Not
everyone is disturbed by the prospect of losing hair. But for those
that do contemplate the onset of hair loss with dread there are a
number of viable treatments. This article outlines some of the most
popular and effective baldness solutions currently available.
Many people experiencing premature hair loss simply resign themselves
to a process that is as inevitable as growing old. This is a positive
and healthy reaction to what is a natural process for many. But for
others the onset of premature balding or excessive hair loss represents
a traumatic development that causes untold worry and suffering. This
too is a legitimate reaction regardless of whether the hair loss is
caused by hereditary factors or some other more complex cause.
Should these sufferers just grin and bear it? No, they should not
because there are a number of potentially effective treatments they
could utilize, depending on the nature of their hair loss. In this
article I will outline some of the most popular hair loss treatments
currently available in order to reinforce the fact that hair loss can
be treated. The next article in the series will look closely at the
treatment regimes best suited to specific ailments such as alopecia
areata and telogen effluvium.
At present only two medications have been approved as hair loss
treatments by the FDA. These are minoxidil, better known as Rogaine,
and finasteride, better known as Propecia. Several other drugs have
proven to be effective in combating hair loss, dutasteride for example,
but have not yet been approved for this particular use.
Finasteride was originally developed to treat enlarged prostate
conditions but a low dose version was subsequently approved for the
treatment of hair loss in men. It tackles the causes of male pattern
baldness by preventing the conversion of 5-alpha-reductase into DHT.
Given that DHT is the main male hormone linked to hair loss, reducing
its production by two thirds has a major impact on controlling this
type of baldness.
Research has shown that 83% of men studied were able to maintain their
hair count and 64% experienced regrowth by the end of a two year
period. It should be noted that finasteride is approved for use by men
only as the drug can have serious effects on unborn male fetuses. Women
should therefore only consider using this drug under the strict
supervision of a physician.
Dutasteride (Avodart) is a new medication for use in treating prostate
conditions and, although not yet approved for the treatment of hair
loss, it does offer exciting possibilities. It works in a similar way
to finasteride but reputedly reduces overall DHT production by over
93%. As is the case with finasteride, women should consult their
physician before using dutasteride.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the other hair loss treatment approved by the
FDA and it is the only anti-baldness drug approved for women. Applied
topically, its main benefit is its ability to stimulate regrowth thus
reversing the effects of pattern baldness. Many users combine the
application of minoxidil with other hair loss treatments like Propecia
to achieve maximal results, but others experience satisfactory outcomes
using minoxidil on its own.
Several studies have shown that certain non-drug products promote hair
regrowth but none have yet been approved by the FDA. This is partly due
to the prohibitive costs involved in conducting trials to prove that
the products are effective for the purpose of marketing them as hair
loss treatments. Many individuals and dermatologists nonetheless
recommend use of certain non-drug treatments as an alternative or
complement to drug therapy.
In many instances the treatments are based on natural ingredients that
stimulate similar responses to those of the prescribed drugs but
without the side effects. The information provided here presents a
sample of products that have been subjected to testing or at least have
had their effectiveness supported by independent feedback.
One such product is Arcon Tisane which has become Europe's top selling
natural supplement for hair loss. It comes as a capsule and sub-lingual
spray containing saw palmetto and fenugreek stimulating a response
similar to that of finasteride by inhibiting the production of DHT.
Arcon Tisane has been clinically tested and has received widespread
media coverage of its success in combating hair loss.
Calosol is a relatively new product aimed at helping alopecia areata
sufferers. It consists of a shampoo and an accelerator applied daily in
order to stimulate hair roots, reduce hair loss and promote healthy
hair. Early indications suggest that Calosol can contribute
significantly to easing this distressing and difficult to treat
condition.
Fabao 101 is a treatment that comes in varying formats, each designed
to tackle a particular form of hair loss. The common factor to each
product is their derivation from natural plant sources. It was
developed by a dermatologist and has received many international awards.
Folligen copper peptide products are designed to help create an
environment that improves scalp health, reduces hair loss and
stimulates hair regrowth. It can be used by both men and women. Studies
at over 30 leading universities and medical research institutes have
established the effectiveness of the technology utilized in Folligen
products.
Tricomin is another treatment that targets the delivery of copper to
the base of the hair follicle and it too has been clinically proven as
an effective treatment for stopping hair loss and stimulating regrowth.
It can be used safely with other hair loss treatments and can be
especially useful in complementing the effects of finasteride and
minoxidil.
Revivogen is an all-natural hair loss treatment that reduces DHT
production, blocks the androgen receptors and stimulates hair growth.
It is used topically and has no known side effects.
Shen Min is another natural hair loss treatment designed to restore and
regrow all types and stages of hair loss. It is safe for both men and
women. Shen Min contains a blend of Chinese herbs and comes in various
forms to suit most people.
ThymuSkin was developed by German scientists to fight hair loss in
patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Due to the high success
rates the product was developed for use by the general public to combat
all types of hair loss. Clinical studies conducted in Europe show that
ThymuSkin hair loss treatments could help to stop baldness and regrow
hair for 67% of men and 95% of women.
Hopefully this article has demonstrated that many treatment options are
available to hair loss sufferers. The next article in this series will
develop the theme further by examining the treatment regimes that have
proven effective in tackling specific forms of hair loss such as
androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and telogen effluvium.
