Hair Restoration and Replacement

If you are a man the chances are about 95 to 100 that you will be experiencing thinning hair or balding issues because of Androgenetic Alopecia. This is a genetic condition that is passed down through the generations so if you have uncles who have hair problems there is a good chance you will also. If you are interested in learning how to prevent hair loss then, in order to make a logical decision, you first need to know what is the root cause. Then you can choose the best hair restoration products for your situation.

Male Pattern Baldness: Cause of Hair Loss

Androgenetic Alopecia is also known as Male Pattern Baldness because the person who is balding generally will lose hair in a predetermined pattern on the head. The reason for this is the hair follicles in this area of the scalp are susceptible to being attacked by a hormone in the body known as DHT. DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a metabolite of the male hormone testosterone. This DHT, once it is metabolized by the enzyme 5alpha-reductase, will bond to the hair follicles that are susceptible to balding and cause them to stop producing keratin or hair shaft material. The key to preventing hair loss is to stop the attack of the hair follicles by either limiting the amount of DHT in the blood stream or inhibiting the bonding of it to the hair follicles. Luckily there are two FDA approved drugs with each targeting one of these problems.

Hair Loss Prevention Product

Finasteride is a drug that was originally developed as a treatment for male prostrate problems. It seems that DHT not only affects hair loss it also is a cause of male urinary tract problems. When clinical trials were in effect it was found that Finasteride not only helped the prostate it also seemed to help in hair loss prevention. This product actually limits the levels of DHT by controlling the enzyme responsible for its production. The most common product that contains Finasteride is Propecia. Caution: This drug is not prescribed to, nor recommended for, women due to the possibility of birth defects.

The second drug is approved for women and men with very little potential side effects. This drug, Minoxidil, works to protect the hair follicles from attack by the DHT. The hair follicles, also known as hair roots, have receptors that the DHT bonds to. Minoxidil actually bonds to the receptors in place of the hormone which in turn allows the follicle to continue to produce hair shaft material. Minoxidil is usually sold under the brand name Rogaine for both men and women. It is a topical product which means it is applied to the scalp twice a day. This is one of the most effective means of preventing hair loss.

Natural Hair Loss Prevention

Some people would rather have a natural hair restoration product than to use drugs. Two very popular natural hair growth remedies are Saw Palmetto Extract, from a palm bush in the Southeastern US, and Stingy Nettle Root, found in several places around the world. These are not as effective as the drugs but many people feel they are safer.

The answer to learning how to prevent hair loss is to start early. None of these remedies will do much once you are bald. At the first sign of hair on your pillow in the morning or at the bottom of the shower start a hair loss prevention regimen and save your hair for years to come.