The Bald Truth’s New Website

Many of you already know that Spencer Kobren, American Hair Loss Association Founder, also runs a weekly radio program called The Bald Truth. Recently, The Bald Truth’s website got a thorough makeover including plenty of fresh features and a slick new interface design.

While the images and color scheme largely remain the same, the new site is streamlined for better usability. The easy navigation bar near the top of the site directs you to the various sections within, where you can learn about the show and its host, watch video clips, access resources, and get in touch with the folks behind the red curtain.

The site now features articles on hair loss that are targeted toward the Maxim crowd. Recent titles include “Hair Loss and Culture – Debunking the Stereotypes” and “Emotional Self Defense – How Hair Loss Sufferers Can Ward Off Verbal Attacks.”

The site also welcomes and publishes letters from listeners and shines a spotlight on “Hair Loss in Hollywood.” Get involved by sending in a letter about your own experiences with hair loss and find out how hair loss impacts the Hollywood crowd.

Another section contains featured segments from The Bald Truth broadcasts. So, if the show isn’t syndicated in your geographic area, you can still listen to many episodes. The segments play directly inside your web browser, so you don’t have to download or wait for large audio files. Just click the play button and turn up the volume on your speakers!

Best of all, by simply entering your email address in the subscription box, you’ll get regular articles and updates sent directly to your inbox!

Anyone suffering from hair loss will be sure to appreciate The Bald Truth’s renovated site and all it has to offer. With regular article publication and show production, the site is sure to expand into an exciting resource packed with information presented in a clear and entertaining way.

Don’t miss it: www.thebaldtruth.com

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Ookisa – A “Scam” or a “Misunderstanding” ?

Ookisa, LLC launched their hair care product line in 2008. A press release was issued in October 2008, titled “Ookisa(TM) Unveils Revolutionary Integrated Hair Thickening Systeme” and the first couple lines read, “OOKISA, LLC announced today the launch of the exclusive, new OOKISA Hair Thickening Systéme, an innovative and complete approach to hair health and beauty formulated specifically to increase hair volume and dimension while addressing the issue of weak, thinning hair and hair loss.”

The product line they currently offer includes a:
Fortifying Shampoo
Replenishing Conditioner
Instant Volumizing Souffle
Nighttime Follicle Renewal Serum

It appears to be the “Nighttime Follicle Renewal Serum” that boasts it’s anti-thinning properties. The description for the product states “Nighttime Follicle Renewing Serum works with the body’s natural renewal cycle. This leave-in treatment absorbs and gently cascades to the scalp; calming, soothing and healing along the way. This formula not only prevents thinning, loss and splitting.”

With that last sentence there is not doubt that Ookisa LLC is indeed marketing this to hair loss sufferers.

The ingredients in this serum are:

Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine HCl, Apigenin, Linolenic Acid, Oleanolic Acid, Acetamide MEA, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Panthenol, Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Sorbitol, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl, Silanetriol, Phytantriol, Sodium PCA, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Maltodextrin, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf/Stalk Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Urea, Dextrin, Alanine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Sulfur, Hexyl Nicotinate, Vanillyl Butyl Ether, Sodium Phytate, Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Butylene Glycol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance (Parfum)

There is nothing in that very long list of ingredients that has been FDA approved to regrow or stop the progression of hair loss. But lets put that aside, the claims of “preventing thinning, loss and splitting” that is.

The majority of the complaints that have been filed online through various websites and forums seem to all truly focus around one thing, the business practices of Ookisa, LLC. Many individuals who have signed up for their free trial, only later to have their credit card charged, have felt the terms and conditions of the “free trial” where not really clear and apparent at the time of sign up. As of today the terms and conditions do in fact appear on the company website free trial sign up page, but it appears in very small gray text toward the bottom left of the screen. Something that could easily be missed by most. It reads:

“Your FREE Trial of OOKISA™ includes a full 60-day supply for just $6.95 in shipping and processing. You will have 30 days to try OOKISA and discover why it is the perfect hair care system for you. If you like how this system makes you look younger with more youthful looking hair, do nothing – at the end of your free-trial period you will be billed the discounted price of $99.95.”

