Vasilius

Another thing I'll add - any woman who would reject you because of your hair loss isn't worth the time of day, let alone your time. -Vasilius

Thanatopsis, I agree that with very young women (teens - tweens), guys losing their hair have it tougher. The competition (other young guys) is in their physical prime and most of them have hair, so it's a disadvantage. You're right though, that the impact balding has on your confidence is what kills your dating chances, for the most part. Looks do matter, and more so to women of that age than any other. Bro - you missed my point entirely. Men and women care about sexual and social traits. Sexuality is more important to men, social status is more important to women. That's why a hot girl will date a fat funny guy with a lot of friends who dresses like he's the boss, but you'll rarely see the reverse.

I'm not trying to get into a debate about evolution here, but this is my opinion on how much women care about baldness and why: Baldness doesn't stop anyone from getting the girl, unless it makes you feel unattractive. Lack of confidence can have a halo affect on other areas of your life that can make you less attractive, for sure. But baldness in itself has been given way, way too much weight on this thread. There are many attraction factors that are way more important. Women are genetically programmed to be attracted by a man's social status value MUCH more than they are by the physical cues of youth and health (which imply verility) such as hair. I'm not saying hair and looks don't matter at all. I'm saying that men care more about them than women. Men choose mates because of health and youth traits that imply fertility - waist-to-hip ratio, youthful appearance, breast size, facial symmetry, etc. Men are programmed by our genes to reproduce with as many fertile women as possible and with women who can successfully bear our offspring. This is why breasts matter - we don't want our babies to starve. Youth matters because younger women are more fertile and survived childbirth more often. Beauty matters because it implies health and good genes. This is instinct, pure and simple. Women are programmed to choose their mates more carefully, and to choose the 'alpha' males. 'Alphas' are leaders of their tribe and have the highest social status. They are dominant and good providers. Females are programmed to choose alpha males because for our ancestors it greatly enhanced the chance of survival for them and their offspring. Tall and athletic men appear to be dominant and good providers, that is why women are attracted to those traits. Dominant men tend to be leaders, so height infers social status. This is also why they seem to prefer assholes, by the way - aggression + no approval seeking = dominance. But social status (leadership within the tribe) is the most prevailing indicator of social value, so even if you are short AND bald, if you are successful, ambitious, and have many friends, that will trump height and baldness. Ask Bruce Willis or Andre Agassi if they have trouble with women. Women are still attracted to health and verility cues such as facial symmetry, and yes, even hair, but it is much less important than most men think. I'm 5'7" and a NW5. Hair and height has never, ever been a factor in my lovelife. I've dated taller women, smart women, who I considered to be 9s and 10s. I'm married to a beautiful women who could care less about my hair. My baldness bothers ME though, because it impacts my confidence in everyday life. It makes me feel old, and I guess deep-down I don't want to get old. Be the best at whatever you do, take good care of yourself and others, and be happy with who you are. Women are just people, and if you don't beg for their approval they'll wonder why and start seeking yours. For dhoose75, regarding the girl who rejected you - sorry dude, but it wasn't your hair. My two cents. -Vasilius

Well said, Chuck.

Realhair, If you are not currently using minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia), I would HIGHLY suggest you visit a dermatologist and discuss medical treatment for this. Covering up your bald spot with concealer is fine, but you are at the age and balding stage that shows the best results from minoxidil and finasteride treatment. This will almost certainly stop further hair loss and likely regrow some or all that you've lost. Good luck. (unless you are a shill for hair cubed, in which case I just lost 3 minutes of my life typing all of the above) -Vasilius

Thanks Bill. Didn't mean to be redundant. -V

I know how you feel, I'm trying to keep my recent HT low-key as well. I go back to work this Wednesday and I'm crossing my fingers that my donor scar will be concealed enough to not draw attention. I would think by 3 weeks post-op it would be safe to apply concealer to your recipient area, but I would call and ask your HT doctor to be sure. If it is safe, using Dermatch on the recipient area with a little Toppik or Nanogen on top may do the trick. Good luck :-) -Vasilius

The FDA has sent a warning letter to the company that produces the HairMax LaserComb. Lexington Int., LLC, is marketing two newer models of their lasercomb, the HairMax Premium and SE models, as FDA-Approved. The only FDA-cleared model is their original model. Also, they are marketing it for use by women. It is only FDA-cleared for treating hair loss for men with NW-IIa through NW-V category androgenetic alopecia. Click the link below to view the FDA letter: http://www.fda.gov/foi/warning_letters/s6948c.htm -Vasilius

