Hair Loss Treatment Choices Explained

Hair loss is a common problem affecting millions of men and women every day. In fact, hair loss can even affect children.

At any given time, roughly 10 percent of our hair is in a ‘resting’ phase.

This means the hair is lying dormant.

After some time this hair falls out and new hair growth replaces it.

The human hair growth phase usually lasts anywhere from two to six years. Most people realize hair growth from ¼ to ½ inch during this time.

Some people experience too much hair loss during the time after the resting phase. This may result from stress, illness, hormonal problems, cancer treatments and even genetics. Some of these problems are temporary. For example, short-term hair loss resulting from stress or hormonal imbalances can usually be corrected with time. If you take medicines that result in hair loss, hair will usually regrow after treatment.

Top Treatments For Hair Loss

The most common permanent hair loss conditions are male-pattern or female-pattern baldness. When this happens, hair loss occurs over the entire scalp, and is usually permanent. This loss of hair may result in a receding hairline and permanently thinning hair. Fortunately there are several treatment choices currently available that can treat and slow hair loss. Some of the top hair loss treatments are described below:

Minoxidil

This product is approved by the FDA for treating hair loss in men and women. It is a topical solution that goes by the name Rogaine you can apply directly to the scalp. All you need to do is massage the treatment in twice every day. This treatment can help prevent or slow future hair loss and may help restore fullness. Studies suggest that Minoxidil may re establish hair growth when used consistently. Side effects of this treatment are minimal, but may include lowered blood pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness and itchiness in some patients. If you stop treatment, hair loss is likely to resume.

Propecia

Otherwise known as finasteride, is a drug discovered in the 90s to help treat male pattern baldness. This treatment may help reduce hair loss in men within three months of use. Propecia purportedly works by restoring hair thickness and regret. Some people claim that use may help slow hair loss. Some men however will experience no results using this product. Females should not use propecia as it contains steroid ingredients that have harmful side effects in women.

Procede

This is a new product that you only have to apply once every 90 days. This product purportedly helps eliminate hair thinning and loss in men and women. This product is patent pending at present. It may not be suitable for all people, including those who have hair plugs or grafts, those using other medical ointments and those with skin sensitivities. So far however the company is offering a 100 percent money back guarantee, and notes its procede hair loss treatment uses drug free ingredients. On that note, there is probably no harm in trying the product.

Vitamins and supplements

There are a number of vitamin and supplement products on the market that are supposed to help slow hair growth and restore luster and texture. From a pharmacological perspective this makes a lot of sense. Your hair needs vitamins and minerals to grow properly. Our bodies need vitamins and minerals to stimulate hair growth and strengthen our nails and skin. Top products touted to help support hair growth include Vitamin E and other herbs that help fertilize our hair follicles. It is important you realize however that vitamins and supplements while beneficial, will probably not stop hair loss resulting from genetics. They will however likely improve your hairs fullness and shine with regular use.

Hair transplants

Modern technology has afforded hair transplant technicians the ability to transplant microscopic grafts of hair from one spot on the body to the scalp. Today’s technology often results in a natural looking head of hair. This process while slow can be helpful for many experiencing male or female pattern baldness.

Of course, you could always decide to opt for human hair extensions. This is an increasingly popular alternative especially for women. Today hair extensions made from human hair look just as natural as normal hair. They also tend to last for several months or even years.