Root cause
By the age of 35, approximately 66% of men will have experienced hair loss according to the American Hair Loss Association. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Hair loss can be a result of many factors but the most common reason is androgenic alopecia (according to the American Hair Loss Association, 95% of hair loss in men is caused by androgenic alopecia). Androgenic Alopecia is a genetic condition that can affect both men and women. It is also called male pattern baldness (for men). Eventually, the hairline will recede. There will be loss of hair from the crown and frontal scalp. It can start affecting men from as early as their teens or in their early twenties. Other causes of hair loss include hormones, stress, illness, ringworm, drugs, cosmetic products, medical conditions, and even diet. Scientists are only just beginning to understand the process known as miniaturization. Miniaturization refers to the process of hair thinning that leads to pattern baldness.
Is there a cure for hair loss?
Yes, there is. But be careful when choosing hair loss treatment. Many products will be offered as a solution. Despite these numerous offerings, there are still only two medically approved drugs for the treatment of hair loss. The two drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are minoxidil and finasteride. There are also several products like shampoos and vitamin supplements that can be useful for resolving hair loss.
Talk to an expert first
There is a tendency for individuals to self-diagnose the cause of their hair loss. With the internet, individuals throw themselves into an avalanche of hair growth products that promise hair restoration with ridiculous timeframes specified. The advisable thing should always be to seek professional opinions on how to restore hair. Always speak to physicians about hair loss problems. As mentioned earlier, the causes of hair loss are several. Different approaches will be required to treat them. Several outfits that offer hair loss treatments have dedicated professionals available for consultation about hair loss. Several organizations offer avenues where you can speak with professionals who work with personal information to provide the right diagnosis for hair treatment. Hair loss information is important. It is advisable to seek expert opinions before taking any step.
Hair loss treatment
Minoxidil had been used in the past to treat high blood pressure. However, scientists would discover that one of its side effects was hair growth in unexpected areas. It has since been approved by the FDA to treat hair loss. The minoxidil lotion is applied. Theoretically, it expands the blood vessels and it opens potassium channels. This allows more flow of oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the follicles. The minoxidil lotion is applied to the scalp, and it is to be used regularly for a positive result. Discontinuation of minoxidil allows hair loss to continue. Note that it does not help the hormonal process of hair loss. Organizations like Myhair.life offer Minoxidil alongside shampoo and supplements to help combat hair loss.
Since 1992, finasteride has been approved for the treatment of hair loss by the FDA. It is still being used to treat enlarged prostates. It is taken orally. It decreases the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate gland and the scalp. It protects endangered hair follicles from being affected by the hormone. It has to be taken daily for effectiveness.
Dutasteride also helps to treat male pattern baldness and is also used to treat enlargement of the prostate, just like finasteride. While it is often more effective than finasteride, it has not been approved by the FDA. It is still used as a treatment for hair loss in other countries. Discontinuation also leads to continued hair loss.
Cosmetic surgery
For hair transplants, hair from thicker parts of the head or even other body parts is grafted to the thinner sections of the scalp. While there are emerging medications to treat hair loss, more people are choosing hair transplants to solve the problem. According to the Indian Dermatology Online Journal, between 10-80 percent of the transplanted hair will fully grow in an estimated three to four months.
In conclusion
Before taking any steps, it is important to consult an expert. Find a dermatologist close and seek advice. Consultations to get to the root of the problem help narrow down the approach to take. By seeing a board-certified dermatologist, individuals can get in on inside secrets that help with hair loss. These are tailored to individual needs.
