They can end up on a treadmill of false hope. About 90 per cent of Australians have some type of hair loss in their lifetime. The most common form is genetic, which strikes about half of all men and one-third of women by middle age. Some other types of hair loss are temporary and may not even need treatment. BAD advice and diagnosis.
Experts estimate millions of dollars are spent on treatments that are unsuitable or lacking proof.
Dr Richard Shiell said he was stunned by methods some clients tried. A handful had massaged their scalps with manure and honey or tar concoctions. Dr Shiell said some marketers cashed in on naivety. Hair loss is not life-threatening. Consultant dermatologist and Melbourne University senior lecturer Dr Rod Sinclair urged people suspecting a problem to see a GP first.