Tips On Choosing The Right Hair Loss Treatment For You

There are two main causes of hair loss. Hormone imbalances can start as early as puberty in men and often occur after menopause in women. Other hormone-related causes can be pregnancy, illness and stress at work or at home. Some of these hormonal imbalances are hereditary and caused by genetic factors.

The second group of hair loss causes are side-effects from medical treatments and some fungal infections. These may be the first sign of an underlying disease (reference: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/androgenetic-alopecia). It is strongly recommended that when hair loss is first noticed, a GP’s examination is undertaken to ascertain the cause and suggest a treatment.

The most common cause of hair loss in males is Androgenic Alopecia. This is also commonly known as “male pattern baldness”. Hair is generally lost in a well-defined pattern starting above both temples and with visible thinning on the crown of the head leaving a rim of hair around the sides and rear of the head.
Women tend to suffer less from classic male pattern baldness and instead it is more usual for the hair to become thinner all over the head with the hairline remaining in place. This is called "Female pattern baldness" although it may occur in males. This variety of androgenic alopecia in women rarely leads to total baldness.

In order to find the most suitable treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia we must first consider some of the contributory factors. Research confirms that hair loss relates to the hormones called Androgens. One of these androgens is DHT or Dihydrotestosterone. Increased levels of androgens in the hair follicles can lead to shorter hair growth cycles and thinner hair. DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink and constricts blood vessels that supply the follicles (Reference http://www.androgeneticalopecia.org) Each strand of hair normally grows for between two and six years. It then rests for a number of months before it falls out. It is normal to lose between sixty and eighty hairs a day.

When considering a suitable hair loss treatment some of the following tips could help you on your way:

•    Before doing anything find out why you are experiencing hair loss. Ask yourself questions such as: Have I been ill, stressed or on medication in the last 3 or 4 months? Did either of my parents exhibit hair loss? Am I experiencing weight gain? Am I eating properly? Am I doing regular exercise? Am I taking any supplements? Consulting a doctor with answers to these questions will help you get the answers you need.

•    Once you are ready to take a treatment decide whether you are looking for a hair loss remedy or a cosmetic treatment.

•    Ensure that you have done your research and that the product you choose is a trusted one. Propecia (Finasteride) is the only prescription tablet in the UK and can be bought from www.pharmacy2u.co.uk  with a valid UK prescription. However it is not available for women. Finasteride is a synthetic type 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that halts the cause of your hair loss by altering the behaviour of the hormone. Some experts say it is important to use Finasteride in conjunction with products that contain Minoxidil, which work by reactivating the hair follicles (Reference: http://www.courthouseclinics.com ). Regaine contains Minoxidil and is available for men and women in different strengths. Once treatment with Propecia and Minoxidil has commenced, it should continue in order to maintain hair growth.

•    Take care to read the small print. Some products mention warnings about changes in the menstrual cycle or an increase in acne or facial hair which accompany hormonal imbalances.

•    Consider products such as Alpecin that are applied directly to the hair and scalp as these are less likely to affect other parts of your body. Alpecin works by stimulating hair-growth at the roots by releasing caffeine directly to where it is needed. Alpecin is also relatively cheap at between £4 and £6 per bottle.

•    Another such product is Regaine. Regaine have recently launched a new product called Regaine Foam, which is extra-strength foam containing Minoxidil. Regaine Foam is not only innovative it is also incredibly easy to use. You simply massage foam into your scalp as part of your daily routine both morning and night. It is unscented and will prevent further hair loss as well as re-grow the hair.

•    There are some natural products available. A chamomile infusion or products containing nettle root, Vitamin E, zinc and magnesium have been proven to work well (reference:http://www.besthairlosspreventionproducts.com/),as has green tea and horsetail silica. Viviscal is a natural product which is gluten free although it does warn that it should not be taken by pregnant women or those allergic to fish.

•  There is also a natural treatment called Nourkrin that is a protein, mineral and food supplement which has been developed to reduce hair loss. It was originally produced for women and after its initial success, the makers came out with a supplement formulated especially for men. It is a holistic program to treat hair loss with products such as shampoos, conditioners and scalp lotions also recommended for use.

•   Another product that comes from nature’s finest is Revivogen. This also comes as a scalp therapy as well as a variety of conditioners and shampoos such as the bio cleansing shampoo that helps to get rid of excess sebum and DHT in the scalp itself.

•    There is a product called Silicium 44 Hair loss solution that is a natural product with an organic biological silicon formula. It is suitable for men and women even during pregnancy. Treatment need not be continued after 28 days, but should be applied annually.

•    There are cosmetic treatments as well as medicinal ones. One product that combines cosmetic and medicinal treatments is Nanogen. The electrostatic nanofibres work to mask the hair loss as the fibres bind to existing hair and cover the space in between. The Nanoguard B is a DHT inhibitor like Finasteride, which can be used with their scalp roller and sanitizer. Most products are relatively expensive and have to be taken for 4-6 months before any change can be seen.

Whatever you do ensure that the treatment you use is given the time to work and do not unnecessarily spend vast sums of money on lots of different treatments at once. One treatment at a time will ensure that you know which one works for you.