In the United States, approximately 50 million men suffer from hair loss and thinning hair. Both men and women experience some level of hair loss later in life, as a natural result of a change in hormone levels. However, even men in their twenties and thirties can experience similar hair loss patterns, which can be very devastating to a person’s confidence. At Altaire Clinic, we strongly encourage our patients to address their hair loss immediately, to protect the hair they still have. When a person first notices that their hair has started to thin, they have already lost 50% of their hair. By the age of 35, over 40% of men can expect some hair loss. Fortunately, at Altaire Clinic, there are many treatment options available that can help restore hair back to its former glory.

How to Choose the Best Hair Restoration Treatment for You

Hair loss can cause poor self image, low self-esteem, emotional stress, anxiety, and depression. Fortunately, there are many treatments for hair loss available, depending on the type of hair loss you're experiencing. 

If you have concerns about hair loss or the thickness of your hair and you’re searching for an alternative to surgical hair restoration,  there are many options available, depending on the type of hair loss, family history, and the extent of hair loss. 

Why Does Hair Loss Occur?

Both men and women experience a change in the density of hair follicles. This type of hair loss is not caused by disease, but is instead caused by changes in testosterone levels, aging, or it can be heredity. Pattern baldness usually affects men more than women. This form of baldness can affect anyone at any time after puberty.

But not all hair loss is inherited or caused by a change in hormone levels.

Hair Loss and Medical Conditions 

Hair loss, including thinning hair and bald spots, can be symptoms of an underlying health condition, such as:

• Thyroid issues
• Lupus
• Alopecia
• Crash diets
• High amounts of stress, whether physical or emotional 
• Certain drugs, including beta-blockers, birth control pills, calcium channel blockers, NSAIDS, antidepressants, or retinoids
• Anemia
• Scalp irritation 
• Major surgery
• Hormone changes
• Infectious diseases such as syphilis
• Radiation therapy
• Loss of hair from traction alopecia 
• Alopecia areata
• Androgenic alopecia 
• Hair care routines that involve excessive styling, shampooing, overuse of heat styling tools including hair dryers and flat irons
• Tinea capitis
• Bacterial infections of the scalp
• Hair products that clog hair follicles such as hair sprays and pomades 
• Tumor of the adrenal glands or ovary
• Hairstyles that place too much tension on the hair follicles

In some cases, temporary hair loss will occur. However, without medical treatment, you may be faced with permanent hair loss. 

If you have noticed a dramatic increase in hair loss, contact Altaire Clinic today to schedule a consultation. Hair loss treatment will depend on many factors, including the underlying cause of the hair loss and the severity. 

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy 

Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) is a popular treatment for hair loss. PRP therapy utilizes a concentration of plasma and platelets that are derived from a sample of the patient’s blood. Treatment includes a rich source of proteins, including cytokines and growth factors, that promote healing and hair growth.

For treatment, the blood sample is put in a centrifuge to separate other blood components from the platelets. The concentrated platelet rich plasma is administered via injections directly into areas of the scalp that are affected by hair loss.

Medications 

Finasteride and Minoxidil are FDA approved popular hair growth products that can stimulate hair growth or slow down hair loss in patients affected by male pattern hair loss. Certain hair loss treatments can be used alone or together, as recommended by a medical professional. Finasteride, brand name Propecia, is available in both oral and topical forms. Minoxidil, brand name Rogaine, can also be taken topically or orally.

Keep in mind, topical rogaine can cause unwanted hair growth if the topical product comes into contact with other areas of the body. 

Medications such as Propecia work by blocking the formation of DHT by up to 60%. DHT is the male hormone,which is a key factor in the development of male pattern hair loss.

Other medications utilized for hair loss include spironolactone, hormone replacement, and Lantanoprost. Genetic testing is available to determine which medications would work best for your specific type of hair loss. 

When used daily, these medications can prolong the hair growth cycle, resulting in new growth and denser hair. In some cases, it may take up to six months of use before hair regrowth medications provide noticeable improvements.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies 

If you're experiencing patchy hair loss, hair breakage, and have weak hair, your routine hair care methods may be damaging your hair. If you have noticed an increase in shedding or a change in hair density, you must make some immediate changes.

This includes:

• Avoiding any type of hair appliance
• Do not use hair dyes
• Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on individual hair follicles causing stress 
• Hair treatments such as relaxers or perms 

While home remedies can help boost hair growth or reduce hair loss, this heavily depends on the cause and severity of the hair loss.

However, some home remedy methods for hair restoration can be a safe, natural way to improve hair follicle health and can be used in conjunction with other hair treatments recommended by a medical professional.

The following home remedies are commonly used to improve hair regeneration:

• Scalp massages to improve blood flow to the scalp, stimulating new growth
• Aloe vera to strengthen hair follicles, reducing breakage
• Onion juice to provide important nutrients, such as concentrated amounts of sulfur, to stimulate hair follicles
• Fenugreek seeds to stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair follicles
• Green tea to fight free radicals and toxins
• Egg masks for shinier, softer hair and to help strengthen hair follicles
• Apple cider vinegar to help manage frizzy, dry, and damaged hair
• Essential oils to improve cell proliferation in the hair follicles and blood flow to the scalp

Contact Altaire Clinic Today to Schedule a Consult 

There are many ways you can treat hair loss that don’t involve invasive surgical procedures. The key to choosing the right treatment is to meet with a medical professional at Altaire Clinic for a physical exam. Our team of medical professionals can help you select the perfect hair restoration treatment based on your unique situation, severity of hair loss, and the underlying cause. If you would like to learn more about hair restoration treatments available or if you have questions about hair loss, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let our experienced, knowledgeable medical professionals help you choose a treatment that can restore your hair, your smile, and boost your confidence.