair while utilising the little hair that has been left in the donor area. Keep that in mind and set your expectations accordingly. Therefore, it is essential to find a good hair transplant surgeon who can create such an illusion. Another important factor is the surgeon’s ability to work efficiently in terms of utilising the available donor hair. As far as the follicular unit extraction method goes, transaction of donor hair follicles can cause the destruction of more than 50% of the transplant material in the hands of an inexperienced surgeon. Other risks involve excessive bleeding and a long healing process in the wounds, potential infections and resulting scarring, shock loss of hair post surgery (which is reversible), and scalp numbness and tension. Potential financial risks involve the fact that it may later turn out that one procedure was not enough to achieve the desired change or that you need a corrective hair transplant to repair previous bad work.

The main side effects of hair surgery are connected with the need to commit yourself to the use of finasteride or any other effective hair loss treatment for the rest of your life in order to prevent further loss of hair in areas adjacent to the former bald spot and the fact that you will no longer be able to shave your head due to the scarring. However, hair transplantation techniques have advanced so much recently that most patients can shave their hair really short.

Provillus Review

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:04:14 GMT

Provillus is marketed as an all-natural hair loss remedy that claims to help men and women retain and regrow lost hair. It contains ingredients that are commonly found in numerous other hair loss cures. There are special Provillus formulas for women and men. Women’s capsules contain B vitamins (B6, biotin, PABA), magnesium and horsetail extract, which is considered a potent antioxidant. The female formula is just a simple vitamin pill promoting healthy hair.

Yet, a few months ago, Provillus for men consisted of a lotion and supplement capsules. The principal active substances in the lotion were minoxidil (5%) and azelaic acid (5%). It is a common mixture, familiar to millions of hair loss sufferers in the world. Minoxidil was the first substance approved by the FDA in the US to treat male pattern baldness and it has since been approved by the equivalent health authorities in many other countries of the world. However, Provillus has been recently redesigned to become an all-natural product and production of its topical lotion seems to have been discontinued, although it might have been the only reasonable component in its formula. Nonetheless, there still are some distributors selling the original minoxidil-containing formula. The main active ingredient in the men's capsules besides vitamins (B6, biotin) and minerals (magnesium, zinc) is saw palmetto (1,500 mg of extract daily). Saw palmetto’s potency in treating hair loss is usually compared with finasteride and it is often presented as its safe, natural substitute. This claim is, however, unsubstantiated as nobody really knows whether saw palmetto can help treat baldness. Nevertheless, saw palmetto is being used by hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of hair loss sufferers around the world. Other ingredients include herbal extracts from nettle root, pumpkin seed oil, eleuthero root (Siberian ginseng), uva ursi (bearberry) and muira puama (herbal aphrodisiac). None of these herbs and fruits has been clinically proven to be beneficial in treating baldness.

Consumer reviews of Provillus are, apart from testimonials on the websites of its affiliates, practically non-existent, despite the seemingly strong market position of this product, given its omnipresent marketing and advertising. Just type in “Provillus” in Google and see how many websites you find with the word Provillus in their domain name. In summary, Provillus is a relatively unsophisticated supplement pill containing vitamins and assumed natural DHT blockers. However, at 30 dollars a month it is a lot more affordable than the original combined formula used to be though less powerful.

HairMax LaserComb Review

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:26:41 GMT

In January 2007, Lexington International's HairMax LaserComb received FDA clearance, allowing it to be used safely as a treatment promoting hair growth in males. This clearance was awarded due to Lexington's ability to demonstrate equivalence with other devices that had been approved in the past and been used for decades. Thus, HairMax should be at least as safe and efficient in treating thinning hair and healing scalp injuries as the old stationary hoods, employing low-lever laser therapy. This clearance is not equivalent to FDA approval, though. LaserComb is not a novel prescription drug, it is a miniaturised version of the old cosmetic device for external application and its FDA clearance is in no way comparable to FDA approval of Propecia or any other prescription medicine. However, the news of the FDA clearance spread very fast and HairMax LaserComb soon became known as the third hair loss treatment in history approved by the FDA. But it was not approved. The difference between the clearance and FDA approval is that clearance mainly relates to safety. We do not know much about the product's efficacy since the results of the clinical study have not been released for public scrutiny yet. The manufacturers and marketers of HairMax LaserComb are not the only beneficiaries of this misunderstanding. There are many other less expensive, handheld laser devices that are riding on the wave of HairMax LaserComb's popularity.

Consumer reviews are mixed. It seems that the typical pattern of a consumer report is a great euphoria at the start of the treatment and diminishing commitment to continue after a few months of use. Very few patients seem to stick with this product for longer than six months. Although it is questionable whether this product can regrow lost hair, a number of people report improved shine and manageability of their hair and think their hair feels fuller, especially those with dry hair. Some patients have also noticed a reduction in their grey hair colour. The mechanism of LaserComb's action is not known but the consumer's short response time to the treatment poses the question of whether the changes are structural or only surface changes affecting the grown hair. Publication of clinical trial reports is expected to shed more light on the public debate about the efficacy of this treatment.

Scalp Med Review

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:23:18 GMT

ScalpMed is a hair care system of topically-applied products which claim to be successful in growing as well as thickening, cleansing and beautifying hair. However, the manufacturer makes no direct claims of it being able to regrow lost hair. Scalp Med is being marketed as a natural hair loss remedy. It has a special formulation for men and women. Scalp Med’s basic pack consists of two topical formulations and a hair thickening spray. One of the topical formulations called Vitadil-5A is simply a minoxidil solution, 5% for men and 2% for women. The other topical named NutriSol-RM has the same formulation for men and women. The principal ingredients in NutriSol-RM are the assumed natural DHT blockers such as saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol, vitamins such as biotin (vitamin B7), panthenol (provitamin B5) and retinol (vitamin A) and amino acids such as cystine. Saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol are often presented as safe natural alternatives to finasteride but their effectiveness in treating hair loss has not yet been confirmed in any clinical trial. Although nobody can say whether they work, they are very popular and frequently used in natural hair loss cures.

Scalp Med is a kind of hybrid solution. Like Avacor and Provillus, it uses minoxidil to regrow hair but the components intended to block DHT and nourish hair are delivered topically, which is similar to Revivogen. The Scalp Med kit comes with the hair thickening spray that gives the impression of improvement, encouraging customers to continue with their treatment. A quick review of the Scalp Med’s own website reveals blatant marketing and before and after pictures that look too good to be true. The website does not provide a list of ingredients. Customer reviews are mixed but not overly negative. If nothing else, minoxidil may do some work, but at 80 dollars a month, you are guaranteed to find a less expensive minoxidil formulation.

Alpecin Review

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 08:17:35 GMT

Topical caffeine is said to protect hair follicles from dihydrotestosterone (DHT) attacks and provide them with the necessary growth energy. Alpecin was the first product that used caffeine as one of its principal ingredients. It was first introduced as a shampoo and now it is also available as an after-shampoo topical. It was developed in Germany and it is currently available in Europe and in Asia. The only available research supporting the claims made by the Alpecin manufacturer was conducted at two universities in Germany. An independent study is still lacking.

Customer reviews have been mixed so far but as regards the shampoo they seem to be tipping over into positive territory. It appears that caffeine could be helpful in strengthening fine colourless hair. As to the Alpecin after-shampoo liquid, there are a few reports of it being able to regrow hair. Many consumers use Alpecin shampoo to strengthen the newly-grown fine hair produced by minoxidil. And some are just pleased with the new shine it gives their hair. Although caffeine is a mild vasoconstrictor and minoxidil is a vasodilator, there is no clear opinion on whether the two should be used simultaneously. Since nobody really knows, including the manufacturer of Alpecin, it might be advisable to wait for twelve hours after washing your hair with Alpecin shampoo or after using Alpecin after-shampoo liquid before applying minoxidil.

Alpecin shampoo is also said to be effective in fighting against dandruff and many consumers believe it helps them stop the itchy scalp caused by minoxidil and other topicals. Although Alpecin is not the new cure for baldness it can be used as a complementary treatment to minoxidil and a substitute to Nizoral shampoo.

Folligen Review

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 08:16:07 GMT

Folligen is, in the words of its inventor and manufacturer, a non-drug product designed to improve scalp and hair follicle health and hair vitality. It is especially useful in helping to reduce scalp irritation caused by other hair growth products. Folligen uses skin remodelling copper peptides as its principal active ingredient to restore healthy hair. It comes in three forms: cream (which should work well on hairlines), lotion (suitable for denser areas) and spray. In the past Folligen was mainly used as a skin-repair cream. Folligen products are meant for both men and women.

Folligen was derived from Tricomin. Copper peptides are proven to be strong anti-inflammatories and help repair scalp damage. In addition, they are believed to be potent DHT inhibitors and thought to lengthen the growth cycle of hair. Folligen lotion and cream also contain saw palmetto, which is often described as a natural safe alternative to finasteride. Despite the fact that saw palmetto has never been clinically proven to be effective in treating baldness, it is a popular key ingredient in many natural hair loss remedies.

The manufacturer claims that Folligen works best in combination with minoxidil. This claim sounds reasonable as minoxidil often causes redness and dandruff that puts off many of its users and this weakness could be rectified by employing Folligen. Customers give credit to Folligen for its ability to heal the tiny scars but only a few people have reported new hair growth. Folligen seems to work well in restoring healthy hair in hair loss conditions that are not genetically determined. As regards to treating male pattern baldness, it appears to be suitable mainly as a complementary therapy to minoxidil for patients with sensitive and irritable skin.

Are Herbal Hair Loss Remedies Just Another Scam?

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:14:42 GMT

Herbal hair loss remedies account for well over 50% of all hair loss cures sold. Their popularity stems from the general belief that they are an adequate alternative to medicinal treatments but without any negative side effects. Though such claims may not reflect the truth they surely help boost the sales volumes.

