BaldTALK Reports ~ Hair Loss Restorations Alternatives >

The Facts & Truths about hair loss cover ups, cures and remedies!

For centuries, man has been seeking a cure for baldness, however, until recently all they learned is that men between the ages 18 and 80 -- loose their hair at a rate closely related with their age.

Example: Of 100 men observed, ranging in ages from 18 to 80, 12% to 80% of them experience cosmetically moderate to significant hair loss from the front to rear crown area of their head. Of these men, the younger men where in early stages of hair loss, but the older men were completely bald over the entire crown area of their heads.
Over the last 35 years, medical doctors have sequentially unraveled some of the mysteries surrounding hair loss, however, to date only two alternativess offer any real potential promise.

The first alternatives is topical drug called Minoxidil has been proclaimed to somewhat slow hair loss and in very few cases -- to stimulate limited hair regeneration.

The second alternatives is process or a series of procedures (surgical scalp transplants or redistribution) used to redistribute remaining hair on your scalp -- to bald or balding areas of the scalp.

(Remember, these are not cures for baldness, or sudden hair loss, there are just options for slowing hair loss or redistributing existing hair, by way of hair-plug transplantation or scalp surgery, to bald or balding areas on your scalp.)

It is estimated that American men spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually on lotions, potions, aerosol spray cover-ups, toupees, and hair-plug transplantation and scalp surgery in an attempt to slow hair loss or to obtain a normal looking head of hair.

Here are just a few of the many products that have been advertised in newspapers, magazines, Television, and Cable TV over the years:

• New Generation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (shampoo and scalp treatment)
• NU-Grow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (shampoo and scalp treatment)
• Young Hair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (shampoo and scalp treatment)
• Hair Grow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (shampoo and scalp treatment)
• Hair 2-U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (shampoo and scalp treatment)
• Farm Hair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (shampoo and scalp treatment)
• AidooAid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (shampoo and scalp treatment)
• COUVRE' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (hair enhancement cream)
• Fast Flock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (aerosol spray-on cover-up)
• Hair Geneses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (topical hair stimulant)
• Rogaine® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (topical hair stimulant drug)
• PROPICA® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (oral hair stimulant pill)
• Toppik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (aerosol spray-on hair-building fibers)
• Bosley Medical Treatments . . . . . . . . . (hair transplant surgery)

When demonstrated on television, these products appear to work very well. However, to date and according to most medical and scientific studies, these products (with limited exception to Rogaine®) do not fulfill their advertised claims. In most cases very little results are experienced by those whom have purchased these products.

Most lotions and potions are nothing more then exotic topical creams and liquids, or shampoos and conditioners that are proclaimed to regenerated hair growth simply by using or applying them daily to the bald or balding areas of your scalp. There are always new products being introduced to the marketplace and hopefully, one day, one of them will be really work. To date, there are no products that can be recommended that will actually regenerate hair growth within a reasonable time period. Some men claim to have had good results from certain products, however, when viewed up close -- the results are far from satisfactory. Most of the men are not satisfied with the result received and eventually they stop using the product or products.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) there are no lotions, potions, or shampoos that do regenerate or stimulate hair regrowth to the persons original natural state. If products were available that did regenerate hair growth, every bald or balding man and woman would probably be using them. And, for sure, Drug Stores throughout the world would be selling them to their customers. Naturally, the reason stores decline selling most hair restoration products is obvious: They are aware of the facts and they do not wish to loose their customers because of non-valid product claims. With approximately 1.5 BILLION balding or bald men throughout the world, if any hair restoration product really did work as advertised -- it would be in such great demand that it would be likely that supply could not keep up with its demand.

Aerosol hair spray cover-ups are very convincing when demonstrated on television. However, they are merely colored powders or fibers that simply color the scalp and thicken thinning hair in order to make everything look to be natural in appearance.

Aerosol hair spray cover-ups when demonstrated on TV seems to make baldness vanish instantly right before your eyes. Some aerosol sprays are better than others, however, the results you see on TV are not always what you get! From a distance the sprayed scalp and hair may appear normal, but when viewed close-up it may be noticeable. The bottom line is: Aerosol sprays do not add hair to a bald or thinning scalp, they are only a cover-up!

Minoxidil Rogaine® Report

Rogaine® is topical alcohol mixture consisting of a drug called Minoxidil. The manufacturer, Upjohn, proclaims that Rogaine® does regenerate hair growth in bald or balding areas of the scalp. This product is currently being sold in drug stores under the brand name Rogaine®. However, before you try it carefully read the following facts and truths.

Rogaine® was approved by the FDA for use by men and women in 1988. It is recommended to be applied topically twice daily to the scalp; once in the morning and again before bedtime. Rogaine® must remain on the scalp for up to 4 hours to insure sufficient scalp penetration. Should an application be missed -- continued regular use is recommended.

Originally, a doctor's prescription was required to purchase Rogaine®, however, since 1996, it is now available over-the-counter without a prescription. Originally, the cost for a 1-month supply of Rogaine®, was around $100.00, however, now it is available at approximately $30.00 for a 1-month supply.

Manufacturers test results of Rogaine® disclosed that it did very little, if anything at all, for the majority of its users. Rogaine® has been on the market since 1988, however, continued use of this drug spurred only "meaningful" hair growth result with just a few of the men tested. Meaningful hair growth was defined as: "New individual hairs covering some or all of the thinning areas, but were not as closely spaced as hairs on the rest of head. The larger percentage of users saw minimal hair growth, some new hairs were seen, but not sufficient to cover thinning areas on scalp."

