• Dr. Ron Shapiro

    Dr. Ron Shapiro
    Dr. Ron Shapiro
    A true pioneer, with a worldwide reputation for outstanding follicular unit hair transplantations among both colleagues and patients.
  • DermMatch Hair Loss Concealer

    DermMatch Hair Loss Concealer

    Instantly Provides the Appearance of a Full Head of Hair? Product Review

    For many balding men and women worldwide, credible hair loss concealers like DermMatch are an important part of their daily routine. By utilizing concealers, individuals with thinning hair are able to increase the appearance of follicular density and recreate a thicker, fuller head of hair all with a single topical application.

    Like any other hair loss treatment, concealers must be reviewed, clinically tested, and proven before receiving any endorsement from this website community. However, after reviewing both the product and patient testimonials on our open hair loss forum, one thing is clear: DermMatch is a dependable, hair loss concealer that has been proven effective by the overall patient community.

    DermMatch: What is it and how it works.

    Unlike other "sprinkle," "spray," or "lotion" concealers, DermMatch utilizes a patented "EZ Grip, EZ Reach" applicator to evenly distribute a hard-packed powder formula over a hair loss sufferer’s scalp. In addition to "matching" the patient’s scalp to their natural hair color (minimizing the contrast between scalp and hair, and truly concealing baldness), the DermMatch powder formula coats, thickens, and volumizes existing hair.

    Because DermMatch minimizes the appearance of hair loss by matching scalp to hair tone, the product is available in 8 different shades, and creates an integrated, natural look for all hair colors and types. Furthermore, if consumers require a highly specialized color, DermMatch shades can be mixed to truly mimic the appearance of any complex hair tone. Additionally, because of the ease of the "EZ Grip, EZ Reach" applicator, DermMatch is particularly useful for recreating or matching shortly cropped hair, mimicking natural hairlines, and diminishing the appearance of previous hair transplant surgery scars.

    The Benefits of DermMatch versus other Concealers

    In addition to simple application and a natural appearance, DermMatch is extremely resilient, and can withstand excessive sweating, wind stress, and even full water submersion. According to the makers of DermMatch, the product’s all natural ingredients, including emollients, botanicals, and other organic elements, coat the hair and scalp, and protect from unwanted and unexpected stessors. By adding this level of protection, DermMatch will resist the running, flaking, and smudging associated with other, less effective concealers. Furthermore, because DermMatch does not contain any unsafe dyes or colorants, it will not dry/irritate the scalp or affect any new or existing hair growth.

    Why DermMatch has become so popular and credible in the hair loss patient community

    According to the makers of DermMatch, the product is useful for all hair loss sufferers (both male and female), and provides aesthetically pleasing results in patients with up to 80% decreases in hair density. Furthermore, DermMatch can be used with other proven hair loss treatments like Propecia (finasteride), Rogaine (minoxidil), and surgical hair transplantation. Because of its efficacy, usability, and popularity with hair loss sufferers, DermMatch is highly recommended to any individual seeking a quality concealer.

    See what Real Patients are Saying about DermMatch on our Hair Loss Forum

    For step by step instructions on how to apply DermMatch to thinning areas including photos and an in-depth discussion with other hair loss sufferers, visit the discussion topic "DermMatch (Pictures)". To see what other members and DermMatch consumers are saying, you are encouraged to use the "search" feature of our hair restoration discussion forum.

  • Dr. Munib Ahmad MD

    Dr. Munib Ahmad
    Dr. Munib Ahmad
    Dr. Munib Ahmad in the Netherlands, performs every part of the hair transplant procedure to ensure his patients receive the highest quality. He is the first point of contact from the consultation to the aftercare. His results show aesthetic artistry with keen attention to detail.
  • What is Rogaine and how does it work?

    Along with Propecia, Rogaine is one of the only proven hair loss medication options approved by the FDA for treating hair loss. Minoxidil, (Rogaine’s active ingredient), was originally created as a drug for treating hypertension (high blood pressure). It was then discovered that one of its side affects was growing hair. Minoxidil was then tested for use a topical application for regrowing hair. The results were sufficiently impressive that the FDA approved it as a treatment for hair loss.

    Rogaine works by revitalizing shrunken hair follicles, thus increasing their size. When you use Rogaine every day, your follicles may increase in size, and the growing phase may become longer. This may then produce longer, thicker hairs.

    Rogaine is a clear alcohol-based solution and should be applied to a person’s thinning area with its supplied dropper or spray twice a day.

