Your hair is your accessory.’
‘ Life is too short to have boring hair.’
‘My mood relies on how good my hair looks.
I’m sure you’ve come across such quotes about hair. And, as much as they’re not intended to hurt anyone struggling with hair loss, if you are one, you’ll feel some way, right?
Hair loss can often induce feelings of vulnerability and shame. The cause of hair loss and baldness varies from medical treatments like chemotherapy to having a stressful lifestyle.
Researchers found that approximately 80 million people experience baldness or hair loss in the United States, meaning this condition is faaar from rare. But the good news is, “You don’t have to sit back and accept your fate regarding hair loss.”
Many hair loss treatments are available for men and women today, but here are the top seven solutions that will give you the results you’re after.
1. Hair Restoration Surgery
Hair restoration surgery is at the top of our list because it is the only permanent solution for hair loss. Do note that hair loss is progressive. Even grafts will thin out with time, especially in individuals with severe hair loss cases, such as those that hit Norwood Class six at 30. Hence, you’ll need maintenance therapy after surgery to preserve your desired thickness for longer.
The latest, most efficient, though more technical, hair transplant surgery is FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). This technique results in tiny dot scars, which are almost unnoticeable if you use Dr. Cole’s advanced form of FUE hair transplant (CIT or Cole Isolation Technique). CIT also has the benefit of avoiding issues like traction alopecia that tend to rise with older FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) treatments.
You should be careful right after the procedure to ensure the hair transplants take root and thrive. Once your doctor gives you the “OK,” you can start treating your hair just like normal, including styling, combing, shampooing, and all other aspects of a typical daily hair care routine.
2. Hair Loss Concealers
Hair loss concealers, as the name suggests, are methods of strategically hiding hair loss. This isn’t really a hair loss treatment but rather an aesthetic choice to cover up thinning. You’ll need some hair, as these conceals won’t work if you’re totally bald.
Obviously, the concealer method will not help you stop or prevent further hair loss, But it will help bolster your confidence for a date or at the office.
The most popular method is fiber concealers, but there are also powder-based and liquid-based concealers. Fiber concealers work by adding small fibers to the head to fill out a balding spot and make it look fuller. Powder and liquid-based concealers work by changing the color of the balding areas to make them less obvious.
If you decide to use a hair concealer, consider waterproof products. Waterproof concealers allow you to shower or swim while preserving some of the concealer’s influence after water contact. Do remember that shampoos can easily remove many waterproof concealers. Also, use hair spray during windy days to prevent fiber concealers from blowing out.
3. Hair Replacement Systems
Hair replacement systems are semi-permanent synthetic wigs taped to the scalp to hide baldness. Unlike traditional human hair wigs that require regular removal, these non-surgical hair replacements allow you to wear them continuously for a month to six months.
Though not as popular today as in the 1980s and ‘90s, hair replacement systems (hair integration or hair bonding) are still a common way to conceal hair loss. Back then, people preferred to use the term “system” instead of wig, as they viewed the latter as ridiculous. But, hair systems in the ‘80s and ’90s often involved plugs and reductions that looked unnatural.
Fortunately, wigs and other synthetic hair have come a long way over the years. They’re lighter and look much more realistic today. Additionally, they don’t have the same stigma as before, thanks to celebrities and social media influencers popularizing them on their platforms.
Unlike surgeries, hair systems require regular replacements and maintenance as they build up odor with time. Also, if you swim or stay under the sun often, they tend to fade and won’t look as appealing as when first taped.
4. Medical Therapies
Medical therapies are a form of hair restoration technique that utilizes products to help slow down or prevent further hair loss and may even regrow hair in some people. Like concealers, you need some hair for these to work. The two best-known medical therapies are Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Propecia (Finasteride).
Rogaine is an over-the-counter topical solution that comes as shampoo, liquid, or foam. It is most effective for those under age 40 and only works for about 40% of users. Women need to apply it once daily, while men do it twice. Researchers only studied its performance for hair loss on the crown and back of the head. That’s why you’ll see it indicated for these areas. However, Minoxidil also works for other areas, including the top, front, and middle.
Propecia (generically available as finasteride) is a medication that must be prescribed by your doctor. Since it’s now available as finasteride, you can take it orally or apply it topically. Although not everyone responds to topical finasteride, those who do show better results than oral takers in most instances.
Note: Women or children should never take Propecia!
Other oral hair loss medicines include dutasteride (Avodart) and spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone).
Since these therapies rely on pharmaceuticals, most have side effects. The most common ones include libido reduction, inability to get or maintain an erection, less semen, and male breast enlargement (gynecomastia).
5. Cell-Based Therapies
These therapies use cells, predominantly the patient’s (autologous), although there are off-the-shelf versions. The most common type of cell-based therapy is Platelet-Rich plasma (PRP). Most physicians take the cheap route with PRP, resulting in unsuccessful therapies. For PRP to be effective, you need more platelets to achieve the appropriate concertation of growth factors.
Alternatively, you can use adipose or bone marrow stem cells. This process involves extracting your bone marrow and processing it into a cell-based solution by removing fat globules. The results are a cell-based stem cell solution with cytokines and growth factors. While similar to PRP in many ways, these stem cells often have a longer-lasting effect. In fact, when fat gets used for facial rejuvenation, results keep improving up to three years post-treatment.
