There is no way around it – a full head of hair matters in today’s context and hair loss prevention is a major issue. The presence of hair on one’s head indicates vitality, youth and vigor. It adds to our personality and is often indispensable in social and even personal settings. People with a full head of hair seem to get ahead in most circles. When a person begins to lose hair, others tend to equate it with advancing age and loss of essential faculties. Hair loss prevention has occupied healers for ages. In their efforts to find means of preventing and stopping hair loss, ancient people even turned to spiritualism. Preventing hair from falling out is easier than growing it back, so the time-tested maxim that prevention is better than cure holds true in hair loss prevention. Once hair follicles have reached a dormant state, it is difficult and sometimes possible to reactivate them. Advanced hair loss often calls for radical measures such as surgery. However, it is possible to prevent hair loss with many new medical formulations.
It is important to establish the reasons behind every case of hair loss. The problem may lie in an unsuitable lifestyle. High stress levels can cause hair loss, as can the use of certain intoxicants. Smoking is another known offender. Lack of exercise can cause general metabolic dissipation, and this can often lead to hair loss. So can an unhealthy diet. Hair loss can also result from the use of certain drugs used to treat common ailments such as hypertension and depression.
On the pharmaceutical side, we now have many options for preventing and stopping hair loss. Compounds such as Finasteride are often helpful. This anti-androgen drug finds application in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Scientists have discovered that it is also useful in preventing hair loss in males. The vasodilator Minoxidil has the fascinating side effect of reversing hair loss and even promoting hair growth. It is one of the biggest discoveries in the area of hair loss prevention in recent times. Applied topically for periods of over a month, Minoxidil rejuvenates hair follicles. Though experts are unsure of the exact action, they believe that Minoxidil increases blood flow to the affected areas and stimulates hair cell growth.
The synthetic antifungal agent Ketoconazole suppresses the immune system and doctors use it to treat various skin and fungal infections. Its immunosuppressant properties can stop and even reverse hair loss in patients who are losing hair because of such infections. However, it has certain side effects and has fallen into disfavor in the medical community of late.
Hair loss prevention is also achievable through the herbal route, though these systems have not seen sufficient study. The Chinese, for instance, use a herbal compound called Polygonum Multiflorum to prevent and reverse hair loss. Certain hair oils and tonics containing Resveratrol can also be beneficial to some patients suffering from hair loss.
There are many drugs and procedures for hair loss prevention available on the market today. Some have valid benefits, while others are merely scams that aim to exploit the insecurity and fervent hopes of those who suffer from hair loss. Finally, the best route for hair loss prevention is a professional diagnosis of the problem, followed by appropriate treatment.
