Don't give up the search!

Here’s, in a nutshell, what I’ve learned about hair loss.

About Hair Loss – Briefly

You can lose hair from stress, hypothyroidism, medications, hormone problems (usually in women more often than men), hairstyles such as ponytails or cornrows, and the big one commonly referred to as male-pattern baldness.  I’ll focus this article on male pattern baldness – because that’s what my hair loss cause was.

Male-pattern baldness (aka androgenic (or androgenetic alopecia) is the most common.  Women can also suffer from androgenic alopecia aptly called female androgenic alopecia.

What happens to the hair follicle with male-pattern baldness?

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a hormone, reduces the hair follicle shaft width which produces thinner and thinner hair until the follicle stops producing hair altogether.  Whether one is vulnerable to DHT’s “attack on the hair follicle” is generally believed to be genetic.  The key for stopping hair loss and the basis for a hair loss remedy is reducing the DHT.  Ingredients, herbs, and medications designed to reduce DHT are called DHT inhibitors.

Another approach or a complementary approach to DHT inhibitors is to nourish and promote healthy hair.

What are natural hair loss remedies?

Natural hair loss remedies are those that use botanicals and herbs to inhibit DHT and promote healthy hair.  Herbs have become increasingly popular in western culture over the last 10 years for 2 reasons (in my view):

1. Many traditional prescription medications have side effects; and
2. We’re learning that herbs and botanicals can work.

Just a side note – herbs and botanicals are not without side effects – it’s just the side effects are often not as pronounced as with traditional prescription medications.

What are some of herbs thought to stop hair loss and promote hair growth?

• Saw Palmetto;
• Eleuthero Root;
• Uva-Ursi;
• Muira Puama P (Ptychopetalum olacoides);
• Stinging Nettle;
• Pygeum.

What if a hair loss remedy doesn’t work for you?

Until you find a hair loss remedy that works for you, you can:

1. Shave your head (or crop it short).  I actually started cutting my hair quite a bit shorter until I found the hair loss remedy that worked for me.  I looked okay, but I missed my longer locks.  That said, a cropped look isn’t too bad and is pretty popular these days so it’s a decent option.
2. Don’t give up hope.  Keep looking for a hair loss remedy.  I realize what worked for me may not work for you.  I can only tell you what worked for me.  There are plenty of options out there – don’t give up.

What not to do when your hair is thinning?

Don’t wear hats all the time.  I see this all the time and hear about this all the time.  Think about how wearing hats can backfire for you.  The fact is, we don’t want to lose hair because we believe we’ll be less attractive.  Our self-esteem and confidence takes a hit.  If you wear a hat, at some point that hat must come off.

If the person you’re dating has no idea you have thinning hair, when they see it for the first time, their reaction may not be favorable.  You’ll have invested time and emotional energy into a budding relationship only to sabotage it.  You must be up-front – and that means letting the other person see your thinning hair right off the bat.  This is just my opinion.

What to look for in a hair loss remedy?

Whether you want a natural hair loss remedy or not is a personal decision.  Look for a hair loss treatment that has the most comprehensive ingredients list that both inhibits DHT AND  promotes healthy hair.

Here’s what else to look for:

A money back guarantee! This is critical and I wouldn’t consider a hair loss treatment product that didn’t offer a money back guarantee.  Why?  Even though you’re desperate, the fact a company is willing to go through the hassle of refunding your money tells your they stand behind their product.  If a hair loss product company has to issue refunds to a majority of the purchasers, that company won’t be around long.