Chapter 3- Does it Work?

      Can a Hair Loss Treatment Be Effective?

      Losing hair can be very traumatic for a lot of people! Not surprisingly, there are many people that claim to have found the cure to baldness but the reality is there are few treatments that have been shown to actually stop the thinning and eventual baldness. What I want to do here in this book is show you the best hair loss treatments that are out there and give you as much information as I can find to help you make an informed decision on how you will battle your hair loss.

      Before I go into treatments, I find that it is important to know what the basic causes of hair loss are. The most prevalent form of hair loss is Androgenetic Alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). There are many causes of baldness or thinning hair ranging from genetics, to the surrounding environment and even your overall state of health which we will discuss in later chapters of this book.

      Before you go looking in the yellow pages or even online, it would be highly advisable to consult with a dermatologist that specializes in hair loss in order to receive the best hair loss advice and treatment options. Too many times people or companies selling hair loss treatments are in it only to take advantage of people wanting to solve their hair loss problems so badly with little or no consideration taken on effectively addressing the actual cause of the hair loss. Instead they provide a temporary solution as a quick fix.

      The causes of hair loss in men and women although they vary produce the same effect. Most people who suffer hair loss are generally embarrassed in their appearance resulting in a loss in their self-esteem. Hair loss in men is not restricted by the natural aging process as many believe. Other causes such as medication, disease, ill-health, hormone imbalance, skin disorders, genetic influences and incorrect nutrition all play their respective roles in this allowing various types of hair loss treatments to be available.

      Treatments for hair loss include products that are applied to the hair and scalp and come in a wide range of shampoos, conditioners, lotions and oils. Natural alternatives to chemical solutions and drugs are a popular option for hair loss treatment for people who want to avoid the chemically based solutions and surgical procedures. The ingredients in natural and herbal preparations have been thoroughly tested and proven effective in cases of hair loss. Other known available and possibly cheaper alternative solutions are prescription medications, and wigs.

      The first action to take is to seek medical advice about the cause of your hair loss. Don’t assume that your hair loss is natural and nothing can be done; there is possibly a cure. Once you understand the cause, you have a better chance of finding a treatment that will give you positive results.

      Take a look at your lifestyle – make sure your diet is healthy and nutritious, drink plenty of water and get in some moderate exercise at least three to five days each week. Get at least 8 hours of sleep regularly, cut down on caffeine intake, carbonated sugary drinks, nicotine and alcohol. Keep your hair clean and well moisturized, and have it trimmed every couple of months to remove dry, split ends.