Hair apparent: Restorative treatments are working!

I admit it: I was skeptical (partly by nature, partly by profession).

When I wrote in May about beginning a non-invasive hair-restoration program under the (pro bono) care of Boca Raton hair-restoration specialist Dr. Alan Bauman (baumanmedical.com), I wasn’t expecting much.

Sure, the good doctor had knowingly remarked at the end of my evaluation, “I think you’ll eventually be very pleased with the results” — after putting me on a protocol that included topical application of his uniquely compounded form of Minoxidil-82M, combined with the daily ingestion of hair-growth supplements and thrice-weekly laser-light therapy with LaserCap.

But, at most, I figured that a few wispy new strands might start popping up four, five, six months down the road in the severely thinning areas — at the hairline, and along the temples.

Certainly, though, nothing to get excited about — and definitely not anytime soon.

I must say: I don’t know if I’ve ever been happier to be so wrong.

Noticeable difference

As Dr. Bauman had explained to me, the first goal in any hair-growth restoration treatment is “to preserve the hair you already have.”

Even though I’ve yet to visit Dr. Bauman’s office yet for my three-month progress report (during which my hair volume and growth rate will be measured via state-of-the-art technology), this much I feel secure in reporting:

Just like the Russian Army at Stalingrad, my previously thinning, receding hairline has finally stopped retreating.

Even better — and to extend the World War II analogy —they’ve gone on the attack!

Yes, those tiny follicular soldiers have definitely taken a stand, responding to treatment by regrouping, literally and figuratively. The indisputable proof is in these photos.

Not only is the hairline (and surrounding area) looking thicker, but the increased density also makes the color appear darker.

When friends and colleagues had learned of my restoration efforts, all had remarked that my hair loss hadn’t appeared noticeable to them.

However, that’s exactly why, if hair retention is important to you, the time to start a restoration program is at the first sign of any deterioration.

While the old-school side of me wanted to shrug off caring about my thinning dome, I’m glad I allowed my more metrosexual tendencies to guide me on this one.

And, it turns out I’m not alone: Last week, The Los Angeles Times reported that men’s grooming products make up the fastest-growing segment in the beauty/cosmetics industry (one rule, though: Nothing targeted at men can be called “makeup”).

I doubt I’ll ever spend much (read: any) time or money adopting a skin-care regimen — but, then again, there was a time I would’ve said the same thing about hair restoration.

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"Steve's response to treatment is not unexpected.  Taking early action, before his follicles were 'dead and gone' was the correct step.  Using non-invasive treatments like Minoxidil-82M, LaserCap, nutritonals, etc. we were able to improve his hair quality: thicker, healthier, longer, darker, etc. in the area of treatment. He will likely NEVER need a hair transplant if he continues treatment." --Dr. Alan J. Bauman, M.D.  Diplomate, American and International Board of Hair Restoration Surgery.