Top Treatment Options for Hair Loss

The most common form of hair loss is known as male pattern baldness (MPB) and is considered to be a genetic issue. Because we know that MPB is caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a powerful hormone, many treatments have evolved over the years to combat its effect. Although hair loss is not curable, there are some ways to treat its symptoms.

Drug Therapy

There are currently 2 medications on the market for the treatment of hair loss.

Finasteride - This medication is marketed as Propecia. Finasteride is an oral drug known to inhibit the enzyme which converts free testosterone into DHT from doing so.

Minoxidil - Minoxidil, commercially called Rogaine, is a vasodilator. The drug was originally designed for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is currently unknown exactly how minoxidil works, but it’s speculated to increase the size of blood vessels to allow more oxygen and nutrients into the hair follicle. This assists the natural growth cycle, allowing new hair to grow, but must be applied on a regular basis to maintain the results.

Follicle Transplantation

This method is generally done as an outpatient procedure in which hair-producing follicles are removed and transplanted into areas where the hair follicles have stopped producing hair shafts.

Laser Therapy

By the use of photobiostimulation, some claim that low level laser therapy can actually stimulate hair growth. This has not been conclusively studied, however.

Hair Cloning

Known as hair multiplication, this procedure is still being researched as a potential treatment for hair loss. Due to the discovery of stem cells in hair follicles, researchers have been able to clone hair from normal follicles, replicate them and reintroduce them to areas where hair growth has been stunted. Preliminary studies show some success with this method; however, the full treatment can take years.

Alternative Medicines

Lifestyle changes as well as homeopathic treatments have been shown to help stimulate hair growth as well as preserve and nurture existing hair, giving the appearance of a thicker mane.
A diet rich in antioxidants, which promote overall cell health, has been effective in improving the condition of hair and its growth cycles. In addition, daily aerobic exercise helps to burn fat and reduces cholesterol: the substance from which the body converts testosterone to DHT.

Many essential oils such as olive, lavender and coconut oil, which have antiseptic and antioxidant properties, help to reduce inflammation, remove residue buildup around the base of the hair, and release sebum (our self-produced moisturizer) when massaged onto the scalp regularly.

Essential oils are one of the safest, most effective and natural ways to promote hair growth, prevent hair loss and generally improve hair health.