Hair by Brian | San Francisco FiDi Union Square
  • Home
  • Service Menu
  • Blog
  • Reviews
  • About Me
  • Location
  • Home
  • Service Menu
  • Blog
  • Reviews
  • About Me
  • Location
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

5/28/2025

Clinic Reveals What Hair Transplant Patients Really Want to Know—and How Clinics Are Responding in 2025

Even though this is a PR release by a hair transplant clinic in Istanbul Turkey 
​it is still very valuable information for you and your hair journey.
Picture
Hair transplants, used to be about one question: where to go. In 2025, patients are asking more, expecting more, and comparing more. From technique to recovery to long-term design, the questions have shifted, and clinics are under pressure to give straight answers.

Vera Clinic, a leading hair transplant clinic based in Istanbul, shares the questions patients ask most often—and the facts behind them.

FUE or DHI — Which One Should I Choose?

This is the first decision patients face. Both are valid methods. The difference is in how the grafts are placed.
  • FUE uses channels cut into the scalp, then places the grafts manually.
  • DHI uses a tool (the Choi Pen) to place each graft directly without cutting first.

FUE works faster and is often used for the crown or wide areas. DHI allows tighter control, often used for the hairline or zones that need sharper angles. The method is selected based on the case, hair texture, zone coverage, and design strategy. Clinics do not rely on preference or price but on what matches the scalp and the target result.

What Does the Recovery Really Look Like?

Patients expect direct explanations and full timelines.
  • Days 1–3: Swelling, redness, and tightness are common.
  • Days 4–7: Scabs form and begin to fall.
  • Week 2: Shedding starts. Grafts fall out. This is normal.
  • Month 3+: New growth begins slowly, often uneven at first.
  • Months 6–12+: Final density and shape take form.

Patients often ask about speeding up healing. Some clinics offer post-op protocols that include oxygen therapy or stem cell injections. Some patients receive these to support healing or ease inflammation, based on scalp condition and graft density.

How Do I Know the Grafts Will Actually Grow?

This question gets asked more than anything. Patients want numbers. Real ones.

The answer depends on how the grafts are handled from extraction to placement to blood supply. There is no exact guarantee, but survival rate improves when:
  • Grafts are placed quickly after extraction
  • Placement follows natural angle and density
  • The scalp stays hydrated and oxygenated in the first few days
  • The donor area is not over-harvested

Clinics with structured planning tend to show more consistent results. Vera Clinic, for example, is often mentioned in patient review threads for its zone-based planning and follow-up structure. Grafts are assigned to areas based on thickness, and recovery is monitored in phases, including with in-house oxygen therapy when needed.

Do I Really Need Extra Treatments — Like Stem Cells or Oxygen?

These options are brought up during planning in cases where they fit the treatment flow.

Stem cell injections are often used to support surrounding hairs or improve skin recovery. They’re pulled from the patient’s own tissue and injected after surgery. Some clinics offer it in early-stage cases or to reduce visible thinning around the new grafts.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to increase oxygen supply to scalp tissue after surgery. It is offered at a few clinics, but Vera Clinic remains the only one with a hyperbaric chamber inside the clinic itself, allowing treatment within hours of the procedure. It is applied based on case type, not by default.

How Do I Know If a Clinic Is Legit?

This question always comes last, but it should come first.

Patients often learn the hard way that not all clinics follow the same standards. Common red flags include:
  • Graft quotes sent without seeing scalp photos
  • No mention of who is performing the surgery
  • Packages that promise everything, but explain nothing
  • No aftercare beyond a PDF

Clinics that work with mapped plans, named surgeons, and real-time recovery support tend to get better follow-through. Patients now check license numbers, team bios, and healed case photos before making contact.

Final Word

Hair transplant patients in 2025 are asking smarter questions, and they expect real answers. Technique matters. Recovery matters. Structure matters.

The best results start with the right questions—and a clinic that respects them.
from Reuters
​About Vera Clinic

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Istanbul, Vera Clinic is a global leader in hair transplantation, cosmetic surgery, and dental aesthetics. Having treated over 40,000 patients from more than 40 countries, the clinic combines advanced medical expertise with personalized, patient-centered care. Vera Clinic is internationally recognized as the inventor of the Sapphire FUE technique and is the only clinic with an in-house hyperbaric oxygen chamber to enhance recovery and graft survival.

Renowned for its ethical, results-driven approach, Vera Clinic prioritizes patient safety, transparency, and satisfaction. Its reputation is built on clinical excellence, natural-looking outcomes, and a commitment to delivering accurate, science-backed information. In 2021, the clinic received the European Award in Medicine for Hair Transplant Surgery, reinforcing its leadership in the field.

