Be wary of hair loss and hair treatment myths

• April 5, 2018
• Dr. Joshua Wee

Last updated on June 3, 2024

Red heads are more stoic, hair can turn grey overnight, tight hats cause baldness, cutting your hair during a full moon will make it grow healthier and blondes, who have more follicles, have more fun.

These assertions may capture our attention, however it seems the only scientifically proven fact is that blondes have more follicles.

Everything else may be a myth or subject to debate.

Renowned hair restoration surgeon and researcher into hair loss treatments and causes, Dr Jennifer Martinick says there’s a new myth circulated almost each year about a cause of hair loss or some ‘miracle’ new treatment or procedure.

By all means, enjoy the entertaining fables, she says.

But, obtain information from a reputable and relevant medical source and you’ll be less likely to be caught in the ‘grey area’ of unproven causes and treatments, “old wives tales” and marketing promotions about ‘revolutionary procedures.’

There are many factors that will contribute to hair loss such as genetics, stress, illness, poor nutrition, psychological conditions and harsh treatment such as bleaching, straightening procedures and hair extensions.

Ensuring the cause is correctly identified and you are prescribed appropriate individualised treatment will almost always require a consultation with a doctor who is experienced in the field.

In some cases, clinically proven treatments such as medications, topical solutions, nutritional supplements and laser therapy will restore hair or slow down the progress of hair loss.

However, the only proven, permanent and natural means for restoring genetic hair loss is with surgical hair transplantation.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), the traditional practice of replanting individual follicles as they appear in nature, is the established and proven method of recreating a permanent and natural hair transplant.

Dr Martinick is concerned that unwary hair loss sufferers are being taken in by promotions suggesting that Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) is a superior revolutionary surgical procedure.

FUE does result in no stitches and has merits for those with a history of scarring and insufficient donor hair for the traditional strip harvesting. But, FUE isn’t the best option for each patient.

There is no scientific evidence to support claims that FUE results in faster hair growth and a faster recovery phase than the long established and proven FUT.

Be mindful that other procedures once hailed ‘revolutionary’ such as plugs, micro-grafts, scalp reductions, flap surgery and laser made holes, were discarded when awareness rose about their detrimental effects.

Hair Transplant Myths or Facts? Talk to the hair restoration experts for more information

If you have any questions about hair loss, talk to the hair restoration experts at New Hair Clinic.

Our team works across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, providing comfort, excellence and the highest achievable outcomes.

Schedule a consultation with a surgeon at New Hair Clinic. Call 1300 670 292 or fill out a quick online contact form.

You can also complete a free online assessment . A friendly and knowledgeable consultant will be in touch with you after reviewing your submissions.

All information and photos that you supply are kept strictly confidential.