A
“bad hair day” for most of us is a once-in-awhile
occurrence, but for millions of people world-wide,
everyday is a “bad hair” day due to the problem of
thinning hair or baldness. While those people with a thick
mane might have a day or two of problem hair, those facing
hair loss live with it on a daily basis.
Over
the years there have been products that were “guaranteed”
to grow new hair. There have even been products that you
could “spray on” to give the look of luxurious locks. And,
along with all of this, there have been the “comb over”
jokes, poking fun at people’s attempts to give the
appearance of a full head of hair.
Hair
loss is no laughing matter. It could signal underlying
diseases, such as lupus or diabetes; it can also indicate
hormonal or thyroid imbalances; or it can be the result of
medications, such as chemotherapy drugs. Heredity can also
play a part, as can improper hair care. Discussing hair
loss with a physician is an important first step.
There
are a number of treatments available today that make hair
loss or thinning hair easier to live with. First, there
are medical treatments. Minoxidil, a drug originally
designed to treat high blood pressure, is the only FDA
approved medication that will encourage hair growth. It
works best on younger people, whose hair loss isn’t
significant. Some people have experienced itchy scalps as
a result of Minoxidil.
If
medication doesn’t work or if someone has significant loss,
there are other options. Hair transplants have come along
way since they first appeared on the scene in the 1970’s.
Think about those painful looking photos of celebrities,
such as Frank Sinatra, with what seemed like a “connect
the dots” puzzle pictures across the tops of their heads.
The procedure looked downright scary. With considerable
improvements in the method it can be the answer to the
hair loss problem. If surgery is not an option, there are
hairpieces. A person can buy a wig or can have artificial
hair woven into his/her existing hair.
When
examining the options it is important to make sure that
you are working with a reputable company or a doctor who
has experience in the field. Checking references is always
a good idea. In the meantime, there are some steps a
person can take to keep the remaining hair healthy:
1.
Shampoo hair frequently using a good conditioner.
2.
Improve scalp circulation.
3.
Maintain a healthy diet.
4.
Avoid blowing.
5.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the heat or the cold with out
covering the head.
