| Author | Message | ||
     Anonymous |
i have not yet started to lose my hair, but i'm sure i will...i'm on saw palmetto as a preventative measure, but i'm curious if i should take something in conjuction with it. its kinda a strange situation, so i'm not sure what to do | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Anonymous: If you're worried about losing your hair, I think you might be willing to spend some time reading about what causes hair loss and what genuine treatment options there are. I would suggest reading some of the pages on my Web site starting with - Biology of Baldness and Male Pattern Baldness. These articles will give you the fundamental information you'll need to make decisions about the prevention of hair loss. Most people who have had success in combating hair loss or growing new hair used a multi-layered approach. Taking an herbal supplement like saw palmetto might give you some psychological ease - you are at least taking action instead of just passively accepting genetic determination. The action may not be enough though. Saw palmetto, especially if it's a standardized form of the herb's extract containing 85 to 95 percent fatty acids, does have some positive effect in halting hair loss, but reports indicate the the positive effect is only minor. You have not started to lose your hair yet, so your motivation to do some reading and study about the subject is probably not high. Motivation is usually strong when the image you see in the mirror makes you shudder. | ||
| Inspired 2 Help |
Hello Tom and everyone I have read a lot in your site and would like to contribute in order to share with you and hope to help in any way: People that end up in this website are all looking for hope and finding a way to fix or rewind the sad effects of male pattern baldness. I admire you Tom, for contributing with "your approach" and for answering to all those comments posted. Your hard work is evident and I congratulate you for that. The most convincing points that make me believe in your "approach" are: * your objectiveness, in not promising stuff that might never happen like growing hair the next day. * You truly seem to believe in your theory and has apparently worked for you. * It doesn't seem like a scam to rip people off. Now let me post what I believe: I am 33 years old, still have a full head of hair, but have noticed a slowly receding hair line , specially near the temples, and now I see less denisity on top, where I can see my scalp in certain light. There is no opening on the back.- I could be in the MPB Charts as Fase 2 maybe...I probably notice it more than anyone else. I believe that the keyword for everyone here would be PREVENTION... It applies just about to evry problem.- Before your car has trouble, you maintain it, change the oil every so often, clean the filters, etc. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE... Don't do something until it burns down. Same with one's body... Why wait to have diabetes to start eating a healthy diet? Why stop smoking until you get Cancer?- If you have a tendency for baldness or recently noticed thinning hair... Attack the problem fast, I agree with Tom...The earlier you start, the better chances you have to KEEP and REGAIN. My dad is bald, and so are my uncles . Some of them more than others, as well as some of my cousins of similar age as mine or older.- So I am well aware that this is in my genes. I can remember that I had some scares in the past where I noticed my hair was receding or was apparently very spread out (I could see my scalp somewhat), and I would bend backwards using a hand mirror and a wall mirror to see the top of my head, directly iluminated by a spotlight. I could have sworn that was going bald right there! I have had this scare phase at least 5 times in the last 10 years.- I am sure all of you reading know the feeling ... it's scary and it really affects your self esteem . What I did in the past: I read about the topic and got a book on how to PREVENT hair loss.- It went through all the basics,like good nutrition , excercises, relaxing etc. What I do is I take The bits of Information that I believe in from different sources, and prepare myself for a big Action Plan.- Like a buffet.- I pick different approaches that I conclude "Worth Trying" Back then what I did was mainly a) add a HAIR VITAMIN with the following Ingredients Niacin 70 mg , Folic Acid 800 mcg, Vitamin B12 12mcg, Biotin 200 mcg, Panthotenic Acid 200 mcg, Iron Gluconate 4mg, Iodine 300 mcg, Zinc 30 mg, Manganese 10mg, Choline Bitartate 1000 mg, Inositol 250 mg, and PABA (Para Amino Benzoic Acid) 60 mg b) Massaged my Scalp a few minutes a day. I figured that the Circulation theory that so many people mention, does have its logic and all the Nutritional components in my diet carried by the blood, should be channeled in more abundance to the needed area.- So- More IRRIGATION of the scalp area means , more time for the cells, and follicles to get the vitamins and nutrition they need. c) Started doing a Head stand for about 5 minutes per day. I rested my head on a pillow and balanced with my 2 hands no the floor, lifted my 2 feet against the wall. (I dont recommend this for everyone, if not done properly could get you injured , or could affect your pressure)- The thing is - That's what I did back then... d) Once in a while I would apply a cholesterol cream (could be compared to a hot oil therapy) to my hair, and would use it in the sauna...for 15 minutes, (Used to restore damaged hair, limp hair)- Probably just thickened the hair cosmetically, - But again - that's what I did. I just didnt want to "sit and let the lion eat me..." Almost immediately a few days after doing this all this different things, I felt that my head of hair felt stronger and my hair more manageable...