Webster's Dictionary defines baldness as, "lacking a natural or usual covering". But our society often defines baldness as an annoying and shameful nuisance that gives some grown men and women the inclination to take drastic measures to remedy their increasingly shiny craniums. What causes baldness to occur? How can the Homer Simpsons of the world find a remedy for hair loss that works?
First we must discover the reasons for hair loss. There are as many causes for hair loss as there are choices of cereal at the grocery store, and many of those reasons are related closely to our diet. In our extremely hurried lifestyles, our diets are often low in quality protein, iron and essential vitamins needed to maintain healthy tresses. Other reasons for hair loss that are not diet-related may include hormonal or thyroid changes; fungal or bacterial scalp infections like ringworm; certain side effects of (often necessary) medications such as chemotherapy or blood thinners; diseases such as lupus and diabetes; and various much-loved chemical or heat-related treatments including bleaching, dying, straightening, and the infamous permanent wave.
As if these aren't enough, there are many more physical and even emotional reasons for hair loss. You can thank genetics for passing down the most common cause of hair loss, male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is believed by many to be an inherited adverse reaction by the hair follicles to shrink in response to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone formed by the metabolism of testosterone. Additional causes can be related to high fevers, certain autoimmune diseases, certain surgeries, sudden or excessive weight loss or weight gain, physical damage or scarring to the scalp, childbirth, allergies, stress, depression, and even pulling pony-tails too tightly..
With all of the causes of hair loss, you may wonder where to start. The first word of advice is to visit your physician before beginning any sort of treatment. If your hair loss is related to an infection or serious disease, only your doctor can tell you specifically which medical treatment is appropriate. The doctor may also refer you to a Dermatologist (an MD specializing in skin diseases) or a Trichologist, someone who focuses on hair and scalp health but who may not necessarily be an MD.
It's a lot easier to keep the healthy hair you have than to re-grow it once it's lost. There are only two drug therapies in the U.S. that are approved by the FDA and sold as a remedy for hair loss. Topically applied "Minoxidil," sold under the brand name Rogaine�, is available without a prescription. While it is proven to re-grow hair in men or women, continuous use is required for growth to be maintained. The second therapy, "Finasteride," comes in pill form under the brand name Propecia�, and this prescription is for men only.
You don't want to go the drug route? Try these simpler and far less costly suggestions.
- Take it easy on your hair! Perms went out of style with the 80's, so lighten up on the heat and chemicals. This includes blow-drying, curling irons, hot rollers, tightly woven braids or corn rows, chemical straightening, tints or dyes, or even ponytails
.
- Take you parents' advice and take a daily multi-vitamin with extra B-complex and iron. The stress of daily life and our often-hurried dinner habits leave plenty to be desired, and that daily boost of nutrients could be all that you need.
- Many salons recommend the Nioxin� system of shampoos, scalp treatments and conditioners, but it is intended to lessen the appearance of thinning hair, not to specifically treat hair loss. Reviews vary, but are generally on the very positive side.
- Eat well land exercise; consume a diet rich in protein, whole grains and Omega-3 fatty acids; drink plenty of water so that your hair stays hydrated.
Scientific advances have been made in hair transplant therapy, and scientists are even toying with the effects of gene therapy as a cure. Regardless of the method you choose, you and your doctor can work on a remedy for hair loss together so that you don't have to go to next year's Halloween party dressed, once again, as Vin Diesel.
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