Also it states “Plus, if you decide to keep OOKISA, you will receive a fresh supply of OOKISA approximately every 60 days at the same low price of $99.95. You can cancel anytime”

In my opinion, the term “trial” is a bit misleading. True, if you return it before the 30 days, you will not be charged, but most individuals are not thinking that way. Many consumers see the words “FREE” and “TRIAL” and they believe what they are ordering is theirs to keep without any further intervention on their part. They aren’t usually thinking they have to return their “free trial” to avoid charges.  In my opinion,  it really seems to be more of a purchase with auto renewal, and with that they are providing a 30 day money back gurantee. Or it is like some sort of delayed payment system, similar to “Order today and you won’t be charged for 30 days.”
In addition if you read the above terms and conditions, you actually will continue to be billed $99.95 every 60 days as more product is shipped, that is automatic unless you cancel.

This type of lack of clarity has left Ookisa LLC with quite a large number of complaints being filed online and through the Better Business Bureau. Sixty nine complaints to be exact, has currently be filed through the BBB. Fifty eight of those complaints where towards “Making a full refund, as the consumer requested” and eleven were for “Agreeing to perform according to their contract”

The product is also sold through Amazon.com through the storefront “happpybuying.” The product has 4 reviews on that page offering the “OOKISA Nighttime Follicle Renewing Serum”

The titles for the product reviews are:
Ookisa’s deceptive practices
Stay away from this product – they rip off your credit card
Rip off Company
Buyer Beware

The Women’s Hair Loss Project wrote an article on Ookisa in March 2009, since that time 49 comments have been left by readers. The comments are mixed, varying from those who seem to have liked one or more of the products to those that have felt completely ripped off.

One of the commenters named “Noreen” wrote:

“Hello Ladies, I fell for their add for a “free” sample….Ookisa is a rip off as far as their tactics to sell their product. You get a “free” sample my butt…you get to try the product for 30 days and if u do not send back unused portion they bill you $100 for the free sample plus every 2 months you get billed another $100 and get more product that you never even ordered. I am now into this for $200 and I have no new hair growth. they will get the unused portion back this time. But I was already charged $200 does any of this seem fair???”

There are other comments from women who do seem to be pleased with the product, namely the “Instant Volumizing Souffle” and some that while pleased with the product, still disagree with the business practices of this company. Then there are those that flat out thought it was a complete waste of time all around.

While I have never actually used this product, nor attempted to sign up for their free trial, I do have strong grasp and understanding of what has been proven to actually work to stop the progression of hair loss and to actually have the ability to regrow hair in both men and women. In my opinion this product does not fit the bill in that department.  It would probably greatly assist their buisness and online reputation if they would cease to continue to tout the products’ ability to prevent thinning and loss and to be more upfront about their “Free Trial.” Before consumers complete the sign up, there really should be something in bold text, something very clear and visible that lets them know that they will be charged if the product (they do accept empty bottles) is not returned in 30 days, and further more, that they will continue to be billed for $99.95 every 60 days after that if they don’t cancel.

So is Ookisa a “Scam”or a “Misunderstanding”? Well I guess depending on which consumer you ask, it could be either or both.  There are many documented complaints from consumers online where the indiviual(s) clearly seem to express feelings of being cheated and defrauded,  and that does seem to be the definition of a “scam.” I certainly don’t agree with their claims that their product can prevent thinning and loss, and at the very least I do think this company has very questionable business practices. Perhaps some responsibility does fall on consumers to be more diligent in reading every tiny thing in print before signing up for anything that asks for your credit card, and when in doubt call the company to clarify further.

So here is my message to Ookisa: Be “more” upfront with consumers, go that extra mile to make sure everyone understands what they are agreeing to when they sign up for your free trial. If the product is good and it helps to “increase volume,” then I think people will buy it based on those merits alone. After all, looking like we have thicker hair is half the battle.

