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Do this before a hair transplant

Do this before a hair transplant

Thicker shaft and larger diameter hair is far easier to transplant, and will have a much better chance of surviving post surgery – Meaning better results for you.

And in this post i will discuss the best way to get your hair in the best shape for a transplant REGARDLESS of how bald you are.

EVERY hair transplant candidate should be doing this..

Before AND after the procedure..

You should be taking the 14 vitamins and minerals PROVEN to thicken hair shaft and diameter.

I ALWAYS advise people to do this during my consultations

Why?

Because science has proven they work..

WITHOUT those key vitamins and minerals

Unsuccessful hair transplant due to weak growth

But..

The problem has always been finding a brand that actually works…

Most brands on the market use LOW GRADE ingredients ..

A waste of money..

My chosen brand

But now, there is a new brand which claims to work..

Its called Foligrow

With a simple formulation tweak, they were able to:

Thicken hair shaft

Improve density 

Accelerate hair growth

 

It doesn’t matter if you think your “diet is good”..

ALMOST EVERYONE is deficient in some of these key vitamins.

Why does Foligrow work ? (better than other brands)

Well, the company claims they have made their ingredients more pure than any other product on the market.

So they are absorbed better by the hair roots.

Certainly, low purity of ingredients is a massive problem in the supplement industry

Conclusion

Foligrow is worth using if you hair is weak or falling.

Particularly before and after a hair transplant (to maximize your results)

Given its high purity it may work better than other brands

Ideally, if decide to try, its best to try for at least 4-6 months

Check Foligrow availability
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Foligrow review – Does it work?

Foligrow Review

Foligrow is a hair growth supplement designed to slow down hair shedding, and regrow hair.

 

It uses a blend of vitamins and herbs to trigger hair growth in both men and women.

 

In this article we will go through some of the ingredients of Foligrow to decide if it is any good or not.

Foligrow Ingredients

Here is a precise breakdown of all the active ingredients in Foligrow.

 

Let us now go through the key ingredients to unpick the research behind them in terms of hair loss.

Biotin

Foligrow contains 4000 micrograms of Biotin per serving.

Biotin has a long and fascinating history with hair loss. There is plenty of strong research evidence that it helps prevent hair loss.

In one study, researchers found that 38% of women who presented with hair loss had significant Biotin deficiency. 

So this study confirms a link between Biotin and hair loss, and many studies have since corroborated its findings.

Another study ,which continued for 6 months, showed that taking Biotin supplements improved hair thickness and density.  Although this study was fairly small, its findings are very exciting.

In conclusion, there is a wealth of evidence Biotin does help with both prevention of hair loss and regrowth of hair.

Vitamin A

Foligrow contains 3000mg per serving

Vitamin A is crucial for producing sebum, which is the oily substance that ensures hair remains healthy and well moisturized.

Science has shown that lacking Vitamin A can contribute to hair loss.

Hypervitaminosis A: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Vitamin C

Foligrow contains 250mg of vitamin C per serving

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that gets rid of free radicals (toxins that build up in the body) which can damage hair follicles.

Vitamin C is also vital for making collagen, which is needed to give hair is structure and robustness.

And if this wasn’t enough, Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron which is also vital for hair growth.

So its reassuring Foligrow has vitamin c at such high levels.

Vitamin E

 

Foligrow contains 8mg of Vitamin E per serving.

Vitamin E, similar to vitamin C, clears free radicals.

One study showed people who took vitamin E experienced over 34% increase in hair growth, after using vitamin E for 8 months.

This is very exciting and shows the value of vitamin E as a hair growth supplement.

 

Zinc

Foligrow contains 5mg of Zinc per serving

Zinc is an important mineral for repairing damage to hair, and for protecting oil glands around hair follicles.

Science has shown zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, and that this hair loss improves when the person starts to take zinc supplements.

10 Signs and Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency - Center for Family Medicine

 

Vitamin B2/B3/B6/B9

Foligrow contains high levels of key B-vitamins.

 B vitamins are vital for carrying Oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles.  Therefore, they are vital for hair growth.

 

Saw Palmetto

Foligrow contains 250mg of Saw Palmetto per serving.

There is strong and promising research around Saw Palmetto’s ability to treat hair loss.

Research has shown it can help increase hair count, density and thickness.  Saw Palmetto works in a similar way to leading conventional drugs for hair loss.

One study showed an increase of 11.9% in hair count in half the participants, after only 4-month use of Saw Palmetto.

