LaserCap

Confusion! There are two types of loss. The type you see and the type you don't see. The type you see is normal shedding. The follicle gets tired of producing hair and it takes a vacation. This dormant period can take a few months. You shed the hair. Eventually the hair returns. This will happen to every single hair in your head at different intervals and randomly. So, when you see hair in the shower, sink, floor or pillow, relax. You already know this hair will return. Hair loss is different. Under a bright light look at the hair in your temporal areas. Notice the shaft of the hair. Some will be thicker, some thinner. This process is called miniaturization. Eventually the hair dissipates and disappears. The key is to do something before the hair is totally lost. Post photos of your entire head. I am certain other members would like to pitch in.

Hair thinning, hair transplants, and any other issues related to hair can be seen everywhere, not just open spaces, restaurants, rest-rooms, etc. It all depends on a few things. How much native hair do you currently have. The less hair you have, the more obvious. Lighting Use of caps How much contrast there is between the color of the hair and the color of the scalp Length of hair Use of gels and other agents Is the hair wet or dry I think most people can care less. There are millions of people in this earth. Some taller, some shorter. Some heavier and some not so much so. And sometimes we expect. Typically and older gentleman may have less hair than a younger one. Seems, by your question, you are self aware and hair is important to you. If so, go to a couple of consultations and do research. Then decide if medical therapy is for you. Start there.

Sounds about right. How long does it take you to wash yours typically? What part of the process felt sloppy?

Dosages are typically determined at inception. Proscar, the parent medication is a 5 mg dose. It was then determined 1 mg is what is needed to experience hair retention. I honestly I don't think changing the dose would have you retain 5X more. The chances of a side effect, however, would jump up 5X. Google Merck studies on Propecia. I am certain there is lots of info out there.

Get some saline and put it in a spray bottle. Spray away and pat dry. That should take care of it. You can also wear a cap for as long as necessary. You're shaven so the chances of "catching" are minimal. I'm surprised you did not return to the clinic the next day. They could have done the first wash for you.

Nothing regrows hair. Nothing. The medical therapies we refer to when dealing with this debilitating condition are Propecia, Rogaine, Laser and PRP. They mechanism of each is totally different and are thus synergistic when used simultaneously. These can help retain and, in some cases, can help enhance hair. The goal of doing any type of therapy is to help retain. So, if you look the same a year later, the meds did what they were intended to do. If you look like you have more hair, (experienced enhancement of the miniaturized hair), that's just icing on the cake. (At which point continue with the meds and don't stop. It is important to realize only a small percentage of people do experience this). The problem I find, and makes things confusing for most, is the fact most people rely on observation. If they see hair on the tub, sink etc, they think they're losing hair when in fact, they are just experiencing normal shedding. Conversely, if they "see" a substantial benefit they are under the erroneous idea they grew hair when - in fact - they experienced enhancement.

The photos would be HUGE. Particularly when we have no clue how much native hair you have. There is a certainty though, if you've shown the propensity lose, this will continue. The second and perhaps most important fact, the donor is limited. There is just so much before we run out of grafts. So you have a hair transplant and you go on to lose more native hair. This will leave you with a diffused look throughout. Typically the look is that of someone who is sick. Let me give you another example. The patient is concerned with the crown and puts all available grafts in that area. 5 years later he loses the front and now has no grafts to work with. It is imperative, if you care about hair, you go on some type of medical therapy to help you retain as much as you can. Propecia, Rogaine, Laser and PRP are the modalities we refer to when dealing with this condition. I would encourage you to visit with a doctor and discuss them.

We are dealing with people's lives. The FDA is always more than cautious and I gather it'll be some time before an effective vaccine surfaces. We've already been told we will continue working from home until Jan 4th. The date keeps getting changed and I foresee this happening in the future. Unfortunately things will get worse before we see any improvement. Worse of all !@#$%^ continues happening throughout the world and people are tired and fed up. It is amazing to me when enjoying the outdoors, how many people I see without a mask. I understand distance and fresh open air. But please, get the mask and, at least, put it around your neck. If you get into a situation where you truly need it, it will be readily available. I'll give it at least 2 years.

