Hair Loss Solutions

Now that we know the causes of hair loss in Androgenetic Alopecia (MPB), we can move to the next step which is evaluating your type of hair loss. You can simply fill this Consultation Form to get diagnose by a doctor .
There are a lot of male myths about balding and hair loss. Let's explore them before pointing the solutions:

Hair Loss myths

• Men's baldness comes from the mother's side- False, it can come from any family relative
• Long hair and hats can cause hair loss-False,
• Using styling products-There is no hair care product that can cause direct hair loss, however using Haircycle Natural Styling Gel can stimulate anagen for a healthy hair environment.
• Shampooing does not accelerate balding; the hairs you find are just the ones ready to come out, and these will be replaced.
• There are no viral infections that cause direct balding. Some powerful medications, however, may be culprits of hair loss since they kill off the hair's roots. In any case, always consult your physician.

Now, that we know what does and doesn't cause hair loss, we can review the available options for your treatment. 
There are only 5 types of treatments available today: 

• DHT Inhibitors
• Stimulants hair in Anagen phase
• Anti-inflammatory's
• Antiandrogens

Back to the start

Hair Loss In Women

The causes of hair loss in women are much more varied than in men. When a woman presents to a physician with alopecia (hair loss) for the first time, a careful history must be obtained. In other words, the pattern must first be determined.Is the thinning all over?, or is it a widening of the part, or a typical “male” pattern of hairline recession? This information suggests to the physician where to direct his physical exam, and if laboratory studies are indicated. 
The typical female pattern is the so-called Ludwig pattern, which retains the hairline, but sees the middle part become progressively wider over time; women, however, can also experience the typical Norwood pattern, so common in men. Then the progression must be determined. Did the loss begin suddenly, and was a “rapid “shedding” noted? Or has there been a slow, steady loss over time? Depending on the pattern and progression, the doctor may decide to do microscopic hair exams, together with hair pull or pluck tests, or to order various lab studies.

Ludwig Scale

Common systemic conditions which can cause hair loss include anemia, excess androgens, autoimmune disorders, and many, many causes of acute stress, such as surgery , childbirth, fever, severe illness, and extreme psychological stress. 
In men, the most common cause by far is male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia. This is the common hair loss pattern that is dependent on genetic predisposition, androgens (male hormones), and the simple passage of time. This usually results in the common Norwood pattern of loss, consisting of hair line recession, with or without loss in the crown. It is quite uncommon to find other causes of hair loss in men. The most common treatments for men are medical treatment (Propecia, Rogaine) and surgical treatments (hair transplantation).

Hair Loss in Men

Hair loss occurs in both men and women, but the causes can be divergent. This is quite important, because treatment options depend closely on causative factors. 
It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect men, women and children. Hair Loss as been the most common cause by far is male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia. This is the common hair loss pattern that is dependent on genetic predisposition, androgens (male hormones), and the simple passage of time.
These men have increased levels of a hormone known as 5(alpha)-reductase, which transforms testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The DHT, in turn, causes follicles to sprout shorter,

finer hairs, before eventually dying out. It also causes the growth phases of hair follicles to become shorter, and the other phases to be longer. This usually results in the common Norwood pattern of loss, consisting of hair line recession, with or without loss in the crown.
Sometimes, acute stress to the system (such as high fever, sudden weight loss, etc.) produces a sudden, rapid shedding of hair, where you find clumps of hair coming out all over the place. Although this syndrome (called telogen effluvium) is alarming, it actually is good news, because the body readjusts itself and most if not all the hair grows back. People whose loss of hair is inherited notice their hair is thinning but don't see very much hair actually coming out.
Most men will loose hair in some point during their lives. Seventy percent of adult males will experience some degree of balding, and advanced male pattern baldness affects well over one half of the adult male population.

Men who suffer from androgenetic alopecia will experience hair loss in a younger age and until age 60 will loose anywhere between 30-90% of their hair. While boys have a straight low hair line, adult men have more of an "M"-shape. 
Male pattern baldness is dependent on the interaction of three factors: age, a genetic pre- disposition, and male hormones, Once male pattern baldness begins, it does not stop.
The progression of male pattern baldness is generally classified on the Hamilton-Norwood scale, which ranges from stages I to VIII (see example)

Hair Loss Causes

There are many causes of hair loss in men and women, including disease, nutritional deficiency, hormone imbalance, and stress. However, by far the most common cause is what is called adrogenetic alopecia. Alopecia is simply the medical term for hair loss. Androgenetic refers to the fact that both a genetic predisposition to balding, and the influence of androgens, or male hormones, play a part in this type of hair loss. 
In fact, there is a third factor, which is the passage of time, or aging. In other words, in order for androgenetic alopecia to occur, there must be:

