This Week on The Bald Truth - August 30th 8pm Eastern: Ross Jeffries

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Special guest: The Original Master Seduction Guru and Pick Up Artist Ross Jeffries.

As far as the seduction community is concerned Ross Jeffries started it all. Featured in Neil Strauss’ New York Time’s Best seller,  The Game, Ross is credited for being the founding father of the seduction community.

According to famed film director Paul Thomas Anderson, Jeffries was the main inspiration for Tom Cruise’s character Frank T.J. Mackey in the 1999 film Magnolia .

As the author and creator of some the best known seduction books and audio series in the business, Ross Jeffries has provided countless men with the skills needed to meet women that most men only dream about.

Jeffries has been featured on local and national television for over two decades. Some of his appearances include, The Phil Donahue Show and Montel Williams.

Hair Loss and Politics: Joe Biden’s Hair Transplant

Politico.com is talking about vice presidential candidate Joe Biden. They’re not discussing his policies or evaluating his level of experience on foreign policy, and they didn’t even mention his running mate, presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Well, maybe that’s because Barack still has a full head of hair.

What the Politico article is talking about is Biden’s Helmet, the term they’re using to describe the senator’s current hairstyle. Apparently, Biden had a hair transplant when he was younger, with less than aesthetically pleasing results.. The initial procedure was performed a long time ago, and several hairstylists and hair loss experts who have followed Biden’s career provided remarks and commentary about the senator’s hairline.

Michael Beehner M.D., IAHRS member and Medical Director of the Saratoga Hair Transplant Center in New York noted, “When he had darker hair it was pretty obvious, he had larger plugs. With the lightening of his hair, it looks much, much better now.”

“Years ago, it was much more detectable,” said an anonymous surgeon, who also noted that the pattern of Biden’s hairline, “did not follow the normal path of baldness.” [Read more]

Brenden Fraser’s Hair Loss Attacked by Bully Reporters

Gossip rags love to nag on celebrities for any infraction against high fashion or for committing the grand sin of stepping out looking like less than a supermodel. And it doesn’t matter if they’re male or female — gossip journalists have their weapons loaded and are ready to fire off an arsenal of harsh insults.

Most online gossip articles are not what you’d call quality journalism. These pieces are peppered with misspellings and grammar errors, there is rarely a byline indicating who authored the piece, and frequently, these articles make broad (and false) assumptions.

The Insider

This site claims that Fraser has “hair plugs.”  Actually, what he’s wearing in the movies is a very natural looking lace hair system. The unknown author of the article states, “We hate to be so shallow, but we must admit that before picture really creeps us out.”

If you hate being shallow, then don’t be shallow. Instead of badgering Brendan Fraser and calling his look “creepy,” offer some support, focusing on how great he looks in his films.

In the words of one of the article’s commentators: “And WHO cares, HELLO? its Brendan Fraser, WE ALLLLLL know how hot he is.”

Williamsboard

This site claims to be “Williamsburg hipster central.” Since when is it hip to be cruel? One post in the online forum features a series of photos showing Brendan Fraser’s hairstyles over the past decade or so with the insightful introductory text: “this dude has the worst hair styles ever.”

Ain’t it cool how on the Internet, you can make fun of other people’s hair without ever having to show your own?

Commentators in this forum go on to rant about everything they dislike about the actor, from his face and hair to the movies he’s made, and they provide even more ammunition by posting pictures of Nicholas Cage and John Travolta, pointing out those actors’ hairlines as well.

Bad Hair Day

Taking aim at celebrity hairstyles is a full time job for this site, which does nothing but shine its dull spotlight on stars whose do’s don’t pass the Bad Hair Day bar.

“What’s the surefire way to debunk rumors that you wear a hairpiece? Well according to Brendan Fraser… all you need to do is sport a hairstyle so bad there is no way anyone would pay for it.”

The piece goes on to slam Fraser every which way it can.

Comments on the article included:

• “I understand why they all wear wigs…”
• “I dont [sic] care I think he is very handsome…”
• “Not to be shallow, but this totally alters my opinion of him…”

Clearly, the public is far more empathetic than the gossip reporters.

