For men and women facing the realities of hair loss, the search for solutions can be very frustrating. With so much contradictory information out there, how can you find out what works, what doesn’t, and what results you can actually expect?
Here are the 6 best solutions for hair loss, according to hair loss and restoration experts who shared their knowledge with a leading U.S. men’s magazine.
- GOOD NUTRITION
A healthy diet alone won’t stop hair loss, but there is some truth to the old saying that you are what you eat. Not getting enough nutrients can weaken hair strands and make them prone to breakage. Eating plenty of protein-packed foods and healthy fats can make the hair you have look thicker and shinier. Stocking your diet with Vitamin B will help with formation of hair cells, so look for B-rich foods such as chicken, fish, eggs and pork as well as leafy greens such as spinach.
- NIOXIN SHAMPOO
You have likely heard of Nioxin, a brand of hair care products said to fix thinning hair. But can shampoos and sprays really stop baldness? Experts say Nioxin is negligible in terms of actually halting hair loss — but it can keep your scalp in great shape, improving the look of hair that’s still on your head. In fact, feeding your hair with the best nutrients inside and out can make it appear healthier, so consider using products with natural herbs such as rosemary and mint. Natural shampoos may stimulate your scalp to boost blood circulation and nourish hair follicles.
- LASER LIGHT THERAPY
Whether done in a hair restoration clinic or at home with a hand-held device, these treatments supposedly grow new hair by stimulating blood flow to the scalp. But most hair loss professionals agree that laser treatments don’t actually grow new hair. However, laser therapy may have value in helping you keep the hair you have a little longer. While not a solution for baldness, laser treatments have no major side effects, and they may be fine for men who have noticed increased shedding and simply want to maintain the hair they’ve got.
- HAIR RESTORATION SURGERY
The best fix by far for replacing lost hair is a transplant. In the past, doctors used plugs that resembled cornrows – leaving patients with a less-than-natural look. Today there are many more options. You can go for “the strip method”, where a doctor surgically removes a strip of hair from the back of your head, dissects every hair graft under a microscope, and then places the individual grafts in thinning areas with very small incisions.
If you wear your hair short and want to avoid scars, you can choose a follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplant. FUE grafts are harvested one at a time with tiny punches that heal almost invisibly. Regrowth rates are almost as high as with the strip method and you will have less downtime.
- PROPECIA
Also known as Finasteride, this is one of 2 FDA-approved medicines to treat hair loss. It was first created as a preventative for prostate cancer, and it works by blocking the body’s natural production of male hormones in the scalp known as androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that are responsible for male-pattern baldness.
Be aware that Propecia is a lifetime commitment. If you stop using it, any hair loss that you have avoided to that point will happen within 3-8 months. Also, many men experience serious sexual side effects such as impotency and lack of desire with this medication.
- MINOXIDIL
The brand name of this topical treatment is Rogaine, and it’s the other FDA-approved drugs for hair loss. Experts confirm that it can slow the shedding of hair follicles and may even help you grow a little bit of peach fuzz on the crown of your head. However, if you stop using this medication, you will lose the hair you were trying to save. Though fairly rare, side effects include itching and chest pain.
LOOKING FOR REAL SOLUTIONS? ASK DR. FAROLE
Dr. Anthony Farole has worked with thousands of men and women in Bala Cynwyd and Greater Philadelphia who wanted a permanent, proven solution for hair loss. Dr. Farole uses the most advanced hair restoration techniques to create natural-looking results without unwanted side effects. He is happy to discuss the various options and put together a treatment plan that meets your needs.
Take the Next Step
Want to learn if a hair restoration is right for you? Schedule a consultation at Dr. Farole’s Facial Cosmetic Surgery Center in Bala Cynwyd, PA by giving us a call at (610) 668-3300 today.
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