Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration

Can Propecia Or Rogaine Restore My Original Hair Density?

Q: You mentioned that the hair at my crown and other areas where I now have baldness hasn’t really fallen off but has thinned to a great extent and that taking Rogaine and Propecia might help increase their thickness. If the medications do restore the hair thickness, I’m curious why you said that I could look like how I was 1 to 2 years ago. Technically, shouldn’t I be able to regain much more of my hair (and look like how I was longer than before that) since the follicles are all still there? — H.D., Park Slope, NY

A: Although Propecia is much more effective than Rogaine, even when used together, the medications are just not that effective in reversing the miniaturization process. They may bring you back to the way you were a few years ago, but will not restore your adolescent density.

Read more about hair density and miniaturization, Propecia, Rogaine, and other hair loss medication.

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.

Could Taking Finasteride Or Minoxidil Make A Hair Transplant Possible If My Donor Area Is Thin?

Q: You said I was not a good candidate for a hair transplant because my donor area was too thin. Since finasteride and minoxidil can increase the thickness of the hair, could it make a hair transplant possible?

A: Unfortunately, the medication will not affect the donor area and, therefore, not make a person with low donor density a candidate for a hair transplant.

Read more about the role of the donor area in a hair transplant and the effects of finasteride and minoxidil.

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.

Is Hair Thicker In The Summer?

Q: It seems like my hair is thicker in the summer. Can this be true? –R.B., West University Place, TX

A: Hair will increase in diameter when there is more humidity, as it absorbs moisture, and will actually be thicker in the more humid summer environment.

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.