Thursday, February 14, 2008

How to Choose the Best Hair Loss Treatment

Choosing the best form of treatment for hair loss can be quite tricky. For one to be truly able to choose the best treatment, one must be able to correctly determine the kind of problem and severity of the problem.

To date there are a number of Hair loss (Alopecia) definitions each on its own is unique in treatment and effects:
  • Alopecia areata monolocularis describes baldness in only one spot. It may occur anywhere on the head.
  • Alopecia areata multilocularis refers to multiple areas of hair loss.
  • If the patient loses all the hair on his/her scalp, the disease is then called Alopecia areata totalis.
  • If all body hair, including pubic hair, is lost, the diagnosis then becomes Alopecia areata universalis.
  • The disease may also be limited only to the beard (Alopecia areata barbae)
Being able to correctly identify the causes and severity of the problem will lead to better chances of recovery from Hair loss.

Nowadays there are lots of known chemical treatments and solutions being used by majority of people who experience hair loss. Such products like Minoxidil & Finasteride are being widely used despite their side effects.

A list of side-effects from Minoxidil are as follows:
  • Acne on the area where it is being used as a topical solution
  • Headaches and/or lightheadedness
  • Very low blood pressure
  • Irregular or fast heart beat
  • Blurred vision
  • Chest pain
A list of side-effects from Finasteride are as follows:
  • Finasteride is known to cause birth defects in a developing male baby
  • Depression
'Until recently the need for an alternative form of treatment has been well sought after. And a more amiable method of treatment is found among herbal medicines. The aim is to lessen any undesirable side effects for the patient.

Possible Treatments
Caffeine is considered a stimulator in human hair growth. It has also been added to shampoo formulas and has been effective in stimulating hair follicles in the scalp.

Hair Transplant means transplanting resistant hair follicles from the sides and the back of the head to a person’s bald areas. The transplanted hair follicles will specially grow hair for a lifetime because they are genetically resistant to going bald.

Hair multiplication or hair cloning is another revolutionary approach in treating baldness Stem cells have been discovered in hair follicles and researchers predict that these follicular cells may lead to success in treating baldness.

Scalp massage on the other hand helps stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles. It helps activate hair cells and prevents hair loss. Studies have shown that this approach is very effective in treating hair loss.

Still it is best to go to the nearest specialist before undergoing any treatment from the list above before any further complications arise or else loose anything that's left of your hair.