Tag Archive for: Dermatologist

Meet Happy Head Founders, Dr. Ben Behnam & Dr. Sean Behnam

Happy Head founders dermatologist Dr. Ben Behnam and hair restoration surgeon Dr. Sean Behnam.

Our founders, Dr. Ben Behnam and Dr. Sean Behnam are world-renowned twin doctors who’ve spent years studying medicine specializing in hair loss and restoration. Their shared experiences with alopecia and their love for patient care are where Happy Head gets its start. At Happy Head, we formulate hair growth solutions that work—plain and simple. Meet our founders and learn just how Happy Head became the leader in dermatologist-prescribed, customized hair medicine and treatments online. Head over to our questionnaire and get started on your hair growth journey today. 

The Start: Twin Doctors’ Struggle With Alopecia Areata

Over a decade ago, the doctors each experienced sudden hair loss; the onset of hair loss was one week apart. To diagnose their hair loss, they knew that stress, vitamin imbalances, diet, or genetics could be the cause. As soon as they both started seeing hair loss, they knew it was inherited. Their shared DNA as identical twins revealed alopecia areata as the diagnosis. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks the hair follicles which become inflamed, causing the hair to shrink or miniaturize and ultimately fall out. 

As doctors, their combined studies specialized in skin and hair gave them access to specific treatment options that most would struggle to find. On one hand, there were medications that caused them to experience a degree of side effects, sexual side effects as is most common in men, and on the other were sometimes painful cortisone injections. At the time, the available topical solutions for hair growth only included one or two ingredients and were ineffective or were all one-size-fits-all. Plus, getting a prescription and a proper diagnosis takes time. Most are unaware that dermatologists are the physicians who spend additional time studying skin and hair conditions during residency and are the most equipped to diagnose and treat hair loss. As specialists they had help, but it occurred to the doctors that not everyone has access to solutions that work. 

Happy Head's selection of custom topical and oral hair growth solutions for men and women. Get prescription hair growth medication to stop hair loss and promote growth.

Formulating Hair Growth Solutions That Work

“There’s a lot of snake oil out there, which causes patients to spend money and waste precious time trying to figure out what can work for them. During the Pandemic, we started to formulate solutions for our patients that weren’t available anywhere else. We would create new, custom formulas for each patient in our practice. We also knew that there were millions of people who were struggling with hair loss and needed stronger ingredients and the right combinations to get them results. That’s when Happy Head was born.” – Dr. Sean Behnam. 

Together they formulated a series of proprietary medications both oral and topical options for men. Shortly after the company expanded in 2021 and continued to formulate new hair growth solutions for women. Today, Happy Head is leading the charge with the strongest medications available made with FDA-approved ingredients including a one of kind 3-in-1 SuperCapsule and liposomal formula unavailable anywhere else. We’re the only online telemedicine company that creates effective, clinically proven prescription hair loss medications formulated by dermatologists and hair experts. 

“The best thing about working with my brother has been the collaboration. We founded Happy Head to do for our patients what we had trouble finding ourselves. Having two heads is better than one, so we thrive off of our shared expertise. Everyone who needs hair growth solutions should have effective options that are easy to use. ” – Dr. Ben Behnam

At Happy Head, we’re always learning and adapting to the latest technology and ingredients. Our physicians are all working doctors, so they’re always trying new methods of hair growth. That’s why our groundbreaking formulas lead the way. 

The Founders’ Medical Education & Awards

At the forefront of our amazing team, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ben Behnam and board-certified hair transplant surgeon Dr. Sean Behnam are known all over the world for their research and developments. They’ve each focused their work on different aspects of hair loss, bringing with them a unique perspective as they lay the foundation for online hair growth treatments in addition to their growing practice. Their dermatology and hair restoration practice is located in Santa Monica, CA. 

Dr. Ben Behnam’s Education & Awards

As a sufferer of hair loss and eczema, and a physician, Dr. Ben Behnam is know for his close attention to patient needs. Hair loss is a stressful condition when you’re not sure why you’re losing hair and the fear that comes with talking about it. For many people hair loss happens gradually which can be frustrating, especially since the longer you wait the more hair you lose. Dr. Ben understands what his patients need and how to help them break the taboo around the conversation of hair loss, but also how to connect on a personal level. 

