Hair loss solutions
When examining hair loss solutions you need to understand that the normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 6 years. Each hair on your head grows approximately 1 centimeter (less than half an inch) per month during this phase. Only about 90 percent of the hair on your scalp is growing at any one time which means that about 10 percent of the hair on your scalp, at any one time, is in a resting phase. After about 2 to 3 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its place. While it is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this growing cycle some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type affects men, women and children. Hair loss and baldness is an affliction suffered by thousands of people, and can be a real source of insecurity and embarrassment for those not ready to lose their hair or for men who are not ready to shave their head. Even worse, and more devastating are the younger cases where the hair loss process begins long before a man or woman reaches their 30th birthday. So you may be asking what your options are if you are one of those people uncontrollably losing your hair before your time.
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What is typical hair loss?
The term "common baldness" has come to mean male-pattern baldness, or permanent-pattern baldness. Male-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Men who have this type of hair loss usually have inherited the genetic trait for baldness. In addition men who start losing their hair at an early age tend to develop more extensive baldness. In male-pattern baldness the hair loss typically results in a receding hair line and baldness on the top of the head. Women may develop female-pattern baldness. In this form of hair loss, the hair becomes thin over the entire scalp. This is generally not an inherited trait and is more likely due to a hormonal imbalance.
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Helpful Resources:
Literally thousands of people a year are stunned to see their hair in their shower or sink drain rather than on top of their head. Hair loss afflicts both men and women and even some children. While there have never been so many hair loss solutions on the market it is important to understand the causes of hair loss in order to best determine what will work for you. Keep in mind that there are many factors that can influence hair loss yet by identifying what is causing yours you can better determine a solution that will be the most effective. It is important to understand that some medications can also cause or aggravate hair loss. These medications can include but are not limited to: blood thinners, gout medication, and chemotherapy medications for cancer, too much vitamin A, birth control pills and antidepressants. In addition 3 to 4 months after a serious illness or traumatic event you may lose a significant amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is usually temporary. Also it is important to avoid tight or "pulling" hairstyles like high or tight ponytails and cornrows, and also stay away from harsh chemical treatments such as perms and other potentially volatile, damaging hair treatments. Hormonal problems can also cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is overactive or under active, you can start losing your hair. This type of hair loss usually can be helped by treatment of your thyroid disease. Hair loss may also occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Again, correcting the hormone imbalance may stop your hair loss. Certain infections can also cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp have been known to cause hair loss in children. These infections are easily treated with antifungal medicines. It is important to understand that hair loss can occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss can be an early sign of a disease, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider so that it can be treated. |
The options against hair loss
The solutions are a little easier if you are a man- you can do what many others do and simply shave your head for the sake of uniformity. Lots of men look great with a shaved head it just seems to fit their personality and style, and they seem comfortable that way. For those who are unwilling to give up on their hair, there are hairpieces or plugs, neither of which has been perfected to the point of being undetectable, and both of these solutions having had a societal stigma as being somewhat tacky and undesirable. Yet with technology this options seems to be improving. Gone are the days when hair transplants were "plugs" where the doctor took clumps of hair from one part of the scalp and planted them in another only to have it come out looking like a toothbrush. Surgeons now move hair from where there is a lot, the so-called "permanent zone" to where there's little or none, but they do it by moving one to four hairs at a time. After transplantation patients must be careful not to exert themselves for a couple of days and just let it take hold. But it is important to understand that there are limitations: there's only so much hair that a patient can donate from other areas before they run out. Even with the limitations this procedure has become the standard in hair transplant surgery. There are also options to simply cover against the hair loss which includes: wigs, hairpieces, weaves and artificial hair replacement.
Prescription and over the counter creams
The other option is to try one of the hair loss products that several reputable manufacturers now offer, both in prescription and nonprescription form. It is important to keep in mind that while there is still no "magic pill" that can unflinchingly promise every man (and woman) who takes it will re-grow their hair, there are some very promising and effective hair loss products and treatments currently on the market and also in development. Some of the top selling ones are:
- Propecia-A treatment that comes in pill form and you must have a prescription. It jumpstarts hair growth and can at least curb hair loss by interfering with the hormones that cause baldness. Cost between $30-60 a month.