Medicinal plants have been used to treat baldness for thousands of years but with questionable rates of success. Many herbal hair loss remedies in the past have become a synonym for “hair scam”. Since the discovery of the true cause of hereditary baldness, i.e. the harmful effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on our hair follicles, many new herbs have emerged as potential hair loss treatments. Researchers are mainly looking at plants that have been used in traditional folk medicine to treat prostate problems. This is because prostate enlargement happens to have the same main cause as male and female pattern baldness and that is DHT.

Undoubtedly the most popular herbal ingredient used to treat hereditary hair loss these days is extract from saw palmetto berries. Saw palmetto has been used for many decades to treat prostate enlargement. Recently it became immensely popular as the main active ingredient in natural hair loss remedies. It is often described as a natural alternative to finasteride, though free of its negative side effects. However, science does not provide any conclusive proof that saw palmetto is effective in treating prostate enlargement, let alone in treating baldness.

Many other plants that have been used to treat prostate enlargement in the past are now finding applications in herbal hair loss cures. Such plants include stinging nettle, pygeum africanum and extracts from soy beans and pumpkin seeds, to name just a few. The problem with all natural products is that their effectiveness has not been clinically proven and independently verified and their mode of action is unknown. Their inclusion in natural hair loss treatments is typically based on assumptions and small, sponsored studies.

The second most frequently-used herb appearing in natural hair loss remedies is Fo-Ti, often called He Shou Wu. It is also the most frequently-used ingredient in grey hair cures. Fo-Ti is a Chinese youth tonic and the legend has it that an old villager named Mr He restored his vitality, youthful appearance and black hair using Fo-Ti and managed to father children at a very ripe age. He lived to 130. This was in the 9th century A.D. Although neither scientific nor empirical evidence exists showing that Fo-Ti is capable of reversing baldness or grey hair, it is an extremely popular ingredient in natural, grey-hair and hair loss products.

There are many other popular herbs used in hair loss treatments that are supposed to work by other modes of action. Some, such as gingko biloba, allegedly improve the circulation in the scalp, thus providing better feeding to the follicles, while others are just used as supportive treatments alongside the main active ingredients to help fight inflammation and infections of the scalp.

The effectiveness of herbal hair loss treatments is no less questionable than their safety. Despite the general public confidence in natural treatments, their absolute safety should not be taken for granted and many of them should be approached with caution. The most likely health risks are related to allergic reactions but many herbs are also known to cause more serious conditions and the risks should not be underestimated.

Advecia Review

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:23:56 GMT

Advecia is a nutritional supplement designed to help prevent hair loss at its onset and improve the health of the existing hair. It gives no promise of hair regrowth. Unlike most other natural hair loss treatments, it comes only in the form of capsules. Although it does not state so explicitly, it seems to be suitable for both sexes, as the ingredient saw palmetto, which could potentially cause hormonal misbalance, is relatively low. The principal ingredients include popular natural DHT blockers, such as saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol and phytosterol complex. Saw palmetto is rich in phytosterols and beta-sitosterol also happens to be a phytosterol. Though often presented and used as natural substitutes for finasteride, none of these substances has been clinically proven to be beneficial in treating baldness.

In addition, Advecia contains grape seed extract, which is rich in essential fatty acids, green tea extract, amino acids (L-arginine and L-lysine) and procyanidins. Amino acids are believed to play an important role in the basic biology of hair and skin. Procyanidin is assumed to promote hair growth in topical form but Advecia is an oral application.

Advecia is a relatively new product and it is rare to find unsponsored customer reviews of it. It is a relatively simple mix of supplements believed to be able to halt further progression of baldness but it cannot be recommended to people wishing to regrow hair in bald areas. At 50 dollars a month, it appears unreasonably expensive to be used as a support treatment alongside a more powerful topical remedy.

Spectral DNC Review

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:43:06 GMT

Spectral DNC is a topical application combining two of the best proven molecules for topical treatment of baldness currently available on the market: minoxidil (5%) and aminexil. Additional ingredients include retinoic acid, copper peptides, adenosine, procyanidins, saw palmetto, olive oil, flax seed oil, emu oil (all rich in essential fatty acids), vitamins (mainly biotin) and minerals.

The latest formulation is called Spectral DNC-L and is intended for people with advanced male pattern baldness (NW4 or greater). The new formulation comes in the form of cream and pioneers the use of the amino acid arginine to stimulate nitric oxide formation, mediate cell activity and feed follicles. Spectral DNC is said to be suitable for both sexes (despite its 5% minoxidil content) but pregnant women and women that might become pregnant should not use it. Spectral DNC uses a proprietary delivery system which enhances absorption. This new system employs nanosomes to carry the active ingredients deeper into the skin, bringing them to the hair follicles. Revivogen is assumed to use a similar delivery mechanism.

Spectral RS is another member of the divine skin family of products. It has been designed mainly for women suffering from diffuse hair loss. Its composition is similar to the two aforementioned products but it does not contain minoxidil and thus its main hair-growth-promoting ingredient appears to be aminexil, a molecule that is similar to minoxidil. Spectral RS also employs the nanosomes delivery system.

Consumer reviews of Spectral DNC are plentiful and the majority of them are positive. Spectral DNC-L and Spectral RS are new products with few reviews so far. For Spectral RS, those few reviews available are from male consumers who believe that this product is not as powerful as the other two formulas and recommend combining it with minoxidil treatment. Spectral DNC is undoubtedly one of the most innovative generic products for treating male pattern baldness on the market today. Unfortunately it also uses natural oils that make the hair very greasy. Vegetable oils rich in essential fatty acids were in some cultures believed to cure baldness but actual results have traditionally been minimal to say the least.

Pantostin Review (Ell-Cranell alpha)

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:24:40 GMT

Pantostin is a topical hair loss application popular mainly in Germany. Its sole active ingredient is alfatradiol. Ell-Cranell alpha is almost identical to Pantostin. Both Pantostin and Ell-Cranell alpha are said to protect hair follicles from the harmful attacks of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), without any negative hormonal impact. Hence, they can be used by both men and women. These products usually have very good tolerance (I can confirm that from my own experience) but they are considered to be relatively weak DHT inhibitors. Therefore, they seem to be more suitable as a treatment for women, who have fewer options when it comes to treating hereditary baldness. It is assumed that alfatradiol-based products can slow the balding process but they should not be expected to regrow lost hair. Consumer reviews are few and only available in German. The feedback from hair loss forums confirms my own experience with Pantostin - that it is a weak weapon in the fight against male pattern baldness.

Adenogen Consumer Review

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:36:55 GMT

Adenogen by Shiseido

by john from Okinawa Japan, age 28, who has been using Adenogen for 2 months by now:

I live in okinawa japan. i was introduced to
Shiseido's Adenogen about 2 months ago. i was hesitant to use this
expensive product, but at that point, i ran out all my option of rogain,
minoxidil, etc... I have been using this item for 2 months now. my hair
looks fuller than ever. When i used to use minoxidil or rogain, i had this
greasy feeling on my hair, and didn't feel comfortable at all. But
adenogen actually contains mint, it feels refreshing, and my hair feels
stronger when i touch it. i started to see some short hairs growing out
around hairline. it's still thin and short, but we'll see how it
goes. once i saw some result, i have recommended this item to my fellow
bald co-workers. the result was same as me. 2 of them started to use it
last month, and they also experienced different sensation from rogain and
minoxidil. i will continue to post comments on adenogen as my treatment
progresses. so far, i absolutely love adenogen!!!

Telomerase a New Fountain of Youth?

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:32:36 GMT

Telomerase is an enzyme that adds specific DNA sequence repeats to the end of DNA strands in the telomere regions. Telomerase consists of two molecules each - telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), telomerase RNA (TERC) and dyskerin. By using TERC, TERT can add a specific six-nucleotide repeating sequence to the strand of chromosomes. These repeats are called telomeres.

As we get older, the ends of the chromosomes that carry our genes start to erode. Each time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter. When they get too short, the cell can no longer divide and becomes inactive or "senescent" or dies. This process is associated with aging. Telomeres do not shorten with age, though, in tissues such as heart muscle in which cells do not continually divide.

Telomerase can place natural caps on telomeres, protecting them from shortening. A variety of premature-aging syndromes are associated with short telomeres. Repairing these loose ends may hold the key to manipulating a person's aging process and thus, among other things, also controlling the growth of healthy hair. However, the inappropriate activation of telomerase is associated with the uncontrollable proliferation of cells seen in as many as 90% of all human cancers. Poorly controlled use of telomerase to prolong life, therefore, might lead to cancer.

Although the focal point of the telomere studies is cancer research, many teams of scientists around the world are exploring their anti-aging applications. In one study, conditional transgenic induction of TERT, the protein component of telomerase, in mouse skin epithelium caused a rapid transition from telogen, the resting phase of the hair follicle cycle, to anagen, the active phase, thereby facilitating robust hair growth.

The final telomerase-based medication for treating grey hair and baldness might still be years away but there is an existing treatment called iGrow Hair, which claims to use telomerase to reverse greying and regrow lost hair already available on the market. This is despite the fact that neither its effectiveness nor safety were studied and confirmed by an independent medical research. The Potential buyers should exercise caution when considering this product, especially given its outrageous pricing and potential health risk.

Provillus Consumer Rating

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:30:10 GMT

didnt work for me
from guy28, age 28, who has been using Provillus for 4 months

Nanogen Review

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:55:48 GMT

Nanogen is a brand of hair care products, amongst which Nanogaine topical and Nanoguard shampoo are the key components in the fight against hereditary baldness. Nanogaine is said to stimulate hair growth by protecting the hair follicles from inflammation and to prolong the growth phase of hair. The three main active substances of Nanogaine are copper peptides (bio-mimetic form of superoxide dismutase SOD, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties), Capilecti glycoprotein (believed to expand the growth phase of hair) and Lo-Seb complex (believed to reduce sebum output and increase the percentage of hair in the growth phase). Nanoguard is a shampoo that is claimed to inhibit formation of DHT in the scalp. The main active ingredients include superoxide dismutase (SOD), zinc combined with vitamin B6 and extracts from saw palmetto (this little palm fruit seems to be indispensable in natural hair loss products, although its mechanism of action and efficacy are unknown), pygeum africanum, stinging nettle and green tea.

