Hair loss is a common problem that affects men and women. It occurs for a variety of reasons ranging from age, genetics or disease. There are a variety of treatment options available, depending on the origin of your hair problems.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter hair loss product more commonly known by the brand name Rogaine. Minoxidil is applied twice daily to the scalp and helps regrow hair. However, minoxidil isn't effective for everyone and should be stopped after six months of use if no results occur, recommends Mayo Clinic.
Finasteride
When over-the-counter applications aren't effective, the prescription medication Finasteride, commonly sold under the brand name Propecia, may help with hair loss. Finasteride targets and blocks dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which is a hormone responsible for binding to receptors on your hair follicles--causing them to shrink. Since DHT is generally a male hormone derived from testosterone, Finasteride is not generally recommended for use in women.
Spironolactone
For women, the off-label use of the antiandrogen spironolactone may be used to reduce the production of androgens that can be responsible for female pattern baldness, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Spironolactone works by slowing down the production of androgens by the ovaries and adrenal glands, and may also help block the binding of DHT to the receptors of hair follicles.
Scalp Reduction
For balding areas of the scalp, a scalp reduction may be an appropriate treatment option. During a scalp reduction, the area of balding scalp tissue is removed and the remaining healthier scalp is pulled tight together--in essence, removing the bald spot. The two sides are then stitched together and allowed to heal.
Hair Transplant
Hair transplant is a more invasive procedure for many types of hair loss. During a hair transplant healthy scalp and follicles are removed from other areas of the head such as the back and sides, and transplanted as grafts or micrografts onto areas of the scalp that are balding or thinning. As the graft heals, the healthy follicles may take, and start growing new hair strands.
Corticosteroids
For hair loss that is due to swelling and inflammation, corticosteroids may be used for treatment. Corticosteroids are applied topically or directly injected into the inflamed scalp, forcing the swelling to go down. As swelling decreases, pressure on the follicles is reduced, possibly helping new hair strands to grow more easily.
Underlying Disease Treatment
Sometimes hair loss can be caused by underlying disease, especially common problems such as with your thyroid gland or diabetes. By seeking proper treatment for these diseases you can help reduce the side effects of hair loss.
Behavioral Therapy
In some cases hair loss may be caused by psychological disorders such as the hair-pulling disorder trichotillomania, of which an estimated 11 million Americans deal with on a daily bases, according to Psychology Today. Behavioral therapy helps provide alternative means and coping skills to help stop the sufferer from pulling their hair out.
Hair Style
Sometimes something as simple as a hairstyle change is enough to treat problems with hair loss. Hairstyles which pull your hair too tight, such as pony tails or buns, may place stress on the hair follicles, affecting how well they grow new hair strands. Wearing relaxed hair styles may help prevent this problem.
Lifestyle Changes
If you regularly dye your hair or use tools that expose your hair to excess heat, stopping these practices may also help treat hair loss. For example, switching from traditional hair dye to henna-based dyes that are chemical-free can help reduce problems with hair loss. Gently drying your hair with a towel instead of using a blow dryer on high heat can also help treat problems with hair loss.
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