With a multilingual medical team, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strict adherence to medical standards, Vera Clinic continues to set the benchmark for quality, innovation, and trust in the global aesthetic health industry.

For more information, visit www.veraclinic.net.

Media Contact

Mouheb Bouzgarrou
+90 542 743 54 08
[email protected]

5/28/2025

Unregulated hair transplant practices in India: experts raise health and medical ethics concerns

Experts emphasise that only dermatologists and plastic surgeons formally trained in hair restoration should be allowed to perform these procedures, noting that hair transplant is a serious surgical intervention requiring thorough medical evaluation, sterile conditions and post-operative care
Picture
Hair transplantation in India is facing a troubling crisis -- not because of the procedure itself, but due to the concerning rise of underqualified practitioners operating in unsafe, unregulated environments. Although it is a serious medical procedure requiring expertise, sterile conditions, and thorough preoperative evaluation, recent incidents have shown how frequently these standards are neglected.

The outcomes, in some cases, have been fatal -- reports from Chennai, Delhi, Kerala and Kanpur reveal severe infections, toxic shock, and deaths, often linked to negligence, poor hygiene, or unauthorised personnel performing surgeries. These cases stress the urgent need for tighter regulation, as numerous clinics continue to operate without proper licenses or medical oversight.
​
With the sector expanding rapidly, dermatologists and plastic surgeons across India are voicing serious concerns over the lack of enforcement, which not only endangers patients but also undermines the credibility of ethical medical practitioners.
Cases of adverse outcomes from improper hair transplant procedures

Several confirmed cases in recent years reveal the severity of the issue. In Chennai in 2016, a 22-year-old medical student, P. Santhosh Kumar, died two days after undergoing a hair transplant at a salon in Nungambakkam. The procedure was performed by doctors not qualified for such surgeries, and the salon lacked the necessary medical infrastructure, police investigations revealed. The cause of death was suspected to be complications from an allergic reaction to anesthesia.

In Delhi in 2022, a 35-year-old man died following a hair transplant procedure at a salon in Rohini, performed by unqualified technicians without medical supervision. The Delhi High Court expressed concern over such practices and directed authorities to take action against establishments conducting medical procedures without proper qualifications.

A recent incident in Kerala involved a patient developing necrotizing fasciitis, a life-threatening bacterial infection, after a hair transplant at a clinic that falsely claimed to have a dermatologist on staff. Investigations revealed that the clinic had been using the name of a dermatologist who had left years prior.

In Kanpur, two men, died following hair transplant procedures performed by a dental practitioner who was neither trained nor authorised to carry out such surgeries. The practitioner had promoted herself as a hair transplant specialist on social media platforms. Legal actions have been initiated, and the clinic’s registration renewal was denied due to non-compliance.
​
Experts also shared several other cases where fake practitioners defrauded patients of large sums of money, operated multiple branches across major cities, and built a clientele that even included celebrities.
Hair transplantation procedure, related laws and systemic issues

Hair transplantation is often marketed as a simple, aesthetic procedure. In reality, it is a surgical operation that can last 6 to 8 hours and must be performed under sterile conditions with local anesthesia. A proper preoperative evaluation is essential to assess the patient’s medical history, medications, lifestyle habits (such as smoking and alcohol), and suitability for surgery. The condition of the scalp and hair loss pattern must also be analyzed to determine if surgery is even the right course of action.

Katheeja Nasika, consultant dermatologist, Rela Hospital, Chennai, explains that failure to screen patients or manage emergencies is a major reason for complications. “An emergency tray, anesthetist support, and a sterile OT (operation theatre) environment are mandatory. These are often missing in non-medical centers where the procedure is done simply for profit,” she said.

Sterility is especially critical. Instruments such as punches, scalpels, syringes, and gauze must be sterilised using proper medical protocols. Air quality in the OT must be controlled, and clinics should follow biomedical waste management rules. Clinics without these safeguards risk exposing patients to infection, including bloodstream infections due to the scalp’s high vascularity.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has made it clear through its 2022 circular that only dermatologists and plastic surgeons trained in hair restoration are legally allowed to perform hair transplants. Similarly, the Dental Council of India has specified that among dental practitioners, only oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) are allowed to conduct such surgeries, and only under defined guidelines.