Consumer reviews of Nanogaine and Nanoguard are practically impossible to find. It appears that not too many people have tried them so far. Consumer reviews of other copper peptide-based products such as Tricomin and Folligen might be useful in assessing the potency of Nanogaine. Nanoguard is a shampoo and thus the confident claims of its manufacturer regarding its mode of action and comparisons with Propecia should be taken with a grain of salt.

Hair Genesis Review

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:35:46 GMT

Hair Genesis is said to be an all-natural treatment system designed to arrest pattern hair loss in both men and women of all ethnicities and to help reverse the effects of thinning hair and hair loss. It consists of an oral supplement, topical serum, shampoo and conditioner. The main active ingredients found in these four applications include assumed dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blockers such as saw palmetto, phytosterol complex (mainly consisting of beta-sitosterol), pygeum africanum, essential fatty acids (contained in evening primrose oil, borage oil, macadamia nut oil, tea seed oil and wheat germ oil) and natural vasodilators such as niacin and rosemary. Furthermore, Hair Genesis contains soothing extracts from chamomile and horsetail, which should help heal small wounds and inflammations; plus biotin and green tea extract.

The manufacturer of Hair Genesis claims that it conducted a successful double-blind, placebo-controlled patient study to determine the effectiveness of botanically-derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase (specifically the liposterolic extract of saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol) in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. The research study was then published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. This is the main selling point of this product. It is impossible to assess how independent this study was and to quantify its results. If beta-sitosterol and certain components of saw palmetto extract really had the ability to block DHT at the level of hair follicles, we would still not know anything about their efficacy, dosage and side effects. Additional independent studies are needed to verify the claims made by Hair Genesis in regards to the efficiency of botanically-derived DHT blockers in treating male pattern baldness.

Consumer reviews are rare and thus easy to manipulate. Hair Genesis does not contain any ingredient that cannot be found in other natural hair loss products. Keep in mind that it is a “buyer-beware” market.

Regenix Review

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 18:59:22 GMT

Regenix claims to be an all-natural program designed to prevent baldness and improve existing hair. This program is developed to address all of the potentially negative elements that can influence hair growth. Not all of these factors are present in each individual but the existence of any of these conditions can contribute to hair loss. This statement comes from the manufacturer. However, the amount of concrete information regarding this therapy provided at Regenix’s own website is insufficient. The product makes no promise of regrowing lost hair and should be viewed as an expensive way to prevent hair loss. This therapy seems to be designed for people with full heads of hair to help them preserve their existing hair. It contains common vitamins, amino acids, yeast extract, several common herbal extracts, such as balmint, birch, burdock root, chamomile, fennel, hops, horse chestnut, horse tail, mistletoe, stinging nettle, yarrow and extract from the saw palmetto fruit. Saw palmetto is also mentioned amongst the key ingredients on Regenix’s own website and appears to be its most powerful ingredient and the main selling point. None of these herbs, used either alone or in combination with other substances, is clinically proven to be beneficial for treating hereditary baldness. Independent consumer reviews are not available yet, even though this product has been on the market since 1996. Regenix is a very expensive program and it has not managed to become an extremely popular, hair loss product.

Overview of Grey Hair Treatment Options

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:14:00 GMT

Given the current medical options, it seems very certain that the age-related greying process cannot be reversed or even halted, despite the claims made by a number of commercial, grey hair treatment manufacturers and their marketers. The age-related greying process is genetically determined and no remedy exists at the moment that can either rejuvenate the pigment-producing cells or extend their productive lives. Having said that, it appears that reversing grey hair is at least as difficult as reversing baldness. In both cases, one needs to rejuvenate dead or dying cells. There are some grey hair remedies out there containing vitamins B in their formula that might be useful for patients whose white hair is due to a deficiency of one of such vitamins but, in the majority of people, the onset of grey hair is determined by their genetic make-up, irrespective of their diet or lifestyle. Hence, you need to accept the fact that, at this point in time, the only option is to change the colour of your existing hair. The fresh hair growing from the follicle will continue to be white.

There are several corrective measures to tackle this problem. The first option is to dye your hair. Whether you use a permanent, semi-permanent or a demi-permanent hair dye, the result will be the colouring of all your hair, white and pigmented, and the change will be sudden. The hair dyes will give you homogeneous coverage that is recognisable from a distance. They may be quite aggressive and work fast, so you need to use plastic gloves to apply them. The good thing about them is that you can always choose a shade that best suits your original hair colour.

The second option is the use of progressive hair colorants. Their mechanism of action is to replace the missing pigment in your hair with a synthetic substitute. This allows their manufacturers to make the claim that they work naturally by generating a pigment to replace the missing pigment in your white hair. Some of them use a metallic component in their formula, such as lead acetate or bismuth citrate and some are organic based. They need to coat and penetrate your hair. As the mixture dries in the air, the chemical reaction in the presence of atmospheric oxygen turns the components into synthetic pigment. They only change the colour of your white hair, both from outside and inside, by replacing the missing pigment with a synthetic substitute. Progressive hair colorants need to be applied several times in order to cover all your grey hair. The benefit is that the change is slow and less noticeable, allowing you to focus only on certain areas and control how much grey hair remains untreated. This gives you a more natural look. Another good thing about progressive hair colorants is that the chemical reaction is slow and you do not need plastic gloves to apply them. The weakness is the need to apply them several times to achieve the desired coverage and the fact that they are suitable only for shades between dark blond and black. Progressive hair colorants only work fast on porous light hair. Another disadvantage is that they do not allow you to wash your hair too often as you have to give them time to work.

The progressive hair colorants, as mentioned before, can be split into metallic-based and organic-based products. The metallic hair colorants work as described above. The organic-based products are different in that they react fast and are only applied for five to ten minutes. You need to use plastic gloves to put them on. Everything else said before applies to them too. The benefit of using organic hair colorants is that you can wash your hair as often as you like, while they continue changing the colour of your white hair for several days after the day of application. The most famous metallic-based colorants include Grecian formula, GreyBan, Restoria and Youthair, whereas Poly Re-Nature is the best-known representative of the organic category.

And there is a third category, somewhere between hair dyes and progressive hair colorants. Its best representative is Touch of Gray. This product is, in its composition and principle action, a permanent hair dye but you need to apply it several times in order to achieve the desired shade. The change in colour is sudden but due to the need for multiple applications to achieve the final effect it makes the change less noticeable than permanent hair dyes. Another variation within this category is the hair colouring shampoo, such as Grey Away shampoo, which works in a similar fashion. One important and frequently-discussed factor with all hair colouring agents is the safety of these applications. Please read the post “Grey Hair or Allergy?” in order to better understand the health-related issues connected with the use of grey hair products.

Nu Hair Review

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:55:06 GMT

Nu Hair products are herbal-based formulas that are supposed to block the negative effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on hair follicles, the main cause of hereditary baldness, while providing nourishment for thinning hair. The manufacturer claims that Nu Hair products can regrow hair in men and women. Each set of Nu Hair treatment consists of two packs of pills (hair regrowth pills and DHT blocker pills) and a topical serum. The hair growth pills contain so-called natural DHT blockers such as saw palmetto, He Shou Wu and phytosterol complex (mostly beta-sitosterol). Furthermore, they contain kudzu and soy extracts (both rich in isoflavones such as the natural antioxidant daidzein that are known to be phytoestrogens, often speculatively associated with fighting male pattern baldness) and black pepper extract. The black pepper extract is present in the form of a proprietary ingredient called BioPerine that is supposed to increase the bioavailability of nutritional supplements, thus helping them become more effective. The DHT-blocker supplement pills are in their composition similar to the hair regrowth pills but they also contain pumpkin seed oil (rich in iron, zinc and essential fatty acids). The hair serum contains He Shou Wu, biotin and panthenol. Panthenol strengthens and moisturises the hair shaft and lubricates hair follicles and is therefore a frequent component of shampoos and hair conditioners.

Nu Hair is comprised of ingredients that can be found in many other natural hair loss products and hair conditioners and none of them has ever been clinically proven and independently verified to promote hair growth. Although the majority of similar natural products state that they can help maintain the existing hair, Nu Hair makes bold claims that it can regrow hair. Consumer reviews of Nu Hair are almost impossible to find, probably as impossible as finding new hair grown with it.

Revita Review

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 07:07:18 GMT

Revita is a hair growth stimulating shampoo. It is rich in ingredients that one would not expect to find in a shampoo. The manufacturer of this product claims that no matter how long or how intense your hair loss is, using Revita on a daily basis will improve the vitality of your scalp, maintaining the quality of your hair and stimulating new hair growth. Revita is suitable for use by men and women. The main active ingredients include procyanidin B2 and C1 (apple extract), copper peptides, spin traps (antioxidants that provide protection against free radicals), ketoconazole, roolbos (a hardy shrub indigenous to South Africa, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and, based on one small study, is associated with promoting hair growth), methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), caffeine (4%), emu oil (rich in essential fatty acids), amino acids and biotin.

Considering all its ingredients, Revita could be one of the more interesting hair loss products on the market today. But since it is sold in the form of a shampoo, it is questionable whether this mixture applied to the scalp for a few minutes, a couple of times per week can have any positive impact on hair growth. The main difficulty with all topical products and with shampoos in particular is their ability to deliver their active ingredients to the hair follicles deep in the skin where they are needed most. Consumer reviews of Revita are few so far and inconclusive. Keep in mind that this is a shampoo and set your expectations accordingly.

