Male Pattern Baldness: Finasteride to Prevent Further Hair Loss

Any man that has experienced premature hair loss and balding, or is experiencing such problems at the moment, will know just how debilitating this can be. Whilst some people may think that hair loss is just an aesthetic problem and that men should just get over it and play the hand that they have been dealt, this is actually a problem that can go much further than just aesthetics.

Of course, some men have no qualms about losing their hair and to them it really is plain and simple aesthetics. However, for many other men, losing their hair can have a profound effect on the way they feel. Many men lose their self-esteem and confidence along with their hair and this can make a big difference to their overall quality of life.

Finasteride is a drug designed to help men who are experiencing hair loss and baldness. This medication is aimed at helping to stop any further hair loss; so the earlier men consider taking it, the better. However, this medication is unable to stimulate hair regrowth, it can only stop hair loss or further baldness.

There are in fact a number of main benefits that come with this hair loss treatment and some of these include the following:

- This medication may be able to stop any further hair loss in men that have been losing their hair. It can therefore prove very effective for men who start taking it early before too much hair is lost

- Finasteride comes in the form of a small pill, which only has to be taken once a day in order for men to start benefitting from its effects. This means that there is no need for inconvenient ointments that have to be rubbed onto the scalp each day. It also means that you can take your medication discreetly even when you are away on a holiday or business trip

- Whilst there are side effects that are associated with this treatment, many men experience no side effects at all from taking finasteride, and instead enjoy only the benefits of the treatment

- Clinical trials have been carried out on the effectiveness of finasteride in men that are suffering from baldness and hair loss. The results of the testing have shown that for many men, finasteride can be very effective, in terms of stopping further hair loss

Is Caring for the Hair as Good as Preventing Hair Loss?

Whether or not you will lose your hair is really up to your genetic code and internal workings. Caring for your hair can, however, have an effect on the timing of your hair loss, if this is your fate.

If you keep your scalp and hair healthy, you can postpone your hair loss, even if your family history makes it unlikely that you can avoid it forever. You may be wondering who you can trust, with so many people offering their own suggestions on how to treat your hair. What follows are a few time-tested hair care practices to avoid hair loss.

Exerting a lot of pulling on your hair for any style is not recommended. Very tight ponytails, or even the bun, is not a good idea due to the pulling. Pigtails are not a good idea, or anything that involves very tight curls is a bad idea. Just try to avoid pulling because it puts stress and strain on your scalp and it weakens the hair. You can actually cause your hair to shed in amounts you won’t want to see. You’d be surprised at how much you can help your hair if you merely made your styles a bit looser.

You are also better off skipping the blow dryer, except for occasions when you really need to dry your hair fast. The best way to dry your hair is to let the air do it. You can’t argue with this. The more heat you force into your hair, the more brittle it can become. The heat can also cause your scalp to increase oil production which your hair will like but the rest of your head will not. Plus, if too much oil is produced, all of the hard work you did on cleaning your hair will have been for nothing.

Letting the air dry your hair is simple and effective. Just run your comb through your hair and let it dry at its own pace.

You know what kind of hair you have, so use a shampoo that’s suitable for it. You may want to see a stylist for help with this. You can get the best possible evaluation, and then she’ll tell you the best products to use for your hair.

Finer hair can easily be weighed down by very heavy shampoos. If your hair is oily, then too much conditioner will not look flattering. These and more facts are best gotten from your hairstylist.

Preventing hair loss can be tricky. It’s true that some women are more likely to have hair loss. But you should still try to do all you can for yourself. Yes, hair care that is done right can very often spell the difference between the quality of hair and amount of it.

It’s kind of simple, do all you can as much as possible to keep your hair in good condition and health. There are more tips and suggestions for healthy hair, so just try to learn and use them.

When Baldness Takes Its Course

You may have heard that baldness is caused from an overabundance of testosterone in the body and that bald men have higher levels of testosterone. Neither of these statements is true. A form of testosterone called DHT is to blame, however. It is a powerful sex hormone that promotes facial and body hair growth while leading to hair loss on the scalp. In genetically prone individuals, DHT starts the process of shrinking the hair follicle. Each time it sheds, it grows back smaller and smaller.

Eventually the scalp is left with “peach fuzz” or just barren. Way back when, Aristotle noticed that neither eunuchs nor women grew hair on their chests and he correctly surmised this was due to the lack of testes. DHT also affects prostate tissue and leads to noncancerous prostate enlargement.

You may also have heard that baldness comes from your mother’s side of the family. If only it were that simple. This myth can be traced back to a paper published in 1916 and has been propagated throughout the medical and lay literature since. There is no single way to get hair loss from your parents, as it is a complex genetic trait most likely coming from both sides.

Balding is not unique to humans. Gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans all show some different degrees of baldness. Some psychologists have even proposed that a gorilla’s high forehead (simulating baldness) creates a larger show for the face, and hence a more powerful social standing.

