People are extremely particular where their hair is concerned. You may have heard that Queen Victoria drank silver birch wine made from sap because she believed it would cure her baldness. After all, who do not love their tresses. Hair is one of the most valuable assets that we have. However, due to a number of factors we tend to lose hair which give sleepless nights to many. Hair loss is usually referred to aging. Surprisingly, nowadays, hair loss issues are mostly reported among men in their early 20s and 30s. This is disturbing. Owing to the concern among people, many hair loss treatments emerged in the market; but does these treatments actually work? If yes, how do hair loss treatments work? Well, these are some common questions that may pop-up in your mind. Read further to explore the answer.

Pharmaceuticals

Among the list of drugs made, only two pharmaceutical drugs have been clinically proven to treat hair loss and are currently licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment for male pattern baldness. Generically they are known as Minoxidil and Finasteride.

• Minoxidil (Rogaine) – Marketed as Rogaine, minoxidil was the first drug approved by the FDA for male pattern baldness. It is a topical medication applied directly to the scalp available over the counter and thus does not require a prescription is know as the hair loss treatment that works. Minoxidil applied to the scalp is used to stimulate hair growth in adult men and women with a certain type of baldness. The exact way that this medicine works is unknown.

• Finasteride (Proscar/Propecia) – Finasteride is the generic name for the pill commonly marketed as Proscar or Propecia. Finasteride has been available as a treatment for male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by inhibiting an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the androgen hormone that’s responsible for shrinking hair follicle cells, leading to male pattern baldness.

Surgery

When it comes to permanent hair loss, surgical procedures can help you to get a full head of hair.

• Hair transplants – This is a surgical procedure wherein, tiny plugs of skin are removed each containing a few hairs from the back or sides of your scalp. The plugs are then implanted into the bald sections of your scalp. More than one sessions may be needed in this method.

• Scalp reduction – This procedure surgically removes some of the bald skin on your head. After hairless scalp is removed, the space is closed with hair-covered scalp. Doctors can also fold hair-bearing skin over an area of bald skin in a scalp reduction technique called a flap.

Apart from surgical procedures, one can take aid from wigs and hair accessories in order to cover the bald patches and add volume to the thinning condition.

Wigs and hairpieces

People who do not wish to go under knife can opt for alternatives like wigs and hair extensions. Though they are not exactly a permanent solution,but still a hairpiece is still a popular choice among men for managing hair loss. The advantages are clear: It is fairly inexpensive compared to surgery and has little to no side effects.

• Hair extensions – Hair extensions can do wonders in enhancing your appearance by adding length and volume to your tresses. People who wish to have long hair for some instances, but do not wish to stick to the permanency can opt for extensions. Made out of human hair, this hair piece perfectly blends with your original hair giving them a natural look and feel. You can use them a number of times without professionals assistance.

• Lace Wigs – Wigs emerged decades ago as a rescuer for many men and women with hair loss problems. You will find high-quality lace wigs available at affordable rates. Choose a wig according to your hair type, hair color and most importantly budget.

Tips for maintaining healthy hair

• Include bananas, beans/chickpeas, potatoes, chicken breast, oatmeal and roast beef in your diet. Vitamin B boosts the production of hemoglobin, which helps the scalp receive enough oxygen to stay healthy and promote hair growth.
• Folic acid – Found in lentils, beans/chickpeas, peas, papaya and asparagus, folic acid contributes to natural hair regrowth.
• Vitamin E helps blood circulate to the scalp and improve hair growth, can be found in most almonds, safflower oil, cereals, corn oil, and soybean oil.
• Eat kiwi fruit, red peppers, oranges and guava for Vitamin C as it is required for a healthy development of collagen, which is necessary for growing strong hair.
• Exercising daily improves circulation throughout your body, including your scalp, which can result in faster hair growth. Be sure to get your heart pumping at least 3 to 4 times each week.