Hair loss treatment and cure

A Hair Transplants is arguably the best option for replacing hair loss from male pattern baldness. In the past few decades the industry and the technology has progressed to the point where a quality transplant can offer a look which was, up until 20 years ago, unachievable. They are so good that there is always some debate as to whether a celebrity did or didn’t have a transplant. But for many Hair Loss patients a hair transplant might not be a viable option for reasons such as health, cost, fear of surgery or another issue. As this includes a good size of the population, there are options to fill this void and provide a satisfactory result.

Other than male pattern baldness there are many reasons why you might lose their hair. Some of these reasons are temporary while others can be permanent. The list includes but is not limited to:

Many of these would be reasons where a Hair Transplant is not a viable solution

What are the Non-Surgical options for Hair Loss?

Up until the mid-20^th century, hair loss could only be treated by non-surgical methods. The technology and research were not yet there to regrow hair transplanted from one’s own body. Even when it was finally introduced, the results were less than perfect and, in some cases, looked worse than before the surgery. There were other options and the industry was full of solutions which for the time were acceptable.

When we think of hair loss solutions other than the Hair Transplant, those of us of an “older” generation usually think of the toupée from yesteryear. Usually a running gag in all entertainment mediums, these solutions were most notably referred to as “rugs”. Believe it or not, the toupée can trace its roots back to 3100 B.C., and in some form or another have been with us since. As the acceptance of being bald has increased with various alternatives for hair loss, the toupée as we know it will probably go the way of the Dodo bird. Although down and somewhat out, there is a new version of the toupée which comes in the form of a hair prosthesis.

A Hair Prosthesis is an upgrade from the toupée and wig of the past, but this new iteration is in many cases undetectable and very natural looking. Most actors are given roles not only for their skills but for how they look on the big or small screen. Many of these guys have a full head of hair and seem to defy the ageing process. But a look closer reveals that these guys are mortal and subject to getting old and losing their hair.

A hair prosthesis uses the remaining hair of the patient to match the color and texture for duplication and uses measurements of the scalp to ensure a perfect fit and to blend the remaining hair. A hypoallergenic fabric is used which can come in a variety of shades to match the patient’s scalp. Not only a great temporary solution for actors, this procedure is most beneficial to patients who suffer from medical conditions and those undergoing chemotherapy.

Is there a Pharmacological solution to Hair Loss?

The most popular form of hair replacement other than surgery is the using of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Since the creation of mirrors, men have been looking for that “magic pill” to solve their mature or receding hairline and to regrow hair. As a matter of fact, everyone with an ailment has been searching for a “magic pill” to solve what ails them. The truth is that in only a few instances have a pill or vaccine been able to solve serious medical issues (i.e. Polio and Small Pox). The closest we have for hair loss are two products which have been on the market long enough to be proven effective.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia and Proscar) have been on the market to treat hair loss since 1988 and 1997 respectively. As is the case with many medications both were originally used for High Blood Pressure and an Enlarged Prostate. After initial use in treating these ailments, both were shown to slow and stop hair loss as well as regrowing hair. After lengthy studies and research, both products were then released as Rogaine and Propecia/Proscar. In some cases, these medications will not provide results, but it does take time for the results to be noticeable, so be patient!

These former prescription medications can now be bought over the counter in the U.S., although in the U.K. you need a prescription for Finasteride. It is in the best interest of the patient who does not need a prescription to check with their doctors for any side effects or potential health issues. One concerning issue with using these two products is that once you stop treatment, any gains from the drugs will be lost. It’s a lifetime commitment of use or at least until you have a hair transplant, or find another better solution offered.

Are there any Natural solutions to Hair Loss?

Homeopathic solutions abound to stop hair loss and to regrow hair. Go into any health food store or something similar, and there is bound to be a section or advice for what ails you.

Many foods and supplements are “proven” effective for hair loss. Here are a few of the most popular:

While these are natural products and can be found in a variety of foods, fruits and vegetables, there can still be side effects to taking these supplements.

One of the best natural routes is to have a healthy lifestyle. Smoking can be one of the lifestyle factors that lead to hair loss. Constant research shows how smoking negatively affects many parts of the body including premature graying and hair loss. Any search on the Internet will show the damage smoking can do to the body, so this might be a great excuse to quit or never start.

What Hair Loss solution is best for me?

In a perfect world, those suffering from Hair Loss would be able to afford a Hair Transplant and would be a suitable candidate. The truth is that those suffering from Hair Loss, both men and women, have a variety of reasons why they would not be good candidates. There are other solutions which we discussed above which can benefit those suffering from this issue. Any solution should be researched and discussed with a medical professional. Choosing a specific solution does not prohibit you from trying another one down the road. Research continues at every level and hopefully it will only be a matter of time before that “Magic Pill” is discovered.