• Setting the Highest Standards in Hair Restoration

    Ultimate Hair Transplant Procedure

    Why the Coalition?

    With hair loss treatments often being marketed without regulation or accountability, hair loss sufferers need credible information about legitimate treatments and the ethical physicians who provide them.

    The Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians is a carefully selected group of skilled and ethical physicians who are united in providing patients with outstanding education and results.

    Physician Accountability

    Membership in the Coalition requires members to maintain a high degree of patient satisfaction. Members care for their patients knowing that their patients are free to post their experiences on the popular Hair Restoration Discussion Forum. On this open forum patients are free to critique physicians and to hold them accountable for their actions. This forum is run and moderated by hair restoration patients.

    In such a transparent environment our members are held publicly accountable for their actions and results. Members who fail to meet the high technical and ethical membership standards set by the Coalition are removed from the group.

    However, we ask that patients first give their physician the opportunity to satisfy their concerns privately before posting any public criticisms on the discussion forum.

    If the issue is not resolved to the patient’s satisfaction they are encouraged to contact the Coalition by email to service at hairtransplantnetwork dot com

    Member clinics also agree to open their clinics up to inspection. Many of these inspections have been reported on the Hair Restoration Discussion Forum. View some of these clinic visits.

    Membership Standards

    The skill, technique and talent of hair restoration physicians vary widely, as do the end results. Only a minority of leading physicians provide truly state of the art hair restoration.

    Coalition members are carefully reviewed and granted membership based strictly on their high level of integrity, skill, experience and ability to perform ultra refined follicular unit transplantation.

    All Coalition members have made the investment in time and resources to perform a highly refined and difficult to perform state of the art procedure called “Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation”.

    While many surgeons now perform standard follicular unit grafting, only a minority have risen to the challenge of using very tiny incisions and grafts to achieve ultra refined results. This ultra refined procedure, while very demanding on the physician and staff, produces excellent results for the patient with optimal density and rapid healing. It also allows the patient to achieve their goal for fullness and density with a minimal number of surgical sessions.

    To learn more about Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation

    Membership Criteria

    A physician must meet the following requirements before being granted membership in the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians:

    • A demonstrated capability to successfully perform large sessions of ultra refined follicular unit grafting using tiny incisions and grafts that are microscopically prepared.
    • The ability to dense pack tiny follicular unit grafts in a given area when appropriate.
    • Mastery and control of the orientation and direction of the transplanted grafts to achieve a completely natural appearance.
    • Dedication to doing state of the art hair restoration exclusively or at least as the main specialty of the clinic.
    • Excellent patient results demonstrating a high level of artistry and naturalness throughout, as well as excellent growth rates.
    • An excellent reputation of the physician amongst colleagues and former patients.
    • Several years experience in performing hair restoration surgery.
    • Medical training, depth of background, board certifications, honors, credentials, lectures, and published articles and books.

    Note - All members contribute dues to support our joint educational resources and services.

    We are open to reviewing experienced surgeons for possible membership. Apply for membership as a physician.

    Membership Selection Process

    Physicians with a proven track record of providing excellent ultra refined follicular unit hair transplantation and who meet the Coalition’s membership criteria will be considered for membership.

    In addition to reviewing the applicant physician’s credentials, technique and results, input from patients and current members of the Coalition will be considered prior to membership being granted.

     

  • Does Nourkrin Hair Nutrient Work to Stop Hair Loss?

    Nourkrin

    Balding men and women considering any hair loss treatment should take caution to believe the many magnificent claims made by today’s advertising. Far too often, a lot of time and money is wasted on questionable treatments with little or no proof of success.
    Nourkrin hair nutrient claims to promote hair growth and strengthen thinning hair in 80% of men and women suffering from almost any hair loss condition other than the self-inflicted trichotillomania (hair pulling) or traction alopecia. Below we evaluate Nourkrin, the "clinical study", and its ingredients to find out whether or not this hair loss treatment lives up to its promises.

    What is Nourkrin?

    Nourkrin recommends using their complete regime of products for at least 6 months for the best results. This includes extra strength, Man, and Maintain oral tablets, a shampoo, a conditioner, and a scalp lotion.  Nourkrin claims their products can promote hair growth in men and women suffering from androgenic alopecia (genetic baldness), alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis, and telogen effluvium. This is a very bold claim considering each balding condition occurs for varying reasons.

    Ingredients

    The active ingredients in the extra strength tablet include shark cartilage and shellfish extract containing glucosamine.  Other active ingredients include silica kieselguhr (a natural form of silica), horsetail extract, acerola cherry extract with vitamin C, microscyrstaline cellulose, immunogloblin G protein, and fatty acids. In addition to the above, the Man product contains Omega 3 fatty acids and Fenugreek designed to improve scalp circulation. Maintain includes additional marine life proteins, minerals, silica, and vitamin C. The scalp lotion contains marine life protein extract compounds and aloe vera.

