Hair loss treatments are defined as the clinical methods or clinical procedures to restore, and re-grow the hair if you are suffering from any kind of hair loss or hair fall problem.
Hair loss treatments are broadly divided into three categories:
o Medical Treatment for Hair Loss, Propecia, Rogaine, Avodart, Nizoral
o Hair Transplants
o Non Surgical Hair Replacement
Medical Treatments for Hair Loss Treatments
Propecia and Rogaine are the two FDA approved medicines for hair loss treatment. Propecia is the pill and Rogaine is a topical lotion available in different strengths.
Propecia
Propecia is the oral pill of 1mg used once in a day. Chemically it is the enzyme inhibitor that inhibits 5-alpha reductase enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydroxytestosterone (DHT) that as a result makes the hair thin and in each cycle hair gets thinner, finer and finally stops growing. Propecia blocks this enzyme and maintains existing hair and promotes the re-growth of hair follicles. It also converts thinner hair into thicker hair and improves the texture.
Rogaine
Rogaine is the topical lotion available in 5% liquid solution in a range of strengths from regular to extra strength. It is used to treat both men and women. It increases the protein content of hair that allows hair follicle to make new hair. It is considered a hypertrichotic agent. Rogaine was first discovered as a side effect of high blood pressure medicines. It was further investigated to treat hair loss and it has found to be effective treatment for hair loss.
Avodart and Nizoral
Avodart and Nizoral are the two products that show effective results when treating hair loss, but they are not FDA approved. Physicians recommend using these drugs at least for 6 to 8 months. Short term treatment is not effective to solve the problem effectively.
Hair Transplants
Hair transplant is the surgical method to treat hair loss or baldness. Doctor redistributes the hairs from thick area to bald areas. Transplant surgery is performed under local anesthesia. Minimal pain has been reported during the surgery.
Steps of Hair Transplant Surgery
- Scalp is thoroughly cleaned.
- Area with normal hair growth is anesthetized with small needles. And after that portion of hairy scalp is removed with a scalpel and saved for the next step. Then the scalp is stitched properly to close.
- Next step is removal of scalp from each hair with sharp blades and magnifying glass.
- Final step is the cleaning and preparing of the portion of scalp that has these healthy hairs to be transplanted. Scalp of this area is anesthetized with small needles and very fine holes are made in scalp and the healthy hair are carefully grafted in these holes. In a single sitting hundreds and thousands of hair are successfully transplanted.
However certain risks are related to hair transplant. The most common complication is bleeding, infection and scaring. It is also possible that the transplanted hairs fail to give you desired looks. They may look unnatural; this problem has been solved in modern techniques. Transplanted hair starts growing normally only after several months of treatment. As transplanted hair is permanent they do not require extra care. Use of pain killers is advised for many days. Surgical dressing must be put on for a day or two. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are also prescribed to use after surgery.
Hair Cloning
Hair cloning is the process in which hair are removed from hair follicle and grown out side and then grafted over the areas where it is required. Hair cloning will be the next significant treatment to treat hair loss.
Non-Surgical Hair Replacement
It is a very affordable option for individuals who suffer from significant hair loss and want their previous look back without having any surgery. Some companies are making very fine natural looking hairpieces. Hair piece has been available in market with different names like Hair System, Toupees, Strand-by-strand Insertion System, Hairpieces etc.
The Base of Hair System
Prostheses are used as base for the hair system on which hair are tied or injected.
Materials
Polymers and meshes both independently or in combination are used to make base of the hair system.
Mesh Fabric
Mesh fabrics are made up of polyesters or nylon. They are used to make only hair line or some times entire system. It gives very natural look. It is light in weight and comfortable to wear. In contrast it is very expensive and less durable, due to this it has to be replaced frequently.
Polymers
Silicone or polyurethane is the main component of polymer. Base made from this material gives appearance of scalp or skin. It is more durable than mesh fabric. It is very inexpensive, durable, easy to attach. But it has certain disadvantages too. It is extremely hot and uncomfortable to wear and gives artificial look.
Hair in the Hair Piece
Hair piece is made up of human hair that matches with the hair of the client. In color, texture, nature of curl or wave or straightness as well as thickness. Cheaper hair system is made up of moderate quality human hair, animal hair, or artificial fibers. Expensive and medium priced hair systems are made up of European hairs that grow on large scales in wide variety of color, textures, densities and curls, wave or straight. Very low priced hair piece is made up of Asian black straight hair. Asian hair are very strong they can be bleach or dyed.
Attaching Hair Piece
The method to attach hairpiece may cause hair loss as glue and clips are used to attach hair pieces.
Semi-Permanent Attached Hairpieces
Such hair pieces are only attached and removed by hair practitioner after every six weeks. Such hair pieces are attached with adhesive substances like glue.
Different kinds of glue material are marketed in hair industry with different names. Such as poly fuse, natural bond, poly bond etc.
Temporary Adhesive Attached Hair Pieces
It is very easy type of attachment. You can remove it any time whenever you want. Double sided tape is used to stick hair pieces. However beware as these kinds of hairpieces can be detached due to heavy sweating and during swimming.
Clip Attachment
Metal clips are also used to attach hair pieces in a secure way. It is very easy to remove the hair piece.
These are the major types of hair loss treatments commonly available in the market. You can select any treatment of your choice or go for doctor’s prescribed treatment.
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