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Best Treatments for Stimulating Hair Growth

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hair growthHair loss is one of the biggest cosmetic areas men and women seek to treat. Hair loss can make you appear and feel older and can lower your self-esteem.

There are a variety of causes for hair loss – some temporary and some permanent. For individuals with permanent hair loss, stimulating hair growth will require treatment.

How Can I Grow My Hair Back?

Fortunately, there are several tried-and-tested treatments available for stimulating hair growth:

Laser Light Therapy

There are a variety of laser light therapies available for hair regrowth, including at-home tools and laser machines in hair-loss specialists’ clinics. Laser light therapy is available in the form of helmets and combs for home use.

Hair loss specialists have stronger tools that offer light therapy in larger quantities and/or intensities. Laser light therapy stimulates blood flow, which can help restore hair regrowth in the scalp.

Laser light therapy will not regrow a full head of hair, but it can stimulate some growth and help to decrease future hair loss. Laser light strengthens and expands hair follicles – which can not only stimulate hair growth but also allow for stronger, thicker hair.

Using laser light therapy for hair loss is a great treatment option that you can use along with other treatments. 

PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an excellent treatment for stimulating hair growth. PRP therapy involves a doctor or specialist withdrawing a small amount of your own blood, and they then use a centrifuge to isolate the platelets from the blood. The highly concentrated plasma is then inserted into your scalp to stimulate hair growth.

PRP has many great properties, including stimulating healing, rebuilding tissue, and reducing inflammation. PRP therapy is relatively painless and accompanies very few risks, especially since the platelets come from the patient’s own blood – so there is no risk of rejection or incompatibility. 

Hair Replacement Procedures

The most effective solution for hair growth is hair replacement surgery. The most common treatments are follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplant (FUT).

FUE hair transplant procedures involve removing individual follicular units and placing them in the desired area. A specialist will remove a tiny section of skin with just two or three follicles and move it to the area where more hair is desired.

FUT hair transplant procedures involve removing strips of tissue with multiple follicular units (typically from the lower back of the scalp) and placing them in the area where hair is desired. FUT treatments require stitches and a slightly longer healing time.

Both hair transplant procedures can result in permanent hair growth.

Topical Treatments

There are some medications available that stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss. Two of the most popular medications are Minoxidil (Rogaine), which is now available over the counter, and Finasteride (Propecia), which is available through prescription.

Both of these medications are topical, but there are also a variety of oral medications and supplements available that can help stimulate hair growth.

Contact a Hair Restoration Specialist

A hair specialist will be able to examine your medical history and recommend the best hair treatment available for the results you are seeking. Talk to a hair specialist about these hair growth treatments to find out which one may be best for your situation.

If you are interested in hair restoration, MAXiM Hair Restoration would love to help you explore the latest treatment options available. Click here to request a free consultation.

The Stages of Hair Loss in Men

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Losing hair can be a traumatic experience but thankfully, for most men, losing their hair is a process that takes time. It doesn’t happen all at once. In fact, male pattern baldness can be measured.

Are you familiar with the Norwood scale, also recognized as the Hamilton-Norwood scale? It is a classification system that measures male pattern baldness. The system was developed by Dr. James Hamilton in the 1950s and later revised in the ‘70s by Dr. O’Tar Norwood.

The scale reveals that men lose their hair in stages and patterns. Men whose hair begins to recede at the temples are in good company, as this is the most common stage of hair loss, combined with loss on the crown of the head and overall thinning that don’t change the look of the hairline.

There are seven stages of hair loss, according to the Norwood scale. The stages range from mild to severe and are defined as follows.

Stage 1

A man who is in the first stage of hair loss will notice minor loss and very little if any at the hairline. At this stage, the loss of hair is barely noticeable and causes little reason for concern, that is, unless you have a history of baldness in your family. Most men don’t seek hair treatment at this stage of hair loss, though they should pay close attention to how it plays out in the future. Monitoring the loss over time will assist in deciding if and when they may want to seek treatment.

