What to do against hair loss?

Hair loss is common; in Germany, around 80 per cent of men are affected by hereditary hair loss. But women can lose their hair, too. Fortunately, a lot can be done today to prevent hair loss. First, it is essential to find the cause of the symptoms. Appropriate treatment can then be carried out. The active ingredients finasteride or minoxidil are often used. Attempts are also often made to use home remedies to combat hair loss. However, it has yet to be scientifically proven that these are effective.

Types of hair loss in men and women

When it comes to hair loss, a distinction must be made between different forms.

The most common is genetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). It mainly occurs in men. The cause is increased sensitivity to the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Typically, receding hairlines form first, and later, there is also hair loss in the tonsure area.

In diffuse hair loss, the hair becomes thinner all over the head. Possible causes include:

• mental stress
• nutrient deficiency
• hormonal imbalances or changes
• iron deficiency
• metabolic disorders
• taking certain medications

In the case of circular hair loss  (alopecia areata), circular bald spots form on various parts of the head. The cause is an autoimmune reaction of the body against the hair follicles.

 

shampoos, tablets and hair tonics

If you are losing your hair, consult a dermatologist first. He can determine the cause and, if necessary, recommend a suitable therapy against hair loss. If, for example, a nutrient deficiency is the cause, the symptoms can be treated relatively quickly and without complications.

If the hair loss is genetic, various treatment methods are available. In most cases, however, the medication must be used longer before achieving a result. In addition, the hair loss can only be stopped by the means, but not eliminated. If the medication is stopped, the hair loss usually returns.

Finasteride stops hair loss.

Finasteride is an active ingredient that was initially used to treat benign prostate enlargement. Since some patients’ hair growth improved after taking it, their preparations against hair loss were then developed.

Finasteride prevents DHT from being converted into its active form by blocking the responsible enzyme. Since hereditary hair loss is due to an increasing sensitivity to DHT, hair loss can be stopped this way. Sometimes, the leading hair even thickens again through the remedy.

 

Minoxidil and 17α-Estradiol for hair loss

Like finasteride, minoxidil was not initially used to treat hair loss but to treat high blood pressure. When increased hair growth was discovered as a side effect, proprietary preparations against hair loss were also developed. The remedy is applied directly to the scalp as a tincture – tablets with minoxidil are only suitable for treating high blood pressure.

Products with 17α-estradiol can be used in both men and women against hereditary hair loss. Like finasteride, the active ingredient ensures that testosterone is not converted into DHT. 17α-Estradiol is mainly used in hair tinctures; possible side effects are itching and skin reddening.

What to do against circular and diffuse hair loss?

In the case of diffuse hair loss, it is essential to find the cause of the symptoms and to treat them. For example, if a thyroid disorder causes hair loss, this disorder must be treated. The same applies to other causes, such as nutrient deficiency or psychological stress.

In the case of circular hair loss, the hair follicles remain intact in contrast to hereditary hair loss. This makes it possible to reverse the hair loss process. However, the therapy in this area has yet to mature. In mild cases, zinc and glucocorticoids can help alleviate the symptoms.

Home remedies for hair loss

Various home remedies are said to stop hair loss. However, most of these methods have yet to be scientifically proven. You can still try whether one of the following home remedies will help you.

• Zink
• Bockshornklee
• Spirulina Algae

In addition to taking these remedies, washing your hair regularly with coconut oil should also be helpful. But remember to wash out the oil thoroughly afterwards. Garlic juice and a mixture of sage and apple cider vinegar are also said to stimulate hair growth.

 

Hair transplant and toupee

In the case of hereditary hair loss, a hair transplant can counteract the hair loss. Since the hair follicles at the back of the head are insensitive to testosterone, pieces of tissue are transferred from the back to the bald areas. However, such an intervention is often relatively expensive. In addition, the result is sometimes less natural than when the original hair is prevented from falling out with minoxidil or finasteride.

 If a hair transplant is not an option, you can also consider making an artificial hair replacement. Wigs and hairpieces are of good quality these days – you can swim in some.

If a wig and hairpiece are out of the question for you, a short haircut can also help to conceal the hair loss.