THE BELGRAVIA CENTRE BLOG

Name: Dina

Question: I would like to ask a question regarding female hair loss.  If I used Minoxidil for a year does that mean I have to use it all my life? What if I stop using this after 9 months or so? Will my hair fall out again? Is this treatment continue for life?

Answer: The required duration of treatment usage depends on the hair loss condition you are experiencing.  If it is Female Pattern Hair Loss then it is most likely you will have to continue in order to maintain your hair.  If your hair loss is due to Telogen Effluvium or Diffuse Hair Loss then there is a good chance treatment will only be required temporarily, until the underlying cause of the hair loss is dealt with.

More information:

FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS
TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM
DIFFUSE HAIR LOSS

Question: I have had a bald patch in my stubble for around 1 year. It is around 1 cm in diameter. There is no associated skin condition.  I think (it is hard to tell!) another bald patch has developed - this is only 5mm diameter - in my stubble. Is this alopecia? Assuming it is alopecia, can this spread to my scalp and what are the chances of me losing all of my head hair?

Answer: The condition that you have sounds like Alopecia Areata Barbae or Alopecia of the beard. Alopecia of the beard is often referred to as a herald patch, meaning it’s possible that it could spread to other areas such as your scalp. Bear in mind though that it’s common for people to experience patches of Alopecia Areata without the patches progressing. I’d say in the great majority of cases it will not progress to the extent of total hair loss and much of the time the hair will grow back on its own.
 
Your GP may be able to prescribe a steroid based cream that could help grow back the hair.  Here at the Belgravia Centre we are only permitted to prescribe treatments for the scalp.

Name: Daniel

Question: I have been a welder for the last year and have experienced hair loss. Could this process have been speeded up by breathing in the fumes?

Answer: It is unlikely that the fumes breathed in from welding will speed up your hair loss. Hair loss in men is usually genetic but the rate could be increased by stress or illness. If the working hours of your job, or the fumes you breathe in can cause either of these then it’s possible that this could be a factor affecting your hair loss.

If you would like to obtain an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment recommendations then I advise you to submit a diagnostic form which can be found at the following link - http://www.belgraviacentre.com/online_diagnosis.htm.

Name: Stu

Question: Can you please explain how the laser comb works. And therefore how it differs to laser treatment which requires the larger machines. Is it simply a difference in power?

Answer: I met with Randy Veliky, chief operations officer of HairMax (manufacturers of the LaserComb) not long ago. He informed me that the main difference between the LaserComb and other low power laser machines is that the comb is specially designed to make the most of all the beam shined on the scalp. When your head is placed in a large hood-like laser device, or most other types of laser machines the hair blocks most of the light emitted resulting in minimal effectiveness - as much as 90% of the light can be lost before reaching the scalp. The beams on the HairMax LaserComb are perfectly placed to ensure the hair is parted by the combs before light is shone onto the area. Therefore no light escapes and all of the energy emitted is absorbed by the scalp (and in turn the hair follicles), not the hair.

More information on the HairMax LaserComb and how it works can be found at the following link - LASERCOMB.

Name: George

Question: Does the LaserComb work for receding hairlines?

Answer: The LaserComb is not recommended to be used by men with Norwood Hamilton classification I II Va VI or VII. You can see an example of the Norwood Hamilton graph at the following link - http://www.belgraviacentre.com/malestages.htm.

For hair loss at the temples we recommend Minoxidil 12.5% + Azelaic Acid

Name:  Andrew White 

Question:  Can Dutasteride/Finasteride be applied topically to the scalp therefore reducing potential side effects?

Answer:  At the present time I would not class Propecia and Dutasteride in the same category.  Propecia is an FDA approved medication, proven to stabilise and regrow hair whilst ensuring safety.  Side effects are extremely unlikely and if they are experienced, are mild and will usually wear off with continuation of use but always when treatment is stopped.

Dutasteride, however, has not been FDA approved and does have some worrying issues related to side effects - you can find more information here - DUTASTERIDE.

With regard to topical application of Finasteride; up until now there is no evidence that Propecia would be effective if applied topically to the scalp and no testing or research has been carried out for this.

Name: Ali 

Question: How long do I need to continue treatment for male hair loss?

Answer: Treatment for Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPH) generally needs to be on-going.  As long as DHT is present in the system of a person who is genetically prone to MPH, they will lose their hair without treatment.

Name: Rose 

Question: Can a woman use Minoxidil if she is pregnant?

Answer: No, pregnant women can not use Minixidil. We would advise to wait until after delivery and breast-feeding (if applicable) and then contact us about treatment if your hair loss persists.

Name: Abu Kaler

Question: I am a professional body builder and use a lot of supplements such as protien, amino acids and cruically testosterone each day. I have thinning hair on top of my head with a fairly large patch around my crown. I want to get it treated but if I used your products would i have to stop taking testosterone?

Answer: You would not have to stop taking testosterone or any of the supplements you mention if you were to begin using a treatment course for hair loss.

Name: Lorraine

Question: I have been using Minoxidil 4% for nearly 9 months. However it causes a white powder like residue on my scalp. How can I control this?

Answer: Like you, I use Minoxidil (5% + MPG).  I also sometimes get this just in front of my hair-line (where it has dripped).  Once it has dried up it is ok to wipe off because all the required Minoxidil has been absorbed info the scalp.  It is very easy to be wiped off and can be done with your finger.