Buyer Beware: What's Inside A Bottle of Saw Palmetto Supplement? - Science Talk Archive

 

Ginko Biloba

Foligrow contains 30mg of Ginko Biloba leaf extract (24%).

Research has shown the Ginko Biloba may improve blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles, thereby helping deliver key nutrients which can help grow hair.

In one animal study, an increase of 70% in hair growth was documented!

Several other studies made similar findings since.

 

Green tea extract

 

Foligrow contains 50mg of green tea extract (98%)

Green tea extract has shown great promise in regrowing hair.

EGCG warning: EFSA safety assessment suggests green tea supplements should come with warning

One study showed an 80% increase in hair growth after using a green tea extract supplement for 24 weeks.  Although this was a small study, these results are promising.

We think Green tea extracts work by prolonging the growth phase of hair (Anagen).

Science has also shown Green tea extract can increase hair regrowth.

Animal studies showed an increase in hair growth when it was given for periods ranging from 3-6 months.

Another way we think green tea extracts work for hair growth is by increasing blood flow to the scalp.  One small study showed an increase of 29% in oxygen delivery to the scalp, when Green tea extract supplement was taken for 12 weeks.

Foligrow advantages

There are 2 main advantages that i can see:

  1. High Purity ingredients

Foligrow has its ingredients at very high purity, which they claim makes it more effective.

Science does back this up.

2. Proven hair growth ingredients

Foligrow does contain a host of proven ingredients to help with hair growth.

And all in one bottle.

It saves you having to get multiple products, which is convenient.

Foligrow disadvantages

Foligrow is still fairly new to the market so it will likely be a little more expensive than the average “hair growth supplement”.

CONCLUSION

So in summary, should you try Foligrow?

I think you should, at least for 3-6 months.

It does have promising research behind it, and the high purity of its ingredients is not something found in any other supplement as far as i know.

If you are completely bald, it will probably not help.  But if you still have some hair its worth a try.

thick hair post transplant
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Can a Hair Transplant Thicken Hair?

Hair transplant procedures can thicken hair by adding healthy follicles to areas experiencing hair thinning.

During the first few months following the procedure, patients may experience temporary hair loss, known as “shock loss”.

However, the transplanted hair eventually begins to grow and fill previously thin areas.

Hair transplant procedures are usually permanent solutions for hair loss and hair thinning.

Surgeons remove grafts containing one to three hair follicles from an area called the donor site.

The donor hair follicles typically come from the back of the head where people are less likely to experience hair loss.

The thicker, healthier hair is then transplanted around the crown or other areas that suffer from balding or thinning.

thinning hair before a hair transplant
Hair transplants can help thicken areas of thin hair like this man’s frontal hairline

 

How to Thicken Hair After a Hair Transplant

Shortly after the procedure, some patients experience “shock loss,” which is a condition that causes transplanted hair to shed.

Shock loss often occurs about one to two weeks after the procedure. New hair often appears within several months.

However, patients can follow specific recommendations to reduce the risk of shock loss and promote thicker hair.

The following options may help thicken hair after a hair transplant:

  • Shampoos
  • Thickening hair sprays
  • Hair fibers
  • Laser caps
  • Rogaine
  • Finasteride
low level laser caps claim to help regrowth hair; and there is some evidence they do

Only about 15% of patients experience significant shock loss.

However, surgeons often recommend that all patients use caution when caring for the hair to minimize the risk of damage to the delicate follicles. Your hair needs time to recover from the surgery.

Use Hair Thickening Shampoos to thicken hair after a transplant

Hair shampoos may strengthen hair, which helps to create a thicker look.

These shampoos tend to include key nutrients that improve the health of hair follicles. Common ingredients include keratin, vitamin B5, biotin, zinc, and natural oils from plants, such as coconut.

The use of hair-thickening shampoos is recommended for maintaining the health of your existing and transplanted hair. However, surgeons recommend that you wait two or three days after the transplant to resume washing your hair.

You also need to start gently with a mild shampoo.

Most clinics may suggest that you wait until about a week after the treatment before using hair products for thickening.

thicker hair with shampoo after hair transplant

Use Hair Sprays or Fibers to Thicken hair after a transplant

Hair sprays and fibers are often used to achieve the appearance of fuller hair with less effort. Unlike hair thickening shampoos, hair thickening sprays powder fibers are designed to instantly add volume and texture to your scalp.

hair fibres to thicken hair
hair fibres can make a tremendous difference in thickening hair

These products include compounds that adhere to your existing hair for a fuller look.