Dr. Ben specializes in topical finasteride, stem cell and PRP for hair growth, acne scarring which include TCA CROSS techniques, subscision, CO2 and radiofrequency laser treatments, microneedling, and general cosmetic dermatology. Here are a few of his accomplishments: 

  • Graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCLA
  • UC Irvine School of Medicine (graduated top of his class with an AOA distinction)
  • Dermatology training under the renowned prominent cosmetic and Mohs surgeon Dr. Christopher Zachary at UC Irvine School of Medicine
  • The distinction of being the Chief Resident in his senior year
  • During residency, Dr. Ben Behnam was among few in the country to be awarded the Skin Disease Education Foundation Resident Award
  • Involved in clinical trials and is widely published in journals such as the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Cutis, Expert Opinion in Pharmacotherapy, among others

Dr. Sean Behnam’s Education & Awards

Known for his excellent bedside manner and standard of patient care, Dr. Sean spends his days ideating new treatments and performing hair transplant surgery focused on one patient a day. Dr. Sean is known around the world for his accomplishments with FUT and FUE designs and techniques. He has manufactured and custom-designed many of the instruments and equipment used in the procedures he performs each day. He is also an elite member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS), the only nationally recognized society for hair restoration. Here are just a few of his accomplishments:

  • Undergraduate Education at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • Medical School at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU)
  • Residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF-Fresno)
  • Hair Transplant Training for Distefano Hair Restoration Centers
  • 2023 Named One of the Top Hair Transplant Surgeons in the World
  • 2016 and 2018 Top 1% of America’s Most Honored Professionals
  • 2016 and 2017 On-Time Physician Award
  • 2011-17 Compassionate Doctor Award
  • 2011-17 Patients’ Choice Award
  • Vitals Top 10 Doctors by State
  • Top 10 Internists

Now that you’ve met our founders and understand why we created Happy Head, don’t wait to treat your hair loss. Take our online questionnaire here, send us a photo of your hair, and get custom hair growth medications made fresh for you. And don’t miss the doctors on our IG @hihappyhead and on our YouTube channel. 

Ask an Expert: Can I Combine Hair Growth Treatments

Combining hair loss treatments with Happy Head can get you the best hair growth results. Try combining your hair loss solutions today.

If you’ve been dealing with hair loss, you may have gone down a research rabbit hole to find treatment options. And, if you’re confused by all of the choices out there, you’re not alone. There are so many! Do you have to choose just one, or can you mix and match different hair growth treatments? Are two or three formulas more effective than one? Are side effects more likely? Since so many customers were asking the same questions, we asked our expert, Dr. Ben Behnam, renowned dermatologist and co-founder of Happy Head hair growth treatments, his opinion. Here’s what he tells patients when they ask, “Can I combine hair growth treatments?”

Your Hair Growth Treatment Options: Oral and Topical

Before we answer frequently asked questions about combining medications, let’s talk about the options out there. First, it’s no secret that there plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) hair loss foams, creams, and supplements are out there. Are they just as good as prescription medications? While many OTC hair loss products include tested and proven ingredients, prescription medications are available in higher doses. For example, Minoxidil is available OTC in 2 and 5 percent liquids and foams. You’ll need a prescription, though, to get higher eight or ten percent topical dosages, 

Then, there’s the oral versus topical debate. Which to use often comes down to personal preference. Topical medications have been proven to be equally as effective as oral medications when used at recommended dosages. 

Since topicals aren’t ingested, systemic side effects aren’t typically an issue. If irritation becomes an issue, cortisone or switching to a liposomal formula should solve the problem. Topicals with a liposomal base release medication into the hair follicles gradually, minimizing potential side effects. People concerned about sexual side effects associated with Finasteride, Dutasteride, and other DHT blockers may prefer topicals. 

People who don’t want to apply liquids or creams a couple of times a day may prefer oral pills. Orals are an easy-to-take, no-mess option. Since they are ingested, however, they can cause systemic side effects. 

Benefits of Combining Topical and Oral Medications for Hair Growth

Let’s circle back to where we started. Can you combine topical and oral medications? The answer is, “yes.” 

