As far as your options are concerned, there are a multitude of hair loss products available, each claiming to work in a slightly different way, but all ultimately promising one of the following:

1. Prevention of hair loss

2. Reduction of hair loss

3. Regeneration of lost hair

4. A cover-up for baldness

Whilst it can be tempting, especially for those who are affected emotionally or psychologically by their hair loss, to try any product that claims to work, it pays to learn a little more about each option before reaching for your credit card. Here, we briefly explain what some of the most popular hair loss products claim to do, including links to more in-depth information about each one.

Are these hair loss products any good?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as a hair loss product that may be right for one person, might not necessarily be right for someone else.

As yet, we have not seen any firm evidence of a product that can be classed as a hair loss cure, however hair loss sufferers around the world have each discovered their own findings.

To ask people who have used these products about their own experiences, visit our hair loss forum.

Popular hair loss products

Hair Thickening Shampoo

There are several hair loss shampoos available that claim to slow down, or even stop hair loss. The most popular amongst these are Revivogen and Nanogen Nanoguard.

Revivogen is a shampoo made from natural ingredients, that is marketed for the prevention of hair loss. Very little is known about Revivogen shampoo and conditioner, including critically, exactly how it works and how scientific studies have been conducted to substantiate its claims. Several HIS clients have tried Revivogen with mixed results, however the general consensus is that the product, whilst it may offer some benefits, does not effectively prevent hair loss.

Nanogen Nanoguard is part of a vast range of branded hair loss products, marketed by Nanogen, a laboratory based in the UK. The manufacturer claims that the product can reduce hair loss, and recommends that it be used in conjunction with another product called Nanogen Nanogaine. Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to find any independent verification of its effectiveness, as almost all references to Nanogaine online, are written by the manufacturer, or retailers of the product.

Hair Loss Pills

Pills to combat thinning hair are amongst the most popular hair loss products available. By far, the most common is Propecia, a tablet based on the active ingredient Finasteride. Another common product is Procerin, a pill that even claims to enable lost hair to regrow.

Propecia is a DHT blocker. DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone that is created naturally by the human body, and is widely blamed as a common cause of hair loss in men. Propecia claims to prevent the hormone from affecting hair follicles in the scalp, consequently preventing or slowing hair loss. Although there is some evidence to suggest that the product may offer benefits to some people, for many it does not. Propecia can also cause unacceptable side effects in some patients, including erectile dysfunction and a reduction in semen production.

Procerin claims to slow the chemical reaction caused by DHT, therefore providing benefits to hair loss suffers. The product has, however, been subjected to widespread criticism, as a search on Google for “procerin scam” will reveal.

Topical Lotions

Put simply, these products are applied to the scalp on a daily, or twice-daily basis, and claim to reduce or prevent hair loss. The most common products available include Rogaine and Nanogen Nanogaine.

Rogaine contains the active ingredient Minoxidil, and is available as either a foam or lotion. Rogaine is applied directly to the scalp. Exactly how Rogaine works is not entirely understood. It claims to dilate blood vessels in the scalp, possibly improving hair follicle function and in turn, stimulating the growth of hair. Reviews of the Rogaine hair loss product are mixed.

Nanogaine is a topical solution that is applied daily. Whilst Rogaine is soluble in alcohol, Nanogaine is soluble in water, making it arguably less damaging to the scalp. As with many hair loss products, unbiased reviews are almost impossible to find, therefore it is difficult to know whether or not this product can live up to its claims.

Temporary Concealers

Concealers are not hair loss products that claim to prevent hair loss, only to disguise baldness, making existing hair appear thicker and fuller. The most popular products include DermMatch, Nanogen Nanofibres and Toppik.

All temporary concealers work in a similar way, coating and extending remaining hair on the scalp to cover up balding areas. The results these products can achieve are fairly impressive, however they do not provide a long term solution, not least because they all rely on there being SOME hair to cling to. The thinner the hair, the less effective they become. Concealers may provide short term relief for some people, however many of our clients come to HIS following years of concealer use, because they still remain unhappy with their hair loss problem.

Hair Systems

Commonly known as wigs, toupees or hair units, hair systems are used by many hair loss suffers as they provide an instant solution to hair loss.

