January 2006 Articles | AlphaMaleBlog

January 2006 Articles

Dating game for widowers Sunday January 29, 2006 in: Dating Tag(s):
THE dating game has often been played at different seasons by different players and so there are no hard and fast rules here.

The game becomes a lot tougher when you're a widower or widow. Such is the case of one Sam Baldwin aka Tom Hanks whose role in "Sleepless in Seattle" became the test case for widowers out to join the dating scene after years of happy marriages.

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DEVELOPING YOUR OTHER FEATURES 2 Monday January 16, 2006 in: Hair Loss Tag(s):
CONTINUING with our thought-inducing discussion on maximizing one's dating chances to cover up and/or enhance your balding appearance and lure in the girls:

A healthy personality: Self-confidence, acceptance of self and unafraid of committing mistakes (though not frequently) or making a fool of oneself shows courage and even a strong character to the ladies who find it irresistible and even inspiring.

Women who see you in this light won't notice your thinning hair or even if you're wearing the latest fashion brand names since what they see are strong men who're not afraid to be all that they can be (sounds like an Army recruitment poster).

Men, even balding men who are self-confident, not cocky, won't even mind dancing with a girl and doing those tacky Batman Dance moves made famous anew by John Travolta in Pulp Fiction.

Heck, even your girl may dance the jig with you and look sexy like Uma Thurman in the process. Even if you don't have full hair like John Travolta.

Being affectionate: Remember we said affectionate, not sappy or overtly sentimental.

The "sensitive guy" routine when done to the extreme can freak your girl out and seek another tougher, more macho guy.

See Brendan Fraser's character in "Bedazzled" and see for yourself why.

Affectionate doesn't mean having to go mushy on her but doing the simple things like taking out the trash-disposing of the human variety would boost your ego and make you that much more appealing to her---cooking simple meals and remembering days that are special to her.

Want to get your girl's undivided attention? Then pick up some baby care and/or pet care tips and see how her eyes grow misty as she watches you pick up a baby and sing him/her to sleep.

Or catch her staring at you in awe as you fix her puppy or cat's (just wish she doesn't have an iguana or worse, a python) broken leg. Even the kids will stand in awe and think you can talk to the animals.

Still some more of this topic in the next blog.

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DEVELOPING YOUR OTHER FEATURES 1 Monday January 16, 2006 in: Hair Loss Tag(s): Dating
Alright so you saw yourself in the mirror and noticed with alarm that your hairline's receding faster than your payslip after taxes.

You then open the checklist and see where you went wrong. Healthy diet? Check.

History of hair loss from both families? There are some bald men in your father's side but your grandfather and his kids had a full head of hair.

Anabolic steroids? No way, you're all natural. So you check with your doctor and find out why you're losing your hair.

He/she explains it to you and then recommends taking Rogaine or Propecia to help stem the tide of thinning hair.

You then take their advice and start using these hair growth medicines to restore some of that youthful mane.

All this is happening while you're making the moves on this beautiful girl you just met. So how do you lure in that beautiful young woman while recuperating from your scalp restoration surgery?

Well, recent articles (read: posted some three years ago) on hair and fashion websites gave this overview of women's preferences in men, balding or not:

A sense of humor: It had been mentioned time and again yet a lot of guys find it hard to believe; humor does not only tame the savage beast but relaxes the beauty by making her see your friendly and open side.

Supermodel types who get tired of all the ogling and overbearing behavior of some men will find guys who treat them like regular people and deliver a nicely-timed quip or two about as sexy and fascinating as the rich playboys or fellow model guys they've been seeing.

Really, since these gorgeous women have become used to the pomp and glamour of high fashion society a certain wariness and even apathy develops that you can tap to your advantage by presenting yourself as non-threatening and accessible to them.

One eventually finds out that dating for bald men is just as easy for him as for any regular haired guy. .

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SHAMPOOS, HAIRDRYERS AND OTHER MYTHS Sunday January 15, 2006 in: Hair Tag(s): Women
Using too little or too much shampoo to prevent hair loss is one of many myths being parlayed into the markets by manufacturers of personal and beauty care products to an easily excitable public.

These hair growth shampoos are being promoted as offering more than they can actually deliver. There are those which claim to reduce DHT, a chemical that supposedly blocks hair growth.

