hair loss drug

Trials Underway for New Drug that Claims to Reverse Male-Pattern Hair Loss

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It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for – finally a hair loss drug is on the way that claims not just to prevent male-pattern hair loss, but actually to reverse any thinning that has already occurred.

Pharma company Histogen announced that they had submitted an application to begin trials of the drug back in May 2020, and now they have issued a press release stating that they have completed patient dosing at the six week point of the 18-week trial.

How does this differ from other hair loss drugs on the market?

Histogen refers to the drug as HST-001, or Hair Stimulating Complex (HSC). HSC is designed to be a physician-administered treatment in the form of injections.

Most existing medications for hair loss are produced in the form of tablets to be taken orally – the main injectable treatments available are platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP), which uses the plasma from your own blood to try to stimulate the hair follicles, and corticosteroid injections, which are used as a treatment for alopecia areata.

The major difference between this and other existing hair loss treatments, however, is that HSC claims to actually trigger new hair growth, rather than just reduce or prevent further hair loss.

How does the clinical trial process work?

There are 36 patients taking part in the trial, which is being conducted over an 18-week period. Of the patients, two thirds have been randomly selected to be injected with HSC, while the rest will receive a placebo. Patients are unaware which group they fall into.

The injections will take place at the 0, 6 and 12 week time points, so patients have just received their second round of treatment. Each patient rexeives a total of 20 injections at each time point – 10 in the temporal recession (receding hair line), and 5 in each vertex scalp region (around the crown), as these are the areas most commonly affected by male-pattern hair loss. Results will be assessed at the end of the 18 weeks.

When is HSC likely to become available to the public?

As with all drugs, it all depends on the results of the clinical trial – the treatment needs to be safe as well as effective. If all goes to plan, the aim is to receive top line results by the end of 2020, and for the product to hit the market by 2025.

In the meantime, if you’re experiencing male-pattern hair loss and don’t want to wait four years for a viable treatment to become available, there are other options open to you. While there might not be a drug that can reverse your hair loss, we can certainly create the effect of more hair.

Both hair transplant and scalp micropigmentation (SMP) offer a proven, effective way to reduce the appearance of hair loss.

For more information, or to book a consultation with one of our resident hair loss experts, please contact us.

UK Woman Credits Shampoo As Her Alopecia Cure

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Last week in the UK the Daily Mail bought us the story of a UK woman in her forties who found her own alopecia miracle cure on the supermarket shelf. We look closer.

 

Belinda’s Story

Belinda Clarke, from Swindon in England’s South West, is 44 years old and has suffered almost her whole life from stress associated with her alopecia. From the age of 4, when a traumatic event triggered the condition for the first time, Belinda has had to cope with bald patches that progressively got worse until she became almost completely bald. Her difficulties began when she started primary school where she was bullied and called “baldy.” A tough start for a young girl and Belinda took to wearing a wig or putting in clips to cover her patches.

As she grew up with the condition she took to wearing a baseball cap if she had to venture out, but rarely beyond the local shops. A wig would give her enough confidence to attend family events, but over time these became her only excursions.

A Simple Solution

Fast forward to September, 2016, and Belinda was browsing E-Bay and decided to look for hair loss treatments. This is when she discovered the UK based Watermans products. She gave their shampoo and conditioner a go and the results were emphatic.

In her own words; “I started using on my bald head in September 2016 and within only three to four weeks I actually noticed tiny hair growth all over my head. Feeling very positive I continued using these products three times a week and by 6 months of doing this I had a full head of hair. My hair is a lot thicker and stronger than it’s ever been and I hardly lose any hair now.”

HIS Hair Clinic

A rare and wonderfully redemptive story from a woman who has clearly suffered terribly at the hands of a condition that is notoriously difficult to manage. We were delighted for her. That said, we do not want anyone to confuse this with an advertorial.. if Waterman’s worked for everyone there would be more alopecia. The ingredients list on both their shampoo and conditioner is incredibly long and who knows what it was about them that resolved Belinda’s condition… it is definitely not for anyone who insists on environmentally sound products either, most of those ingredients are distinctly chemical in nature. Whatever, hats off to Belinda and our best wishes for a permanent cure. You can see the original Mail article here.