    The solution is approved and available in two strengths -- Regular (2%) and Extra Strength (5%). Individual users of Regular strength Rogaine have claimed success rates of 30-40%. Meanwhile, users of Extra Strength Rogaine have claimed success rates of 50-60%. Currently, the average price for a 2oz. bottle of Rogaine is about $20-30 per month. Minoxidil is also available as a generic and can be purchased over the counter without prescription.

    It’s important to note that Rogaine (minoxidil) does not cure baldness and scientists have been unable to determine just how it works. What is known is that Rogaine increases the blood flow to the areas of the scalp that surround these balding areas. Currently some researchers believe that Rogaine (minoxidil) works by opening the follicle’s potassium channels located in the cells. It’s theorized that these channels, when opened, may regulate hair growth.

    Rogaine can’t grow hair on completely bald scalps or in the frontal hairline areas. It has been found to be somewhat effective in maintaining or growing hair in the crown area (the top back of the head). However, Rogaine is only effective at delaying hair loss. It is also more effective in women than in men. And again, the reasons for this are not understood.

    What can I expect with Rogaine?

    Rogaine (minoxidil) generally only regrows hair in a minority of men and women. In most cases, the best case scenario for hair growth with these treatments is a thin coverage of thin hair.

    The real benefits of Rogaine (minoxidil) is keeping what hair you have or slowing your thinning. Rogaine’s success depends on how advanced your hair loss has become.

    You must apply it to your scalp twice a day for life to get and maintain any benefits. Research shows that using Rogaine (minoxidil) only once a day is ineffective. If you stop taking Rogaine (minoxidil) you will loose whatever hair you preserved or regrew within 2 to 4 months. And while Rogaine may stimulate hair growth, it may not prevent the hair follicles from their eventual deterioration.

    It's also true that Rogaine's effects may diminish over time. Some doctors believe that patients can build up a tolerance after many years of use. But it's possible to fight this tolerance by taking a week or two off from the treatment every 3-4 months. However, it's not advised to take this break unless you've taken the hair loss medication consistently for at least 12 months.

    Are there side effects from Rogaine?

    There are only minor side effects with Rogaine. But some users do experience certain problems such as scalp irritation, itching, and dandruff. However, this can be treated with a good shampoo like Nizoral or Neutrogena T-Gel. There may also be an increase in hair shedding at the start of the treatment. You shouldn’t panic, as this may actually be a signal that the treatment is working.

    Due to the medication’s alcohol content, some users may develop a contact rash or irritated skin. And with excessive doses, some users may experience dizziness or a rapid heartbeat. However, with normal use these effects are uncommon.

    Rogaine users with severe, refractory high blood pressure experienced some problems. One such problem was “hypertrichosis,” hair growth on the face or other bodily areas. This side effect appears in about 3-5 % of women who use the 2% solution, and higher among women using the 5% solution.

    Rogaine and Hair Transplants

    Some hair restoration physicians have come to consider Rogaine to be instrumental right after surgery. This is especially true when grafts have been placed in and around existing hair.

    The shock of surgery can result in temporary hair loss. Rogaine is thought to possibly help prevent this temporary loss of healthy preexisting hair. The 5% solution has been found to be more effective for men and women. However, some physicians believe that the hair loss medication should be stopped a week or two before surgery. They feel that Rogaine may increase bleeding, while dilating blood vessels.

    After surgery, most patients wait a week or two before restarting Rogaine. This gives the graft areas time to heal. However, taking Propecia is not interrupted by surgery.

    Click to learn more about DHT Blockers

  • Kevis 8 Hair Loss Treatment Product Review

    Kevis 8

    Kevis 8Is it Effective in Treating Baldness?

    Hair loss suffering men and women are always seeking new and credible treatments and with good reason. Medical science is still years from producing a true hair loss cure and current treatment options are vastly limited. Women with hair loss have even fewer options than their balding male counterparts when it comes to proven, non-surgical hair loss treatments. Additionally, there is no shortage of cunning charlatans waiting to take advantage of the unwary consumer. Thus, when a new product like Kevis Hair Rejuvenation Formula comes along claiming to be a “permanent” solution and “the most successful and potent hair loss treatment on the planet”, potential customers would be wise to remain skeptical.

