Unfortunately, bogus hair loss “remedies” are more popular than ever.

The battle against baldness is almost as long as history itself. The Ebers Papyrus – a medical text from 1550 B.C.E. – offers a number of recommended cures for ancient Egyptians suffering from hair loss. Suggestions include a mixture of fats from a hippopotamus, crocodile, tomcat, snake and ibex. While such a concoction now strikes us as obviously ineffective, all too many people are still willing to put their faith – and money – into modern-day “snake oil” hair restoration remedies that range from useless to harmful. With proven, effective treatments – both surgical and non-surgical – readily available, Dr. Marco Barusco and our team at Tempus Hair Restoration want consumers to recognize bogus products and dubious procedures.

Hair Loss Scams

Just as is the case with many other medical conditions, bogus products claiming to prevent baldness or restore hair aggressively market to susceptible people through online advertising, multi-level marketing (MLM) companies, radio ads, late-night infomercials and other media. Such products either use medical-sounding language or sell themselves as a “natural” remedy.

Hair loss restoration researchers have concluded that the leading cause of baldness for men is the male sex hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This hormone has been linked to hair loss in women, as well. DHT prevents the follicles in the scalp from promoting hair growth by attaching itself to the follicles’ receptor cells and inhibiting any proteins, vitamins and minerals needed for their survival.

Those who have a genetic tendency for hair loss are more sensitive to the effects of DHT. The only way to prevent or restore hair loss is to block this hormone. Scam marketers often dance around the subject by mentioning DHT, but refrain from stating clearly that their product efficiently blocks this hormone. The FDA-approved prescription medications that actually are effective in blocking DHT will be covered later in this post.

To avoid regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), marketers of these bogus products identify them as food or nutritional supplements, carefully choosing their words to avoid making an outright claim of medical results. These deceptive marketers often use phony testimonials and product reviews, all of which are impossible to verify.

Consumers are often confused by such slick sales methods, not only wasting money, but valuable time. The longer that hair loss goes untreated, the chances for success diminish.

How to Know When it’s a Hoax

One big red flag signaling a scam product is overselling and/or guaranteeing hair growth. If it promises “amazing” and “quick” results, be suspicious. Legitimate non-surgical treatments produce gradual results, depending upon the individual. Again, consulting with a hair restoration specialist should set realistic expectations about the results that a particular treatment can achieve for you.

What Does Work?

Medical hair growth treatments help stabilize hair loss and maintain hairs that would otherwise be lost. The following are FDA-approved medications proven to be effective.

Minoxidil – Minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) is a medication used for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) treatments and hair growth in women with thinning hair.

 It is in a class of drugs known as vasodilators. By widening the blood vessels, minoxidil  allows more blood and oxygen to reach the follicles, causing those in the telogen phase (the resting phase of the hair growth cycle), to shed. They are replaced by thicker hairs in the new anagen phase (the active growth phase of hair follicles). Rogaine is available over-the-counter. Dr. Barusco typically recommends the foam option, which must be done at a 5% concentration in order to assist in blocking DHT. In order for this medication to keep supporting hair growth, it should be used continuously.

 

Finasteride (brand name Propecia) – This is a prescription tablet used to block DHT and treat hair loss for men only. A 1 mg dose of finasteride can lower DHT levels by 60% if taken daily, and slows down hair loss as long as it is taken continuously. The American Hair Loss Association recognizes finasteride as the leading non-surgical hair loss treatment for men.

Inform Yourself

Knowledge is power. Being an informed consumer will allow you to tell the difference between science and pseudo-science, and seek legitimate treatment for your hair loss before it’s too late to reverse or restore. Choose your surgeon carefully based on experience, results and professional integrity.

Dr. Barusco is a board-certified surgeon who is internationally recognized as a leader in hair restoration. His many other credentials include: Diplomate and Past President (2017) of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery; Assistant Professor of Surgery – University of Central Florida College of Medicine; Fellow of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). Dr. Barusco conducts all consultations (both in-office and virtually) and performs all hair transplantation procedures.

Our team pays great attention to your emotional being and follows up with every step of the procedure to ensure that you are well-informed and directed in the right path. Our consultation is free. Dr. Barusco will discuss the treatments available and recommend the one most appropriate for your type of hair loss. Contact us to learn your options.

Author: Tempus Hair Restoration