Posted by Paul, on September 22nd, 2008, under COMBAT HAIR LOSS (How To Grow Your Hair Back)Gary Heron, TRICHOTALK by Gary Heron Trichologist
However, many chemical agents are known that can induce hair growth, although many remain completely impractical. Massive systemic doses of oestrogen for men, for example, will certainly induce hair growth, but the additional feminisation of the male concerned would be generally completely unacceptable, although this technique is used in male to female sex change operations. The oestrogen supply swamps the testosterone present.
A more elegant approach involves the inhibition of di-hydroxytestosterone (DHT) production, the more potent form of testosterone, and a number of products have been developed to achieve this aim. Finnasteride (Merck & Co) is a DHT inhibitor, taken orally and marketed as “Propecia”. The clinical evidence suggests some re-growth for men (the product is contra-indicated for women), although after the initial two years, the reversal appears again, until after about five years the hair growth pattern has reverted back to its original position. The product does assist in slowing the onset of Androgenic Alopecia but one must bear in mind the side effects, although only a small percentage (1 or 2%) are severe.
There are a number of naturally occurring DHT inhibitors, of which the herb Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens) is probably the best known. Not surprisingly no comprehensive clinical trials have been undertaken but the anecdotal evidence remains strong.
The best known of the “growth” products is of course Minoxydil, applied topically in strengths of 2% to 5%. Minoxydil certainly assists but is better in some cases than others, and all cases suffer from the drawback of hair fall when treatment ceases. Minoxydil is a potent vasodilator; it increases the blood supply locally, although its precise mode of action is unknown.
A number of other products use a vasodilator technique and the idea of increasing the blood supply, and hence the nutrients carried in the blood, to the dermal papilla and the hair root seems eminently sensible. However, the hair growth benefit from these products is not so clear cut.
Posted by Paul, on September 19th, 2008, under COMBAT HAIR LOSS (How To Grow Your Hair Back)Gary Heron, TRICHOTALK by Gary Heron Trichologist
HAIR GROWTH - THE POSITIVE FACTORS
We come now to the second group of factors, those with a positive effect, the “boosters”, which we need to consider now that we have eliminated as many as possible of the negative group, but do not underestimate the boost that can be achieved in hair growth and condition by getting all the correct elements in place and simply eliminating the negative factors.
In the positive group we must genuinely take a holistic approach to our own well being, and a simple regime of a good, varied diet (especially the fresh fruit and vegetables), moderate exercise and controlled stress levels will optimise our hair growth and condition. Within that genetic blueprint you really can produce substantial improvements in this way.
What then of the hair growth products, the would-be chemical “Exorcets”, do they work? Can they assist? There are a surprisingly large number of agents known that are clinically proven to produce hair growth, not always it might be said in the required place, and not usually at the rate that would be wished by the recipient. The central problem lies in the invariable genetic nature of the hair loss which provides a slightly tilted horizon, a downward sloping background, which, short of genetic engineering, we will have to live with, and even if the baldness gene or genes can eventually be identified, which one can be sure will eventually happen, it is not clear whether the loss for everyone of this marker of maturity and hopefully wisdom would really be such a good idea.
Posted by admin, on September 18th, 2008, under HAIR LOSS: TRICHOLOGIST AT WORK by Gary Heron, MALE HAIR LOSS Trichologist Treatments, PHOTO FILES (from our London Trichology Clinic), TRICHOLOGICAL HAIR LOSS PRODUCTS HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS, TRICHOTALK by Gary Heron Trichologist
This 39 year old man started treatment with us in January this year. He was diagnosed as suffering with Androgenetic Alopecia or Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPB).
Androgenetic Alopecia has a characteristic pattern of hair loss; it begins with a slight recession at the front hairline and is followed by thinning on the crown of the head. This hair loss results from a complex chemical reaction when the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts the testosterone in the system into DHT or dihydrotestosterone. The hair follicles are genetically predisposed to be oversensitive to the DHT and become smaller and smaller with time, leading to the eventual hair loss.
FEBRUARY 2008
SEPTEMBER 2008
John is using the prescribed treatments listed below:
Minoxidil 5% + Medroxy Progesterone Hair Growth Stimulant: Minoxidil is a vasodilator and dilates the blood capillaries responsible for blood supply to the hair follicles, thus allowing more blood to reach the hair follicles and encourage hair growth. Medroxy Progesterone is a synthetic hormone designed to block the conversion of testosterone to DHT or Dihydro-Testosterone.
Biostim 15%: This stimulant contains a very effective natural 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It reduces the amount of 5-alpha reductase in the scalp and thereby reduces the formation of DHT, stabilising hair loss and encouraging a healthy growth cycle.
THIS COULD BE YOU IN 6 MONTHS
Why not call 0207 976 6868 and speak to one of our Westminster Trichologist who will be happy to help and advise you.
Your initial consultation and assessment are free.
So why not take advantage of our expertise and get the facts so that you can make an informed decision on what is best for the future of your hair today.
Take control of your hair loss today so that it does not control your life.
However, not all cases are treatable. But with early diagnosis and treatment you will give yourself and us the best possible chance to help you.