Fame and Fallout

Hair loss is difficult and can be devastating, and the same is true for the pressure of being a celebrity, constantly scrutinized by the media and the public. Add hair loss to the stress of being a star, and it could be downright traumatic.

Brendan Fraser wears hair well. So, why are people reacting so passionately and in mean spirits against his uncontrollable condition? It’s not like he willingly plucked the hairs on his head! He has a medical condition.

Men don’t have the luxury of enhancing their natural looks with makeup, push-up bras, and fake fingernails. When men seek treatment for hair loss, we’re not trying to be fake or pretentious. We’re just trying to get back something that nature took away – our hair.

If we work harder to speak out against gossipy reporters who make false claims and do little more than fling around callous and shallow insults, maybe we can draw attention to the fact that hair loss is a misfortune and an inconvenience, and let’s just be grateful that there are effective treatments and hair replacement options that we can use to look like ourselves and feel confident.

What Is Your Opinion of Kevis Hair Rejuvenation, Inc. ?

What is your opinion of Kevis Hair Rejuvenation, Inc. I have considered buying this product, is it just a snake oil?

Thank You,
Shayne
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Dear Shayne,

At this point there is no conclusive evidence, that I am aware of, that shows Kevis to be an effective treatment for the prevention and treatment of hair loss. It’s important that hair loss consumers understand that there are only two FDA approved medications to treat hair loss, and that hair loss is indeed a medical condition that needs to be addressed medically. This means that you should see a doctor when seeking effective treatment for this condition.

Simple rule of thumb: If the product is not FDA approved or recommended by the the American Hair Loss Association stay clear.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Spencer Kobren
Host of The Bald Truth Radio Show
Founder, American Hair Loss Association
Founder and Director of Consumer/Patient Affairs, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS.ORG)

The Hair Loss Medicine Show and Smart Consumerism

Buyer Beware

Television is packed with them, the Internet is bursting at the seams with them, and print ads and junk mail bring them into your home en masse. They are hair loss snake oils, gimmicks promising products that will cure, stop, or otherwise end hair loss. Sadly, most companies offering such hair loss products and services are unethical and their ultimate goal is not to cure hair loss, but to finagle money out of your wallet.

Smart Consumerism: Three Simple Rules

The first rule of smart consumerism is don’t believe everything you hear. Many companies will tell you their product is “the number one cure” or “top selling” item in the industry. Saying something doesn’t make it so. While there are some rules and regulations about how companies can represent products through advertising, there are endless loopholes and ways in which these companies can manipulate language to present their products as effective or useful when in fact, they are neither. [Read more]

Are There Any Long Term Side Effects of Propecia? Does Propecia Harm The Liver?

I have been using Propecia since it became available on the market, which is quite a few years. Have there been any adverse effects of using Propecia over a long period of time? Does this medication harm the liver in anyway?

Concerned,
Jason
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Dear Jason,

Finasteride was first approved by the FDA in 1992 as Proscar. As you’re probably aware, Proscar is a 5 mg dosage of Finsateride that is proscribed for the treatment of BPH or prostate enlargement. The 1 mg dose of finasteride, approved as Propecia in December of 1997, was the first truly effective treatment for male pattern hair loss.

To my knowledge, in the sixteen years that finsateride has been on the market there have been no reports of any adverse effects on the liver of those using the drug for an extended period of time. As always, I have to state clearly that I am not a physician and that my opinions and knowledge concerning hair loss and its treatments are based on extensive research and reporting on the subject as a consumer advocate and hair loss educator.

With this said, it’s important to note that Propecia cuts PSA levels in half after one year of use. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen and is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. The PSA blood test is commonly used to check for signs of prostate cancer and other related prostate problems. According to experts, men with prostate cancer often have elevated PSA levels because cancer cells make excessive amounts of this protein, Generally higher PSA levels are indicative of more cancer cells being present in your body. Now this isn’t always the case, it is possible to have prostate cancer without having elevated PSA levels, but the PSA test has been shown to significantly increase the ability for physicians to make an early diagnosis of the disease which is paramount for early intervention.