The fibres bind to the hairs on your head. However, you need to carefully apply the product to achieve the best results.

Hair thickening sprays and fibres are available in a variety of colours, allowing you to match the colour of your existing hair.

You also need to apply the right amount, as adding too much of the product limits its effectiveness.

The results are also temporary. The hair spray or powder fibres require reapplication every day or two. Many patients who use hair fibres also use hair-thickening shampoos.

Laser Caps May Stimulate Hair Growth

Laser caps are used to shower the scalp and hair follicles with low-strength infrared light.

Studies have found that wearing laser caps for multiple, short sessions each day may help increase hair thickness and combat the effects of alopecia. However, laser caps do not provide instant results.

Clients typically need to use the laser cap daily for several months before noticing hair regrowth.

Rogaine or Finasteride to thicken hair

Rogaine and finasteride are two of the leading medications for combatting male pattern hair loss.

Rogaine was the first product approved by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hair loss in both men and women.

The product contains minoxidil, which helps increase the health and size of hair follicles, resulting in fuller hair.

Finasteride is a type of medication that blocks the production of a male hormone responsible for damaging hair follicles.

Unlike Rogaine, finasteride cannot be used by women. It is also available by prescription only.

As with laser caps, Rogaine and finasteride do not instantly create thicker hair. Rogaine is applied topically each day while finasteride is taken orally.

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Can a Hair Transplant Be Done Twice?

Can a Hair Transplant Be Done Twice?

People can have multiple hair transplants if they have sufficient hair available from the donor area, which often includes the two sides and back of the scalp.

Pros of Doing a Hair Transplant Twice

Patients return for additional hair transplants for a variety of reasons, including achieving fuller coverage and correcting issues with previous transplants.

Achieve Fuller Coverage

After a hair transplant procedure, the transplanted hair typically falls out before regrowing in a few months. Some patients may not be satisfied with the results and decide to schedule a second transplant.

The average hair transplant procedure includes 4,000 to 6,000 grafts. Each graft includes groupings of up to four hair follicles.

However, every patient is different. Some individuals may have less hair available in the donor area, limiting the amount of coverage provided by the transplant.

 

Waiting until the hair in the donor area regrows allows patients to complete a second transplant and achieve a fuller head of hair. Most clinics recommend that patients wait at least nine months before undergoing a second session.

Patients need time to allow the scalp to heal and hair to regrow.

Correct Issues with First Transplant

Clients may schedule a second hair transplant to correct issues with the first transplant.

If the hair transplant was not successful or completed by an inexperienced surgeon, the patient may suffer from hair loss or unsatisfactory regrowth.

Most patients experience a 60% regrowth of newly transplanted hair within nine months of the procedure.

Mistakes during the procedure may reduce the number of follicles that produce new hair.

Fewer Grafts Per Transplant

Anticipating the need for multiple transplants allows clients to receive fewer grafts during each procedure, which reduces the recovery time and risks of side effects, such as shock loss.

Some people don’t like the ide of sitting in a chair for 7 hours during a procedure!

Often called a “mega-session”.

They may want to split the mega-session into two “mini-sessions”.

The number of grafts required depends on the size of the balding area. If you want to cover a large area of your scalp, you need more grafts.

However, you have a limited amount of hair available from the donor area.

The average person has enough hair in the donor area for 4,000 to 8,000 grafts, which is also close to the average number of grafts completed during a typical procedure. By completing fewer grafts, you may avoid depleting the donor area.

Cons of Doing a Hair Transplant Twice

Additional hair transplants increase the risk of negative side effects, such as the depletion of the available donor area, future hair loss, and a reduction in skin laxity.

Depletion of Donor Area

The depletion of available hair in the donor area is a potential risk of scheduling a second hair transplant too soon after the first one.

You have a limited amount of hair available on the sides and back of the scalp.

donor hair depletion is a risk with second hair transplant procedures

Some patients also experience hair loss after a transplant session due to trauma.

Depending on your age and the health of the hair follicles in the donor area, some of the hair may not grow back.

Waiting at least nine months after the transplant gives the donor area time to heal and allows the hair in the recipient area to achieve maximum growth.

Future Hair Loss

Hair transplants are often used to address natural balding and hair thinning. The transplant procedure offers a temporary solution but does not stop hair from thinning and falling out.

Patients should understand that future hair loss is inevitable. If the rate of hair loss increases, future transplants may not offer satisfactory results.

This is why it is vital to do a hair transplant once your hair loss is stable.

