Hair Loss Basics

Baldness and hair loss can be caused by several factors. With most people, it is hereditary. Since the recede of the hairline is mainly caused by male hormones affecting the growth of hair at the follicles, there are several treatments to go for.

Some believe that thinning hair can be saved while lost hair would really require surgery. Whether you’re afraid of the medical procedure or you can’t afford it, there are alternatives to getting a follicular unit hair transplant. Hair loss medication has grown quite popular as more and more are coming out that can stop and even revert hair loss. Here are three tried and true solutions you may want to consider:

Minoxidil

Minoxidil (Rogaine) was previously prescribed for heart problems. In the late 70’s to the early 80’s, it was observed that continued use made your hair grow. Further investigations confirmed that hair loss was hindered in most test subjects.

The treatment had demonstrated successfully that it could slow down the loss of hair and in some cases, even restore hair growth in the back areas. It was determined, however, that the crown or frontal hairline area could not be slowed or reverted.

Minoxidil should be applied topically to the scalp twice a day (in the morning and in the evening) regularly. Otherwise, the effects stop. Hair loss will continue and the hair that was revived will be lost.

Although it first came out as a prescription drug, you can now buy it as Minoxidil or Rogaine as an over-the-counter drug in strengths of 2% and 5%.

Finasteride

Like the previously mentioned medication, Finasteride (Propecia) was not intended for hair loss. Used initially to remedy enlarged prostate glands, it was ascertained that it could impede baldness and even cause hair to grow back.

Apparently, the drug hinders the production of dyhydrotestosterone or DHT, which is the main cause of baldness. This drug, however, should never be used on women or children.

Finasteride should be taken once a day.

Currently the only hair loss medication approved by the Food and Drug Authority, Minoxidil (in 1988) and Finasteride (ten years later) can be bought without a prescription.

Laser Hair Therapy

Aside from medication, you can also go for Laser Hair Therapy or LHT to treat scalp conditions such as hair loss, hair thinning and baldness. LHT uses a low level cool laser to successfully remedy and suppress hair loss.

This therapy makes use of the same technology as phototherapy. The laser light incites cell metabolism. This hastens the repair of damaged cells. The light energy from multiple rotating laser positions enhances the flow of blood to the scalp.

LHT is an innovation that has recently swept the medical world by storm. It has received high praise from physicians as a grand step in man’s goals towards preventing hair loss.