While some of them do work others have little or no effect at all. Unfortunately many people are buying into this gag as evidenced by the multi-million dollar advertisements being played out in TV channels and over the Web.

And people often don't find the results they desire. Also some uninformed people go around claiming that excessive use of the hair dryer can inflict hair loss because concentrated heat on some parts of the scalp can burn out sensitive follicles.

No evidence for that theory as evidenced by hair models who frequently use the device. Hair loss can happen whether or not one uses these hair loss prevention or hair growth shampoos as frequently prescribed by the manufacturers.

As cited in previous blogs other factors come into play on one's receding hairline.

Unfortunately in the frantic search for answers people have resorted to every possible medical hair restoration and hair loss prevention scheme available in the market today.

But the solutions are sometimes found right in front of one's nose.

For one a healthy diet had been emphasized as among the primary factors in contributing to one's maintenance of an equally healthy scalp.

Crash diets which shock the system are definitely a no-no. Not just proteins but carbohydrates and other foods rich in lipids like tomatoes and tomato-based foods and products like your everyday catsup provide nutrients that build up one's body and restores hair growth.

Aside from this sleep can do wonders on one's hairline since it is the number one solution for stress alleviation. Stress not only afflicts the body but also the hairline.

Ever wonder why you feel lightheaded after a particularly grueling all-nighter prior to exam week?

Likewise people should avoid using too much hair coloring or dyes to allow one's hair some room to "breathe and rest." Often the solution remains not to mess around with one's hair too much.

Thanks for now and keep posted.

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Hair Loss Cure Options Friday January 13, 2006 in: Hair Loss Tag(s):
So there it is-you're going bald.

The once lush mane that makes women swoon and men go green in envy is slowly (if it hasn't already) becoming a denuded, barren wasteland where even lice and dandruff fear to tread.

When once you can imitate those models and run your fingers through it or let it wave in the wind now you hide your scalp beneath a grungy cap or worse, an even grungier wig.

So you do one of three things; either wear a wig, undergo a hair transplant procedure or administer those hair restoration products being promoted in the market today.

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HAIR LOSS FOR CANCER PATIENTS Thursday January 12, 2006 in: Hair Loss Tag(s):
Some if not most cancer victims already suffering the side effects of the chemotherapy treatment they received may find dealing with their hair loss difficult.

Aside from being one of the visible signs of the after-effects of the treatment, hair loss among cancer patients may provoke feelings of helplessness and depression that may be inadvertently reinforced by strangers or even loved ones.

Hair loss can especially be hard on teenage cancer patients and more so on child patients who may be perceived by peers wrongly as being weird and thus fit to be avoided.

Feelings of rejection may eventually be turned to guilt and unless counseling is given, would turn to anger and frustration.

These same patients may also come to resent what they consider as "unwanted pity" from loved ones and friends and thus turn introverted.

Whatever the response it is important for the families and friends of cancer patients to allow them space and time in order to ventilate their sentiments on their struggles to recover from the disease.

If possible it is also important for these patients to interact with people who also recovered or are recovering from the disease.

That way there is a certain comfort and optimism nurtured to these patients that can help them expedite the healing process.

Meanwhile some of the more practical hair care tips for cancer patients include brushing with a softer comb, using a mild shampoo and a low heat dryer.

Avoid dyeing one's hair and if possible get a haircut that would make the head fuller and thus help camouflage whatever hair loss one might have.

If one so decides, a hairpiece may cover whatever balding spot in the head. A choice of headgear is also desirable.

At least cancer patients usually have the assurance that more often than not, their hair will be restored to its former glory. Or if all else fails there's always hair surgery to fall back on.
That's it for now.

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MAKING THE MOST OF TALK Thursday January 12, 2006 in: Female Perspectives Tag(s): Dating
EVER wonder how you can play the dating game despite a thinning hairline?

Though there is this rumor that women look at the shoes first before looking all the way up it is generally unfounded.

Having accepted the reality (see dating and hair loss strategies one to three for the post mortem) that your hair is going north instead of south what's a guy to do to make it special for his girl on their date?

A good conversation is said to spell the difference between a good date and a great date. Let's face the facts: Women speak 25,000 words as compared to 23,000 words for men in a single year.

And a good sense of humor is always ranked among the top 10 qualities women want in men.

And unless you're a pantomime or Jim Carrey the only way to make that girl smile and swoon is through a good conversation.

