Confidence can be snatched away quickly. You can change your clothes, job, or car to rectify it, but when hair loss hits, your confidence becomes something you no longer have control over. When the time comes to take it back, the choice of hair loss treatments can become overwhelming.
If you are looking to stimulate hair regrowth or slow down the hair loss process, you need to read on. Below, we have 7 hair loss solutions to bring back your confidence.
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1. Prescription Drugs
There are a number of prescription drugs available that stimulate hair growth. In the U.S. there are only two approved by the FDA. These are Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar).
Minoxidil comes in liquid and foams. Massaged into the scalp, it reduces hair loss or stimulates regrowth. Applications must continue once the treatment begins, so it can get expensive. For those considering minoxidil for beard growth, it's important to note that consistent application is key to achieving desired results, just as it is with scalp treatment."
If the regrowth works, you may find that the hair can be a little weaker than previous growth. Side effects can include mild irritation and an increase in the heart rate.
Finasteride comes in a pill and is usually only prescribed for men. It is mainly for slowing down hair loss but can also result in regrowth. It must be taken continuously, and rare side effects can include a reduced sex drive and increased rate of prostate cancer.
2. Hair Transplants
One of the best solutions for hair loss is a transplant. There are two main types of surgical procedure hair transplants. They are Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
FUT is the most popular of the two methods. It involves removing a strip of skin from the back of the head where hair growth is still occurring. The follicles are removed then inserted into the parts of the scalp where the subject may be losing hair.
The second method is FUE and is very similar in its process. In this method, the follicles are removed directly from the call and replaced in a different area, without the removal of the skin strip that you would get in FUT.
Both methods do carry some risk. They are never guaranteed to work and may take up to a year to begin if they do. You may also risk infection and scarring in even the most sanitary and professional of surgery.
3. Scalp Micro Pigmentation
Scalp Micro Pigmentation (SMP) is a fairly new technique, and though it does not replace hair or stimulate regrowth, it is a great technique to achieve a natural-looking hairline. It is a very specific look that may not suit everyone.
SMP is a form of scalp tattoo, which uses a natural pigment and applies it to the epidermal layer in a nonsurgical procedure. It replicates the appearance of natural hair follicles and looks simply like you have a shaved head. You can use this to create a new hairline or cover scars and imperfections.
Ideally, you would need 2-3 sessions, though results can be noticed immediately. No other treatments or drugs other than the procedure are needed. Always go with a practitioner who can prove their credentials and has attended a specialist SMP school for training.
4. Laser Treatment
Laser treatment works by reducing the inflammation in hair follicles. It is this that keeps them from regrowing, so the procedure focuses mainly on stimulating regrowth as opposed to slowing down hair loss.
The method has some research that proves it is effective. However, it is still a fairly new treatment with only a handful of cases to show its effectiveness.
5. Regrowth Stimulation Methods
There are a number of hair loss solutions for men or women that concentrate on stimulating regrowth. these techniques are usually done in conjunction with other methods. They are mesotherapy and plasma therapy.
Mesotherapy involves the use of microinjections containing chemicals, minerals, amino acids, coenzymes, vitamins, and nucleic acids. These are dependent upon your own specific needs. Injected just beneath the epidermis, they stimulate the mesoderm layer.
Although this is a very popular hair loss treatment solution, there is little evidence of its effectiveness. It may be better to opt for the more proven methods of transplant or masking hair loss with SMP.
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRPT) is a similar process to mesotherapy. However, instead of the vitamins and mineral mix used in mesotherapy, injections use rich platelets from your own blood. This enriches the scalp and assists in regeneration.
Blood from the recipient undergoes a centrifuge process, and the platelets are extracted. This process repeats once a month, for up to four months. After this, the process needs repetition every 3 to 6 months.
6. Natural Hair Loss Solutions
One method that could slow hair loss and stimulate regrowth is the use of natural products. There are hundreds of these on the market, each with varying degrees of research to back up their effectiveness.
One way to stimulate hair growth using natural products is to massage the scalp using protein and vitamin-rich ingredients. Aloe Vera and coconut milk are just two products that are rumored to be effective.
7. Changing Your Lifestyle
The body needs a good supply of vitamins and minerals to keep growing, and this is directly linked to your hair growth and loss. You need to take in adequate proteins from fish, beans, and eggs along with vitamins and omega 3. In addition to this, you need to make regular exercise a part of your lifestyle.
Smokers should also give up immediately. It has been proven that there is a direct link between smoking and hair loss.
Whilst getting your haircut does not promote hair growth, as it affects the shaft, not the follicles, it can give the impression of stronger healthier-looking hair. In fact, a new cut with fresh color is one of the best ways of hiding the problem of thinning hair; removing split ends, and giving an illusion of volume. For ideas, men can check out the ultimate guide to fade haircuts or it can be achieved with a shorter layered style for women.
Starting Today
Some of these methods can be started today, while others may require consultations and appointments. Regardless of the methods you choose, you can always combine one or two and see what impact it has had in the coming months.
If you enjoyed our article on hair loss solutions, come and visit the rest of our blog. We have lots of hints and tips that would interest you on how to boost your confidence starting today!
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