Hair Loss Medications and Cures
Before hair loss remedies there were only two choices: walk around bald or wear a wig. Now medications are on the market which claim to regenerate hair growth. Do hair loss remedies really work? How long do you have to try them before you can tell? These are normal questions for someone who is going bald and thinking of trying some of today's remedies.
Rogaine, one of the leading claimers of hair regrowth, was accidentally discovered while being used as a medicine for high blood pressure. Doctors noticed that those taking Rogaine were displaying thicker, healthier-looking hair. Other medications, like Propecia, were specifically developed to interfere with the way testosterone affects the hair follicle as men get older, allowing the hair to grow again.
Of those who have tried the current products on the market many report no change but the products must be used for a length of time. If you're considering a hair regrowth product don't stop using it after a couple of months. A year is a better goal, using it as directions advise. It's a good idea to have a realistic viewpoint of what can be done for your hair loss problem. Applying ointments to the scalp, specifically formulated to regrow hair, will help somewhat but your hair will probably never look as full and thick as it did when you were younger.
Hair plugs, another hair loss solution are expensive and complicated but work well. Surgery is performed, while the patient is awake, to transplant some of the hair. The lower back of the head is numbed and a strip of hair is taken from the area. The hair, with skin and follicles, is then surgically placed in other areas, a few hairs in each spot. Something similar is done when people are burned and must have skin grafts. The skin, removed from a different area, is surgically put in place and begins to grow in that area. The procedure can take 8 hours or more but is not painful after the anesthetic is applied.
Although baldness is usually inherited some medications can slow or stop the patient from going completely bald but must be administered on a schedule. Skipping treatments is not advisable while taking the topical medications.
People who have no baldness in their family, or women who are showing some signs of losing hair, may find it beneficial to follow certain regimens. Taking vitamins, eating right and drinking plenty of water is helpful. In addition, avoid showers since the water pounds down on top of the head; lean head over a sink and use sprayer or large cup. Don't wear headbands with "teeth", wash hair every-other-day rather than daily if possible, and use a soft brush rather than combs or hard-bristled brushes. Brush long hair from the ends up instead of from the scalp downwards.
If you see that hair loss continues try over-the-counter, topical ointments for help. Remember to stay on a schedule with the medications and to continue the schedule for 9 months to a year. If new hair growth is seen continue the use of the ointments. If not, speak to your doctor about other possible solutions.