Dr. Ben likes to call this technique “sandwiching.” Sandwiching by mixing topical and oral hair loss medications helps attack hair loss from multiple angles. Here’s how it works:

Start With Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a vasodilator. That’s a fancy way to say that it widens your blood vessels, increasing oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors. Topical Minoxidil is absorbed into your skin and penetrates the epidermis to reach the hair follicles. Ingested oral Minoxidil works similarly to topical but can affect other blood vessels in your body, too, since it’s systemic. Both topical and oral Minoxidil affect your hair growth cycle. Minoxidil shortens the resting phase when hair stops growing, falls out, and kicks more hair follicles into the growth phase. The result is less hair loss and longer hair growth. 

So, for the sake of this article, let’s say that you read that 61 to 100 percent of patients with androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss) who took 0.25 to 0.5 milligrams of oral Minoxidil saw significant improvement. (01) And you decide to give oral Minoxidil a try. What else can you use to treat your hair loss?

Add a DHT Blocker

DHT is the villain that causes androgenetic alopecia by attaching to your hair follicle’s receptors and signaling them to shrink. When that happens, the follicles produce thinner and shorter hair strands. Over time, the weak follicles may stop producing hair altogether. Enter DHT blockers. 

DHT blockers are medications that prevent testosterone from converting to a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT for short). The most well-known DHT blockers are Finasteride and Dutasteride. Finasteride selectively inhibits type II 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. Targeting this enzyme can help slow down hair loss. Dutasteride inhibits both type 1 and type II of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. Because it’s more broad spectrum, it can be more effective at reducing DHT levels in some people, especially those who do not get the desired response from Finasteride. 

Finasteride and Dutasteride are both available orally and topically. Since you’ve already decided to take oral Minoxidil and may not want to take too many systemic medications simultaneously, you can choose to use topical Finsteride or Dutasteride simultaneously.

Note: Looking to get an extra boost out of your DHT blocker? As long as your dermatologist is on board, you can use the same oral and topical DHT blocker, including Finasteride and Dutsteride, simultaneously.

Spironolactone is Another Option for Women

Spironolactone is another type of DHT blocker. It stops the effects of the hormone aldotestosterone that is produced in the adrenal glands. It also blocks DHT, which makes it a popular androgenetic alopecia treatment. Oral Spironolactone is usually only prescribed to women since it can cause breast enlargement. Topical is safe and effective for both men and women. Research indicates that Spironolactone’s efficacy improves when combined with Minoxidil. (02) So, if you’re looking for a treatment to pair up with Minoxidil, Sprionlactone may be a good option.   

Creating a Hair Growth Treatment That Works for You

There isn’t one surefire treatment that works across the board for everyone. Hair loss treatments can be combined in many different ways, and it may take some experimenting to see which combo works best for you. Here are some tips that will help you throughout your hair regrowth journey:

  • Start with a personalized treatment plan. A board-certified dermatologist can evaluate your hair loss and recommend the right medications for you. 
  • Track your progress by taking photos around the same time each month. Your regimen can be adjusted as needed.
  • Manage your stress. Hair is sensitive to your overall well-being. Both short-term and chronic stress can affect your tresses. Go for a walk, listen to your favorite song, get a massage, talk to a therapist… do whatever it takes to keep your head in the right place. 
  • Eat well. Your hair gets its nutrients from your body. The better you feed your body, the healthier your hair will be. 
  • Take care of your hair. Use gentle shampoo and conditioner, avoid heat styling, and get regular trims. 

Let’s recap. Not only can hair growth treatments be combined, it’s often recommended. Since the most effective hair loss treatments are only available by prescription, you’ll need to consult with a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. Both oral and topical medications are equally as effective. Depending upon your medical history and personal preferences, you may have some flexibility with the type of hair loss medication you choose. Common combinations are Minoxidil with some type of DHT blocker. Oral and topical DHT blockers can often be used at the same time as well. 

If you’re looking for help with your treatment plan, look no further. Happy Head is here to help. Our hair growth specialists, licensed dermatologists located in every state, are available to review your case and make recommendations. You can get customized formulas delivered directly to your front door. Have any questions? Get in touch. We’re here to support you on your hair growth journey. 

