Hair on top of the head is designed to absorb ultraviolet light, offer protection from injury and to act as insulation to keep your head warm. Once your hair starts to fall out, all of these jobs become compromised. Hair restoration can be utilized to replace what has been lost.
Significance
For the most part, hair loss doesn't cause physical pain and doesn't harm the body. But it can cause emotional pain. Men and women can suffer hair loss from a number of factors, and hair restoration can help restore self-esteem and confidence.
Function
Hair restoration is designed to slow or stop hair loss, regrow hair or replace hair that has been lost. The ultimate goal is to get the hair to look as real and thick as possible.
Types
Minoxidil and finasteride are two FDA-approved hair restoration treatments. Minoxidil is a solution that gets worked into the thin or bald areas of the head daily. It stimulates circulation and promotes new hair growth. Rogaine is a brand name containing minoxidil. It comes in versions for men and women.
Finasteride is an oral drug that you take once a day. This medication was originally used to treat prostate conditions; its focus when it comes to hair loss is to regrow hair on the top of the head. It's known by the brand name Propecia.
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure in which hair gets uprooted from the sides and back and then implanted into bald areas. This hair is called donor hair.
Scalp reduction is another surgical procedure in which bald areas of scalp are removed, and hair-bearing scalp is then pulled up and sewn shut.
Hair weaves are hair pieces placed on top of the head. They are then glued, taped and weaved into the donor hair to keep them in place. The hair used for hair weaves is either synthetic, human or a combination of both kinds.
Misconceptions
Hair loss is permanent. A lot of companies claim their formula, shampoo or supplement can magically restore hair. But other than the FDA-approved treatments, that is not true. Following a balanced diet with plenty of protein, iron and antioxidants can help keep your hair healthy but cannot restore it.
Effects
Minoxidil and finasteride can take several months before they start taking effect. If you get results, they stop as soon as you discontinue use. Hair transplants and scalp reductions can also take up to eight months before they show positive results.
Warning
Finasteride should only be taken by men. Women who are pregnant should avoid taking the pills and should avoid contact with pills that have become broken. According to the Mayo Clinic, hair transplants and scalp reduction surgeries can cause scarring, infections, pain. They can also be expensive.
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