Cell-based therapies should be repeated every six to nine months. We recommend six months to be safe.
6. Natural Treatments for Hair Loss (Mechanical Therapies)
Some alternative methods of treating hair loss have grown in popularity in the West over the past few decades. One such method is acupuncture, which we don’t think is effective. Still, some suggest it may help with hair loss, especially alopecia areata.
Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss that occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys hair follicles. Although further research is needed, most proponents believe acupuncture helps treat this condition by promoting proper blood circulation and decreasing inflammation.
Other natural therapies for hair loss include microneedling and ultrasonic treatments. Ultrasonic treatments stimulate the hair follicle, induce neo-genesis, and increase the size of the dermal papilla. Ultrasonic delivery systems allow the relaying of hair growth factors, vitamins, and minerals that stimulate follicles.
The most common natural medications for hair loss are Viva Scalp and Nutrafol. Both of these two have marine-based/fish-based collagen. That’s because collagen from fish and land mammals differs slightly. For some reason, fish-based collagen seems better suited for hair follicle stimulation. Collagen makes up 80% of human skin, which is where we typically find hair follicles. As such, this fish-based collagen seems to play a role in hair follicle formation. Saw palmetto, a DHT blocker, is also another popular natural remedy.
When experiencing hair loss, it is important to be mindful of the products you use on your hair and scalp. It is important to avoid shampoos and hair care products with harsh ingredients, such as the sodium lauryl sulfate found in many shampoos on the market today. Hair Cycle is a physician-formulated line created specifically for hair loss and hair transplant patients. They have a full line, including shampoo, conditioner, volume hair spray, texture gel, post-biotin spray, and post-surgical gel. These products are as gentle as a baby shampoo yet effective enough for adult use. Hair Cycle products can be purchased online at the Hair Cycle Store.
7. Hair Multiplication & Hair Cloning
The best way to solve hair loss is to reactive dormant hair follicles. You don’t lose these dormant follicles; they simply grow too small to see, and you can reactivate them again. At FoHair, we’ve had some success in follicle regeneration, a form of hair multiplication in the donor area, using an extracellular matrix. After we perform an FUE and apply the extracellular matrix, we’ve seen one to three follicles growing back in the donor area.
Our proprietary protocol allows for precise identification and conditioning of the donor area. This boosted accuracy has shown better success in hair regeneration than ever before.
As for hair cloning, experts have been saying this is only five years to a decade away since 30 years ago. While we are a long way in humans, studies have shown some success in mice hair cloning. Hair cloning is a complex process that relies on the interaction of the endoderm and the ectoderm. Scientists are still figuring out the exact location and sequence to deliver a protein and facilitate the complete formation of a hair follicle.
Frequently Asked Questions on Hairloss Treatments & Options
Can hair loss be reversed?
Yes, in some instances, you can reverse hair loss if you take the necessary action quickly. For example, if your hair loss was caused by medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, the hair loss should stop after treatment. However, regrowth can take up to six months and may grow back differently than it did before chemotherapy.
Other types of hair loss are also reversible, including alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the hair follicles. While some people experience unaided regeneration, there’s no guarantee that your hair will grow back without medical assistance. However, in most instances, the hair will regrow after applying topical hair loss treatments or steroid injections.
Can hair grow back after thinning?
If hair loss is caused by a reversible or treatable condition, it can grow back after thinning. However, many conditions are not treatable and can’t be reversed, meaning hair thinning will only continue to worsen without treatment. One condition that can cause permanent hair loss is scarring (cicatricial) alopecia.
What causes hair loss?
The causes of hair loss are multifaceted but can include vitamin deficiencies, stress, medical conditions, and bad fungal infections. For example, although rare, some patients experience an intense form of ringworm called Tinea Capitis, which can destroy hair follicles.
Also, if you undergo highly stressful situations, you might experience hair loss (Telogen effluvium). This hair loss typically begins at the top of the head. Hair loss can also be caused by something as simple as aging, which we all go through. As we age, our body loses its ability to grow new hair and replace the hair we lose on a daily basis, leading to thinning hair and balding.
Can vitamin deficiencies cause hair loss?
Yes. Hair loss can result from a vitamin deficiency. This is especially true for those who have a vitamin b-12 deficiency. People can also see hair loss if they aren’t eating enough during the day and thus suffer from a vitamin and nutrient deficiency.
Will biotin help hair grow?
In some instances, biotin will help in stimulate hair growth; however, there isn’t significant evidence that supplements will increase hair growth. In other words, if you aren’t eating a balanced diet and suffer from a biotin and keratin deficiency, you may experience hair loss. By improving your diet, you may be able to reverse the hair loss. However, there doesn’t seem to be ample evidence that taking a biotin supplement will reverse your hair loss.
When it comes to hair loss… Action. Is. Key. The sooner you take action and speak to a professional, the more likely you are to keep a full head of hair. Fortunately, Forhair has a team of highly trained professionals waiting to help you take the first steps to keep your hair for the future.
At Forhair, we offer surgical, stem cell, and other advanced technological treatments that can help you preserve a youthful and vibrant head of hair. Give us a call today to schedule a free online consultation.
