Exploring the Different Hair Loss Treatment Alternatives
Hair loss is a natural part of the aging process, and is something that happens to virtually every man - and even some women - as they grow older.
More than half of all men will suffer from some form of male-pattern baldness by the time they reach 50.
While in past years, baldness was seen as something to be ashamed of; in recent years it has become seen as increasingly less of a liability due to the popularity of bald actors such as Bruce Willis, Jason Statham and Ben Kingsley.
Despite this, many men still seem to have trouble accepting their baldness and this may eventually lead to psychological problems such as loss of self-esteem.
This explains why the hair loss treatment industry is one of the largest in the US, with $1 billion in annual sales.
At present there are only two FDA-approved treatments for baldness - minoxidil and finasteride.
Minoxidil, which is sold over-the-counter under the brand name Rogaine, is reportedly effective in addressing both a receding hairline and baldness at the crown of the head.
However, Rogaine has serious side effects, the most common of which are itchy scalp and dandruff, when the drug is applied topically, and rapid and irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness and swelling of the face and extremities when taken orally.
Finasteride, on the other hand, is available only by prescription and has sexual side effects that include impotence, erectile dysfunction and abnormal ejaculation.
If you can afford the cost, you can consider laser hair loss treatment.
These procedures use lasers to stimulate hair growth in the scalp and increase blood flow to the scalp.
At least 25 treatments will be required, one a week, and each treatment will cost around $80.
In addition, your dermatologist may recommend the use of a 'laser-comb' device at home to supplement in-office treatments.
This device is brushed through the hair and administers additional phototherapy.
Those concerned about the side effects of medication can consider natural alternatives, which are not only safe but considerately less expensive than drugs.
Omega-3 oil, for example, will reduce swelling and inflammation in the scalp and thus, treat baldness.
You can apply it by putting Omega-3-rich canola oil or soybean oil directly to your scalp, take fish oil supplements, or increase the amount of fish such as tuna, salmon and trout in your diet.
Herbs such as rosemary and sage are also effective in addressing baldness and are applied topically.
Rosemary reduces dandruff outbreaks which can lead to baldness while also improving blood circulation in the scalp.
Saw Palmetto, on the other hand, is taken orally but is recommended only for men; nettle root extract is used to treat women's baldness.
Other herbs that can be used as an effective hair loss treatment include Aloe Vera (rub broken leaves directly onto your scalp); ginger (boil five slices of ginger in water for ten minutes then rinse your hair with the resulting solution) and cucumber (drink a couple of glasses of cucumber juice every day).
As a preventive measure, you can also massage your scalp for ten to fifteen minutes right before you go to bed, starting from your hairline and working your way to your nape.
More than half of all men will suffer from some form of male-pattern baldness by the time they reach 50.
While in past years, baldness was seen as something to be ashamed of; in recent years it has become seen as increasingly less of a liability due to the popularity of bald actors such as Bruce Willis, Jason Statham and Ben Kingsley.
Despite this, many men still seem to have trouble accepting their baldness and this may eventually lead to psychological problems such as loss of self-esteem.
This explains why the hair loss treatment industry is one of the largest in the US, with $1 billion in annual sales.
At present there are only two FDA-approved treatments for baldness - minoxidil and finasteride.
Minoxidil, which is sold over-the-counter under the brand name Rogaine, is reportedly effective in addressing both a receding hairline and baldness at the crown of the head.
However, Rogaine has serious side effects, the most common of which are itchy scalp and dandruff, when the drug is applied topically, and rapid and irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness and swelling of the face and extremities when taken orally.
Finasteride, on the other hand, is available only by prescription and has sexual side effects that include impotence, erectile dysfunction and abnormal ejaculation.
If you can afford the cost, you can consider laser hair loss treatment.
These procedures use lasers to stimulate hair growth in the scalp and increase blood flow to the scalp.
At least 25 treatments will be required, one a week, and each treatment will cost around $80.
In addition, your dermatologist may recommend the use of a 'laser-comb' device at home to supplement in-office treatments.
This device is brushed through the hair and administers additional phototherapy.
Those concerned about the side effects of medication can consider natural alternatives, which are not only safe but considerately less expensive than drugs.
Omega-3 oil, for example, will reduce swelling and inflammation in the scalp and thus, treat baldness.
You can apply it by putting Omega-3-rich canola oil or soybean oil directly to your scalp, take fish oil supplements, or increase the amount of fish such as tuna, salmon and trout in your diet.
Herbs such as rosemary and sage are also effective in addressing baldness and are applied topically.
Rosemary reduces dandruff outbreaks which can lead to baldness while also improving blood circulation in the scalp.
Saw Palmetto, on the other hand, is taken orally but is recommended only for men; nettle root extract is used to treat women's baldness.
Other herbs that can be used as an effective hair loss treatment include Aloe Vera (rub broken leaves directly onto your scalp); ginger (boil five slices of ginger in water for ten minutes then rinse your hair with the resulting solution) and cucumber (drink a couple of glasses of cucumber juice every day).
As a preventive measure, you can also massage your scalp for ten to fifteen minutes right before you go to bed, starting from your hairline and working your way to your nape.