Discuss this topic on the American Hair Loss Association forum.

View the original article here

Eleven, Bald, Brave, and Successful!

Olivia Rusk lost all of her hair at age two, just after she had her childhood vaccines. Although her hair grew back by the time Olivia turned four, she recently lost all her hair again and this time it wasn’t just the hair on her head. Her eyebrows and eyelashes fell out too.

Olivia suffers from alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that can cause rapid and severe hair loss. Little is known about this disease and there is no known cure. Treatments may work but are unreliable. Most people who suffer from alopecia wear wigs or hairpieces to hide their hair loss.

But not eleven-year-old Olivia Rusk. Olivia has chosen to go “el natural” and hasn’t let hair loss interfere with her self-esteem or her life. In fact, Olivia has already launched a successful career. She was recently chosen to be a kid caster on Radio Disney, an opportunity that Olivia is very excited about.

“They interviewed me about my story and … they just loved me so much that they said, would you like to be a kid caster? And I was like, uh yeah, Radio Disney!”

She’s also worked as a model and together with her mom, Sandy Rusk, has launched an innovative t-shirt company called What Do You See Designs. Each t-shirt features an ink blot and the phrase “What do you see?” The designs represent the way people see things differently, especially when they look at bald people.

Olivia is often asked whether she’s suffering from some form of cancer, but she states “I’m not sick. I just lose all my hair.”

Recently, White Cliffs Hair Studio, a company that manufactures hair systems, has asked Olivia to be their national spokesmodel, presenting yet another opportunity for her to seize and be proud of.

Most adults suffering from hair loss could learn a lot from Olivia’s upbeat and positive attitude. Olivia puts it succinctly, stating that hair loss doesn’t matter because she likes herself just the way she is — wise words for someone who is just eleven years old.

Olivia’s mom is a huge supporter. She is involved with the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (www.naaf.org) and works as the support group leader in Indiana, working to raise awareness about alopecia.

Olivia’s story will inspire you whether or not you too are coping with hair loss. We could all take a cue from Olivia’s positive attitude.

Check out this YouTube video featuring Olivia being interviewed on a local television station:

View the original article here

Steve Bennis Accused of Swindling Clients Out Of Thousands

On August 12, 2010 FOX Chicago news reports that they have been investigating an accused con artist to find out how he’s managed to stay in business in Chicago despite repeated lawsuits.

His name is Steve Bennis.

Read about what the Fox Chicago producer discovered in his undercover investigation of Steve Bennis:
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/special_report/steve-bennis-hair-regrowth-fraud-20100812

“There’s no question he’s committed fraud on numerous accounts,” said attorney Robert Shelist. Shelist is representing at least two dozen clients who say they were duped by Steve Bennis

FOX Chicago discovered a class action lawsuit and several other suits alleging that Steve Bennis’ claims were “false and misleading.” FOX also found a consent order issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation that demanded Bennis stop his “unlicensed practice of medicine.” In addition, an Attorney General suit wants Steve Bennis to shut his business down because of “unfair and deceptive acts.”

Related Information

Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Natural Hair Growth Institute, LTD. And Its Founder Steve Bennis
The lawsuit was filed by Chicago area attorney Robert J. Shelist.

Robert J. Shelist, Esquire (312) 226-0675
Law Offices of Robert J. Shelist, P.C.
1061 W. Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607
E-mail:  rjsattorny@aol.com

Natural Hair Growth Institute – Steve Bennis / Jon Yates Reports on Unsatisfied Client – Shelley Lindsay

Steve Bennis and American Hair Growth Centers – A Story of Deception

Warning Issued To American Hair Growth Center (aka Natural Hair Growth Insitute)

Illinois Sues Natural Hair Growth Institute – Steve Bennis

American Hair Growth Center Steals Copyrighted Information – Are They Trying To Deceive Consumers?

