Unwanted Hair Loss?
Jeffrey Sassmannshausen, MD
So many people are concerned with hair loss. Both men and women are looking for the miracle cure to that thinning problem. Commercials run all the time claiming to be the new savior of the balding scalp. But what actually works and what is truly just snake oil? That is a question that I am asked quite often. In today’s blog, I would like to discuss what is available and what really works. First things first. Why are you losing your hair? There are many different types of hair loss and not all are created equal. There are multiple medical conditions that can be so aggressive that many of the hair follicles are destroyed and will never come back. In these conditions, the goal is not to regrow hair but to stop the scarring process. Autoimmune causes of hair loss require a totally different approach to treatment. In the next year, there will be new classes of medicines to bring back the hair growth. Some loss can be rapid and concerning but will regrow on its own without any help from me. Pattern baldness, like mine, in both male and female patients, have many safe treatment options.
If you didn’t know there were that many types of hair loss, you are not alone. In fact, most physicians don’t have this knowledge as well. Recently, a patient paid a lot of money for injections into her scalp despite the fact that her hair was already regrowing. The physician never even examined her scalp! If you are seeking treatment for hair loss, see a specialist who knows the hair, skin and nails. Yes, a dermatologist!
PROVEN TO WORK
There are longstanding clinical data showing the benefits of topical Rogaine (minoxidil) on growing hair and inhibiting further loss of hair in both men and women. It is now available over–the-counter. Its use must be long-term because any hair that was regrown will be lost once the treatment is stopped. If you plan on starting Rogaine, choose the 5% foam-- it is clearly superior to the solution. Propecia is an oral prescription medication also clinically proven to inhibit hair loss and grow what has been lost. While there are some side effects to any oral medication, Propecia’s are typically mild.
RED LIGHT
Many red-light devices can now be found on the internet and in magazine advertisements which claim to stimulate the hair follicles leading to fuller, more concentrated hair. Touted as lasers, they are really a narrow band of red LED light. The light does seem to diminish inflammation and stimulate the blood flow to the follicular structure restarting the dormant follicle. Not all lights are created equal. Energy output is the key. If you are considering purchasing a red light, talk to your dermatologist.
PRP
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections have been used recently in many aspects of medicine. Most claims have not been proven through clinical studies, but have been made based on a case or two. Now, science is beginning to catch up to the fanfare. PRP does seem to work when it comes to male or female pattern baldness. But it is not the miracle cure. It can halt further loss. It can regrow hair. It might even regrow a lot of hair. But most will see modest improvement. PRP does not work well if the hair follicles are gone or have been dormant for many years. Ideally, you want to have thinning hair with residual wispy hairs present. PRP is collected from a vial of your own blood. The vial is spun down separating the blood cells from the serum. Within the serum, the platelets are suspended; this part is collected and then injected into the scalp. This platelet-rich plasma contains a high concentration of many growth factors.
HAIR TRANSPLANTS
Hair transplants have come a long way from the skin plugs that would leave the scalp looking like the head of a doll. Now, microscopic plugs placing individual hair follicles is the norm. In some instances, robotic devices are used to precisely place the hair in a normal pattern. Unfortunately, this does not stop the continued loss of hair so ‘touch-ups’ are needed over time. The benefit is a very normal-looking, healthy full head of hair. I recommend seeing someone who has been fellowship trained in hair transplantation if this is the route you are seeking. Remember, you get what you pay for.
NUTRAFOL
A recently published double-blind, placebo-controlled study looked at the use of a novel nutraceutical supplement and its ability to promote hair growth in women. Using Nutrafol for six months, the study found that it safely and effectively increased the growth of new and existing hair. Nutrafol contains the Synergen Complex, which is composed of many plant-based ingredients with clinically tested anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and properties that interfere with the way hormones interact with the hair follicle. These main compounds include curcumin, ashwagandha, saw palmetto, and tocotrienols.
Yes, there are many things that can be used for hair loss. Remember, the most important fact is that you need to see a dermatologist to get a diagnosis for the hair loss. Once the reason for the loss has been determined work with the doctor to establish an effective treatment plan.