(Aha! I said...I have found a way to fight back- I thought...there is hope!) After a few weeks, or days, my hair was allright I guess, I stopped obsessing about it and some periods in my life I went on with great lustrous and thick hair. After many months Maybe I had another episode where I would start obsessing again, but same story- I got over it and nothing really happened (as I so creatively fabricated tragic stories in my mind)--- Just for the record. I shower, wash my hair with shampoo every day, Dry it with a towel, Notbeing rough, but not being so delicate either.... I read in the book on PREVENTION, that taking care of "sickly hair" that is about to fall anyway, is like conserving the dead branches on a plant . It tells the story of how a group of 3 plants in the same planter started to weaken after one of the 3 withered away... After removing the dead branch (or plant)- The other 2 revived vibrantly...It implies that that the withered, sickly plant was depressing , or robbing the nutrients from the soil of the other two..and it implies that it could be the same with the hair..If a hair was going to fall anyway, just let it go, dont make it a a big deal , either it will be replaced or simply "there will be more food for the rest of the gang"- I hope you get the picture...I dont know if it's true, but it DID helped me not worry that much when I see a few hairs in the sink once in a while.I still feel that what had to be shed would go anyways so its pointless to be so delicate with the already withered. Inevitably, TIME and age makes thing harder for everyone. It is undeniable that it is harder to keep looking young. Hair, Skin, Weight, Your metabolism changes, there is more stress, less time to take care of yourself ...You need to spend more time in the gym , eat right in order no to gain extra pounds, etc etc...you know what I mean? I have gone through greatly tough moments in the past 2 years, deaths of loved ones, under great stressful situations , not sleeping enough, overworking, handling loneliness and even depression as well.- All this (plus naturally aging)- has shown up signs physically , and I have had a harder time keeping up with slowing down the wheels of time. Remember that PREVENTION goes hand in hand with MAINTENANCE...- Even when all seems ok, when all is well, you must still MAINTAIN, so never let your guard down. I have now started to get a few white hairs on my head (its wierd when someone starts to notice and calls it out)- and I even got a few white ones on my chest now... I am also noticing that the density of my hair is lessening (apparently thinning)- slowly again... In a bright light I see it and It's evident that the pattern is there and nature is working hard to do its job...More visual scalp, and the temples go farther back, although the hair that I have is very healthy and it covers generally, the DENSITY seems to be lessening in the top and receding... Well, Back to the drawing board.- I am taking the same hair vitamin I have had on the past, One in the morning, one in the evening...(I switch one of the hair Vitamins for a Multivitamin Daily One from Twin Labs)every other day. I am also taking 1000 mg of Omega 3 DHA EPA Fish Oils (Omega 3s)+ Flax Seed Oil (meal), Amino Acid Supplement (also good for muscles and bodybuilding (NOT steroids or anabolics!NOT GOOD...) That's attacking from the INSIDE...Also doing the occasional massages to the scalp, while I drive or have a free moment at home. From the outside: Comb my hair bending down, allowing a few minutes to irrigate my scalp in the morning , call it "BREAKFAST FOR THE SCALP", flowing the river to the top of the mountain, if you will... Obviously, the TOP gets less flow when you are standing(this is why they put people's feet HIGHER than the head when they have "LOW BLOOD PRESSURE" or are going to faint...)Pumping up is harder than pumping down because of gravity. By the Way...If you are wondering, Have I read all the DHT , Testosterone, biochemical explanation of the hair cycle and everything : YES... I know..I Know...Not saying that's not true, I am just sharing with you my experience, my ideas, and "my approach" too....Im not trying to change genetics or stop time, I am just trying to delay the turning of the wheel just enought to have a better quality of life along the way... An occasional Protein application to the hair (even from using egg protein or a commercial product like hot oil hair treatments )- could improve the "apparent" or cosmetic look for the hair, improoving its thickness (even if it is just for the looks), helping you relax and feel better about yourself, while you let any of the different treatments to work, because as far as we all know, ALL TREATMENTS TAKE TIME...conventional, hollistic, or whichever...even Rogaine, Propecia, Scalp Excercises, Vitamins etc...ALL require you to WAIT WAIT WAIT... Being constant with SEVERAL approaches, even if they contribute only a small percent in the long run, all of them together MUST HAVE SOME BENEFIT! The ODDS ARE in your favor. After reading Tom's Approach, I find it very interesting and will probably incorporate it to my "Massive attack Plan"... After all- it's just a thing you could incorporate as a HABIT (just like Brushing your teeth)- WHY NOT?- If it works cool - Better try it now, before my hair goes away...Better fix the car now instead of when its all broken down remember? My mom used to save CURE YOURSELF IN TIMES OF GOOD HEALTH.... Not when you are really ill... Other Treatments?- CHEMICAL: Rogaine: Dont want to use Chemicals because of the side effects and Short term benefits. I dont think it would really make a difference anyway , only producing improvement on certain areas of the scalp... TRANSPLANTS: ...hmmm...If there was an extremne case or If I got desperate I Would prefer to do this in the worst case...Expensive?