The Truth About Hair Loss Treatments: The Good, the Bad, and the Useless
Have you ever found yourself staring at the mirror, hand buried in your hair, wondering why those once lush locks are now thinning or even disappearing? You're not alone - hair loss is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
So let's explore the world of hair loss treatments, from the old wives' tales to the cutting-edge clinical procedures. We'll debunk some hair-raising myths (pun intended) and give you the lowdown on what works and what doesn't. And we promise a minimum of hair puns (but can't guarantee that our idea of a bare minimum matches yours).
Understanding Hair Loss
First, the why of it all. Why do people lose hair?
Hair goes through a natural cycle that consists of three phases: growth (anagen), rest (telogen), and shedding (exogen). In the growth phase, about 90% of the hair strands are actively growing, while the remaining strands are either resting or preparing to shed.
However, sometimes this cycle can become disrupted, resulting in more hair shedding than the body can replace. This disruption is what leads to hair loss.
Why does this happen?
Genetics: You're the heir to your family's hair. If you've got a family tree full of folks with thinning hair, chances are that you'll join them.
Hormones: Hormones can cause all sorts of changes. Androgens, for example, can shrink hair follicles, leading to thinner hair or no hair at all.
Stress: Ever had a really bad day and found more hair in your brush than usual? Stress can push more hairs into the shedding phase. So remember to breathe.
Nutrition: Are you getting your recommended daily intake of B-complex vitamins? Make sure you do. You can't superdose— excessive intake won't give you Rapunzel-like locks—but inadequate intake can be a real factor in hair loss.
Age: As we grow older, our hair naturally tends to thin out. It's a part of life, much like developing a need for reading glasses.
Medical Conditions: Certain health issues, like thyroid disorders or alopecia, can cause hair loss. Even temporary illnesses can have an effect. COVID-19-related hair loss can result from fever and stress.
Understanding the particular causes of your hair loss can help you--and your provider--figure out how best to treat it.
At-Home Preventative Measures and Treatments for Hair Loss
Over-the-counter treatments can be effective, but it's important to identify the right product for you. Moreover, manage your expectations. These aren't magic potions that'll transform you into a shampoo commercial model overnight. Results take time and vary from person to person.
Rogaine
Minoxidil, commonly known under the brand name Rogaine, has been approved by the FDA and can thicken hair when used at the first signs of male or female pattern baldness.
Does Rogaine work? A qualified yes. Rogaine won't give you all your hair back or help those with more advanced cases, but regular use can help prevent loss and restore some volume.
There's also a decent-sized list of contraindications, so make sure it's safe for you.
Hair Supplements
First, the bad news. No clinical studies definitely prove that hair supplements work. That said, adequate intake of Vitamin D and several B-complex vitamins is important. You can support your locks by ensuring you get your full servings daily.
Hair Strengthening Products
Top hair-strengthening products can also make a difference. The right oils and proteins condition your hair and protect it while weak. Ingredients such as vitamin E oil or coconut oil can help keep breakage from worsening and improve suppleness.
Give yourself a nice scalp massage as part of your hair routine, too, encouraging circulation.
In-Clinic and Prescription Hair Treatments
Proper treatments require you to understand the type of hair loss that affects you. For example, people with alopecia might benefit from immunomodulatory drugs or immunotherapy, and corticosteroids can help out young, strong adults looking to regrow hair. Both of these can also be dangerous when misused, so you'll need to consult with your primary care provider.
Outside of drugs, the following three treatments have shown promising results.
PRP Scalp Injections
The idea behind PRP or platelet-rich plasma injections is that the solution will stimulate growth as well as make hair thicker and stronger. The injections include several proteins plus white blood cells, which can help your hair grow in a healthy environment.
It's proven particularly effective for male pattern baldness and to help people with hair transplants stimulate new growth.
Laser Hair Treatment
Lasers can also help hair growth, and they've proliferated as a treatment for thinning hair. They're most effective in the early stages of hair loss.
The theory is that laser hair therapy works by increasing blood flow and metabolism in the scalp, which leads to stronger strands.
One downside? You need a lot of laser treatments. Most people recommend several sessions a week.
Microneedling for Hair Loss
Microneedling for hair restoration is a promising treatment option that's been creating buzz in the hair loss community.
When applied to your skin, microneedling devices create microscopic punctures that tell your body, "Hey, we need some help over here!" Your body rushes to the rescue with a surge of healing factors and growth hormones.
It can also boost the effectiveness of other treatments, giving them better access to your hair follicles. At Advanced Body Sculpting & MedSpa in Apple Valley, we combine proprietary formulae and microneedling for the ultimate hair regrowth treatment
Hair Transplants
A hair transplant involves moving tiny patches of hair from one part of your scalp to another, helping you fill in those areas where your hair is thinning or receding. It's most often used by people experiencing pattern baldness.
Results can vary significantly and often come with a significant price tag.
Common Myths About Restoring Hair
Time to tackle a few tall tales.
Myth 1: Quick Fixes Exist. Nope. Your hair needs time to grow and flourish. Be skeptical of anything that promises "instant growth."
Myth 2: More is More When It Comes to Vitamins and Oils. Nope. Vitamins and oils can play a role in maintaining healthy hair, but enough is enough. Your body processes what it needs. Excess doesn't supercharge your scalp.
Myth 3: Hair Restoration Looks Unnatural. Nope. Today's advanced techniques mean that new hair is real hair, natural to your body.
Start Your Journey Back to Luscious Locks
So, there we have it. There's an array of options when it comes to modern hair restoration, and what works wonders for one person might not do the trick for another.
Book your consultation to discuss hair restoration and discover if our microneedling treatments with growth factors are right for you.