Suneet Soni, (M.S), (M.Ch)
Dr. Suneet Soni
Dr. Suneet Soni provides state of the art FUT and FUE surgery and uses all the latest tools and techniques providing his patients with excellent results.
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Caboki Reviews hair loss breakthrough
For many hair loss suffering men and women, topical concealers are a necessary aspect of the "daily routine." Usually composed of hair shaft adhering microfibers or darkening cream, concealers help balding men and women both camouflage areas of noticeable baldness and increase the apparent density of thinning hair. Below, we provide our readers with a product review of the new and popular hair loss concealer Caboki.
Caboki was released back in 2005 but is only just now receiving more attention, most likely due to increased advertising. Like others before it, Caboki concealer claims to be a "hair loss breakthrough". Despite ambitious promises, Caboki's claims leave several unanswered questions: is Caboki really a breakthrough concealer? How does it compare to other, similar products like Toppik, DermMatch and COUVre? Is Caboki a worthwhile product for purchasing, or will it fall from grace like other alleged "breakthrough" hair loss miracles before it?
While many products, such as "Toppik" (a popular microfiber-style concealer) and "Couvre" (a concealing cream) are popular and trusted within the hair loss community, new, unproven concealers arrive on the market every day. What's more, many of these new concealers try to "best" the products currently offered and claim to camouflage hair loss in a way "never seen before." However, as with many alleged miracle cures, these products often fail to meet expectations and leave hair loss sufferers disappointed and discouraged. So let's explore how Caboki works to conceal hair loss below.
Caboki is comprised of a series of charged microfibers that, when applied to the scalp, tightly bind hair shafts and create a denser, fuller appearance. According to the manufacturer, these microfibers are comprised of two different elements: Moroccan Gossypium Herbaceum fiber and iron oxide-based natural (mineral-based) colorants. The makers of Caboki claim these elements allow the product to create a natural, healthy appearance, capable of withstanding harsh lighting conditions, sweat, wind, and rain.
However, because these elements have been used in other concealer products (Toppik particles, for example, are both charged and made from natural keratin), Caboki still must demonstrate why it's revolutionary. So, what makes Caboki a "hair loss breakthrough?" According to the manufactures, Caboki differs from other concealers in the following ways:
- Caboki particles, unlike other microfiber concealers, are negatively, not positively charged. Allegedly, positively charged particles (usually made from wool fibers) possess a greater tendency to repel and oppose not only each other, but also the positively charged hair shafts. Because of this, when the particles attach near each other on a hair shaft, they are more likely to repel and detach. According to Caboki creators, negatively charged fibers (made from Moroccan Gossypium Herbaceum fiber) do not experience this intense phenomenon, and create a much greater (200%), electronically attractive (negative to positive), bond. If this is true, Caboki microfibers should bind and adhere to hair shafts with a much stronger, more permanent affinity.
- Because Caboki particles create a stronger charged bond, the thicker, more volumized hair shafts are likely to stand erect and less non-bonded concealer will collect on the scalp. This combination, according to Caboki, will eliminate the "dull, flat" appearance associated with other concealer products.
- By only utilizing natural elements (Moroccan Gossypium Herbaceum fibers and iron oxide colorants), Caboki avoids some of the potentially harmful synthetic dyes, fillers, and artificial preservatives used in other concealer products.
So, it's now clear why the manufacturers of Caboki believe it is a superior product, but does this mean Caboki is a legitimate hair loss concealer? Does it truly outshine other concealer product currently on the market?
While the product is still fairly new, most anecdotal experiences and testimonials from real hair loss suffering men and women are positive. Most individuals believe the negatively charged Caboki particles bind strongly to the positively charged hair shafts and create a longer-lasting increase in density. Furthermore, the particles seem to be more resistant to potentially damaging elements like water, sweat, and wind. Having said that, many individuals report some common problems experienced with other concealer products – concealer wiping off on pillows and clothes, some smearing with sweat, and difficultly creating a natural appearance in the hairline. However, these same individuals claim the problems occur less frequently with Caboki. Altogether, it's likely that Caboki is both a helpful hair loss concealer and equivalent to other products currently on the market. While it is clear that Caboki does possess some advantages and interesting claims, it could be difficult to quantify whether it truly exceeds or simply meets the standard set by other available hair loss concealers. Truthfully, only time and the opinion of hair loss sufferers will determine whether Caboki lives up to its claims and defines itself as a legitimate concealer breakthrough.
