I’m Experiencing Hair Loss – What Are My Options?

Hair loss can affect the scalp or the entire body. Genetic factors usually cause it, but it can also become an issue with medical conditions, medications, and other factors. 

Hair loss can affect both men and women of all ages. It can be a very emotionally distressing experience, as hair is often seen as a symbol of youth and beauty. There are many different causes of hair loss, but the most common form is male pattern baldness, which affects around half of all men by the age of 50. 

In men, hair loss starts with a receding hairline at the temples followed by thinning on the top of the head. The pattern of hair loss in men is different from that in women. Women experience diffuse thinning over their entire scalp. Hair loss in men is often treatable, but it can be permanent. 

Other common causes include alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss), stress-related telogen effluvium (a temporary form of shedding caused by physical or emotional stressors), and anagen effluvium (hair loss that occurs during the growth phase). Hair loss is a common problem that affects men of all ages. While it is most associated with aging and some other possible causes. Causes of hair loss can be genetic. Certain medical conditions and even some medications can cause hair loss. Several treatment options are available, but not all are effective for everyone. 

There are various treatments available for hair loss.

The first step in treating hair loss is to identify the underlying cause. If it is medication-related or due to a medical condition, it may be possible to stop the hair loss. Either by changing medications or treating the underlying condition. Genetic causes are possible too. 

In some cases, surgery may also be an option. Several non-surgical treatments can help improve the appearance of thinning hair or baldness. These include Rogaine (minoxidil), Propecia (finasteride), and laser therapy. Rogaine works by increasing blood flow to the scalp promoting new hair growth. Propecia works by reducing DHT levels in the scalp. It must be taken daily for life to keep its effects. 

Laser therapy

Laser therapy uses low-level lasers to stimulate new hair growth.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a light-based treatment to promote hair growth. 

The lasers used in LLLT emit low levels of energy, which the cells in your scalp absorb. This stimulation causes an increase in blood flow and metabolism, which can lead to new hair growth. Many sessions for the best results! LLLT is a new treatment for hair loss. Some studies have shown that LLLT can be an effective treatment for both male and female pattern baldness. 

Surgical options

Surgical options for treating hair loss include Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).

FUT involves taking a strip of skin from another area of your body and implanting it into your scalp. This method requires a longer recovery time than FUE but has higher graft survival rates. 

FUE involves removing each graft from your donor area one at a time and then transplanting it into your desired location on your head. 

Other less invasive options are available:

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment uses your body’s growth factors in plasma to stimulate new hair growth. PRP is collected from your blood. The procedure is 100% natural with minimal risk of allergic reaction or rejection. This is another one of the more promising hair restoration treatments options available.

Microneedling is a treatment to improve the appearance of the skin. Using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin helps stimulate collagen production and to promote healing. Microneedling can treat a variety of concerns, including wrinkles, scars, and hair loss.

Growth factors are proteins that play an important role in regulating cell growth and differentiation. They are involved in wound healing and tissue regeneration and they have been shown to promote hair growth. When applied, growth factors can help to stimulate hair follicles and promote new hair growth.

If you’re experiencing any signs of hair loss, reach out to a professional, such as HPI Hair Partners to get a professional opinion.