Tests showed that younger patients had faster and better results virus older patients and results varied greatly with each person tested. Rogaine® has not been tested on anyone under the age 18 and it is not recommended for use by anyone under 18 years of age. Testing results disclosed: "Meaningful results can take up to four months of continuous daily use. When discontinued, any results obtained are quickly lost and any degree prior baldness is quickly reestablished. Rogaine® should not be used by anyone who has experienced sudden hair loss or other abnormal medical symptoms."

As a result of using Rogaine® -- 7% of patients had 1 or more of the following side effects: allergic contact dermatitis, bronchitis, upper respiratory infection, sinusitis, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, faintness, fractures, back pain, tendinitis, edema, weight gain, conjunctivitis, ear infections, vertigo, chest pain, blood pressure increases/decreases, palpitations, pulse rate increases/decreases, allergic reactions, hives, rhinitis, facial swelling, urinary tract infections, arthritis, prostatitis, sexual dysfunction, and alopecia (increased hair loss).

Men with poor circulation or heart problems were found to suffer mild to serious side effects as a result from overuse. Side effects were dose related as with using minoxidil tables for high blood pressure, therefore, higher dosages caused more side effects. Some patients reported increased heart rate while resting, increased by more than 20 beats per minute; rapid weight gain of up to 5 pounds; breathing problems especially while lying down; worsening angina pectoris attacks. Patients with known heart problems are advised to discuss their potential risks with a heart specialist should they wish to try Rogaine®. People with high blood pressure are advised to seek medical advise regarding Rogaine®. High blood pressure should be monitored closely by a doctor and patients taking blood pressure medicine "guanethidine" should not use Rogaine®.

Rogaine® users are advised to make follow-up visits to their doctor 30 days after starting Rogaine® treatment -- with regular visits every 6 months thereafter. Other drugs, such as corticosteroids, retinoids, petrolatum should never be used on the scalp to increase absorption of Rogaine®.

(The information disclosed in the Bald TALK! REPORT, regarding Rogaine®, was obtained directly from the Upjohn Company Rogaine® Disclosure.)

Rogaine® is available at most major Drug Stores.

The latest hair loss product is called PROPECIA®!

PROPECIA® (Finasteride) is a pill that you take orally, once a day. The manufacturer, Merck & Co., Inc., claims that their latest hair regeneration product does regenerate hair growth on bald or balding areas of the scalp. This product is currently being sold in drug stores, by subscription only under the brand name PROPECIA®. Read the following facts and truths about PROPECIA® carefully before trying.

Results of clinical studies: Report issued December 1997.

For 12 months, doctors studied over 1800 men aged 18 to 41 with mild to moderate amounts of ongoing hair loss. All men, whether receiving PROPECIA® or placebo (a pill containing no medication) were given a medicated shampoo (Neutrogena T/Gel®*** Shampoo). Of these men, approximately 1200 with hair loss at the top of the head were studied for an additional 12 months. In general, men who took PROPECIA® maintained or increased the number of visible scalp hairs and noticed improvement in their hair in the first year, with the effect maintained in the second year. Hair counts in men who did not take PROPECIA® continued to decrease.

Patients questioned on the growth of body hair claim that PROPECIA® did not appear to affect their hair in places other than the scalp.

How and when is PROPECIA® taken?

• Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Take one tablet by mouth each day.
• You may take PROPECIA® with or without food.
• When you forget to take a tablet, do not take an extra tablet, take the next tablet as usual.
• PROPECIA® does not work faster or better when you take it more than once a day.

How good will PROPECIA® work for me?

PROPECIA® provide some hair growth regeneration for some men, they show an increased number of scalp hairs in thin or balding areas of the scalp. Some men noted a slowing of hair loss during their two years of use. Test results did vary, generally PROPECIA® did not grow back all lost hair. There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA® works in the treatment of receding hairline in the temporal area on both sides of the head.

Male pattern hair loss occurs gradually over time. On average, healthy hair grows only about half an inch each month. Therefore, it takes a long time to see any effect. You may need to take PROPECIA® daily for three months or more before you see any benefits. PROPECIA® only works over the long term and from continued use. If the drug has not worked for you in twelve months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit. If you stop taking PROPECIA®, you will likely lose the hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment.

What are the possible side effects of PROPECIA®?

Like all prescription products, PROPECIA® may cause side effects. In clinical studies, side effects from PROPECIA® were uncommon and did not affect most men. A small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects. These men reported one or more of the following: less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection; and, a decrease in the amount of semen.

The active ingredient in PROPECIA® is also used by older men at a five-times higher dose to treat enlargement of the prostate. Some of these men reported other side effects, including problems with ejaculation, breast swelling and/or tenderness and allergic reactions such as lip swelling and rash.

PROPECIA® can effect a blood test called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking PROPECIA®.

Warning about PROPECIA® and pregnancy:

Women who are or may potentially be pregnant:

• Must not use PROPECIA®
• Should not handle crushed or broken tablets of PROPECIA®.

If a women who is pregnant with a male baby absorbs the active ingredient in PROPECIA®, either by swallowing or through the skin, it may cause abnormalities of a male baby's sex organs. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in PROPECIA®, a doctor should be consulted. PROPECIA® tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed.

Storage and Handling

Keep PROPECIA® in the original container and keep the container closed. Store it in a dry place at room temperature. PROPECIA® tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed.

When PROPECIA® is prescribed for you do not give them to anyone else. Keep PROPECIA® out of the reach of your children. Read the Newsletter below!

Here's a clipping taken from USA Weekend Newspaper (August. 13, 2000).

PROPECIA® was originally used to treat prostate enlargement. It can halt hair loss, if you are losing hair, but does nothing for already bald. There are side effects with some men from this drug and it is available by prescription only.

Do not expect instant results when using PROPECIA®. Most suffering from male pattern hair loss say it takes months before there's any noticeable difference and if taking PROPECIA® is stopped, any results gained are usually lost.

PROPECIA® must be taken forever once started..