    Nourkrin claims that the primary active ingredient glucosamine can rebuild and grow new tissue, including dormant hair follicles - suggesting successful hair regrowth. Though clinical studies prove that glucosamine might be effective in reducing joint pain, increasing joint lubrication, preserving joint space, protecting cartilage breakdown by inhibiting specific enzymes, stimulating cartilage matrix repair, and other anti-inflammatory actions, we couldn't find any evidence to support claims that it can stop hair loss or promote hair regrowth.

    Clinical Study

    Nourkrin conducted a clinical study of 60 people who took their products for 12 months. All subjects were over 18 years of age and suffered from at least some form of hair loss for at least one year prior to the study. During a 6 month double blind clinical study, 30 subjects took Nourkrin while the other 30 took a placebo. After 6 months, the 30 participants taking Nourkrin continued taking it for another 6 months while the 30 on the placebo were switched to Nourkrin for 12 months.

    In the first 6 months, Nourkrin reports that 77% taking their hair loss treatment experienced an increase in hair growth and shaft thickness. After 12 months, 75% reported a decrease in overall thinning hair. 90% of women in the study reported overall hair improvement after 12 months. The hair counting method showed an average increase in hair count of 45 percent during the clinical study.

    Though the above study sounds impressive, we don't know a lot about the participants nor can we be certain of the reliability of the study. All participants suffered from some form of thinning, but its cause for each patient hasn’t been disclosed.  Additionally, clinical studies are considered more credible when they've been conducted or verified by third parties not interested in its financial success.

    Another problem is that none of the active ingredients in Nourkrin are proven to stop hair loss. Therefore, their study is the only one balding men and women have to support such claims.

    Possible Side Effects

    Anyone allergic to shellfish should avoid using Nourkrin. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not use Nourkrin hair loss products. Consulting with a doctor before using this treatment is advisable.

    Dosage

    Nourkrin recommends taking 2 tablets daily for at least 6 months. Men and women over 176 lbs or those who smoke are advised to take 3 tablets daily. After 6 months, dosage can be cut down to one a day. Nourkrin also recommends using the shampoo, conditioner, and scalp lotion daily. The scalp lotion may be best applied in the evening and left on overnight.

    Cost

    60 tablets of the extra strength tablet costs about $75, the Man $65, the shampoo and scalp cleanser $12, the conditioner $13, and the scalp lotion $30. All in all, the Nourkrin Hair Recovery Program can get pricey after 6 months. FDA approved products like Rogaine (minoxidil)only runs approximately $15 a month or less and male treatment Propecia (finasteride)costs approximately $60 per month, not as expensive as Nourkrin.

    Conclusions

    Nourkrin boasts a big game, claiming high rates of success in reversing hair loss in men and women caused by varying conditions. Their clinical study also confirms its success rate however; the reliability of this study has not been verified by third parties uninterested in its financial success. Additionally, no clinical proof exists that any of the ingredients found in Nourkrin work to treat baldness.

    Whether or not Nourkrin is the "real deal" is hard to determine with little evidence to support its claims. Therefore, those considering this treatment should proceed with caution and may want to consider exhausting proven treatments like Propecia and Rogaine first.

  • The Future of Medical Hair Restoration

    Hair Restoration Future

    Today's evolutionary high point - Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Transplantation

    By relocating these carefully prepared bald-resistant follicular units, physicians doing "follicular unit hair transplantation" recreate a natural pattern of hair in the balding areas.

    To do this properly is a very time consuming and exacting process. It requires a team of meticulous medical technicians working hand-in-hand with the hair transplant surgeon in a very lengthy surgical procedure.

    Ultra Refined Grafting - Smaller Blades, Smaller Incisions, Smaller Grafts

    Today's micro surgical blades, like the size of hair grafts, have become ever smaller and now enable hair transplant surgeons to safely make more tiny graft incisions in a given area then ever before. Surgeons are then able to "dense pack" select areas with as many as 40 to 60 follicular unit grafts per square centimeter. This graft density is as much as twice that of the standard follicular unit hair transplant procedure.

    Such high densities of transplanted hair typically produce the appearance of fullness even after only one surgical session. Patients also experience rapid healing and no visible skin distortions due to the tiny size of these incisions.

    Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Grafting - Hard on the clinic but easy on the patient.

    Ultra refined follicular unit grafting raises the bar for physicians and their staff. This delicate and demanding hair transplant procedure requires more skill and careful attention to be performed properly. The smaller and more tightly packed incisions require more closely dissected follicular unit grafts that are carefully trimmed under microscopes. These small and densely packed incisions are also more difficult to place the grafts into.