Since Propecia is prescribed to young men in their 20s, 30s and 40s it is important to tell your doctor that you are taking the medication so that PSA levels can be more accurately determined. The general rule of thumb is to double the levels of those using Propecia for more than a year. It’s also imortant to note the the PSA blood test is not the only way for doctors to determine the presence of prostate cancer.

Another long term concern that has been discussed in literature is the relationship between long term use of finasteride and male breast neoplasia or breast cancer.

During a 4 to 6 year placebo-controlled study testing finasteride 5 mg on 3,047 men, there were 4 cases of breast cancer in men treated with Proscar but no cases in men given placebo. In another 4 year placebo controlled study testing Proscar using 3,040 men, there were 2 cases of breast cancer in placebo treated men, but no cases were reported in men treated with Proscar. To my knowledge there have been no significant reports that can directly connect long term use of finasteride to male breast cancer.

As far as prostate cancer, the long term use of finasteride has recently been linked to a significant decrease in the risk of developing prostate cancer. Finasteride is also now being prescribed as a preventative treatment to some high risk patients, such as those with a strong family history of prostate cancer.

On a personal note, I have been using the drug for more than fourteen years and at this point have experienced no adverse side effects that I am aware of. There are countless men all over the world who are successfully treating their hair loss with Propecia. In my opinion, at this point there is no known reason to be concerned about long term adverse side effects.

Hope this helps,
Regards,
Spencer Kobren
Host of The Bald Truth Radio Show
Founder, American Hair Loss Association
Founder and Director of Consumer/Patient Affairs, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS.ORG)

Pick Up Artist Wayne Elise Advises Hair Loss Sufferers On Meeting Women

Pick up artist and seduction guru, Wayne Elise, joins Spencer and Dave to discuss the art of meeting and connecting with women despite our perceived imperfections. Also known as “Juggler,” Wayne is one of the best known experts in the seduction community and provides dating advice for men all over the world.

Currently Using Propecia, Minoxidil, Saw Palmetto, Nisim Etc. - Should I Stick With This Program?

I have recently read your book “The Bald Truth” and a lot of the information contained is what I had already have been doing over the year, but it was good to have it reinforced (Great book by the way). I am a 32 year old male currently using Propecia, with minoxidil (periodically) and an assortment of supplements including saw palmetto, B vitamin complex , silica, zinc, EFA’s etc.. along with treatment shampoos such as Nisim and a 2% ketoconazole prescription one. I have been on this regime for about a year and a half and have been really strict with the Propecia, and on and off with the rest.

I have noticed that although I have hair on top, it is really thin compared to the rest. When it’s wet it looks like plugs of hair which I never had a few years ago. It is also in the classic balding pattern on the entire top section of my head. I was just having doubts with what I am doing as it dosent seem that the medication is doing anything and I don’t feel I have regrown any hair to noticeable degree.

I just wanted to ask if you recommend I should stick with this program, and if there was anything else I could do to aid my battle as I thought it would have had some effect by now. I was considering trying to switch to Avodart, as it seems to be more potent, but then it is still pending approval from the FDA which makes me cautious.

Any information you would have would be greatly appreciated as I find looking on the Net, a bit of a mindfield of contradicting arguments. It really gets me down some days that I feel I have no control over this.

Thank you in advance,
Paul

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Dear Paul,

You are correct concerning researching hair loss treatments on the internet, it is a minefield. The vast majority of hair loss information that’s provided on the web is complete crap. In my opinion and in the opinion of most experts, the products and services being promoted, even on websites appearing to be legitimate, are questionable at best.

Before I continue, I would like to make clear that I am NOT a physician and this information is my opinion based on over a decade of experience being a consumer advocate for men and women suffering with hair loss.

A simple rule of thumb when researching hair loss on the web would be to look for the American Hair Loss Association seal before taking the time to read the information provided on the site. The AHLA does not accept any financial support from companies in the hair loss industry, and only provides its certification seal to websites that provide legitimate information about hair loss and its treatment. Be VERY aware that hair loss websites, for the most part, are businesses and some have even lifted the AHLA seal in hopes of misleading vulnerable hair loss sufferers into believing that they are selling a legitimate product. Even if you see the American Hair Loss Association seal, always check with the AHLA before buying any product or service to treat your hair loss.

