There are basically four different broad hair loss treatments for men that appear to actually be beneficial for treating balding and baldness issues. This post will explore those four areas of hair loss treatment so you have the ability to make a good decision on what you will do to get your hair growing again.

Finasteride

Finasteride is a FDA approved drug that is take orally by tablet form once a day. It works by limiting the production of DHT in the body. DHT is a hormonal metabolite that attacks the hair follicles and causes them to stop producing keratin which is the material hair shafts are made of. This drug is not safe for hair loss treatments for women because of the possibility of birth defects. One of the common product names for this drug is Porpecia. This is one of the most effective hair loss products for men if you can live with the other potential side effects including reduced libido.

Minoxidil

This drug is another FDA approved treatment to combat Hair Loss but it is applied topically to the scalp twice a day. Minoxidil works by protecting the hair follicles from attack by the DHT. It does this by bonding at receptors on the follicle where the DHT would normally bond thus the hormone can not effectively limit the production of keratin. Unlike Finasteride, Minoxidil is safe for use by women. This is a very popular hair loss treatment for men and is best known as the hair loss product Rogaine. There is a 5% solution for men and Rogaine for women contains a 2% solution. The FDA has not approved using to 5% solution for women with hair thinning but many women have with good results. You can buy Minoxidil over the counter and it even comes in generic form now.

Natural Hair Loss Treatments For Men

Two natural occurring treatments that show good promise are saw palmetto and nettle root. Both of these have been used for centuries by local peoples to treat male urinary tract problems. This was also the original use of the drug Finasteride mentioned above. Apparently, like Finasteride, saw palmetto and nettle root both limit the production of DHT and thus slow down the attack of the hair follicles. The extract of these two plants can be found in the health food aisle at your local grocery store or at any health food store and online.

Hair Transplantation

Although the methods described above will help to limit the hair loss they will not re-grow hair that has already fallen out. If you are experiencing full blown balding then the best hair loss treatment will be hair implants performed by a hair restoration surgeon. With this treatment the surgeon removes growing hair follicles from the back of the head and transplants them into the bald area. These follicles will attach to the blood supply of the scalp and then start growing again after the shock of transplanting is over. These follicle are generally not susceptible to attack by DHT so you can enjoy a full head of hair for years to come.

As this article states, there are many hair loss treatments for men which can be effective given your different needs. The most important thing for you to do is get started today. Every day you put off treating your hair loss means another hundred or so hairs that have fallen out.

The most exciting new hair loss treatments available today involve the transplantation of hair follicles into the balding area in such a way that does not cause scarring and a long recuperation period. Historically, hair transplantation has been used for about 60 years to treat hair loss with some mixed results. Originally the hair restoration surgeon was forced to actually cut out a part of the scalp which had good hair growth and then implant that entire scalp section into the balding area. The micro-surgical techniques of today were not available so this was the only method possible. As you can imagine this left a very spotty solution with tufts of hair sticking up in all directions. In fact, the nickname for this procedure was the hair plugs method because it looked like the patient just had hair plugged into his scalp like a cheap doll’s head. Many people thought the results of the procedure looked worse than the baldness it was meant to treat.

Over the years the surgical techniques have been improved as hair treatment doctors experimented with different Hair Loss methods that would give a full head of hair without the negative affects of the original hair transplants. This has resulted in the best hair loss treatment available today. The name of this procedure is the follicular unit extraction method and it is making waves all over the hair loss community.

The idea behind this hair loss treatment procedure is really quite simple and elegant. After it was determined that removing and inserting an entire section of scalp was not giving the results desired, the hair growth doctors started to look at manipulating individual hair follicles instead of the scalp section itself. This method still required that a portion of scalp be removed, with the resulting scarring from the suture area, but it also involved another step besides just implanting the scalp piece. A team of medical assistants would take the scalp and remove the individual hair follicles and all their support structures including the blood vessels and nervous system component. These units, as they were called, would then be cleaned and prepared for the insertion into the balding area of the patient’s head. The hair restoration surgeon would next insert these follicular units into very small incision in the scalp being careful to match the directional growth of the surrounding hairs. This hair loss treatment for men gave very good results but it still resulted in scarring where the hairs were removed from. A technique needed to be developed that removed the individual hair follicles without causing scars that would be noticeable.