    Kevis hair loss treatment is not an entirely new solution. In fact, their website states that it has been sold throughout Europe and Asia for over 25 years but has only been available in the United States for 15 years. This is simply the 8th generation of the formula; hence their new name Kevis 8. But how can such an impressive treatment exist for 10 years yet remain virtually unknown to roughly 70 million balding American men and women? What’s even more surprising is that Kevis claims that published clinical studies give this solution for baldness an average success rate of 92%. So why are so many people still seeking viable hair loss treatments today?

    Kevis 8 is a drug-free topical lotion developed and manufactured by Italian pharmaceutical company, Farmaka, and distributed by Kevis Rejuvenation Programs in North and South America and by Pfizer in Europe and Asia. As such, it does not come under the regulatory supervision of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is applied directly to the scalp and can be used by both men and women. Ingredients are listed as:

    Water, SD Alcohol 40-c+SD Alcohol 3-c, Propylene Glycol, Hydrolized Glycosaminoglycans (Thioglycoran), Panthenol, Sorbic Acid, Methylparaben, Hyaluronic Acid (H.U.C.P.), Thurfylnicotinate HCL, Propylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide, Biotin, Fragrance.

    H.U.C.P is a high concentrate of pharmaceutical grade hyaluronic acid which purportedly aids in the breakdown of accumulated DHT in the follicle and creates a binding effect in the follicle's receptor sites preventing further DHT buildup. Kevis also lists the ingredient Tricozyme™. Tricozyme is a protein enzyme that they claim attaches itself to free-floating DHT molecules rendering them “inactive and inoperable”.

    Kevis claims that results from using their product are “permanent”. Once hair follicles are protected from the effects of DHT they will remain DHT resistant for life. Thus, their claim is that once the desired result is reached, there is no need to continue using Kevis.  This is a hefty claim considering all other non-surgical balding solutions are required to be used for life in order to experienced continued benefits.

    In an effort to demonstrate its efficacy, Kevis provides complete, downloadable copies of seven clinical studies conducted by various institutions in France and Italy and provides summaries of each. They also offer several before and after photos (including those of company founder and President Brian Reichenberg) and written testimonials. What seem to be conspicuously missing are references to third-party studies and publications in peer reviewed journals. Without these critical components it’s impossible to verify the company’s hair growth claims.

    Balding men and women may want to stick with clinically proven and FDA approved medical hair loss treatments.  For men those treatments are Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). Rogaine is also approved for use by females. However, women should not ingest or even come in contact with finasteride due to the risk of specific birth defects. Men and women who are unable or unwilling to use these drugs can find credible alternatives.

    When it comes to purchasing and using hair loss treatments, there is much more at stake than your hard earned money. Dedicating months or years to ineffective treatments may result in the unnecessary loss of valuable and irreplaceable hair follicles.

  • How to Choose a Hair Restoration Clinic

    Male hair loss

    The most important decision in restoring your hair is the physician you choose. The skill, talent, and experience of hair restoration physicians vary widely, as do the end results. Who you choose will determine how natural and full your new hair will be for the rest of your life.

    Since performing follicular unit hair transplantation is very demanding upon a clinic’s physician and staff only a minority of hair restoration clinics perform it successfully. Unfortunately, many clinics are still unwilling or unable to dedicate the time and resources required to master and perform this procedure successfully.

    Therefore, those seeking only the most natural results need to be very selective. Keep in mind that in the United States any licensed physician can perform hair restoration surgery without any special certification or training. If you do not find an excellent hair restoration surgeon in your local area seriously consider traveling out of state to get your hair restored properly. After all, the results will last a lifetime.

    Evaluating a potential hair restoration physician and clinic

    • How many years has the physician been dedicated to doing hair restoration?

    • How many hair restoration procedures does the surgeon perform in one day? Ideally the physician will be dedicated to working on you all day if you are doing a large mega session procedure.

    • Does the physician perform hair restoration surgery full time or predominantly? If not, the clinic may not have a staff that is experienced enough to successfully perform large sessions of all microscopically prepared Follicular Unit (FU) grafts.

    • What is the hair restoration surgeon's reputation among his or her peers?

    • Does the physician take a holistic approach to hair loss treatment and also offer advice or Rogaine?

    • What procedure does the clinic perform? Is it truly state of the art?

    • Does the physician use microscopes for the dissection of the donor tissue into 1, 2, 3, and 4 hair Follicular Unit (FU) grafts?

    • Large sessions of all microscopically prepared grafts are a team effort. But how "hands on" will your hair restoration surgeon be? Will he or she be making all the incisions in the graft recipient area, thus determining the design and hair direction of your transplanted hair? How involved will your surgeon be in the placing of the actual grafts?

