Hair Growth & Chemicals

According to a study conducted by Wakefield Research institute, approximately 40 percent of men and 25 percent of women in America are affected by problems with hair growth. In many cases, these hair growth issues are caused by chemical imbalances. Several chemicals are available to reverse these imbalances and encourage normal levels of hair growth.

Function

• The function of hair growth is regulated by various chemicals in the body. Hair is continuously changing, and old hair follicles are naturally replaced by new growth. There are three distinct stages of natural hair growth function. "Anagen" is the growing portion of the cycle, while "catagen" is the degradation or loss phase. Between these two phases is a resting phase called "telogen."

  Normally, there are more anagen growth phases than catagen degradation periods, and hair volume increases over time. In some cases, however, the natural function of hair growth can be disrupted by chemicals. These chemical influences can come from external sources, such as medication, or internal sources, such as hormone changes caused by aging. Often, additional chemicals are used to bring these imbalances back to normal.

Types

• There are several types of chemicals that can be used to increase hair growth. One of the most common types is "finasteride." This chemical is usually taken as a tablet. Finasteride works by inhibiting di-hydrotesterone (DHT) and encouraging natural testosterone levels. Di-hydrotestosterone is a potent form of testosterone that forces hair follicles to stay in the inactive catagen state. By keeping these DHT levels low, hair growth is allowed to continue at normal rates.

  Another type of chemical used to increase hair growth is called "minoxidil." This chemical is usually applied topically, as a shampoo or ointment. When minoxidil contacts the cells of the scalp, it dilates the blood vessels in this area. This dilation encourages nutrients and hormones to reach hair follicles and aides in hair growth.

Warnings

• The chemicals used to promote hair growth can cause several side effects if used improperly. Because finasteride changes hormone levels, it should not be used by women who are pregnant. Some users of finasteride have reported side effects such as changes in sex drive and mood swings.

  Minoxidil has several possible side effects as well. Care should be taken to apply the minoxidil chemical only on the scalp. Unwanted hair growth in other areas can occur if it is used excessively. In rare cases, repetitive use of the chemical has been linked to a drop in blood pressure. As with all chemical medicaitons, a physician should be consulted before a treatment begins.

Availability

• The availability of hair growth chemicals varies. Topical chemicals and shampoos containing minoxidil are usually available over the counter without a prescription. One of the most common brand names of this chemical is "Rogaine." This chemical can be found in drug stores and general retailers.

  Because chemicals such as finasteride are more potent and can cause significant complications if used improperly, a prescription from a doctor is usually required, and these products cannot be purchased over the counter. In the United States, finasteride is typically branded as "Propecia" and is available from most pharmacies.

Effectiveness

• Not all hair growth chemicals have the same effectiveness. A chemical that is effective on one individual may not be useful for somebody else. The hormone levels and specific condition of each person causes effectiveness to vary.

  Typically, topical chemicals such as finasteride are more effective for specific isolated areas of hair growth, while medications as finasteride work better for encouraging overall, uniform hair growth. Often, individuals achieve the best effects by combining these two chemical treatment types. In either case, however, hair growth usually slows once use of the products is discontinued.