Unfortunately, hair systems are not without their disadvantages. Systems are generally expensive, can look unnatural, and are reported by many users to cause hygiene problems, as a wig remains in place for up to 6-8 weeks before it can be removed. We have also seen evidence of skin damage caused by the adhesives used to hold the system in place.

Hair Transplant Surgery

Finally, the most dramatic option is to consider a hair transplant procedure. Hair transplant procedures do provide a solution for many thousands of men, however it is important to fully understand the procedure, and find a surgeon you are happy with, before committing to any treatment.

Patients are usually left with a large hair transplant scar, or a collection of smaller scars, depending on the transplant method. HIS Hair Clinic commonly apply the MHT technique to camouflage these scars. Also, a combination of hair transplant and MHT treatment can produce very impressive results. This combination is particularly useful for those with insufficient donor hair for the hair density they desire.

The MHT Micro Hair Technique

The MHT technique was developed by HIS Hair Clinic to provide a safe, permanent, undetectable solution for hair loss. The technique is based around a highly sophisticated scalp pigmentation method, in which individual hair follicles are recreated to give the appearance of a full head of hair, with a close cropped, modern style.

Shabaz (above) had a rapidly thinning head of hair before his treatment. The change in his appearance has had a positive effect, on every aspect of his life. Results of this standard are routine, in fact, we are proud to hold a 100% client satisfaction record.

For further information, please see our hair loss treatments section, or for information about specific hair loss products, click on the various links above. Feel free to speak with our existing clients in our hair loss forum, or you can contact us directly for free and impartial hair loss advice.

A receding hairline can have a profound effect on a persons confidence, usually because prior to the appearance of a receding hairline, hair loss simply wasn’t an issue. At this stage, most men ignore the problem, and thankfully, the recession of hair for many people is a very slow process.

Many of our clients come to us whilst they’re still in their twenties, following the early signs of male pattern baldness. Taz (below) asked HIS Hair Clinic for help when he noticed the signs of thinning hair.

As well as redefining Taz’ hairline, we also treated the top of his head, in the crown area in particular, to give him thicker, fuller looking hair. The application of the MHT Micro Hair Technique has made a significant difference to Taz’ life. He no longer feels conscious of losing his hair, in fact hairloss simply isn’t something he has to worry about any more.

A receding hairline is something that will most likely progress as a person ages. Depending on Taz’s individual circumances, he may need to return to us in the future if his real hair recedes further, however until then, his new look requires very little maintenance.

I have a receding hairline. What should I do?

The important thing is not to panic. Remember, hair loss is a perfectly natural part of the aging process and is therefore nothing to worry about. If however, you feel uncomfortable with your receding hairline and would like to take action, you have many options available to you, including tablets such as Propecia, a hair transplant, and many more.

We believe the MHT technique provides many hair loss sufferers, with the very best all-round solution. What is right for one person is not necessarily right for another, therefore it is up to the individual to make the choice that is best for themselves, however MHT does offer many significant advantages, without many of the disadvantages associated with other solutions.

For further information, see hair loss treatments, our scalp pigmentation gallery and talk with our existing clients in the hair loss forum.

The condition, which can occur at any age, generally begins fairly suddenly and gets better on its own within about six months, although for a few people it can become a chronic problem. Because telogen effluvium develops a while after its trigger, and causes generalised thinning of hair density rather than a bald patch, women with the condition can easily be diagnosed as overanxious or neurotic. Fortunately, it often gets better with time.

Telogen effluvium is a phenomenon related to the growth cycles of hair. Hair growth cycles alternate between a growth phase (called anagen, it lasts about three years) and a resting phase (telogen, which lasts about three months). During telogen, the hair remains in the follicle until it is pushed out by the growth of a new hair in the anagen phase.

At any one time, up to about 15 per cent of hairs are in telogen. But a sudden stress on the body can trigger large numbers of hairs to enter the telogen phase at the same time. Then, about three months later, this large number of hairs will be shed. As the new hairs start to grow out, so the density of hair may thicken again.

Many adults have had an episode of telogen effluvium at some point in their lives, reflecting episodes of illness or stress.

