Firstly, we’ll start by saying that hair loss is normal! According to the NHS, every day we lose between 50-100 hairs. This sounds scary, but it’s normally not noticeable and is no cause for concern.
However, if you appear to be losing more hair than you’d like, you might be suffering from hair loss. If you think you might be affected by hair loss, read on.
Help, I’m losing my hair!
If you think you might be losing your hair, firstly – don’t panic. Hair loss affects men and women of all ages. According to statistics, 85% of men are affected by male pattern baldness and 40% of women over 70 years old also experience the same.
Luckily, there are plenty of hair loss treatments that you can explore, if you wish.
What hair loss treatment options are available?
Propecia
One of the best hair loss treatments is Propecia. Containing the active ingredient Finasteride, this hair loss treatment is designed to encourage hair growth on your head, without affecting other body parts. Propecia works by blocking DHT and reducing the hormone levels responsible for male pattern balding.
However, this treatment is only available for men and should be kept away from pregnant women.
Minoxidil
If you’re a woman suffering from hair loss, you might wish to explore minoxidil. This scientifically proven treatment comes in lotion form and helps to slow or stop balding entirely. Many women also report that their hair feels thicker and stronger because of this type of treatment.
Steroid injections and creams
If you aren’t experiencing results with Propecia or minoxidil, you might wish to try steroid injections or creams. This is where steroids are applied to bald patches to stimulate hair growth.
Hair transplant
In more serious cases, hair transplants might be a viable option. During a hair transplant, hair is moved from one area of the body to a much thinner area. However, this is major surgery so should not be considered lightly.
It’s also important to know that most hair loss treatments are only available privately, so you should only seek treatment if you can afford to do so.
Natural treatments
If you don’t wish to pursue medication which come with side effects, you can also look at natural treatments for hair loss. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals is important for hair health, as well as avoiding stress which can lead to excessive shedding.
Also, if possible try to avoid smoking and limit your alcohol intake. Additionally, some vitamins and minerals are thought to have an impact on hair growth. Other natural treatments include scalp massages and yoga.
It’s important to remember that hair loss is a natural occurrence and, in many cases, there’s no need for medical intervention. However, if you feel like your hair loss is getting out of control or affecting your self-esteem, it’s worth exploring the various treatment options available.
How to decide on the right hair loss treatment option for you?
If hair loss is affecting your confidence and self-esteem, the good news is that there are plenty of treatments out there to help. But, hair loss treatment is a big decision that isn’t to be taken lightly. So, it’s crucial to seek medical advice from your GP before you decide on your treatment.
They’ll be able to advise you as to whether hair loss treatment is a viable route. Some treatments are only available to men and not women, and vice versa, so your GP can advise on the most suitable treatment.
Don’t let hair loss affect your confidence – speak with your GP and get the ball rolling.