Review of Min New York Agent

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:49:20 GMT

MiN New York Agent is a topical hair loss product believed to maintain existing hair and promote new hair growth. It is only suitable for men and should be used twice a day. Min New York Agent contains relatively few, although some of the more promising substances used to fight hereditary baldness. The key ingredients include nanosphere encapsulated 5% minoxidil (nanosphere encapsulation is thought to deliver this key ingredient much closer to the root when compared with standard minoxidil), aminexil (called kopexil in this formula), copper peptides and a herbal complex called Procapil. These substances should work by regenerating, rejuvenating and stimulating hair follicles and protecting them from harmful attacks of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is one of few hair loss products these days that does not contain saw palmetto extract in its formula.

MiN New York Agent looks suspiciously similar to Spectral DNC in its composition, though its herbal component is different. Many consumers are complaining that they are both sticky and greasy. Consumer reviews of MiN New York Agent are available and are relatively positive.

Procapil Review

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:36:32 GMT

Procapil is a patent-protected herbal complex that can be found as one of the main active ingredients in several commercial hair loss products; for example, Follicare, MiN New York Agent, Viviscal scalp lotion, etc. It contains active compounds that are said to help anchor the hair follicles more firmly in the scalp and thicken cells in the hair bulb, allowing them to maintain their youth. The main result of its action should be a prolonged growth phase of hair and improved resistance to the harmful effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In addition, it is believed to increase blood flow within the scalp, allowing more nourishment to reach thinning hair. The three main components of Procapil are biotinyl tripeptide-1 (it is supposed to strengthen the hair, prolong its growth cycle and make it more resistant to the harmful impact of DHT), apigenin (a vasodilator having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties) and oleanolic acid (it also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and it is assumed to assist in preventing the damage caused by the DHT).

Procapil is not available as a retail product to the end-user and therefore consumer reviews are missing. The science behind Procapil may sound convincing but it lacks independent scientific verification. Since it is commonly used as one of many active ingredients within a complex formula of other commercial hair loss products, it is impossible to assess its effectiveness.

Inhairit Review

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:28:51 GMT

Inhairit is an all-natural treatment which claims to stop hair loss in both men and women. It comes in the form of a topical application used once daily. Its main active ingredient is saw palmetto, which is assumed to inhibit conversion of testosterone into the follicle-harming dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main culprit responsible for baldness. All of the remaining active substances come from ayurvedic medicine: eclipta alba (used in traditional medicine to rejuvenate and dye hair), ginger (zingiber officinale, an anti-inflammatory drug and a vasodilator), neem (azadirachta indica, an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat skin diseases), Indian gooseberry (emblica officinalis, rich in vitamins and amino acids and a strong anti-inflammatory drug and antioxidant), bacopa monnieri (a strong antioxidant and memory enhancer) and terminalia chebula (used as a detoxifying agent). Though the names of these exotic herbs may sound impressive to those of us who are not familiar with eastern medicine, none of them has ever been clinically tested for treating baldness.

Inhairit has been on the market since 2000, enjoying relatively good visibility on the internet, often ranking amongst the top ten on Google for “hair loss’. Despite that, consumer reviews of Inhairit do not exist. I do not know how many bottles of Inhairit have been sold so far but there do not seem to be too many consumers wishing to share their experience. This product is different from the majority of herbal cures in that it uses a number of exotic Asian herbs. However, its efficacy probably does not differ from that of the average herbal hair loss remedy and the placebo effect might be its strongest active component.

Causes and Symptoms of Hereditary Baldness

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:58:25 GMT

The main cause of hereditary baldness is, as its name says, genetic. However, some people believe that losing hair is the result of poor circulation in the scalp, elevated stress, wearing hats and long hair or masturbation, which obviously is not true. Such rumours are also spread by the marketers of hair scams, who are trying to exploit our lack of knowledge. They often tell us that hair loss is due to the blocking and malnutrition of hair follicles or that scalp inflammation and a diet poor in essential nutrients cause baldness in order to sell us scalp cleansers and vitamin pills.

But how does genetics cause hair loss? Hereditary baldness in both men and women is caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) attacks on our hair follicles. This happens in all of us but only some people are born with hair follicles that are vulnerable to these attacks, which results in hair loss. The exact mechanism by which DHT acts on our follicles is, however, not yet known.

DHT is a metabolite of the male hormone testosterone, which plays a key role in the development of an enlarged prostate. In addition to making the prostate swell, it causes the hair follicles to shrink and produce finer and thinner hair with each hair growth cycle until they refuse to produce another hair and die. Hence, the balding process is actually hair miniaturisation. DHT is able to shut off only those hair follicles that have a genetic predisposition to baldness. They are usually located on the front and the top of our scalp, which gives us the typical horseshoe balding pattern called male pattern baldness. This pattern is less pronounced in women, who usually lose hair on their entire scalp, which leads to diffuse hair loss.

Hence, hair loss is actually hair miniaturisation. This explains why so many hair loss sufferers do not notice that they are losing hair until it becomes obvious to everybody. In the initial stage, only a doctor can tell you whether you are suffering from hereditary baldness, by performing a miniaturisation test. In some instances increased hair fall (more than 100 hairs a day for an extended period of time) can lead to baldness but more often than that hair loss goes on unnoticed until we lose 50% of our hair.

In people suffering from hereditary baldness the balding process can be greatly accelerated during the shedding periods. Those of us living in a temperate zone go through a shedding period twice a year - once in spring and once in autumn. Each shedding period lasts between four and six weeks. Somebody who suffers from hereditary baldness may, during this period, lose a substantial portion of their hair but many of them will not be replaced by new budding hair. This situation leads to the visible worsening of the hair loss condition within a few months. However, for people not suffering from hereditary baldness, increased shedding is normal and no reason for concern.

The most effective treatments for hereditary baldness are those that address its main cause - DHT attacks on our hair follicles. Such drugs are called antiandrogens and they either prevent the creation of DHT in the scalp or block the activity of DHT in the scalp by binding to the receptor sites in the follicle or blocking activity in the androgen receptor itself. Propecia (brand name for finasteride) is the best-known and the most powerful antiandrogen currently approved to treat male pattern baldness.

Touch of Gray Review

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:12:24 GMT

Touch of Gray is a new hair colorant from the US that hit the market in April this year. It has been designed for men, allowing them to control how much gray remains in their hair. Touch of Gray comes in the form of a gel in five shades. It is said to be easy to apply. You just comb it into your hair for five minutes and rinse it off and shampoo your hair. This product does not contain any poisonous metallic compounds; it is a mix of organic chemicals that may be, though, aggressive to the skin and eyes. Touch of Gray may not be used for colouring facial hair. It should be applied in weekly intervals until the desired shade has been achieved. The composition of Touch of Gray and its mode of action remind you of regular hair dyes but you need to apply it several times to cover most of your gray hair, which gives you better control and makes the change less noticeable.

Touch of Gray is a product a few months old, available only to North American customers and no consumer reviews are yet available. My assessment is purely based on publicly-available information and my conclusion is that Touch of Gray is a discrete form of regular hair dye that does its job stepwise, just like semi-permanent dyes do. Its chemical composition reminds you of a permanent hair dye but its mode of action is more similar to semi-permanent dyes. Touch of Gray contains PPD (p-phenylenediamine), believed to be a leading cause of hair colour allergic reactions. The fact that it needs to be applied more often than a regular, permanent hair dye may increase the chances of triggering allergy. It contains no peroxide or ammonia, though.

Review of Nisim New Hair Biofactors

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:39:03 GMT

Nisim New Hair Biofactors pack is an all-natural, hair care system of topical applications, which claims to help slow the effects of hair loss and regrow hair. These products are suitable for both men and women. Herbal extracts are, besides amino acids and vitamins, the main active ingredients of Nisim products. The herbal mix consists of saw palmetto (this small palm fruit cannot be missing in any herbal hair loss remedy), panax ginseng (both panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng are used in herbal hair loss remedies, as they are supposed to stimulate hair growth), ivy (a presumed hair growth stimulant) and chamomile and rosemary as antioxidants. Chamomile should also help fight small skin infections. In addition, Nisim products contain several other common herbs that are not usually found in many other hair loss treatments, such as sweet chestnut, arnica montana and geranium maculatum. Needless to say none of the aforementioned herbs has ever been clinically tested and proven to promote new hair growth.

Consumer reviews are few and only available at hair loss forums. Although some people are pleased with Nisim shampoo, it is rare to hear any praise from hair loss sufferers regarding the entire range of Nisim New Hair Biofactors therapy. The words scam and Nisim can often be found in the same sentence.

Nioxin Review

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:35:54 GMT

The Nioxin brand includes a range of hair care products, with Nioxin intensive therapy follicle booster seemingly the key hair loss formula. The intensive follicle therapy booster contains a large number of active ingredients, including minerals (copper, silicon, iron, magnesium and zinc), vitamins (pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid, niacin, riboflavin), amino acids, proteins, phytosterols, bioflavonoids and herbal extracts. Other ingredients of interest include caffeine and adenosine. The herbal complex is comprised of angelica sinensis (a herb from the ginseng genus, often found in hair loss products that is believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties), centella asiatica (Ayurvedic youth tonic), ginkgo biloba, humulus lupus (common hops used for brewing beer), serenoa serrulata (a synonym for saw palmetto that is found in every herbal hair loss remedy), dioscorea villosa (rich in phytoestrogens, often speculatively associated with fighting male pattern baldness), visnaga vera (a microcirculation stimulant assumed to strengthen hair), cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed oil rich in iron, zinc and essential fatty acids), prunus africana (this is a synonym for pygeum africanum), mentha piperita (peppermint is assumed to possess antibacterial properties) and rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary is thought to be an antioxidant and natural vasodilator).

