Doctorly and The Ultimate Hair Loss Prevention Guide

Dr. Maxfield and Dr. Shah are physicians who specialize in skincare, nail care and hair care. They bring their experience to YouTube and have partnered with Bosley® to create the ultimate guide for hair loss.

Note: Dr. Maxfield and Dr. Shah are not affiliated or employed by Bosley or Bosley Medical Group. The following is a Bosley sponsored video.

Here are a few of the topics they cover in the video:

What causes hair loss?

Androgenetic Alopecia, or pattern hair loss, happens because of androgen or hormonal changes and genetics. The hair cycle begins with the growth phase (anagen) continues to an in-between phase (catagen) and leads to a resting and shedding phase (telogen). Pattern hair loss happens when hair goes from the anagen phase to a telogen phase in a shorter amount of time. Some conditions shift 5-alpha reductase enzyme receptors in the hair, causing a disturbance in the hair cycle. This has the capability to not only stop growth but begin the hair loss process.

“Natural” Treatments

Many over-the-counter natural supplements have some data and evidence that back up their use in helping with pattern hair loss. These include saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, caffeine, green tea, rosemary oil, peppermint oil and spearmint oil. While some data supports their use, it is worth noting they have yet to be approved by the FDA for hair growth.

Castor Oil

While castor oil has been thought to help people with hair loss, it has yet to produce any data or evidence to back it up. Furthermore, there are no scientific reasons why it would be effective for hair growth.

Low Level Light Therapy

There is evidence that backs up the claim that light or lasers helps hair growth through photobiomodulation. Both Dr. Maxfield and Dr. Shah recommend the use of this as an additive in combination with several other factors in someone’s hair growth journey.

Minoxidil or Rogaine

Minoxidil is the most prescribed over the counter topical treatment for hair loss and has been proven to work for both men and women. Minoxidil increases the anagen, or growth, phase of the hair cycle while shortening the telogen, or shedding, phase and enlarges miniaturized hairs that happen during pattern hair loss. While this treatment is known to be efficient, the aid it brings to a patient’s hair cycle requires long term commitment to maintain hair growth.

Microneedling

Microneedling causes stimulation of growth factors that could stimulate your hair follicle or collagen induction. When used with Minoxidil to penetrate the scalp, it has been known to be highly effective in hair growth.

Finasteride

Finasteride restrains 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme, which stops the process of testosterone from becoming DHT which causes hair loss. While it is only FDA approved for men, the promise of finasteride and the evidence behind it is enough for Dr. Maxfield and Dr. Shah to trust and take as a part of their personal hair growth journey.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone restrains androgen and androgen receptors which play a role in female pattern hair loss. While this prescription can be immensely helpful for hair loss, dermatologists also use it to help with hormonal acne and women with PCO. As always, discuss with your physician before use.

Hair Transplant

A hair transplant is where healthy hair follicles are transferred to sections that have experienced hair loss. This technique has evolved to be highly effective with natural looking results. There are two types of hair transplant procedures. Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) is where a strip is taken from a concentrated area, hair follicles are then extracted and transplanted into needing areas. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a lengthier procedure where individual hair follicles are removed directly from the scalp and transplanted. While these procedures are known to be effective, Dr. Maxfield and Dr. Shah recommend a combination of treatments to help maintain hair growth.

Together for Hair Loss

When you notice hair loss, you’re racing against time. Dr. Maxfield and Dr. Shah know that it’s important to seek an expert opinion who can not only do something now but can have a plan set for the future. Bosley is here to help! Schedule your free consultation to start your hair growth journey today.

Thank you Doctorly for always providing accurate information and helpful insights into the world of dermatology.