Yet, the line is frequently blurred. According to Avinash Pravin, dermatologist, member of the anti-quackery committee of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL), many BDS graduates portray themselves as trichologists or cosmetologists. He describes the situation as a “deep-rooted, systemic failure” and confirms that public interest litigations have been filed in the Chennai and Mumbai High Courts challenging the dental curriculum’s inclusion of procedures outside its scope.
​
He also flagged the issue of fake certificates and unrecognised foreign courses being used to mislead the public. “There are courses being marketed under foreign affiliations, but these have no recognition from the Indian medical system,” he said.
Misinformation, exploitation and the need for verifying medical credentials

Many clinics operate with aggressive business models, setting daily or monthly revenue targets. Dr. Pravin shared that in certain branded clinics, employees are assigned targets of up to ₹20 lakhs per month. Patients, often from modest financial backgrounds, are lured into signing EMI schemes for treatments that cost ₹60,000 to ₹80,000. Some clinics even convince patients to undergo procedures at home or in salons, where safety protocols are nonexistent.

False advertising is also widespread. Claims such as “hair regrowth in six months” and “100% success rate” are frequently made without clinical evidence. Brands often pay social media influencers to promote services and products, further misleading the public. Regulatory oversight for advertising in the aesthetic medical field is weak, allowing such misinformation to spread unchecked.

Sabyasachi Basu, consultant plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon, Narayana Health, Kolkata stresses the importance of education and formal training. “It takes 15 years to become a plastic surgeon -- MBBS, MS, and MCh. But many so called hair transplant ‘experts’ attend a two-week course and start practicing,” he said. “Even a technician with years of hands-on experience cannot manage emergencies, dosage calculations, or patient comorbidities without formal medical training.”

He adds that most small clinics lack critical care support such as ICU access, life-saving equipment, and anesthesiologists. “If a patient collapses, the setup is often not equipped to save them. This is a major risk.”

One of the central challenges is helping the public distinguish between trained professionals and unqualified operators. In Tamil Nadu, the medical council provides an online tool where patients can verify a doctor’s credentials using a clinic’s registration number.
​
According to Dr. Pravin, the IADVL’s membership base maintains an internal standard for qualification verification, but even then, around 1–2% of listed dermatologists are believed to have questionable certifications. He urges patients to ask direct questions, check degrees, and look for registrations with recognised medical bodies such as the NMC, not just social media profiles or paid endorsements.
Call for urgent regulation

Despite numerous incidents and growing public awareness, concrete government action remains limited. Experts across the board are calling for a dedicated aesthetic practice regulation act, along with stronger enforcement of existing medical guidelines. Until that happens, dermatologists and plastic surgeons continue to push legal cases, raise awareness through social media and educate the public.

Dr. Nasika notes that ethical practice must begin with the practitioner, but the government must follow with accountability and enforcement. “Without proper action, unethical practices will continue to thrive. Patients should also play a role in protecting themselves by verifying qualifications and insisting on safety protocols.”
​
The cosmetic and aesthetic medicine market in India is expanding rapidly. But behind the promises of transformation lies a troubling gap in regulation and oversight. Until the healthcare system can fully meet the growing demand, experts emphasise that patients may need to take an active role in verifying information, asking questions, and making informed choices about their care. A hair transplant, while elective, is still a surgical procedure -- and deserves to be treated with the same seriousness and caution as any other medical intervention.
from TheHindu.com

5/17/2025

Scientists discover hidden stem cells that could reactivate hair growth

Picture
Scientists have identified a previously overlooked set of stem cells inside our hair follicles, and it could be a game-changer for people who feel anxious about thinning hair.

Their work highlights an area higher up in each follicle that appears to control the biological switch between silent and active hair growth phases.

Lu Q. Le, MD, PhD, from UVA’s School of Medicine and his colleagues conducted this investigation to learn how these forgotten cells might prompt new follicles to become active once again.


They believe this finding opens the door for new techniques to address hair loss, but they emphasize that ongoing analysis is needed before final treatments reach the public.

Stem cell hair growth triggers

This newly recognized cell group sits in the upper and middle sections of the follicle. Researchers say these cells can renew themselves and produce various specialized offspring that participate in building new hairs.

Some were skeptical about whether follicle activity hinged on lesser-known compartments, but the team reported strong evidence that this region holds untapped power to spark hair regrowth.

They found that, in lab settings, depleting these cells disrupted the natural cycle of replacing older hairs with fresh strands.

Why this matters for everyone

Some people view hair thinning as an inevitable rite of passage. Researchers suggest the presence of unique cells, which may be more responsive to therapy, gives fresh reason to think differently.

“It is our hope that these stem cells could one day provide a novel therapy for treating hair loss in people,” said Le.

That goal remains on the horizon, but the concept has stirred excitement among scientists who study the biology of skin.

Challenges with existing therapies

Typical solutions, such as over-the-counter creams or prescription medications, may improve only certain types of hair shedding. Many users also struggle with results that come slowly or plateau.

