Dr Shapiro’s Help Hair Shake – Any Good for Hair Loss?
A hair transplant surgeon has launched his Help Hair Whey Protein Shake to help boost hair growth. Dr. Lawrence Shapiro, from Florida, USA, developed his natural growth-hormone-free hair shake which provides the essential amino acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals needed for healthy hair, skin and nails.
After 20 years working as a hair transplant surgeon, Dr Shapiro has worked with people suffering from hair loss due to a variety of factors including pregnancy, menopause, thyroid problems, cosmetic surgery, the use of growth hormone supplements and steroids (for weight training), and the use of weight loss products. Dr Shapiro has also treated people suffering from Androgenic Alopecia, more commonly referred to Male Pattern Hair Loss or Female Pattern Hair Loss.
But does the shake actually prevent hair loss and restore lost hair? Senior hair loss specialist at the Belgravia Centre, Leonora Doclis, says that this supplement will help to keep hair in good condition but that it will not stimulate hair growth. She says, “Protein and amino acids are indeed essential for healthy hair growth but they will not reduce levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT – the hormone that causes genetic hair loss).” Doclis points out that the Belgravia Centre offers a similar product, Hair Vitalics (without the protein), however, like the Help Hair Shake, it is not designed as a stand-alone hair loss treatment. “These products, as much any vitamin supplement, can be very helpful if nutritional deficiency caused the hair loss and if taken in combination with the proven hair loss medications. Dr Shapiro’s shake may have gone a step further in incorporating most of the essential vitamins and mineral in a protein shake compared to other brands,” explains Doclis.
When it comes to genetic hair loss, the most common type of hair loss and nearly always the cause of hair loss in men, there are only two hair loss treatments that have been proven to work. Minoxidil (for men and women) and Propecia (for men only) have undergone clinical trials and been shown to be highly effective; subsequently both medications have been licensed by the MHRA and approved by the FDA, the medical regulatory bodies in the UK and USA respectively. Minoxidil is a topical agent applied to the affected area that helps to increase the nutrient flow to the scalp which can bring about regrowth. Propecia is a tablet that has shown to inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thereby allowing the hair follicles to continue to grow hair.
These products bring about optimum results when used as part of an individualised treatment alongside the correct hair growth booster. The Belgravia Centre has an inhouse pharmacy that prepares Minoxidil in three formulations: Minoxidil 4% and 5% solutions with added Medroxyprogesterone (MPG) and Minoxidil 12.5% cream with added Azelaic Acid (AA). MPG and AA are hair growth booster ingredients that may help to reduce the effects of DHT, in turn increasing the efficacy of the Minoxidil.
For men, these individualised Minoxidil treatments can be complimented by a course of Propecia to prevent baldness and maintain hair growth. To see how effective these prescriptive treatments can be, take a look at the range of male and female hair loss success stories.
If you are concerned about hair loss, and don’t know whether you should opt for hair supplements or hair loss treatments, the first thing to do is see a specialist who will be able to diagnose the condition. Then he or she will be able to recommend the best method of treatment.
The Belgravia Centre offers a free consultation to have this diagnosis and discuss treatment options. To book an appointment, simply call 020 7730 6666 or message the centre. Alternatively, complete the online diagnostic form and a treatment advisor will contact you with the diagnosis.
More Information
Hair Loss in Men
Hair Loss in Women
Hair Growth Boosters
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