Myths About Hair Loss Treatment for Men

May 1, 2013 | Blog, Men's Hair Loss

[Posted on May 1st, 2013 by Dr. Carlos Puig]

Recently, the FDA has cracked down on the exaggerated claims and disingenuous products and procedures claiming to be a hair loss treatment for men. Even so, every year consumers purchase these misleading products with high expectations as to what these potential hair loss treatments can do. According to Linda Katz, who is the director of the Office of Cosmetics and Color at the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), misleading claims from marketers are nothing new. Katz continued stating that in recent years these misleading claims seem to be escalating.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons released its statistic data for 2012. The data shows that the number of cosmetic procedures done in 2012 is at a record high, totaling 14.6 million. Due to the drastic increase in people looking for ways to recapture or retain their youth, a number of marketers are misleading consumers into believing that their hair loss treatment for men are more effective than they really are.

Hair loss is a medical condition that is treatable. There are several medical research organizations dedicated to treating hair loss and it has a board-certification program dedicated to physicians who specialize in the treatment of hair loss. Just like some of the other cosmetic fields, hair loss treatment is filled with misinformation and myths.

Scalp Stimulation with Massage and Magnets

One of the enduring hair loss myths is that an individual can use magnets and massagers to stimulate his scalp and improve blood circulation to his hair follicles. The theory is that doing this reduces hair loss and promotes new hair growth. Currently, no reliable medical evidence exists to support this particular hair loss treatment for men theory.

Minoxidil’s Success Rate Somewhat Lacking

While Minoxidil is approved by the FDA as a treatment for hair loss, it does not work for everyone. Less than 40 percent of patients see results with non-prescription Minoxidil. Studies indicate that a patient’s hair follicles will not respond to this medication if he does not have the enzyme called sulfotransferase. This enzyme is responsible for converting the topically applied Minoxidil into the chemical necessary to stimulate hair follicles. Essentially, the sulfotransferase activates the Minoxidil.

That said there are other effective hair loss treatments available. These treatments include low-level laser therapy, hair transplants, as well as platelet-rich plasma.

Hair Transplants are an Effective Hair Loss Treatment for Men

About half of the men in America suffer hair loss by the time they turn 50. Most of this hair loss is hereditary. Now, transplantation can restore the lost hair offering patients a natural looking head of hair. This is possible because the surgeon uses the patient’s own hair for the transplant. Once an individual completes his hair transplant procedure, he will not need any more hair restoration surgery. The hair transplant procedure is the permanent solution to hair loss.

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