As far as your treatment is concerned, the question is, have you lost any ground since you began treatment? If the answer is no, than you’re in good shape.

After years of research and anecdotal information provided by my readers and listeners, I have come to the conclusion that the use of saw palmetto for the treatment of hair loss is a waste of time. In fact, we have found out over the years that by coupling Propecia and saw palmetto, some men experience an increase incidence of adverse sexual side effects. That’s not to say that will happen to you, but it has been reported.

I’d like to reiterate that I am not a physician, but again if your hair loss has not progressed since starting Propecia then you are in a very good position, and one of the lucky 86% who respond well to the drug.

We all want more hair and many hair loss sufferers have what I call “hairorexia.” If your hair is still looking pretty good I wouldn’t push the envelope in the hopes of thickening your hair up to where you were before you began the balding process. I think Propeica is truly a miracle drug for many, the problem is that we get greedy and forget how wonderful it is just to keep what we have.

I’m not a fan of the kitchen sink approach, but if you are currently using Rogaine, I would not stop using it since this could throw you into a pretty bad shed. My advise would be to stick to the program unless you are really getting worse. If you find you are losing ground, you can always talk to your doctor about increasing your dosage of finasteride.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Spencer Kobren
Host of The Bald Truth Radio Show
Founder, American Hair Loss Association
Founder and Director of Consumer/Patient Affairs, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS.ORG)

No Hats Allowed: Joe From Staten Island’s Hair Loss Fiasco

The Bald Truth super fan, Joe from Staten Island, calls into discuss getting into a brawl at a Billy Joel concert after refusing to remove his hat during the national anthem.

I Won’t Give Up The Fight: Jarrod’s Hair Loss Story

Dear Spencer Kobren,

I thought I’d share my hair loss story with you. You might remember me from You-Tube. I asked you a question once and showed you some pics of my hair. I’ve called into the show one time before too. Thanks again for making such a great show. I watch it all the time on Stickam.

I heard about your MTV Hair Loss Documentary special and I would love to be apart of it. Here’s my information. If you need any more info, just let me know.

My Hair Loss Story

I’ve been losing my hair for the past year or two. I was diagnosed with Male Pattern Baldness in 2007. My dad and his brother were both bald, their father was bald too. So I guess I got those bald genes too. I started to lose my hair at 19. It didn’t get worse until I turned 20 though. I’m currently 21 now. I first tried Rogaine & Rogaine Foam, but that irritated my scalp and caused my psoriasis to flare up again. So I quit that. My dermatologist then put me on Propecia 1 mg. I tried Propecia for a year, I never missed one dosage. When ever I took a shower or combed my hair it would just fall out like crazy. I’ve heard Propecia can cause you to shed when you first start on it. I took it over a year and still lost my hair. My hair loss is all in my crown area and near my hair line. From what I’ve read online the type of hair loss I have is called diffuse male pattern baldness.  I still have hair, but it is very thin. It’s getting to the point were it’s hard to cover it up now. I try my best to make it look like I don’t have any bald spots. When the wind blows I’m pretty much screwed! My friend’s keep telling me to shave my head, saying it will grow back thicker. I think they are idiots, if I shave my head I’d look like an alien.

So of course I freaked out and tried all kinds of things to get my hair back. So far I haven’t had any luck with any of them. I worry about my hair loss constantly. I feel like everyone is just looking at it. I know it could be a whole lot worse. To me though it’s just horrible and like a horror movie! I feel like my youth has been drained away.

I won’t give up the fight just yet. I’m currently taking Proscar 5 mg and cutting it in half. I still lose hair, but still have some left to work with. Hopefully one day I’ll get some luck and get my hair back. If not then I guess I better get use to wearing hats. I could save up for a hair transplant, but those look way to risky. I wouldn’t want someone sticking thousands of holes in my head.

-Jarrod

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