I agree with you. It's supply and demand after all. You just don't have enough to work with. I would typically shy away from systems but I realize they have a place in the world, mostly for challenging cases like yours. It is what it is. Systems have come a long way. They had so much hair they did look like rugs. In the past 10 years, however, things have been refined and now there are some so real it is difficult to spot even for the discerning eye. And prices vary accordingly. The key, I think, it is to have 2. The one you are wearing and the one you'll be using when the first one is being serviced. Every 2-3 weeks it is suggested you go in so they can shave you and make the piece look as good as it can be. Expensive? It can be. And multiply that by the time you decide to be in the program. On the average, people wear them for about 8 years. Based on the color of the hair I'd say you are young. Enjoy your 'Youth," try it. You can always stop. Do some research. People are hungry for business and it's likely you'll find something you'll like. Lastly, have you thought about SMP? This gives you the look of having hair. It looks as if you'd shaven and allowed the hair to grow for a few days. I would try that first. It uses organic ink which is metabolized by the body. This also needs to be done multiple times but it's likely a more economical solution, (and far more comfortable).

Impressive when you consider how few grafts were used. Nothing like advanced techniques to accomplish this kind of density after only one procedure.

Like many of us, you have dark hair and light scalp. The contrast makes it seem like hair loss, but it isn't. If it bothers you, get some Toppik or camouflaging agent. We all share a whirl in the crown. Unlike the front and top where the hair grows forward, the hair grows away from the point and it swirls. There is no shingling of any kind. It is the weakest point and it will always look thin. leave it alone. The one thing you have to be aware of, you do have some family history. Minor based on what you wrote. If you start seeing finer hairs, consider some type of medical therapy.

If the work is good, it will just look like you're thinning. Same thing happens when you go swimming, particularly if there is a lot of contrast between the color of the hair and of the skin. If the work is bad, I don't care if you are under a bright light or not. It will still look like a transplant. One last thing, and while this was not your question, you did prompt me to write about it. Avoid sunlight right after a transplant. You can freckle permanently. Sunblock and a cap are essential.

yes it is. It is the chemicals you have to be careful with.

Sure. But don't over do it. This can damage the hair and get into other issues.

We need to get back to the drawing board. Techniques and equipment have improved dramatically and updated info is required. Back in 1999 the first line item was 200 grafts. That lasted about 2 years and it quickly changed to 400. 800 grafts now seems to be the norm, (which is about an eyebrow's worth of grafts). A coupe of years ago I became aware of a brilliant doctor. Absolutely brilliant, talented who had developed techniques so advanced, density could be achieved in one setting. 2500-3000 grafts to the front. It's doable. As an industry, however, we have a long way to go. Most doctors are still under the impression multiple procedures are required, in the same area, to achieve density. And there are other factors involved. Medical therapy should be mandatory. We are dealing with limited resources and we need to do all we can to retain what we have. Lastly, and a point to ponder. We are unique in our own way. Each consultation is different and truly personalized. Is it truly worth having graft ranges for each classification?

That's 15. Not hair loss, this is shedding and it's normal. What medical therapy are you doing? Over stressing can only lead to other issues. Stop it. I do want you to look at the photo of the 15 hairs and notice each strand and color. Can you see some are ticker, (and darker) than others? This is miniaturization. That's hair loss. Eventually this leads to very fine hair that does not seem to grow any more. Eventually it disappears - never to return. The time to be on meds is before the hair is gone.

There are tons of products out there depending on what you are trying to achieve. Go to the store and talk to someone with experience and explain. Products will do nothing. Again, avoid alcohol. Be thrilled you have curly hair. This will typically give you more lateral coverage and make the loss less significant looking. Get on Finasteride and don't worry about the shedding. Remember, whatever you "see" returns. You can do what you want, no excess. Caps are OK, they do nothing but protect your scalp from burning.

Hair loss, in most instances, is not a bad thing. Yes, it does take time to mature and it will be permanent, in most cases. Unrealistic expectations, incompetence, and conditions beyond our control are typically the culprits.

