Approximately 35 million men in the United States are currently experiencing hair loss, and 21 million women also suffer from this condition. By the age of 35, about two thirds of all American men will have visible hair loss. By the age of 50, 85% of men will notice a significant thinning of their hair. Almost half of those who lose their hair report that they would be willing to spend their entire life savings in order to get back a full head of hair, and the hair loss treatment industry in America was worth $4 billion in 2017. Hair loss treatment is a big business because hair loss is a serious condition. Here’s what you need to know about hair and the treatments available.
Most Hair Loss Is Genetic
About 82% of American adults realize that their hair loss has a genetic component. Almost all of the hair loss that men experience is due to male pattern baldness, a genetic condition. For the most part, hair loss is not associated with disease, although it is possible for anorexia, thyroid conditions, or anemia to cause hair loss. Most people are aware that chemotherapy treatments for cancer result in hair loss, but this is temporary. It is also possible for a woman’s hair to thin temporarily during times of high stress, after giving birth, or during menopause.
Undermining Baldness Myths
- Men inherit their baldness through from their mother. In actuality, the gene for baldness can come from either a mother or a father.
- Hair dryers increase the possibility that you will lose your hair. Hair dryers do not cause anyone’s hair to come out. If you overuse hairdryers so that your hair becomes brittle and damaged, it may appear thinner.
- Frequent washing causes hair to fall out. Neither shampoo nor any other haircare product cause hair loss.
- Massage can cause regrowth by stimulating the circulation of blood. There are no studies or any scientific proof showing scalp massage has any effect upon hair loss or can make hair regrow.
- Long hair is too heavy and strains the roots, causing your hair to fall out. Hair is made to grow, and long hair does not strain the roots.
- All hair loss treatment is a scam. While there are useless treatments out there, there is effective hair loss treatment available, and is not uncommon to find a hair loss doctor who can provide you with real answers.
What Is the First Step In Getting Hair Loss Treatment?
The first step in any hair loss treatment is understanding the underlying cause. If there is a medical condition that needs to be treated, this should be done before anything else. If no medical condition is a concern, common treatments include medications and hair transplant surgery.
What Medications Are Available?
There are two commonly used medications: Minoxidil and Finasteride. Neither can stop hair loss, but they can sometimes slow it. Once treatment has begun, it must be continued or the hair will continue to fall out. Minoxidil is generally considered safe, while Finasteride does sometimes cause impotence in men and is not considered safe for women of childbearing age.
What About Surgical Hair Transplant Options?
For many people, hair transplants and terminal hair grafts are the most effective procedures for both male and female baldness. Of the various types available, follicular unit extraction is one of the primary methods and generally has the fewest side effects and the best results.
Where Can I Learn More about Hair Loss Treatment?
Hair surgeons can give you details about transplant procedures and help you understand whether a hair transplant is the right choice for you. Look for hair loss specialists in your area who can give you more details and help you decide on the best course of action for regaining your hair.