There are many myths and misconceptions about male pride. So we have tracked several industry professionals to clarify the issue once and for all.
All men are at risk of losing their hair, some faster than others. Yes, annoying. The follicle dries up and the hair is unable to grow again. This type of hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia, also known as male baldness. (That is the permanent type, not that temporary loss caused by stress). This can happen in two ways: because each hair becomes thinner, or due to loss of density in general. But in some cases of alopecia, the loss is not really "permanent." At least not immediately. Sometimes it is possible to delay or decrease the speed with which it occurs.
Therefore, there is hope! If you suffer from hair loss or think you may be at risk of losing it or of weakening, read some of the possible solutions. The advice is given by Dr. Francesca Fusco of Wexler Dermatology in New York. His main idea? You have to be proactive.
First of all, why does my hair fall out?
According to Fusco, there is something called miniaturization, which occurs at the follicular level when a hair falls. "Miniaturization refers to the reduction of the hair follicle and the reduction of the hair it contains, until finally the follicle ceases to exist" and says "the small remaining hair falls and does not grow again." The doctor says that this is normally genetic, and caused by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a derivative of testosterone. DHT grabs the follicle and shrinks it slowly. This usually occurs in the temple, the crown and in the front of the head. (This is why you also don't see men losing hair on the sides or the back).
But it is possible for that hair to grow back, right?
It depends, "If a follicle has closed, disappeared, has healed or has not generated new hair in years, then it would not be possible to grow hair again," says Fusco. But if the follicle is still intact, then if possible, or improve the health of existing fine hair.
What I can do?
There are some typical solutions and some not so much: Oral medication: "In cases of androgenetic alopecia, finasteride remains the gold choice." Finasteride is the generic version of Propecia, which can be prescribed by your dermatologist and also available via subscription by mail. According to Fusco, even young people can slow down or delay hair loss by taking finasteride daily. "This medicine inhibits the top that causes hair loss." "In clinical trials, 90% of patients have either gained hair, or have kept theirs for more than five years."
Topical medication:
There are some alternatives to finasteride, although they may not be effective or cause side effects (some patients reported loss of sexual desire during treatment). One of these options is minoxidil (also called Rogaine). It is a topical product, available without a prescription that stimulates hair growth "by activating the potassium channels in the follicle" which has an effect on the growth factor and prostaglandin that helps this. Fusco comments that, "this keeps the hair in the growth cycle for a longer period of time." And add that, your dermatologist can prescribe a formula with a higher percentage. Therefore visit your doctor to see which option is the best.
Herbal supplements:
"Serenoa is available without a prescription and is an herb that has traditionally been used to treat prostate problems," says Fusco. "It is popular among men who do not want to take finasteride because it has been said that serenoa can block some of the receptor activity of follicles stimulated in androgenic alopecia."
Fusco suggests other vegetable products if you don't want to take finasteride. Some of those that are considered as activators of hair growth are: ginseng, pumpkin seed, zinc, vitamin B6, horsetail extract, rosemary and chamomile. Some in supplement form and others topically. "It is said that one of these ingredients, or a combination of some of them, can activate follicle growth and improve the condition of the hair and scalp."
There is an especially effective supplement that has emerged in recent years, and that Fusco qualifies as "revolutionary." He is a multivitamin, called Nutrafol For Men (Fusco receives nothing to name him). He says that many of his patients have seen “his hair grow thicker and his scalp healthier after taking it. It is full of plant ingredients that improve many cases of poor hair growth, including loss from inflammation, stress, hormonal imbalance, genetics, and environmental toxins. ”
Plasma injections:
It is something we had not heard before. "Platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP) have been used in other fields of medicine for decades, but it has reached dermatology in the past five years," says Fusco. To explain it simply: "the blood is extracted from the person with hair loss, and the" growth factors "are extracted from the blood, and then injected into the scalp where the hair loss occurs." There is much that is still being studied and learned about the process, but it seems promising for hair treatment and the potential rebirth of hair.
Can they solve it in the future with technology?
"There have been many rumors about the cloning of hair follicles that would then be injected into areas where hair is being lost." "I think it's the next step and I'm very excited." He is optimistic about the possibility of a new technology that injects growth factors into the scalp and follicles to stimulate growth. And a low frequency light therapy that uses a laser treatment.
So what should I do right now?
According to Fusco, if you have a family history of androgenetic alopecia or fine hair, you should make an appointment with your dermatologist and see what prevention methods or treatments are best for you. Some of them will require routine checkups. In addition, "maintain a healthy diet and proper hygiene of the hair and scalp to keep the hair you have in good condition." (Try a strengthening shampoo like Brickell for Men. Taking a supplement like Nutrafol for Men, and adding annual visits to the dermatologist, will help delay the onset of alopecia.
