Let's face it, hair loss is an embarrassment that men have a very high chance of encountering. Although balding generally attacks those of a more mature age, it can also strike young adults and even teenagers. Balding can stem from numerous factors but is most commonly the result of family genes and androgenic alopecia. Either way, it is the result of the male hormone androgen combining with enzymes that boost testosterone and produce DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is metabolite in the body and is holds the most responsibility for hair loss. Luckily, you have options to deal with balding hair.
Talk With Your Doctor
If you're losing hair, it may not be at the hands of something you can't control, but you won't know either way if you don't speak to your physician. Request that your doctor check for diseases such as thyroid conditions to see if they are contributing to your hair loss. Your doctor could also examine your eating habits, stress and current medications, as they can all cause hair loss.
Medications Are Available
The most notable drug you can obtain without a prescription is Rogaine, or minoxidil, the clinical name of the product. Rogaine is topical treatment available in normal and extra strengths that you apply twice daily. The benefits of this drug were discovered accidentally in the 1970s when it was utilized to help patients with high blood pressure. An unusual side effect was exposed when the balding progression slowed in these patients. In clinical trials conducted by Rogaine, 85 percent of men regrew hair after a four-month period when the medicine was used as directed.
There is also an oral prescription medication called Propecia, or finasteride, which assists in reversing hair loss by blocking the production of DHT. Clinical studies of Propecia show nine out of 10 men who used the product had noticeable results, either regrowing hair or showing no further signs of additional hair loss.
Unfortunately, according to dermatologist Dr Jeffrey Benabio, it may take months for the medications to work, and if you discontinue using them, hair loss will resume.
Use the Hair You Have
Although it can be considered a radical approach to repairing hair loss, hair transplants are a very viable option available to correct your hair loss. With this procedure, a doctor takes hair from a different section of your head and grafts it to the balding area. According to those that have had the operation, it is best to do a great deal of research and interview various surgeons in your area. Each hair transplant surgeon has a different skill level and technique for administering the procedure. Although local anesthesia is used, there is a certain degree of pain and discomfort associated with recovery.
Embrace Your Hair Loss
Fashion has made it very possible to cover up or enhance balding. There are hats and scarves that you can wear to cover or partially conceal a balding scalp. Scheduling a consultation with a barber or hair stylist is something else you should consider to aid in a more confident appearance. If all of the options available don't appeal to you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with sporting a bald head. Many athletes and celebrities have shown that rocking a bald head can be sophisticated and fashion forward.
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