- Yes, prices should come down , its more common now...BUT ANYWAYS Why not?- If it makes you feel better and helps your self esteem, its better to spend on that than on an expensive painting...wouldnt you agree... DRAWBACK: I would get more information, after reading some negative stuff like scars, and problems later on if baldness continues...I would probably hear BOTH SIDES of the story...IF I EVER DECIDE TO DO IT...-Hope not...(Hope Tom's approach helps) Other Advice: * USUALLY: One notices more his or her own "defects" than others. People are more concerned with their own problems, insecurities and needs. - Nobody is thinking about you and your hair as much as ...well...YOU!- If you dont belive me..think about if you care that your neighbor is shorter or chubbier or has a severe acne problem...Nooo..You are thinking more about your hair...your problems...This is why you are reading in this website...To each his own problems.. * Baldness is common , partially or fully in almost all men...Look around...Think that you are not alone...They are going through the same thing... (One sometimes forget this!)...Those younger have a full head of hair now...well ten again...Temporary...they might eventually go through what you are going through now...others before you have, many are going through the same thing now...the world has not ended...Dont worry that much. * For those who are very advanced in balding stages... cut your hair shorter, keep well groomed and trim, it does help to look more sharp. A persob is made of the group of details, Skin, Hair, Body Type, Clothes, Looks, Smells, Personality, Manners etc- The WHOLE PERSON is what usually comes into the mind when someone remembers you...Might be that your hair is not your BEST attribute, so Heighten others. When you meet someone with a certain personality that is charming, you tend to forget their physical defects.- Observe it yourself when treating others.- EVERYONE has flaws- NOBODY is PERFECT.- You just dont think of their flaws as much as they would... * Look at some famous people with receding hair- or bald still look cool...Bruce Willis, Sean Connery, many athletes etc etc * We might not be able to change everything but those things you can do about, DO...like NOT SMOKING, Going to the GYM, Eating right, STaying Well Groomed, Developing your Personality, Keeping skin clean and tight.- The benefits go beyond just hair.... * The scalp Excercises and facial toning sound like a good idea...look at Tom's Hairline Picture at 72 y.o., * Dont settle with one approach..Attack the problem from everywhere (Air, Land and Sea)- Inside, Outside, Physically, Emotionally, Spiritually...Body Excercises, Scalp Excercises, Yoga, Improving Circulation techniques, Massages, Vitamins, Special hair treatments (preferrably natural) Diet and if you really need to and are willing to do it : there are surgical and chemical solutions as well.... I know this comment is veeeery long - I could be sleeping right now - Its awfully late, but since I have felt the same concern that most of you are experiencing, I have this inspiration to help with what I can... At least help you keep the spirits up... Just doing something about it will help you gain a sense of control of the situation and will reduce the anxiety and confusion you feel. I Hope to have helped in some way My Best Intentions and Good Luck .... | ||
| Tom Hagerty |
Inspired: You've thought a great deal about combating hair loss. You've come to the conclusion that the multilayered attack on the problem is best. That's my conclusion too. Many people feel more comfortable searching for the one product, like a systemic or topical drug, that will solve their problem. I don'think these people will have much success. Hair loss is complex and requires complex measures to combat it. I have three comments about your approach, things that perhaps you should think about: 1. "Just for the record. I shower, wash my hair with shampoo every day..." I don't think using shampoo as often as you do is good for the hair, even if you use an excellent shampoo. 2. "Dry it with a towel, Not being rough, but not being so delicate either...." You are reasoning by analogy - after removing dead branches from a plant the plant grows stronger. My own thinking is that you should be delicate with your hair when it's wet and vulnerable. You won't do any damage to the hair follicle, though, when you are less than delicate. 3. "Once in a while I would apply a cholesterol cream (could be compared to a hot oil therapy) to my hair, and would use it in the sauna...for 15 minutes..." If you visit websites that talk about the benefits of the sauna, you'll think that this type of heat will "unclog" hair follicle canals and make your skin in general and your scalp skin in particular vibrant and fresh. I used to assume that both sauna and steam baths would be useful to people with hair loss problems. (More reasoning by analogy perhaps) I don't assume this anymore. In the past few months I've read convincing articles stating that both sauna and long steam baths are not good for either skin or hair follicles. Maybe you'd want to do some research on this. Thanks for you message. | ||
| pete |
"i have not yet started to lose my hair, but i'm sure i will...i'm on saw palmetto as a preventative measure, but i'm curious if i should take something in conjuction with it. its kinda a strange situation, so i'm not sure what to do" 1)Research into hairloss 2)Look into a shampoo that helps with inflammation 3)Adopt a solid nutritional approach | ||
| kong kong |
Please help my dad to have back his hair in order to him a good looking outlook. | ||
| acousti |
you gonna help my uncle kingkong to have back his hair and advise him how to maintain if ever he have a good looking hair. so that my auntie kingkang gonna loves him so much till the end |