• A genetic propensity for balding
• The presence of androgens, or male hormones
• Enough aging time to allow the first two factors to exert their influence on the hair follicles genetics

Genetics is not always simple, and such is the case with balding. Just the presence or absence of balding in one’s parents or grandparents, on either the mother’s or father’s side, is not necessarily predictive of one’s likelihood of balding. Certainly, if a man’s father is completely bald, and this man begins to rapidly lose hair in his early twenties, it’s a safe bet that he will develop extensive balding at some point. In short, it’s very hard to accurately predict who will go bald and how rapidly.
This inherent uncertainly about the progression of balding is of utmost importance in planning surgical hair restoration, as we will see in later sections. We must always plan for a "worst case scenario" in order to give patients the best possible results in the long term, as well as in the short term. Anything less is irresponsible.

Androgenic Hormones

All normal men and women produce "male" hormones. The most common of these are testosterone, androsteinedione, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Androgens are produced by the testicles and adrenals in men, and by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. These hormones are quite important in both sexes, but occur in different concentrations, being much more predominant in males than in females. This, in part, is responsible for the typical differences between the genders. 
It is the exposure of the hair follicles to DHT, in a genetically susceptible person, over a period of time, which leads to androgenetic alopecia, or male and female pattern baldness. How does this exposure to DHT occur?
In certain cells of the hair follicle, and in the sebaceous glands, there are high levels of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. What this enzyme does is to convert testosterone, which is delivered to these areas by the blood, into DHT. This is important not only in understanding the mechanisms of balding, but also one medical treatment now available: Propecia (finasteride). What Propecia does is inhibit, or limit the activity of, this 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. Therefore, there is less conversion of testosterone to DHT, and lower levels of DHT are found in the follicle. In later sections, we will discuss this and other medical treatments in much greater detail.

Aging

There is no set age at which balding occurs. It is a process, and this is a simple, but oft-ignored fact. Like any process, it can be rapid or slow, it can begin toward the end of life or in the late teens, and it can progress in a predictably inexorable fashion, or it can stop and start, seemingly stabilize, and then begin again. Once we understand and accept this as a dynamic process, then we can better plan for the present and for the future in terms of how we treat it. This quest for understanding, which you have begun just by opening this book, will do more than all the despairing thoughts, hand-wringing, and self-pity, toward allowing a clear-eyed, rational, long term approach to the problem of hair loss.
So we now have looked at these three interdependent factors that play into the common types of balding. Again, they are: hormones, genetics, and Father Time. So what exactly does happen to the hair? Let’s take a look.
Assuming we have a genetically predisposed person, then as the follicles are continuously exposed to DHT, an interesting phenomenon occurs. Remember the anagen phase, or active growth phase of the hair? This phase becomes gradually briefer and briefer, and eventually the hair becomes finer and shorter, and less deeply colored. We call this "miniaturization" of hairs. This is also the point at which hair loss tends to first be noticed. It’s not that there are fewer hairs on the head, but that their caliber (cross-sectional area), color and length are so diminished that they no longer provide "coverage" for the scalp beneath. Light penetrates through to the shiny scalp, and this is perceived by the observer as "thinning" or balding.
Also, the ratio between hairs in the anagen phase and those in the telogen, or resting phase, is increased. This simply means that, at any given time, an increased number of hairs are in the telogen phase. These extra numbers of telogen hairs will be found in the susceptible zone for common balding, which is the front, top, and crown of the head. The so-called "permanent" zone, the familiar horseshoe-shaped wreath of hair around the back and sides, is unaffected by these changes. The telogen hairs are easily dislodged during washing, drying, or combing, and this is the second sign of balding: in addition to the apparent thinning seen with miniaturization, we begin to see larger numbers of hairs on the comb, the towel, the pillowcase, or in the bathroom drain. This can be quite traumatic, especially for the younger man or for women. In the next section, we will discuss the natural history of balding, that is, the way it first presents or appears, the different ways it progresses, and how it affects the different regions of the head. 
For the sake of completeness, let’s briefly mention some of the other patterns of hair loss, if only to distinguish them from androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). There is alopecia areata, where discrete patches of scalp go bald; triangular alopecia, which tend to occur in a triangular pattern in the temporal area; alopecia universalis, in which the entire body may be affected; and various "toxic" alopecias, including those following a severe illness, sometimes with high fever, or following pregnancy. Toxic alopecias may also occur with low thyroid and/or pituitary gland function, or following chemotherapy. The cicatricial (scarring) alopecias occur following tissue destruction and inflammation.
Also seen are the so-called diffuse alopecias (patterned and unpatterned), in which there is widespread thinning that may affect the "permanent" zone as well as the areas vulnerable to balding. In any or all of these less common types of balding above, it may be necessary to have a complete physical and laboratory workup, possibly including scalp biopsy.
So again, the common types of balding are directly related to the presence of male hormones in a genetically predisposed person over time. This can occur in both men and women. The process involves progressive miniaturization of the terminal hairs, and diminished length of the active hair growth cycle. Now, let’s take a look at how this microscopic, cellular process is manifested on the head; we can call this the natural history of balding.

