Review of Grow It Back by Tamim S. Hamid: Honest Insight on Hair Loss
Rather than a traditional health book, “Grow It Back” is more akin to sitting down with someone who has been trying to solve a very specific problem for several decades and has finally decided to compile all of his research into one central location. Rather than treating hair loss as a trend, a nuisance, or a marketing opportunity, Tamim S. Hamid treats it as a very real problem that many people live with on a daily basis but rarely feel as though they fully understand.
One of the first things that sets this book apart is the tone. Rather than rushing the reader through the information or assuming that they already know what is being discussed, Hamid instead goes back to the very basics of what hair is, how it grows, and why it stops. This is important as it makes the book accessible to those who may have otherwise avoided reading books on the topic of hair loss, as it is often intimidating.
Rather than focusing on solutions for hair loss, “Grow It Back” instead focuses a surprising amount of time on trying to help the reader better understand their own body. Rather than treating hair loss as something that is random or outside of one’s control, Hamid instead seeks to link it to other aspects of the body. This is important as it does not make the reader feel as though they are necessarily “doing something wrong,” but rather that hair loss is instead a very real part of what is happening in the body.
The real meat of the book, however, is laser phototherapy (LPT). Hamid introduces this technology with care, not only explaining what it is but also why it is. His background as a biomedical engineer and laser expert shines through, yet the text never feels dry and abstract. Technical terms such as “light energy,” “cell repair,” and “blood flow” are explained with relatable analogies.
Perhaps the best thing about “Grow It Back” is its refreshingly realistic approach to time and expectations. Hamid is careful to point out, again and again, that growing out hair is not fast and is not guaranteed. Results take months, not weeks, and not every person will have the same level of response to treatment. While this may not appeal to readers looking for a quick fix, I have a feeling it will speak volumes to readers who are tired of exaggerated claims and fine print.
It should also be noted that the book places a high degree of importance on safety and usage, which is perhaps particularly pertinent given the many unregulated and unexplained products on the market today. Hamid explains, for instance, why not all light-based treatments are created equal and what design factors make a difference. Instead of simply recommending what products readers should buy, he provides readers with the knowledge to discern good products from bad.
On an emotional level, “Grow It Back” is reassuring without being dismissive of the problem at hand. Hair loss is a legitimate problem, and Hamid does not dismiss its impact on self-image and self-confidence. However, he also does not resort to shame and scare tactics, such as “Your hair is falling out! Buy our product and stop it today!” Instead, he offers something rather better: truth, and a desire to help readers make informed decisions rather than chasing after quick fixes.
Another important strength of the book is its structure. The chapters are well-organized and follow a logical progression that makes it easy to read the book from cover to cover or to go back and reference certain sections as needed. In fact, the book is as useful as a reference guide as it is as a general read. There are a number of reviews from readers that refer to it as the “only book you need” in the field, and based on the information presented, that seems like a reasonable claim.
However, it should be noted that the book does have a bias towards laser phototherapy as the best solution for hair regrowth. While Hamid clearly presents his research and statistics to back up his claims, the overall tone of the book does have a clear bias in that direction. While this might bother a reader looking for a general overview of all the solutions that are available, it never feels like an aggressive sell.
Ultimately, the reason that “Grow It Back” works as well as it does is that it treats the reader with a certain level of respect. There are no scare tactics used to sell the information presented in the pages of the book. Instead, there is a level of understanding and patience that is rare in a book in the field. For anyone dealing with hair loss issues—whether that loss is due to genetics or something else—this book offers a level of calm and thoughtful explanation that is hard to find in a field that is typically dominated by hype.
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