Health Articles » Hair Loss

Hair loss, receding hair line and baldness is something affecting many males, Kyle Brackinson takes a look up top.

The medical term for hair loss is alopecia of which the most common type is androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). As a rule of thumb Androgenetic alopecia affects between 50 and 80% of Caucasian men with it affecting 30% of men in their thirties, 40% of men in their forties right through to 80% of men in their 80's.

A first step with looking for a hair loss cure is to consult your medical practioner for correct diagnosis of the cause.

Current drug treatments include Propecia which contains finasteride. Coming in capsule form it aims to slow hair loss and improve hair growth. Recommendations say that results may take from 3-12 months to appear and if no improvements are found after 12 months that it would be unlikely that it would have any effects. Also once stopped taking Propecia it is also likely that any improvement gained would be lost.

Another drug treatment for hair loss is Rogaine which contains Minoxidil is a cream which is applied to the scalp twice daily. Rogaine works on reinvigorating shrunken hair follicles (doesn't work for bald areas) which increases their size and helps to regrow thicker hair over time. 12 months of use is recommended prior to evaluating the effects of treatment.

Laser Therapy is claimed to break up deposits of the hormone responsible for hair loss. It is also claimed that it stimulates the scalp and promotes blood circulation which may improve hair growth.

Hair transplant surgery is another treatment for hair loss usually resorted to when more conservative measures have failed. Hair transplants involves taking tiny plugs of skin, each containing one to several hairs, from the back or side of your scalp (or alternatively by donor) which are then implanted into the bald sections.



Remember the first step, to consult a professional. More resources:
Common Hair Loss Disorders
The American Academy of Family Physicians provides a document on common hair loss disorders.
Mayo Clinic - Hair loss
An Article from MayoClinic.com on Hair Loss.