Spencer Kobren’s The Bald Truth – 9/11/11

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Spencer Kobren’s The Bald Truth is internationally syndicated through the GFQ Network

AOL’s StyleList Speaks With Spencer Kobren About Women’s Hair Loss

Hair Loss in women is a silent epidemic of tremendous proportions. More than forty percent of hair loss sufferers in the U.S are women and a large percentage of these women are between the ages of 18 to 35.

As disturbing as male pattern baldness is for men, for women, hair loss can be downright devastating.

This week AOL’s StyleList takes a closer look at this growing epidemic.

Read the story:  Women’s Hair Loss: Top Reasons Your Hair is Falling Out

For complete online support check out the AHLA recommended Women’s Hair Loss Project and WHLP message forums.

Advice From A Hair Transplant Veteran – The Importance of Good Communication and Aftercare

Hair transplant veteran Marcus calls the program to discuss his hair transplant experience, and to advise prospective patients on what to look for and what to avoid when considering hair transplant surgery. Marcus tells a compelling story of poor aftercare, and the importance of the doctor patient relationship.

Listen to the segment:

Woman Loses Hair After Shampooing With Pantene – Similar Complaints Found Online

A devastated 19 year old administrative assistant says that her hair literally broke off at the roots after using Pantene Pro-V shampoo. According to Sophie Peppercorn of Perbourough, England, her hair fell out in clumps after only one application of the celebrity endorsed product, and has received very little support from Procter and Gamble, the makers of Pantene. Miss Peppercorn wept as she described to reporters what happened. “As I showered the bubbles from my hair I could feel a lot of it in my hands,” she said.

She then went on to state, “But it was only when I patted my hair dry with a towel and looked in the mirror, that I realized the extent of the hair damage. My hairline had receded several inches where my hair had broken off at the roots. Meanwhile, the rest of my hair was so damaged and frizzy it was breaking off in handfuls. I was so devastated, I broke down in tears.”

When Miss Peppercorn called the Pantene helpline to inform them of what had happened to her she was offered a £5(about $8USD) Pantene coupon for her troubles.

“Incredibly, they seem to think I will want to buy another bottle,” she said.

[Read more]

Steve Bennis and American Hair Growth Centers – A Story of Deception

Last night we were fortunate enough to have Will Gaunitz  of Evolution Hair Centers on the program to discuss his personal experience with Steve Bennis, formerly of Natural Hair Growth Institute and now American Hair Growth Centers.

Will’s been documenting some of Steve Bennis’ most recent alleged fraudulent activity on his blog which we’re sure is of  great interest to The Illinois  State Attorney General’s Office.

See some of his recent blog posts:

Warning Issued to American Hair Growth Centers (aka Natural Hair Growth Institute)

American Hair Growth Centers took down stolen photographs

David Hoffman of American Hair Growth Centers EXPOSED!

Listen to the Show:

$50 Million Awarded to Avacor Victims

In 1989, the FDA banned the marketing of all over-the-counter hair growth products, except those approved under the agency’s New Drug Application process. To date only minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) have been approved through this process.

Interestingly enough, the ban hasn’t stopped many in the hair loss industry from blatantly violating FDA regulations until now.

[Read more]

The Office Of The Illinois Attorney General Files Suit Against Steve Bennis and Natural Hair Growth Institute

Illinois State Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in Cook County Circuit Courts against a Chicago based hair growth company for allegedly making false statements based on unsubstantiated claims, and for failing to provide consumers with refunds for unproven hair growth treatments with an average cost of between $8,000 and $12,000.

“The defendants in this case use highly sensational marketing slogans to convince consumers to pay thousands of dollars for a service that simply isn’t proven to be effective by modern science,” Madigan said.

Natural Hair Growth Institute uses low level laser light therapy, scalp massage, questionable topical concoctions and nutritional supplements that it says will regrow hair within six months or “your money back.”

Among other allegations, Madigan’s lawsuit alleges that the Natural Hair Growth Institute’s treatment method fails to produce the results as advertised.

The state is seeking a permanent ban for the defendant from operating in Illinois. Madigan also requests full restitution for all consumers affected, and civil penalties of $50,000 for each violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act.