| Interview with Spencer David Kobren: The Bald Truth |
| Karen Marie Shelton |
| Revised Date: 10/05/07 - Original
Publication Date: 6/19/1998,Revised - 3/21/2005, 3/14/2006 |
Introduction
Last night I spent a fascinating hour talking with Spencer David Kobren, the author of The Bald Truth, recently published by Pocket Books. After chatting with Spencer, I
discovered a very caring man, passionate about helping people avoid the agonies he endured
in his own battle with hair loss. I listened carefully to what Spencer had to say and can
promise you that this man is the consumer advocate of the hair loss world. Move over Ralph Nader! At the early age of 22, Spencer knew from watching his own family, that baldness
was only a matter of time for him. He chose to take on the fight to save his hair and he
won. He is still winning with a full head of hair in 1998.
What could be more reassuring than information from a man who has fought and won the
battle of hair loss? Spencer personally spent over $20,000 chasing his hair and demanding
answers. He finally discovered success with Propecia. As Spencer explained to me last
night, "I was using Propecia even before it was in the clinical trial phase".
Helping The Consumer With Hair Loss
I asked Spencer what was next on his agenda for helping the consumer with hair loss
problems. He told me "that his second book, The Bald Truth For Women, is underway,
and may be available in the next 8-10 months". While baldness for men is sometimes a
cross to bear, for women, baldness and hair loss is often a tragedy. Spencer agreed
"that women suffer more intensely than men with hair loss". Unfortunately, women
have fewer options than men for reversing hair loss. At this point in time, Propecia is
only available for men because of possible side effects to women.
In my opinion, Spencer's book should be a huge best seller. I asked Spencer why The
Bald Truth was not on the bestseller's list since it contains such valuable consumer
information. Spencer explained "that many people not dealing with hair loss have no
idea of the ramifications for the person who is. The general lack of public information on
hair loss issues makes books on the subject less than a public priority. Hair loss
sufferers are a silent minority. Sadly, many people just don't take hair loss concerns
seriously. Consequently, neither do the buyers for book stores".
Spencer understands the lack of public interest in hair loss books. It took him over
three years to get the Bald Truth published by Pocket Books. The main reason that Pocket
Books finally agreed to publish the book was because Propecia recently received FDA
approval.
Passing On The Message Of Hair Loss
I asked Spencer what messages he wanted to pass on to Hair Boutique visitors suffering
from hair loss. He told me "the most important thing to remember is not to be
suckered into unproven hair treatments during a time of vulnerability". He pointed
out, from his own experiences, "that many highly touted hair loss treatments don't
work. After spending lots of time and money, he discovered the result is disappointment
and continued hair loss".
Spencer informed me of one famous hair loss doctor who is currently being sued for 800
million dollars for the savage butcher jobs he performed on the scalps of disparate men.
Unfortunately, many men don't discover the horrors and scams of the multi-million-dollar
hair loss industry until their pockets are empty, their scalps are scarred and their
hearts are broken. Spencer is determined to prevent as many future consumers as possible
from being victimized by the hair loss rip off artists and shysters.
The sad news is that many men don't realize that there is real hope for hair loss with
the recent FDA approval of Propecia. Spencer attributes Propecia as the primary factor in
his success with retaining and regrowing his hair. He also believes that diet and herbs
can give an added boost in many cases. Spencer cautions against the "kitchen
sink" approach of hair retention and regrowth. He advises "that someone give
Propecia a fair trial for several months before adding herbal treatments to the mix".
Many people are still under the misconception that hair grafting or scalp reduction
surgery is the only permanent answer. Spencer provides all the facts that prove otherwise.
What is even worse is that many people are unaware that these barbaric techniques can and
do disfigure scalps forever. Can you image living the rest of your life worrying about
hiding hair plugs that didn't take or unattractive scars from unsuccessful hair surgeries?
If you do decide to pursue a surgical solution, Spencer provides you with details on
the procedures that work. He even provides names and addresses of doctors with successful
track records.
Spencer also provides valuable facts on why Minoxidil or Rogaine does not work for the
majority of users. He provides details on why topical treatments are doomed to failure.
Spreading Word Of Hair Loss
For Spencer, the main goal now is to spread the word of hair loss help to those who
need it. Spencer has recently spread his hair loss gospel to several men's magazines
including GQ, Men's Health and Men's Journal. Spencer hopes that an upcoming feature in
the National Enquirer will reach even more people suffering in silence through a personal
hair loss hell.
During our interview, Spencer took a call from a 17 year old male that he is coaching
through a hair loss nightmare. Can you imagine being 17 and suffering from hair loss? The
good news is that Propecia is helping this young man achieve good results. I was impressed
by Spencer's information that Propecia is helping this young man at the brink of beginning
his whole life. I was also impressed that Spencer takes his own personal time to counsel
and coach people suffering in desperation from hair loss.
What's next for Spencer besides the Bald Truth for Women? Spencer is slated to have his
own radio show on WABC or WOR. His goal in moving to radio is to bring his message of hope
to as many people on the airwaves as he can.
His own personal web site devoted to hair loss topics will be unveiled soon. In the
meantime, Spencer recommends visiting the Web for more information on Propecia
and hair loss topics.
Spencer David Kobren is amassing excellent karma by giving back his time, energy, hope
and experiences to all sufferers of hair loss everywhere. Money is not Spencer's motive,
helping people find successful solutions to their hair loss is. |