Nioxin intensive therapy follicle booster seems to contain almost any ingredient that has ever been suspected of promoting healthy skin and hair growth but this variety of ingredients is no guarantee for its effectiveness. Nioxin intensive therapy follicle booster is a topical application and it is questionable how many of its ingredients can actually reach deeper skin layers, down at the level of hair follicles. Consumer reviews are rare and inconclusive. Users at hair loss forums usually comment on Nioxin shampoo and conditioner. The Nioxin range of products is not presented and should not be considered as a hair loss therapy. It can at best be used as a complementary treatment to one of the more powerful hair loss therapies.

Nioxin Review

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:00:39 GMT

Reviews of Shou Wu Pill and Shou Wu Pian

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:20:13 GMT

Shou Wu Pill and Shou Wu Pian are, besides Shen Min, some of the best known Chinese, natural, herbal supplements marketed worldwide as remedies for reversing gray hair and baldness. Their principal active ingredient is Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu, polygonum multiflorum), a Chinese herb that in Chinese traditional medicine is believed to be among the best herbs for restoring hair colour and reducing hair loss. Shou Wu Pill, in addition to Fo-Ti, contains a small amount of Fu Ling mushroom (poria cocos, similar to European truffle) that is added to enhance the digestibility and absorption of Fo-Ti. The third component of Shou Wu Pill, Chuan Xiong (ligusticum wallichii), is used as a messenger herb to focus the action of Fo-Ti on the head and hair. Shou Wu Pian formula is also built around Fo-Ti as its principal active ingredient, the effectiveness of which in this formula is enhanced by various other Chinese medicinal herbs.

The magic of Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu), the main active ingredient in both aforementioned products, refers back to the legend from centuries ago of Mr. He, who restored his black hair, youthful appearance and vitality using this plant. Modern science has not confirmed any of the claims made by the Fo-Ti marketers in regards to Fo-Ti’s ability to restore hair colour and reverse baldness. Using these products will, in my opinion, have no visible impact on your hair but if you strongly believe in their magic, the placebo effect might help you feel a positive change. I have been using Fo-Ti in various forms for sixteen months, experiencing no positive change in my hair colour or hair thickness and I personally do not know anybody who has. There are no consumer reviews of either Shou Wu Pill and Shou Wu Pian and reviews of the best known Fo-Ti-based, gray hair product - Shen Min original formula - might come in useful when assessing their potency.

Restoria Review

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:23:53 GMT

Restoria is a progressive hair colorant that alters the colour of your gray hair over a period of two to three weeks, enabling you to avoid the embarrassment caused by a sudden change. It is simple to use and it requires no mixing or use of plastic gloves. You simply apply it where necessary to dry hair and comb through. After the desired colour has been achieved, it needs to be applied just twice a week. It is available as a lotion and a cream. Restoria used to contain lead acetate but it changed from lead acetate to bismuth citrate in order to avoid being considered potentially carcinogenic. The new formula should continue to work in a similar fashion to the old one. The fact is, however, that bismuth citrate may not be a much safer option than lead acetate. Bismuth citrate is also poisonous and new Restoria should be handled with the same care as any other hair colorant. For more information regarding the health risks associated with using metallic-based, progressive hair colorants, please refer to the post “Is Grecian Formula Safe?”.

Restoria has been manufactured in Australia for more than 45 years and it can be found in pharmacies in many countries of the world. In spite of that, consumer reviews of Restoria are almost impossible to find. Restoria’s mechanism of action is nearly identical to that of lead acetate-based, progressive hair colorants, such as Grecian formula, GreyBan and Youthair, and their consumer reviews might be indicative of its potency. Restoria is not the only progressive hair colorant that switched from lead acetate to bismuth citrate. Grecian is using bismuth citrate-based formula in some countries, too, but consumer reviews of the new formula seem pretty negative. Many consumers say it does not seem to work as good as the old version.

Follicare Review

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:15:45 GMT

Follicare is a hair loss treatment, consisting of four applications: topical spray, nutritional supplements, revitalising shampoo and 5% minoxidil lotion. This complex structure makes it appear more valuable than a single treatment. Follicare, like many other hair loss products, combines the benefits of the FDA-approved medicinal treatment - minoxidil - with potential gains from herbal extracts and nutritional supplements. This treatment is designed for both men and women, but for women it comes with 2% minoxidil lotion. The main active ingredients, besides minoxidil (a hair growth stimulant), include saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, zinc, Fo-Ti, stinging nettle and pumpkin seed extract (rich in essential fatty acids), all of them assumed natural dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blockers. Follicare also contains natural vasodilators such as benzyl nicotinate, niacin (one of the main active substances of a popular hair scam from the 1980s - Helsinki formula), rosemary and ginkgo biloba. The vasodilators are believed to help promote blood flow and the supply of nutrients to the scalp. Other relevant ingredients include Procapil formula, caffeine, copper, vitamins B and soothing extracts from aloe vera, sage and chamomile that should fight possible inflammation of the scalp.

Follicare (not to be confused with Folicure) has been on sale since 1996 but there are only a few independent consumer reviews available and they seem quite negative. In summary, Follicare is not much different from Provillus, Avacor or Scalp Med and their customer reviews might be used to help asses the potency of Follicare and vice versa. If nothing else does the trick in this formula, minoxidil should help a little.

Grey Hair or Allergy?

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:44:00 GMT

Hair colouring products are thought to pose one of the biggest risks of serious allergic reaction of all categories of consumer products. In addition to containing components that can trigger allergies, all of these products are poisonous should they be digested. PPD (p-phenylenediamine) is one of the most common active ingredients in conventional hair dyes and it is believed to be a leading cause of hair dye allergic reactions. Ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and diaminobenzene are other common components of traditional hair dyes that are alleged to cause severe allergies.

Progressive hair colorants are the alternative to conventional hair dyes and are suitable mainly for men. But they seem to be no less harmful. They either contain a metallic component, such as lead acetate, or bismuth citrate or organic substances. Both lead and bismuth are heavy metals and thus feared to be poisonous, though bismuth and its compounds seem to be the better choice of the two. The concentration of metallic compounds in hair colouring products should not exceed 0.4%-0.6%, depending on the country of distribution. However, heavy metal compounds, contained in progressive hair colorants, seem to be less allergenic than organic compounds used in regular hair dyes.

Some organic-based types of hair colorants, such as Touch of Gray, also contain the aforementioned PPDs. Another organic-based progressive hair colorant, Poly Re-Nature, uses 5,6 dihydroxyindoline as its main active substance, which has been approved for use in hair colorants at concentrations below 2%. Poly Re-Nature also contains ammonia, which is thought to be the second most frequent cause of allergic reactions after PPD.

No matter which approach you take, it seems that you cannot avoid using poisonous or allergy-triggering chemicals if you wish to colour your white hair. Natural hair dyes such as Henna offer no solution either. Besides their many practical limitations, natural hair dyes are known to be extremely allergenic. If you decide to go ahead and dye your hair, no matter which product you chose, make sure you follow the guidelines for correct application and use a patch test before you apply any of these substances.

Propecia Review

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:21:27 GMT

Propecia is the only FDA-approved, oral drug for treating male pattern baldness. It appears to be the most powerful treatment currently available for treating hair loss in men. Clinical evidence largely supports this claim. The sole active ingredient of Propecia is called finasteride and it works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into follicle- harming dihydrotestoterone (DHT). Propecia can only be used by adult men. In many countries of the world, generic finasteride is available under numerous other trade names. Finasteride is only available on prescription, which puts off many patients. In addition, Propecia (finasteride) is often associated with negative side effects, which discourages many patients from trying it. The originator of Propecia claims that side effects only occur in 0.5% of patients (I seem to be amongst the majority) but consumer feedback from various hair loss forums makes me believe that this percentage is significantly higher. Overemphasizing the negative side effects of Propecia is a common tactic used by the marketers of natural hair loss products.

Several generic, topical lotions use finasteride (generic Propecia) as their main active ingredient and claim good results. The big question mark concerns the effective localized delivery of finasteride. In one recent study, in vitro, topically-administered, liposomal-encapsulated finasteride was shown to be an effective vehicle of delivery. The effectiveness in humans has not been established yet. Topical administration of finasteride is hoped to yield superior results versus the currently used oral form, improving the drugs efficiency and reducing its side effects. However, the currently available preparations are not believed to deliver on this expectation.

Eucapil Review

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:45:47 GMT

Eucapil is a topical cosmetic application that is supposed to halt the balding process and promote regrowth in healthy hair follicles. Eucapil uses fluridil as its sole active ingredient. Fluridil is a novel anti-androgen that can be used by both men and women and should be applied only once daily. The main difficulty in applying Eucapil is the fact that it reacts with water and quickly disintegrates. Therefore, it cannot be used as a supplementary treatment to other water-based treatments. Sweating can also significantly reduce its effectiveness. Eucapil is rich in alcohol and some consumers complain that its continued use makes their hair weak and colourless. The problem with the science behind this product is that it has not been independently verified yet.

The product has been on sale for only a couple of years now and consumer reports are only available at a few hair loss forums. They are mixed at best. There is almost no patient claiming to have regrown terminal hair with Eucapil. The best result one can expect from this product seems to be halting of the balding process and regrowing some very fine vellus hair.

Xandrox Review

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:54:40 GMT

Xandrox is one of the more popular generic topical applications for treating hair loss. It combines the benefits of the FDA-approved hair growth stimulant, minoxidil, with the assumed dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibitor, azelaic acid, in a single formula. There are dozens of other generic minoxidil applications that mimic this formula available on the market today. Some products are experimenting with additional ingredients, such as retinoic acid or liposomes, in order to enhance the penetration and effectiveness of their main active substances. It is also believed that increased concentrations of minoxidil in the formula can enhance and speed up its results. Hence, formulations with 12.5%, 15% and even 20% of minoxidil are now available. The difficulty is to ensure the stability of such lotions. Alcohol-based, minoxidil solutions, with a concentration of 5% or more minoxidil require propylene glycol or glycerin or other such vehicles in the base to remain stable. It results in the solution having a greasy feeling and it stiffens the hair when it dries. In addition, such vehicles often cause scalp irritation and resulting inflammation. My own experience with Xandrox and Xandrox-like lotions is that azelaic acid does not seem to deliver any additional hair-growth benefits over plain minoxidil. The only reason I am using a generic version of minoxidil, that happens to contain azelaic acid is my scalp’s good tolerance of this product compared with Rogaine (plain branded minoxidil), which gave me an itchy scalp.

