What’s latest in Hair restoration technology?

If you have read the first two parts of this series, you would have a better understanding of Hair Loss and hair transplant by now. If you are yet to, do spiral back to Part 1—YOU’RE TOO YOUNG!—and Part 2—YOU MIGHT NOT NEED IT AFTER ALL!—before reading on.

The logic behind saying “you haven’t tried innovative transplant alternatives yet” is because transplantation should be the last and final option when all other alternatives fail. This procedure is for those who have been properly examined by a hair specialist and have been proven to exhibit irreparable damage that no other alternative could manage.

How to Respond to Physiologic And Circumstantial Hair Loss?

Hair loss caused by physiological reasons like diseases and hormonal imbalance should primarily be treated. For as long as they persist, so will hair loss. Another scenario could be that you’re experiencing hair loss as a result of receiving treatment for a particular illness. If this is the case, ask the physician who prescribed the medication for possible side effects, ways to manage them, or other treatment alternatives.

Managing hair loss secondary to circumstantial reasons requires dealing with the external cause first and foremost. As what was explained in Part 2 of this series, a significantly traumatic event can speed up the usual hair growth process and lead it to immediately enter the shedding phase, thereby mimicking hair loss-ish signs.

Is There a Way to Treat Genetic Hair Loss?

Heredity-linked hair loss which is termed as Pattern Baldness or “Androgenic Alopecia” can be managed through the use of these two medications:

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Those who have experienced using this medication have reported experiencing either or both hair regrowth and a slower hair loss rate. Minoxidil, available in liquid or foam, is rubbed on the scalp two times a day. This can be used by both men and women and reaches its full effect on an average of 16 weeks.

It doesn’t come free from side effects as various testimonies reveal experiencing scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth on different areas of the face and hands due to coming in contact with drug. A more serious sign is tachycardia or a rapid heart rate which could be particularly fatal to those with heart problems.

Finasteride (Propecia)

Unlike Minoxidil, Finasteride is only prescribed to men. It is available in pill form and has been proven to slow the rate of hair loss and, in some instances, enable new hair growth. But these benefits will only last as long as the medication is taken.

While it doesn’t cause the varied effects of Minoxidil, there are rare cases of diminished sex drive and sexual function and an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Women who are expecting or suspecting pregnancy are likewise advised to avoid getting in contact with broken tablets.

Before using any of these two medications, it is important to first consult a trained specialist. Accounts of self-medication have proven to either produce no results at all except for wasted money or cause greater adverse reactions following an unguided treatment plan.

Aside from the two medications explained above, an innovative laser treatment has also been taking the cosmetics industry by storm. This therapeutic procedure is popularly known to cause revolutionary results to those who undergo it.

Low Level Light Therapy

This laser therapy is also called Cold Lasers. It doesn’t produce heat when used and therefore prevents any burns or injuries from taking place. It works best in treating Pattern Baldness or “Androgenic Alopecia” in both men and women and is cleared for safety and effectiveness by the USA-FDA. Those who have undergone this treatment have shown an overall improvement in the quality of hair and reported noticeable thickness after using the device.

So far, no side effects have been determined but continuous study is being made. Since this is a fairly new technology, more research is being conducted on its long term effects. The way this treatment works is that the cells that trigger enhanced hair follicular activity absorb the low laser light and in effect makes aging cells more active. This increases their potency for growth and leads to hair regeneration.

Men and women alike who are experiencing signs of baldness and thinning due to biological reasons can avail of this therapy. It has displayed significant results in treating minimal to moderate hair loss but the results aren’t as remarkable with those with severe conditions. No findings have indicated that this therapy is effective in treating hair loss that fall under the two other categories.

Are There Cheaper Options Available?

Let’s face it. Not everyone can afford to undergo a surgery, therapy or have enough to spare for maintenance medications. For some, hair loss does bother them but not in a way that would make them shell out thousands for a procedure. While the following options aren’t exactly innovative, people tend to overlook them during the process of still figuring out how to manage hair loss for the long-term.

Wigs, Hair Pieces and Extensions

For those who are adverse to the thought or are still mustering up enough courage to undergo treatment, the good old fashioned wig trick could help. For those who are suffering from secondary hair loss due to physiological and circumstantial reasons could opt for camouflaging the effects of balding or shedding while waiting for the body to bounce back to normal. This is particularly ideal for those who are already taking a lot of medications in order to treat an illness.

Sport a Skinhead or a Mohawk—Whatever Works

Sometimes, all it takes to manage the situation is a look outside the box. There are a lot of hair styles that could help mask the thinning in both men and women. It could be opting to go bald. It might suit you! For women, toy with the idea of an undercut or shorter hair. Seek the advice of hair stylists who are used to dealing with different kinds of hair. Change the location of your part in order to hide the thinning for the meantime.

What’s the Best Decision to Make?

The best decision would be to go see a specialist. It’s the only way to know what’s really going on with your hair and what treatment options are available. In fact, you might not even need a treatment—as what was emphasized by Part 2 of this series. The management of hair loss can either be temporary or permanent.

Do not ignore what could just require a short-term treatment for now and let it evolve into permanent damage. Early diagnosis and treatment will save you the headache of greater hair loss and even greater expenses for treatments in the future.

Set an appointment with Aesthetics and Hair Clinic’s Dr. Tyng Tan, a highly trained and competent specialist who has helped hundreds of people from all over the world manage their hair loss and cosmetics issues.

Call +65 6235 0010 or visit the clinic located at 391A Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City Tower B, #08-04 Singapore 238873.