Hair Loss Remedies

Hair loss is a fact of life for many people, but there are numerous treatments out there to stop hair loss and even promote hair growth. Remedies range from natural solutions to surgical procedures. Below is a comprehensive list of available options.

Causes

There are a whole host of reasons why someone could start losing their hair. Being under emotional duress for months at a time can certainly cause hair loss. Huge life events like a major surgery or a long-term illness certainly contribute to a person's stress level. Certain medicines, like those used in chemotherapy, can cause hair loss. Fungal infections can cause hair loss as well. Genetics plays a huge role in hair loss, so a person may only need to peek at how much hair family members have. And finally, how a person wears their hair on a regular basis can contribute to hair loss. If the hair is constantly being pulled back and strained, it is more likely to irritate the follicle, creating hair loss.

Topical Remedy

Perhaps the most well-known topical remedy for hair loss is Rogaine, which is made of minoxidil. Minoxidil was first used to combat high blood pressure, but when applied directly to the scalp, the result is supposed to be hair regrowth. According to the FDA, unwanted facial hair growth has been linked to minoxidil, especially when women use Rogaine in a concentration containing 5 percent minoxidil. Also, it may cause weight gain, swelling of the hands and feet, or chest pain. Based on an article from WebMD titled "Minoxidil for Hair Loss," Rogaine is most effective for males under the age of 30 who have been losing hair for less than five years.

Prescription Medication

Finasteride is a chemical used to promote hair growth, and it is most commonly found in a product called Propecia. This comes in pill form and is taken once a day, but it should not be handled by women and children. Although all four reviews on WebMD have touted the high level of effectiveness for Propecia, almost all mentioned that cost was a major drawback.

Surgical Procedure

Hair-transplant surgery is an option for hair-loss sufferers. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, any hair-transplant surgery will require local anesthesia and sedation and puts the person at risk for infection. Cosmetically speaking, the results may not be exactly what the patient envisioned, and there is a chance that the surgery will be unsuccessful. Ultimately, a person is putting the success of the procedure into the hands of a surgeon, so doing extensive research and obtaining referrals is extremely important when choosing a surgeon. However, if the surgery is a success, the results should be permanent and will not require indefinite use of pills or topical salves.

Natural Remedies

For those who wish to sidestep surgery and chemicals, there are some natural remedies available. Scalp massage is supposed to promote blood flow in the hair follicles, which in turn causes hair to grow. This works best for people suffering from temporary hair loss due to illness, but it has not proved highly effective for those suffering from permanent hair loss.
Certain herbs, like nettle root extract, saw palmetto extract, and a mixture of rosemary and sage, have shown promise in promoting hair growth. Finally, exercise and a well-balanced diet are recommended by those who practice holistic health care. The idea is that by taking good care of oneself, there will be fewer stress factors and more ways for the body to heal and rejuvenate itself, right down to the follicles.

Conclusion

Hair, or lack thereof, is something that can alter one's confidence. But ultimately, it is just hair, and while having a thick head of hair can boost one's self-image, character and personality are so much more important. Putting one's health in danger to try to stop hair loss is never a good idea. Pills, surgery and even natural remedies can have side effects, so be conscious of any existing health conditions and take them into careful consideration before beginning a treatment plan.

Resources

• Hair Loss Health Center from WebMD
• User reviews for oral Propecia from WebMD
• Hair-replacement information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons