The Main Types of Hair Loss Treatments
In this day and age when faced with hair loss you have a number of choices. Long gone are the days when you hid your thinning hair underneath an obviously fake wig ignored the jokes or just accepted hair loss as fait accompli. But today if you are not happy with the status quo you have the option of hair re-growth lotions, medicines, hair replacement systems and hair transplantation.
Lotions and Medications
A number of pharmaceutical products are available that affect the structure and working of the hair follicle itself enabling it to support the growth of healthy hair again. These medications come in the form of lotions or as tablets to be taken with water. There are prescription as well as over the counter drugs available to counter hair loss. The prescription drugs are stronger, show a more remarkable difference than the over the counter types that are less effective but also carry less chances of side effects.
Minoxidil or Rogaine (Brand Name) is a hair growth stimulant that is applied topically to stimulate the follicles to grow hair. Minoxidil or Rogaine is available as a lotion, hair spray, gel or foam and has shown to regrow hair in hereditary pattern baldness in men as well as in women. Minoxidil is dose dependent, meaning that to maintain the benefits to the hair the application of Minoxidil should be continued. Minoxidil 2% takes about at least 4 months of regular usage to show results whereas Minoxidil 5% may show positive results as soon as in 45 days. Minoxidil 5% should not be used by women.
Retin-A by Ortho Pharmaceutical is a less familiar product that is used alone and in combination with minoxidil to treat male pattern baldness. Retin-A increases the amount of minoxidil reaching the hair follicle cells thus some believe it works better.
Another solution known as Xandrox, used as an alternative to Rogaine, is manufactured with different percentages of Retin-A, minoxidil and azelaic acid. A doctor or pharmacist should be consulted to advise the suitable formula for you.
Finasteride or Propecia is the only ‘take-one-a-day’ tablet that is taken as a treatment for hair loss in men due to Male Pattern Baldness. Finasteride stops the male hormone Testosterone from converting into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Dihydrotestosterone has been linked to hair fall in men genetically predisposed to Male Pattern Baldness. It is a prescription drug and is only prescribed for men with no liver complications. It is not recommended for women or children.
Hair Replacement Systems
Hair replacement systems are hair additions or any external hair-bearings attached to the scalp or existing hair to cover bald spots or thinning hair. This category covers toupees, hairpieces, hair weaves, hair extensions and partial hair prostheses. These systems may consist of human hair, synthetic fiber or a combination of both. More popular nowadays are partial hair additions which are secured in a number of ways to the existing hair. Some of the techniques used are fusion, cabling, bonding and weaving.
The last and usually the most expensive treatment would be:
Hair Transplantation
Hair transplantation is the surgical procedure of removing small plugs or hair bearing pieces of scalp from the thick hair on the sides and back of the head called the donor site. These plugs are then inserted into punched holes on the bald or thinned out area of the head. There are several other types of hair transplant surgeries like scalp expansion, reduction and flaps etc. Hair transplants are done by cosmetic surgeons and great care should be taken while choosing a surgeon and a procedure.