Short-term hair loss can be caused by hormonal changes, side effects to medications, poor nutritional habits or scalp infections. Permanent hair loss is most often caused by androgenetic alopecia, which is hereditary. To treat hair loss, you can visit your local pharmacy or make an appointment with a doctor.
Transplantation
When you are losing your hair, there is always a small amount left behind that does not fall out. This is the hair found on the sides and back of your head, and it is called donor hair. In hair transplants, tiny areas of donor hair, called grafts, are uprooted and implanted into areas that are bald. This treatment can be costly if you have a lot of area to cover. As of 2010, grafts ranged from $3 to $10 each, with the price for a full treatment running as high as $20,000.
Finasteride
Finasteride is a pharmaceutical drug known by the brand name Propecia. Originally this drug was used as a treatment for prostate enlargement, and it has since been used to treat baldness. Finasteride helps slow down hair loss and promotes growth on the top and middle top areas. It does nothing for a receding hairline. Women who are pregnant or potentially pregnant should not take finasteride or handle the pills, as this can lead to birth defects. You can only get this drug through a prescription from your doctor.
Hair Weave
Hair weaves are made out of synthetic hair, natural human hair or a combination of the two. Weaves are placed on top of the head and woven into existing donor hair. After they are in place, they give the appearance of a full head of hair.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical treatment that comes in a liquid or foam solution. Known by the brand name Rogaine, minoxidil is rubbed into the scalp twice a day in areas that are bald or thin. It is designed to stop hair loss and promote new growth by stimulating circulation to your scalp. If you do see results, you need to continually use minoxidil to maintain your results. According to the Mayo Clinic, new hair stops growing soon after you discontinue the use of minoxidil. It can also take up to 12 weeks before you see any difference. You can get this treatment over the counter at your local drug store.
Scalp Reduction
Scalp reduction is a surgical treatment where non-hair-bearing skin is removed from the top of the head, and hair-bearing skin is stretched over the area and sown in place. You can also get a similar treatment called a scalp flap procedure. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, skin flap surgery is a method of moving a flap of skin and underlying tissue from one area of the body to another. In the case of your hair, this would mean moving hair-growing scalp to bald areas.
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