Being bald used to mean you were either seriously ill, a religious freak, a slave or maybe the loser of a bet. Then suddenly Michael Jordan and Andre Agassi made it acceptable for men to shave their heads. They unlocked a new world for bald guys. No longer would balding men be compared to Telly Savalas or Mr. Clean.

So one day I woke up at 2 a.m. and shaved my head for the first time. I then climbed back in bed with my wife. I should mention here that I didn’t discuss it with her beforehand, so one can imagine her surprise waking up next to a Hare Krishna. Fifteen years later, I’m still shaving it (only there is less and less to shave each year). An interesting psychological point is that it took about three years of being bald in the real world to see myself as a bald person when I dreamed. I think it took that long for my ingrained self-image to adjust.

In conclusion, I’d like to share an amusing Biblical reference I came upon in preparing this article. Kings 2:23: “From there, Elisha went to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. ‘Go on up, you baldhead!’ they said. ‘Go on up, you baldhead!’ He turned round, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out off the woods and mauled 42 of the youths.

I guess even holy man can be sensitive about their hair loss! And God obviously loves bald men.

The King of Hair Regrowth Treatments

If you haven’t worried about hair regrowth, you’re luckier than most. Male pattern baldness (MPB) affects about 40 million men in the United States alone. Yet most Americans haven’t heard of the hair loss treatment called bhringraj.

Even when referred to as false daisy, most people shake their heads, their brows knitted. Maybe it rings a bell? Otherwise, known by its Latin name, Ecliptica alba, this plant is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices, but it is almost unknown outside of Asia. According to Ayurveda, the translation of the word bhringraj is ‘king of hair’.

In Ayurveda, bhringraj is considered a rasayana plant, which rejuvenates and promotes longevity to whatever it is applied to. In Taiwan, bhringraj is a common remedy for the treatment of bleeding, itching, hepatitis, diphtheria and diarrhoea.

In China, bhringraj is taken orally to support the mind, nerves, liver, and eyes because of its soothing, cooling, and restorative properties. Applied topically, the powdered leaves of the plant combat skin conditions like athlete’s foot, eczema, and hair loss. Not only has bhringraj been used successfully for hair regrowth, the black dye obtained from its leaves is used to darken hair, so it doubles as a natural remedy for going grey!

Now, where to find bhringraj? It grows in warm moist climates all over the world, and is widespread in Southeast Asia, and Brazil, where it is also used as an antivenin for snake bites. It is native to North America, and the USDA reports that it is widespread in the Midwest and in eastern states. It can be found growing wild near creek beds, swamps, and other water sources, especially during summertime. The plant can’t survive exposure to temperatures below freezing or drought.

There are no recognized commercial sources for the original ‘king of hair’, though the internet turns up some independent providers of the plant in various processed forms.

Skip the expensive commercial stuff — why put that on your head when a free plant by the riverside would do just as well?

Treat Hair Loss with the Right Hair Loss Shampoo

Every person wants to have strong, beautiful hair. Hair loss is one of the most devastating things imaginable and many people will go to any length to prevent it from happening. In terms of prevention, a great way to prevent further hair loss for both women and men is a hair loss shampoo. There are various kinds of hair loss shampoos. The majority of hair loss shampoos strengthen existing hair, help grow more hair, and prevent hair loss.

But not all hair loss shampoos will work for all of us. What type of hair loss shampoo you need to use depends on many factors. Are you a man or a woman? How much hair have you shed? Would you like to regrow lost hair?

To choose the ideal product, you need to do some research. It is important to know what you’re looking for in a shampoo before you begin your search. You will find several types of shampoo to prevent future hair loss, and to regrow lost hair. As soon as you decide which you are looking for, your search will narrow.

Hair loss shampoos which prevent further loss and those which regrow hair are usually formulated differently, so make sure you choose the most suitable for your needs. Those which claim to do both rarely solve either problem, which is why it is important to determine your needs before purchasing. If a hair loss shampoo does not specifically state which condition it’s trying to fix, it is best to avoid it. Make sure to study the packaging very carefully to ensure that the shampoo you are purchasing is apt to your specific hair loss needs.

If you are uncertain of whether a product is best for your needs, talk about your needs and considerations with a physician. A hair loss shampoo is definitely worth trying to find out if it helps you, but one hair loss shampoo surely doesn’t work for everybody. Be realistic in your expectations because every individual is different and may respond in a different way. A money-back guarantee on the product can give a secure feeling in the event the product does not work for you.

A Solution for Stressed Men Suffering with Hair Loss

As the economy declines, it is no coincidence that so does the hair growth, as many men experiencing stress have found, and been reported in clinical research. Stress hormones (CRH) are released when the body reacts to stress so energy is lost to the roots and ultimately fuels the hair loss. This cause-and-effect has been proven scientifically, as CRH stops the hair from growing, it was shown that with the introduction of caffeine, the negative effect of CRH disappeared completely, so incorporating a caffeine shampoo or treatment into the hair washing routine could make a big difference.