Stage 2

Stage 2 in the process of hair loss is a bit more noticeable than Stage 1. It involves areas of loss that tend to be symmetrical. A man with Stage 2 hair loss will notice that his hair is disappearing in a triangular pattern and recedes at the temporal area. The loss will be noticeable in front of the ears and the fullness of hair that was once front and center is depleting. The loss is obvious.

Stage 3  

Baldness occurs at Stage 3 as the recession of hair is great at the temples and the loss is symmetrical and quite deep over the head, including the crown. There is also loss at the temporal hairline.

Stage 4 

Obviously, with each stage of loss, the loss of hair is greater. So it is with Stage 4, which is severe compared to Stage 3. Hair on the crown is significantly missing. A man in this stage of hair loss might have a bridge of hair between the temporal area in the front and the crown. This band of hair connects the hair on the sides of the head.

Stage 5  

Men at Stage 5 may consider this the beginning of the end. The next stage marks severe loss. Stage 5 includes extreme recession at the temporal and crown areas of the head. The bridge between the two remains but is much thinner. It is also narrower, and the losses are more apparent as they are larger.

Stage 6

The bridge of hair between the crown and the front of a man’s head all but disappears in Stage 6. There may be a few strands that remain, but there is a definite “U” shape to the hair pattern. The hair along the side of the head will thin further at this stage.

Stage 7

Stage 7 is the final stage of hair loss. There is very little hair left on the man’s head that is in Stage 7. There may be a small ring of hair at the back of the head and along the sides of the scalp, but that’s about all.

The saving grace about the stages of male pattern baldness is that the gradual loss allows men the opportunity to investigate their options. MAXiM Hair Restoration is here to help you to navigate those options and to apply solutions.

What Hair Treatments Are Safe After Hair Transplants?

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hair treatmentsHair transplants are becoming very popular because of the technological advancements that have made these procedures safer, more effective, and affordable. Because of this, men and women who suffer from thinning hair or significant hair loss are now able to get hair transplant procedures best suited for the results they want.

If you are interested in getting a hair transplant, you may be wondering how your hair care and styling routine will change after the procedure. Like with any procedure, it’s essential to educate yourself on what to expect afterward so you can reduce complications, have realistic expectations, and prepare for what’s to come.

One question people frequently have about hair transplant surgery is what treatments are safe to do after a hair transplant. Below are some common hair treatments that you can continue to do after your hair transplant procedure.

 Can I Shampoo After a Hair Transplant?

Right after your procedure, the scalp and hair grafts are sensitive. Shampoos (even the most sensitive ones) can irritate them. Therefore, a special shampoo is necessary during the healing process.

For the first couple of weeks after your hair transplant procedure, you should use the recommended special shampoo given by your hair specialist. Once you are healed, you can go back to using your favorite shampoo and conditioner.

Drying and Styling New Hair Transplants

After a hair transplant procedure, it’s important to wait a few weeks before blow-drying or styling your hair with straighteners, curlers, and other products. While it takes several months before your new hair will grow and become visible, the scalp and hair grafts are sensitive. Even if you can’t see the grafts, there is significant healing happening at the scalp.

For the first few weeks after the procedure, it’s best to let your hair dry naturally and avoid applying any chemicals. Once the scalp has healed, you can proceed to style your hair as you please.

When your new hair grows out, you can style it any way you like. But while it’s still healing, it’s important to recognize the sensitivity and take precautions, and not force your healing scalp and newly growing hair.

Can I Dye Transplanted Hair?

Hair dyes can contain harsh chemicals that can damage the sensitive hair grafts. Most experts recommend waiting at least four to six weeks after your hair transplant procedure before coloring your hair.

The scalp can take a few weeks to heal after your procedure, and applying hair dye can complicate and slow down the healing process. Once you are fully healed, it’s okay to dye your hair as you like.

Similarly, once your new hair grows out, you can dye it the same way you do the rest of your scalp. Hair transplant procedures result in permanent hair growth, so you do not have to worry about losing the hair from regular maintenance.

Ask your hair specialist if they have any recommended hair dyes for you. There may be better choices available that are healthier for your hair and scalp.