So how does one make good conversation? First, being a good observer is a plus point.

Just avoid making snide comments that focus on a person's disability, misfortune or religious and social beliefs. You want to make good conversation not start a debating club.

The second and obvious choice would be to pick up on common interests like a hobby or a job. That's why co-workers tend to gravitate easily towards each other more than if they were complete strangers.

Then again seeking dates with an unwilling female employee may land you a sexual harassment or stalking case.

That also occurs when you dish out some uninvited compliments but in case of a date it helps your cause tremendously. Moderation is key here.

It also helps to distract your date from your receding hairline if you share with them some personal stories to break the ice and encourage her to do the same.

Again don't overdo it or she'll think you're a blowhard and so full of himself and leave before dessert arrives.

If you're that sincere in learning the art of conversation then do what dating website aish.com suggests and rehearse a conversation with a friend.

Until next time.

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THE EVOLUTION OF HAIR CARE Wednesday January 11, 2006 in: Hair Tag(s):
THE idea of men caring about their looks is about as strange or even laughable to both men and even women back in the good, old days-good old days defined as having less pollution, less taxes and cheaper goods.

Back then men are men and women are dates. We are the "alpha male", the provider, the pater de familia who go out into the fields to hunt, chop wood and do all those manly jobs to bring home the bacon.

Good looks-bah! Those are for sissies and "girly men" as Arnold Schwarzenegger calls them then and now as "Governator" of California.

And back then and now men shudder at being called sissies, wussies, wimps and other names that belie their masculinity.

But in came women's liberation and gender equality and pretty soon being macho isn't that cool anymore.

And along with those changes came other ideas like the concept of personal grooming for men.

Now looking at the mirror isn't so unmanly for guys anymore. And women appreciate them all the more for it.

But with appreciation came criticism and criticism giving way to all sorts of misperceptions about what constitutes good looks in a man. Like the idea that a full head of hair signifies youth and manly vigor.

Ergo it is said that thinning hair or baldness in a man is equated with impotence and old age. As such baldness and thinning hair became as much of a concern for men as sagging breasts are for women.

Thankfully science has come out with a lot of treatments for thinning hair or complete baldness and thus men have options to cure these maladies.

But while that Rogaine, Zoloft or Propecia is still kicking in, what's a guy to do to cover up his receding hairline? As stated there are some options.

First, one can resort to hair repair transplant to hide that growing bald spot though for some it's a continuing process that doesn't stop at one session..
If that's the case a good haircut or hairstyle may be just what the style doctor ordered.

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Man In The Mirror Wednesday January 11, 2006 in: Hair Tag(s):
Everything starts innocently at first.

You wake up in the morning, clean up, eat breakfast and otherwise get ready for what promises to be yet another refreshingly routine day in the office.

Except that as you gaze in your image in the mirror a different man stares back at you and he looks nowhere near the virile, macho man you thought you are.

The man who looks back at you has several pounds of flesh in his gut, droopy, bloodshot eyes and an alarmingly receding hairline that is more closely resembling Elmer Fudd.

You ask how you came to be this creature and some quick theories surface in that pinkish, cobbled organ of yours that we call the brain. Overwork, a hard lifestyle, mounting bills, the nagging girlfriend etc.

Not to mention that annoying sales rep. All these conspired to make you the balding man you see in the mirror. You contemplate on poring over those magazines for baldness cures but pride won't let you do it.

But no matter how you try to deny it this image cuts right through your manhood like a knife through the heart.

All together now, with bulging veins and throbbing throat, open wide and scream "AAAAAARRRRRGGGGH!."

Or you can act cool like Keanu Reeves, point your index finger at your reflection, retrieve said finger and stare at it for a few seconds like it had mud or morning wood on it.

Then you gaze back into that image and utter in true Matrix fashion that most profound of human expressions: "Whoa."

Whatever your reaction is you can't change that image in the mirror---unless of course, like the Matrix, it's just an illusion built by those damn Machines to destroy your hopes of social and economic success.

Whoa. Then you rub your eyes and find out it's no illusion. So what to do, what to do?

You can buy clothes that make you look thin, wear sunglasses even at night and say you're a bit tired and people, especially your dates, may not see through your camouflage.

But hair is a different matter. Too much covering up can make people suspicious and in this era of 9/11 the slightest change in appearance may lead some to think you're a terrorist.