Hair loss and baldness has remained a sensitive issue for many men, and a receding hairline and fine hair can cause a lack of confidence even for the most successful, fit and dynamic man. It has been reported in many articles and clinical studies that hereditary hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia, is due to the changing hormonal balance of testosterone. Many claims made by companies offering hair loss pills and supplements abound and different types of treatments are available at clinics including ultra violet treatment and lasers; for some, these can be extreme measures and would prefer a simpler method to try first such as using a shampoo formulated with caffeine. So why does the modern man find hair loss such an embarrassment knowing there is no cure?

Old wives’ tales abound with stories of impotency, and men often resort to a shaven head rather than try to manage the bald patch scenario. Some women find a bald head to be very attractive; and remember, confidence will always be the key to coping with something embarrassing. The addition of caffeine to a shampoo along with other active ingredients such as saw palmetto, nettle, fennel, and grape seed extracts have returned positive results. Men can experience better hair growth and stronger hair growth after using such organically formulated shampoo.

Home Remedies to Prevent Further Hair Loss

A recent study shows that two-thirds of women suffer from hair loss at some point in their life. However, such hair issues are more severe in men than in women. Hair and health experts suggest many ways to prevent hair problems.

Believe it or not, one of the natural remedies that is said to have an effect on the loss of hair is to rub onion juice on the scalp. This procedure should stimulate the growth of hair and stop further hair loss as well. Rubbing onion juice is not a solution for everyone as onion juice will make your eyes water and has a terrible smell — so don’t leave your house with onion juice in your hair.

The essential aromatic oils of herbs like jojoba, lavender, aloe vera, cedarwood, and grape fruit are very useful in treating this condition. Massaging these oils on the scalp improves the blood circulation and helps in hair growth.

A woman’s hormone levels can affect the rate at which her hair grows. If there is a shift in the amount of hormones in the blood, the hair can start thinning. This can be caused by childbirth, the use of birth-control pills, menopause, or thyroid disorders. In these instances, a hair growth treatment may not be necessary. The hair will often start to grow back on its own after the hormonal levels return to normal.

Coconut oil and almond oil are effective in stopping hair loss and in stimulating growth. Lavender oil, if used at least three times a week, increases hair growth significantly. You can also mix various oils together and massage your scalp with the mixture. Make sure to also add some olive oil because this will make your hair grow healthy and look shiny.

One of the major factors of hair loss is due to decreased blood circulation, according to many hair loss experts. The easiest way to improve the blood circulation in your scalp is by massaging and kneading your scalp a few times a day. By doing so, you will be able to improve the blood circulation in the scalp area and hopefully this will slow down the thinning and balding of your hair.

Before you start trying any home-based remedy to arrest your hair fall problem, you should first put a finger on the root cause of your problem. Androgenic alopecia, otherwise known as pattern baldness in men and women, is the foremost type of hair loss experience by many people. This condition is due to the presence of high amounts of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. This hormone prevents the hair follicles from receiving any nutrition which leads them to become weak and thus excessive hair fall.

Solving Hair Loss Problems the Natural Way

Now, people with balding head no longer have to suffer with their condition for long. Modern-day science has brought us many treatment modalities for hair loss, or alopecia. Ironically, a lot of these feasible answers show a return to natural hair loss therapy.

Hair Loss Treatment

Surgical procedures and medications to treat hair loss are amongst those widespread options which science has presented us with. Though these medical solutions are truly successful, there are some people who would nonetheless prefer natural hair loss therapy. There may be a range of factors.

Surgical Treatment – Surgical procedures meant to treat hair loss are costly. They also expose customers to a selection of risks inherent in surgical procedures. For a lot of typical people, therefore, medication is a much better, a lot more inexpensive solution to hair loss. Unfortunately, there are only two medicines that are FDA approved to treat hair loss. For girls, only 1 of these can be safely utilised. Medication has also been recognised to trigger some side effects in some users. These reasons are why some turn to natural hair loss treatment solutions.

Natural Hair Loss Solutions

People also have the choice of going for natural solutions that claim to be able to remedy hair loss. Not all of these solutions nevertheless will be successful for everyone. An individual in search for a natural hair loss treatment really should carefully test and assess which solutions genuinely work for his unique hair loss condition.

Head Massage – Massaging the scalp is believed to promote correct blood flow. This in turn is necessary to support the nutrients to reach the scalp and hair strands. Some professionals say that there is no clear proof that this natural hair loss therapy is successful. For some though, who may possibly be suffering from stress-induced hair loss, a gentle massage might genuinely be helpful.

Standard Exercise – Just like an excellent massage, normal physical exercise is also believed to assist in promoting appropriate blood flow that is vital for nutrient delivery and absorption. Once again, this natural hair loss treatment has been hotly debated over. Common sense would tell you that if exercise is typically great for the body, then it must have excellent effects on the hair too.

