Q: I have been on finasteride for about 7 months. After my latest haircut I can see that my scalp is shiny. I read that is from sebum buildup and it can cause a layer that clogs the growth of hair. I was wondering if this is true and, if so, how can it be treated? -- T.C., Philadelphia, PA A: It is not true. Hair loss is caused by the miniaturizing effects of DHT on the hair follicle, not by blocked pores. For more on this topic, view our pages on the causes of hair loss in men or the causes of hair loss in women.
Q: I use Nizoral for my dandruff. Does it work for hair loss too? -- M.D., Danbury, CT A: The active ingredient in Nizoral is Ketoconazole. This medication, originally developed to treat fungus infections, has slight anti-androgen action. It is supposed to work in hair loss by inhibiting the action of DHT on hair follicles. Although, in theory, it should be useful for androgenetic hair loss, there have not been conclusive scientific studies to show that it works to treat balding when used as a topical application for balding.
Q: What is Saw Palmetto? -- R.P., White Plains, NY A: Saw Palmetto is a dwarf palm plant native to North America. The active ingredients can be found in the plant's brown-black berries. It is proposed that it blocks the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). There is little scientific evidence that Saw Palmetto is actually effective for hair loss. Read about the treatment of hair loss in men
Q: I have read several articles on the internet which suggest that resistance training can accelerate male pattern baldness. Is there any truth in this? -- B.F., Altherton, CA A: Anything that raises androgen levels in your body can potentially accelerate hair loss. That said, I suggest to exercise as you normally would. As long as you don’t take drugs to enhance your workout, the effects should be minimal.
Q: What is your opinion of the companies that advertise hair loss solutions like Hims and Keeps? In searching the web and riding the subway I’ve seen many ads for a company called Hims that offers hair loss medicine and other medical solutions for men’s problems. What are the medications used for hair loss and how do they compare to Propecia and Rogaine? ? -- V.T., Long Island, NY A: Hims and Keeps are digital wellness companies that are geared toward men. They prescribe the same hair loss products that you can receive from a doctor or from online stores like Amazon, such as minoxidil, finasteride, biotin, salicylic acid shampoos and other topical and oral medications. The patents on the most commonly used prescription medications have expired within the last few years, opening the door for companies to distribute their own generic versions. The online system that Hims uses allows people to get prescriptions without seeing a doctor. Although this might be convenient, receiving an in-person evaluation from an experienced physician is important to ensure that you receive the proper treatment. Medical treatments for hair loss are most effective when started early. Therefore, making sure the diagnosis is correct and…
There are many reasons you can experience hair loss. Stress can be one of the main causes, , but hair loss from stress is not necessarily permanent. As you get your stress under control, stress-related hair loss can improve. Your doctor’s advice can be helpful in addressing these issues. How do I know my hair […]
Here is a question we receive often from patients: Which hair loss medication works best, and do I need to take it orally, or is topical application sufficient? Read on to hear what Dr. Christine Shaver, dermatologist at Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration, says on the topic. Which is more effective—topical or oral […]
Bernstein Medical does not endorse the use of any LLLT products. The LaserCap is a Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) device for hair loss developed by Transdermal Cap, Inc. The LaserCap is an hermetically sealed, dome shaped membrane that contains 224 individual 650nm 5mW lasers. The main advantages of this laser are the large number […]
Synopsis: This is a newly revised edition of the popular Hair Loss & Replacement for Dummies. The 2011 edition presents the latest information on a variety of topics of interest to those suffering from hair loss. The updated edition book discusses the latest in laser light and medical treatments for hair loss, the recent advances in Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation and the new, minimally-invasive hair transplant technique, Follicular Unit Extraction. Purchase at Amazon.com | Read More
According to an article published in the journal of Clinical Aesthetic, scalp micro-pigmentation (SMP) is an effective cosmetic solution for millions of men and women who currently have significant scalp deformities for which there are few, if any, good medical treatment options.