Male pattern
hairlessness is extremely common, with
associate degree calculable forty million men
within the u. s. being
full of it in
some extent.
1 / 4 of men begin
hairless by the age of
twenty, and
2 out of
3 men being
hairless by age
sixty.
each oldsters contribute to their offspring’s
chance of
baldness. Studies
place the chances of
obtaining a genetic predisposition to
baldness at
four out
of seven.
With such
an outsized range of men being
full of male
pattern baldness,
several variant men
search out hair loss reversal treatments. Hair loss reversal is
definitely one amongst the foremost oppose medical topics. There
are presently many government agency approved
hair loss treatments
accessible that are shown to reverse or
scale back hair loss. There
are a
so much bigger range of non-approved treatments and
product for hair loss reversal.
How Hair Loss Happens
Before
discussing treatments and ways to reverse hair loss, a brief background
on how hair loss occurs is helpful. Scientific studies have not
pinpointed the exact cause of hair loss, but it is thought to be due to
the effect Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent sex hormone. DHT is
thought to initiate a process called follicular miniaturization in which
the width of hair shafts is reduced to become like peach fuzz or
non-existent.
Hair loss happens in common patterns that are
shown on the "Norwood Scale." This scale identifies the severity of hair
loss and how male pattern hair loss typically progresses. The process
of hair loss can take years, however the earlier that hair loss
treatments are administered, the more hair that will be saved in the
long run.
Hair Loss Treatments
There are
several types of hair loss treatments, and some have shown to be more
effective than others. Some of the more effective hair loss treatments
include: DHT inhibitors, growth stimulants, anti-androgens, and
anti-inflammatories. Other treatments are available to reverse hair loss
but are not as proven with both anecdotal and scientific evidence as
the aforementioned treatments.
Even so, out of these treatments,
only two: DHT inhibitors (Propecia) and growth stimulants (Minoxidil)
have been FDA approved for the treatment of hair loss. The other two:
Anti-androgens and anti-inflammatories work on the same scientific basis
as DHT inhibitors and growth stimulants, but are not approved by the
FDA. A physician would only likely recommend the use of Propecia or
Minoxidil, or both in combination.
DHT Inhibitors
DHT
inhibitors work by reducing the body’s levels of DHT, the hormone
thought to be responsible for male pattern hair loss. These have been
shown to be very effective at preventing future hair loss in many cases,
and are one of the only effective and proven hair loss treatments.
Products like Propecia and Revivogen are DHT inhibitors. DHT inhibitors
treat hair loss by treating the actual cause of the hair loss, which is
important for those who are looking at hair loss reversal.
DHT
inhibitors typically have a number of side effects that vary. Typically,
DHT inhibitors cause sexual side effects, of which the most commonly
reported are impotence and abnormal ejaculation. These side effects can
substantial for some of those who take Propecia and other DHT
inhibitors, and in other individuals these side effects are less
pronounced. As a result, some may look to other treatment options for
hair restoration and hair loss prevention.
Growth Stimulants
Minoxidil,
which is found in Rogaine and other products, is a growth stimulant. It
is not clear how these products scientifically work to stimulate hair
growth, but in studies it has shown to restore hair. Minoxidil in
particular is a vasodilator that widens the blood vessels and opens
potassium channels allowing more blood and nutrients to go to the
follicle. Growth stimulants are capable of reversing hair loss to a
degree, but for the best effect these are typically combined with a DHT
inhibitor so that further hair loss is prevented while past hair loss is
restored.
Anti-Androgens
Anti-androgens
work on the same principal of DHT inhibitors. These include topical
creams that protect follicles from the effects of DHT inhibitors. By
working topically, the side effects of lowering the whole body’s DHT
levels are eliminated. However, anti-androgens may be used in
combination with DHT inhibitors. They are an alternative for those who
do not want to use DHT inhibitors due to the side effects associated
with them.
Anti-Inflammatories
Nizoral
is an anti-inflammatory that is thought to reduce some of the
inflammation and immune responses to treatments like growth stimulants
and antiandrogens. These treatments are not designed to restore hair but
rather complement other treatments and allow them to be more effective.
It is debatable whether or not anti-inflammatories are necessary or
useful for hair restoration. The evidence for the effectiveness Nizoral
and other treatments like it is anecdotal.
Surgery
Hair
transplantation surgery involves implanting follicles from a donor site
to a recipient site. Grafts of 1-4 hairs with modern surgical
techniques can be implanted on the recipient site using a minimally
invasive surgical technique called Follicular Unit Extraction. Another
technique called Strip Harvesting is available by which a strip of scalp
is removed and then cut into grafts which are then transplanted. This
method is more invasive and leaves a scar which is minimally visible
when covered by hair. Surgery is one of the most guaranteed and
effective treatments for hair loss, but it is substantially more
expensive than the other mentioned treatment options.
Other Methods
There
are a plethora of stories of successful
hair loss restoring using other
supplements, techniques, and products. Some have suggested that altering
diet and reducing stress levels can have an effect on stopping or
slowing
hair loss, however this is not scientifically proven.
A
type of product called a laser comb has recently received attention for
supposed abilities to restore
hair loss. This product works by producing
laser beams which supposedly increase blood flow to the scalp and
stimulates the regrowth of hair while preventing
hair loss.
In
most cases, those who are looking to reverse their
hair loss would
benefit from the two FDA approved treatments in combination: Propecia
and Minoxidil, and potentially an anti-inflammatory or anti-androgen
treatment if warranted, while other treatments should be explored
cautiously.