The early signs of hair-loss can be devastating for a man. It represents the fact that they are not only aging, but also appear physically older. Depending on what lengths they are willing to go there are a variety of options for men interested in preventing and reducing the appearance of hair loss.
First off let’s take a look at Nioxin. The scalp and hair care line by Nioxin features eight different easy-to-use systems to help reduce the appearance of thinning hair. This is a great option for men interested in a simple solution they can use in the shower. Nioxin reports an independent survey found “9 out of 10 people perceive a thickening effect when using the daily 3-part system”. The systems are all unique and can be selected based upon how coarse the hair is, to what degree it is thinning, whether it is colour or chemically treated or a combination of any of those factors.
Each system consists of a Nioxin Cleanser, which is an everyday cleanser that adds volume while eliminating residue and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a by-product of testosterone known for its role in causing hair loss. The next step in the system is the Nioxin Scalp Therapy, which is a conditioner that uses gentle oils, antioxidants and enzymatic complexes to keep the scalp and hair fully moisturised. The final step is the Nioxin Scalp Treatment, which is a leave-in solution that nourishes the scalp and hair and protects from accumulation of DHT.
While many may consider Nioxin a hair-loss product, it is actually a scalp and hair care treatment. It is intended to enhance the health of the scalp and improve the look of thinning hair. The company says it is safe for those who are undergoing chemotherapy, but advise those patients to first consult a doctor.
Another simple way to deal with thinning hair is by using a daily pill called Propecia. Taken everyday, this is one of the most low-maintenance options for men dealing with hair loss. It is intended to treat mild to medium hair loss on the middle front of the head and the top of the head on men. Propecia reports 9 of 10 men who took it had visible results, meaning they either had regrowth or no further hair loss.
DHT, the variant of testosterone referenced earlier, may play a role in the reduction of the growth time of hair follicles, causing them to get smaller until there are fewer noticeable hairs. Propecia works by blocking the creation of DHT.
It is suggested that men should use Propecia for at least 12 months to see if it works for them. Pregnant women should not touch crushed tablets as the active ingredient may cause abnormalities in the baby. In clinical studies, fewer than 2% of men found they had certain sexual side effects, but those went away after they discontinued Propecia.
Many men looking for a topical treatment for hair loss use minoxidil. Applied twice a day directly to the scalp, minoxidil comes in the form of a solution or foam.
Minoxidil as a treatment for hair loss was discovered when people taking oral minoxidil for high blood pressure realised hair growth was a side effect. This led to the creation of the topical form of minoxidil especially for male pattern baldness. While even the manufacturers do not know exactly how it works, they do know it creates larger hair shaft diameters and extends the growing stage of hair.
Similar to the other hair loss treatment options, it is recommended men use minoxidil for at least 4 months before results are noticeable. If use of minoxidil is discontinued the hair will go back to its original condition in about four months. Men who are sensitive to minoxidil can encounter a drop in blood pressure, a rapid heart rate and water retention. Dermalogical reactions could include tenderness, redness or drying.
Finally, men looking for a surgical option for treating male pattern baldness can try a hair transplant. Hair transplantation is a procedure that entails taking skin containing hair follicles and relocating it to balding areas.
There are different methods of hair transplantation, with the most common being strip harvesting. This surgical procedure consists of removing a strip of scalp from the bald resistant donor area of the patient. This donor area is then stitched together and the strip of skin that was removed is microscopically divided into follicle units of 1-4 hairs, also known as grafts. The grafts are transplanted into the balding area for regrowth to begin. While this is an effective way to transplant many grafts at one time, the patient is also left with a linear scar. This scar is often later covered by hair.
Another method of hair transplantation is the follicular unit extraction or FUE. This procedure uses a tiny circular punch to remove follicular units from a patient's bald resistant area. These grafts are then transplanted into the balding areas. The FUE method is gaining in popularity as it is less invasive, and leaves less-noticeable scars. The downside to the FUE method is it is quite a bit more expensive than the strip method and is a lengthier procedure.
It can take three to five months after hair transplantation surgery before the transplanted follicles grow new hair.
Whether hair loss is due to genetics, stress or disease, the loss of hair can truly impact a man. If he is looking for a method to deal with hair loss there are so many options on the market today that he should be able to find one that is well-suited to his everyday life. Once he chooses one, he should talk to his doctor to ensure it is compatible with any medications or lifestyle factors. Finally he should be patient, as all of these methods take time, but optimistically soon enough he’ll be feeling great about his head of hair.
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