When tissues are deprived of their blood supply, even briefly, the damage to the cells comes not so much from the lost blood supply, but from the RE-PERFUSION! Perfusion is blood flow, so reperfusion means that the formerly oxygen-deprived tissues suddenly experience a flood of blood into their midst. This can cause tissue damage. On a biochemical level, what happens is this: free radicals are formed. What are free radicals? Well, they are usually highly charged, highly energetic oxygen species, like OH- (hydroxyl), H2O2 (peroxides), O- (superoxides), and others. These free radicals act as “little bullets”, if you will, and can damage cell membranes, and contents of the nuclei of cells. Of these, superoxide specifically is known to break down nitric oxide and to inhibit hair follicle cell growth. Interestingly, nitric oxide is also a “free radical”; however, in small amounts, it exerts a positive effect. Only when its production is out of control, such as in septic shock, is it damaging to the body.
Now, these free radicals are also part of normal metabolism, and are often used by certain white blood cells to destroy viruses, bacteria and other invaders. But as is often the case, it’s a matter of balance. Too many of them is bad, and in too concentrated an area. This is a major way that heart muscle is damaged after coronary occlusion (blockage), brain tissues killed after occlusive stroke and so on. 
These Hair Cycle products are physician-formulated, safe, and naturally-based, delivered in a vehicle that is gentle and effective, and leaves the hair soft and manageable. The products are ideal for those undergoing hair transplant surgery, and for the millions of men and women worldwide experiencing hair loss.
So, how is this pertinent to our field of hair transplant surgery? Well, our follicular unit grafts are tissues deprived of perfusion (they are ischemic). What ameliorates reperfusion injury and free radical formation? Cold for one thing (we use chilled saline as a storage solution, right?) and brevity of ischemic time (minimal time out of body). Certain substances like tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), which we have yet to figure out how to apply to our work, can protect cells from ischemia-reperfusion injury. There are also fascinating studies which show that ischemic pre-conditioning (IPC) can protect tissues in remote locations from ischemia-reperfusion injury (IR). Thus, using IPC on a limb, like the forearm, may help protect tissues elsewhere in the body (possibly follicular unit grafts?)
One of the things that we can do is to use various antioxidants to shift the balance in the tissue’s favor. Our product line contains many antioxidants. Any antioxidant “quenches” free radicals, i.e., it allows itself to be oxidized rather than the cellular structures at risk. Our bodies have a very sophisticated antioxidant system; ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherols (vitamin E), glutathione, glutathione synthetase, carotenoids (vitamin A-like substances), and many more. With our product line, we are placing these and others topically, that is, directly on the scalp and hair.