- Rogaine (Monoxadil)-This is a lotion that you rub into your scalp. One of the most popular products it is available in grocery and discount stores and does not need a prescription. Cost between $25-40 a month.
- Avacor-This is hair loss "system" that is comprised of the following products: Avacor Scalp Detoxifying Shampoo, Avacor Physicians Topical Formula and Avacor Nutricap DHT Blocker Capsules. This system is marketed for both men and women. Typically this system costs about $60 per month.
- Proxiphen-This is a cream that is applied to the areas experiencing hair loss. The cream is marketed for both men and women who are experiencing hair loss. This product typically costs between $60 dollars for two months up to $110 dollars for 4 months.
These are just a few of the top prescription and nonprescription hair loss products on the market today, and they have all had varying degrees of success in re-growing their client's hair. In addition since the demand for hair loss products is so great, there have been many non-prescription hair loss alternatives that have been recently introduced in an effort to offer men (and women) a more economical and convenient alternative to re-grow hair and prevent further hair loss.
Vitamin formulas
There are also several vitamin formulas that have been specially formulated both for thinning hair and to promote the speedy growth of healthy, shiny hair. Vitamins for thinning hair and faster hair growth and re-growth are usually a varying combination that includes: several key amino acids, biotin, vitamins B6 and E, and zinc. Many people who take vitamins of this nature do report thicker, more lustrous and healthy hair, but if your goal is to actually re-grow hair and not just thicken thinning hair, then anyone considering this would probably want to look at taking a more serious hair loss supplement or treatment that specifically targets balding and hair loss.
High tech solutions
A new player in the hair loss game is the use of lasers. This appeals if hair pieces are too old school for you, a high-tech solution that some believe work is lasers! This technique is used by both men and women and the manufacturer claims low-level lasers make hair appear thicker and fuller. Keep in mind however that clinical trials are under way to prove that the laser affects more than just the hair's appearance, but actually helps hair grow thicker and stronger, and possibly generate new follicles.
It is important to realize that hair loss supplements can range from pricey to reasonable, tested and untested, and clinically proven vs. not clinically proven. Each consumer will have to use good judgment and do a little homework on the internet, or by reading consumer reviews, testimonials and surveys to see what really should work best for their situation. Look for products that offer money back guarantees or some sort or money back for unused portions.
Preventing future hair loss
It is also important to be proactive in preventing future hair loss. While many times, the underlying cause for premature hair loss and male pattern balding is hereditary, it can also be brought on by a hormonal imbalance of the male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens. It is possible that by correcting a hormonal imbalance many times hair loss can be stopped. For example: it can be seen in women who notice hair loss shortly after they have had a baby. The cause for this type of hair loss is a drop in hormones that kept much more hair on the head than normal during pregnancy because the levels of this hormone are unusually high at this time.
Can my doctor treat my hair loss?
Your doctor will ask you some questions about your diet, any medicines you are taking, whether you have had a recent illness and how you take care of your hair. If you are a woman, your doctor may ask questions about your menstrual cycle, pregnancies and menopause. Your doctor may also want to do a physical exam to look for other causes of hair loss. Finally, blood tests or a biopsy (taking a small sample of cells to examine under a microscope) of your scalp may be needed to help you doctor determine the real cause of your hair loss. Finally if a medicine is causing your hair loss, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine. Also recognizing and treating an infection may help stop the hair loss. Your doctor may also be able to correct a hormone imbalance and prevent further hair loss.
Remember it takes time
Consumers need to understand that typical hair loss treatments (prescription and nonprescription), usually take about six months before you can tell they are working, so patience is a must. The bottom line is that there is no overnight fix to hair loss. Keep in mind that as long as you are comfortable with your chosen hair loss remedy, and have planned a preventative and maintenance course of action, that is really all that matters.