This new follicular unit extraction method was what was needed. This procedure, which has turned into the best hair loss treatment, uses a specially designed medical instrument to actually remove the hair follicles and support structures directly from the living scalp. This leaves no scarring and the removal site looks like a pin prick which easily heals within a couple of days. No longer will the procedure be noticeable because of the resulting scar at the back of the head. If you are looking for a new hair loss treatment that is effective then look into this form of hair transplants and see if you don’t agree that this is the best hair loss treatment available.

First a little primer on Hair Loss. If you are a man then there is a 95% chance that you will be losing your hair because of male pattern baldness. This is the common name of a medical condition that is passed down from generation to generation called androgenic alopecia. When a person suffers from this terrible condition your hair on certain parts of your head are susceptible to falling out. The is because the hair follicle, also called hair roots, can be attacked by a hormonal substance known as DHT. If you are looking for a natural hair restoration solution it needs to deal with this element.

DHT is the bad guy when it comes to hair loss due to androgenic alopecia. The key to stopping your hair loss is to either lower the levels of DHT or protect the hair follicles from attack. There is a drug that is used to control your levels of this substance. The drug is called Finasteride and it was originally developed to treat male urinary tract problems, in particular enlarged prostate. What happened during clinical trials was the men taking the drug found out that their male pattern baldness improved along with their prostate. Further studies found both hair loss and male urinary problems are tied to DHT so it makes sense that they would both have positive results. Finasteride is effective but it has some nasty side effects. In men it can lower the sex drive which kind of makes growing more hair a waste of time. But the real bad problems are in women. In fact, women can’t even touch the tablets for fear of the chance for birth defects in male babies. The drug causes their sexual organs to not develop correctly. Fiansteride does not sound like something I would want in my body.

Natural Hair Loss Treatments

As nature would have it, there is actually a natural treatment for hair loss that seems to mimic the effects and mechanism of this drug. The Saw Palmetto plant has been used for centuries by Native Americans in the Southeast to treat male urinary problems. Recently it has also been tried as a natural hair loss treatment and many people are reporting good results.

It appears as though the saw palmetto extract works on the DHT in a similar method as the Finasteride does. If this is true, then this could be one of the natural treatments for hair loss that a person could use instead of the expensive drugs with bad side effects. If this interests you then do more research and talk to your doctor. You should always discuss any health remedies with your doctor to be he or she is aware of all the substances you are putting in your body.

Luckily for us there are better solutions now than their remedy of cow dung and animal blood (although some of the stuff advertised on the internet makes you wonder sometimes). The vast majority of balding problems, about 95%, are caused by a genetic condition known as androgenic alopecia. Also called male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss, this condition is tied to the amount of a hormonal substance called DHT, dihydrotestosterone, found in the body. The DHT is what is responsible for the dieing of hair follicles on certain areas of the head as men who suffer from this problem have microscopic receptors on their hair roots that the DHT bonds to. As more and more DHT builds up the follicle eventually can no longer produce hair shaft material, keratin, and the hair withers away and falls out. When looking for the best treatment for hair loss you can either limit the amount of DHT produced or you can protect the hair follicles from attack. There are drugs for both conditions but the key is to start treatment early. Once the hair falls out neither of these methods will re-grow the hair and you will be forced to look at hair restoration surgery.

The drug that does the best job of limiting the DHT level is called Finasteride and it has been approved as a hair loss treatment by the US FDA. Originally, this drug was developed as a treatment for enlarged male prostate as there is also a connection between DHT and this condition. During treatment it was found that men with male pattern baldness saw relief from their hair loss. Further studies indicated the drug could in fact help with hair loss in men. Unfortunately for women, this drug can not be used to treat female pattern hair loss in women of child bearing age because of the possibility of birth defects.

Another drug, Minoxidil, that has been approved by the FDA actually helps to limit the reception of the DHT by the hair follicles or roots. This is usually applied in a 5% topical solution to the scalp twice a day. Unlike Finasteride, Minoxidil is save for females and in fact is the best hair loss treatment for women. Minoxidil is not as effective as the first drug with only about 50% of men seeing relief but it does not have the potential side effects of Finasteride either.

If you don’t start either of treatments early enough you will be forced to look at more drastic measures. Once the hair follicles dies the only option is hair transplantation. This method involves removing hairs from one area of the scalp and placing them in the bald area. This is the best hair loss treatment once the hair has completely fallen and you hear people calling you chrome dome.