Relaxers, Perms, and Other Treatments

While these treatments are harsher than curling your hair with a curling iron or dying your hair, you can still relax or perm your hair after a hair transplant – the key is to wait until you’re healed.

While hair transplants will not be adversely affected by most hair treatments once the healing is complete, it’s important to discuss everything with your hair specialist.

Hair Restoration Physicians

To get a better understanding of how your hair care routine will change after a hair transplant procedure, talk to your hair specialist about what kinds of hair treatments you expect to do after your procedure.

If you are interested in learning more about hair transplant procedures, MAXiM Hair Restoration would love to help. Our team at MAXiM Hair Restoration has a wealth of knowledge in the field, and we use the latest treatment options available to treat our clients.

Click here to request an appointment today at any of our national and international locations. We look forward to helping you look and feel amazing!

 

The Stages of Hair Loss in Men

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Losing hair can be a traumatic experience but thankfully, for most men, losing their hair is a process that takes time. It doesn’t happen all at once. In fact, male pattern baldness can be measured.

 

Are you familiar with the Norwood scale, also recognized as the Hamilton-Norwood scale? It is a classification system that measures male pattern baldness. The system was developed by Dr. James Hamilton in the 1950s and later revised in the ‘70s by Dr. O’Tar Norwood.

 

The scale reveals that men lose their hair in stages and patterns. Men whose hair begins to recede at the temples are in good company, as this is the most common stage of hair loss, combined with loss on the crown of the head and overall thinning that don’t change the look of the hairline.

 

There are seven stages of hair loss, according to the Norwood scale. The stages range from mild to severe and are defined as follows.

 

Stage 1

 

A man who is in the first stage of hair loss will notice minor loss and very little if any at the hairline. At this stage, the loss of hair is barely noticeable and causes little reason for concern, that is, unless you have a history of baldness in your family. Most men don’t seek hair treatment at this stage of hair loss, though they should pay close attention to how it plays out in the future. Monitoring the loss over time will assist in deciding if and when they may want to seek treatment.

 

Stage 2

 

Stage 2 in the process of hair loss is a bit more noticeable than Stage 1. It involves areas of loss that tend to be symmetrical. A man with Stage 2 hair loss will notice that his hair is disappearing in a triangular pattern and recedes at the temporal area. The loss will be noticeable in front of the ears and the fullness of hair that was once front and center is depleting. The loss is obvious.

 

Stage 3  

 

Baldness occurs at Stage 3 as the recession of hair is great at the temples and the loss is symmetrical and quite deep over the head, including the crown. There is also loss at the temporal hairline.

 

Stage 4

 

Obviously, with each stage of loss, the loss of hair is greater. So it is with Stage 4, which is severe compared to Stage 3. Hair on the crown is significantly missing. A man in this stage of hair loss might have a bridge of hair between the temporal area in the front and the crown. This band of hair connects the hair on the sides of the head.

 

Stage 5

 

Men at Stage 5 may consider this the beginning of the end. The next stage marks severe loss. Stage 5 includes extreme recession at the temporal and crown areas of the head. The bridge between the two remains but is much thinner. It is also narrower, and the losses are more apparent as they are larger.

 

Stage 6

 

The bridge of hair between the crown and the front of a man’s head all but disappears in Stage 6. There may be a few strands that remain, but there is a definite “U” shape to the hair pattern. The hair along the side of the head will thin further at this stage.

 

Stage 7

 

Stage 7 is the final stage of hair loss. There is very little hair left on the man’s head that is in Stage 7. There may be a small ring of hair at the back of the head and along the sides of the scalp, but that’s about all.

 

The saving grace about the stages of male pattern baldness is that the gradual loss allows men the opportunity to investigate their options. MAXiM Hair Restoration is here to help you to navigate those options and to apply solutions.

How To Know You’re Ready To Give Hair Restoration A Try

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Your hair is one of the first things people see when they look at you. Like it or not, your hair is a big part of the image you present to the world every day. If you experience hair loss or hair thinning, it probably happens so gradually that you do not notice it right away. But once you see a difference in your hair line, you may want to consider hair restoration treatment. Here are just some indications that can help you determine if you are ready to give hair restoration a try.

You have hereditary baldness.