So how does one hide that receding hairline aside from hats and tacky wigs? Here's an advice or two from the so-called experts:

Either undergo hair replacement surgery or shave off whatever hair you have completely for that clean, military type look.

That way the girls would dig it and think you're either going for that dignified Patrick Stewart or that macho Vin Diesel look.

Grow a mustache or goatee so people would look at your face first instead of your hair.

Be careful though; too much face hair can make you look like you're trying too hard to be a Backstreet boy.

In that case add tattoos to your arsenal. Finally use hair products that are DHT (dihydrotesterone) inhibitors.

DHT is a chemical responsible for the formation of male characteristics and DHT products are safe to use with hair growth drugs like Propecia and Rogaine.

Signing off for now...

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IMPROPER HAIR CARE Tuesday January 10, 2006 in: Hair Tag(s):
HAIR loss need not be attributed to genetics or to "life-changing" processes like pregnancy or even surgery.

Male baldness can be caused by other factors that can be avoided in order to prevent its incidence or at least reduce the severity of its effects.

It had been pointed out that improper hair care had been partly to blame for hair loss usually on women who are more likely to experiment on their hair and expose themselves to the danger of hair loss.

Guys are less likely to do so (former NBA star Dennis Rodman is one of the notable exceptions). For women improper hair care means having to sport those godawful pigtails.

Really only school kids wear them and even teenage girls are more sophisticated these days. The only time the Goldilocks/Swiss Maid look becomes appealing is when it's used in a porno movie (sick).

And men's bewilderment at seeing their better halves use rollers on their hair is about the same as them seeing women wear high heels-impractical, though one can argue that heels are sexier than rollers (and hurt twice as much when used on the shin or other parts of the male anatomy).

While men neither use rollers---the exception being those stuffy Victorian era gentlemen---nor wear pigtails (unless they want to look like Goldilocks or the Swiss Maid) they do sport ponytails ala action star Steven Seagal even if their hair is graying and their pot belly's showing.

Men and women also go for the corn rows look that is popularized by movie stars and sports figures like basketball superstar Allen Iverson.

These and other similar restrictive hairstyles cause what is dubbed as hair stylists as "stressed scalp syndrome" and in turn inflict a hair loss condition called traction alopecia among adults and teenagers alike.

If one were to stop sporting these restrictive hairstyles the hair can be given time to rest and "breathe" thus enabling it to grow back normally.

However the possibility of scarring such as those evident in cornrows may lead to permanent hair loss.

Other hair care miscues include excessive shampooing and vigorous drying after a shower, frequent hair brushing, too much hot oil hair treatments and/or chemicals used to dye one's hair which can cause inflammation of the hair follicle.

'Til next time keep your heads up.

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FEMALE HAIR LOSS: A MALE PERSPECTIVE Monday January 9, 2006 in: Hair Loss Tag(s):
(Second of two parts)

From the distaff side we now go to how men feel and deal about hair loss on their female partners. Here's one of these guys.

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I have to be honest. I didn't even know there was such a thing as Female Hair Loss.

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Male Hair Loss: A Female Perspective Monday January 9, 2006 in: Hair Loss Tag(s):
(First of two parts)

Let's take a break from the medical stuff for a while and listen to some real people share their own experiences about hair loss to them or their loved ones and how they dealt with it.

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This is a quick story I just wanted to share.

I love my husband very much.

We met in the dorms at Vassar college 15 years ago and he's been making me laugh ever since.

Unfortunately there hadn't been much to laugh at lately because my husband was dealing with heavy- duty male hair loss.

And not just a little bit of male hair reduction here and there but a big patch right there at the top.

I told him it was fine, that I love him, whether he has a full head of hair or whether he looks like Kojak. But the truth is his self-confidence had taken quite a hit. That's why I suggested he do something about it.

Anyway he tried Propecia and it really really worked. We have to be careful about exposing me to it. (It can cause birth defects in case I get pregnant.)

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DATING AND FEMALE HAIR LOSS Monday January 9, 2006 in: Female Perspectives Tag(s):
Dating is stressful enough without adding female hair loss to the equation.

Not only do you worry about what to wear, and what to say, but you've also got to worry about whether your hair loss is noticeable.

It can be a recipe for a night of disaster...but relax. We've got a few strategies to make your night a pleasurable one.