If you would like to discuss your hair loss situation with one of our team of friendly experts simply complete the contact form at the side of this page or click here to find your nearest clinic.

 

Atlanta Hairdresser Leads Fight Against Traction Alopecia

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Traction alopecia is a serious problem for African American women, one hairdresser in Atlanta Ga. is spreading the word and using her skills to fight the problem.

 

Razor Chic

Jasmine Collins has established her salon, Razor Chic in Atlanta Georgia, as a go to for African American women suffering with traction alopecia. This form of alopecia, for which there is no cure, is typically bought on by styles that see the hair pulled into tight braids, or the wearing of heavy weaves and wigs which put pressure on the natural hair they are attached to. The problem is not restricted to African American women of course, but it is undoubtedly more of a problem among them due in part to style preferences. The problem is exacerbated because African American hair, due to it’s curly nature… it means the sebum, hair’s natural protector, cannot travel easily round the bends in the hair making them more prone to breakage than straight hair.

This form of alopecia will typically appear at the hairline where the pull on the hair is at its greatest, but it can result in more significant and widespread hair loss and leave the sufferer with some tough choices. Many are forced to resort to the wigs and weaves that created the problem in the first place. Some may opt for transplantation though this will start, for a relatively small amount of hair, at around $3000. A modern alternative on offer could see them go for PRP (Platelet Rich Therapy) which sees the patients own blood used to create a serum which is injected directly back into their scalp. A course might cost as much as $2500 and results can take anything up to 3 or 4 months to appear, if they appear at all – there are no guarantees.

Jasmine’s Approach

For around $500 Jasmine’s clients will receive a cut prior to the application of colour… She uses dye to reduce the contrast between the hair and the scalp. Finally she straightens the hair with chemicals to produce the volume and movement that her clients desire. The results can be remarkable and women with extreme hair loss have been helped to the point where their emotional reaction to the finished style is heartwarming… tears of joy and gratitude are regular on her YouTube videos.

Jasmine herself said, in an interview with the NY Times: “I am not anti-weave or wig, I’m just trying to spread the word about an issue.”

HIS Hair Clinic

Really refreshing to read about Jasmine and her efforts to both educate and repair… for those who cannot get to her Atlanta salon she offers on-line “Edge-U-Cation” classes for a small fee.

We have been writing about this issue for years and it is rare indeed to come across anyone actively involved in the fight. Here at HIS we passionately believe that Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a fantastic option for women suffering from traction alopecia, where it can be used to in-fill along and above the hairline to completely mask the issue. But the work of Jasmine at Razor Edge for women suffering from more advanced cases is great to read and we wish her every success… excellent to see her work being recognised in the NY Times, you can see their article by clicking here.

If you would like to discuss your hair loss situation with one of our team of friendly experts simply complete the contact form at the side of this page, or click here to find your nearest clinic.

hair loss

Some reasons you might be losing it.

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hair lossIt’s quite normal to shed up to 100 hairs a day but what if you’re losing more than that?  Well the first thing is DON’T PANIC.  By the time they reach 30 up to 80% of all men are showing some signs of hair loss so it is perfectly normal.  Also, more often than not it can be treated if you seek out some expert advice.  Here we list a few of the reasons you might be losing your hair:

  1. Either a single stressful event or a build up of chronic stress over time can both have detrimental effects on your hair.  Whilst it may not be easy to simply remove all the stresses of modern living this could be the wake up call to make some lifestyle changes.  Men’s yoga is becoming quite popular these days.
  2. Another result of modern living can be too many skipped meals and too much junk food.  It goes without saying that this is bad for you general health.  Your hair and skin are like a barometer of well being so missing out on essential vitamins and minerals will often result in some hair loss
  3. Traction alopecia. Less common in men but if you’ve got a longer style and tie it up in a man bun or a pony tail be aware that the stress this puts on the roots can cause permanent damage.
  4. Androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. This really is the most common cause of hair loss and there’s no cure. The good news is you can treat it with a variety of things.  Transplants and medications are helpful if you’ve caught it early enough and SMP is a great new treatment that can create the impression of volume or a crew cut on a completely bald head.