Proper Diet – There is no doubt that a well-balanced diet plays a big role in natural hair loss treatment. Studies have shown that people who are deficient in some nutrients run the risk of losing some of their hair. The obvious rule is that whatever is great nourishment for your body is also advisable for your hair. This indicates that you definitely have to cut down on fats, sugar and junk food. Fill your diet plan with foods wealthy in protein, complex carbohydrates, iron, zinc, B-complex vitamins and other nutrients.

Nutritional Supplements – Because we can’t usually get the recommended quantity of vital nutrients from our everyday diet, some form of natural supplementation is recommended. Take vitamin and mineral supplements. Other individuals also prefer to boost the effects of nutrient supplementation with extra herbal ingredients that have been proven critical to natural hair loss therapy.

B6 and Zinc: Nutrients to Prevent Hair Loss

Hair loss can be devastating for many people. Your hair is often one of the first things people notice about you, and if it’s falling out and noticeably thinning, you might understandably feel self-conscious and even unattractive. Fortunately, some causes of hair loss are relatively easy to address. For example, nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss. Two key nutrients for healthy hair are vitamin B6 and zinc.

Hair Health
Normal, healthy hair goes through a natural growth and loss cycle. As this cycle occurs, most people lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day. If you are losing significantly more strands than this — which is often apparent by hair coming out in the shower or being left in your hairbrush — the health of your hair may be suffering. While there are several possible causes of hair loss, experts state that hair is strongly influenced by nutrition. Thus, you can experience excessive shedding if you have certain nutrient deficiencies.

B Vitamins and Hair
The B vitamins — commonly called B complex vitamins — are integral to healthy, strong hair. Because the body cannot store or manufacture B vitamins, they all must be obtained via diet or supplements, including B6. Vitamin B6 is found in chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, milk and cheese, among other foods. Plant-based dietary sources of B6 include lentils, spinach, brown rice, sunflower seeds, wheat flour and carrots. Vitamin B6 is also available in multivitamins and in separate B vitamin supplements.

Zinc and Hair
Zinc is another nutrient that helps maintain healthy hair. If your diet is deficient of zinc, you may lose excessive hair and notice that the hair you keep is duller and more difficult to control. Like vitamin B6, zinc can be obtained in many animal foods, such as meat, poultry, cheese and seafood. Vegetarian sources of protein include whole grains, legumes, sunflower seeds and pumpkin.

Recommendations
If you suffer from excessive hair loss, consult your physician for evaluation and advice. Certain health conditions other than B6 and zinc deficiencies — such as thyroid disorder, extreme weight loss and hormone imbalances — can contribute to hair loss. Your physician may want to rule out these other potential causes before discussing nutrient supplementation or a better diet as a way to combat hair loss. Before trying any vitamin or mineral supplement for hair loss, obtain your doctor’s approval.

How to Remedy MPB

What are your options once male pattern baldness (MPB) inevitably strikes? You’ve probably seen all the ads in the back of men’s magazines, heard all the commercials on the radio and seen all the infomercials promoting miracle treatments for men. But do any actually work? Or is everyone just shilling snake oil?

Pharmaceuticals

Amazingly, only two pharmaceutical drugs have been clinically proven to treat hair loss and are currently licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Generically they are known as minoxidil and finasteride.

• Minoxidil

Minoxidil was the first drug approved by the FDA for male pattern baldness. Taken orally as a pill or applied directly to the scalp as a cream, minoxidil is available over the counter and thus does not require a prescription. Although it’s not exactly clear how minoxidil improves hair growth, minoxidil, like finasteride, may cause minor side effects in some men. If you’re considering this hair loss product, be sure to talk to your doctor for help in weighing the potential risks and benefits.

• Finasteride

Finasteride has been available since the late ’90s as a treatment for male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by inhibiting an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the androgen hormone that’s responsible for shrinking hair follicle cells, leading to male pattern baldness. Although finasteride has been shown to increase hair count and appearance, it does increase the risk of sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction.

Hairpieces

Though it’s not exactly a permanent fix, a hairpiece is still a popular choice among men for managing hair loss. The advantages are clear: It’s fairly inexpensive (at least compared to surgery) and has little to no side effects (although some pieces can cause the hair beneath the piece to shed). However, finding the right hairpiece can be a harrowing experience. Hairpieces vary in their base material, in the hair itself and in way the hairpiece is attached to the scalp. For this reason, many first-time buyers are unhappy with the quality, service or price. If you’re considering a hairpiece, do your homework first to ensure you’re satisfied with your piece.

Hair Transplantation

For those wishing for a more permanent fix to their hair loss woes, look no further than hair transplantation (also known as surgical hair restoration). The procedure involves taking hair, along with underlying tissue and skin, from other parts of the body, like the back or sides of the scalp, and transplanting it to balding areas on the top of the head.

Though the procedure is generally safe, there is always the risk of minor side effects. More important, however, is that some clinics are still carrying out outdated and potentially dangerous techniques that should no longer be performed. If you are considering hair transplantation, you need to be diligent in finding a qualified surgeon. The American Hair Loss Association even goes so far as recommending against accepting a referral from your family physician. Instead, check their website or other online resources for guidance.

