The big 3 refers to Propecia (finasteride), Rogaine (minoxidil), and Nizoral (ketoconazole) shampoo. Using all of these treatments in conjunction is called 'the big 3.' However, many hair loss sufferers choose which treatment they feel comfortable with using and don't understand why it's necessary to use all three of these treatments to maximize effectiveness. In this article, we will be going over why the big three are effective.
Three Elements Trigger Hair Loss
To understand how and why the big 3 effectively treats hair loss, you must know the three key factors contributing to genetic hair loss.
Factor #1- Scalp Inflammation: An inflamed scalp contributes significantly to hair loss. To effectively treat hair loss, you have to treat scalp inflammation.
Factor #2- Shortened Anagen (growth) Cycle: Hair follicles go through three cycles, the anagen (growth) phase, the catagen (transition) phase, and the telogen (resting) phase. If you're experiencing hair loss, your hair follicles will frequently enter the dormant phase. You will have fewer hair follicles in the growth phase at any given time, which contributes to a thinner head of hair.
Factor #3- Androgen Sensitivity- It is no secret that the androgen DHT is responsible for attacking vulnerable hair follicles and shrinking them until they eventually stop growing. That is why the most effective treatment for hair loss is reducing the androgen activity on the scalp.
How Does The Big 3 Work
The big three treat every aspect of hair loss. For example, studies have shown that Nizoral shampoo reduces scalp inflammation, which helps stop hair loss. Minoxidil keeps the hair follicles in the anagen growth phase longer on the scalp, and finasteride inhibits the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into DHT.
When combining all three of these treatments, you are fighting androgenic alopecia from every angle. Now, you don't necessarily have to use the brand name of these drugs or even use the oral and topical versions. For example, you can substitute oral finasteride for topical finasteride. You could substitute topical minoxidil for oral minoxidil. You can also substitute Nizoral shampoo for another shampoo that carries ketoconazole.
Conclusion
The most effective way to treat hair loss is to attack it from each angle. You must treat scalp inflammation, shorten hair follicle life cycle, and block DHT from attacking the hair follicles. If you are into homeopathic treatments, you can use other alternatives, but keep in mind the most effective drugs mentioned above. To learn about the best treatments and surgical hair restoration, visit our popular hair loss community.
Title: What is FUE Overharvesting? RSS: FUE has exploded in popularity, and rightfully so, the technique is refined and can produce excellent results. However, there is a real issue with overharvesting. Copy: p>
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) has become the most popular method for surgical hair restoration. FUE works by removing individual follicular units one by one using a tiny surgical punch. The small punch creates micro-scars virtually undetectable to the average person. The FUE technique gained a lot of popularity over the last ten years. However, with the advent of this new technology comes a new set of complications and issues. In this article, we will be talking about overharvesting associated with FUE.
What is Overharvesting?
Overharvesting refers to the number of follicular units (grafts) extracted from the donor (back and sides of the scalp). Suppose a hair transplant surgeon extracts too many hair follicles from the patient's donor. In that case, that is 'overharvesting.' Overharvesting has become a real issue and concern with the emergence of black market hair mills.
These low-cost hair mills often charge a set price for 'unlimited grafts, ' meaning they will extract as many hair follicles as they possibly can in a day. Technicians extract grafts rapidly because they do multiple surgeries per day in these hair mills. Extracting grafts rapidly without rhyme or reason is the biggest reason why Overharvesting occurs.
How Do You Prevent Being Overharvested
Surgeon selection is vital. Quality hair restoration surgeons understand that they have to leave a hair follicle between each extraction. If surgeons extract grafts too closely and remove several follicular units within a square centimeter (cm2), the donor will be left with a patchy appearance. Avoid low-cost clinics where technicians perform the entire procedure without surgeon supervision.
Where Do You Find Quality Surgeons
One of the most popular online hair restoration communities is the Hair Restoration Network, a community created by and for patients. Thousands of hair transplant patients post their reviews on the Hair Restoration Network each year. The community reviews a surgeon's credentials, experience, and skill through looking at their results and reviews extensively. The vetting process takes days, with patients, consultants, and surgeons participating in the reviewing process. If the surgeon meets the strict and demanding criteria, they are approved and listed as a forum-approved surgeon.
What are the criteria?
Surgeons must be able to dense-pack follicular units with high growth rates consistently. In addition, surgeons must operate transparently, knowing that the community is constantly reviewing their work. If a surgeon does not deliver the expected results, they must offer support to the patient. In short, the community ensures that surgeons are held accountable and stand by the patient. Now, lists are starting points for research, no list is definitive or guarantees results, but it should be a starting point for research. To view the list of the physicians approved by the community, click here.
Conclusion
Not all surgeons are created equal. Skill, experience, talent vary widely, as do results. Overharvesting occurs because of surgical inadequacies. The only way to ensure you don't become overharvested is to ensure you select the right surgeon. If you cannot afford a quality surgeon, it's best not to get surgery. Bargain shopping for surgery is a sure way to become overharvested. That doesn't mean there aren't affordable surgeons, but they won't be the cheapest option available. Keep that in mind.