These new insights, however, add another target for investigation. Experts think that directing medical treatments toward lesser-studied follicle zones could bring more consistent or sustainable outcomes.

What this means for bald scalp

The most compelling twist is that these cells are still present in bald areas, even after hair shafts are long gone. That means the problem might not be total cell loss – it could be a matter of reactivating what’s already there.

Le’s team found that the upper follicle stem cells were still intact in human scalp samples taken from bald patients.

This raises the possibility that with the right signals or drugs, these dormant cells might be coaxed into restarting the hair cycle from scratch.

A few surprising details

Some of the earliest tests on mice, documented in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, showed that once these high-placed cells were taken away, hair shafts were lost in parts of the skin.

The animals also displayed disorganized follicles, hinting at a broader role these cells may have in preserving a healthy hair structure.

An earlier paper on skin growth patterns pointed out that multiple factors interact to dictate why certain patches produce hair vigorously while others stay dormant.

With this new clue, researchers can look more carefully at what signals these newly identified cells send to the surrounding layers.

Hair, stem cells, and the future

Scientists believe that maintaining or boosting the activity of these mid-follicle populations might guard against baldness.
They are especially intrigued by how these cells might react if transplanted into areas that have gone quiet.

“We plan to fully investigate the potential of these stem cells in human hair follicles,” Le said.

To get there, the team is examining human samples to see how often these cells remain in bald regions and whether they can be awakened. 

Next steps in the lab

To understand how these cells behave over time, researchers are experimenting with different ways to trace their movements inside hair follicles.

They’ve used genetically marked cells in mice to watch how the upper follicle stem cells migrate and change during the hair cycle.

This tracking helped confirm that these cells not only exist but also actively repopulate lower regions of the follicle, especially the bulge.

That behavior is key, because the bulge has long been viewed as the main source of hair growth, and it now seems these newly discovered cells are its upstream supply.

Hope for stem cells and hair loss

Public health data suggest millions of adults feel uneasy about hair-related changes. Stress, genetics, and medical conditions can all play a role, so there is no single fix that works across the board.

Researchers say this discovery adds another set of possibilities to that conversation. They believe a refined understanding of these mid-follicle cells will guide specialists toward a more targeted approach in the years ahead.

These findings show promise for those who want a new strategy that tackles hair loss at its roots. They also raise interesting questions about how our bodies control tissue renewal.

The study is published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

from Earth.com

7/29/2023

Simple ways men can bulk up thin strands and hide hair loss

Celebrity hairstylist Jay Small shares the
​simple ways men can bulk up thin strands and hide hair loss
Picture
If you're losing your hair, going in for a haircut might feel like the last thing you want to do. But a smart, stylish cut can make thinning hair appear fuller, according to celebrity hairstylist Jay Small.

Small has two decades of experience that includes work with celebrities like Matt Damon, Luke Grimes, and Noah Centineo. He also cofounded Arey, a dietary supplement and hair serum brand for aging and graying hair.

The stylist told Insider that "hair thinning and hair loss for men, specifically," is the most common issue he encounters at the salon. Here are his top tips for making thinning, aging hair appear fuller and healthier.

A comb-over can look chic if done properly

Don't dismiss the comb-over, Small said, especially one done at the hands of a skilled stylist.

"I know it's a cliché to talk about a comb-over," he said, but "there are ways in which you can leave a little bit of hair and not have it be very obvious."

He recommends a comb-over to some clients who are losing a significant amount of hair on the crown of their head.

But maintaining a chic comb-over requires more frequent visits to the salon, to make sure the combing isn't too obvious. A man with thinning hair who chooses to rock a comb-over might need to visit their stylist every four to six weeks to ensure the remaining hair remains neat and not overgrown.

Small also recommends using a powdered dry shampoo to minimize greasiness, which can make hair lie flat on the scalp. Keeping hair dry can add volume, making your hair look fuller.

He says look for a dry shampoo that is not aerosolized — those spray cans can be loaded with up to 95% propellants like benzene, which isn't actually helping absorb any oil; it's just pushing the spray out of the can. Also avoid dry shampoos with alcohol in them, which can dry out your scalp. Instead, find a small bottle of dry shampoo powder, ideally one where 100% of the ingredients target oil absorption.

Consider changing your part or chopping off some length to help your hair look fuller
Picture
If you're noticing a visible bald spot on your head, you might want to change up your part so more hair covers the exposed thinning area, Small said.

Though the change might feel "awkward" at first, the stylist recommends trying out a new part with wet hair and blow-drying your hair in the direction of the part. Changing your part later on, once hair is dry, might make the hair "stick up" unnaturally, Small said.