People in the United States spend almost $4 billion annually for hair loss products. Therefore, finding the best hair loss product can, no doubt, make you wonder at times if you’re choosing a product that will best assist you in treating hair loss.

DHT Blockers

The hormone dihydrotestosterone or DHT is responsible for the loss of hair in the majority of hair loss cases. As a result, there are a number of products that block the production of DHT and reduce hair loss. Finding the best hair loss treatment among these remedies then can be overwhelming as there are a variety of products available made for this particular purpose. Well-known products include Minoxodil, Provillus and Finasteride which is also sold as Propecia or Proscar.

FDA Approved

The first drug to be approved by the FDA for MPB was Minoxidil. Originally, Minoxidil was used to treat high blood pressure and went by the name of loniten at the time. Minoxidil has been a proven topical treatment for baldness as it reduces hair loss and has been found to re-establish hair growth in balding regions of the crown or scalp. Minoxidil is included in such products as Rogaine and Provillus as well.

Neutralizing DHT

When it comes to shampoo, the best hair loss products typically contain botanicals that can neutralize the effects of the hormone DHT. If you use these types of products, you’ll see results in about a week. If you continue to use such cleansing treatments, you’ll see new hair growth within a month’s time.

Suggested Shampoos

Choosing a hair loss shampoo that contains the ingredient trichogen will aid in thickening the hair follicles and therefore provide more voluminous looking hair as well as reduce the occurrence of hair loss. If you wish to stimulate the growth of your hair while also reducing hair loss, you might select a shampoo or treatment from the Nisim line of products. Shampoos are available for individuals with oily, dry and combination type hair. Another good shampoo is Nizoral shampoo, also known as Ketoconazole, which is proven to control extreme cases of dandruff as well as effectively reduce hair loss.

For Men and Women

Two products that are recommended for male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness are Provillus and ProFollica. ProFollica offers a combo package that includes an activator gel, nutritional supplementation and shampoo.

Advecia

Advecia is another good product for hair loss. Offered in pill form, the product reverses the effects of certain hormones, such as DHT, on hair loss. It also includes such natural ingredients as saw palmetto, green tea and grapeseed extract which have been proven to be beneficial in reducing the loss of hair and establishing regrowth.

The Best Product for You

To determine the best product for hair loss, you must take a number of factors into consideration. You need to find out the cause of your hair loss. If you’re selecting a shampoo product, find one that will work well with respect to the texture and nature of your hair and scalp. Shampoos come in many formulations to treat oily or dry hair as well as conditions such as psoriasis, dandruff and itchy or inflamed scalps. Therefore, once you determine the reason for your hair loss and consider your hair or scalp’s condition, you’ll be better able to find the best product for hair loss for you.

The Time Factor

The best hair loss product for women or men normally will slow the rate of hair loss and relieve any condition, such as an itchy scalp or dandruff, in about a week’s time. There are a number of products that hold this distinction.

Other Circumstances that Affect Hair Loss

Look at your particular condition and talk to your doctor before choosing any topical treatment, shampoo or pill. Sometimes, hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications such as those used to treat gout, depression, arthritis, heart problems or high blood pressure. In other instances, hair loss can occur as a result of diseases such as lupus, diabetes or thyroid disease.

Doctor Recommended

Whatever the reason is for your alopecia, check with your doctor first to determine the best hair loss treatment for you.

(1) Dihydrotestosterone or DHT is the hormone responsible for both male and female pattern baldness. Approximately what percentage of hair loss is attributed to DHT?

(a) Fifty percent or half the cases of hair loss are due to the hormone DHT.

(b) Only 20% of hair loss is caused by DHT.

(c) Approximately 75% of hair loss is caused by DHT.

(d) Most all hair loss or 95% of the cases can be attributed to DHT blockage.

Answer: The correct answer is (d). Most hair loss cases are the result of DHT.

(2) Which of the following factors can also cause one to lose his hair?

(a) Dandruff

(b) Poor scalp circulation

(c) Disease

(d) Vitamin deficiencies

Answer: If you answered (c), you’re correct. Diseases such as diabetes or lupus can contribute to hair loss. Dandruff, poor scalp circulation or lack of vitamin supplementation have not been proven to cause one to lose his hair.

(3) If you have very little hair on your head, which of the following treatments would be the best treatment for hair loss?

(a) Hair replacement surgery.