Laser Therapy

Of all the different treatments for hair loss, who would have thought of equipping a comb with a laser light? Well, someone did, because it led to the development of laser combs and other low-level laser (LLL) devices like it. Laser therapy for hair loss comes with no side effects.

Full Speed Ahead

Science is moving forward at a blistering pace. While the last few decades didn’t produce a magic bullet for male pattern baldness, the future looks much more promising. With new drugs on the horizon, as well as innovative techniques like gene therapy and hair cloning, it’s only a matter of time before new and exciting therapies can give balding men everywhere the hope of a full head of hair.

Men Are Resorting to Natural Hair Loss Treatments Too

Natural remedies have been used for innumerable centuries to treat hair loss in men. Anybody who’s used them will tell you that they are the best hair loss treatment you can possibly find. No matter what the reason might be for hair loss, natural remedies are sure to be an effective and safe treatment for it.

Some natural remedies may not be proven scientifically but there is overwhelming anecdotal evidence in their favour. In this age of synthetic and chemical products that come with loads of side effects, more and more people are waking up to the benefits of herbal remedies for hair loss.

Here are some of the leading herbal remedies that have been passed down for generations:

• Maidenhair fern – Boil this herb and massage it on to your scalp once every week

• Rosemary – Infuse rosemary into tea and use it to rinse your hair every day

• Mallow roots – These roots are boiled in wine and massaged into your scalp every week

• Nettles – Nettles are infused in water after which it is combed through your hair every day

• Artichoke leaves – The leaves are to be simmered in water for a few hours. Once the concoction is ready, apply it to the scalp before you go to sleep

• Catnip – Make an infusion of this herb and rinse your hair every day with it

• Parsley seeds – Crush the seeds and apply the powder to your scalp once every month. Allow the powder to remain overnight and brush it out thoroughly in the morning.

Other herbs you can use are quince, boxwood shavings, jaborandi, willow-leaf hebe, nutmeg, and cloves. These herbs can be made into an infusion and rinsed through your hair regularly to promote healthy hair growth.

Herbal Remedies: Healthy Hair from Roots to Tips

Instead of chemical solutions, the best hair loss treatments focus on improving scalp health naturally and soothingly. A healthy scalp means having healthy hair follicles that are actively growing hair. If you want a healthy scalp, here are some tips to get you started:

Saw palmetto is a popular herbal remedy for hair loss. You can find saw palmetto extracts in the form of a liquid or pill at your local health store. You can also try a topical method by purchasing saw palmetto shampoo or adding a few drops of the liquid extract to your scalp when showering in the mornings. Rub a few drops on your scalp and allow it to sit at for at least 3 minutes before rinsing. You should avoid ingesting saw palmetto if you are anaemic or currently taking oral contraceptives or blood thinning medications.

If you don’t like the idea of using drugs and chemicals, you can go the natural route. Many herbal supplements are available at your local health food store that can be effective for thinning hair. Silica, licorice extract, and jojoba oil are some of the ingredients you should look for when shopping for herbal hair remedies. They are all natural and have proven effective for the treatment and prevention of baldness.

Fenugreek, black beans, coconut, and lemon juice — these herbs pack a powerful punch against hair loss and balding. Fenugreek is even touted as a natural hair regrowth herb. Coconut is one of the few oils that actually contains protein easily absorbable into the hair strands, and thus, is one of the few oils that strengthen the hair follicles.

Olive oil derivatives, with soaked shoe flowers make effective fragrant hair tonics. Infusions made of avocado leaves treat many scalp-related problems. It is predominantly due to its astringent property, which makes it an effective hair loss remedy.

If you must know, your hair can be damaged by hair products that contain harmful ingredients. Getting your hair dyed frequently or having it permed can also result to hair loss. Even the use of all-synthetic-content shampoos and other styling products such as hair sprays, gel or mousse can damage your hair, leading to hair loss. If possible, choose hair products that are made from natural ingredients such as aloe vera, rosemary and sage.

Treating Hair Loss by Caring for the Scalp Inside Out

It’s a proven fact that massage stimulates healing of hair loss by increasing scalp circulation. In your scalp, this means the healing nutrients from your diet can more easily reach your ailing hair follicles. Almost all hair loss programs incorporate scalp massage, combined with a topical remedy, to stimulate new hair growth and stop hair loss.

In addition to a once-a-day intensive massage combined with a topical remedy, you should also grab any chance you have throughout the day to do a quick massage.

There may be a spare 2 minutes in the afternoon as you take a break from staring at work on the computer screen. You can massage for a few minutes while you wait for dinner to cook. There are many opportunities, so keep an eye out.

This will keep the blood flow stimulated throughout the day, lengthening the healing time. If you’re already using a healthy shampoo which contains nutrients, a portion of those nutrients will be left on your scalp even after rinsing. Giving yourself a massage throughout the day will let those nutrients have better access to your weakening hair follicles.

