Parsa Mohebi, M.D
Dr. Parsa Mohebi
Dr. Parsa Mohebi provides large sessions of high quality follicular unit transplantation with excellent results
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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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Dr. Vladimir Panine
Dr. Vladimir Panine
Dr. Vladimir Panine and his experienced staff perform high quality follicular unit hair transplant surgery with excellent results -
Anti Inflamitories
In fighting hair loss, there may be certain unwelcome side effects produced. These side effects are the results of the body's natural immune response. These effects can increase hair loss, if not controlled.
But with anti-inflammatory hair loss cure products, such side effects as itching, flaking, redness, and naturally, inflammation, are reduced. These topical treatment options include Tricomin, Folligen, Proxiphen and Proxiphen-N, Betadine and T-Gel and Nizoral Shampoos.
Nizoral
Here’s one shampoo that fits in with any treatment option.
Nizoral, made for men and women, is available in any grocery store. Nizoral is effective at reducing itching, inflammation and other side effects of other treatments, such as Propecia. The shampoo also maintains scalp health. Plus, research has shown that using Nizoral for an extended period may help to treat male pattern baldness (MPB) and female pattern baldness (FPB).
It’s advised that you apply Nizoral once every three days, in rotation with your normal shampoo. However, as Nizoral’s effects can last for several days, it is a very inexpensive treatment option. After one month of use, you should then use Nizoral once every 1-2 weeks. The shampoo should be applied to wet hair and scalps. You should then leave it in for 3-5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
T/Gel Shampoos
T/Gel is the brand name for a variety of shampoos and hair loss cure treatments. Primarily, these products are designed to treat such scalp problems as dandruff, itching, flakiness, and excess oil.
The Original Formula shampoo contains 2% Neutar ®, which is essentially 0.5% Coal Tar. There’s also T/Gel’s Fine/Oily Hair Formula, Extra Strength Formula, and Stubborn Itch Control Formula. These varieties all feature Neutar, a patented product, which dissolves into the scalp as it treats the previously mentioned symptoms.
T/Sal® Maximum Strength Therapeutic Shampoo features 3% Salicylic Acid. This effectively treats the crusty scalp build-up of psoriasis, as well as problems caused by excessively oily skin. This product should be used at least three times a week, unless other wise directed by your physician. T/Gel’s Healthy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo also contains Salicylic Acid, specifically 1.8%. There’s also T/Scalp® Therapeutic Anti-Itch Liquid, which features 1% Hydrocortisone. This is meant for treating severe dandruff.
The prices for these products vary, but generally, a 16oz. bottle of the Original formula retails for about $13.00.
Nioxin shampoo and conditioners
If you have fine or thinning hair, you may want to consider the Nioxin family of hair products. These all-natural cleansers, conditioners, treatments and styling products are free of any drugs.
Nioxin can improve the hair’s health by cleansing the scalp’s skin, strengthening the hair follicle and energizing the cellular activity. In addition, Nioxin is supposed to restore the scalp’s proper moisture balance. On average, the Nioxin products take about 45 days to show their effects.
Nioxin has not been found to have any effect on DHT. However, by keeping the follicles healthy, these products may help delay hair loss. Because there are no side effects, the products can be used everyday. Nioxin typically costs $30-$125 per month.
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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.
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Hair transplantation FAQs
Hair transplantation is really about relocating (transplanting) the bald resistant hair follicles from the back of the head to the balding areas on the top of the head.
This process works for a lifetime because the hair follicles taken from the back of the head are genetically resistant to baldness, regardless of where they are relocated to.
Hair transplantation, when done right, can be so natural that even your hair stylist will not know that you've had it done.
But the skill and techniques of hair transplant surgeons does vary widely, as do their results. It's important to choose the right procedure and clinic to assure that you will get completely natural results.
The state of art hair transplantation procedure that we recommend is called "Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation".
To learn more about the leading hair transplantation physicians who perfrom this procedure, visit our recommended physicians page.
A typical session of between 1,500 to 3,000 grafts normally involves a full day of surgery on an out patient basis. Most patients will arrive in the morning and will have their procedure completed by late afternoon.
View a step by step overview of a typical hair transplant procedure.
Patients are given local anesthesia in the donor and recipient areas. Most patients find that once the anesthesia is given that they feel no pain or discomfort during the surgery. Following surgery patients will typically feel some amount of soreness and numbness, with some mild discomfort. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how minimal the discomfort from the surgical procedure is.
Today hair restoration clinics typically provide free no obligation consultations, with surgical sessions priced either per graft or by the session. Prices typically average around $5 to $6 per graft.
