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HAIR
LOSS AND BALDNESS - IS THERE A SOLUTION?
The effects of hair loss and baldness
can range from embarrassment and mild distress to acute depression and loss of
self-esteem. What is the solution?
The
symptoms of male baldness are a receding hairline and a moderate to extensive
loss of hair, especially on the crown. In females, the signs include a general
thinning of hair all over the head and also a moderate loss of hair on the crown
or at the hairline. Male
hair loss and baldness is more common. Hair at the temples can recede and at the
crown it also begins to thin. Eventually a horse shoe pattern around the sides
of the head appears. Female baldness can start at around age 30 and becomes more
noticeable by age 40. It usually involves overall thinning rather than a bald
patch on the top of the head. For both men and women, the hair follicles simply
shut down, often due to the effect of hormonal changes.
What
can be done? Let us briefly review three surgical treatments currently available
and a variety of non-surgical methods to reverse hair loss and baldness:
Hair Transplantation (surgical)
If
you are prepared to pay up to $15,000 and wait between one and two years this
is worth considering. It is the only method which can be considered "permanent"!
Hair follicles on the sides and back of the scalp are redistributed in balding
areas. About 12 to 20 hairs are plugged into a small cylindrical hole in the balding
region of the scalp. 50 to 60 plugs can be made in each session. At least 3 months
are allowed to elapse between sessions.
Scalp Reduction (surgical)
This
method is recommended for men with bald spots less than 3 inches in diameter.
A section of bald scalp is removed and the sides of the scalp are lifted and sewn
together. This can cost over $1,500 for each procedure.
Tissue Expansion (surgical)
Hair-bearing
skin is stretched by having silicone bags inserted underneath which are then gradually
filled with a saline water over a six week period. This hair-bearing skin is thus
stretched and later can be lifted and moved to a balding area. Many find this
procedure embarrassing due to the "balloons" on their heads. The cost
for this procedure averages out at around $4,000.
Anti-androgen therapy
This
involves an oral therapy using various male hormones called androgens. It must
be used within the first two years of the onset of hair loss and baldness. The
treatment must continue for at least one year and two years are required before
any improvement can be observed. In the male. Sex drive may be affected and the
pitch of the voice may become higher. The side effects cause less problems for
females.
Rogaine
This
drug is best suited for males between the ages of 20 and 30 who have begun to
suffer hair loss within the last five years. It is more suitable if the young
man is not completely bald or not bald at the temples. This topical solution must
be applied twice a day, every day, to the balding area, works best on small areas
and involves a lifetime commitment.
Wigs
These
can be made from artificial or real hair. They are kept in place by adhesives.
Some can look quite natural.
Hair weaving
Human
hair or synthetic fibers can be woven or braided into existing thinning hair.
Only those with plenty of healthy hair should consider this method as it can stress
existing hair, causing it to fall out. The extensions may need to be repositioned
every three to four weeks as the hair grows out.
Camouflage
Consulting
with your hairdresser may result in a hair style that minimizes the visual effect
of hair loss or baldness. For example, letting the hair at the temples grow longer
while trimming the forward part short can help offset the effect of a receding
hairline.
Lightening
dark hair will reduce the contrast between the remaining hair and the scalp making
the effect of hair loss or baldness less noticeable.
Avoid
using gels as these cause hair to stick together thus emphasizing empty areas
of the scalp.
What
about a natural organic herbal extract?
Recently
herbal extracts have appeared on the market which claim very high success rates
- over 85%. Check
out this popular natural organic herbal extract hair restorer:
Hair
Loss - Grow New Hair! |