NewHare

Guys, can we get back on topic ?

They took a strip out then 'punched out' plugs to insert into the recipient area. Yea... Yes a surgeon told me, though I took it as he meant no more strip sessions. He was the last doc I had a procedure with. I asked if I could have another session should I need it and his response was, no you're tapped. Though to me, my donor still appears to be rather full. I have thick bushy hair, so... I was considering speaking with a few FUE docs to see what they think.

The first two were 90's plug HTs so hard to say. Large plugs vs grafts, though as I recall they were about 80+/- each. The third was a session of about 1800 by a 'recommended' doc. The last was again a 'recommended' doc who did a very small session > 1000. All were strip. Actually as long as we're on the subject.... I'm told I'm 'tapped out', however does that mean I couldn't have an FUE session ? Of course I'd need a surgeon to make that determination, though I had thought that a small FUE session might still be on the table even though one is tapped out strip wise so to speak ? I think a carefully targeted FUE session might make a nice difference in my case.

I am 65, began losing hair at around 30 and have had 4 HTs over the years. For the most part I had descent coverage from the HTs however recently I'm noticing I'm not able to give the illusion of fullness that I once could. I started using Dermatch which really works great though I've been thinking of giving Minox a try. Given my history and age would I be a good candidate for Minox ? And if so what brand does the group prefer ? I see on Amazon there are quite a few different brands available. Kirklands, Amazon Basic Care, Rogaine, ect. all 5% coming in foams, drops and sprays. Which is preferable ? And how often should one use minox ? Also some come with a 'derma roller'... is this worthwhile ? Thanks

Thanks Ciaus that was very helpful. I gave it a test drive - in my house of couse - and find that less is more. At least in my case. A light coat, just to the scalp made a nice improvement. So far I'm very impressed.

First time using Dermatch, want to get it right. I wear my hair dry and fluffed up, not wet and slicked back. So I believe my application would/might be somewhat different from what I saw Melvin doing. Also I have black hair and light skin. 1. Some vids are saying apply to the hair, while others are saying just apply to the scalp. Which is it ? 2. Do I need to add anything further to make this work ? IE, hairspray. 3. Will it really be smudge/water proof on it's own ? (see #2) 4. I found a demo video (below) in which the 'after' photos looked very fake to me. What did they do wrong to cause this result ? And what should I do to avoid this ? Thanks.....

I was hoping to get the free shipping with Amazon Prime. $52 is a bit pricey I thought. I came across 'Thicken It 100% Scalp Coverage Hair Powder - BLACK - Talc-Free .32 oz' on Amazon for $18.96. Not sure if I should bother though, probably a cheap knock-off. I'm surprised there aren't any others to choose from, which is probably why Dermatch is so expensive. No competition.

Just went to order Dermatch on Amazon and found no listings. Shortage or have they stopped making this ? What alternatives are there ?

Thanks guys ! Dermatch seems to be a better match (?) for my particular situation. Whereas Caboki ect tend to come with more problems. From what I 'learned' from UTube. 1. From what I say Caboki ect will run and come off (mess) unless you wet it. Or use hairspray. Since I leave my hair dry -no sprays - I will probably have a problem with them. Is this correct ? 2. Dermatch supposedly wont run or come off on your hand ect once it's dry. Nor does it need and sprays (?) Can I wash, towel dry, apply and blowdry keeping my usual styling ? What I don't understand is some vids show it goes on the hairs, where others show it goes on the scalp. Which is it ? It seems as though you're 'painting the scalp' so to speak which sounds very phoney looking. I came across a few vids one in particular by the company or a seller maybe which showed very poor results. I do hope it doesn't look this bad. It looked like he smeared shoe polish on his head, really. I do hope the results are better than this. Of the two ways to go what are the biggest concerns and problems with each ? I suppose before I go out and embarrass myself I best test at home. Thanks.... back to UTube !

I often see "dermmatch and fibers" as a recommendation. How exactly is this achieved and what products are best ? I have fairly good coverage but thin and 'see thru'. My hair is moderately long at 3" and I wear it dry and 'fluffed' to give a fuller appearance. Wetting it only looks much thinner as it separates. Thanks...

Melvin, thank you for all the work you do for the community ! However I have to add that the lighting and focus on some of the videos you post renders them unwatchable. I say this only as I understand the time and effort you are putting into this. I'd suggest a simple review with a few outdoor photos would suffice. Also you mentioned it should be washed out at night though when you 'washed/rinsed' your hair in the video it seems very little if any came out. So how exactly does one remove all the fibers at night ? All the best.... NH

Not enough information at this time. I'd have to say no. I think the recommended list should be a high hurdle to jump. Only then would it inspire confidence.

Thanks Melvin ! Just to clarify when you say best not to use product. Are you refering to the concealers themselves or hair 'product' such as hair spray, ect. I'd love to use toppik, but my hair looks much worse when wet or even with any conditioner in it. I have to just shampoo and blow dry to give it some volume I guess. Damn hair loss is a real curse !

I see then you really need to use product or you'll wind up with it on your pillow, and probably elsewhere. I don't normally use product and don't think from experience it would look good. So I guess I really can't use any of these concealers. Thanks guys....

I'm considering using one of the concealers however I'm concerned about the problems that come along with them. What is the truth about all this ? Gets on pillow, drips onto forehead, rain, white shirts, rubs off on your/her hand, ect ect ?? Do I have to constantly check if I have black power on my clothes, face, neck ? Are there some that are better ? Worse ? Worth it compared to time spent and expense ? Looks phoney ? I watched one video on here where Melvin (?) applied it, however I wear my hair dry. Do you need to have a wet/slicked back style for this to work properly ? I recall he said to wet the applicator, I thought this was a dry powdery substance that was shaken on. Thanks......

Melvin when you find the time, this sounds like an interesting project to take on. It seems some/most are not really up to speed on this device. Most seem to write it off, which may not be in their/our best interest. NH

Interesting, thanks John.

What is meant by a motorized punch ?

You read my mind Melvin. I logged in this morning to ask why are doctors ( in particular Florida doctors) using the Artas device when most opinions and reviews I've read have been negative ? It seems the majority feel the HT success rate is quite low. Is this actually true ? I say in particular Florida doctors btw because at the moment I am unable to travel as I'm taking care of two elderly family members. So it's Florida or nothing at the moment. So yes, please do ask about the Artas device. What is the actual success rate and can it be used for body hair as well ? - New Hair

Thanks for your input guys !

No, I'm finding quite a few hairs in the shower,which are shorter (breakage ?) than my own hair. Say 1" or so as compared to my 3". So I'm assuming this is breakage, which even if it's not 'hair loss' is probably still affecting density. My hair is very dry, and I'm thinking that might be leading to the breakage. And shampoos which are usually drying, is probably making matters worse. I've watched a few videos were they claim co-washing is better and less drying than shampoo by not removing all the natural oils, ect. How do you find the difference if any in your hair with co-washing ? What product(s) do you use ?

Thanks again John

Co-Washing is replacing your shampoo with a 'conditioner' to cleanse the hair. As my hair is always dry I was thinking of trying this. It supposedly helps with breakage. If you've tried this with success which conditioner cleanser did you use ?

Thanks John, Am I correct in thinking that once my donor is stripped out, FUE would be my only option ?