If you’re experiencing baldness you will understand why the hair is pertained to as the crowning glory for many reasons. It significantly affects a person’s appearance and demeanour. This is why baldness or a bald spot can considerably affect one’s confidence. A British Association of Dermatology research on baldness revealed that it affects 50% of men over the age of 50 and 50% of women over the age of 65. This occurs when hair follicles, which are small organs that anchor each strand of hair into the skin, regress and become sensitive with age. Fortunately, there are several ways to regrow your hair.
Finasteride
Finasteride is a prescription medication that combats male hair loss by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT, which is the hormone that causes pattern hair loss. Unlike minoxidil, finasteride isn’t effective against bald spots caused by non-hormonal causes of hair loss. A study led by Masayuki Yanagisawa found that it’s especially effective in stimulating hair growth around the top of the head, which is a common area for bald spots. It slowed the progression of hair loss and increased growth in clinical trials over the course of ten years. When going on finasteride treatment, make sure to consult your doctor and get prescribed the appropriate doses.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a common hair growth treatment that often uses the commercial name Rogaine. The treatment is available as a topical foam or solution and comes in 2%, 3%, and 5% strength doses. You should consult a doctor, trichologist, or dermatologist to determine the best concentration for you. To use Minoxidil, SymptomFind notes that you should start with shampooed, rinsed, and dried hair. Dispense 20 drops on your palm for the liquid version, or about half a cap for the foam version, and rub well into the scalp.
Hair Growth-Inducing Foods
Diet can play a huge part in hair growth and hair loss, too. A balanced diet should be maintained to help curb hair loss symptoms. In our ‘10 Foods for Hair Growth and Shine’ article, we highlight sources of protein like lean poultry, eggs, and spinach as excellent catalysts for hair growth. The lack of protein results in old hair falling due to emptiness and brittleness. Overall, foods such as oily fish, yoghurt, nuts, and other foods are packed with vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, iron, and more. These nutrients help in providing the essentials that a body needs to promote hair density. When you incorporate these nutritious treats into your diet, you’re not just doing your hair a favour, but your overall wellness too.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a very popular way to combat hair loss and to help nourish the scalp. Some of the best-reputed hair regrowth products contain the following essential oils: rosemary oil, cedarwood essential oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, and horsetail plant oil. Other oils that are popular for scalp and hair health are argan and castor oil. And while Allure points out that these two oils have yet to be proven as effective hair growth ingredients, they can indeed condition one’s hair and strengthen hair fibres. You can massage these oils onto your scalp to encourage better absorption down to your roots.
Surgical Treatments for Baldness
There are several options for surgical treatments for bald spots. Strip Harvesting is very common; it involves taking follicles from a strip of skin — from the back of the head. For instance, and implanting it onto the balding area. Similarly, the FUE involves transferring individual hair follicles onto target areas. Other procedures include the Neograft and the ARTAS. There are lots of different causes for baldness, it’s best to consult with a professional to determine the best treatment for your situation.
Hair loss is something that is now very much treatable, thanks to today’s technological and health advances. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find a method that will suit you.
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