How to Prevent Hair Loss for Both Sexes

At 30, nearly one-third of all men suffer from androgenic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness. The same condition is said to affect almost half of all men over the age of 50. While this condition is most commonly thought of as a male affliction, hair loss is more prevalent in women than assumed. Post-partum hair loss is suffered by many new mothers in the months after giving birth. 13% of all women will also experience hair loss before menopause and an estimated two-thirds of women 65 and over will also lose hair to some degree.

So, what is the link between hair loss and both sexes? While some forms of hair loss are genetically predetermined, most hair loss can be attributed to sensitivity to, or a lack of, certain hormones within the body called androgens. Sudden hair loss can also be the result of extreme stress on the body, a thyroid condition, or could be an adverse reaction to a medication. If other symptoms accompany the hair loss, consult your family physician to exclude any other serious conditions.

Preventing Hair Loss through Hair Care and Nutrition

The key to preventing hair loss is just that – prevention. Starting early will give you the best chance in preserving the hair you still have. Don’t worry if you have already lost a significant amount of hair; there are effective replacement solutions to improve your appearance and your self-image. Hair loss prevention can take both pharmacological (drug treatments) and non-pharmacological approaches (holistic treatment through nutrition and replacement therapies).

The most well-known hair loss prevention methods are popular drugs, such as finasteride (sold under the trade name Propetia) and minoxidil (known as Rogaine). Both have been known to be effective in treating hair loss. Finasteride is an oral medication used for men, but is associated with several side effects such as a decrease in libido. Minoxidil is a topical treatment useful for hormonal, hereditary, and age-related hair loss in both men and women. The largest downside to these treatments, however, is that the hair loss will continue once the treatments are discontinued.

Most people find some relief from hair loss with pharmacological treatments. Others, however, may want to augment such treatments with a holistic approach through diet and hair care. Many natural medicine practitioners place enormous emphasis on the diet and nutrition as a means of preventing hair loss. A low fat, wholesome diet rich in silica, calcium, and iron is thought to be effective in treating the condition. Vitamin C aids the absorption of iron and protein which encourage new hair growth, and all three should be included in any hair loss prevention diet.

Hair Care Products and Hair Replacement

If you have already permanently lost a significant amount of hair, you may want to try a combination of medical treatments to prevent further hair loss, modify your diet, as well as investigate specialized hair care and hair replacement products. These products can take the form of foams and gels as well as surgical and non-surgical replacement measures. While surgical hair implants may be expensive, there is a multitude of non-evasive, realistic hair pieces which are now custom-made from real human hair to match the hair color and consistency of the wearer. Whichever hair loss you suffer from, there are solutions available for every stage and budget. Determine your needs with the help of your doctor before pursuing any course of treatment.