Beware of the Hair Industry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wary_2

Hair loss is a great concern for many young men, which can make them very vulnerable to those who would gladly take advantage. Alas, there are many who do just this. If you’re thinking of doing something about your hair loss, read on … it could save you a lot of heartache as well as a great many dollars.

Before visiting a hair clinic that specialises in hair replacement and hair regrowth, consider
- the descriptions and benefits of treatments reported in the media are usually sourced solely from the hair company
- the consultant may well be a salesman rather than an expert in his field
- the people used to advertise the treatments – often famous people – are paid heavily for their endorsements; some of those who claimed great benefits are now virtually bald, and one is reputed to sometimes wear a hair piece in public whilst claiming his hair has been regrown

I won’t mention any names as some of these companies will use all of their financial might to prevent their shady trading practices from being exposed, and some hair forums have already had to remove negative posts about one supposedly-reputable company following very heavy-handed threats of legal action.

Read on …

Wary_2

Hair Regrowth
There are many drugs that do have beneficial properties, the most well-known being Minoxidil (Regaine). This can be purchased over-the-counter from pharmacists in 2% or 5% concentration packs, the latter costing around £80 for a 3-month supply. There are countless studies on the Internet that show
- it only really does anything for those in the early stages of baldness
- the best you’re likely to get is some minor thickening of the crown; it is not intended for the hairline or temples
- it is better at helping you keep your hair than regrowing it
- it has to be used for life otherwise any benefits are quickly lost

Laser is another hair regrowth treatment, often used in conjunction with Minoxidil. There is no independent or reliable scientific proof that it does any good, and some unhappy clients have successfully sued. One person spoke to 23 other clients during his 8-month treatment at a clinic, and none were seeing any benefit. You could be asked to pay £3000-£4000 for this treatment though.

Serenoa (Saw Palmetto) is herbal treatment for pituitary problems, but is touted as being beneficial for baldness. The scientific proof and likely benefits are again very minimal.

Tip: if you feel the need to try hair regrowth, do your research first. Why pay thousands on the off-chance that laser will work when you could pay a few hundred for Minoxidil.

Wary_2

Hair Replacement
Many fancy descriptions and trademarks are used to make it sound like some high-tech advance in science. An invisible layer of skin will be added to your scalp, and hairs will be integrated into thinning areas strands at a time, in a manner so gradual that no one will notice … But all hair replacement procedures are HAIR PIECES!

Hair pieces are usually attached to a shaven portion of the head. The base has a track around the edge, allowing it to be glued to your scalp, or to be fixed with double-sided tape. Skin-like bases are also available, and glue can be applied to the whole base. The advantage of the glue method is that it is more secure. The drawbacks are that it is less hygenic, your hair grows underneath causing it not to be tightly bonded and you have to return to the studio monthly costing up to £60 to have it re-affixed. Many hairpiece companies do not approve of the monthly glue method because of this.

Beware of the limitations of hairpieces
- replacement in stages is achieved by using smaller hair pieces, and may be far less gradual than you expect
- Asian hair is most commonly used, which is thick and coarse compared to most UK hair
- chemical processes are applied to the hair so it can be dyed to the correct colour; but this fades and goes red
- the hair is likely to shed rapidly, and hair pieces should ideally be replaced yearly
- it may look and feel good when tightly affixed, but not so as the shaven hair grows back underneath; this is why some consultants re-affix theirs daily
- it can cause scalp problems or do damage to your existing hair
- there will be some restrictions to your life

Many hair pieces look realistic, and can be great if you can handle the paranoia of being found out. Many can not, and can be distraught when they go into a studio expecting to have a few additional hairs intergrated but come out with a wig.

Most hair pieces are made in Oriental sweatshops, costing as little as £50. Most hair piece companies will sell them for a few hundred, and provide an excellent after-care service. Some of the big hair replacement companies, with some help from their very clever marketing and advertising, will charge you several thousand for the same thing. Excellent quality pieces are available from the Internet at low costs, from companies such as Coolpiece & Toplace. See http://www.network54.com/Forum/241571, which will tell you most things you need to know about the hairpieces.

Tips: consider whether you can handle having to explain to friends and colleagues where all of this extra hair has come from. If not, don’t do it! (Don’t believe that it will be so gradual that no one will notice.) Don’t pay thousands to companies that often market mediocre hair pieces as some amazing breakthrough. Go to your local hair piece company or order over the Internet and save thousands.

Purdy_1

Cheaper alternative - shave it off ! Dont go for the comb over, it only draws attention to it. Bald men are sexy !! Just look at Bruce Willis, Sean Connery. :T

Wary_2

Very sensible advise Purdy. Alas, for many, it's only after they've fallen victim to one of these unscrupulous companies that they finally realise that acceptance is their best solution.

Most_Wanted

any opinions on silicium?