If you’re still experiencing hair shedding after using Locklab, congrats, you're an alive human man. Like with all mammals (dogs, cats, horses, etc.) shedding hair is a healthy part of life. But just like dog hair on the couch isn't cause for alarm, hair shedding isn't the same as hair loss.
Here's what you need to know about shedding vs. balding.
You'll shed a little more hair at first
When you become responsive to a hair growth treatment, you’ll likely go through a shedding phase where you notice more hair falling out. This is not a negative sign, it’s actually a very positive sign that treatment is working—pushing out your old, thin hair to make room for new, thicker growth. Don't worry! You're not going to lose a head full of hair, you'll just shed more than normal. This usually lasts 4-6 weeks and is “hair fall” (with replacement) and not “hair loss” (without replacement).
You'll continue shedding hair at a normal rate
While taking Locklab, you should expect to still shed hair, the medication only works to prevent you from losing it permanently. Shedding often comes in cycles and doesn’t mean you're going bald—it can even signal upcoming hair growth. We know shedding can be worrisome, but remember, the typical amount of normal hair shedding is 50-100 hairs per day.
Locklab works to prevent permanent hair loss
Locklab treats male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) also known as hair miniaturization, where hairs gradually become thinner over time and eventually die. This is what we usually think of when we say someone is going bald.
Locklab is constantly fighting against hair miniaturization by partially blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - the hormone that's attacking your hair follicles and causing them to miniaturize.
While male pattern baldness is the cause of 95% of hair loss in men, a few men may also be experiencing additional temporary hair loss called telogen effluvium. This is when you lose hair from stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, or other factors. Unfortunately, this can occur in addition to genetic hair loss. Fortunately, this type of hair loss resolves on its own in most cases. Although; your genetic hair loss will still continue unless treated.
“The normal range between [healthy] people of daily shedding is between 50 - 100 hairs per day”
—Dr. Russel Knudsen, Past-President ISHRS
How to tell if your treatment is working
Losing hair from male pattern baldness is a gradual process. Remember, Locklab on its own cannot make your hair fall out faster, and most hair shedding while taking Locklab is temporary.
Take these steps to figure out if there's an issue that needs to be addressed:
1. Take photos of you hair, in good lighting, from a few different angles
2. Wait a 2-3 months and take new photos at the same angle in the exact same lighting (the same lighting is extremely important)
3. Compare the photos to see if your hair is actually falling out without being replaced
If it's clear that your hair loss is getting worse (you are becoming more bald), message your Locklab physician about what the best treatment options may be for you going forward.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