Lawsuit Filed Against Steve Bennis, The Natural Hair Growth Institute, and Omega Hair Group on Tue. Nov 17, 2009

American Hair Growth Centers – Steve Bennis Strikes Again

David Hoffman of American Hair Growth Centers EXPOSED

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Hair Loss in Children (Part Two) – Additional Causes and Treatments

In a previous article, we looked at the two most common causes of hair loss in children, tinea capitis and alopecia areata. Although those are the most likely causes, they are not the only ones. Trauma and a condition called telogen effluvium can also cause hair loss in the young.

Trauma

Trauma to the hair shaft is often caused by traction, which is the result of tight braids and ponytails worn consistently. Trauma may also be caused by friction, such as when the head is constantly rubbing against a bed or wheelchair. Chemical burns are another form of trauma.

Trichotillomania is the habit of twirling and plucking the hair. It’s considered an obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is difficult to treat. It also causes trauma to the hair shaft.

If the actions that are causing trauma to the hair shaft can be eliminated, hair will usually re-grow.

Telogen effluvium

Hair follicles have long growth phases (two to six years), which are followed by brief transitional phases in which the follicle degenerates. Next, there is a resting phase (about three months) when the follicle is dormant. This is the final or telogen phase. After the telogen phase, the growth cycle starts all over. New hairs grow and push out old hair shafts.

At any given time, eighty to ninety percent of the follicles are in growth phase and five percent are in the transition phase. Ten to fifteen percent of follicles are in the telogen phase, which means 50-150 hairs are shed daily.

Children suffering from telogen effluvium have a hair growth cycle that is being interrupted, causing many or all hairs to be in the telogen (final or shedding) phase.

Telogen effluvium can be caused by high fevers, surgery under general anesthesia, an excess of vitamin A, severe stress or injuries, and use of certain prescription medications (such as accutane for acne).

While telogen effluvium is devastating and can be difficult to cope with, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. After whatever is causing the hair loss has passed or been eliminated, full and normal hair growth should begin again within six months to a year.

If your child is suffering with hair loss, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and remember, contact The American Hair Loss Association before buying any product or service for the treatment of hair loss.

~Spencer Kobren

View the original article here

MatriStem MicroMatrix – Regenerative Medicine and Hair Cloning

On January 6, 2010 a press release was issued with the headline “Researchers Develop First Successful Hair Cloning Technique – Major Advancement In Hair Restoration.” Since that date there has been a lot of online (and offline) discussion about how accurate the press release really was.

For years, hair cloning has been looked at as the holy grail for hair loss sufferers. It is an innovation that brings promise and hope to millions of people dealing with hair loss, the promise that they can restore the hair that has been lost.

Enter ACell’s MatriStem MicroMatrix.

Spencer Kobren conducted an interview with one of the MicroMatrix researchers, Dr. Jerry Cooley the same day the press release was issued. The interview helped to clear up a lot of questions that had been looming in the minds of readers as they drank their morning cup of coffee. Namely, was hair actually cloned? The answer is, yes. In the interview Dr. Cooley stated

“By using plucked hair in a very specific manner, we have been able to get a new follicle to regenerate using the ACell, as well as you are not depleting it from the original site”

It is important for readers to know, this research is still in the very early stages. The MatriStem wound healing powder has really primarily been used for the facilitation of the healing process. When MatriStem is placed onto a wound, it is resorbed and  replaced with new native tissue where scar tissue would normally be expected.  The range of care that the MatriStem devices can be used for is quite vast, including medical applications for wound care, general surgery, gastrointestinal  surgery, urology and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

This type of medical technology brings with it hope for all types of medical ailments, and yes, it rekindles that light that hair cloning may one day be a very viable solution for men, women and children afflicted with hair loss.

For now, we just have to wait and see what comes next.

Background Information

About ACell Inc.