The products also are rich in anti-inflammatories, generally of the natural persuasion. Again, as with free radicals, it’s a matter of balance. Too much inflammation is deleterious to tissues and cells. Think rheumatoid arthritis, or atherosclerosis. These are basically inflammation out of control. It is well known that androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) is associated with markedly increased numbers of inflammatory cells around the follicles.
If we diminish inflammation in the scalp after transplant, there is less pain, less swelling, and possibly a higher likelihood of graft survival. And we have also included cell proliferants, anagen stimulators, and nitric oxide (NO) stimulators. A cell proliferant is any substance that stimulates an increase in cell division, and it is cell division at and around the hair’s bulb that drives growth of the hair shaft. Cell proliferation is also mandatory during the healing process.
An anagen stimulator is any substance which increases the amount of time the follicle is in the anagen, or active growth phase. Conversely, this would diminish the amount of time spent in telogen, or resting stage.
What about nitric oxide stimulators? Nitric oxide, or NO, is a small, gaseous molecule that plays an important role in an astounding number of metabolic processes. It is a signaling molecule and is produced by a number of enzymes collectively known as NO synthases. Among other things, NO is involved in immune system functioning, exerting an antimicrobial effect, decreasing inflammation in blood vessels, increasing blood flow (NO is intimately involved in mediating the effect of Viagra and other such drugs), and in stimulating hair cell growth. It has been proposed that deficient production of scalp nitric oxide is related to baldness. We also know NO is essential for proper wound healing such as after hair transplant surgery, and is an anagen stimulator.
Now, a quick word about androgens. It is well known that androgens (“male” hormones) are part of the hair loss equation in both men and women. Specifically, testosterone and other androgens may be converted, by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, to a much more potent androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Propecia (finasteride) and Avodart (dutasteride) are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, and therefore decrease levels of DHT in the body and scalp. Pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, as the name implies, depends on a combination of a genetic predisposition to hair loss, the presence of androgens, especially DHT, and the passage of time. The Hair Cycle product line contains topical inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase and inhibitors of the action of DHT at the androgen receptor.
So, to reiterate, we have included: anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, cell proliferants, DHT inhibitors and androgen blockers, anagen stimulators and nitric oxide precursors. These Hair Cycle products are physician-formulated, safe, and naturally-based. All this and more, in a vehicle that is gentle and effective, and renders the hair soft and manageable. The products are ideal for those undergoing hair transplant surgery, and for the millions of men and women worldwide experiencing hair loss.

Anagen Stimulators and it's effect
on hair loss

Hair growth occurs in three phases: one, the anagen, or active growth phase; two, the catagen, or transition phase; and three, the telogen, or dormant, resting phase. When dealing with pattern baldness, the anagen phase is obviously the most desirable of the three. Hair loss condition is characterized by progressive shortening of the anagen phase and prolongation of the telogen phase. 
As hair loss progresses, the follicle spends more and more time in the telogen phase, and less and less in the anagen phase. The hair thus becomes finer, as well as shorter and less pigmented (see graphic below). Eventually, it becomes much like the baby fine vellus hairs that are seen elsewhere on the body, and around the periphery of the scalp. This is often in evidence in area where most of the strong terminal hair has been lost; the bald area has soft, fine downy hair which provides essentially no coverage. Therefore, agents that may increase the anagen phase may be of benefit in pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia.

There exist a number of substances that are known to stimulate the anagen phase of the hair cycle. These anagen inducers may be systemic or topical; one of the best things about topical application is that one avoids potential side effects. The Hair Cycle product line contains several anagen inducers in topical form. This, along with androgen inhibitors, anti-inflammatories, nitric oxide stimulators, and antioxidants, may help as part of an overall therapeutic plan to deal with the problem of hair loss in men and women.

Hair Cycle can extend the anagen phase

The History of Hair Loss

In all cultures hair and all throughout history, hair had a special significants and played an important roll for power, youth, beauty and attraction in ancient and modern societies. Hair is a natural human beauty accessory and it's full of symbolic importance as means of personal expression. 
Early records indicate that the ancient Assyrians wore elaborate curly hair styles; by contrast, the ancient Egyptians, men and women alike, shaved their heads and wore wigs. Whether ornate or simple, hairdressing has been employed by very nearly every society.Egyptian men (who were beardless) and women shaved their heads for coolness (except in times of mourning, after which it was again shaved). Joseph (Hebrew) was clean shaven prior to being allowed in before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14). The women of Egypt wore their hair long and plaited.

The Hebrews were prohibited by biblical law from cutting their hair or beards. Thus, following ancient tradition, Orthodox Jewish men through the centuries have worn long hair and beards. After the exile, in the 1st century AD, Orthodox women, upon marriage, cropped their hair and wore wigs, a custom which is still practiced to some extent.
The most famous story is about Samson who was the A judge and the leader of the Israelites and have been chosen by god. His long hair which he never cut gave him super human powers, the only person who knew his secret was Delilah (his lover). She betrayed Samson and one night cut his hair with a knife and he lost all his powers. This was the only way that he could be caught by his enemies.

In the ancient Greek society curly hair was the coolest hair style; it represented an attitude towards life. 
Ancient Greeks, for the most part, had curly hair -- their magnificent statues with curly hair are famous. In an attempt to emulate not only the Greeks' political and cultural styles, the Europeans (with their straight hair) adopted curly hair styles as well -- their higher-echelon dignitaries, including judges and members of the royal family, began wearing culry wigs. The aristocrats, eager to show that they had class, knowledge, philosophy and sophistication, wanted to be Greek-like. Curly hair became synomous with class and beauty in the western civilization. 
Then, as now, some men looked for ways to conquer the hair loss problem. During the Republic, grease and oil were thought to make hair grow.

