Brilliant Hair Loss Treatment, or is it a Scam?

ElectroTrichoGenesis (ETG), also known as Cosmetic TrichoGenesis (CTG), is a little known hair loss treatment that makes some very lofty hair growth claims. How does ETG work and is it really clinically proven to treat androgenic alopecia(genetic balding)?

How ElectroTrichoGenesis (ETG) Works

ETG is promoted as a safe, painless and non-intrusive. Treatment is administered via an “ergonomically shaped couch with a semi spherical hood” manufactured by Current Technology Corporation in Vancouver, Canada.

The patient reclines on the chair and the hood (with disposable liner) is placed over the head but does not make contact with the scalp. This special hood contains electrodes that deliver “specified pulsed electrostatic energy” delivered passively to the scalp by the low-level electric field generated within it.

ETG is believed to stimulate the regrowth of hair through the positive influence of the pulsed electrostatic field it generates. This field is said to stimulate “changes within the hair bulge and the follicle, stabilizing hair loss and stimulating new hair growth”. Patients receive a single 12 minute session weekly.

Is ETG Clinically Proven?

The following three studies on the efficacy of ElectroTrichoGenesis (ETG) as a treatment for thinning hair have been published in peer-reviewed journals:

Maddin, W. Stuart; Bell, Peter W.; James, John H. M. (1990).
"The Biological Effects of a Pulsed Electrostatic Field with Specific Reference to Hair Electrotrichogenesis". International Journal of Dermatology29(6): 446–450.

Benjamin, Benji; Ziginskas, Danute; Harman, John; Meakin, Timothy (2002).
"Pulsed electrostatic fields (ETG) to reduce hair loss in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast carcinoma: A pilot study". Psycho-Oncology11(3): 244–248

Maddin, WS; Amara, I; Sollecito, WA (1992).
"Electrotrichogenesis: further evidence of efficacy and safety on extended use". International Journal of Dermatology31(12): 878–80

According to the 36-week comparative, controlled study conducted on male subjects at the University of British Columbia and published in The International Journal of Dermatology, 96.7% of those treated experienced cessation of hair loss and/or hair regrowth. Decreased hair loss was seen as early as 4 to 6 weeks but many patients required more time for results.

The pilot study conducted on women undergoing chemotherapy for breast carcinoma and published in  Psycho-Oncology,showed that twelve out of 13 participants had good hair retention throughout the chemotherapy period and afterwards with no reported side effects.

As with the clinically proven medical hair loss treatments Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride), ETG is said to be most effective in the early stages of balding.

Conclusion

Although the data put forth in this article seems to paint ETG as a clinically proven and highly effective hair loss treatment, it’s important to note that the procedure is not new. The studies referenced above were published more than 13 years ago. If ETG truly works to stimulate hair growth and suppress the advancement of hair loss, why has it not become a fixture in the world’s leading hair restoration clinics? Where are all the glowing, unbiased reviews?

With no reported side effects, there may be no harm in giving ETG a try if there is a provider in your area and the fees are reasonable. However, balding men and women are encouraged to consult with an experienced and reputable hair restoration physicianin order to diagnose the cause of their thinning hair and learn about the outstanding medical and surgical options available today.

Revolutionary Hair Growth Formula?

Anyone suffering the effects of an incurable and debilitating medical condition yearns for the promise of new and revolutionary treatment options and hair loss sufferers are no exception. Though often dismissed as insignificant by those who are unaffected by it, baldness and thinning hair can devastate the lives of millions of men and women susceptible to the effects of androgenic alopecia. The desperation to restore the flowing locks of youth make this demographic particularly susceptible to slick marketing campaigns promising to halt balding and regrow hair. One such product marketed in this fashion is Europe’s TRX2 Molecular Hair Loss Treatment. But, will hair loss sufferers find follicles behind the flash?

TRX2 Ingredients

TRX2 Molecular Hair Loss Treatment is not a drug or medication. It is an herbal, dietary supplement taken orally. A glance at its ingredients list reveals nothing new or revolutionary. Each component is readily available at your local nutritional supplement shop, though you may not find the same concentrations of each in a single product.  It's ingredients are listed below:

Ingredients: L-carnitine tartrate (800 mg), potassium chloride (191 mg), L-leucine (150 mg), isoleucine (75 mg), valine (75 mg), nicotinic acid (40 mg), and biotin (150 µg).

TRX2 Scientific Studies?

With these ingredients so readily available, one might wonder if the significant cost savings of purchasing them individually and mixing your own TRX2 at home is just as effective for hair growth. The official website’s FAQ addresses this notion with the following response.

“The benefit of taking TRX2™ Molecular Hair Growth Supplement singularly, as opposed to buying each ingredient separately, is based on several facts:

The precise amount and ratio of ingredients in our supplement are carefully chosen and engineered based on credible scientific studies. The ingredients in our capsule were specifically formulated to work in concert with one another and are manufactured in accordance with strict European quality controls. For the consumer, the convenience of taking all compounds at the optimum ratio in one capsule and delivered via our proprietary potassium channel stimulating complex is crucially important.”

Perhaps this is true. However, at a hefty €54.95 (about $72) for a one month supply, those seeking to save some money may want to give the home brew option a shot first.

Additionally, referencing scientific studies is an effective way to add legitimacy to a product but one must always consider the source. While the TRX2 website provides detailed data gathered from a “randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study”, it is unclear who conducted the study and there is no mention of publication in a peer reviewed journal.  Peer review is the industry standard for evaluation of clinical trial results and its absence is cause for concern.

Does TRX2 Work?