If you think you might be losing more hair than normal then don’t hesitate to speak to one of team of friendly experts who’ll be able to advise you in confidence and for free.  Complete the form on the right or call  +44(0)845 604 4618

 

alopecia

How to spot Androgenic Alopecia

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alopeciaHair loss is something which for many men in inevitable, it is often due to androgenic alopecia – male pattern hair loss. It is estimated that by the age of thirty five, sixty percent of men will have experienced hair loss and thinning to some extent. This figure increases to eighty five percent amongst men who are fifty years old.

Although an entirely normal part of the aging process, the initial glimpse of a receding hair line can affect the self-esteem of most men. Asides from hair transplant or wearing artificial hair, there isn’t much that you can do once hair is lose. However there are medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride which can slow down hair loss and promote hair growth but both these approaches consider it key that you spot the early signs of male pattern baldness.

Early symptoms of androgenic alopecia include;

  • Changes In The Hair Line

 

Male pattern baldness often presents with a receding hairline which forms a rounded ‘M’ shape initially. This can then resemble a ‘U’ shape as the middle point of the ‘M’ begins to recede further back. A receding hair line is easily noticeable and will be the first place that you will notice the hair loss yourself.

 

  • Thinning Hair On The Crown Of Your Head

 

Another typical and predictable symptom of male pattern baldness is thinning hair on the top of your head. You can ask someone to check for you or use a handheld mirror to check in another mirror as this symptom can be difficult to spot

 

  • Hair On Your Pillows, Clothes And Desk

 

Although a small amount of hair shedding is considered normal, if you are continuously finding hair on your pillow, clothes or your work desk then it is highly possible that you are developing androgenic alopecia

 

  • A Notable Difference In Photos

It can be difficult to notice change when you check the mirror on a daily basis, which is why comparing photos from the past will make things much clearer.

 

  • Clumps Of Hair Coming Out In Your Comb

 

Unless you are roughly combing wet hair, you shouldn’t be seeing a large amount of hair coming out with every quick brush or comb.

For more information on spotting the early symptoms of androgenic alopecia, speak to your doctor or complete the form on the right to speak to one of team of friendly experts.

eat your way to healthy hair

Eat your way to healthy hair

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eat your way to healthy hairIs it possible to eat your way to healthy hair? According to nutritionists, the answer is yes! By making just a few dietary changes, it’s apparently possible to prevent devastating hair loss. The key word here of course, is prevention. If you’re already suffering with hair loss or hair thinning, dietary changes are unlikely to reverse or rectify the situation.

Here, you’ll discover more about the foods experts claim you should be eating for hair loss prevention.

Which foods should you be focusing on?

If you are worried about hair loss or hair thinning, there’s certain foods you’ll want to start adding to your daily diet. One of these is flaxseeds. According to experts, just a sprinkling of flaxseeds over a salad or your daily porridge oats, can help to prevent the hair from becoming weak and brittle.

Mango is also said to help massively, thanks to its silica mineral content. This mineral helps to promote hair growth and strengthen the hair. Just two slices each day is said to have a significant effect on the hair. If you’re looking to make the hair thicker and healthier, eggs can also help. They’re renowned for their ability to boost collagen production and experts suggest eating a couple of them up to four times each week.  Lemons are also recommended as they are rich in vitamin C, which improves the rate it which your hair grows by boosting the production of collagen.