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Jerry Wong, MD
Dr. Jerry Wong
Dr. Jerry Wong exclusively performs Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation with outstanding results. -
Dr. Emil George
Dr. Emil George
Dr. Emil George performs refined follicular unit grafting, creating natural hairlines that showcase his artistic eye. He can dense-pack and create soft and natural results. -
What Causes Hair Loss?
As you see yourself balding, while others retain their hair, you may ask - why me?
The basic answer is – your hair loss is due to your genetic make up. Your thinning hair is not due to anything you have done, whether wearing too many hats, washing your hair too much or too little or any other hair loss myths. Alopecia or hair loss is primarily genetic and is referred to as "Androgenetic Alopecia" in the medical community.
Your hair's future is largely determined before you're even born. Your follicles have been genetically programmed as to when, where and how much baldness (if any), you'll experience in your lifetime. But the fate of your hair can be altered or compensated for with modern hair loss treatments.
So what are the specific causes of hair loss?
Baldness is largely the result of certain hormones interacting over time with those hair follicles that are vulnerable to their effects.
Both men and women produce "male" hormones. The three most common are testosterone, androsteinedione, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair follicles, as well as the sebaceous glands, contain high levels of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into DHT, via the blood. DHT is the source of most male pattern balding.
In some people, their follicles on the top of the head are genetically vulnerable to baldness. Over time, these genetically vulnerable follicles are acted upon by the hormone DHT. This hormone binds with the receptor sites of these vulnerable follicles and cause the hair follicle to weaken over time. Propecia is a drug that has been shown to slow the creation of DHT and can be helpful in slowing, stopping or in some cases, reversing hair loss when it is used early enough.
Hair grows naturally in cycles of approximately 3 to 8 years. At the end of the growth cycle, the hair shaft is shed from the follicle and a new hair grows. With thinning hair or balding, each successive growth cycle is shorter and the hair produced is thinner and finer. This is called 'miniturization'.
Men and women don't go bald overnight, it is a slow progression of thinning hair and hair loss that eventually produces baldness. In many cases, the balding has progressed to such a stage that hair loss treatment products aren't enough to reverse the balding process.
Few treatments have the dramatic effect of restoring hair like hair restoration surgery. Click here to learn more about hair restoration.
Not all hair loss is permanent. There are many causes of temporary hair loss that can be treated with diet, stress reduction and a visit to your doctor. Click here to learn about other causes of hair loss.
Androgenetic Alopecia
And rogenetic Alopecia, commonly referred to as 'genetic balding', is the main cause of male and female hair loss. This genetic 'programming' accounts for 95% of male hair loss.
For baldness to occur three factors need to be present:
1.The presence of and rogens, or male hormones.
2. A genetic pre-disposition to balding.
3. Time for the DHT to degrade the vulnerable hair follicles.
While they comprise less than ten percent of permanent hair loss, there are several other Causes of Hair Loss like stress, nutrition, health, age and hormones, that can cause temporary as well as permanent hair loss.
There are also several categories of treatments for hair loss which include drugs, topical lotions, hair care products, hair replacement systems and hair restoration surgery. To learn more about each, please visit our Hair Loss Treatment section.
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How hair loss medication can inhibit DHT and Alopecia Areata
If you are going bald you should seriously consider hair loss medication treatments to halt or even reverse your hair loss. While there is no “Hair Loss Cure”, hair loss drugs like finasteride (Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart) can often stop or even reverse alopecia areata in most people.
However, just like any other drug, Propecia is accompanied by a list of potential side effects, some of which have been more recently reported as potentially long term. You can read more about this in the "What About Side Effects" section further down this page.
Studies have shown that 80% of men using Propecia stopped or even reversed their hair loss to some degree. Preliminary clinical trials for Avodart appear even more effective than Propecia.
However, neither Propecia nor Avodart has been proven to restore hair in the frontal areas. For reasons yet unknown these drugs, along with Rogaine, only generally work in regrowing thinning hair in crown area of the scalp. Only hair transplant surgery has been successful in restoring hair in the frontal hairline area once it has been lost.