Nice to hear from you. Hope you are staying safe which is the most important. Are you in the dessert? Why are you stressing? I learned long ago the next day typically things tend to resolve themselves without intervention. Most worries are for nothing. Work on it. Simplify your routine. Try baby shampoo or any with no alcohol. Shampoo does not need to be expensive. Why do you use oil? As humans we naturally secrete what's needed. Try not using it for 1 week and report. Most believe shedding 100 hairs a day is normal. This will happen randomly to every hair throughout your head. That hair will return. The hair you need to be looking at is the miniaturized hair, (and you do have a few). You can determine this by looking at the shaft of each strand. This is evident mostly on the hairline and temporal areas. DHT is the bi-product of testosterone. The more testosterone, the more DHT. That's why DHT blockers like Propecia are typically discussed during a hair restoration consultation. By taking Finasteride, you are dealing with the issue. Get on 1mg Finasteride and don't stop. If not available, get the 5mg and split it into 4. You will do this for the rest of your life. Not doing it or taking it and then stopping is just a waste of time and money. Let me give you an example. My son now 27 has been of Finasteride for 8 years. He has a beautiful set of hair. (There is tons of history of severe hair loss). Say he was supposed to have lost it all by now. If he stops the med, within one year, he will lose all he would have lost. It would be dramatic to say the least. (If he was not supposed to lose any, he will lose nothing. But this is the gamble - not knowing). So you need to rely on family history to give you somewhat of an indication as to what's going to happen. Vitamins are not helping you with hair retention. They can help make the hair look the best it can be but that's it. If you're used to taking it daily, continue. No harm. I am not a fan of minoxidil. I like the laser better. There is plenty of evidence out there suggesting there is synergy when combining modalities.

Impressive. Great set of photos.

I gather you are very pale. If fair complected, this will typically last a while. I really did not pay attention to that since I look sun-tanned all the time. I don't believe there is regeneration of tissue. I do think you regain some elasticity. Interesting concept.

There are no "exacts" in science and, thus there are no standards in this industry when it comes to...anything. Everyone is different and most everything is tailored to the patient. Some instructions, however, are given in written form within that one clinic. So, one clinic may decide 7 days is best before returning to normalcy. Others may be 10 days. Now that most clinics do FUE, numbers are changing. You truly need less time to recoup as this type procedure is not as invasive. It is not so much for graft survival. These things are quite sturdy. Talk to someone who needs to remove grafts and they'll tell you. It takes multiple visits. The main reason for much conservatism is so no grafts are lost. For example, the day after the procedure you go to the gym and start doing extraneous exercises. Grafts could pop-out. There is anecdotal evidence some of these products, like copper peptides, can help create a positive environment for the grafts as well as speed the recovery process. Some clinics use it - as well as other products - because they truly believe this is the case. Other clinics, however, just want to make money and will "strongly" suggest you purchase them the day of the procedure. I think it's important to realize years ago these things did not exists and the grafts did just fine. Lastly - like we all like to say - do your research. Hire a clinic you can trust, that will do good work and not try to stiff you at the end of the day.

My second was far worse than the first. The more you do, the more you feel it. Can't recall if recovery was any different though with FUT. Have they removed the sutures? Perhaps a visit to the clinic is not a bad idea at this point. Just have the doc look at it.

Agree. It is best to go to a professional who is well versed in hair restoration, its common causes, (and not so common), and remedies. Typically a hereditary condition but there are plenty of self immune systems that can also affect the condition. There are even others, like trichotillomania which is neither here nor there.

I do wish we had a hair crystal ball. You seem to be a late bloomer. It can happen. But, don't get confused. Hair loss is complicated. It can come from both sides of the family. It can also skip generations. At 30, based on what you've written, it seems you've enjoyed a full set of hair up to now. Even some of the doctors you've met with have indicated so. But they are not you, you are the only one that can truly see what's going on. You've referred to noticing hair fall during showers. I'll bet you've seen some in the sink and perhaps even on the pillow. Normal. There are two types of loss. The type you see and the type you don't see. The follicle gets tired of producing hair and it takes a vacation. This dormancy period typically lasts 3-4 months and the hair then returns. You will shed all the hair in your head randomly throughout your life. So, when you "see" hair anywhere, shake it off and laugh because you know it's coming back. Hair loss is different. It is likely, given family history, you're experiencing hair loss. Go under a bright light and look at the hair in the temporal areas. Note the caliber of each strand. You'll note some are thick and some not so much so. Some are so thin it seems they just don't grow. We call this process miniaturization. Eventually the follicle withers and disappears. This is the time to start considering some type of medical therapy to help you with retention and enhancement of the native hair. Are you doing anything medically at this time to help you retain?