Another common type of hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia, which is related to hormone levels in the body. There’s a large genetic predisposition, which may be inherited from the father or mother. Androgenetic alopecia affects roughly 50 per cent of men (this is the main cause of the usual pattern of balding seen as men age) and perhaps as many women over the age of 40.

Research shows that up to 13 per cent of women have some degree of this sort of hair loss before the menopause, and afterwards it becomes far more common – one piece of research suggests that over the age of 65 as many as 75 per cent of women are affected.

Can MHT combat hair loss in women?

It depends on individual circumstances, however yes, MHT can provide solutions for hair loss in women. Primarily, this takes the form of pigmenting the scalp with micro hairs, to make the head of hair appear thicker and fuller, in much the same way we apply the technique to scalps that have been subject to a hair transplant.

If you are female and suffering from a form of hair loss, we may be able to help. Please contact us for an informal discussion.

Whilst hair loss specialists in all fields, including hair transplant surgeons, Propecia retailers and temporary concealer distributors all describe themselves as hair restoration experts, in its literal sense, the only way a treatment can be described as ‘hair restoration’ is if the result is to restore or improve the growth of lost or thinning hair.

Hair transplant clinics shouldn’t strictly be classed as hair restoration specialists, as no hair is actually restored. It is simply removed from a donor site on the patients body, and placed on the scalp to replace lost head hair.

Retailers of temporary concealers and hair systems (wigs) do not fit the classification of ‘hair restoration’ either, as baldness is just covered up, whilst no hair is restored.

Even our own MHT Micro Hair Technique cannot be described as hair restoration. We use sophisticated scalp pigmentation methods to simulate the appearance of hair, and whilst we are hugely passionate about our results, the process does not involve the restoration of lost or thinning hair.

In reality, the only treatment types that can be accurately described as restoring real hair, are pills puch as Propecia or Procerin, lotions such as Rogaine, and anti-hair loss shampoos such as Nanogen Nanoguard and Revivogen. Unfortunately, these hair loss solutions have been subject to widespread criticism regarding their effectiveness.

At HIS Hair Clinic we recognise that the hair loss sector is a multi-billion pound industry, and are therefore sceptical of any ‘miracle’ cures that tout unsubstantiated claims. Before spending money with peddlers of such lotions and potions, make sure you examine the EVIDENCE for yourself. If you are unable to find reliable, unbiased and unsolicited evidence, there is probably a good reason why.

Normally its the wags who are spotted heading to the salon for expensive treatments, however in a bid to combat his ever-thinning locks, Ryan Giggs has reportedly splashed out over £6,000 on a mystery hair loss treatment. Giggs, 36, is also reported to use hair thickening shampoos and a liquid regrowth formula, possibly similar to Rogaine.

At HIS Hair Clinic, we are sceptical about the effectiveness of such lotions and potions. Even if they had proven beneficial, it is impossible to regrow hair from areas of the scalp which are already bald, without undergoing hair transplant surgery.

Ryan Giggs isn’t the only sports personality to take action against hair loss. Cricketers Graham Gooch, Michael Vaughan and Shane Warne have admitted putting their faith in “hair regeneration” regimes that, had they paid for them, would have cost up to £10,000.

When Giggs first joined Manchester United more than 20 years ago, his thick flowing locks soon found him a legion of female fans. The Wales international was the English Premier League’s first poster boy, before the emergence of David Beckham.

Thankfully if you are suffering from some form of hair loss, you don’t need a Ryan’s reported £23m bank balance to deal with the problem. HIS Hair Clinic specialise in scalp pigmentation techniques, however there are several hair loss treatments available for you to choose from.

Stem cell regeneration has been very effective over the last 10 years or so at producing hair growth in mice, a fact that has been well documented and has caused more than its fair share of controversy. Despite this, Aderans Research Institute has launched Phase Two of its clinical study on cell-based regeneration of hair.

Obviously following on from the findings made during Phase One, Phase Two will continue to assess the effects of stem cell treatment on both male and female pattern hair loss. If a treatment is derived from these studies, it is likely that it will only be suitable for male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, and will not be suitable for hair loss sufferers with underlying conditions that may be affecting their loss of hair. There is further experimentation taking place which suggests that treatments may be available to enable hair to grow back, regardless of why it fell out in the first place, however there is currently no conclusive evidence to support this beyond mere speculation.

