Doctors are mostly dismissive about most hair loss products other than medication. When you suffer acute hair loss, always consult your physician before taking any medicine. Once a doctor checks your medical history, the reason for hair loss will be evident. The cause once identified can lead to solutions.
Medication
Doctors will prescribe medicines to reduce hair loss. Drugs such as Minoxidil and Finasteride are prescribed.
There are also other natural treatments for male hair loss, that claim to have no side effects. One of such procedures is Profollica.
Nutrition
Nutrition elements include red and yellow vegetables as these have a lot of Vitamin A. A diet rich in Vitamin B7 or biotin is also advisable. Vitamin E is needed for skin conditions. Fatty acids like omega 3 in the diet are good. A protein-rich diet is also necessary. The food that a nutritionist can prescribe includes salmon, sardines, lean meats, eggs, legumes, carrots, cantaloupes, beans. These will be essential elements of the diet.
Vitamin Supplements
These will include biotin, vitamin A, vitamin C, and Vitamin E supplements. These can be in the form of tablets or herbal capsules.
Stress
The doctor will help identify if stress is the cause of hair loss. They will recommend a program, which will help deal with stress. These include things like yoga, meditation, exercise, massage therapy, and a balanced work lifestyle.
Shampoos
They also recommend stopping the use of caffeine shampoos as these are sales gimmicks. However, trichologists and dermatologists are divided on the issue. Some doctors recommend shampoos containing products like ketoconazole and Saw Palmetto. These products are not as effective as touted to be.
Hydration
Doctors recommend that you stay hydrated and drink lots of water. Also, that your hair should be well moisturized and free of clogging.
Hair Transplant
Other treatments recommended by doctors include hair transplants. Hair transplant involves minor surgery. However, it is the best way to ensure that your head looks full of hair.
Whereas FUE or Follicle Unit Extraction is more painful as it involves removal of the hair follicle from one area of the scalp and transplanting it to bald spots.
Wigs or Toupees
The doctor will also recommend the use of toupee or wigs. These wigs while do not mean actual growth of hair will still make you look younger. Wearing wigs is common and safer.
Doctors doubt the efficacy of FDA approved shampoos and drugs. They claim that the effect on testosterone is manipulated and if that happens, and then there is no research to suggest it.
There are many other products, which make tall claims such as laser combs and laser treatments. Laser combs stimulate hair follicles with low-level laser treatment and are handheld. However, they are likely to have adverse effects in the long term. They are a better alternative to prescription drugs, which have side effects. There is research being done using stem cell treatment leading to hair cloning. However, these procedures are in the experimental stage and likely to be expensive.
MSW, DHS, Ph.D.
Sexologist, American College of Sexologists