1) Acceptance: You have hair loss. There's no getting around this fact. But it is probably not as noticeable as you might think.

(One of the advantages of female hair loss over male hair loss is that the thinning of the hair is more evenly distributed making camouflage easier.)

And you might even be currently involved in a hair restoration procedure like Rogaine or Propecia.

But until those medications really start to kick in acceptance that you are not perfect, as much as you would like to believe the contrary, is your best bet for dating success.

2) Visualization: Visualization is a powerful tool that can be used to greatly reduce the stress of any situation.

There was a study a couple of years back that showed that high school basketball players who 'visualized' themselves shooting free throws improved at the same rate of players who actually practiced shooting free throws in the gymnasium.

The sub-conscious mind cannot distinguish between a visualized event and the actual event itself-so why not visualize yourself being comfortable, confident, and having a good time on your date.

Take just a few minutes imagining yourself acting exactly in the way that you would like.

Make sure to include all the visual details you can-this will make the visualization more effective to the sub-conscious. And then go have a good time.

'Trying' to be comfortable and confident will often end up with you being nervous and stressed out.

Visualize yourself succeeding and then let the sub-conscious take over. At least until your hair restoration starts to kick in.

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DATING AND HAIR LOSS STRATEGY #3: A SENSE OF HUMOR Monday January 9, 2006 in: Hair Loss Tag(s):
Here's the last of a three-part series on dating for bald men. Hope you enjoy this as much as we took time writing this (not that we're putting you on a guilt trip or something).

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Jerry Seinfeld once referred to dating as a job interview that lasts all night.

And it's true that going on a date can be stressful, nerve-wracking, and that's before you even pay for dinner. Throw in some hair loss and you've got all the ingredients for a nightmare evening.

But worry not, prospective dater. While you're waiting for your Rogaine or Propecia to kick in-- or even your hair transplantation procedure-- there's something you can use that will instantly affect how your date sees your hair loss.

A sense of humor. You have hair loss. There's no point in trying to hide it with a really bad hat or an even equally bad combover. (Are you listening, Donald Trump?)

So why not make a joke about it. Like "I don't have hair loss...I just shave too high."

Or "A fool and his money are soon parted...but nothing can part a 2 dollar toupee."

And the best of all, just simply say, "I'm too sexy for my hair."

Studies show that women care less about the state of a man's scalp than the state of a man's shoes.

What matters most to women is confidence and self-assuredness and nothing says confidence like "I know I have hair loss but I think it's funny anyway."

When you show your date that your hair loss is not an issue for you...it is unlikely to be an issue for them.

And when your hair restoration procedure finally starts to work you can rest assured that the person you are with cares about the real you, not just your scalp. Just make sure you've got a good pair of shoes.

That's it for now. Keep posted.

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Dating And Hair Loss Strategy # 2: Visualization Sunday January 8, 2006 in: Hair Loss Tag(s):
Here is the second part of the series of dating and hair loss that had this writer grasping at straws and wringing his hands in self-pity (?)

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Dating is just plain hard. You don't' know what to wear, you don't know what to say, and you don't know what not to say.

And when you throw hair loss on top of that it can make a stressful situation downright unbearable.

Sure you might be on Rogaine or Propecia, or even in the midst of a hair transplant, but none of these are immediate...and you need results right away.

Fear not, intrepid dater, we have a technique that just might change your life.

It involves your brain, your imagination and your sub-conscious mind and it is called...VISUALIZATION.

Scientists have concluded that we create our reality based on the mental pictures we carry of ourselves inside our brain.

So the question is why not make them supportive and positive mental pictures instead of debilitating ones that make us feel less confident.

They did this study a few years ago where high school basketball players were divided into two groups.

One group was told to go to gym and practice their free throws everyday for 30 minutes.

The other group was told NOT to go to the gym but simply stay at home and practice their free throws in their mind.

Amazingly both groups improved at the same rate, meaning that the sub-conscious mind cannot distinguish between a real event and an imagined one.

This same technology can be used to make yourself more comfortable before your date.

Close your eyes and imagine yourself acting comfortably, talking with confidence, and feeling very good about yourself on your date.

This 'memory' will be the same as if you had gone on the hypothetical date yourself.

And when it comes for the real thing you will feel confident and secure, making your date forget whether you had hair loss in the first place.

