(Losing one’s crowning glory can be extremely distressing – can you do anything about it?)

When you start losing hair, it usually takes some time to realize that the hair is not going to come back and that you are thinning. Some people get a receding hairline; others develop a bald patch in middle crown, while some people experience both simultaneously. More men than women suffer from hair loss.

Hair loss reasons

The single most important cause of hair loss is the genetic factor. If you have a history of baldness or thinning hair in the family, most likely, you will get it, too. In fact thinning hair can start as early as in the 20s. However, most people start losing hair in their 30s and 40s.

Other causes of hair loss (or aggravated hair loss) are:

* Stress
* Poor diet/nutritional deficiencies
* Pregnancy, childbirth or other hormonal factors
* Thyroid problems
* Lupus
* Diabetes
* Anti-seizure drugs
* Acyclovir (anti viral)
* Interferon
* Naporoxen
* Anti-depressants
* Accutane
* Chemotherapy
* Radiotherapy

In certain conditions, the hair loss is temporary and the hair will grow back. If you suspect some drug is the problem ask your doctor for a substitute.

Abusing the hair

Both men and women abuse their hair. While hair is very strong, it is also susceptible to damage. Among all the stuff that the hair undergoes, it is no wonder that it gets damaged and starts falling. You probably use one or more of the following – and this is not an exhaustive list:

* Hair dryers
* Hair products like gels, setting lotions, mousse and more
* Strong products like straighteners and permanents
* Hair colors
* Hair rollers and irons and crimpers
* Dreadlocks
* Fancy hairdos
* Hair spray
* Tight plaits or cornrows

So, what can you do to prevent hair loss?

If you have an underlying problem, try and correct it with the right medicine. If it is caused by hair abuse, treat your hair gently. Avoid using too much products in your hair and subjecting it to harsh chemicals and treatments. Use mild shampoos and conditioners and even when towel drying your hair, don’t rub it hard. Use a wide-toothed comb to comb wet hair. A once a week hot oil treatment or leaving oil in the hair overnight can do wonders for your hair and scalp.

Medicines like minoxidil, applied to the scalp can slow down baldness – so you need to start it early enough. Another medicine called finasteride, an oral drug for men, may also help, but it has to be taken under doctor’s advice.

Can baldness (alopecia) be treated?

Sometimes you can slow the onset of baldness. However, be careful, there are lots of scams regarding cures for baldness, most of them ineffective. When alopecia is due to genetic reasons, it is really not curable.

However, there are things you can do to have a full head of hair. Surgical hair transplant is one thing that can be done. Hair is transplanted from places where it is growing to places where it is not in small batches. This is time consuming and expensive. However, the hair ought not to fall out again, though you can develop other bald patches.

Scalp reduction is sometimes combined with hair transplant. In this procedure the bald skin is removed and the hair growing skin is stretched to cover the patch.

Hair weaving is another solution. Natural or artificial hair is woven in the hair so that it looks fuller. This is usually done when it is the back of the head which is growing bald. It is high maintenance, because as hair grows, it has to be rewoven or tightened.

For a low maintenance solution, wear a wig or hair piece. Nowadays these look quite natural with partings and wigs are also available in many designs and colors. Most men, after some time, just stay bald after they get used to it. Think of stars like Yul Brynner and Patrick Stewart with their bald pates.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21991411
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/men/general/081.html
http://www.healtharticles.lk/articles/578/1/How-to-Cause-Baldness-and-How-to-Treat/Page1.html
http://101hairusa.com/

Author Bio: Hassan Latif co-owner of Hair Loss Product Reviews, where we provide the latest reviews on unbiased hair loss product

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: thinning hair, laser comb, regrowing hair, regrowth hair, regrow hair, baldness, hair growth for men