Propecia and Avodart are also less effective in growing hair in older men. These hair loss drugs work best for men who have been balding for less than five years.
Women must NOT USE Propecia
Both Propecia and Avodart are not recommended for use by women or children.
It’s been found that these drugs can cause birth defects. More specifically, these birth defects may occur when large amounts of the drug are absorbed into the body during the period of foetal development.
Physicians advise pregnant women to not handle Propecia tablets, as this may harm male foetuses. But as of yet, there has not been a single reported case of birth defects caused by handling these tablets.
Furthermore, there’s also no evidence that pregnant women exposed to the semen of Propecia or Avodart patients will risk any birth defects.
Propecia and Avodart are also not advisable for men with liver disease or prostate cancer.
Get a Prescription for Propecia or Avodart.
Often our member physicians will prescribe Propecia or Avodart to halt a patient’s hair loss and then restore the hair already lost with hair transplant surgery. These treatments in combination can work synergistically. The drugs work to halt the hair loss, while hair restoration surgery restores what was lost.
To get a prescription for Propecia or Avodart schedule a free no obligation consultation with any of our quality hair restoration physicians. Find a physician in your area.
Propecia and Avodart should be taken once a day. It has been found that after two years of treatment, Propecia effectively grows hair in about 66% of patients. Also, about 83% of the subjects receiving this treatment continue to maintain their existing hair after two years.
Propecia (Finasteride) was originally a drug called Proscar, which was used to treat and reduce men's prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Its parent company, Merck & Co., soon realized that the drug had a unique side effect - it grew hair on bald men's heads.
In December 22, 1997 the FDA approved Propecia as a hair loss pill. Merck & Co. then marketed the drug as a hair loss treatment under the trade name of Propecia.
More recently Dutasteride, sold as Avodart, has generated interest as a promising new hair loss medication. Like finasteride (Propecia) it inhibits the creation of DHT and was originally developed as a treatment for men’s prostate condition.
However, unlike Propecia, Avodart inhibits the creation of both type one and type two 5 alpha reductase enzymes. Dutasteride has been shown to decrease levels of DHT by 90% after only two weeks, making it a more powerful and faster acting weapon against hair loss than Propecia (Finasteride).
Dutasteride is not yet FDA approved for the treatment of hair loss. However, some hair restoration physicians also prescribe it for the treatment of hair loss. Like Propecia, Avodart is not safe for women and children.
Sticking with the program to see results
Losing your hair took time. So too will regrowing your hair using Propecia or Avodart. These drugs require patients to take the drug daily for at least three months before any obvious changes will be noticeable. Most physicians advise taking these drugs for a year before evaluating their effectiveness.
At this time, Propecia and Avodart are only available by prescription. Our member physicians are available to discuss these hair loss drugs with you and prescribe them if appropriate. To find a quality hair restoration physician in your area.
Other DHT Blockers
Aside from Propecia and Dutasteride, there are other treatment options (all topical) that may or may not work to block the effects of DHT on vulnerable hair follicles. These include Revivogen, Crinagen, Progesterone Creams, and Xandrox (a type of minoxidil). Other DHT Blockers
To learn more about these treatments, as well as all other topical options, visit our Topical Hair Loss Products and Treatments section.
How hair loss drugs inhibit DHT and Alopecia Areata
Baldness is largely the result of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) interacting with those hair follicles that are genetically vulnerable to their effects.
DHT is essentially the active ingredient or catalyst for the hair loss process. DHT binds with the receptor sites of genetically vulnerable follicles and gradually degrades the follicles ability to produce healthy hair. This eventually results in baldness in the affected areas.
Hair loss drugs like Propecia or Avodart work by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By reducing the amount of DHT present in the scalp the hair loss process is slowed and in some cases even reversed.What about side effects?
Up until a couple of years ago, side effects when taking Propecia or Avodart were only considered temporary. However, over the last several years, many me have reported ongoing side effects from Propecia even after stopping treatment. This more permanent condition has become known as "Post Finasteride Syndrome" or (PFS). Side effects included but aren't limited to reduced semen production, a reduced libido and softer erections.