However, treating your scalp from the outside can only do so much. Sure you can heal the hair follicles externally. But then again, this doesn’t prevent the attack coming from the inside. Abnormal hormones, toxins from the environment, and other symptoms of generally poor health invade your scalp through the bloodstream. They attach to the tissue around the hair follicle, sickening it.

No matter how you nurture the hair follicle externally, another attack will soon make it sick again. The best hair loss treatment programs realize this can be a never-ending process. You’ll eternally have to play catch-up, forever healing your scalp. Forever, that’s, unless you correct the problem internally.

Once you correct the problems inside your body, the attack on your hair will stop. This means your healing scalp treatments will be more effective. You’ll be able to heal the follicle once and for all and finally re-grow hair.

Hair Loss Treatment for Men: Now You Don’t Have to Worry about Side Effects

Hair loss affects both men and women, but it’s a more common condition in males. As men age, their hairline gradually recedes upwards and bald spots begin forming at the top of their heads, until eventually there’s only a rim of hair left on the sides. Why does this happen? Surprisingly, testosterone is to blame.

Simply put, when testosterone reacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, dihydrotestosterone (or DHT) forms. DHT is a naturally occurring hormone found in the prostate, adrenal glands and, of course, the scalp. DHT often causes damage to the hair follicles. With DHT build-up in the scalp, nutrient absorption by the follicles is obstructed. The follicles are then slowly made weaker, causing them to become incapable of growing thick, well-pigmented, and long hair strands.

Are There Side Effects When Using Hair Loss Treatments?

Unfortunately, there are negative consequences from using some hair loss treatments, and these usually occur when undergoing prescription products. The most significant symptoms include erectile dysfunction and diminished libido. Many users have experienced adverse sexual side effects while taking drugs like finasteride, and even more alarmingly, after stopping the prescription. Organizations like the Swedish Medical Products Agency and the UK’s Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency have looked into these claims and concluded that using the prescription hair loss treatment could result in permanent sexual dysfunction.

A natural hair loss treatment, on the other hand, successfully reverses hair loss in men without these sexual side effects.

What Is a Natural Hair Loss Treatment?

A natural hair loss treatment may refer to an all-natural supplement that is clinically proven to help men re-grow their hair. The regimen consists of tablets and a topical solution created from a blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs. These tablets are made from natural DHT blockers, the ingredients ranging from avocado oil to pumpkin seed meal, while the topical solution is applied to the scalp in order to battle DHT from the outside. Unlike other routines, an herbal hair loss treatment does not use harsh chemicals.

After a couple of months, you will notice significant results. This is because your body will be producing less DHT, making it harder for the hormone to bind itself to hair follicles, giving the follicles a chance to strengthen and grow thicker, longer hair. Using both the tablets and topical solution will speed up your efforts, as some users have reported improvement after a mere two weeks.

A hair loss treatment formulated with herbs presents a safe and effective treatment for hair loss. It’s usually available over the counter, helps men of all ages, treats levels of hair loss, and re-grows their hair. They don’t come with the sexual side effects (or other symptoms for that matter) its prescription counterparts are notorious for causing.

Overcoming Male Hair Loss with Over-the-Counter Treatments

There can be numerous reasons that men begin to lose hair prematurely. For some it may only be a short-lived issue caused by stress or lifestyle choice; however, for others, it’s a permanent condition if left untreated — often known as androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness.

The importance of treating hair loss as soon as possible is not often stressed enough. This may be because men wish to avoid speaking with their doctor, or they refuse to acknowledge the condition at all. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that if men wish to maintain a healthy head of hair, then their best defence is to begin a treatment programme as soon as possible.

Prescription Treatments

Prescription hair loss treatments have a history of causing ill-wanted sexual side effects including reduced sex drive in men. I’d advise you to discuss the options for prescription products with your family doctor. For many, negative sexual side effects can be enough to avoid considering any of these medications; however, they are not familiar with over-the-counter alternatives which can help them keep their hair.

The cause of most hair loss cases is the same: a hormonal sensitivity of the scalp which causes hair follicles to stop producing new healthy hairs and become dormant.

In order to stop the process, you must relieve the hormonal sensitivity in one of two ways:

1. You must either reduce the production of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body which is the culprit of causing hair follicles to become dormant.

2. You must stop DHT from binding with hair follicles on the scalp.

Over-the-counter hair loss treatments use either one or both of these methods.

Oral Treatments

There are several oral drugs that claim they can reduce premature hair loss by either reducing the production of DHT in the body or blocking the DHT that is produced from reaching the scalp and binding to hair follicles.

While some products have received positive feedback from consumers, you’re usually better off either using a topical treatment that is applied directly to the scalp in conjunction with an oral supplement or just a topical product all on its own.

