Truly "Personal Care Luxury?"

Of all the types of concealers available today, one of the longest lasting may be the "spray on," color-matching aerosol topical. Although many brands and differing types of spray on concealers currently exist, ProTHIK is considered by many to be one of the most trusted. What makes this product so popular in the hair loss community? How does ProTHIK work to conceal hair loss? Is ProTHIK truly a "personal care luxury for men" like their website indicates?

ProTHIK: What is it, and how does it Work?

ProTHIK belongs to the popular "aerosol" variety of spray applications. It is applied properly by spraying an appropriate amount of the aerosolized solution onto balding areas of the scalp. Due to its resin technology and variety of natural color choices, spraying ProTHIK onto areas of the balding scalp or thinning hair eliminates unsightly "bald spots" and reportedly leaves the patient with a realistic looking and undetectable appearance. But what does ProTHIK offer that similar hair loss products do not?

The Benefits of ProTHIK

According to the manufacturers, ProTHIK is superior to similar products for a number of important reasons.

First, ProTHIK allegedly possesses superior rub-resistance, a single component formulation (meaning multiple applications during one sitting is not necessary), superior water resistance, and a greater overall durability.

Second, when applied to the scalp, ProTHIK supposedly creates a natural, undetectable appearance (to both visual and physical inspection) that is resistant to excessive amounts of sweat. What’s more, ProTHIK is proposed to last overnight or between showers, and washes off easily with basic shampoo.

Third, ProTHIK is designed to provide adequate coverage in a variety of hair loss scenarios. For example, ProTHIK is reportedly able to conceal scalp regions with only 10 to 15% remaining hair and "bald patches" as large as 3-4 centimeters in diameter.

ProTHIK Product Reviews

Like other aerosol products, ProTHIK is only recommended for areas of hair loss 1.5 - 1 inches posterior to the frontal hairline however, it's considered especially effective in the vertex (crown) region.  Despite the more specific application, ProTHIK remains popular with many consumers because of its overall effective nature, natural appearance, and lasting durability.  On the flip side, some ProTHIK users have expressed concerns about messy application and clogging.

Unlike similar products, ProTHIK reports that it requires fewer applications and its resin technology does not create a shiny, thickened, or "sticky" appearance when applied to areas of balding scalp.

Additionally, manufacturers of ProTHIK report that it remains effective in hair thinned up to 85 – 90% of its original density and bald patches as large as 3-4 centimetres in diameter. For these, and many other reasons, ProTHIK remains a popular, trusted choice for individuals seeking a quality aerosol concealer.

What Real Hair Loss Sufferers are Saying About ProTHIK

To learn what hair loss suffering men and women who've used ProTHIK are saying, visit our popular hair loss forum and social community.

There are several topical treatments like Revivogen, Crinagen, Progesterone Creams, Kevis 8 and Xandrox that claim to minimize or block the amount of dyhydrotestosterone (DHT) present in the scalp.

DHT acts as a catalyst for the hair loss process as it binds with the receptor sites in hair follicles that are genetically vulnerable to hair loss. Over time, this process of DHT acting on the genetically vulnerable hair follicles hurts their ability to grow healthy hair.

The success of these topical treatments in reducing DHT levels in the scalp has not been clinically proven. However, the possibility of reducing DHT only in the scalp region rather than through out the entire body as with Propecia or Avodart is appealing.

Click to learn more about how to stop hair loss with Hair Growth Stimulators

Crinagen is an all natural alcohol-free topical scalp spray clinically backed to reduce the amount of DHT (dehydrotestosterone) in the scalp. It contains no alcohol, and has displayed no side effects. Crinagen is also equally safe for men and women and is most effective in men and women with thinning hair. In addition to blocking scalp DHT, they both are reported nourish the scalp’s hair follicles. Crinagen usually displays its effects on average in five months.

How It Works:

The product's main ingredients are Saw Palmetto, Zinc, and Azelaic Acid. All 3 ingredients are reported to reduce the production of scalp DHT and nourish the scalp's hair follicles.

Developing Realistic Expectations:

Crinagen has not been clinically proven nor approved by the FDA. Thus, like Revivogen and Tricomin, Crinagen should be used only after seriously considering proven treatments like Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil).

Don't expect immediate results. It's recommended to use Crinagen for at least 6 to 12 months before determining its effectiveness. Documenting your progress with bi-monthly photos can help you determine whether or not Crinagen is working for you.

Hair shedding is a common symptom the first few months and a sign that the medication may be working for you. It's crucial to push past this stage with continued use for the recommended period of time.

To date, only surgical hair restoration is proven to grow hair in completely bald areas. You are invited to have a free virtual consultation with one of our prescreened hair restoration physicians.