    • Trust but Verify – Review Patient Results

    • Can the surgeon provide a list of names and phone numbers of patients willing to discuss their personal experiences? Patient testimonials will say a lot.

    • Can the surgeon provide at least one dozen sets of clinical "before" and "after" case photos for your review? Be sure the photos offer good clarity and detail and include "before" views as well as "after" views that allow for critical evaluation.

    • Verify claims by visiting online discussion forums and searching for previous posts regarding a hair transplant physician you are considering.

    Consider our Quality Physicians

    hair transplant doctors

    Our member physicians are carefully reviewed and granted membership in the Coalition based on their high level of ethics, skill, and the quality of their patient results.

    Learn more about our network of quality prescreened physicians.

  • Xandrox

    Xandrox

    This hair loss product is a 5% custom solution that combines Minoxidil with Azelaic Acid. Developed by Dr. Richard Lee, a hair loss physician, it’s available by prescription only.

    Xandrox’s two main ingredients tackle hair loss in two ways. The minoxidil stimulates hair growth, while the Azelaic Acid, which contains the 5 Alpha Reductase enzyme, blocks DHT. However, while minoxidil is a proven hair loss treatment, Azelaic Acid is only proven as an acne medication. Many patients feel that Xandrox is preferable to Rogaine because it’s less greasy.

    As of yet, Xandrox has shown few side effects, and may cause less itching and flaking than Rogaine.

    There may be some burning irritation though, due to the Azelaic Acid. But one type of Xandrox counteracts this side effect. It contains a Betamethasone Valerate, a corticosteroid.

    However, you need to know that corticosteroids may cause problems. Short-term use is pretty safe, but if used long-term, they may cause thinning of the skin or skin damage. It may also lead to brittle bones or diabetes. For this reason, it’s recommended that if you have no itching problems that you should use the Betamethasone-free Xandrox. It is available, and it works as well as regular Xandrox.

    There are other types of Xandrox, including the Day Formula, the Night Formula, and Xandrox 12.5%, a cream that’s used for more stubborn areas, such as the frontal hair line, and contains 12.5% Minoxidil. One ml of Xandrox should be applied twice per day, and a routine should be established.

  • Setting the Highest Standards in Hair Restoration

    Ultimate Hair Transplant Procedure

    Why the Coalition?

    With hair loss treatments often being marketed without regulation or accountability, hair loss sufferers need credible information about legitimate treatments and the ethical physicians who provide them.

    The Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians is a carefully selected group of skilled and ethical physicians who are united in providing patients with outstanding education and results.

    Physician Accountability

    Membership in the Coalition requires members to maintain a high degree of patient satisfaction. Members care for their patients knowing that their patients are free to post their experiences on the popular Hair Restoration Discussion Forum. On this open forum patients are free to critique physicians and to hold them accountable for their actions. This forum is run and moderated by hair restoration patients.

    In such a transparent environment our members are held publicly accountable for their actions and results. Members who fail to meet the high technical and ethical membership standards set by the Coalition are removed from the group.

    However, we ask that patients first give their physician the opportunity to satisfy their concerns privately before posting any public criticisms on the discussion forum.

    If the issue is not resolved to the patient’s satisfaction they are encouraged to contact the Coalition by email to service at hairtransplantnetwork dot com

    Member clinics also agree to open their clinics up to inspection. Many of these inspections have been reported on the Hair Restoration Discussion Forum. View some of these clinic visits.

    Membership Standards

    The skill, technique and talent of hair restoration physicians vary widely, as do the end results. Only a minority of leading physicians provide truly state of the art hair restoration.

    Coalition members are carefully reviewed and granted membership based strictly on their high level of integrity, skill, experience and ability to perform ultra refined follicular unit transplantation.

    All Coalition members have made the investment in time and resources to perform a highly refined and difficult to perform state of the art procedure called “Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation”.

    While many surgeons now perform standard follicular unit grafting, only a minority have risen to the challenge of using very tiny incisions and grafts to achieve ultra refined results. This ultra refined procedure, while very demanding on the physician and staff, produces excellent results for the patient with optimal density and rapid healing. It also allows the patient to achieve their goal for fullness and density with a minimal number of surgical sessions.

