Effective solutions for hair loss

Hair loss is a problem that affects a large number of males and is also on the rise with the females. It can be a devastating problem to cope with which can have some very negative effects on your self-esteem. There are various causes of hair loss but luckily, regardless of reasons why there have been effective solutions.

One of the most commonly used methods of keeping hair loss to a minimum is the use of prescription drugs. Two of the most commonly prescribed drugs, and the only two that have been approved by the FDA in relation to hair loss are Rogaine and Propecia. Rogaine is a topical treatment that you apply to the scalp, aiding the growth of hair and helping to slow hair loss. It is over the counter and easy to obtain and relatively inexpensive. Propecia is a pill that is designed to help keep your hair count high as well; often, doctors recommend that both products be employed for the most efficient hair loss prevention solution. It is best if you start using either drug at the onset of hair loss, they work more effectively if you start using them at the first sign of hair loss.

Another option for dealing with hair loss is hair restoration surgery. During this procedure, surgeons remove strips of hair from the back and the sides of the head and place them on the top of the head, allowing for permanent growing hair in your affected area. The hair follicles that were removed will grow back, so you do not have to worry about having another bald spot! Surgery can be quite expensive but the results are long-lasting and very natural looking. It's your own hair - it grows just as it would if it was still on the back of your head. Even though it is expensive, many people turn to that option because it is natural.

For those who don't have the finances to get hair replacement surgery or want to use the oral medication or topical medication, other options are often considered such as natural hair restoration. There are many types of wigs and toupees available which are available at all different price ranges and styles for any budget. They are made today to look very natural, so they are no longer your uncle’s toupee!

Hair loss can be devastating to a person’s self-esteem, but fortunately, there are many different solutions to get your self-esteem back on track. Whether it be topical and oral solutions, surgery or wigs. There are options out there at all price ranges to help stop hair loss and make you feel better about yourself.

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Predicting Hair Loss

“Contrary to popular belief, hair does not grow faster when it is cut. The rate of growth, however, may be influenced by hair length. Growth slow down once th

Normally, the average person’s scalp will have between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs. Each of the hairs on the scalp will have an independent life cycle; at any given time approximately 90% of scalp hairs will be in a growth phase and 10% will be in the resting phase, also called anagen phase, can last between four and five years before entering into a 2-3 week transitional period called the catagen phase. The final phase is a two to four month resting phase or telogen phase. It’s at the end of this resting phase that hair falls out by being dislodged from the follicle by an emerging new hair.

Some hair loss is normal, but when it is too much?

Male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss. It is a hereditary trait influenced by many genetic factors. The presence of balding of one’s parents or grandparents on either the mother’s or father’s side does not by itself predict the likehood of baldness. On the other hand, if you are a man losing hair in your twenties and your father is completely bald, it is most likely that your hair loss will continue.

Genetics plays a role in the pattern, speed, age with which balding begins and extent of balding that will occur. In most cases the earlier the onset of balding, the more extensive the loss will be. Moreover, there is no set age that balding begins; it is a process over time. This process can start at any ages. It can proceed at different speeds, stop and begin again at any time. Hair loss is affected by genetics hormonal influences and time.

Hair Loss: When Is It Too Late?

The American Medical Association reports that 25% of men begin balding by age 30, while 66% begin losing hair by age 60. When you’re young, your scalp is thick and hair follicles have a rich supply of blood. With aging, the regeneration of follicles slows down.

In males, the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) has an increase influence of hair loss. High DHT levels disrupt the normal three-stage hair growth cycle by keeping follicles in the resting or telogen phase. It’s this break in the cycle that causes the follicle to wither resulting in excessive hair loss. With age the scalp thins, blood supply diminishes and the nutrition needed for hair growth is reduced. As a result follicles become smaller and hair shafts are thin. Treating hair loss early will slow this process down resulting in the positive hair growth many patients have experienced.


The Role of the Dermatologist

There are many causes of hair loss. To properly diagnose the cause a consultation with your dermatologist should always be considered.

A doctor will consider your family history of baldness and has the capability of analyzing hair samples under a microscope and checking your scalp for any irregularities. Questions will be asked about your diet, use of skin and health care products, medications and any recent illness. More detailed examinations may involve blood samples and a skin biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. You can also be asked to monitor your hair loss on a daily basis.

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