As a result, in April of 2012, the FDA mandated labeling changes to finasteride related products. Labeling changes to Propecia include "libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, and orgasm disorders that continued after discontinuation of the drug". Labeling changes to Proscar include "decreased libido that continued after discontinuation of the drug". Labeling changes to both Propecia and Proscar include "reports of male infertility and/or poor semen quality that normalized or improved after drug discontinuation".
While most men don't experience any side effects at all, it should be known that a small percentage of men may experience persistent side effects even after stopping treatment. Most men who experience side effects however, only experience them temporarily and stopping treatment makes them go away.
For a list of potential side effects and more information on Post Finasteride Syndrome", visit http://www.pfsfoundation.org/.
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Dr. Timothy Carman
Dr. Timothy Carman
Dr. Timothy Carman performs large sessions of ultra refined follicular unit transplantation with excellent results -
The Psychology of Hair Loss
Long ago, a full head of hair was valued as a means of protection, heat retention, and camouflage.
Today we value hair for other reasons. Whether we admit it or not, good hair still is associated with power, virility and youth.
Such associations date back to ancient times. Remember the story of Samson and Delilah? When Delilah cut Samson’s long hair he lost his power.
"And Delilah made him sleep on her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of Samson’s head. . . and his strength went from him."(Judges 16:19)
As “enlightened” as we are today, stereotypes associated with hair loss persist. The bald or balding are sometimes passed over and teased at work, in the media, and in the social scene. The media idolizes the young and the attractive and often lampoons the bald or balding.Of course, it’s not fair. But at least losing your hair is not health threatening. However, it can result in various psychological and emotional issues. These include insecurity, isolation, panic, a sense of loss, and even depression. But let’s first look at the role of hair (and the lack of it) in our society.How is Hair Loss seen by Society? So why does something as superficial as hair seem so important to so many men and women? Studies have shown that hair is a symbol of social, professional, cultural, and/or religious affiliations. Good hair implies power, virility, strength and youth.
Studies reveal how baldness is perceived.In a study done in 1971, a picture of one person was distributed to 60 people. But each picture had been altered by a commercial artist to reflect a non bald, balding, or bald condition. The results revealed some negative stereotypes.
When the person was shown with a balding head of hair he was rated as weak, dull, and inactive. This same person with a bald head of hair was rated as unkind, bad, and ugly. Yet this same person with a full head of hair was rated as handsome, virile, strong, active, and sharp.
Today, more than 30 years later, it is hard to know if things have really changed. But maybe some of these tired negative stereotypes about being bald are starting to change, at least in the media.
Today, bald NYPD Blue's -Dennis Franz, a multiple Emmy Award-winner, is considered a sex symbol.
As is Tony Soprano of the popular HBO TV show the Sopranos.
And, of course, let’s not forget Telly Savalas of the 70’s TV show Kojak who was once voted by People magazine as the “sexiest man alive.”
Studies about Baldness and Self Esteem
Those who are bald or balding are generally thought of as older, weaker, and more ineffectual, both in the work world and on the social scene.
According to a 1995 article in the “British Journal of Psychology,” balding men have been found to have lower levels of self-esteem than their peers, are less sociable, suffer more from depression,and are less likely to succeed in life.
Hair loss, especially when first occurring, can lead to rash decisions. So it is important to slow down and look at the many viable options that are available for dealing successfully with hair loss.
Our Hair Treatments section offers in-depth information on many viable treatments.
1992, researchers from the Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia surveyed 145 balding men and found that 84% were preoccupied with baldness.
Their responses showed that they were filled with self-consciousness and helplessness. They were also envious of men with full heads of hair.
Additional research indicated that single men and woman who had begun losing hair in their early twenties were more likely to suffer from extremely low self-esteem.
Hair loss often creates emotional distress.
Loosing your hair can be disturbing, especially if you're a young man or woman. This unwanted loss forces those afflicted to face new issues, such as the perceived loss of youth and sexual attractiveness.
It's common for young people who are balding to have feelings of isolation. They may feel uncomfortable among their peers and in public. Young people with hair loss often lose their confidence and may also become less productive at work.
