What Is the Best Way to Prevent Hair Loss?

Approximately 35 million men and 21 million women are affected by some of form of hair loss. Luckily, there are measures that can be taken to slow hair loss and, in some cases, stop it altogether.

Significance

• Approximately 40% of men experience hair loss by the age of 35. Approximately 60% of women experience noticeable thinning of the hair around 60.

Function

• Although there is no current cure for hair loss, there are ways to at least slow the process:

  Minoxidil is worked into the scalp 1 to 2 times a day. The main ingredient in Rogaine, Minoxidil has been shown to work in approximately 40% of men.

  Finasteride, also known Propecia, comes in a pill form and has been known to slow hair loss, and in cases, stop it altogether. Although Finasterid encourages prostate health in men, there are also a lot of side effects and women are instructed not to use it. There is a website attached with more information.

  Dutasteride, also commonly known as Avodart, is a drug designed to treat prostate enlargement. Like Propecia, Dutasteride comes in a pill form.

  Shampoos are enriched with herbals and extracts that are supposed to slow hair loss. One of the most common is called Nioxin.

Prevention/Solution

• Other than the topical treatments and pills designed for hair loss, here are some other practical ways to avoid hair loss.

  Improve diet. Eating deep fried and greasy foods has been known to cause bad skin and poor hair growth. The diet should be low in saturated fats and processed foods. In lieu of these, use fats that promote hair growth and help skin tone. Examples include olive oil, coconut oil, flax seed oil and hemp oil.

  Keep stress to a minimum. Stress causes a compromised immunity which can lead to illness. If treated with antibiotics, hair loss may occur. The American Hair Loss Association cited Accutane, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Tagamt, Pepcid and Zantac as being contributors to hair loss.

Considerations

• Rogaine, Propecia and Avodart usually take up to 3 months to start showing results. After use has stopped, the hair will start to fall out again.

  These products are not cheap. Rogaine products range in price from $23 to $50 for the extra strength formulas.

  A prescription is needed for Propecia and Avodart and can range in price from $38 to $150 depending on the milligrams and quantity.

Misconceptions

• Myths about hair loss include: Brushing hair does not stimulate hair growth; excessive brushing causes hair loss; hair spray, dyes and colorings do not cause hair loss; hair loss is caused by genetics. None of these are correct.

Effects

• The main side effect cited for Propecia and Avodart is a lower libido response. Also, pregnant women should not even touch an exposed pill as key ingredients can pass through the skin and cause birth defects.

  Rogaine only has minor side effects such as dry, itchy scalp. It has also been known to cause hair growth on the forehead and face of women.