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Dating And Hair Loss Technique #1: Acceptance Sunday January 8, 2006 in: Hair Loss Tag(s):
Blogger's note: Today, we'll play Dr. Phil (or Oprah or whoever's your fantasy shrink) for a while and start a series on dating and hair loss and how men should deal with it.

This is our way of contributing towards the reduction of anxiety for men who cope with the social implications of hair loss. So without further ado here we go:

***************

Dating can be stressful enough without the rigors of hair loss to go along with it.

While hair loss treatments like Rogaine and Propecia can be very effective they usually take up to 4 months to see results, not especially helpful if you've got a date for tomorrow night.

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HAIR RESTORATION AND MONEY Saturday January 7, 2006 in: Hair Tag(s):
Sure using hair loss treatment to get that full head of hair might make you feel better, look younger, and give you more confidence.

But can it really make you more money?

Can the thickness of your scalp affect the thickness of your wallet?

According to many scientific studies, the answer is probably yes. Why that may be is difficult to say.

There are a variety of theories ranging from social to psychological factors that try to explain this phenomenon.

It can't be denied that many men feel 'inferior' when dealing with hair loss and that a comprehensive hair restoration program can give them more self-esteem.

This increased self-esteem can lead to enhanced career opportunities. Just ask Superman's archenemy Lex Luthor.

But what is interesting in these newest findings is that it isn't just how overall self-image relates to performance at work-it's actually the type of work itself that a hair loss patient chooses that determines their economic potential.

People dealing with hair loss are often embarrassed by their follicle condition and seek work environments where they can hide their hair loss.

This might mean a job that allows the wearing of a hat, such as a food service job or retail position, which may provide camouflage of the hair loss but not much in the way of economic prosperity.

Also it is not uncommon for straight- A students to drop out of college, as a result of embarrassment of the hair loss, and thereby directly affect their earning potential.

Signing off for now....

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BENEFITS OF HAIR RESTORATION (OR HOW TO LOSE THAT KOJAK FEELING) Friday January 6, 2006 in: Hair Tag(s):
Some medical professionals are keen to point out that baldness is not a medical condition in the true sense of the word; but rather a cosmetic condition with no inherent side effect aside from hair loss.

But this rather clumsily diminishes the overwhelming psychological effect of baldness.

For unless one has experienced hair loss themselves, (I have), it is difficult to understand the stigmatization of constantly feeling that you look like Kojak.

The first great weapon against hair loss was discovered about 20 years ago.

Since then Rogaine and Propecia have helped a majority of patients to stem existing hair loss and in some cases actually grow new hair.

Though success is not guaranteed, it can take up to a year to see results, patients who have stuck with the program have been satisfied with the results they have seen from this effective short-term hair loss solution.

The most effective method for me was the hair transplant. Though more expensive than Rogaine and Propecia, procedures like hair transplantation take hair from healthy parts of the scalp and transplant them to areas of the scalp in need of some help.

There were also very little side effects and best of all I felt better about myself-and have no intention of looking like Kojak ever again.

Until next time we sign off.

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NO MORE COMBOVERS—HAIR RESTORATION THAT WORKS Friday January 6, 2006 in: Hair Tag(s):
Ah yes...the combover, that distinctively ineffective hair loss solution invented by a father and son in Orlando who came to the drunken realization (true!) that if you grew your hair long on the sides you could comb it over toward the top of the scalp and nobody would ever know you were suffering from hair loss.

Unfortunately as everyone seems to know, except for the person using the combover, it never works.

Combovers hide only one thing...the good sense of the person using them.

By using FDA- approved medications like Rogaine or Propecia you can avoid anyone ever confusing your hair with the 'Donald Trump' look.

Just ask retired National Basketball Association (NBA) star Karl Malone.

See, during the 1998 NBA championships, Chicago guard Ron Harper was overheard shouting "Rogaine!" to a bald-headed Malone everytime he touches the ball.

Maybe Harper thought shouting the name of this drug may psyche Malone out, take him off his game.

The Bulls won the championship of course but Rogaine's role is debatable. Still this drug has its uses.

Rogaine, medication once used to lower blood pressure, works for most patients in reinvigorating damaged and shrunken hair follicles-something that no combover can do.

And Propecia, that prescription hair loss pill originally designed to deal with an enlarged prostate, has proven very effective in blocking the hormone in the body that causes baldness.