For older people hair loss is often just one more sign that they're reaching middle or old age. It may prompt them to question the direction of their lives or fear that their lives are closer to the end than the beginning. This can result in a sense of loss, insecurity, or even depression.
And as bad as men have it, hair loss can be even worse for women. Balding women must deal not only with the thought of aging, but also that they may not be considered attractive.
Coming to terms with hair loss.
Yes, hair loss can be disturbing. But there are many effective options available to you, ranging from hair loss drugs that often halt thinning to restoring the hair you’ve lost with surgical hair restoration.
However, prior to choosing a hair loss treatment, it is wise to deal with the psychological effects of hair loss.
Hair loss at any age, while not painful or dangerous, can cause emotional damage and distress.
Finding support and advice to cope with hair loss.
You can find support and share ideas and advice privately with other hair loss sufferers by reading and posting on our popular hair loss discussion forum.
By sharing with others you will realize that others share your same concerns and feelings about going bald. You will also learn about what hair loss treatments actually work or not from those who have already tried them.
Find a "Hair Loss Mentor" for - one on one - support and guidance.
In addition to our discussion forum, you can also view Hair Loss Weblogs created by actual hair restoration patients. These blogs contain photos journals documenting the person's hair restoration. Often you can correspond with these blog authors by email.
If you have a hair loss question please post it on our Hair Loss Q & A Blog. This blog can also be searched for dozens of answers on many hair restoration topics.
Empowering yourself with information and sharing your feelings and concerns will also make you feel much more in control of your hair loss. Then, if and when you finally do choose a hair loss treatment option, you will feel much more confident in your decision.
Many who once were preoccupied by their hair loss find a solution and move on in life, sometimes with a "new lease on life". While others choose to remain bald and simply accept it.
The choice is yours to make. This site is dedicated to helping you successfully resolve your hair loss issue on the inside as well as on the outside.
The disturbing truth about hair loss
In 1999, the psychological impact of hair loss, as well as its leading treatments, was the subject of the American Academy of Dermatology's summer scientific meeting in New York. At this meeting it was revealed that there were direct links between androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) and personality disorders in those afflicted.
In one study of 116 subjects with hair loss it was determined that 76.3% of the participants had at least one actual personality disorder. This was an extremely high rate of disorder compared to the much lower rate of 10% of the general public suffering from personality disorders.
Another study showed that twice as many women than men with hair loss rated themselves as “very” or “extremely” upset about their hair loss.
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Bernardino A. Arocha, M.D., ABHRS
Dr. Bernardino Arocha
Dr. Bernardino Arocha and his staff perform high quality ultra refined follicular unit hair transplantation sessions in Houston, with free physician consultations available in Dallas. -
Hair Loss - It’s more than skin deep
Hair loss suffers often don’t want to admit that going bald bothers them. But there's nothing wrong or vain about being concerned with hair loss.No matter what people say, having hair or not does matter. We are judged by our appearance. And hair loss, also known as alopecia, is generally seen as a sign of weakness and aging.
Does hair loss matter? You be the judge...
"At first I just didn't feel comfortable admitting that I wanted my hair back."– Dean, restored his hair with Propecia and hair restoration surgery.
Hair loss Statistics – Hair loss affects about 35 million men and 21 million women in the United States alone.40% of men have noticeable hair loss by age 35 and 65% by age 60.
So how can you remedy hair loss and its effects?
First you need to understand why hair loss occurs. In Cause of Thinning Hair and Baldness you'll learn that your hair loss has little or nothing to do with shampooing, hats, or any other practices. Alopecia is largely genetic.
It's also important to deal with the psychological and emotional effects of hair loss. In the Psychology of hair loss these personal issues and how society views hair loss are uncovered.
Regardless of our differences, hair loss can affect anyone. However,there are a variety of gender and racial differences to consider.Age is also a prime factor. In Race, Age and Hair Loss these differences are explored.
Hair loss is not a new phenomenon, as our Ancient Hair Loss "Cures" section reveals. Whether it's Julius Caesar using wreaths to hide his thinning, or French King Louis XIV's elaborate 15-20 pound wigs -- history's filled with interesting tales of balding cover-ups. This section also explores the reality behind many Hair Loss Myths and “cures”, from electro-shock treatments to headstands.