These are just some of the foods said to have a positive impact on the hair. However, as mentioned at the start of this blog, making these simple changes is unlikely to make any difference if you’re suffering from an underlying condition that’s causing hair loss. They should only be seen as a potential preventative measure.

Why proper treatment should be sought

There’s a surprising number of reasons the hair can start to fall out. The most common type of hair loss – male pattern baldness – is unlikely to be affected by dietary changes. This is because it’s a hereditary condition with no cure.

Similarly, if the hair loss is triggered by a medical issue, dietary changes aren’t going to help much. For this reason, it’s extremely important you seek a proper diagnosis to determine the true cause of the problem.

Overall, those looking to prevent hair loss could definitely benefit from making simple dietary changes like the ones mentioned above. However, it’s important to make sure you seek a proper diagnosis once hair loss does set in, so the appropriate treatment can be started.

trump

Are we giving Trump too hard a time about his hair?

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trumpUS President, Donald Trump, is no stranger to the limelight. However, for months now his hair, rather than his political duties, have been the subject of speculation and ridicule. So, are we giving Trump too hard a time about his hair and would we be doing the same if it was a female leader?

Revealing shocking double-standards

Love him or hate him, Trump has definitely been given a hard time over his locks in recent months. Would the same be happening if we had a female leader? The answer is absolutely not! There would be outrage worldwide if a female president was being persistently ridiculed for her hair loss battle.

The trouble is, hair loss can have a significant negative psychological impact on men. It can be utterly devastating to deal with the issue, without it being forced into the spotlight. Recent medical records showed that Trump takes a common hair loss drug known as Finasteride; well-known for its negative long-term side effects. The fact he still takes the medication regardless of how terrible it can be, shows just how desperate he is to cling onto his hair.  Underneath his braggadocio there might well be a few insecurities.

Men facing hair loss need support not ridicule

What men really need when they’re suffering with hair loss, is support, not ridicule. There are some excellent treatment options out there, but many men may avoid seeking help because they’re too ashamed of the problem.

If you’re suffering from hair loss, you really aren’t alone. Help is available and the earlier you seek treatment, the better the results will be. First and foremost, you need to get a diagnosis to see what the root of the problem actually is. Once the cause has been diagnosed, you may be surprised just how simple and effective treatment could be.  If you’re concered about hair loss then please call us or complete the form on the right to arrange a confindential and free consultation with one of our team of friendly experts.

hair loss

It’s not just humans who suffer hair loss

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hair lossFor many men, baldness is hereditary condition which just cannot be avoided. Male pattern baldness often begins with thinning hair on the crown of the head and a receding hairline which develops into an unstoppable force. But have you ever thought about the rest of the animal kingdom? Although growing hair is a defining trait of mammals, it turns out that some of them are susceptible to hair loss.

Why do animals lose hair?

Sometimes primates literally pull each other’s hair out to the extent that it causes baldness amongst them.  This could be due to factors such as a lack of sunlight and natural habitat environments which have features such as grass and dirt. Andean bears can develop alopecia – this condition can result in symptoms of uncomfortable itchiness that zookeepers even consider euthanizing them to put them out of their misery. A handful of animals including dachshunds and greyhounds suffer from permanent pattern hair loss as a result of aging.

Animals can lose their hair due to various mechanisms – sometimes as a result of temporary damage such as scratching out hair, to more permanent damage due to trauma and injury. Hair loss can be caused by infections such as ringworm or parasitic mites which have an inflammatory or detrimental effect on the hair follicles.

Why is animal hair loss uncommon?

You may have noticed however that animal balding is nowhere near as commonly seen as it is with humans, this is primarily because a healthy coat of hair is essential to staying warm and camouflaging with surroundings in the wild. As there is a lot of evolutionary selective pressure for animals in healthy hair growth, there is a large amount of genes involved within the animal genomes to ensure they don’t completely lose their fur.