Xandrox became the basis of further experimentation. Many generic producers of minoxidil lotions are now adding various other components to refine their concoctions. You can find mixtures containing minoxidil, azelaic acid, aminexil, finasteride, caffeine, flutamide, green tea extract and diverse herbal extracts, all contained in one formulation. It is impossible to draw a clear dividing line between the science and alchemy but the science seems to end here. Nevertheless, products rich in multiple components are promising fast and guaranteed results and have a bigger appeal to their potential buyers than plain minoxidil. Consumer reviews of such products are confusing and should not be used as guidance in your own quest for the most suitable hair loss product.

Reviews of Dermenodex and Adenogen

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:35:19 GMT

Dermenodex hair therapy is intended for people with thinning hair. The exclusive distributor of this product claims that Dermenodex fortifies the scalp with vital nutrients, improves circulation and promotes capillary activity, helping to create a healthy scalp environment necessary for new hair growth. Dermenodex therapy consists of three formulations - scalp-cleansing shampoo, daily hair and scalp conditioner and thinning hair-scalp treatment. The main and the most innovative active ingredient of Dermenodex is adenosine. It is used in a strikingly high concentration of 3%. The remaining active ingredients consist of essential fatty acids, caffeine and natural vasodilators such as niacin and concentrated ivy, which are supposed to help stimulate the circulation and provide nutritional support to hair follicles.

Dermenodex is a relatively new product that is being distributed exclusively through folica.com, which makes it easy to manipulate consumer feedback. Consumer reviews are only available at folica.com and they seem extremely positive and might be fake. Independent reviews are not available yet. Adenogen is a similar product that could be used to estimate the potential effectiveness of Dermenodex but its consumer reviews are also rare. This might be due to its unrealistic pricing. Adenogen was among the first products on the market that used adenosine as its main active ingredient. Adenogen is manufactured by the Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido and knowledge of Japanese might aid in assessing the efficacy of adenosine. Other hair loss products that use adenosine in their formula are Spectral DNC and Nioxin but they can not be used as a proxy because of their many other active ingredients.

I would like to encourage readers to share their experiences with either Dermedonex or Adenogen, to help others asses the potency of these new products. For the time being, watch out for consumer reviews but do not bet on these two products growing you a full head of hair. Although I do not believe that either Adenogen or Dermenodex can regrow hair (despite the bold claims made by the Dermenodex distributor), research indicates that they can help thicken thinning hair affected by androgenetic alopecia. It remains to be seen whether adenosine can be considered as a potential substitute to minoxidil.

Fabao 101 Review

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:07:37 GMT

Fabao 101 formula is a Chinese herbal hair loss product. It is said to be a safe and effective treatment proven to stop hair loss and regrow hair all over the scalp, including the hairline. Fabao 101 made big waves in Asia back in the mid 1980s. The manufacturer of this product mentions on its website that Japanese travel agencies were then organizing trips to China so that people could purchase this product. The formulas 101D, 101F and 101G are all designed to treat different stages of hereditary baldness. Fabao 101 consists of two dozen herbal extracts, including my “favourite” herb - He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti). The manufacturer claims that the product was subjected to rigorous clinical testing in China but to my knowledge no relevant documentation has been released for independent evaluation and no study has been published in any respected peer-reviewed medical journal outside of China.

When I first started gathering information for this site, I thought it would make an excellent story for my “miracle cures” section. But then, following confusing reader feedback, I decided to discontinue the “miracle cures” section in order to avoid possible misinterpretations.

Fabao 101 happens to be commercially very successful in North America. This success comes despite the lack of scientific data backing the bold claims made by the manufacturer and it is aided by the mystery surrounding traditional Chinese medicine in non-Asian cultures. There do not seem to be too many bald people amongst the Chinese population but I do not think it is due to either Fabao 101 formula or any Chinese herb. Consumer reviews of Fabao 101 products are plentiful but many of the five star posts appear to be spam. Using this product will probably not hurt anybody but keep in mind that it is a “buyer-beware” market. Apparently, a number of Chinese and Japanese scientists are wasting their time researching hair multiplication and other novel hair loss treatments, not knowing that there has been this miracle cure for baldness lying on their doorsteps for nearly 30 years.

(Poly) Re-Nature Consumer Review

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 07:08:16 GMT

ReNature - works for me

by GreyHunk from Hungary, age 43, who has been using Re-Nature for 3 months by now:

After trying various hair-dye products, I found that I am allergic to PPD, the component used in most darker shade hair-dyes. As I also like my short beard, even the slightest allergic reaction or irritation renders a product unusable - even ones that claim to be OK on facial hair. So, as an option, I found ReNature that has no PPD and gave it a try. I also liked the fact that it seems to have one of the least scary ingredients. It does break up the outer "skin" of the hair as all permanent dyes do, but the synthetic pigment is most nature-like unlike the metallic ones in other anti-grey hair products, and no PPD as in pretty much all darker dyes. As an advantage I can read German and found the reviews promising: while it is not a solution for everyone, it seemed to work for people with my hair colour.

Strangely, the German official FAQ says it is OK to use it on facial hair, although "not specifically suggested", hinting to be careful not to get it into one's mouth of course. The Australian FAQ in English on the other hand says "no"…

Review of Poly Re-Nature

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:16:36 GMT

Poly Re-Nature is a hair colorant that is said to bring back the natural hair colour gradually. The product was first introduced in Germany and Austria in 1998 and it is now available in many European countries as well as some oversees markets. It comes in the form of a cream and is suitable for use by men and women but it should not be used to colour facial hair. Poly Re-Nature changes the colour of the white hair gradually, which makes the change less noticeable than with traditional hair dyes. It works in a similar fashion to metallic-based, hair colouring lotions (such as Grecian formula) by replacing the missing pigment in white hair with a chemically-formed synthetic pigment. The difference is mainly in the type of chemical reaction and the resulting chemical formula of the pigment but the principle remains the same. The application also happens to be different. Poly Re-Nature is applied to the hair for about five minutes and then rinsed and the hair washed with shampoo. The main advantage over the metallic-based products using lead acetate or bismuth citrate is that it does the work without the use of poisonous heavy metal compounds and you can wash your hair as often as you like. The main disadvantage is the aggressive nature of the substance. The re-pigmentation process is slow and lasts several days after the cream has been washed out. The chemical reaction involves 5, 6-dihydroxyindoline which reacts with oxygen in the air to produce polymers that act like melanin and bring back your natural hair colour. I tried this product back in 1999. It did work but it gave me a bad allergic reaction after the first application and I never dared try it again. Poly Re-Nature works best for shades between dark blond and black. It was not designed for use on red hair and it was not tested on and is not recommended for African and Asian hair.

Consumer reviews are plentiful but they only seem to be available in German and most of them are positive. Some consumers complained about the bad smell and the aggressive nature of the cream, and flaking after its continued use. Several people said Poly Re-Nature coloured their hair red after repeated application. It sounds weird, as this product is typically not very useful for colouring hair that was originally red. I think Poly Re-Nature is a good alternative for grey hair sufferers afraid of the metallic compounds contained in other types of hair colorants. However, they must be ready to put up with the inconvenience of using this fast-reacting mixture and be lucky not to suffer from an allergic reaction to one of its chemicals.

ProFollica Review

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:18:54 GMT

ProFollica is a recently-introduced hair loss product, relying on old, proven marketing tricks to sell a new story. It claims to be a natural answer to dealing with hereditary baldness in both men and women, being more powerful than medicinal products while having no negative side effects. ProFollica comes as a triple pack (shampoo, topical activator and nutritional supplement pills) to make it appear more valuable and deserve premium pricing. It uses some of the most common natural ingredients, such as saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, gingko biloba, He Shou Wu and pumpkin seed oil extract, that can be found in almost any other natural hair loss product on the market. The supplement pills contain minerals, vitamins and amino acids that are essential nutrients which feed hair but which our bodies can extract from a regular healthy diet. So far no news.

One novelty, though, is that ProFollica introduced several herbs as its key active ingredients that have not been used in other similar products yet, some of them with very exotic names. The first two - kigelia africana (a tree from tropical Africa with heavy poisonous fruits) and cinnamomum zeylanicum (famous Sri Lankan cinnamon bark) are supposed to reduce the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the scalp. The two other novel substances - panax ginseng root and salvia sclarea - are supposed to stimulate hair growth. Panax ginseng, is a very distant relative of Siberian ginseng, which can be found in many other natural hair loss products. Salvia sclarea rounds up the list of novelties introduced by ProFollica. This plant, originally from Europe and the Middle East, has been used in the past mainly as a vegetable and flavouring in traditional European cuisine. Needless to say, there appears to be no reliable scientific evidence backing the claims made by the manufacturer that any of these herbs is beneficial in treating hereditary baldness.

There are no independent consumer reviews of ProFollica yet, except for reviews at sites either associated with or directly selling this product. There does not seem to be anything extraordinary in this formula, other than a possible placebo effect created by artful marketing to convince potential customers that it works differently from most other natural, hair loss remedies.