The 1920s was a decade of huge societal changes in America. Women got the right to vote, a world war had just ended, hard liquor was banned, and the economy was booming as industry titans emerged. A unique time in the history of hairstyles, the 1920s saw the birth of the ‘Flapper’ era, highlighted by women with very short hair, bold new fashions, and a carefree attitude.

In the early 80's the punk protest movement among young teenagers usedhair as a symbol of revolt against the government and the rich life style by wearing provocative hair cuts with strong colors. 
To this day, hair has kept it's importance as a symbol of power, youth, beauty and health. Today hair style are a mix of different verity of ideas with a combination of ancient and modern, but the importance of healthy hair remains unchanged. 
Hair loss and damage of hair is considered a medical problem that can affect the quality of life and can be treat with combination of medications and hair restoration solutions.

Hair cycle is a natural hair loss remedy and can help achieve healthy strong hair.

I would like to know if its safe to use your products if I am not actually suffering from hair loss? I have not been diagnosed with such a condition nor do I believe I am shedding more hair than I normally should. However, I do think my hair in general is not as thick and does not grow as long as it used to in my younger years. I am 34. I was wondering if I used your shampoo and conditioner if that would help thicken my hair and let it grow longer? And would it be safe to use if I am not suffering from medically diagnosed hair loss

All Haircycle products are made from natural ingredients that are completely safe unless you know that you are allergic to one or more of the ingredients. Topical allergies can occur in anyone. Some people are even allergic to the coins in their pockets or the elastic in their underwear. Of course such allergies are extremely uncommon including those to the ingredients in Haircycle products.

Haircycle products are specifically formulated to promote longer hair. We feel they may increase the duration of anagen, but they also could increase the rate of hair growth. While Haircycle products are specifically formulated to help those with hair coverage, there is no evidence that they reduce hair loss or reverse hair loss due to male pattern baldness. Haircycle products are very healthy for you scalp and hair. They are safe for all individuals to use and much healthier for your scalp than the majority of shampoos that contain chemical ingredients that are man made rather than natural.

Hello, I am a hair transplant patient. I had ~2300 FUE grafts done about a week ago. I love the Biotin spray, it's helping the healing process along, but I have a few questions about it:
1) On my forehead and the scalp area outside of where the grafts are, the skin seems to be peeling slightly, as if after a sunburn. I'm assuming this is because the Biotin spray promotes shedding of dead skin? Just want to make sure this is normal.
2) After all of my scabs are gone, how long should I continue to use the Biotin spray? I have read that it helps with the redness and also makes the grafts more healthy, so continued use makes sense...I just don't know for how long. And if so, I'm assuming I should decrease my usage from once an hour?
3) Does the biotin spray have any benefit for for other areas of my scalp where the hair is thinning, but did not receive any grafts, such as my crown?

We have noticed that Biotin spray can produce some skin peeling affects, as well. The skin peeling is really a form of a chemical peel. We first noticed that this occurs in some patients about 4 or 5 years ago. We found that the peeling left a younger, fresh layer of skin under the skin that peels. This is highly advantageous and something that many people pay thousands of dollars to achieve. You are getting younger skin at no additional cost. That is one of the advantages of Biotin spray. We were so excited about this that we made a version in a skin cream form that also helps to produce younger skin We never marketed it to the public, but many staff members have been very happy with this low cost, chemical peel that results in younger looking skin.

You may continue to use the Biotin spray until it is gone. It is very healthy for the grafts. We have not done any research into whether Biotin spray helps improve your thinning hair. We are precluded from discussing any affects on hair growth due to limitations imposed by the FDA. Therefore, there is no advantage to studying this.

Over the last year my hair has completely stopped growing. I used to
have very long hair and got it trimmed regularly.
I have had to stop trimming it as it is now only barely to my shoulders. I am afraid to cut any more of it because the length won't grow back. I am female and always had long hair, this is a major worry for me.

It is not unusual to see this sort of problem in someone who has used long-term chemical treatments on their hair. This may cause chemical alopecia (hair loss), or a telogen effluvium, with shedding and growth retardation.

Obviously, the best course of action is to cease using the products, or to find an alternative. A consultation with a dermatologist, or a good hair loss/hair restoration physician is in order, so that a definitive diagnosis may be made. Laboratory studies and/or a scalp biopsy might be needed to reveal the true cause and nature of the condition.
We always recommend using the haircycle products as they help to accelerate anagen. Haircycle products are extraordinarily effective and highly potent blend of DHT inhibitors, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, cell proliferates, anagen stimulators, nitric oxide , precursors and androgen blockers.