Nizoral 2% is magnificent shampoo and a significant part of what's referred to commonly as the Big 3. The other two are the FDA approved and proven treatments Propecia (finasteride)and Rogaine (minoxidil). To date, Nizoral is the only shampoo on the market that can make the unique claim that it's proven to stop the formation of DHT. Its active ingredient ketoconazoleat 2% concentration has proven to be a moderate DHT inhibitor and has growth stimulating properties about as effective as Rogaine 2%.

This product includes 2%, the highest concentration of the active ingredient ketoconazole. To view the clinical abstract proving the effectiveness of ketoconazole in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, view "Ketoconazole as a hair loss treatment". There is also a less concentrated 1% of Nizoral. To learn more, visit Nizoral regular shampoo.

We strongly suggest using Nizoral shampoo in addition to other proven treatments. Nizoral should be used 2 or 3 times a week to avoid dry hair and a flakey scalp.

On the off days, you may want to consider rotating Nizoral with other excellent shampoos designed specifically for thinning hair. See the recommended treatments section below for other shampoos we recommend.

Developing Realistic Expectations:

Men and women sometimes suffer from hair loss for different reasons. Thus, diagnosing its cause is necessary to facilitate and promote proper treatment.

Don't expect immediate results. It's recommended to use Nizoral in conjunction with other proven treatments for at least 6 to 12 months before determining its effectiveness. Documenting your progress with bi-monthly photos can help you determine whether or not Nizoral has been successful in helping you maintain existing hair.

To date, only surgical hair restoration is proven to grow hair in completely bald areas. You are invited to have a free virtual consultation with one of our prescreened hair restoration physicians.

Contained in Several Popular Hair Loss Treatments for Men

Nettle root extract can be found in a number of popular hair loss treatments, such as Provillus and Procerin, and at your local health food store as a standalone product. Conjectured to effectively inhibit the production of DHT, below we examine whether or not nettles are as effective as Propecia (finasteride) in blocking DHT and stopping the progression of male or female pattern hair loss.

Description

“Nettles” is the common name for Urtica Dioica, an herbal plant also known as the Stinging Nettle. This perennial herb is often eaten in many parts of the world and is often added to soups, salads or cooked as greens, though less frequently. Nettle leaves are long and pointy, but only the shoots and top of the plant are eaten. Nettle plants have dark green leaves and typically grow about 2 or 3 feet tall and its flowers are covered with tiny stinging hairs that contain an irritant. Allergic reactions are common if they come in contact with human skin.

Use of Nettles

Nettle root extract was found to partially block 2 enzymes by researchers such as R. Hartmann.  The first is 5-alpha-reductase that when combined with testosterone, produces DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the hormone responsible for androgenic alopecia hair loss. The second enzyme is aromatase, which makes estrogen.  Combining nettle root extract with another herbal agent pygeum has been found to inhibit these two enzymes more effectively than either one alon It was shown that nettle root extract had to be used at high dosages in order to effective whereas lower doses of pygeum worked well.  Prostatonin, the combination product of nettles and pygeum have been used to treat BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy).

Studies by researchers JJ Lichius and others have shown a reduction in prostate growth in mice when large doses of nettle extract were taken orally. Combining nettle root extracts with saw palmetto berries in BPH patients reduced the amount of testosterone and estrogen. Conversely, it has been conjectured that nettles can block testosterone from binding to the sex hormone globulin, a carrier protein that binds testosterone and limits its bioavailability in the body. As a result, nettles have been called an aphrodisiac since it may help maintain testosterone levels.

Other uses of Nettles include treatment for arthritis, asthma, kidney, urinary tract infections, and last but not least, baldness.

Nettle Root as a Hair Loss Treatment

Like many other herbal supplements with some clinical evidence suggesting efficacy in treating enlarged prostates (BPH), some have claimed that nettle root extract may stop hair loss and maybe even aid hair regrowth.  Because Propecia (finasteride) works to stop the progression of male pattern baldness by inhibiting the production of DHT, it is conjectured that nettle root extract may be of similar benefit.

Nettle root is a popular ingredient taken orally in a couple big name hair loss products such as Provillus and Procerin.  Some have also conjectured that applying nettle root extract topically to the scalp may also facilitate new hair growth. Because many topical irritant type products are used to treat alopecia areata hair loss, some suggest nettle root extract applied topically may be effective in treating it. Those who conjecture its efficacy to treat baldness recommend doses of 500mg or more daily.

Though some have declared that nettle root extract may be an effective hair loss treatment, no clinical controlled studies have been performed proving its efficacy for androgenic alopecia (genetic female hair loss and male pattern baldness) or alopecia areata. 

Possible Side Effects of Nettles

Despite claims made that “all natural” herbal supplements are free from side effects, nettle root has its share of warnings. When topically applied, irritation of the scalp or an allergic reaction can occur. When taken orally, it can cause upset stomach, burning, difficulty with urination, bloating and edema.  Nettle root extract should not be used in patients with heart or kidney problems, due to fluid retention properties.
Those who want to try nettle root extract as a hair loss treatment should proceed with caution and consult their doctor before using it.