Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It is a common condition that affects millions of men and women every year to varying degrees. We usually think of falling of hair as a problem only affecting the scalp. However, hairlessness can occur anywhere on the body. If you also notice that your scalp is getting empty day by day, consult your doctor for an effective remedy for male pattern baldness. There are five main types of alopecia-
- Alopecia areata
- Alopecia totalis
- Alopecia Universalis
- Trichotillomania
- Traction alopecia
What causes thinning of hairs?
Hair loss is a common problem. It affects both men and women. Regardless of how often they shampoo their hair or even if, they do so at all. In many cases, it is just genetics.
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Genetics
In other words, some people are born with this condition. If you have ever seen a balding man with a full head of hair in his younger years, genetics is the reason. As we age, our hair follicles become more sensitive to certain enzymes and chemicals present within our bodies. Nevertheless, even if your baldness is a result of your genetics, you may still find a well-working hair loss treatment.
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Action of testosterone
In particular, testosterone is one of these “culprits.” If your body’s testosterone levels are too low or too high, it can lead to alopecia. In addition, several other factors may also cause you to go bald at an early age. They may include-
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Stress
Being under prolonged periods of stress can cause your adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. It is a hormone that can lead to hair loss.
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Illnesses
Some illnesses such as thyroid disease or anaemia may reduce the blood flow to your scalp. Consequently, this lack of nutrients and oxygen can cause male pattern baldness.
If thinning of your hair is a result of your existing health condition, your doctor may recommend a remedy that does not hinder your treatment.
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Excessive alcohol consumption
Drinking large amounts of alcoholic beverages regularly can cause hairlessness.
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Smoking
Smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products may contribute to the development of male-pattern baldness.
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Tight hairstyles
If you pull your hair too tightly, it can cause damage to the hair follicles. As a result, it leads to what is known as traction alopecia.
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Age
Age is another common cause of hair loss. After all, if you have several decades of life under your belt, it is only natural for your body to start slowing down in the later years.
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Environmental damage
Like smoking and tight hairstyles, environmental factors can also affect your hair. Factors such as pollution can cause your hair follicles to become damaged. It can reduce the number of healthy hair follicles you have. As a result, it leads to cause male-pattern baldness. This condition affects over half of all men by age 50.
What is the best alopecia treatment?
There is a range of effective remedies for your problem. You can talk to your GP if you want to know the best remedy for you. He or she can advise on the options available in your case.
However, the popular methods for hair loss are-
Minoxidil
Minoxidil was initially designed as a solution for hypertension. Nevertheless, it has wonderful effects in stimulating hair growth. You can use it on the scalp. Moreover, it works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. Sufficient blood flow makes them much healthier and results in thicker hair.
In what form is minoxidil available?
There are two versions of this remedy available.
• 2% solution (about twice as effective as the 1% version), which you apply twice daily
• 5% version, which you use once a day. This solution is more effective than the 2%.
How much time does minoxidil take to show results?
This alopecia treatment can take up to 12 months for results to show. However, if you stop using this medication, the hair loss may continue. It is the reason why some people experience unwanted hair growth. In such cases, hairlessness not only occurs on the head. However, they can see it on the face and other body parts.
Finasteride
Finasteride is a tablet. It hinders the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is responsible for male pattern baldness. Therefore, by reducing its production, you can limit future damage to your hair. Men with prostate problems seem less likely to go bald. Moreover, it was originally used as a remedy for prostate enlargement. Doctors noticed an improvement in their condition by using this medicine.
In what form is finasteride available?
Finasteride is available as 1mg or 5mg tablets. A low dose of 1 mg can help with alopecia treatment. However, doctors prescribe a higher dose of 5mg for more severe cases.
How much time does finasteride take to show results?
This drug can take up to 12 months to show any effect on hair loss. However, around two-thirds of men see an improvement in the thickness and general appearance of their hair.
You should be aware that it might take up to 3 months to see its full effect. It needs time to accumulate within your system. In addition, some people experience sexual side effects after taking this drug. These side effects may include erectile problems and decreased libido.
Hair transplants
Hair transplants are a surgical method to permanent male pattern baldness. Here, Experts remove tiny plugs of skin containing healthy hair follicles from another part of your body. They take out these hair follicles from your back or side. Furthermore, they replant them into any bald patches. This alopecia treatment can be uncomfortable. Moreover, some people also experience a little swelling and discomfort for a few days.
How much time does a hair transplant take to show its best results?
You will need to have several sessions over some time to get the best results. Moreover, the success rate can range from 40%-70%. It relies upon how skilled your surgeon is. Therefore, it is well worth doing your research before committing to a course.
Hair systems
These are fixed or built-in hairpieces. Experts attack them to your natural hair with a bond. Moreover, the systems use interchangeable parts. They include combs and clips. Therefore, you can change your look whenever you feel like it.
Hair systems are one of the ways for alopecia treatment. However, it requires proper maintenance to last through all types of weather and activity. You should also choose the right hair loss products to keep your system healthy and looking natural.
