Webster's Dictionary defines "baldness" as, "lacking a natural or usual covering," or "marked with white." Our society often defines baldness as an annoying and shameful nuisance that gives some grown men and women the inclination to staple rugs to their increasingly shiny craniums. What causes baldness to occur? And how can the Homer Simpsons of the world find a remedy for hair loss that works?
First we must discover the reasons for hair loss. There are as many reasons for hair loss as there are choices of cereal at Wal-Mart, and many of those reasons are related closely to that four-letter word: diet. In our extremely hurried lifestyles, our diets are often low in quality protein, iron and essential vitamins needed to maintain healthy tresses. Other reasons for hair loss that are not diet-related may include certain side effects of (often necessary) medications such as chemotherapy or blood thinners; diseases such as lupus and diabetes; hormonal or thyroid changes; fungal or bacterial scalp infections like ringworm; and various much-loved chemical or heat-related treatments including bleaching, dying, straightening, and the infamous permanent wave.
As if those contributing factors weren't enough, there are many more physical and even emotional reasons for hair loss. You can thank Grandma and Grandpa for passing down the most common cause of hair loss, male pattern baldness. "M.P.B." is believed by many to be an inherited adverse reaction by the hair follicles to shrink in response to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone formed by the metabolism of testosterone. Additional blame can be placed on high fevers, sudden or excessive weight loss or weight gain, physical damage or scarring to the scalp, certain autoimmune diseases, certain surgeries, childbirth, allergies, stress, depression, and even pulling pony-tails too tightly.
It's no wonder your locks may have such a difficult time staying attached! And rather than sign up for the latest Movie Star Wig-of-the-Month Club, most people would rather find a medically proven remedy for hair loss that truly works. The first word of advice is to visit your physician before beginning any sort of treatment. If your hair loss is related to an infection or serious disease, only your doctor can tell you specifically which medical treatment is appropriate. The doctor may also refer you to a Dermatologist (an MD specializing in skin diseases) or a Trichologist, someone who focuses on hair and scalp health but who may not necessarily be an MD.
It is widely accepted that it's far easier to keep the healthy hair you have than to re-grow it once it's lost. There are only two drug therapies in the U.S. that are approved by the FDA and sold as a remedy for hair loss. Topically applied "Minoxidil," sold under the brand name Rogaine, is available without a prescription. While it is proven to re-grow hair in men or women, continuous use is required for growth to be maintained. The second therapy, "Finasteride," comes in pill form under the brand name Propecia, and this prescription is for men only.
Don't think pharmaceuticals are right for you? Try these simpler and far less expensive suggestions.
- Take it easy on your hair! Perms went out of style with the 80's, so lighten up on the heat and chemicals. This includes blow-drying, chemical straightening, tints or dyes, curling irons, hot rollers, tightly woven braids or corn rows, or even ponytails.
- Take mom's advice and pop a daily multi-vitamin with extra B-complex and iron. The stress of daily life and our often-hurried dinner habits leave plenty to be desired, and that daily boost of nutrients could be all that you need.
- Many salons swear by the Nioxin system of shampoos, scalp treatments and conditioners, but it is intended to lessen the appearance of thinning hair, not to specifically treat hair loss. Reviews vary, but are generally on the very positive side.
- Exercise and eat well; consume a diet rich in protein, whole grains and Omega-3 fatty acids; drink plenty of water so that your hair stays hydrated.
Scientific advances have been made in hair transplant therapy, and scientists are even toying with the effects of gene therapy as a cure. Regardless of the method you choose, you and your doctor can work on a remedy for hair loss together so that you don't have to come to next year's Halloween party dressed, once again, as Kojak.
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information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
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