    This procedure also requires more careful patient selection, as "dense packing" of grafts is not appropriate for all patients.

    Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Transplantation - the new "Gold Standard"

    In the hands of a highly skilled physician and staff the Ultra refined follicular unit hair transplant procedure can achieve excellent new hair growth that is so natural that it is undetectable even under close scrutiny.

    While the standard micro "follicular unit" hair transplant does produce natural looking results, its ability to achieve high density in only one surgical session is limited. Thus patients may have to do subsequent surgical sessions in a transplanted area to achieve a full look.

    The many patient benefits of this new ultra refined procedure are significant and include:

    • The ability to get excellent hair density in only one surgical session.
    • Minimal trauma in the graft recipient area with rapid post surgical healing.
    • Little or no visible pitting or distortions in the transplanted areas.
    • More natural direction and angulation of the transplanted hair.

    All physician members of the Coalition perform Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation.

    While many hair transplant physicians perform quality follicular unit hair transplants, only some of them are capable of performing large sessions of ultra refined follicular hair transplantation. However, all members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians perform ultra refined grafting with excellent results.

    The Future of Surgical Hair Restoration

    The amount of hair you can transplant is ultimately limited by the amount of hair follicles you can safely relocate from the bald resistant donor area at the back and sides of your head.

    Some day it may be possible for physicians to create multiple hair follicles from one original follicle. This process typically called Hair Multiplication or more incorrectly Hair Cloning is currently being investigated by several research scientists and hair restoration physicians.

    If and when this process is successfully developed patients would no longer be limited by the finite amount of bald resistant hairs that can be relocated from their donor area. Hair multiplication would result in a virtually limitless supply of hair available for hair transplants.

    This would be especially good news for men or women with extensive baldness and a very limited supply of donor hair. Even those with extensive baldness would theoretically be able achieve thick full heads of hair.

    However, experts believe that we are at least ten years away from hair multiplication being available, if even then. But perhaps some day scientists will be able to use gene therapy to halt the balding process without drugs or surgery.

    Learn about modern hair loss drug treatments that work.

  • Dr. Munib Ahmad MD

    Dr. Munib Ahmad
    Dr. Munib Ahmad
    Dr. Munib Ahmad in the Netherlands, performs every part of the hair transplant procedure to ensure his patients receive the highest quality. He is the first point of contact from the consultation to the aftercare. His results show aesthetic artistry with keen attention to detail.
  • Menopause and Female Hair Loss

    Many cases of female hair lossare caused by hormonal fluctuations or changes in the body including those who have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), birth control pillside effects, a recent pregnancy,postmenopausal trauma, or menopause. Women with hair loss experience varying balding patterns These patterns can help determine the type of alopecia you have along with a thorough examination by a physician.

    Because of an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone due to declining estrogen levels, thinning hair and accelerated hair loss is common in women during menopause. Hair on certain areas of the head that is more sensitive to androgen hormones like DHT(associated with male pattern baldness) may thin or fall out. Similarly, declining estrogen levels may result in unwanted facial hair growth.

    In some cases, polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS), may accompany menopause and hair loss.

    Be sure to speak with your doctor on the most effective ways to cope with menopause and minimize hair loss during this transitional time.

  • Find a Hair Restoration Treatment and Physician

    Find a Hair Restoration Treatment and Physician

    Reviewed by Hundreds of Patients!

    This Learning Center offers in-depth reviews of hair loss treatments and the leading physicians who provide them. Today, there are treatments that can stop or even reverse hair loss. Hair transplant surgery, when done right, can now produce results so natural that even hair stylists cannot spot them.

    But it is critical to choose the right hair loss treatment and hair restoration physician, since the skill, talent, and experience of physicians vary widely, as do their results.

      Find a Coalition Physician
  • Anti Inflamitories

    Anti Inflamitories Nizoral

    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.

    Click to learn more about Hair Cover Ups

  • Dr. Felipe Pittella

    Dr. Felipe Pittella
    Dr. Felipe Pittella
    Dr. Felipe Pittella performs ultra-dense mega-session and Giga-session FUE procedures on Norwood 6 and 7 patients with excellent density and coverage. Dr. Pittella combines quality and affordability with coverage and density.
  • Nizoral 2% Shampoo (Extra Strength) for Hair Loss

    Nizoral 2% shampoo

    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.

  • Jerry E. Cooley, MD

    Dr. Jerry Cooley
    Dr. Jerry Cooley
    Dr. Jerry Cooley and his staff were early adapters of using microscopes to do excellent all follicular unit hair transplantation.