Hair can be lost due to a number of factors. Heredity, hormonal imbalances, reactions to certain medications and underlying diseases are all likely causes. When you fall victim to hair loss, there are several types of hair replacement available for treatment. They come in surgical and non-surgical versions.
Solution
Minoxidil is a hair loss product that comes in a liquid or foam solution. It gets applied to the scalp daily and it is designed to simulate circulation. When it is effective, it stops the hair from falling out and promotes new hair growth. Rogaine is a popular brand name that contains minoxidil and it can be found at your local drug store. Before using this product, you should be aware that it can take up to three months before you see any results.
Oral Medication
Finasteride is known by the brand name "Propecia." It is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved prescription formula designed for treating hair loss. Originally used as a prostate medication, finasteride helps slow down hair loss and promote growth on the top of the head. It too needs to be taken for three or more months before results can be seen. Both finasteride and minoxidil will stop working as soon as you no longer use them.
Prostheses
Hair weaves are hair pieces that get placed on top of the head where there is baldness. They are fastened by glue, double-sided tape and they are weaved into the donor hair on the sides and back of the head. When you get a hair weave, you need to go for adjustments every four to six weeks.
Toupees are another type of prosthesis, but they do not get weaved in to your hair. They are just fastened to the top of the head with clips, glue or double-sided tape. Toupees and hair weaves can be made out of real hair, synthetic hair or a combination of both.
Plugs
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure where donor hairs are uprooted in groups called "plugs" or "grafts." Smaller grafts can contain one to two hairs and larger ones contain 10 to 15 hairs each. Once they are uprooted, they are implanted into the areas of your head where there is no hair. After one to three months, the hair starts to grow as if it were there all along.
Reduction
Scalp reduction is another surgical procedure that involves your existing hair. With this hair replacement treatment, areas of bald scalp on the top of your head are removed and the skin with donor hair is then pulled up and sown shut. After the healing process, the hair grows as normal. This procedure and the hair transplant procedure is done by a hair replacement specialist or cosmetic plastic surgeon.
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