It is normal for the price per graft to drop as the size of the surgical session increases. Many clinics will offer a reduced rate per graft once a certain surgical session size (i.e. 1,000 or 2,000 grafts) is exceeded.
To compare the long term costs of hair transplantation to other hair loss treatments, visit our hair transplant cost section.
The amount of grafts you will need ultimately depends on your degree of hair loss, now and in the future, and on how full you desire your hair to be.
For help estimating the amount of grafts/hairs you may need, click here.
To use our interactive graft calculator, click here
With today’s very refined micro hair transplantation procedure the incisions are very small and less invasive than past procedures. This results in more rapid healing. Most patients feel fine within a day or two following surgery, although some numbness and mild soreness can be expected for several days following surgery.
Immediately following surgery a patient’s recipient area is typically pink with scabs forming around the micro incisions. These hundreds of tiny incisions will heal rapidly within a week to ten days.
During the first few days after the surgery a person’s hair transplants will be noticeable if there is no previous hair to mask these temporary scabs. However, most patients feel comfortable being in public without wearing a hat within 5 to 7 days following surgery.
Once the transplanted hair grows out the results should look entirely natural, even under close examination.
Normally it takes between three to five months following surgery before the transplanted hair follicles begin to grow new hair. The transplanted hair grows in very thin initially and gradually grows thicker and fuller over time. After one year a patient’s transplanted hair will be fully mature and will continue to grow for a life time.
Since the hair follicles that are transplanted to the balding areas are genetically resistant to going bald, they will continue to grow for a life time – just as if they had been left in the bald resistant donor area.
To understand why some hair follicles are genetically resistant to going bald, while other are not, click here.
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.
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Setting the Highest Standards in Hair Restoration
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.
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Revivogen Scalp Therapy, Shampoo and Conditioner for Hair Loss
Revivogen hair loss treatment is a "3 in 1" all inclusive product that comes with scalp therapy, one eyedropper, one shampoo and one conditioner.
This topical scalp therapy treatment, equally effective for both men and women, claims to be very successful at inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The makers of Revivogen claim that it is even more effective than Propecia in reducing DHT in the scalp without the unwanted side effects. It's also potentially the most potent topical antiandrogen on the market. Antiandrogen hair loss treatments like Revivogen inhibit the production of the male hormone DHT. The makers of Revivogen claim that it is even more effective than Propecia in reducing DHT in the scalp without the unwanted side effects. This product however, has not been approved for hair loss by the FDA.
Revivogen all natural medicated shampoo is one of the few shampoos that includes ingredients scientifically supported to help inhibit the production of DHT and its binding to hair follicles. A 12oz bottle should last just under 2 months.
Revivogen shampoo has ingredients that complement the Scalp Therapy solution, increases scalp circulation, opens pores, and produces a cooling and refreshing menthol feeling on the scalp.
Revivogen Thickening Conditioner revives limp and thinning hair in men and women by moisturizing and strengthening the hair shaft. Natural proteins add natural volume, shine and create the appearance of thicker and fuller hair. For best use, we recommend using this conditioner with Revivogen Shampoo. Or, get the discounted Revivogen Shampoo and Conditioner combination instead to save money.
We strongly recommend using Nizoral shampoo every 2 or 3 days in conjunction with these treatments. Its active ingredient ketoconazolehas proven to be a moderate DHT inhibitor and has growth properties approximately as effective as Rogaine 2%.
How It Works:
Revivogen contains scientifically backed ingredients including Azelaic Acid, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Saw Palmetto, GLA and ALA which are fatty acids proven to inhibit the production of DHT. Reducing the amount of DHT in the body and scalp reduces the risk of vulnerable hair follicles dying and falling out.
For proper treatment, Revivogen should be applied at least once a day to the scalp's affected areas as well as the surrounding areas. Once you've used the medication, you should not wash your hair for at least three hours. This allows the active ingredients to be absorbed into your scalp The effects of Revivogen may take some time to work. Most users claim to experience their desired results after about 6 months of use.
Revivogen contains no reported side effects.
Developing Realistic Expectations:
Men and women sometimes suffer from hair loss for different reasons. Thus, diagnosing its cause is necessary to facilitate and promote proper treatment. Revivogen is not clinically proven or approved by the FDA.
Revivogen and other antiandrogens (such as Propecia, Crinagen, Nizoral, Revita, etc.) may provide marginal benefit to men and women trying to maintain existing hair due to androgenic alopecia. Propecia by far is the most effective and only proven antiandrogen. For the best chance at regrowing hair non-surgically, adding a hair growth stimulant such as Rogaineor Tricomin is crucial.
Don't expect immediate results. It's recommended to use Revivogen for at least 6 to 12 months before determining its effectiveness. Documenting your progress with bi-monthly photos can help you determine whether or not Revivogen has been successful in helping you maintain existing hair.