Of all the hair restoration techniques it is perhaps the hair transplant that resembles most the combover.

They both share the idea of using hair on the sides and the back of the scalp to disguise hair loss but that's where any similarly ends.

Hair transplants work because they actually transfer this healthy donor hair tissue into the areas in need of rejuvenation to create a natural and full head of hair. A result that even the best combover can only aspire to.

So just like Mr. Trump says, make sure to tell your combover "You're Fired!" and invest in a hair restoration technique. Your hair will thank you.

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THE HISTORY OF THE COMBOVER Thursday January 5, 2006 in: Hair Tag(s):
The combover is not just a temporary solution to hair loss---it is a cultural phenomenon that was patented over 26 years ago. This is the story of entrepreneurship and vision.

This is the story of Donald and Frank Smith of Orlando, Florida and their quest for the perfect male baldness treatment.

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BAD HAIR TRANSPLANTS WITH LOW DONOR DENSITY Thursday January 5, 2006 in: Hair Tag(s):
Hair transplants are hard. That's why hair transplant surgeons go to school for most of their 20's and drive Porsches.

It's important that the medical practitioner be experienced and have a good track record of successful procedures.
This is especially true in relation to hair transplantation where the slightest amount or neglect or carelessness can leave a patient struggling with that all-too-common malady known as the bad hair transplants.

Low donor density which can affect not only the current hair transplant but affect future scalp repair procedures that may be necessary, is one common factor in bad hair transplants.

Donor density, as is implied, refers to the thickness of the donor tissue that is used to implant into the area of the scalp that is suffering hair loss.

As expected, after the hair transplant the density of the donor area is decreased.

How much density is diminished depends on the expertise of the surgeon, unfortunately this decreased hair donor density is compounded when the recipient area does not appear to have any more hair than it did before and donor tissue is lost-seemingly for no reason.

Luckily, even the shoddiest work by one of those Porsche-drivers can be fixed by going to a competent and successful hair surgeon.

That's it for now. Keep your head up.

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HOLLYWOOD AND HAIR LOSS Thursday January 5, 2006 in: Hair Loss Tag(s):
Chinese legend has it that hair loss is a punishment of the devil.

And nowhere is that belief held strongly than in Hollywood where's one appearance isn't simply an important aspect of career ascendancy-it might be the most important factor in determining success or failure.

Many of the perceptions that people make, whether they are right or wrong, are made within a few seconds of seeing someone.

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EXPLAINING YOUR HAIR TRANSPLANT TO YOUR CHILDREN Thursday January 5, 2006 in: Hair Tag(s):
Hair transplants can be scary. Especially to your unsuspecting children.

Before you show up with a Chia pet head you might want to prepare your little ones for the great hair transformation you are about to undertake.

Here are a few things you can do to make the transition from hair loss to hair gain a smooth and seamless one.

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Bad Hair Transplant And Scalp Mobility Thursday January 5, 2006 in: Hair Tag(s):
IF any of the major cable networks out there are interested, there are probably enough horror stories about botched hair transplants to fill an entire reality TV show's season.

Put in a B-movie title like "Bad Hair Days" and the tagline "When hair transplants go bad....they go really bad" and one may have a one-hit wonder on his hands. Provided he doesn't get competition from HBO or even Fox.

The problems one encounters with hair transplants are as varied as the many hair color combos of former NBA star Dennis Rodman-and perhaps just as ugly.

From grafted hair that grows in the wrong direction to donor hair that doesn't have enough density, bad hair transplants can come in many forms.

One of the most common, and avoidable, are bad hair transplants due to 'poor scalp mobility.'

Scalp mobility refers not to the sudden movement of hair from one place to another due to air-conditioning but to the looseness the scalp contains.

Just like in dancing looseness is important, because areas of the scalp where donor tissue is taken, usually at the back of the scalp and on the sides, needs that mobility to avoid scarring.

Yeah scarring. Not a good site. But it isn't just visibly unattractive it can actually affect your donor tissue, which is a limited resource.

Once donor tissue is used up the possibility of dealing with any future hair loss is greatly decreased.

There is also the rate of scalp mobility which has much to do with the location of the incision that the surgeon makes.

This is why it is vitally important to choose a hair restortation surgeon who is experienced, qualified, and preferably didn't get their training from a correspondence course.

More discussion on hair transplants to follow soon. See you around.

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