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Hair Loss: No Longer A Taboo Subject
A hair transplant isn’t always the ultimate solution many people believe it to be. However, men are increasingly opening up about hair loss, and early intervention could lead to positive results — potentially even preventing the need for a transplant.
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People simply don’t accept the loss of their crowning glory anymore, notes Kieran Walsh, who has been in the hair business for 15 years. The founder of National Beauty, which represents many top hair brands in Ireland, is himself acutely conscious of hair loss, having undergone a hair transplant three years ago. This is a mindset that also surprises colorist and owner of Salon Allure Geri Terranova in New York. “Men are very open about their concern for hair loss today, which is something new to us. We didn’t really see this 20 years ago,” she says. This openness has given rise to the possibility of early treatment.
As with most health concerns, addressing the issue in its nascent stages is likely to result in treatment plans with better outcomes, and to be less costly. While some might still resort to haircuts to conceal their problem, most would seek solutions that help restore their receding hairlines. Among these are shampoos for thinning hair, devices like derma rollers to stimulate hair growth, as well as other, more conventional treatments such as minoxidil, finasteride and surgical hair transplants, discloses Craig Zamonsky, owner of Culture Grooming Lounge in Saskatchewan, Canada. He has also started offering services with new technologies in hair restoration such as the Calecim Advanced Hair System.
“In the last six or seven years, having hair transplants has become the norm, and much of the stigma surrounding efforts to prevent hair loss has disappeared,” reports Walsh. Terranova, too, affirms that she is seeing more men going to places like Turkey to get hair plugs done. “Those who don’t resort to that are willing to spend more on topical treatments that work, rather than cheaper, over-the-counter products that aren’t as efficacious,” comments Walsh.
Hair Transplants May Not Be The Final Solution
Men who go for hair transplants often don’t realize that besides being costly and invasive, it is not a one-stop hair loss solution. Maintenance is often needed after the procedure. If the balding is severe, multiple rounds of hair transplants may be required as the existing un-transplanted hair would start shedding too. Kieran says, “I believe that the journey of a hair transplant doesn't stop after the transplant. I think the aftercare is as important as the transplant itself.”
Studies show that topical minoxidil and finasteride help prevent the shedding that typically occurs after hair transplant surgery, and improve density of hair surrounding the transplant. Apart from hair transplants, minoxidil and finasteride are the most widely recognized FDA-approved agents for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. According to a research paper, Advances in Hair Growth, published by Faculty Opinions, other treatments include microneedling (either on its own or in conjunction with other treatments), platelet-rich plasma and fractional lasers.
New Solutions Using Stem Cell Signaling
Among these, emerging treatments targeting hair’s stem cells and nourishing follicles show promise in regenerating hair or preventing further loss, challenging the view that male pattern baldness is always permanent or irreversible. Stem cell media technology with its powerful cell-messaging pathways that influence follicle activity could offer a solution.
Dr Patrick Treacy, cosmetic doctor and director of the Ailesbury Clinic in Dublin, has been an early adopter of stem cell science in his clinic since 2012. He began using the Calecim range of stem cell exosomes at a time when the cosmeceutical line was only accessible to physicians. The brand’s proprietary technology, PTT-6, derived from the extract of umbilical cord stem cells, can be found in its Advanced Hair System, which is specially formulated for hair restoration. Dr Treacy says the hair system has been “transformative” for his clients who are experiencing mild to moderate hair loss. This includes conditions like telogen effluvium (hair loss caused by stress), androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern balding), post-partum hair loss, and alopecia areata (patchy baldness caused by an autoimmune disorder). Using a tailored delivery method via derma stamping or microneedling, the Calecim system delivers PTT-6 directly to hair follicles.
Dr Treacy observes that this delivers more predictable and rapid results; even for those who have not responded to conventional therapies such as minoxidil and finasteride. Clients typically notice visible improvements, such as new vellus hair and reduced shedding, within six weeks, which he notes is “remarkably” sooner than the three-to-six month timeline of many other treatments. “For those who have undergone hair transplants, applying the serum to donor and recipient sites has enhanced graft survival and accelerated recovery, making it a versatile adjunct to surgical interventions,” he adds. This is also proven in studies that show that hair grafts tend to survive better when treated with biologically-enhanced media before transplants. He reveals that feedback from users in his clinic has been overwhelmingly positive. “Men with early-stage androgenetic alopecia have seen darker, denser regrowth, sometimes with anecdotal reports of grey hairs regaining pigment. Women experiencing perimenopause-related thinning or post-illness hair loss, have shared how the treatment restored their confidence by visibly reducing scalp visibility within weeks”
Indeed, Walsh is extremely pleased with the results from using the Advanced Hair System post transplant. “When I saw the science behind the product, I realized I had seen nothing like it in the past 15 years,” he reports. “It wasn’t just the level of hair regeneration, I could see that the density of my hair had improved and the condition had improved.” Another advantage of the Advanced Hair System is that it does not have the side effects usually associated with pharmaceutical solutions. This is an important consideration, as hair loss—even after a transplant—requires ongoing maintenance and care.
Hair salon owners like Zamonsky and Philip Wolff (owner of a Beverly Hills studio and hair styling educator) have started using the Calecim system in their salons and report positive results. Zamonsky says, “The Advanced Hair System is user-friendly to integrate as an in-shop service. After the very first treatment, clients often report noticeable differences, such as ‘it’s easier to style’ or ‘there’s less shedding already.’” Wolff remarks that his experience with the Advanced Hair System has been “quite incredible. The technology works, and it’s very simple and user-friendly,” he attests to the results.
Stylists Offer Styling Tips And Solutions For Thinning Hair
Your hair stylist would probably be the first to notice any hair thinning. Bringing up the topic of hair loss may be sensitive and most will wait till their client seeks advice to offer any. Wolff says, “If a client asks me advice on what I think they should do, I have a larger conversation. The spectrum of hair loss is quite wide and it really comes down to a few things. How far the thinning has gone, how much it affects the client — some don't really mind that much and just accept it, while others are devastated — and how willing they are to commit to a particular treatment protocol.”
In terms of camouflaging thinning hair, there are also many innovative options other than the shaved head or comb-over. Zamonksy shares a few, “Current men’s hair trends, such as the crop top, help create a stronger-looking front hairline to mask early recession. For crown thinning, styles like slick backs with longer top lengths are popular for providing coverage.” Davis offers his take: “Textured fringe that flows forward is a popular one. When the client’s fringe is a bit thinner and lighter, using less elevation helps give the fringe or bangs a fuller appearance.”
“It's all about illusion, so I make sure the shape and density are as balanced as possible,” Wolff sums up, reflecting on the stylists’ considerations.
If the hair loss is more severe, there are options that stylists can recommend — such as hair pieces, transplants, and new discoveries like the Calecim hair treatment. “As barbers, our professional scope primarily allows us to recommend shampoos, topical treatments, and styling approaches. This is why we are optimistic about offering Calecim, as it provides us with a scientifically backed option that we can confidently stand behind to help our clients achieve visible results,” offers Zamonsky.
As Wolff puts it: “I think many people are looking for more natural and less invasive alternatives to treating their hair thinning. The evolution of biotechnology has been quite substantial in just the last decade, and it has moved into the beauty and self-care space, which has been amazing in my opinion!”
The Advanced Hair System can be found in hair specialist clinics and selected salons, and is also available as an at-home treatment with a supplied dermastamper.
