Dr Lam's Hair Restoration Forum

[victorkaplan]

I'm a 40 year old male. My hair is thin and the upper area of my head and vortex show less hair than the sides, typical male pattern hair loss. I would like to grow my hair long, past my shoulders, the way I had it 20 years ago. Back then, I used to believe (or know) that wearing long hair in men weakens the hair. Is this true? Will I accelerate hair loss by letting it grow long? If so, is there any vitamin that helps strengthen hair? I've already tried Propecia for 6 months and had no results.

Thank you so much in advance.

[dr. lam]

hi,
1. no long hair will not promote hair loss so don't worry about that.
2. in addition to propecia, rogaine works very well too. those are the only two FDA medications. remember however, that first propecia takes 6 to 12 months to see a difference and rogaine takes 3 to 6 months to see a difference. also that difference is oftentimes just slowing down the rate of hair loss. some regrowth should be expected at your age and what you are describing but nothing substitutes for a hair transplant result.
best,
sml

[victorkaplan]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.

I forgot about Rogaine; may give that a shot. I will absolutely consider hair transplant as my condition worsens. I think I'm OK now, but I ignore for how much longer.

Thanks again.

[dr. lam]

cool. you may want to try toppik or nanogen to camouflage the loss until you are ready to have a permanent solution of hair transplantation. they are topical powders to cover up the baldness.

[mariemarie]

Hi,
my husband has been experiencing almost exactly the same problems as Victor. And I know even though he wont admit it, that it is effecting his self confidence. I have been looking at vitamins for hair loss for him. Do you think they make any difference or is it just a marketing ploy?

A hair transplant seems a bit drastic & expensive & Im not sure he would go for it anyway. He's a bit stubborn like most men

Thanks Marie

[dr. lam]

1. vitamins for the most part are marketing ploys. only minoxidil and finasteride are proven to work.
2. i think men are not that stubborn when they realize what a transplant can do for them (if they are a good candidate based on age, etc.)

[Braxton43]

Long hair is more likely to be cosmetically ruined compared to short hair. Those with substantial hair damage need to consider a shorter hairstyle to enhance the general appearance of the hair.

[diego12]

Even my friend had the same doubt regarding hair loss due to long hair. Thank you Dr.Lam for clearing this doubt and also thanks for advising these medications. I hope this might be of great help.

[dr. lam]

most welcome.