iAremyhair believes in giving our customers ample information so that they can make wise decisions regarding hair loss treatment.
For this purpose, we will be introducing a series of topics that offer insight and objective viewpoints. Topics range from basics of hair to hair loss causes to treatment options to other related and interesting issues.
To ensure that our readers get the most out of our newsletters, we have condensed information from established publications and online reference materials such that each topic can be easily digested. iAremyhair invites you on this journey and welcomes your comments.
"Before you can fix a problem, you have to realise you have a problem. Denial is your enemy, you can't fix what you can't admit." (Hair Loss & Replacement for Dummies. Rassman, Bernstein)
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Coming to terms with hair loss takes courage and creativity! Some people start exercising more to improve their physique which in turn boosts their confidence level. More importantly, it distracts them from fretting too much over the loss of hair. Others cope with it by dressing better - it is a sure and simple way to enhance one's outward appearance. For some balding men, they grow a beard, goatee or moustache so that people will focus on the new 'accessory' instead of the head! |
In 1995, Sean Connery stated in an interview, "I don't understand men who want hair transplants." That same month, he was photographed going to a social event wearing a hairpiece. 5 years later, he seemed to have accepted his baldness in his personal life. He does, however, continue to wear a hairpiece for movie roles that call for a man with a full head of hair
(Hair Loss Answers. Panagotacos) |
It goes to show that balding isn't the end of the world and the good news is that there are many treatment options available today, no matter where you are in the hair loss process.
Reversible methods that modify and improve the physical appearance but do not affect the body. Such treatments benefit just about anybody but the drawbacks are the impermanence, periodic reapplications and the risk of discovery.
Hairpieces and Wigs - These artificial hair appliances are by far the most effective of all cosmetic treatments. They add the most hair in the shortest time, give the most natural look and can be used by anybody with any hair loss conditions. They are ideal for those with temporary hair loss (such as hair loss from cancer treatment), those with total hair loss or with disfiguring scars on their scalp. However, considerable maintenance time and expense are involved.
Cosmetic Products - Scalp paint, hair dust, and hair fibre products are temporary measures which can help anyone increase the apparent hair thickness and the camouflage is hardly detectable, even when he or she is under bright lights. They can also be used to hide scars on the scalp. Since they can be easily washed off, someone who is wearing any of these products should avoid the rain.
Hair Styling - To determine which style works best for you, consider the amount and quality of your hair. Also, choose a style that draws attention to the face and not to the hair itself. Men with significant hair loss should avoid comb-overs as it directs attention to the long thin strands of hair atop the bald area.
Styling Products - Some conditioning products coat the hair shaft to increase thickness. Other products such as sprays, gels and mousses hold the hair in place. Hair colouring and bleaching products can have an effect on apparent hair density. While these products can improve appearance to some extent, they have limited effectiveness. For example, for some people, conditioners flatten their hair and make it look thinner instead of thicker.
Others - Head gears (hats, turbans, scarves etc) are simple, inexpensive and effective but one has to take them off sometimes. Shaving is a low cost solution which works well only for some men.
Use of medications to change the condition of the body in order to alleviate hair loss condition. Effectiveness varies depending on the degree of hair loss and body chemistry. Most require continuous use and it generally takes months for a change in appearance to be noticeable.
Propecia (Finasteride) - It is for men with genetic predisposition to hair loss and it delays the appearance of pattern hair loss. Started early enough, some miniaturised hair follicles can return to full size hair production. However, there is the slight risk of diminished sex drive but the risk declines after usage for several months.
Rogaine (Minoxidil) - Both men and women can use this over the counter medication that is applied to scalp to stimulate hair follicle growth and keep active hair follicles from shutting down. There is the risk of scalp irritation with high concentration solutions; switching to a lower concentration usually resolves this condition.
Spironolactone - This is for women who have diminished female hormone levels and a genetic predisposition for hair loss. This drug interferes with the DHT[1] message that is trying to tell the hair follicles to stop growing hairs. It is applied in lotion form to scalp and has a somewhat disagreeable odour.
High Estrogen Contraceptive Pills - This is for women who have diminished estrogen levels and a genetic predisposition for hair loss. Estrogen interferes with the DHT[1] message that is trying to tell the hair follicles to stop growing hairs. Other benefits include reduced risk of unwanted pregnancies, improved skin tone, reduced acne, increased bone mass and diminished symptoms of the first stages of menopause. However, the risks of taking it on a regular and long term basis include weight gain, increased risk of uterine cancer, slightly elevated risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular complications such as heart attack and stroke in women who smoke.
[1] DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a substance the male body creates from testosterone, a male hormone.
These treatments can be costly, and medical as well as cosmetic risks are inevitable. Results usually take a few months to fully appear. Benefits are permanent once surgery has healed.
Scalp Reduction Procedures : small bald portions of scalp are removed.
It is most commonly used when a portion of the scalp is injured or inflamed and must be removed. Occasionally, it is used with other surgical techniques to repair poorly-executed hair restoration surgeries. The downside of it is that removing a bald spot does not guarantee that the adjacent scalp won't also eventually lose hair. Also, it leaves a scar which may become visible if the surrounding scalp begins to lose hair. However, micrografts can be transplanted directly into the scar tissue if this becomes a problem.
Scalp Lifts and Flaps : relatively large portions of the hairy part of the scalp are rotated around to the front and top.
It is a surgical procedure that is much more elaborate and rarely performed today. However, most or all of baldness can be eliminated in a single visit. It is a rare occurrence but patches of scalp tissue can die from inadequate blood supply after surgery and the long scars can become visible especially as hair loss continues.
Micrograft Hair Transplant : some hair follicles from the back of the scalp are moved to the front and top of the head.
It is the most popular form of surgical hair restoration performed today. Transplanted follicles are placed in a way that gives the illusion of a full head of naturally growing hair and hair begins to grow after a few months. However, it may require more than one visit and there is the risk of poor cosmetic results if the surgeon is inexperienced or not artistic.
So, which treatment is best for you? A good way to start is to self-educate through personal research before decision making. We hope that this article has given you a head start. Don't let hair loss take over your life. With prompt action and suitable treatments, you can be on your way to saving your cherished crown of glory!
Reference Materials
Panagotacos, Peter J, M.D. "Hair Loss Answers". USA : Author's Publishing Cooperative, 2005.