(b) Laser treatment

(c) A hair replacement system

(d) A topical treatment

Answer: The correct answer is (c). Hair replacement surgery would probably not be an option if you’ve lost most of your hair as there would be little hair available for a transplant. Laser treatment or a topical treatment may be helpful in blocking future hair loss but if you want a full head of hair, then you’d have to resort to hair replacement in the form of a synthetic or natural-looking hair piece.

(4) In hair restoration surgery, hair grafts are typically placed what measure apart from one another?

(a) One inch

(b) ½ inch

(c) About one-eighth inch

(d) Two inches

Answer: The correct answer is (c). Placing the grafts about one-eighth inch apart helps sustain healthy circulation to the scalp.

(5) Laser hair loss therapy revitalizes the hair cells, repairs damaged cells and is effective when used in combination with what kind of treatment?

(a) A DHT inhibitor

(b) A topical treatment, such as Minoxidil

(c) A herbal treatment such a Saw Palmetto

(d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above. Laser hair loss therapy is greatly helped by any of the above scalp and hair therapies, particularly when it’s combined with a DHT inhibitor and equal amounts (or approximately 5%) of Minoxidil and saw palmetto.

(6) Generally, which of the following is considered the best hair loss treatments for women whose hair loss is minimal or a result of thinning hair?

(a) Hair restoration surgery

(b) Altering one’s diet to one that is more healthy and balanced

(c) Topical applications

(d) Both (b) and (c)

Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c). The reason for FPB or female pattern baldness is sometimes difficult to determine as it can occur for a variety of reasons, including hormonal changes, aging, illness, stress or diet. Therefore, if hair loss is minimal or the hair has thinned out to some degree, altering the diet and a topical application or shampoo can often help prevent or assist in eradicating further hair loss or thinning.

How’d you do on the above multiple choice quiz? Did you discover what the best hair loss treatment is for you? Search the Internet. There are a variety of options from topical applications to laser treatment or surgery made for your particular circumstance.

The first of these usually gets the majority of the attention when people look for a way to get hair growing in a bald spot again but in reality the most effective use of these is while there is still some hair growth. It is much easier to keep the hair you have than it is to try to re-grow hair once it has fallen out. In fact, none of these drugs or remedies are very effective at all for restarting hair growth.

Male Hair Loss Treatment

The number one oral drug prescribed for men suffering from male pattern baldness is Finasteride. This drug, originally developed to treat male urinary problems, is a DHT blocker. DHT is the hormone that bonds to receptors on the hair follicles causing them to shorten their growth phases and eventually stop hair shaft material production all together. Another FDA approved drug that is topically applied is Minoxidil. This is usually sold under the brand name Rogaine. It is a vasodilator which means it causes the small blood vessels in the body to increase in size which reduces blood pressure and provides more blood flow to all areas of the body including the hair follicles.

Natural Hair Loss Treatment

There are some natural substances that have been used to treat high levels of DHT in the blood stream. Saw Palmetto Extract is produced from a short palm found along the southern coast of the US. This plant has been used for years to treat male urinary problems and has recently been shown to help with hair loss. Stingy nettle root is also used as a treatment for hair loss that is not based on some manmade drug.

Female Hair Loss Treatment

Unfortunately, women are limited in what treatments for hair loss then can use. Finasteride is not recommended for women as it can cause birth defects. In particular, it can cause problems with the development of the sex organs in male fetuses. There is also a concern with women using natural DHT inhibiting compounds. The main hair loss treatment for women is Minoxidil. Women seem to receive good results from a 2% solution although a 5% solution is recommended for men.

Women also have not had as good a results with hair treatment surgery. The standard hair transplantation surgery is predicated on there being a healthy growth of hair at some point on the head to be used as a donation area. With men this is the back of the scalp. Women though tend to have thinning hair over the entire scalp so the standard hair implant method may not work well for them. They may need the follicular unit extraction method which targets individual hair follicle units instead of strips of scalp. In general though, hair implants surgery is one of the best hair loss treatments especially if the person is experiencing baldness as opposed to just thinning hair.

The last treatment involves using low level laser light to stimulate the growth of hair. The idea is the hair seems to grow faster in the summer than the winter so the suns rays may have an affect. The laser comb and laser brush are in clinical trials now and everyone is awaiting the results. Early anecdotal evidence indicates hair growth by people who use this method.

Choosing the best hair loss treatment is really a matter of finding out what works best for your situation. There are many options to choose from. The best thing to do is try them out until you find the one that is right for you.

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