TRX2 claims to stop hair loss and regrow hair through the “rejuvenation of potassium ion channels within hair follicles”. This theory is based on research suggesting that the opening of potassium channels is an important regulatory mechanism for hair growth.

A bold statement at the top of the TRX2 website states that it has been shown to regrow hair in nearly 9 out of 10 men and women. But, does TRX2 really do what it claims? The bottom of the company’s website provides a very important disclaimer.

“These statements have not been evaluated by the medicines regulatory agencies. This product is not a drug or medicine, and is therefore not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This patent-pending food supplement contains nutrients that help promote and sustain healthy hair growth. Results may vary and are subject to your individual metabolism. Regarding risks and side-effects please see the package insert and ask your physician or healthcare specialist.”

Careful wording in the above statement may give consumers the wrong idea. Helping to “promote and sustain healthy hair growth” is not the same as stopping hair loss or regrowing hair lost due to the effects of androgenic alopecia. A quality shampoo and condition can make hair more manageable and appear fuller.

TRX2 Side Effects

While TRX2 contains "drug-free" ingredients that are all natural or synthesized as normal metabolites in the human body, there is a potential for certain side effects.

Some consumers of TRX2 have reported transitory gastrointestinal effects including an upset stomach.  Thus, it is recommended to take TRX2 after eating.  Additional side effects include the possibility of allergic reactions such as skin flushes.  If any of these conditions occur, it is recommended to consult a physician.

 It is also recommended that any potential customers suffering from digestive system disorders, diabetes or those who are glucose-intolerant consult with their physician before taking TRX2.

Moreover, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid taking TRX2 due to its lack of long term safety data.

Conclusion

The role of potassium channels in hair growth is still being investigated and it’s unclear if TRX2 truly has the potential to significantly affect these channels. However, there is a clinically proven and FDA approved medical hair loss treatment that is known to do so. Rogaine (minoxidil) has been used successfully by balding men and women for more than 20 years. The exact mechanisms by which minoxidil affects hair growth are not fully understood but it is a known vasodilator and has also been shown to enhance the flow of potassium ions. Given that minoxidil is relatively inexpensive, clinically proven and comes with very little risk of side effects, it may be a better option for hair loss suffering men and women.

Additionally, balding men should seriously consider adding Propecia (finasteride) to their hair growth regimen. Propecia stops hair loss  at its core by inhibiting the production of DHT (the hormone responsible for genetic baldness) and is arguably the most effective treatment for male pattern balding currently available.

When it comes to “new and revolutionary” hair loss treatments, proceed with caution. There is nothing wrong with trying a new treatment provided it is safe and purchased from a reliable source. However, forgoing tried and true medical treatment s in favor of experimental products may result in further loss of precious and irreplaceable hair.

To share your thoughts and experience with TRX2 on our hair loss forum, join the discussion “TRX2: Any Feedback?”.

In fighting hair loss, there may be certain unwelcome side effects produced. These side effects are the results of the body's natural immune response. These effects can increase hair loss, if not controlled.

But with anti-inflammatory hair loss cure products, such side effects as itching, flaking, redness, and naturally, inflammation, are reduced. These topical treatment options include Tricomin, Folligen, Proxiphen and Proxiphen-N, Betadine and T-Gel and Nizoral Shampoos.

Nizoral

Here’s one shampoo that fits in with any treatment option.

Nizoral, made for men and women, is available in any grocery store. Nizoral is effective at reducing itching, inflammation and other side effects of other treatments, such as Propecia. The shampoo also maintains scalp health. Plus, research has shown that using Nizoral for an extended period may help to treat male pattern baldness (MPB) and female pattern baldness (FPB).

It’s advised that you apply Nizoral once every three days, in rotation with your normal shampoo. However, as Nizoral’s effects can last for several days, it is a very inexpensive treatment option. After one month of use, you should then use Nizoral once every 1-2 weeks. The shampoo should be applied to wet hair and scalps. You should then leave it in for 3-5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

T/Gel Shampoos

T/Gel is the brand name for a variety of shampoos and hair loss cure treatments. Primarily, these products are designed to treat such scalp problems as dandruff, itching, flakiness, and excess oil.

The Original Formula shampoo contains 2% Neutar ®, which is essentially 0.5% Coal Tar. There’s also T/Gel’s Fine/Oily Hair Formula, Extra Strength Formula, and Stubborn Itch Control Formula. These varieties all feature Neutar, a patented product, which dissolves into the scalp as it treats the previously mentioned symptoms.

T/Sal® Maximum Strength Therapeutic Shampoo features 3% Salicylic Acid. This effectively treats the crusty scalp build-up of psoriasis, as well as problems caused by excessively oily skin. This product should be used at least three times a week, unless other wise directed by your physician. T/Gel’s Healthy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo also contains Salicylic Acid, specifically 1.8%. There’s also T/Scalp® Therapeutic Anti-Itch Liquid, which features 1% Hydrocortisone. This is meant for treating severe dandruff.

The prices for these products vary, but generally, a 16oz. bottle of the Original formula retails for about $13.00.

Nioxin shampoo and conditioners

If you have fine or thinning hair, you may want to consider the Nioxin family of hair products. These all-natural cleansers, conditioners, treatments and styling products are free of any drugs.

Nioxin can improve the hair’s health by cleansing the scalp’s skin, strengthening the hair follicle and energizing the cellular activity. In addition, Nioxin is supposed to restore the scalp’s proper moisture balance. On average, the Nioxin products take about 45 days to show their effects.

Nioxin has not been found to have any effect on DHT. However, by keeping the follicles healthy, these products may help delay hair loss. Because there are no side effects, the products can be used everyday. Nioxin typically costs $30-$125 per month.

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