Confusing Hair Loss Treatments

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:11:40 GMT

If you go to see your dermatologist about your hair loss, you probably come back with a prescription for Propecia (or other form of finasteride), advice to try Rogaine (minoxidil) and, where appropriate, with a basic introductory knowledge to hair transplantation. Some doctors may also recommend other things but the choices are limited. However, there are thousands of hair loss products sold as hair cosmetics out there, most of them of natural origin, that are supposed to thicken your hair, with all of them claiming to be a result of many years of medical research. And each one of them is associated with the name of some medical doctor to give the product more credibility. But why are the doctors selling hair loss products telling you things you have never heard from your dermatologist? The reason for the difference in opinions lies in the industry’s regulation. In every civilised country of the world, the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry are strictly regulated. For instance, all approved drugs have to pass a clinical test to demonstrate their safety and efficacy. If you do not adhere to the rules of the industry, you can be excluded. Discipline helps ensure consumer safety.

The cosmetics field, on the other hand, is in most countries underregulated. This gives the manufacturers and marketers of dubious hair cosmetics the freedom to use their imagination. As long as their products do not hurt anybody, nothing will happen to them for not delivering on their promises. This allows many of them to bundle minoxidil in a package containing herbal extracts enriched with several vitamins and minerals and sell it for an outrageous price, with the promise of guaranteed hair growth. And the choice is yours whether you want to pay the money and be a guinea pig or not. Practising dermatologists do not have this choice. They cannot use you as their guinea pig.

But why do the manufacturers of hair loss cosmetics not try to have their products approved as pharmaceuticals by the national health supervisory authorities, and get their products listed with dermatologists? This would ensure their product guaranteed support and greatly boost its sales volumes. Dermatologists would gladly include a newly-approved remedy on their short list of hair loss treatment options. The financial costs and the time needed to have such treatments approved are not the only reasons for not having this done. The main reason is the effectiveness of such treatments. Admittedly, in some cases it is impossible to reformulate cosmetics to have them approved as pharmaceuticals. But more often than that the true reason is they just do not work well enough or do not work at all.

The aim of this website is not to discourage you from experimenting with alternative hair loss treatments. The ambition is to equip you with the basic knowledge of hair loss treatment options and encourage your own research. You are advised to try proven medicinal treatments first, allow them enough time to get to work and only then start experimenting with more speculative products that might or might not provide additional benefit. However, for those who would like to see a fast and dramatic improvement on the top and front of their head, hair transplantation is the only currently available option.

ThymuSkin Hair Loss Products Review

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:23:47 GMT

ThymuSkin is a set of hair loss products amongst which ThymuSkin treatment and ThymuSkin gel are the key components. ThymuSkin hair products were originally developed in Germany to prevent hair loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment but are now offered to people suffering from all sorts of hair loss. It is assumed that hair loss from chemotherapy can be significantly reduced if the product is rubbed on the scalp before the patient takes a chemotherapeutic agent. It was later discovered that ThymuSkin is also effective against rare types of hair loss and scalp disorders. The ThymuSkin approach to treating baldness is based on the assumption that baldness is an auto-immune disease, where the body's immune system (white blood cells) mistakenly identifies hair follicles as foreign tissue and attacks them. This might be true for some forms of hair loss, where hair loss occurs suddenly, such as telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium and alopecia areata, with its different variations, but it is unlikely to be the cause of hereditary pattern baldness. ThymuSkin proved to be considerably more effective in treating hair loss in women than men. This, in my opinion, challenges the theory that it is useful for treating hereditary pattern baldness, which happens to be by far the most common form of baldness in men. The main active substance in all ThymuSkin products is thymus gland extract. The peptide molecules of thymus gland extract are active in stimulating the human immune system and can help prevent destruction of hair follicles by neutralizing the auto-immune attack. The remaining ingredients of ThymuSkin products include vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids.

ThymuSkin, due to its unique mode of action, might be a useful option for treating effluviums and alopecia areata but it is extremely unlikely to help in combating hereditary baldness. Consumer reviews of Thymuskin products are few but those comments available support the assumption that ThymuSkin may be a good treatment for alopecia areata but not such a good treatment for androgenetic alopecia.

Hair Loss Concealers

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:51:58 GMT

Growing back lost hair might be mission impossible for many of us who started treating their baldness after many years of losing hair. If you are not convinced about the benefits of hair transplantation yet and only need quick fixes for certain occasions, hair loss concealers might be a reasonable option. There are many different kinds of camouflage but fibres are by far the most natural-looking solution. The statically-charged microfibres that are sprinkled over the thinning areas cling tightly to the existing hair on the scalp. They bond so securely that they should stay in place all day and night, in even the strongest wind or hardest rain. Use only a wide toothed comb or your own fingers to style your hair. The fibres should remain in the hair until the next shampoo wash. Some of the most common names among microfibre hair loss concealers are Toppik, Nanofibres, Organin and Mega THIK. The common problem with all of them is that they only come in relatively few shades and thus may not match everybody’s hair colour.

Consumer reviews are relatively positive, though some people complain that the fibres brush off onto the pillow case at night. The biggest drawback seems to be the small choice of available shades. If the shade is too different from your hair colour, it makes the fibres detectable from a distance. Some consumers recommend using two different brands of hair loss concealers at the same time in order to overcome problems with unsuitable shades and adhesion of fibres. Some negative comments are related to difficulties with applying the fibres accurately to the areas where they are needed most. Using these products correctly takes practice and a steady hand. Therefore, it is advisable to use those products that come with a spray applicator.

Youthair Review

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:54:16 GMT

Youthair is a hair colouring rejuvenator designed to blend away gray on a gradual basis. It comes in the form of a liquid and a cream. Youthair is mainly designed for men but it can also be used by women. Its main active ingredients are sulphur and lead acetate, working together to replace lost hair-pigment melanin with a similar acting agent - lead sulphide. Although there are unfounded claims that it is possible to restore gray hair using certain nutritional supplements, herbs, exotic oils or pills, such solutions are nothing but a waste of money. The only proven way to restore your natural hair colour at the moment is to get an external agent to replace the missing pigment in the fibre of your hair.

Youthair is an old traditional product that is in its composition very similar to Grecian formula and other lead acetate-based hair colorants. Lead acetate-related health issues have been discussed in more detail in the post “Is Grecian Formula Safe?”.

Consumer reviews of Youthair are mixed but the majority of them are positive. This product seems to work well on fine hair that is lighter in colour but reviews from Afro-Americans seem to prove that it doesn’t work on their hair. Some consumers were put off by what they consider to be bad odour. This is a common complaint with all products using sulphur. It is best advised, if possible, to try various hair colorants besides Youthair, for example Grecian formula, Restoria, GreyBan, etc., in order to find the product that suits you best. They all work in a similar fashion and, therefore, watch for differences in their secondary properties, such as ease of application, smell, greasiness and pricing.

Shen Min Review

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:23:26 GMT

Shen Min, meaning vitality in Chinese, represents a range of hair care products, mixing vitamins and minerals with herbal extracts, while claiming to revitalise hair and promote healthy and fast hair growth. Shen Min original formula and Shen Min advanced formula are two key products used to revitalise gray hair. Shen Min original formula contains Fo-Ti (He shou wu) as its principal ingredient, which has been used in China for centuries as a youth tonic and is believed to bring back the original colour to the hair. The second active ingredient is black pepper extract. The black pepper extract is present in the form of a proprietary ingredient called BioPerine, which is expected to increase the bioavailability of nutritional supplements, thus helping them become more effective.

Shen Min advanced formula is said to be a combination of traditional Chinese medicine represented by Fo-Ti, soy and kudu extracts, and modern science. The “modern science” seems to be represented by vitamins B (pantothenic acid, biotin and folic acid), minerals (iodine and zinc), saw palmetto extract and black pepper extract, which is used to enhance the effectiveness of other active substances. Some Shen Min products also claim to block dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and are thus sold as hair loss treatments. None of the aforementioned substances and herbs has ever been clinically proven effective in treating gray hair. Shen Min products should not be expected to reverse the gray colour of your hair but the mix of nutrients they contain might help your hair look healthier. Consumer reviews are mixed but not too bad, though some of them sound too good to be true.

Grecian Formula Review

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:29:20 GMT

Grecian formula is one of the best-known, hair colorants for men. It comes in three forms: liquid, cream and foam. Its main advantage over conventional hair dyes is that it changes the hair colour gradually, which makes the change less noticeable. Grecian formula has the ability to replace lost melanin with a similar-acting, metallic-based pigment (metallic salt such as lead sulphide). This pigment is produced by the two active ingredients - lead acetate and sulphur. You can regain just the right amount of lost colour by applying Grecian formula until your desired shade has been achieved. From then on, you only need to apply it two to three times a week to maintain the restored colour. Grecian formula contains lead acetate, which is a poisonous substance. Lead acetate-related, health issues have been discussed in more detail in the post “Is Grecian Formula Safe?”. Grecian has been on the market for over 45 years now, with only one major change to its formula so far. It was an attempt to replace lead acetate with bismuth citrate as discussed later. There are several other products out there that mimic Grecian formula. However, Grecian was not the first product to use metallic salts to colour hair, as this technique has been known for more than a century.

Consumer reviews of Grecian formula are relatively positive. Most consumers give it credit for effectiveness but often complain about its bad chemical odour. The foam is considered by many consumers to be the most convenient form of application. Grecian works better on fine hair that is lighter in colour than on dark, coarse hair. Certain consumer complaints do not seem reasonable, though. Some consumers put Grecian formula on at night and wash it off in the morning and then complain that the product does not work. This is not the way it should be used. You have to leave it on for a couple of days in order to allow it time to work. One helpful tip for people who wash their hair every morning might be to apply it in the evening and to cover your hair with a plastic bag for one hour to prevent fast drying and then remove the bag and let your hair dry naturally. This technique, used by some users, might hypothetically increase the risk of lead acetate absorption through the scalp, though. But this is only my own speculation, as there is no proof whatsoever that lead or any lead compound contained in hair colouring products can be absorbed through the skin.