Clearly hair loss is not simply a condition which only affects humans, however thankfully it probably doesn’t cause animals as much of a midlife crisis!

heat damage

Eight ways to avoid hair loss

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heat damage

  1. Go easy with the heat. Too much styling with hot irons and hair dryers can permanently damage hair.  If you must style all the time think about using the cool setting.
  2. Eat a balanced diet. At the end of the day our hair is like a barometer of our general wellbeing.  If your body isn’t getting the right mixture of vitamins and minerals it might well have a negative effect on your hair and skin.
  3. Treat your hair well. It should go without saying but over vigorous drying and brushing or too tight man buns and pony tails can result in traction alopecia and unwanted shedding.
  4. Chill out. Easier said than done but one of the causes of hair loss is stress and anxiety.  Recent studies in China showed that men were losing their hair at an early age and there’s a theory that this is down to the stress of modern living.
  5. Avoid pollutants. There’s growing evidence pointing to pollutants as one of the causes of hair loss.  That’s not just from the obvious things either.  Recent research has indicated that household items (including shampoo!) can even cause the problem if the lid is left off.
  6. Don’t use chemical products. Unless it’s a proven medication like minoxidil or finasteride then natural is best.  Hair dyes for example can have a negative affect on a healthy head of hair.
  7. Stop smoking. If you haven’t already stopped then this is another reason to kick the habit. Regular smoking results in dry and damaged hair and potentially irreversible hair loss.
  8. Drink in moderation. There’s nothing like a hang over to leave your hair limp and lifeless.  Ongoing continuous drinking to excess can result in more severe health problems and potentially total hair loss.

All the above can help maintain a healthy head of hair.  Unfortunately, none of them will stop some forms of hair loss such as androgenic alopecia.  They might help by slowing down the process, but ultimately other treatments might be required.  If you’re concerned about hair loss then please fill in the form on the right to make an appointment to speak to one of our friendly experts in confidence and for free about the options.

DIY hair loss solutions

DIY hair loss solutions

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DIY hair loss solutionsDespite hair loss being more commonly associated with men, the American Hair Loss Association has found that forty percent of women make up American hair loss sufferers. With hair loss being such a common problem amongst both men and women, it is unsurprising that such a large amount of people are looking for quick-fix, DIY remedies to reduce hair fall and promote hair growth.

Some of the increasingly popular DIY hair loss solutions include;

  • Following a well-balanced, nutrient rich diet. Eating organic foods, super-foods such as chia seeds and protein rich foods is highly encouraged.
  • Similarly avoiding harmful foods which are high in sugar, alcohol and processed foods is also advised.
  • Taking supplements such as fish oil, pumpkin seed oil, biotin and zinc vitamins. These are all thought to encourage healthy, thick and faster hair growth.
  • Massaging the scalp regularly with essential oils to increase cellular metabolism which can stimulate hair growth.
  • Reduce emotional stress, as stress can increase hormones which can push hair follicles into the resting phase which leads to an increased amount of hair fall

Do these DIY hair loss solutions work?

To some extent these hair loss solutions may improve hair growth or prevent some hair fall, however it is important to understand that treating the underlying cause of the hair loss is essential if you want to see lasting and noticeable results.

The four main causes of hair loss include;

  • Hereditary causes
  • Hormonal changes
  • Underlying medical conditions
  • Medications

Speak to your doctor or a hair loss expert so that you can correctly diagnose the cause of your hair loss before moving onto treatment.

Proven hair loss solutions

Currently there are some proven hair loss solutions available which can tackle hair thinning and promote hair regrowth. Two of the most popular medical solutions which have also been FDA approved include Minoxidil and Finasteride.

Minoxidil is available as a topical solution and should be applied twice daily to balding areas on the scalp, it can be used by both men and women to promote hair regrowth and prevent hair fall. Finasteride is a pill which is to be taken orally once a day and can promote hair regrowth in men who suffer from male pattern baldness.  There are also a range of other clinically proven treatments ranging from Low Level Laser Therapy to Scalp Micropigmentation.

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