Also called Male Pattern Baldness (or Female Pattern Baldness), this type of hair loss usually makes you a good candidate for a hair transplant to transform your appearance and help you look great. With hereditary baldness, there usually is a good-sized area of healthy, thick hair growing around the sides and back of the head. This hair serves as the “donor” area when you have a transplant, and it will likely grow for the rest of your life. People with hair loss due to sickness, medication, or other reasons may be candidates for hair restoration, too. Your hair loss specialist will be able to tell you.

You aren’t past the point of baldness that a transplant can’t help.

The area of donor hair needs to be large and dense enough to provide hair to the areas where you wish to restore hair. It’s important to have realistic expectations for a hair restoration procedure. If you are totally bald or near bald, there are other methods besides hair restoration to consider besides a hair transplant.

You have tried other methods and are dissatisfied with the results and are prepared to make an investment in your hair.

A hair transplant is surgery, albeit minor surgery under local anesthesia. The procedure, anesthesia, and of course the expertise of your surgeon are all factors in the cost of a hair transplant. The results are permanent and can be a total game-changer for your self-esteem and appearance. But it is not cheap compared to a can of foam.

You have patience.

The hair that is transplanted to your hairline or site of thinning hair will not start to grow for several months. Some people choose to shave their heads so that all their hair grows in at the same time, or women may cover their heads with a headband or scarf. By 12 months after the procedure, your hair will have noticeably grown in and you will be able to see how your hair will look from then on!

You do your homework.

Don’t just choose the first hair restoration specialist you see.  Experience and expertise is essential in this very delicate procedure.  Look into the reputation of the practice, credentials of the surgeon, references, and of course, before and after photos. This is not something to take chances with.

When it time to make that decision to restore a great head of hair, look no further than MAXiM Hair Restoration. With locations throughout the U.S. and surgeons who have performed thousands of hair transplant procedures, MAXiM is the go-to hair restoration expert. When reputation and results count, count on MAXim. MAXiM has locations in New York, Long Island, Connecticut, Chicago, Dallas and the Washington, DC area. When you are ready, contact MAXiM today to discuss your hair restoration today.

Follicular Unit Extraction

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Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE, is the most advanced technique for hair transplant today. As a solution for thinning hair and baldness, hair transplant is the only permanent and natural way to restore your own growing hair. FUE has solved the largest drawbacks to previous methods of hair transplant. Here is an explanation of Follicular Unit Extraction and how it works.

Previous Procedures vs. FUE

At one time, hair transplant methods generally used the punch method, where round plugs of hair were removed and implanted in the balding area. Plugs were painful, lefts scabs and scars, and did not look very natural. Then came Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT), another name for the strip method. FUT required a long strip of hair be removed from the donor area. Regardless of the technique, FUT left a scar that is hard to hide with short hair. Hair restoration professionals seeking a more natural and less painful approach to hair transplants realized the benefits of FUE over previous methods and clients soon learned of FUE’s many benefits as well.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

A minor surgical procedure that is performed with local anesthesia, FUE takes place in sessions of about eight hours long. The difference with FUE vs. a “strip” hair transplant is the way the hair is extracted and moved.

FUE takes more time than strip transplants, as each graft is extracted and implanted individually. Depending on the area you choose to cover, sessions can be scheduled for several consecutive days, and each session usually lasts about eight hours. There is little to no downtime following the procedure.

Benefits of FUE

Unlike plus of FUT, FUE does not scar nor does it require stitches. While the patient relaxes under local anesthesia, the surgeon removes individual grafts of hair from the donor area. The grafts are then transplanted to the hairline or other desired area. The smaller number of hair follicles per graft allows the surgeon greater flexibility in creating your new hairline by implanting the donor hair where you need it.

Because each graft is extracted individually from the donor area, you can wear your hair however you like following the procedure. The transplanted hair takes some months to grow in fully, so many men choose to shave or buzz their hair very short so the new blends with previous growth.

Long-term Results

Hair transplants performed with the FUE method will grow noticeably within six months, and by 12 months you will see the permanent results growing naturally where you had no hair before.

