Hair Loss at 23: A Young Man’s Struggle

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I started losing my hair at age 19. It has gone from being absolutely thick to being very thin, and sparse. I am 23 now and have lost a significant amount of hair, people freak out when I tell them I am 23, I look like im 40 or something. I am also suffering from premature hair greying so that adds to the turmoil. About 60% of my hair is grey. Everytime I go out with my friends, I feel so depressed at the sight of a full head of thick black hair. All it takes to spoil a great day is a look in the mirror. I was a very handsome guy, had a great personality and my hair was very dense, thick and pitch black but thats when genetics decided to spoil the day. I feel so depressed sometimes when I look at the mirror, I’ve become very nervous over the years and I’m tired of fighting with my feelings for the past 5 years dealing with this mess. My confidence has shattered and this is taking so my much of my attention that I cannot focus on what is important in life. I see my friends going out, getting girlfriends, checking out 20 year olds and everytime I look at a 20 year old she thinks I’m some sick 30 year old hitting on college chicks. I don’t know how to deal with this and I have made myself to believe that I’ll be made to suffer for life for no fault of my own. I know people say ” its just hair loss, suck it up” but I wouldn’t want this curse to haunt the worst of my enemies. [Read more]

Talking About Hair Loss - It’s About Time

Our culture is peppered with taboo subjects, things we just don’t discuss. Some of these are topics we only touch on with family while others are strictly for conversations with friends. Still more subjects may be considered unsuitable for mixed company. Then there are the topics that nobody discusses at all.

As our society grows older and wiser, we are slowly learning to embrace and encourage open discussions and to share our thoughts and feelings about the difficult obstacles in life. One such obstacle is hair loss. Yet we still have a long way to go in bringing hair loss into casual conversation in a meaningful way.

Suffering any kind of loss can be devastating. Hair loss is no different. Yet most hair loss sufferers remain silent as they go through the trying experience that hair loss incurs. [Read more]

September 11th - A Day of Remembrance

On September 11, 2001, I was awakened by a ground shaking explosion, the likes of which I have never experienced. You see I lived in New York City on 9/11, in a downtown loft, in the shadow of the World Trade Center.  Yvette and I barley escaped with our lives. As a matter of fact, Yvette actually risked her life fighting her way back downtown to our apartment in order to make sure that I was still alive.

The following excerpts are from our story published in the book Never Forget: An Oral History of September 11, 2001, by Mitchell Fink and Lois Mathins (Regan Books 2002).

As I’m watching television I see a plane on the screen about to hit tower 2. I could also see the shadow of the plane, it wasn’t on TV. The concussion from the explosion threw me about four feet across the room. I was in the living room when it hit. I live in a loft and was thrown into the kitchen landing on my back. [Read more]

Depression and Hair Loss: You’re not Alone

When I first realized I was losing my hair, more than 20 years ago, I was absolutely mortified, however, I think my reaction to the initial onset of hair loss was fairly typical.

First, I went through the denial phase.  I tried to convince myself that This can’t really be happening to me.  I mean I was only 21. It must be the water or something right?

Next came the questioning phase. I asked select friends and family questions like “Does my hair look different to you? Do I look like I’m going bald?”

This is never a good idea.  The truth is you’ll get different reactions depending on who you ask. Some family members will attempt to spare your feelings by saying things like, “Your hair looks great… What are you talking about? You have a ton of hair!” [Read more]

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)

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.

Spencer Kobren and MTV Networks are Looking For Men Interested In Appearing In a Reality Documentary About Hair Loss

Spencer Kobren and MTV Networks are currently looking for people interested in appearing in a reality documentary exploring the daily struggles of young adults suffering with hair loss. If you have the courage to share your story and your struggles with the world, you can help countless young men and women to better cope and to avoid all of the pitfalls associated with the hair loss industry. If you are between the ages of 17 and 29 and would like to appear in this groundbreaking MTV special please contact us directly at baldtruthradio@gmail.com. To get started just send your name, location, phone number, a brief synopsis of your situation, and if possible a photo. Further details will be posted on The Bald Truth website as soon as they come in.

Can Creatine, Protein, or Differin Cause Hair Loss?

I think what you’re doing is great Spencer!…Propecia stopped my hair loss at 20. I am 31 now, however, over the past 3 months I have lost about 30-40% of my density all over the top of my scalp, and the sides and back as well. I am still on Propecia and have scheduled a doctor appointment. I would like to list a few things that I started to do a few months ago that I think may have contributed to this:

1. Differin cream (vitamin A derived)

2. Working out with heavy weights along with taking creatine (No Xplode) and protein powder

These two things are my main concern especially Differin. Also, I started using a self tanning lotion sunscreen (durascreen) since I work outside, and teeth whitening products all within the past few months. I know I sound paranoid, but I would like to know if you think any of this could contribute to my rapid hair loss. I’ve been a little stressed too, but no more than usual. However, I am really stressed now because of this. Oh yeah, I also tried adding Rogaine a few months ago, but stopped after 2 weeks…I am so depressed about this. I just found out about you and your show and I’ve listened the last few weeks. What a great thing you are doing, it is such an epidemic that totally destroys people. I could go on and on about how depressed and mortified I was when I started to lose my hair at 18. Thank You. - Mark
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Dear Mark,

Thanks for the support! I’m glad to hear that you’ve done so well with Propecia these past eleven
years. I have to preface my comments by letting you know that I am not a physician, but from what you’ve explained, I think that the use of Creatine supplementation might be what is affecting your hair.

I’ll probably get a lot of crap from the bodybuilding community, but the truth is each body reacts diffently to this type of supplementation, and I do believe that creatine can effect hair growth and cycling.

Here are my thoughts on the matter: We know that exercise when done properly and accompanied by good sleeping habits and a high protein, well balanced diet stimulates the release of hormones that promote muscle growth. These are known as anabolic hormones, which include testosterone, insulin, and growth hormone. When training, stimulation of these muscle growing hormones is what most athletes strive for. Unfortunately for men who are predisposed to androgenic alopecia ( male pattern hair loss), raising levels of testosterone can increase DHT levels.

With that said, in most cases, the use of Propecia should cancel out the effects of any naturally occurring increase in testosterone since Propecia blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone into the follicle killing DHT, reducing DHT levels by about 70% in most individual who use the drug.

Since each individual reacts differently to medial treatment, any increase in testosterone and HGH that you might be experiencing from the use of creatine theoretically could have put you over the preverbal edge as far as the ability for Propecia to effectively protect you against higher DHT levels. The 70% block in DHT might have been all you needed to stave off your male pattern baldness, but by increasing your hormonal output the dam might have burst, so to speak.

Since creatine is known to increase or ability to exercise more efficiently, and exercise increases hormone release, it is expected that creatine should also indirectly increase the amounts of anabolic hormones produced while exercising.

There have also been studies that have demonstrated that growth hormone was actually released in non exercising subjects within a few hours after ingesting creatine.

So, my advice would be to speak to you doctor about your creatine supplementation, and perhaps raising your dose of finsteride if he or she sees fit.

I’d don’t think you have much to worry about when it comes to Differin and hair loss, and I certainly don’t think that whitening your teeth will effect your hair.

Hope this helps. Keep listening and spread the word.

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)

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