Topical Treatments

Topical treatments make up the majority of over-the-counter hair loss treatment products. Creams, serums and shampoos are the usual form these products take. Also you will often find kits that contain a shampoo, serum and oral supplement altogether. These products offer a multi-pronged approach to treating hair loss both directly on the scalp and at the DHT production level.

Effective topical products contain a concentration of the FDA-approved hair loss ingredient minoxidil. You’ll find concentrations of 2.5% and 5%. Usually the 2.5% is enough to get the job done.

Other products will contain all-natural ingredients claiming to stop hair loss. While you may find wonderful results with these products, I’d urge you to look for clinical studies and trials of a product to prove its effectiveness before spending a dime.

Stop Hair Loss with the Right Shampoo

In a world flooded with shampoos for every hair condition, it’s not hard to believe that you might be confused in choosing a right shampoo for your hair. I’ll ask you a very simple question: What shampoo is in your shower at home and how did you come up with that brand of choice?

Many women base their buying decision on the brightly colored bottle and delicious scent of a shampoo. And then, when they find strings of hair clogged at the drainage in their bathroom, they blame it on their shampoo. When they find tons of hair stuck to their comb after a clean wash, they still blame it on the shampoo.

Well, you can partly blame it on your shampoo; however, it was you who made the choice, remember?

There are many varieties of shampoos available at different places. Rather than falling into the web of strategic corporate advertising with the shampoos’ alluring packaging and attractive promises, we should make an informed decision based upon the actual content of the shampoo in the bottle. It is imperative that you choose the correct kind of shampoo for your hair especially to people who are experiencing hair loss.

A good shampoo can help reduce symptoms or the effects of balding by utilizing certain active ingredients to counter the effects of hair loss. These ingredients can range from herbs like saw palmetto which is said to be effective for fighting male pattern baldness to pro-hair vitamins like Biotin which is essential for hair growth. While these hair loss shampoo ingredients might look enticing and promising in your battle against hair loss, you should take note that the shampoo is not the primary treatment for hair loss.

Although your shampoo won’t be a major role player in stopping hair loss, it’s still significantly important that you choose a good hair loss shampoo specifically for your hair loss condition. That is because a good hair loss shampoo helps conditions your scalp and hair, controls oil and residue build-ups and helps keep your hair manageable.

Male Hair Loss: Drug-Based vs. Organic-Based Treatments

There are various treatments that have been proven to stop male hair loss, and in some cases even re-grow lost hair. There are two major types of treatments for male hair loss: the pharmaceutical ones and the natural ones.

The drug- based treatments finasteride and minoxidil seem to be effective with a number of men. There are two concerns with these products: that of side effects and the fact that if you discontinue this type of treatment, hair regrowth will stop, and male hair loss may resume.

Alternative Treatment for Male Hair Loss

Diet has always been very important to good hair health. Sometimes men get so tied up in the everyday business of living that they may pay less attention to what they actually put in their bodies. Also, many men eat anything that comes along, sometimes to their own detriment. Good news, men, red meat can be good for your hair! On the other hand, green leafy vegetables can help your hair health, as can fruits and berries. Silica and iron are contained in them and are very important for hair health.

Nutrition plays a very vital role for hair care. The hair follicles which are in an active growth phase are strong and healthy compared to those which are in the resting stage. A steady flow of proper nutrition is essential for hair follicles to grow and produce healthy hair fibers. A balanced diet which has the natural vitamin supplements, proteins and mineral and health supplements is able to provide essential nutrition to the hair follicles. If the already-weak hair follicles do not get proper nutrition, they become more prone to staying in the shedding phase longer than necessary.

Naturally-based topical serums, gels and sprays are available to treat problematic scalp and hair conditions. They usually work in combination with a special shampoo. Specially formulated natural supplements are included in these systems which are designed to augment the topical treatments. These are complete systems that are designed to work together to clean the scalp, stop the root cause of hair loss and provide nutritional building blocks to help your scalp regrow hair.

Minoxidil: The Main Man’s Baldness Treatment

Minoxidil has been used by young men who had been depressed about their hair loss. Men experiencing hair loss have been delighted with the results of hair growth. Minoxidil is a vasodilator — a drug used to dilate the blood vessels — that can promote blood flow in the scalp and nourishment of the hair follicles.

For several years, the drug’s potential to be a main ingredient for hair growth products had been ignored. But news of the hair-growth factor leaked when a cardiac physician reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that one of his patients, a bald man of 38, had regrown hair while taking the drug for his heart condition.

Several dermatologists were soon involved in world-wide trials. They applied a solution containing a tiny percentage of minoxidil to the scalp. Volunteer guinea pigs — all with balding heads — queued up to try it in the USA, Denmark, the UK, desperate to find out whether the treatment was truly effective.

As it turned out, minoxidil did have some success, but only in about 30–40% of patients; and in those, it generally took at least 6 months before the results were visible. The drawback was that the new hair growth was somewhat indiscriminate to say the least — in as much that the hair didn’t just grow back in the places where the solution was applied. Many people, especially women, reported growing facial hair.