When it comes to hair transplant, you have a choice. Not all surgeons performing FUE produce the same results to the satisfaction of their clients. At MAXiM Hair Restoration, our surgeons artfully design your new hair line with the final style always in mind. You will love your new appearance. MAXiM has locations in New York, Long Island, Connecticut, Chicago, Dallas and the Washington, DC area. Contact MAXiM today to find out if you are a candidate for a hair transplant.

 

Hair Loss Can Be A Difficult Issue To Deal With, Especially If It Happens Earlier Than You Expected.

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In many cases, hair loss occurs due to genetics. Even so, it can occur at different times for different people and proceed in varying degrees. Some men with male pattern baldness may not lose their hair until they are well into their 40s or 50s; for others, it may start in their 20s. Some men may experience hair loss gradually, where the hair thins for several years with a bald spot appearing only much later. Or, hair loss can occur relatively quickly, with a bald spot making its appearance within a year. Individuals from the same family may even experience hair loss in different ways.

Because many people associate hair loss with aging, even a young man with hair loss can appear much older. This means a man with hair loss in his 20s may appear as if he is in his 30s or older. How much older a person looks depends entirely on their looks and the type and severity of hair loss.

While we may be resigned to the fact that all of us age – no one ever really wants to look older if they can help it. If hair loss is making you appear older than your years, it can negatively affect your confidence, self-esteem, and personal life.

But don’t lose hope. If you suffer from hair loss, there are a variety of long-term treatment options that can help you get your hair back, so you can feel and look younger and be more confident.

Medications

There are over-the-counter and prescription medications available that can prevent hair loss and even help regrow hair. These medications include minoxidil and finasteride. You can also get oral medications that will help you stop hair loss. There are a lot of options available on the market that may be able to help you with your hair loss. The best person to suggest medications a hair loss specialist. These individuals can assess your hair loss and recommend the right products for you.

Surgery  

Hair transplant surgeries are effective for hair loss situations that cannot be fixed through medication.

There are several hair transplant procedures that are affordable, safe, and offer great results. The type of procedure that is right for you depends on your hair loss, budget, and preference. A hair transplant surgeon is the best person to speak to when deciding on which procedure you should get done.

If you are suffering from hair loss and feel like you look older than you really are, talk to a hair restoration doctor about what options are available to you. With so many treatment options, there is definitely something ideal for your particular situation.

If you are looking for a way to restore your hair for a fuller head of hair and a more youthful appearance, MAXiM Hair Restoration can help you find the right hair restoration solution for you. Request an appointment at one of our locations today.

 

Is a Hair Transplant Painful?

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hair transplant

One of the most popular plastic surgery procedures among men and women is a hair transplant.

Thinning hair and balding can make a person look older and feel less confident. However, there are safe and effective procedures available today to have hair regrow in desired areas. Among all plastic surgery procedures, a hair transplant is probably one of the least painful procedures available. However, this does not mean it is painless. The amount of pain an individual will experience from a hair transplant procedure depends on the type of hair transplant procedure they are having.

Types of Hair Transplant Procedures

While there are a lot of hair transplant options such as hair plugs, hair implants, and stem cell therapy, two of the most popular hair transplant procedures are follicular unit transplants and follicular unit excisions. Here are more information on both of these procedures.

  • Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) – An FUT is a hair transplant procedure that involves a hair restoration surgeon removing healthy hair follicles in small strips from a donor area. The strips of follicles are then divided into hair grafts that will be inserted into the desired area. FUT requires an incision at the donor area site and will result in minor scarring in the donor area. However, because the small strips from the donor area typically occur at the back of the head where hair is thick, scarring won’t be easily visible. 
  • Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) – An FUE is a hair transplant procedure that involves a hair restoration surgeon removing individual hair follicles (instead if strips). The FUE procedure leaves little scarring, takes a lot longer, but involves a faster recovery period.

Pain During the Procedure

During both of these procedures, you will be given local anesthesia to make the procedure comfortable for you. Removing and placing hair follicles can be a painful process, especially in FUT procedures because of the incision made at the donor area. However, if there is any pain while the procedure is being done, you won’t feel it because of the anesthesia.