The treatment would involve drawing the blood of the patient, which is then separated. This process is called PRP or platelet rich plasma, which contains stem cells and growth factors. Those factors then are injected into the scalp in the affected area. This form of stem cell treatment, which would cost several thousand dollars, also uses a laser to agitate the skin so the stem cells can migrate into the hair follicles. The procedure can be uncomfortable, however it would just be a one hour treatment that would only need to be performed once.

This treatment procedure is still in the experimental stages, and is therefore not available to the general public. The results will be published in a study but in the meantime, if you’re losing your hair there are several other hair loss treatment options available.

Generally permanent make-up, also known as semi-permanent make-up or general micro pigmentation treatments, are carried out by women who do not solely focus on treating hair loss and the scalp area. However there are now some make-up practitioners trying to perform scalp tattooing.

Permanent make-up practitioners prodominantly specialise in ladies procedures such as eye liners, lip liners, eye brow enhancements and scar work, particularly relating to the areola area of a female breast following a mastectomy.

Professional permanent make up practitioners are often very highly qualified and skilled in their specialist make-up field and make-up techniques, however they are generally not skilled in performing scalp pigmentation treatment. Scalp tattooing is a very advanced and sophisticated treatment requiring specialist skills that have generally been refined and established with many years of specific training and practice.

We are aware of one particular hair tattoo company that is trying to grow by employing the services of permanent make-up artists on a profit share basis to offer hair tattooing in various countries around the world. We strongly advise against the use of a person who is not suitably qualified to perform a procedure that is often life changing in nature. We recommend that whenever considering treatment that you check thoroughly the background of both the company and the individual performing the procedure, and if you are in any doubt, do not allow the procedure to be carried out. It is your head, and your future.

Although HIS are fully qualified to carry out permanent make-up procedures we do not offer this type of cosmetic enhancement any more as we chose to put all of our skills and energy into helping hair loss sufferers. Should you wish to receive a permanent make-up treatment we can put you in touch with some of the best practitioners in the world with whom we have had the pleasure of training with many years ago.

Despite the fact that cosmetic tattooing has been used for some time by permanent makeup artists, the true potential of cosmetic tattooing only now being realised. Following the development of a new form of cosmetic tattooing by HIS Hair Clinic back in 2003 to be used as a treatment for hair loss, sufferers of hair loss are now becoming aware that there is a viable alternative to hair transplant surgery, wigs, temporary concealers and pills.

The majority of our clients however, do not find us deliberately. Frustrated with the loss of their hair, our clients discuss their problem online with fellow sufferers and perhaps contact clinics for information about the most common treatment options. Only after reading about the experiences of others and after seeing our fantastic results in the Gallery, do these clients realise that there is a faster, safer, more effective, less invasive and less costly option available that they really can live with.

Below is an actual photograph taken during one of our cosmetic tattooing treatments. As with most of our clients, his face is hidden to protect his privacy as part of our Service Guarantee, however the results are real and available for all to see.

To see more of our clients before and after their cosmetic tattooing treatment please see our Gallery.

As the original innovators of MHT scalp pigmentation, we are passionate about cosmetic tattooing and how the results achieved can change the lives of hair loss sufferers worldwide. If you are interested in finding out more, read about HIS Hair Clinic, check our latest developments in our blog, and speak with our past customers in our hair loss forum.

What is Revivogen?

Revivogen is a branded shampoo and conditioner made from natural ingredients marketed for the prevention of hair loss. Like all of the other natural products for hair loss, Revivogen is not FDA approved which means there is no firm evidence to indicate that it can prevent or reverse hair loss. Unfortunately there are no strict regulations for natural products so it is difficult to know for sure how effective a natural product is.

How does Revivogen work?

The active ingredients in Revivogen shampoo are Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA), Alpha Linolenic acid (ALA), Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Azaleic Acid, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Saw Palmetto Extract, Beta-Sitosterol and Procyanidin Oligomers. Here are details of the clinical studies Revivogen refer to for these ingredients:

Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA), Alpha Linolenic acid (ALA), Linoleic Acid:

The Revivogen website states that these are ‘proven’ 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Because 5-alpha reductase is the product that causes Testosterone to convert to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), it makes sense that blocking this substance will inhibit the formation of DHT and therefore prevent hair loss. However, the clinical studies Revivogen refer to for these products are either carried out on mice or in cultured conditions (cell or skin samples studied in a lab). The conditions in which these studies were carried out may not have produced accurate examples of the effects the product would have if applied externally to a human being.