After considerable trials and testing it with other hair growth products, it was found that minoxidil only really works for early or mild cases of pattern baldness and patchy hair loss, or alopecia areata. There are several reported side effects with minoxidil, including mild skin irritations, extensive dermatitis, palpitations and chest pains. It has also been reported as having addictive traits.

As the case for many alopecia treatments, it is best to consult a hair loss expert or medical professional before going into the treatment.

Primary Treatments for Male Pattern Baldness

Finding a way to provide sustained hair growth for men is an ongoing problem. The majority of men who are losing their hair are suffering from male pattern baldness. This is an affliction that affects 40 million men in the United States alone. The chances of losing your hair increases as you age. The good news for those suffering from male pattern baldness is that huge advances have been made over the past few decades. With the introduction of minoxidil and then later finasteride, hair growth for men entered the modern age.

Minoxidil Improves Hair Growth for Men

Minoxidil was initially sold as a blood pressure medicine. A unique side effect was soon discovered. Researchers realized that it resulted in increased hair growth for men and women. Shortly afterwards, the FDA-approved medical treatment was released into the market. It was the first hair loss treatment that showed at least some effectiveness for the majority of patients that took it.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment used to improve hair growth. It is primarily used to slow down the loss of hair, but it is not a cure for baldness. If you have already lost the majority of your hair, then minoxidil will probably not benefit you. If you are in the early stages of hair loss, though, it may be of great benefit. Continued use of the product is extremely important. Any hair growth will be lost if you stop using it. Minoxidil is most commonly sold as 2% or 5% solutions, but it can be higher. Hair growth for men is reportedly higher for those using the 5% solution.

Hair Growth for Men Takes another Leap Forward with Finasteride

Similar to minoxidil, finasteride was not originally used for the treatment of hair loss. Eventually however it was discovered that finasteride helped prevent the loss of hair. Finasteride became the second drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss, and it soon hit the market.

Finasteride, unlike minoxidil, is a drug that is taken orally. In many ways the effects are similar to minoxidil. It will help prevent the loss of hair in men who have recently begun balding, but it is not as effective for those who have already lost most of their hair. Compared to minoxidil, finasteride has proven to be somewhat more effective. Studies have shown that nearly 80% of the men who have taken finasteride have seen positive results. Halting treatment will cause any hair growth to subside, and your hair loss will continue again.

Over the years, there have been numerous miracle hair loss cures and natural remedies. Some of them may work, but few studies have been done to prove their efficacy. Other treatments for hair loss that have shown varying results include hair transplants, laser combs, bald spot concealers, and a number of other topical creams. Minoxidil and finasteride, however, continue to be the only two FDA-approved treatments for hair loss.

Treat Hair Loss: Topical Solutions or Hair Systems?

A number of people all over the world experience hair loss without even knowing it. Most of these people suffering from hair loss, more often than not, eventually experience complete baldness.

Though there is no known cure for baldness, its extent can be prevented if diagnosed early and treated properly. Majority of the people who are bald today have regretted not seeing the hair loss signs and not seeking immediate professional help for hair loss treatment.

It is said that a normal person sheds an average of 80 to 100 hair strands per day. But losing hair more than this — for instance, losing chunks of hair when combing or the appearance of hairless patches on the scalp no matter how small it is — is enough reason to go see a doctor or hair loss expert immediately.

There are different types of hair loss: temporary and extensive. Extensive hair loss can lead to irreversible baldness. It is important to get diagnosed by a medical professional to determine whether the hair loss that a person is experiencing is brought about by stress, hair care products, illness, and medications. In these cases, hair loss is often temporary.

However, if upon analysis, it is found out that the person has baldness running in the family, then the hair loss may progress and lead to female pattern baldness or male pattern baldness (medically known as androgenic alopecia).

While there are no cures yet for these conditions, there are a lot of hair loss treatment options that can help people cope with the social stigma that these conditions bring. Some people opt to use hair systems, while others opt to avail of topical hair loss solutions.

Hair systems are available as tape-on hair pieces, bonded hair systems for men and women, and hair extensions. Tape-on hair pieces are somewhat similar to removable wigs. They are removed daily before going to bed or when taking a bath. If maintained properly, they can last for years.

Bonded hair systems are for men and women who wear the same hairstyle all the time. They usually last for a minimum of three months to a maximum of one year. Hair extensions usually have the same life expectancy. The difference is that hair extensions can be styled differently.

Topical hair loss treatments, on the other hand, comprise of various combinations of hair loss treatment solutions such as minoxidil, niacin, ginseng, angelica lactone, PDG, pentadecanoic acid, extracts of Serenoa repens and other DHT blockers, as well as 17 essential amino acids that strengthen weak hair follicles among others.

These hair loss treatment options are non-invasive and are perfect for those experiencing temporary hair loss and baldness. Though they can also be used for those who are experiencing permanent hair loss and genetically determined baldness, there are other hair loss treatment options like hair transplant or laser hair therapy that are most suitable for them.