The FDA has sent a warning letter to the company that produces the HairMax LaserComb. Lexington Int., LLC, is marketing two newer models of their lasercomb, the HairMax Premium and SE models, as FDA-Approved. The only FDA-cleared model is their original model. Also, they are marketing it for use by women. It is only FDA-cleared for treating hair loss for men with NW-IIa through NW-V category androgenetic alopecia. Click the link below to view the FDA letter: http://www.fda.gov/foi/warning_letters/s6948c.htm -Vasilius

Bill, Sorry dude, my bad Do you have Mozilla FireFox or Safari installed on your computer? I can't view the video with Internet Explorer, but it works with FireFox and Safari. -Vasilius

James, Thanks for your response. I can see why you said HTs were obvious, because in your case the surgeon who constructed your hairline used a very outdated/poor technique. Trust me, you could have done better with another surgeon. The difference in the photos is obvious, but if you don't mind I'd like to ask a few questions: Were you using any other treatments (minoxidil, finasteride, etc) while undergoing the laser therapy? Were you using any concealers for these photos? Also, who is the doctor who is treating you with laser therapy and what device(s) are they using? I appreciate you posting the photos and look forward to your reply. I'm sure others here will be interested as well. Thanks, -Vasilius

Cody, I can't tell you how much it would cost for your uncle to get the results he wants, or even if he's a good HT candidate. $20,000 seems very high to me, I'd have to know how many grafts and what techniques were to be used to say for sure. I would highly suggest though that he consult more than one HT surgeon and ask for before/after photos of each's patients. This forum has extensive blogs with before/after photos and testimonials and such. There are also a number of surgeons who have been recommended by this community. I'm sure your question with lead fellow members and probably a couple of doctors who are members to advise you better than I can on this. The skill and technique used by HT surgeons vary widely. Price is NOT the best measure of quality, either. Patient testimonials and photos are by far your best tools. Best of luck. -Vasilius

Classic "Simpsons" episode where Homer uses "Dimoxinil" to get his hair back: http://watchthesimpsonsonline....son_and_Delilah.html Enjoy -Vasilius

Raphael, I've asked myself these same questions, I'm sure many of us here in the forum have. Since MPB is genetic, either you have it or you don't. So those who don't have it (or don't know they have it yet) feel immune and therefore no empathy toward you or I. It's like someone with 'skinny' genes can't relate to someone whose entire family is obese and is genetically predisposed to store more bodyfat. The lifelong 'skinny' person can't understand what it's like to be fat or to struggle to manage their weight. So they think it's not a "big deal". People who lose a lot of weight are given kudos because the assumption is that they've improved themself through hard work and discipline. The health benefit makes it seem less "shallow", and even if it was for vanity, there's an acceptance that it makes you "better". Hair loss remedies still have a lot of stigma from a history of snake oils, bad hairpieces, bad hair plugs and Hair Club For Men infomercials. The industry is still full of deceptive marketing and shoddy products/doctors even today. It takes careful research to find quality (that's why this forum exists). So hair loss treatments still seem artificial and desperate to most people and probably will for some time in the future. The good news is, they're getting better, and if you choose carefully, your use of these treatments will be undetectable or nearly so. I think it's small-minded and shameful to embarrass anyone for something they don't choose. So I don't choose to associate with people who do this. I've broken off friendships over it. It's a sign of someone I don't want to be around, period. That has made a difference for me. The best advice I can give, though, is to count your blessings. There's much more to life than looks, let alone just your hair. You seem to have a great girl by your side. You're about to begin restoring your hair, and as long as you invest wisely with a reputable surgeon, it will make a dramatic improvement in how you see yourself. You're only 24 and you have a big, beautiful life ahead of you. Grab the world by the tail and enjoy the ride. Best Wishes, -Vasilius