Resources:

(01) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13659-020-00267-9 

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10010138/

 

Do You Need a Hair Loss Doctor? – How to Know When It’s Time for a Professional Opinion.

 

Did you know that many types of hair loss can be reversed?  If you didn’t, you’re not alone.  According to a 2018 study that evaluated why people don’t seek treatment for their hair loss, a significant number of people with androgenetic alopecia aren’t aware that treatments are available to help them regrow their hair.  (01)  This is one reason why people don’t seek medical attention when their hair is thinning or balding.  However, if you are experiencing male or female pattern baldness, not only can treatment help you regrow your hair, but the earlier you begin treatment, the better your results.  

Nobody wants to leave work early or spend money on doctor’s appointments that aren’t necessary.  Life is way too busy for that.  So, how do you know whether your hair loss warrants a visit?  Here’s a guide to help you with everything you need to know, from when it’s time to get a professional opinion to what type of doctor you’ll need.  

How Much Hair Loss is Too Much?

Everyone sees a few strands of hair in the sink or on the shower floor from time to time.  That’s a normal part of the hair growth cycle and is expected.  Losing 50 to 100 hairs during the shedding phase is normal.  How do you know if you’re losing more than that, though?  Here are a few signs:

Gradual Hair Loss

  • Thinning on top of your head
  • Growing bald spot
  • Receding hairline
  • Widening center or side part
  • Thinning ponytail

Sudden Hair Loss

  • Seeing a bald spot or area appear within 1 or 2 days
  • Losing clumps of hair 
  • Watching all or most of your hair fall out all at once

Both Gradual and Sudden Hair Loss Requires Medical Attention

Whether you notice gradual or sudden hair loss, we recommend you seek medical attention.  In addition to losing hair on their heads, some people lose hair on their face and their bodies.  If you notice bald spots or missing hair in areas such as your eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, mustache, or other areas, that also warrants a doctor’s visit.  

Male and female pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss, and usually does not have any accompanying symptoms besides hair loss.  However, people with other types of alopecia such as alopecia areata and lichen planopilaris may experience burning, stinging, itching, or tenderness resulting from inflammation.  If this is the case for you, treatment is needed as quickly as possible to limit the amount of hair lost and have the best possible chance of regrowth.

What Type of Doctor Treats Hair Loss?

Finding the right person to help diagnose and treat your hair loss can be tricky.  There are a lot of different types of practitioners who claim to help people with their thinning hair and bald spots.  Here’s a rundown of who’s who:

Trichologist

A trichologist is a specialist who focuses on treating hair and scalp diseases.  Although trichologists have specialized training, they are not medical doctors.  They can’t write prescriptions or perform medical or surgical procedures.  

Holistic Medicine Doctors (Naturopaths)

A holistic medicine doctor focuses on a whole-body approach to improving health and wellness.  Rather than just looking at symptoms, naturopaths evaluate a patient’s mind, body, and spirit.  Prevention comes first, and treatment comes second.  Although holistic medicine doctors can order lab tests and use botanical therapies, they cannot write prescriptions unless they also hold medical degrees.  

Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a medical doctor trained to treat skin, hair, and nails.  Dermatologists have the training and expertise necessary to conduct a full evaluation, run any necessary tests, and prescribe medications if needed.  Some dermatologists have more specialized training and experience working with hair loss than others.  When selecting a dermatologist, ask questions such as what hair loss conditions he or she typically treats and what treatments are most often used.  

Why Self Diagnosis is a Bad Idea

There are many good reasons why you should get a professional diagnosis.  Access to the wealth of online information may make you feel like an expert, but you’re not.  You may come to the wrong conclusion about why you’re losing your hair.  Another reason why is that using ineffective medication is expensive.  There is an abundance of nonmedical treatments on the market, such as vitamins, supplements, shampoos, and topical solutions, but research indicates that they have temporary or little effect on hair growth.  The cost of over-the-counter treatments is actually higher than the cost would be for proven, supervised medical treatments.  (02)

How a Hair Loss Doctor Makes a Diagnosis

Dermatologists use a staged approach to evaluating hair loss conditions.  Typically, he or she will review your medical history to determine if there’s a pre-existing or new condition that is causing your hair loss.  Whether your hair loss is gradual or sudden, your hair loss pattern will point your doctor in the right direction during your evaluation.  For example, androgenetic alopecia usually presents with thinning on top, a receding hairline in men, and a widening part in women.  Bald spots about the size of a quarter are often seen in patients with alopecia areata.  A microscope can see if there is any redness caused by inflammation from scarring alopecia or a possible fungal infection.