Azelaic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Zinc Sulphate

In a clinical study involving cultured skin samples the combination Azelaic Acid, Zinc Sulphate and Vitamin B6 applied to the skin resulted in significant inhibition of 5-alpha reductase. The study does not make clear the concentrations of each substance so it is difficult to compare the amount contained to that contained in Revivogen. This is another example of a study that does not accurately signify the conditions of the way Revivogen is used on living humans so again is difficult to judge whether the results are significant.

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto can be effective in reducing 5-alpha reductase presence but studies involved cultured cells and were therefore merely a vague indication of the effects that Saw Palmetto might have in humans for the prevention of hair loss. For an effective clinical study it is important that the product is tested on living humans.

Procyanidin B-2

Revivogen talk of three studies for Procyanidin B-2 on their website. The first, unlike any of the other studies listed so far, was carried out on humans. 29 men took part in the study but there is no mention that they were experiencing hair loss. The study claims that on average, the 19 men using Procyanidin B-2 (10 used a placebo) experienced an increase in the mean diameter of their hair as well as an increase in hair count.

The study was not controlled or peer-reviewed and seemed to be carried out by the manufacturers of Revivogen so it’s difficult to say whether the results were fairly measured. The study was also carried out on a small number of subjects – too little to obtain an accurate indication of the product’s effects on hair loss.

The second and third study consisted again of either testing on live mice or cultured cells from mice so results on live humans in the dose administered within Revivogen may not resemble the results from the study.

In conclusion

Very little is known about Revivogen shampoo and conditioner, including critically, exactly how it works and how scientific studies have been conducted. We see no firm evidence that this product lives up to its claims, and possibly more important, this view seems to be shared by those who have tried using it. We do not recommend the use of any topical lotions or tablets to combat hair loss, but if you are considering trying one of these lotions, this one seems unlikely to produce the results you’re aiming for.

What is Nanogen?

Nanogen is a vast range of branded hair loss products, pioneered and marketed by a laboratory in the UK since 1999.

What is Nanogen Nanoguard?

Nanoguard is a shampoo that is claimed to reduce hair loss, and is recommended by the manufacturer to be used in conjunction with their Nanogaine product.

How does it work?

Unfortunately as with all Nanogen products, there is very little detail available regarding how the product actually works. Nanogen simply state:

“Nanoguard aims to prevent damage to the hair follicle and scalp. By preventing this damage, Nanoguard A aims to slow shedding of hair and miniaturisation. This also revitalises and protects the hair follicle and creates an environment conducive to healthy hair growth.”

We suspect that Nanoguard works in much the same way as Revivogen.

Is Nanogen Nanogaine any good?

The honest answer is that we don’t know. We are yet to hear a positive review about any Nanogen product so we’re pessimistic about a shampoo that doesn’t make any significant claim, or provides any evidence that it actually works.

A consumer review of any Nanogen product is practically impossible to find, due to the number of spammy fake ‘reviews’ posted by companies in pursuit of your credit card details. Our clients occasionally mention this product however we are yet to hear an actual success story experienced by a user of Nanoguard.

Nanogen Nanoguard A Root Defence System Shampoo (yes, they actually call it that), is recommended for use alongside Nanogen Nanogaine and Nanoguard B Anagen Activator Solution.

Are there any side effects?

Nanogen Nanoguard can sometimes (although rarely) cause irritation of the scalp. If this occurs then usage of this product should be discontinued.

What does it cost?

Nanoguard Shampoo costs around £15 GBP per month (approx $24 USD), however the product is recommended for use alongside other products, unsuprisingly part of the Nanogen range. Factor in the cost of Nanogen Nanogaine at around £40 GBP for one months supply (approx $62 USD) and Nanogen Nanoguard Anagen Activator at around £30 GBP per month (approx $48 USD), you’re looking at £85 GBP per month (approx $134 USD). It is also important to note that usage must continue for the lifetime of the patient.