I agree. Those photos look fishy to me too. -V

Abid, "Pimpin' ain't easy," as Big Daddy Kane would say...and I started going bald early in life so I know how you feel. The others here are giving good advice, although I wouldn't personally choose a career in retail just to pick up women. I think they are saying it will help you get over "approach anxiety", but there are methods that don't require you to build your career aspirations around it. I definately second their opinions about shaving the hair down. A shaved head is in style and it's a choice - going bald isn't in style or a choice. A shaved head looks a lot better on an athlete though, so DO get in shape. Upgrading your clothes and grooming are good ideas too. You'll look confident, put together and more 'alpha'. Another bit of advice for attracting women - set your ambitions high, and pursue them. Women are definately attracted to someone who is a success, or will be someday. Build an exciting life and make friends wherever you go. Excitement and 'social proof' (lots of friends/admirers) are chick magnets. And be happy - for yourself. Chicks dig that too, BTW. Mine does :-) Good luck- -Vasilius

John, Always good to meet a fellow Buckeye I've got a buddy who has contacted his Congressman several times, and always gets better response from snail mail, especially hand-written letters..maybe they stand out more to the gatekeepers(?) -Vasilius

Bill, You're absolutely right, passing a board doesn't make a good surgeon, but it *should* at least require a physician to pass a standardized, rigorous evaluation by their peers. Medical knowledge & techniques are too complex for those outside the profession to evaluate, so the professionals must self-regulate from within as much as possible. This seems to be lacking in the HT field. I agree that the most important thing a HT patient can do is research and select a surgeon with a proven reputation for excellence, and this forum is extremely helpful in this. Yeah, we rock. Pat yourself on the back :-) -Vasilius

John, Thanks for taking a stand against unethical and unlawful medical practice. I assume that by posting this here, you are open to some constructive feedback. I agree wholeheartedly that any surgeon who performs HT surgery should be either a board certified/Diplomate hair transplant surgeon or working under the direct supervision of one, with the patient's consent. I also agree that any medical care performed should be done by licensed health care professionals working within their legal scope of practice and with full disclosure and patient's informed consent. I believe, however, that you may need to refine your statement concerning who can legally administer anesthesia. Who (LVN, RN, CRNA, MD, or Anesthesiologist) can administer a given anesthetic is legally determined by the substance involved, and varies state to state. Just something to consider. Thanks again and keep fighting the good fight. Best Wishes, -Vasilius

True, very true. I know some folks unfortunately are not good candidates for HT or meds, and these are the only people I would recommend consider a hairpiece. However, I respect anyone's choice, and I hope that there are good hairpieces and responsible service providers out there for those that choose that as their solution. The term "hair transplant" still conjures images of bad hair plugs in the minds of most people, largely because they don't notice good HT's. Hopefully hairpieces will likewise advance to become as natural and low-maintenance as real hair someday.

I agree with thanatopsis about the transplants. Unless you already are severely bald (you're not), you should have 'acceptable' results from the first session. While additional sessions later in life may be needed to provide desirable coverage and density as hair loss progresses, treatment from a competent surgeon will not result in 'noticeable' transplants. But don't hurry - do it when the time is right for you. -AF1

James, Do you have any before/after pics from the laser therapy? There are a number of us in this forum who would be interested in seeing your results. Thanks :-) -AF1

Hello everyone, I've figured out how to make this experiment as valid as possible under the conditions. I'll post the parameters and initial photos after my next visit with my doctor. I appreciate all the interest and feedback. :-) -AF1

Beemark, Funny you mention the term, "non-surgical hair graft"...I went to a "clinic" that offered that, not knowing what it was. The "clinic" was pretty much a high-priced hair salon, and when I discerned from the jargon-babble of the consultant what the "non-surgical grafts" really were, I left like the building was on fire.

All, Thanks for the support. Thanks Dr. Feller for the kind words. I think it is best to change my username to avoid any appearance of representing the Air Force in any opinions of mine. I'll repost my treatment plan with some "before" pics on a new thread after my suture removal next week. I'll invite my doctor to be a part of this forum as well. I hope he can contribute to the LLLT discussion. I won't touch the subject again with a 10-foot pole, not until I'm fully convinced one way or another. Question for the group: I've had hair transplanted into the frontal area (forelock and sides) 9 years ago that is mature. I just had additional grafts placed in the forelock and on the crown, but none in the mid-scalp region (I'm a NW5). The mid-scalp hair is native, but miniaturizing/thinning somewhat. This is one region in particular I am hoping to affect with non-surgical treatment since no grafts have been placed there. Is it feasible to show results of treatment in non-grafted regions of my scalp without these results being "skewed" by my transplants in other areas of my scalp? I'll attach photos with my new username next week so you can see what my hair looks like and where the recently placed grafts are. I'll take all the advice I can get on this. Thanks all! I'll be back with my new username soon. :-)