Other tests sometimes used include a pull test to see how much and easily hair falls out. Usually, just a visual exam is all that is needed to diagnose androgenetic alopecia.  However, if your doctor needs more information, biopsies are the gold standard for a diagnosis.  

Treatment Options Available Through Hair Loss Doctors

Hair loss treatment depends upon the condition that is diagnosed.  The most proven, commonly prescribed medications include:

Minoxidil 

Topical Minoxidil, a vasodilator that increases the amount of oxygen to the scalp, is often prescribed to treat male and female pattern baldness and various other types of alopecia.  Minoxidil is available over-the-counter in two and five-percent liquid and foam topical formulas.  Higher topical doses and oral pills are only available by prescription.  It’s best to use Minoxidil under a doctor’s supervision.  Once you start using the medication, any hair that has grown can be lost if you stop taking it.   

Finasteride

Finasteride is a topical and oral medication only available by prescription.  The medication is typically prescribed to treat androgenetic alopecia; however, it has been proven effective for generating hair growth among patients with lichen planopilaris and other types of alopecia.  (03)   Finasteride works by blocking the production of DHT, which causes hair loss.  Finasteride has a reputation for causing sexual side effects among men.  If this concerns you, talk to your doctor about using topical formulas instead.  Topicals work equally as effectively without side effects. (04)

Dutasteride

Finasteride is effective for most patients and is usually used as a first-line medication to treat hair loss.  If you do not respond to Finasteride, your doctor may recommend trying Dutasteride, which works similarly to Finasteride.  The difference between the two medications is that Finasteride inhibits one type of isoenzyme, while dutasteride inhibits two types.  

Spironolactone

If you are a woman, your doctor may recommend Spironolactone, which blocks aldotestosterone, a hormone produced in the adrenal glands.  Spironolactone is not usually prescribed to men since it can cause feminizing side effects.  

Combination Treatments

Some types of alopecia require a combination of medications.  For example, doctors often prescribe Minoxidil and Finasteride simultaneously.  Minoxidil enlarges the hair follicles, while Finasteride prevents testosterone from converting to DHT.  Retinol helps the absorption of other topical hair treatments, and cortisone can be added to prevent irritation.  

Protein Rich Plasma (PRP)

Protein Rich Plasma treatments are a three-step process that involves drawing and separating your blood and injecting the separated platelets.  Protein derived from the PRP process is believed to help your hair grow by encouraging cell growth.  Only licensed practitioners can perform this medical procedure.

Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair transplants are becoming more common thanks to improved techniques that have been developed throughout the years.  Because hair transplants are a type of surgery, doctors performing hair transplants must be licensed.  

Why Prescription Hair Loss Medications are Superior to Over-the-Counter Treatments

As you’re probably already aware, the number of products on the market to treat hair loss is pretty overwhelming.  Trying out a new shampoo that you find on Amazon may be harmless but could cost a lot of money without much hair gain.  The window to regrow your hair could also close while you’re experimenting.  The difference between the OTC products and what your dermatologist prescribes is research.  It may not sound like much, but it’s a big deal.  Clinical studies provide dermatologists with a scientific basis for providing advice and treatment.  Clinical studies are also FDA-regulated, ensuring safety and properly reported results.  

Need a Hair Loss Doctor?  We Can Help.

Finding a dermatologist who is also a hair specialist can be difficult.  If you have questions or are interested in treatment for your alopecia, contact us.  Our licensed dermatologists will consult with you to determine whether you would benefit from using Happy Head or any other type of medication that treats hair loss.  

Resources:

(01) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6029958/

(02) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6029958/

(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4809380/

(04) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4314881/#:~:text=Studies%20show%20that%20topical%20finasteride,post%2D%20treatment%20with%20oral%20finasteride.