Keep in mind that individuals who have hair transplants are awake during the procedure. Local anesthesia will numb the area, but you will be aware of everything that is happening and may feel a slight pulling or tugging on your head.

Pain After the Procedure

After the procedure is completed, it is normal to experience minor pain, swelling, and redness on the scalp – especially in the case of individuals who opt for a FUT procedure as it involves the surgical removal of strips of hair follicles. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers to help with the pain and antibiotics to reduce any chance of infection.

Although hair transplant procedures are not painful, it is important to note that everyone has a different pain threshold. If you are concerned, talk with your hair restoration surgeon about the procedure, and what he or she can do to help you feel as comfortable as possible throughout your hair transplant journey.

If you are looking for a way to restore your hair for a fuller head of hair, MAXiM Hair Restoration can help you find the right hair restoration solution for you. Request an appointment at one of our locations today.

How Eczema and Other Skin Disorders Affect Hair

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There are many skin disorders and conditions which can affect a person’s hair, because the hair grows on the scalp – which (surprise!) is of course covered in skin. While skin conditions that appear on the rest of the body are more apparent because they are visible, skin conditions that affect the scalp are just as important to deal with.

Certain skin conditions can affect your hair and cause cosmetic and hair loss issues. Below are some common skin disorders that can affect your hair:

Eczema

According to the National Eczema Foundation, eczema is a common skin condition that causes the skin to be red, inflamed, and itchy. More than 30 million people across the U.S. have eczema.

There are several types of eczema such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, nummular eczema, and more. Eczema can range from mild to severe, and flare-ups can happen at any time.

There are a variety of things that can trigger eczema, including hormones, allergies, stress, certain medications, and genetics.

Because eczema causes itchy and inflamed skin anywhere on the body, it can also happen near or on the scalp. This is called scalp eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. This type of eczema causes red, scaly, itchy patches to form on the scalp.

Your hair can be affected by this condition because flakes come off the eczema patches when you scratch them. It can also cause hair to be greasy or waxy.

While the symptoms for this type of eczema is very similar to other forms of the skin condition, its effects on the scalp are mostly cosmetic. The flakes come off and get trapped in the hair and look similar to dandruff flakes. The greasy or waxy look of the hair may require more frequent washing.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin, and these patches differ from eczema in that they tend to be raised and well-defined. Psoriasis makes the skin extremely itchy and inflamed, and repeated itching can cause skin infections.

Scalp psoriasis can happen anywhere on the scalp and can spread to your neck, forehead, or ears. Psoriasis is not contagious, and it is likely caused by an immune system or genetic issue.

Like eczema on the scalp, psoriasis causes flakes to come off that look similar to dandruff. It can also cause burning or soreness if the area becomes inflamed or due to repeated scratching. While psoriasis itself does not cause hair loss, too much pitching can lead to hair loss – so individuals with scalp psoriasis have to be cautious in how they deal with it.

Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal skin infection that develops near the scalp. It causes circular, scaly patches to form on the scalp and can be very itchy.

Tinea capitis is highly contagious and is more common among children. The condition can cause hair to become brittle and temporarily fall out. It can also cause the scalp to be inflamed and painful.

If this condition goes untreated for a long period of time and continues to get worse, there may be permanent hair loss.

Who Can Help Me With My Hair Loss?

Hair loss can be caused a variety of reasons, including skin disorders. If you have a skin disorder that is affecting your hair, it’s important to talk to a professional about treatment options as soon as possible.

If you are looking for a way to restore your hair, the experts at Maxim Hair Restoration can help you find the right hair restoration solution for you. Request an appointment at one of our locations today. We look forward to helping you.

 

 

 

Five Myths About Men’s Hair Loss You Believe

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There is a lot of “fake news” around men’s hair loss. For as long as men have suffered from hair loss, people have spread myths and tall tales about what causes hair loss, what makes it worse, and ways to cure it. It’s possible some of the things you “know” about hair loss is not really true. The best person to talk to about the causes of hair loss and what you can do about it is a hair transplant specialist. Check out the myths about men’s hair loss below and see how many of them you believed to be true!

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