Unfortunately, misleading information on hair loss and restoration is common. However, you can aptly inform yourself – whether you or a love one is suffering from patterned baldness or stress-related hair loss.
Here are some of the top hair loss related questions, and our experts’ advice on each.
Common Questions About Losing Hair
Do Baseball Caps Cause Hair Loss?
Contrary to popular belief, hair follicles don’t require direct access to fresh air in order to “breathe.” Actually, follicles receive oxygen from the blood stream. You’re safe to wear a baseball cap or any other hair covering, whether or not you’re already suffering from baldness.
If My Mother’s Side Suffers Hair Loss, Will I?
Not exactly. Inheritance from your maternal grandfather is slightly stronger, but not a direct indictor of your potential hair loss condition. Balding can actually stem from the father’s side as well.
What is Rogaine®?
When it first came on the market, Rogaine was used to regular blood pressure. Currently, it’s primarily intended for hair growth. About a third of men that use Rogaine see results, which makes it a great option for hair loss patients who prefer a cost-effective, topical product over a surgical, permanent procedure. Extra strength Rogaine starts working in about 8 weeks of treatment while the original Rogaine starts working after about 4 months of use. The product is applied on the scalp twice a day and requires continued use to maintain regrowth side effects. Once use has discontinued, hair loss will begin again.
How is it Different from Propecia®?
Propecia differs from Rogaine because of the way it interacts with your body’s hormones. Finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia, blocks the production of DHT, which is the hormone related to men’s hair loss. It’s twice the price of Rogaine at $60 per month. However, patients looking for a budget-friendly alternative with the same efficacy can speak to their dermatologist regarding generic finasteride. It’s five times a regular dose of Propecia (which comes in 1-milligram pills), but can be divided with a pill cutter. Since Rogaine is a topical treatment and Propecia is consumed orally, these two can be taken simultaneously for accelerated results.
Keep in mind that women are not candidates for Propecia prescriptions. If you or a loved one is pregnant, be extra careful when handling Propecia as the crushed tablets can cause abnormalities in male fetus’ sex organs. Since unbroken tablets are coated, they are harmless for handling but should be stored safely away to avoid mishaps. If you are using the generic version of Propecia and have a pill cutter to split into 1-milligram doses, do not share the same pill cutter with any women who are or who may become pregnant.
Am I Too Young to Use Hair Loss Treatments?
As long as you are 18 and older, the FDA approves of your use of Propecia. In fact, the sooner the better, since it’s best used as a preventative measure versus a reversal treatment method. Keep in mind that Propecia has been shown to cause erectile dysfunction in some patients. For the small amount of patients using Propecia that do experience sexual problems, the problem is reversed after dosage is discontinued. Generic Propecia is actually used as a treatment for prostate cancer and can diminish odds of development by about 25 percent.
Can I Use a Shampoo or Conditioner to Reverse Hair Loss?
In short, shampoos and conditioners do not reverse hair loss or lead to restoration. While they help increase your hair’s overall volume, everyday washes and creams without the ingredients minoxidil or finasteride will not stimulate regrowth. However, there’s no harm in incorporating thickening washes and crème rinses into your everyday routine on top of your hair loss treatment method.
If you’re interested in learning how to use Rogaine or inquiring about the side effects of Propecia, or if you’d like to consult a physician about a more advanced level of treatment, contact Miami Hair surgeons Dr. Nusbaum and Dr. Rose at 305-448-9100.