Loss in Skin Laxity

A hair transplant procedure may reduce scalp laxity, which is an essential factor in determining the availability of donor follicles and the recovery time needed for each graft.

Scalp laxity refers to the elasticity of the skin around the scalp.

Or how “stretchy” the scalp is.

Hair transplant procedures involve removing strips of hair follicles (FUT) or holes of skin containing several hair follicles (FUE). The removal of hair follicles leaves a small scar.

While tighter skin results in smaller scars, the scarring reduces the laxity of the skin.

Scalp laxity is a crucial consideration in hair transplants

Healthy skin can stretch when pulled. As you age, your skin loses laxity, which makes it more difficult to successfully transplant hair follicles.

Tighter scalps may limit the size of the donor area that can be safely removed and the number of follicles in each graft.

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Will a Hair Transplant Damage Existing Hair?

Hair Transplant Speed

Hair transplants may damage existing hair through a process called shock loss, which tends to occur when the patient has limited spacing between existing hairs.

What Impact Does a Hair Transplant Have on Existing Hair?

A hair transplant procedure can cause physical trauma to the existing hair surrounding the grafts through a phenomenon known as shock loss. Receiving a hair transplant requires a surgeon to make tiny incisions to extra hair follicles.

The hair follicles are then transplanted to the recipient area, which may cause trauma to existing hair.

The hair around the donor area may also suffer from shock loss. The trauma causes native hairs to fall out. 

The hair loss typically occurs within a few days of the surgery but is often temporary.

Most patients notice regrowth within two to six months.

Along with shock loss, patients should notice the loss of newly transplanted hair. The transplanted hair starts falling off about six weeks after surgery.

New hair typically emerges after another six weeks.

hair transplant shock loss
Suspected Shock loss after hair transplant

What Do Clinics Do to Minimise Hair Damage?

Some patients are more prone to shock loss. For example, older individuals who are already experiencing significant balding are more likely to notice hair loss.

Clinics may use several methods to help reduce the risk of hair damage, including shaving the recipient area, limiting the number of grafts per transplant, and prescribing medication.

Shock loss is more common with the Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) method, which involves removing a narrow strip of the scalp.

The larger grafts lead to a more severe risk of shock hair loss compared to the small grafts completed with the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method.

Some hair transplant clinics recommend micrografting FUE transplant procedures to limit the occurrence of hair loss after the surgery. Micrografting involves the use of smaller grafts, which causes less trauma to the scalp.

Shaving the Recipient Area May Limit Shock Loss

The recipient area is the portion of the scalp receiving the grafts. Shaving this area may minimise the risk of shock loss by giving surgeons a better view.

After shaving the head, surgeons can obtain the proper angle and spacing to limit trauma to adjacent hair follicles.

Limiting the Number of Grafts Completed

Surgeons may avoid implanting grafts too densely. Limiting the number of grafts during the transplant may limit the risk of trauma by providing more space around the natural hairs.

The typical hair transplant session includes 4,000 to 6,000 grafts. Some surgeons may recommend limiting the session to 2,000 grafts to avoid trauma to the capillary vessels.

Completing fewer grafts during a single transplant process also reduces the duration of the surgery and recovery time. With a shorter procedure, surgeons may use less anaesthesia, which limits the trauma to the scalp.

Medications for Reducing Shock Loss

Patients may receive medications to help with hair regrowth and reduce the risk of shock loss.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Propecia (Finasteride) are often prescribed to preserve the health of the original hair follicles.

Regaine may help minimise hair loss

Along with protecting against shock loss, medications may lead to moderate regrowth in some of the balding areas. But their main use is preventing further hair loss.

Minoxidil enlarges hair follicles to promote hair growth while Propecia reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a leading cause of balding.

Tips for Minimising Damage to Existing Hair

Patients should also follow the aftercare instructions provided by the clinic to minimise the risk of hair damage.

For example, patients are typically advised not to wash their hair for at least 48 hours after the transplant.

After three days, patients may resume washing their hair but should avoid being too aggressive. Wash your hair gently using cool or warm water.

The most important step for reducing the risk of damage to existing hair is to choose a reputable clinic. Mistakes and improper transplants are two of the leading causes of shock loss.

Experienced surgeons understand the risks and how to minimise them.

During the hair transplant process, some surgeons may use excessive local anaesthesia to numb the scalp, which can increase the risk of hair loss. Excessive use of epinephrine, Marcaine, and lidocaine may also cause shock loss.

Incorrect use of these medications may cause an increase in adrenaline, which adds to the risk of hair loss.