Hair Loss Treatments

This section contains a range of information about treating hair loss. Hair loss can be upsetting, embarrassing or distressing but in most cases it is a temporary state of affairs. It often resolves itself without need for intervention but more serious cases such as permanent hair loss require some form of treatment.

But the question is which treatment is right for you?

Treatment for hair loss ranges from vitamin supplements and scalp massage through to electric pulse treatment, infra red light treatment and hair transplant surgery.

Your first step however, is deciding when to get help for this condition. Many people assume that hair loss is a natural part of growing older and that very little can be done about it. In others, you should let nature take its course.

But, hair loss can be caused by any number of things which include side effects from medication, an underlying illness or disease, a hormonal change or a reaction to a hair product.

Hair loss that occurs because of hereditary reasons, for example your father and grandfather went bald so you will go bald as well is a natural condition which cannot be ‘cured’.

But hair which is lost for any other reason apart from a genetic predisposition needs to be explored further. And this means arranging an appointment with your GP to see if there is an underlying cause.

Your doctor will run through the various causes of hair loss before determining which will resolve themselves and those that require medical treatment.

Speak to your GP even if you feel that your hair loss is harmless or likely to return to normal. He or she will examine your hair and arrange tests if necessary. Once this has been done he/she can then recommend a course of treatment.

Another option is to see a trichologist. A trichologist is a specialist in all things to do with the hair and scalp who has deeper knowledge and understanding about hair loss. You will have to pay for this consultation on a private basis but you will get an hour of personal experience and advice about your complaint.

This is not meant to be disrespectful to your GP but he/she has limited time to spend with patients due to the myriad of problems they present whereas a trichologist concentrates on just the one area.

Another option is to look for a private clinic but be careful as to which one you choose. There are several clinics out there who claim tot have the perfect cure for hair loss but without much evidence to support these claims.

For some people there is no cure for their hair loss which means adopting a philosophical approach to it. You either leave things as they are as people will have to accept you as you are irrespective of your hair; look at ways of reducing any further loss or go for a totally new look and shave off the remaining hair.

Hair loss which doesn’t require treatment

If you have inherited the gene for baldness (male pattern baldness) then medical treatment is not applicable as this form of hair loss is permanent. The only options open to you include wigs or opting to go completely bald.

But if your baldness is a form of alopecia such as androgenetic alopecia which has occurred as a result of an auto-immune disease or some other cause then there are treatments available to you (see next section)

Hair loss following childbirth is a natural reaction to hormonal changes in the body and tends to re-grow once things have settled down. This can take up to 6 months but women usually experience new hair growth after this period of time.

This is a temporary issue that usually resolves itself without medical help.

Hair loss which requires treatment

Androgenetic alopecia can be treated either by hair transplant surgery, a wig or toupee or hair restoration treatment.

If your hair loss is caused by hair products such as gels or sprays then your best bet is to stop using these products until your hair has had chance to heal and then re-grow.

Hair loss that occurs due to a thyroid condition, infection or anaemia requires further investigation and treatment.

Other causes of hair loss such as stress, medications, chemotherapy or extreme dieting will also require medical help. In some cases your GP can switch you to another form of medicine or a lower dose thyroid drug if they are causing your problem. He/she will advise you to change your diet by including foods which are still healthy but packed with vitamins and minerals to boost your hair growth. He/she will also ask you about your medical history and lifestyle in general and may advise you to make a few changes. For example, stopping smoking, minimising alcohol intake or taking some exercise.

And, if you are fit and healthy with no previous hair loss problems but suddenly notice that your hair has thinned or is falling out then see your GP.

Learn more about hair loss treatments…

Hair Loss treatments Guide Index:

• Treatment for hair loss
• Scalp massage for hair loss
• Wigs for hair loss
• Medicine for hair loss
• Infra-red and Ultra-violet light treatments for hair loss

• Electrical pulse treatment for hair loss
• Hair transplant surgery for hair loss
• Other surgery for hair loss
• Future treatment for hair loss