To date, only surgical hair restoration is proven to grow hair in completely bald areas. You are invited to have a free virtual consultation with one of our prescreened hair restoration physicians.
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Stemcelex – A Revolutionary Stem Cell Hair Loss Treatment?
Stemcelex is the newest product in a long line of hair restoration therapies claiming to “cure” hair loss via stem cell therapy. Given the recent onslaught of news regarding stem cell based hair loss treatments, injectable baldness cures, and research breakthroughs, it’s not surprising to see new therapies claiming to aggressively fight hair loss through these same mechanisms. However, is Stemcelex truly a stem cell based, regenerative hair loss cure, or is it another therapy simply riding the recent wave of interest in these types of non-invasive, revolutionary treatments?
At first glance, Stemcelex seems quite impressive. The product website is filled with scientific explanations, graphs, charts, and diagrams explaining the science behind stem cell based hair restoration. Stemcelex even states its affiliation with Dr. George Cotsarelis, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center who, along with a talented research team, recently discovered that the bald scalp does not suffer from a lack of stem cells, but rather a dysfunction in the pathway to properly activating stem cells to produce hair. The finding was significant and Dr. Cotsarelis’ involvement and the seemingly detailed science look promising, but what about Stemcelex itself? Does it utilize these scientific breakthroughs and offer an effective treatment for hair loss?
Unfortunately, despite the impressive name recognition and detailed explanations, Stemcelex doesn’t appear to live up to its lofty hair restoration claims. Despite claiming to “activate” the dormant stem cells described by Dr. Cotsarelis, Stemcelex does not offer any sort of feasible molecular/stem cell based therapy. The website cleverly explains the science behind stem cell inactivation and the promise of reversing the dysfunctional pathway, but instead of reinforcing Dr. Cotsarelis’ view that cures for reversing the inactivation pathway are not yet understood, Stemcelex claims to actually fix the stem cell inactivation through a series of unproven homeopathic and herbal treatments for hair loss.
So, what is actually inStemcelex? The treatment involves a three day cycle of different lotions and topical treatments for baldness applied twice a day.
Day1: On the first day of the hair restoration cycle, a topical lotion made from Jaborandi Pilocarpus is applied twice after washing and thoroughly drying one’s hair. According to Stemcelex, Jaborandi Pilocarpus is a parasympathetic activator (it excites the nerves that cause the body to “rest and digest” during periods of relaxation) that rids the scalp of excess oils and dandruff that impede healthy follicular hair growth. Furthermore, Stemcelex claims that Pilocarpus naturally darkens and thickens existing, native hairs. According to the experts, Pilocarpus has no reproducible pharmacological applications and any evidence that it actually thickens and darkens hair is anecdotal.
Day 2: The second day of the cycle involves Veratrum Lobelianum, a family of herbs commonly used in Chinese medicine. Stemcelex claims these herbs can penetrate the scalp and activate the necessary molecular signaling to “regenerate” the hair follicle stem cells. Furthermore, Veratrum allegedly down-regulates or prevents the production of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone directly responsible for male pattern baldness. According to the research, members of the Veratrum family have been used in everything from a Native American poison to a drug researched in human blood pressure. Currently, they are used in cancer treatments. Although the science behind cancer therapies indicates that the drug could have some molecular benefit in signaling cell activation and inactivation, there has been no research or evidence suggesting that Veratrum is useful in fighting, reversing, or preventing the effects of male or female hair loss.
Day 3: During the third day of the Stemcelex cycle, a kelp based topical extract is applied twice daily to provide nutrients to the “new hair growth” and also ensure that the scalp remains clean and healthy. This step of the treatment doesn’t claim to be more than a simple dose of nutrients useful in good scalp hygiene.
After reviewing the active ingredients behind Stemcelex, there is no evidence to suggest that Stemcelex is an effective hair loss treatment at this point in time. The idea of activating the dormant stem cells is important to finding a molecular cure to hair loss, but despite understanding this importance, Stemcelex doesn’t offer any concrete stem cell reactivation agents. It’s possible that Veratrum may prove useful in cell signaling and reactivating dormant cells, but the current research and evidence simply don’t support its use at this time. Furthermore, Stemcelex charges a hefty $99.85 for a month supply of the treatment which may keep even the most curious and enthusiastic hair loss suffering men and women away.
Altogether, the idea of reversing dormant hair follicle stem cells is important, but therapies for effectively stopping and rewiring this pathway do not seem to exist at this point in time. Unfortunately, this seems to nullify the claims made by Stemcelex and prevent it from becoming a stem cell hair loss cure.
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Dr. Munib Ahmad MD
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.