The Bald Truth with Spencer Kobren and Dr. Craig Ziering

Dr. Ziering shares recent findings and developments from his work as Principal Investigator on Histogen's new product, HSC Hair Growth Complex, with Spencer Kobren of The Bald Truth.

Minimizing the Damaging Effects of Sea Salt and Chlorine

 

Washing out the sea salt and chlorine from swimming in pools and the ocean is important as both work as drying agents on your hair which can make your hair brittle and lifeless.  Washing with a mild shampoo daily if necessary is recommended to protect your scalp and hair follicles from the salt and chlorine. Preventative measures are to use a leave-in conditioner or to soak the hair with tap water prior to swimming to prevent the chlorine or salt from penetrating into the cortex of the hair shaft and damaging the cuticle. Once the cuticle has been compromised, hair strands begin to break and split.  Try Kerastase Soleil Gelee Aqua Proof, a long lasting water resistant sun protective gel. 

Summer Hair Care Tips

So many patients have asked me recently about how to take care of their hair during the summer months that I have decided to provide summer hair care tips and product recommendations over the next coupe of weeks.  Whether it's the extreme exposure to the sun, to heat, salty ocean water, there are some really good products that are available as well as just some practical do's and dont's of keeping your hair healthy this summer.

 

PREVENT SCALP AND HAIR SUNBURN

 

Many people forget the importance of protecting your hair and your scalp from the damaging effects of over exposure to the sun.  Protective sunscreen should be applied to your hair and scalp prior to going out in the sun. Sunburn or any form of sun induced tissue damage on the scalp can trigger an inflammatory response, damaging the hair follicles and resulting in hair loss. Although your hair does not contain living cells, ultraviolet rays (UVA & UVB) may wreak havoc on your hair by altering the chemical consistency of color treated hair and perms and lead to a host of problems such as split-ends, breakage, loss of pigmentation and even premature hair loss.  Dr. Ziering suggests using Phytoplage High Protection Sun Spray. 
 

 

A Sneak Peek at a Possible Future Treatment for Hair Regrowth

For  the past several months I have been working as the Principle Investigator for Histogen, Inc's clinical trials on Regenica, a hair regrowth product.  While we are still in the early stages of testing, we are seeing some  promising results. This trial was designed to assess the safety of Regenica  over a 5 month period. At mid-trial in phase 1 of the study, we are seeing  no adverse reactions. We are actually seeing more hair, thicker shafts and  what appears to be the growth of completely new hair follicles.  

To learn more about the clinical trial results and Regenica's future, click here to read the full story.

The truth on herbal hair regrowth shampoo

Dr. Ziering,

I am 16 year old male teen, the hair on the top of my head has been thinning since age 9-10 and I fear that the stage will come that I will not have hair on the top of my head by the coming year.  My self confidence is getting down day by day.  I'm just not able to go outside without my baseball cap.  I have tried many hair products and many treatments but none with good results.  One of my friends told me to try an herbal hair regrowth shampoo.  Should I give this one a try or am I wasting my time?

Need your help!

Regards,

Thinning Fast!

Response:

It is important to understand why you are losing your hair. So your first step should be to schedule an appointment with a hair loss specialist who can evaluate you, assess your hair loss and give you a proper diagnosis for what is causing your loss.

If the cause is androgenic alopecia or typical Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL), then you should try a 12 month course of FDA approved treatments like Propecia, Minoxidil, or Laser therapy as prescribed by a physician.

Does a Transplant Prevent Hair Loss?

No, a transplant will not prevent further loss.  We consider this when planning a surgery.  You can decrease the rate at which you lose hair by taking adjunctive medical surgery, which may include other hair loss prevention products.

Can I Just Tell the Surgeon Where I Want the Hairline and Have Him Do It?

We work very hard to meet the needs of our patients. However, there are some patients that may have unrealistic goals or do not fully understand how a transplant is going to look once it grows in. I have over 16 yrs of experience designing hairlines that look natural according to age, race, and gender. More importantly, I understand how they will look once they have grown in. I enjoy working with our hair loss patients on the custom surgical plan, but if a patient insists on something that I believe would be cosmetically inappropriate, then I have the right not to perform the procedure.

 

In what way is Dr. Ziering's procedure unique?

Dr. Ziering is never satisfied with the status quo.  Microscopic Follicular Unit Grafting, the Ziering Scope, Ziering Blades, the Ziering Whorl and the Ziering Tunnel Technique are examples of real advancements enjoyed by Ziering Patients.  Our staff is comprised of experienced professionals who exceed industry standards and to your advantage; the Tech Team that specializes in your hair type is assigned to your case.  At Ziering Medical, personalized, attentive care starts with your consultation which includes time with Dr. Ziering.  He will perform your hair restoration and be involved with your procedure from start to finish.  In addition to traditional hair transplants, we specialize in facial hair aesthetics such as eyebrows and mustaches and repair procedures to camouflage scars from “old plugs”, burns, trauma and other cosmetic procedures. At Ziering Medical, our practice is dedicated exclusively to hair restoration; it’s our specialty and our passion.

 

How long does it typically take?

You can’t rush perfection, however in one day 3-4000 grafts can be transplanted from hairline to crown.  Everyone is different but on average the new hair will begin to grow at the third or fourth month following surgery.  A postoperative evaluation is scheduled at five months to evaluate early growth.  Patients experience most of their aesthetic change between six and twelve months (fifteen for women) as the individual hair shafts thicken to a fully mature state. 

 

Will it look natural as I'm going through the process?

Yes, hair transplants are the not the “plugs” of yesterday.  Microscopic Follicular Unit Grafting has reached new heights of artistic and scientific perfection.  One of the best compliments that I receive is, “my work goes unnoticed”.  After surgery, hair grows in gradually and naturally as if reverting back to the time before you experienced hair loss.