    To learn more about Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation

    Membership Criteria

    A physician must meet the following requirements before being granted membership in the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians:

    • A demonstrated capability to successfully perform large sessions of ultra refined follicular unit grafting using tiny incisions and grafts that are microscopically prepared.
    • The ability to dense pack tiny follicular unit grafts in a given area when appropriate.
    • Mastery and control of the orientation and direction of the transplanted grafts to achieve a completely natural appearance.
    • Dedication to doing state of the art hair restoration exclusively or at least as the main specialty of the clinic.
    • Excellent patient results demonstrating a high level of artistry and naturalness throughout, as well as excellent growth rates.
    • An excellent reputation of the physician amongst colleagues and former patients.
    • Several years experience in performing hair restoration surgery.
    • Medical training, depth of background, board certifications, honors, credentials, lectures, and published articles and books.

    Note - All members contribute dues to support our joint educational resources and services.

    We are open to reviewing experienced surgeons for possible membership. Apply for membership as a physician.

    Membership Selection Process

    Physicians with a proven track record of providing excellent ultra refined follicular unit hair transplantation and who meet the Coalition’s membership criteria will be considered for membership.

    In addition to reviewing the applicant physician’s credentials, technique and results, input from patients and current members of the Coalition will be considered prior to membership being granted.

     

  • Hair Restoration Evolution

    Hair Restoration Evolution

    Hair transplant procedures have evolved a long, long way since they began in the early 1950's. The "corn row" or "doll's" hair look that was associated with hair transplantation has evolved into today's "follicular unit" procedure that, when done right, is undetectable even by a hair stylist.

    The Concept of the Hair Transplant is Born

    During the past several decades superstition, old wives tales, and guess work has gradually been replaced by science.

    The early 1800's is renowned in hair restoration circles as the age of the con men. There were hundreds of hair restoration treatments released and many lasted well into the late 1900's. These "cures" were marketed by "doctors", whose only skills were those of fast-talking and nerves of steel (as well as bravery, considering they were conning hardened cowboys and outlaws!).

    The salesmen hawked their products from the safety of their side shows and "Wild West" spectaculars. They used endless tricks to get people to buy their products, such as rubbing grease into people's hair, to make it look thicker.

    In 1939, a Japanese dermatologist, Dr. Okuda, published a revolutionary method in a Japanese medical journal that would lay the ground work for modern hair transplantation.

    This method involved using hair transplant grafts to correct lost hair from various areas, including the scalp, eyebrow, and moustache areas. However, this study didn't make an impact in the Western Hemisphere due to the interruption of World War II.

    Hair Restoration Comes of Age

    In the late 50's one physician in particular, Dr. Norman Orentriech, began to experiment with the idea of relocating or transplanting the hair on the back and sides of the head to the balding areas.

    Dr. Orentriech's experiments showed that when bald resistant hairs from the back and sides of the head were relocated they maintained their bald resistant genetic characteristic regardless of where they were transplanted.

    This principle, known as "Donor Dominance", established that hair could be transplanted from the bald resistant donor areas to the balding areas and continue to grow for a life time. This laid the foundation for modern hair transplantation.

    The Scientific Era of Hair Restoration

    During the 60's and 70's hair transplants grew in popularity. However, the standard of care used larger grafts that were removed by round punches and often contained many hairs.

    This now outdated hair transplant technique could achieve good results with a full look if a patient completed all planned sessions. However, a patient was typically limited in the manner they could style their hair.

    Patients who stopped short of completing all planned sessions were left with hair transplants that looked obvious and unnatural. Such uncompleted hair transplant results are some times referred to as "Barbie doll hair" or "corn rows".

    Many who have had these older techniques now refine or complete their bad hair transplants with today's very refined techniques to achieve a natural look that they can style in any manner.

    Continue reading Hair Restoration Evolution - Hair Loss Solution

  • What are the Different Types of Alopecia?

    What are the Different Types of Alopecia?

    Causes and Treatments

    Alopecia is the medical name for hair loss to the scalp or body.  While Androgenetic Alopecia (genetic hair loss) is the most common, there are many other forms of alopecia related hair loss worth discussing.  Each medically named alopecia comes with distinct symptoms, a unique cause and exclusive treatments. Below, we've compiled a list of and description for the most common types of alopecia related hair loss along with the available treatment options for each.

    While the information on this website can be used as a guide, men and women who believe they are experiencing hair loss should always be properly diagnosed by a qualified hair restoration physician to determine its cause. To learn more about each distinctive alopecia hair loss condition, click the links below.

    Traction Alopecia
    Alopecia Areata
    Diffuse Patterned Alopecia
    Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA)

    Cicatricial alopecia (Scarring Alopecia)

    Alopecia Universalis and Alopecia Totalis