Regain Hair Loss
Hair loss or alopecia is a common condition that results in gradual thinning of hair, leading up to complete baldness. There are many causes of hair loss, including hormonal or biochemical changes, physical damage to the scalp, fungal infections, adverse reaction to medications (such as chemotherapy), and side effects of certain diseases. A small number of cases have been reported where alopecia has been caused due to sudden stress or emotional turmoil. In all cases, a dermatologist will need to diagnose the root cause of alopecia before any treatment can be suggested. In general however, it has been found that it is easier to slow down or stop the process of hair loss in most patients than attempt any re-growth in areas that are already bald.
In men, the most common type of hair loss is androgenic alopecia, which is also called male pattern baldness. It causes characteristic loss of hair starting with the forehead and top of the head in more than half of adult males. The cause of this type of alopecia is linked to the presence of free testosterone, which is acted upon by certain enzymes to form dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This DHT then binds to hair follicles (roots), preventing normal hair growth and leading to baldness. Recently the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has approved topical products containing minoxidil and finasteride for treatment of androgenic alopecia. While the exact nature of their effect is unclear, medical studies show that both these drugs show significant results in halting hair loss and promoting new hair growth in affected areas. Minoxidil is also used for alopecia areata, a type of hair loss more commonly observed in women. This type causes hair loss in small patches in all parts of the body, sometimes even leading to complete hairlessness. However, almost 50% of patients regain all hair without any treatment.
In natural remedies, hair massages with essential oils of primrose and flaxseed can help due to high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are required for healthy hair. Regular aerobic exercise and a healthy diet also help in reducing levels of free testosterone, which can benefit patients with androgenic alopecia. In hair loss cases linked to a fungal infection of the scalp, a daily rinse with tea tree oil solution can clean up the infection, stopping the hair loss. If the hair loss is severe, cosmetic procedures such as hair transplantation can insert healthy hair follicles in bald areas.