If you happen to have a longer hairstyle, chopping off some of that length can also help make hair look fuller.

"The longer your hair is, the finer your hair will look," he said.

Finally, don't let your hair loss deter you from keeping your scalp healthy and clean. If you wash your hair frequently, find a gentle shampoo that won't over-cleanse. You may also want to consider a weekly scrub, like an acid-based exfoliating treatment that can help "balance the bacteria" on your scalp, Small said.

Above all, be open with your hair stylist

Small says he understands it can be hard for clients to bring up new hair loss issues with their stylist.
"A lot of times people aren't really willing to talk about it," he said.

He tries to find "tasteful" ways to broach issues or changes he's seeing on a particular client's scalp.
​
"Our job is to have a conversation that a wife or a friend might not have," he said.
from Business Insider

5/25/2023

Why is Rosemary Hair Oil Trending?

Picture
Analysis of Google search data has revealed that online searches for ‘rosemary oil’ have skyrocketed 135% over the past year in the UK due to the huge surge of interest generated through TikTok.

A new finding by beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha analyzed Google search data for searches related to the hair hack, which revealed a 135% increase over the past year and a 695% increase over the past five years just in the United Kingdom.
​
Searches for ‘rosemary oil’ have also gained interest across the globe, with an increase in worldwide searches of 331% over the past five years.

The interest in rosemary oil gained popularity on social media app TikTok after beauty and wellness influencers shared their experiences using the product while showcasing the results after around six weeks.

“The power of social media, especially TikTok, allows influencers worldwide to share their experiences and knowledge with those who might want to know more about a particular beauty topic but don’t know quite where to start," shares William Zeqiri, founder and CEO of Fresha. "These findings are a definite eye-opener to see just how much exposure TikTok can offer to such a simple and accessible substance like rosemary oil and proves just how many people are interested in natural remedies of haircare which are fun and easily manageable, even if you are a regular salon visitor.”

The interest in rosemary oil alongside the hashtag #hairtok has racked up an astonishing number of views. The hashtag #rosemaryoil has totaled 1.3 billion views, alongside #rosemaryoilforhairgrowth reaching 212.3 million views, proving the curiosity of TikTok users in the oil.

What does rosemary oil do to your hair?

The oil stimulates and promotes hair growth, battles against dandruff and prevents premature graying. It is also proven to add shine and a healthy glow to the hair after a more extended period of regular use.

The beauty influencers on TikTok recommend using rosemary oil as part of your hair care routine, not to expect results after the first few uses and sticking with it as you could see incredible differences in your hair's health even after six weeks.

How often should you use rosemary oil in your hair?

It is recommended if you have thinner, lighter and easily damaged hair, you should use the oil once a week as a treatment. If dandruff is what you want to battle, then use a few drops of rosemary oil alongside gentler oils such as coconut, caster or jojoba oil. It can be used up to four times a week for shorter periods of time.

Mixing rosemary oil with lighter oils such as these will help dilute the rosemary oil's strength and work to soothe and nurture the hair while using the natural oils.
from BeautyLaunchPad
<<Previous

    Hair by Brian

    My name is Brian and I help people confidently take on the world.

    I cut and style hair for people in San Francisco who want to feel better about themselves and how they look.

    Categories

    All Advice Announcement Awards Balayage Barbering Beach Waves Beauty News Book Now Brazilian Treatment Clients Cool Facts COVID 19 Health COVID 19 Update Curlies EGift Card Films Follically Challenged Gossip Grooming Hair Care Haircolor Haircut Hair Facts Hair History Hair Loss Hair Styling Hair Tips Hair Tools Health Health And Safety Healthy Hair Highlights Holidays Humor Mens Hair Men's Long Hair Newsletter Ombre Policies Procedures Press Release Previous Blog Privacy Policy Product Knowledge Product Reviews Promotions Read Your Labels Recommendations Reviews Scalp Health Science Services Smoothing Treatments Social Media Summer Hair Tips Textured Hair Thinning Hair Travel Tips Trending Wellness Womens Hair

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    January 2012

    RSS Feed

Hey...​
​Your Mom Called! Book today!
315 Sutter Street
4th Floor
San Francisco CA 94108

Tel:  415.260.7312
Sunday: 11am-5pm
Monday: 11am-6pm
Tuesday: 10am - 6pm
Wednesday: 10am - 6pm
​Thursday: By Appointment
Friday: By Appointment
Saturday: By Appointment
I'm Here for You.
Give Me A Call.

415.260.7312

​2025 Hair by Brian
Web Hosting by iPage