ACell, Inc. offers the next generation of regenerative medicine through the development and commercialization of unique extracellular matrix (“ECM”) devices to repair and remodel damaged tissues and organs in a broad range of surgical procedures. ACell’s patented ECM devices are covered by multiple U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) clearances and address important unmet clinical needs, providing safe, effective and economic therapeutic outcomes to the surgical community.
These devices, referred to in studies and medical journals as UBM (Urinary Bladder Matrix) and trademarked as MatriStem®, are derived from specific tissue layers of porcine urinary bladder and comprise a naturally occurring, noncrosslinked, completely resorbable, acellular biomaterial. MatriStem devices contain multiple naturally occurring growth factors, multiple collagen types and feature a basement membrane surface which is ideal for epithelial cell growth in many applications. All MatriStem devices are made at ACell’s FDA registered cGMP manufacturing facility in Lafayette, IN.

ACell’s MatriStem Plastic Surgery Matrix, Wound Care Matrix and MatriStem MicroMatrix

ACell, Inc. has developed a proprietary line of plastic surgery and wound care devices utilizing an advanced regenerative medicine technology. ACell’s MatriStem technology is a naturally occurring bioscaffold derived from porcine tissue. When MatriStem is placed into a surgical site or wound, it is resorbed and replaced with new native tissue where scar tissue would normally be expected.

MatriStem Plastic Surgery Matrix is intended for implantation to reinforce soft tissue where weakness exists, including, but not limited to the following procedures: tissue and body wall repair.

Resources and Information
ACell Inc. Company Website

Press Release

Interview between Spencer Kobren and Dr. Jerry Cooley

Followup Audio Commentary on MatriStem MicroMatrix

ACell Donor Site Repair PDF

Discuss this topic on the American Hair Loss Association forum.

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Scientists Identify New Hair Loss Gene – APCDD1

A research team that includes investigators from Colombia, Rockefeller and Stanford Universities, believe they have found a gene that impacts hair growth.

The gene that was identified is APCDD1 (adenomatosis polyposis down-regulated 1).  This gene is involved in the progressive hair loss condition referred to as hereditary hypotrichosis simplex and it is a condition that usually presents itself in childhood. Hereditary hypotrichosis simplex is a rare autosomal dominant form of hair loss which is characterized by hair miniaturization, a process in which thick terminal hair is replaced with finer hair over time.

The discovery of this gene is an incredible break in the world of hair loss since male pattern baldness also presents itself in the same way with miniaturizing hair follicles. This finding may certainly have a impact on future research and treatments for androgenetic alopecia and other forms of hair loss.

Ultimately, this is another valued piece of a very complex puzzle that will allow greater insight into the process of follicle miniaturization. Angela M. Christiano, Ph.D., professor of dermatology and genetics & development at Columbia University Medical Center, and lead author of the study says

“This discovery was made by analyzing genetic data from a few families in Pakistan and Italy with hereditary hypotrichosis simplex. Through their analysis the research team found a common mutation in the APCDD1 gene that is located on a specific region of chromosome 18. Previous studies have shown chromosome 18 to be involved in other forms of hair loss including alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.”

The researchers have determined that APCDD1 inhibits the signaling pathway (Wnt) that has been shown to control hair growth in mice.

“We have at last made a connection between Wnt signaling and human hair disease that is highly significant,” says Christiano. “And unlike commonly available treatments for hair loss that involve blocking hormonal pathways, treatments involving the Wnt pathway would be non-hormonal, which may enable many more people suffering from hair loss to receive such therapies.”

“Furthermore, these findings suggest that manipulating the Wnt pathway may have an effect on hair follicle growth — for the first time, in humans,” said Dr. Christiano. “And unlike commonly available treatments for hair loss that involve blocking hormonal pathways, treatments involving the Wnt pathway would be non-hormonal, which may enable many more people suffering from hair loss to receive such therapies.

This study can be found in the April 15 Edition of Nature.
http://www.nature.com/

Related: APCDD1 is a novel Wnt inhibitor mutated in hypotrichosis simplex

More Information: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100414134547.htm

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