Hair is a defining aspect of style. Our tresses reveal a lot about us, from poor to rich, stylish to rocker, sophisticated to boyish. So it's natural for people to freak out when they see a few loose strands lingering in the drain of the shower. While normally genetic makeup, hormones and age are the primary causes of hair loss, there are a number of thinning hair remedies available for men and women.
Rogaine
Most men and women who have a genetic predisposition to hair loss are typically affected by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Rogaine, also called Minoxidil, is an FDA-approved treatment for slowing hair loss.
Rogaine is a liquid topical solution that should be applied directly to the scalp twice daily to grow hair and prevent future hair loss. New hair growth from Rogaine can take 12 weeks to start, and hair may be thinner or shorter than previous hair, however, there is often enough hair growth to hide bald spots. New hair growth stops when use of Rogaine is stopped.
Corticosteroids
A thinning hair remedy for those suffering from alopecia areata is injections of cortisone directly into the scalp. These injections are typically repeated each month, with corticosteroid pills often prescribed in between. New hair may be seen within four weeks of the injection.
Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp)
Anthralin can be prescribed as either a cream or an ointment and is applied to the scalp and washed off daily. This synthetic substance can stimulate new hair growth for men and women suffering from alopecia areata. It typically takes about 12 weeks for new hair to become visible.
Follicular Unit Transplant
This hair restoration procedure transplants hair exclusively in its naturally occurring group of one to four hairs. Because Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) mimics the natural way hair grows, the results look natural and are indistinguishable from a person's original hair.
This procedure is minimally invasive, due to the tiny grafts placed in equally tiny recipient sites. This causes such a small amount of damage to the skin that thousands of grafts can be safely transplanted in just one session, completing the hair restoration process quickly. The needle-sized sites heal within days of the transplant.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
With LLLT, cool lasers stimulate hair growth and help to reduce the shedding of hair. The energy level of these lasers is far below lasers that cut or burn, making it safe for the treatment of hair loss. Based on photo-biotherapy, which occurs when cells absorb laser light and stimulate cell metabolism, LLLT promotes hair growth and stimulates the follicles in the scalp by increasing energy production.
Scalp Reduction
This method of rectifying thinning hair includes decreasing the area of the bald spot on the head. Skin is flexible and can often stretch enough to be removed. Hairless scalp is removed, with a hair-covered piece of scalp closing the space left behind.
Additionally, doctors are able to fold skin containing hair over bald skin to reduce the bald area, in a technique called a flap. This method is typically done in combination with hair transplantation for a natural-looking hairline.
Wigs and hairpieces
For those who haven't the money to undergo surgery or prescription medication, or don't want to deal with the pain and want an alternative medical treatment, there are always wigs and hairpieces. Be careful to get a quality, natural-looking wig or hairpiece that compliments your skin color.
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