A few years ago, Grecian introduced a new, improved formula in some countries, changing from lead acetate to bismuth citrate, in order to avoid their products being considered potentially carcinogenic. Although the new formula applies the same principle as the traditional product, consumer reviews seem pretty negative. Many consumers say it does not seem to work nearly as good as the old formula.

Rogaine Review

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:22:32 GMT

Rogaine was the first medicinal product in history approved by a major national health supervisory authority - the FDA (the US Food and Drug Administration) to treat male pattern baldness. To this day it is the only clinically-proven, topical method of treating hereditary hair loss that can be used by both men and women. Minoxidil is the sole active ingredient of Rogaine. The men’s formulae contain 2% and 5% of minoxidil, whereas women’s Rogaine only contains 2%.

Minoxidil is no longer patent-protected and, therefore, there are many producers of generic minoxidil (generic Rogaine) out there. Some of them offer plain Rogaine-like minoxidil but many others use minoxidil as a basis in their own hair loss formulas. The main difference between the plain, generic minoxidil and Rogaine is the patient’s tolerance of the product, which largely depends on the type of solvents used in the formula. This topic has been discussed in more detail in the post “Rogaine, Regaine or Minoxidil”.

The potential negative side effects of Rogaine, apart from itchy scalp and flaking, include conditions such as increased hair growth on other parts of the body, allergic reactions, very low blood pressure, irregular or fast heart beat, blurred vision, swelling or puffiness of hands, face and ankles, etc. If any of these conditions occur, treatment must be discontinued. Rogaine seems to fall victim of its own popularity and many consumer reviews reflect that. They seem to be worse than the reviews of numerous unproven, hair loss treatments. Rogaine often seems to be the target of bashing due to its negative side effects, which are being overemphasized in false testimonials posted by the snake oil marketers.

Rogaine Foam Review

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:46:04 GMT

Rogaine foam is a relatively new form of minoxidil application and it is not yet very popular outside of the North America. It contains 5% of minoxidil, which is equivalent to Rogaine Extra Strength solution, so it is currently only available for use by men. Rogaine foam is claimed to be a superior delivery form of minoxidil. But in addition to being a more efficient form of delivery, it is also much easier to apply and dries quickly. It takes only a minute or two for it to dry, leaving hair nearly in the same condition as it was before. This is a great advantage over traditional Rogaine solution, which is greasy and needs three to four hours to dry completely, while leaving hair flaky and lighter in colour. But this is far from Rogaine foam’s greatest benefit. It also contains no propylene glycol, propanol or glycerine; thus the risk of an allergic reaction to it is greatly minimised. Allergic reactions and redness caused by such vehicles have forced many patients to discontinue their use of either Rogaine or generic minoxidil solutions. If treatment is not discontinued, it can lead to more serious side effects, as discussed in more detail in the post “Rogaine, Regaine or Minoxidil”.

I cannot tell yet whether Rogaine foam really is a better form of delivery than Rogaine solution and thus more effective. It may not feel so, given its ease of application. Its future popularity will largely depend on its availability and pricing but I have already included it in my daily regimen and use it in the mornings. Consumer reviews are not too plentiful so far but the great majority of them are positive, though some fine noses complain about the foam’s bad odour. Consumer feedback at hair loss forums has also been quite positive so far.

Hair Transplantation Market Statistics

Sat, 31 May 2008 00:35:42 GMT

Despite the notable advances of recent decades in the area of hair loss drug research and development, the current medicinal treatments of hereditary baldness do not give satisfactory results. The only existing option for patients wishing to achieve a fast and dramatic improvement in their hair condition is hair transplantation. The recent introduction of modern hair transplantation techniques such as follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) has improved cosmetic results and patient satisfaction. The surgical hair restoration industry has been booming over the past few years, as new hair transplant clinics mushroomed in all corners of the world. A quick look at the market statistics confirms this trend.
The latest worldwide hair restoration statistics available are only from 2006. The total number of hair restoration surgeries performed in 2006 was 226,000; that is a 34% increase over 2004 and 16% average annual growth. Though this number may seem impressive, it is only a small fraction of the actual potential. Out of the aforementioned 226,000 hair surgeries conducted worldwide, 93% were performed on the scalp. Asia registered the fastest growth, a remarkable 178% (2006/2004). The total number of patients at hair restoration clinics worldwide (surgical and non-surgical patients) was estimated at 645,000, a 79% increase over 2004, which happens to be 34% annual growth. Male patients represent more than 86% of total hair-restoration patients. Follicular unit transplantation accounts for 91% of all procedures, with less than 8% accounted for by the follicular unit extraction technique. Old techniques, such as scalp reduction and flap surgery, still account for almost 2% of procedures. Should a similar growth rate be sustained (estimated 15% p.a.) in 2007 and 2008 (2007 statistics are not available yet) we could, for the first time in history, see the total worldwide revenues from hair transplant surgeries exceed euro 2bn (US$ 3bn).
The US market accounts for 45% of all hair transplant surgeries, with Asia being second with 25% market share and Europe third with only 13%. In the US, almost every second patient of a hair restoration clinic took surgery versus every third in Europe and every fourth in Asia. Almost every single hair restoration clinic in the world prescribes finasteride to their male patients. Minoxidil is the second most frequently recommended medicine, prescribed by 61% of doctors. Other than that some hair restoration clinics also recommend special shampoos, such as Nizoral, vitamins and low-level laser therapy. The average number of surgical therapies needed to achieve the desired results is 1.8x.
Although some of these numbers may sound impressive, especially the growth rates, the hair restoration industry is still accessing only a tiny fraction of the world population that suffers from hair loss. Asia and Europe are trailing far behind North America but are expected to become the engines of further growth. New surgical technologies, such as hair multiplication and the generation of new hair follicles from wounds, though still years away, should help the hair restoration industry expand further, improve its services and make them more affordable to the population.

GreyBan Review

Mon, 26 May 2008 09:46:43 GMT

GreyBan is a popular hair colorant that is, unlike regular hair dyes, supposed to colour your white hair gradually and unnoticeably. Its mode of action and composition are similar to such grey hair products as Grecian formula, Restoria and Youthair. It comes in the form of a spray. GreyBan contains lead acetate as its main active ingredient, which coats and penetrates the hair shaft to be then converted as the hair dries to form a lead-based pigment (lead sulphide). Lead acetate is a poisonous substance and there is no one hundred percent clear answer to safety issues related to its use in hair colouring products. For more information, please refer to the post “Is Grecian Formula Safe?”. I know at least one person very well who has been using lead acetate-based lotions for more than 40 years to dye his hair. He is 72 now and shows no signs of lead poisoning.
Consumer reviews seem quite positive, though some users say GreyBan does not colour their hair completely, which is a common complaint about all metallic-based hair colorants. Interestingly, I could not find anybody complaining about the smell of GreyBan, which happens to be the most frequent complaint with similar products. This is a standard hair colorant that should work well for people with fine hair in lighter shades but do not expect it to colour all your grey hair if more than 50% of it is naturally grey or if it is coarse and very dark. People with red or deep brown hair may not get satisfactory results either.

Is HairMax Only for Full Heads of Hair?

Sat, 24 May 2008 18:42:23 GMT

Lexington International’s HairMax LaserComb is the latest FDA-approved remedy for promoting hair growth. It employs a technology that has been in use for several years to accelerate healing and hair growth after hair transplant surgery. There are other laser combs on the market that are less expensive than Lexington International’s HairMax, and which claim to be as effective, but none other has been approved by the FDA for promoting hair growth. LaserComb is said to work by dilating blood vessels and increasing the blood supply to hair follicles. Reviews of this product have been mixed so far. It seems to be best used as a supportive treatment to standard treatments such as finasteride and minoxidil but its reviews as a stand-alone treatment are relatively negative. Many users believe that HairMax only improves the shine and manageability of their hair. HairMax seems to be more appropriate for women as they have fewer treatment options than men.

Customers, in assessing the efficacy of HairMax LaserComb, must largely rely on the data provided by the manufacturer as no reliable independent research has been done yet to confirm the study results claimed. Before and after pictures on LaserComb’s own website do not look unreasonable but some of the voice testimonials sound illogical. Several customers claim that their hair thickened after the first two weeks (!!!) of using HairMax. Lexington International must have been very fortunate to find such excellent responders to their product with such fast growing hair. Furthermore, none of the people in the promotional video below seems to be suffering from any form of alopecia. It would be a great disappointment to the balding community if HairMax LaserComb turned out to be just another product that only promotes hair growth in people not affected by any form of baldness.

Intercytex Reports Further Progress

Thu, 01 May 2008 20:00:15 GMT

In March 2008, Intercytex reported the latest results on its progress in the phase II clinical study of ICX-TRC. ICX-TRC is a suspension of a patient’s own dermal papilla cells that is injected into the patient scalp to stimulate new hair growth. Intercytex is a frontrunner in the development of hair multiplication. The latest results are consistent with the earlier data reported last September and the hypothesis that new hair production is improved by pre-stimulation of the scalp, leading to an interaction between the injected cells and the resident hair producing cells. A couple of years back, Intercytex awarded Bosley, the largest chain of hair transplant clinics in the US, an option to negotiate an exclusive distribution agreement for ICX-TRC. This option can be exercised upon completion of the phase II clinical trial. Bosley has already transferred a small sum of US$200,000 to Intercytex as the first milestone payment, which is a sign of good progress. The next report on the phase II clinical trial, including 24-week data on all subjects in the trial, will be available in September 2008.

Avacor Review

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:44:45 GMT

Avacor is a set of several hair loss products, whereas the topical formulation and nutritional capsules are those that are supposed to hold the key to regrowing hair. Due to the inclusion of minoxidil (5%) in the topical formulation, Avacor is suitable only for men.

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Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:42:54 GMT

An RSS feed was added to the website. Topics of future updates will be major changes to the website, especially new product reviews.