Hair Restoration Treatment

In the U.S. alone, hair restoration treatment industry is worth over $3.6 billion, with treatments ranging from shampoos to supplements, laser helmets or even surgery. In this article, you will learn about the different hair restoration treatments.

Causes of hair loss

Human hair grows in a cycle with three different stages.

In the first stage, called the anagen phase, the hair grows continuously for several years. Afterward, in the approximately 10-day catagen phase, active growth stops and the hair separates from its follicle (which holds the hair). In the concluding telogen phase, the follicle goes into hibernation for several months until the hair breaks off. Afterward, the cycle starts over.

An average person sheds between 50 to 100 hairs per day naturally because of this cycle. However, if the process is disturbed at any phase — for instance, if the follicle fails to return from hibernation or starts shrinking — hair loss and thinning may occur. Disruptions to the cycle can be caused by poor diet, stress, hormones, chemical hair treatments, medications or genetics.

To detect the cause of hair loss, the doctor will perform blood work to diagnose nutrient deficiencies or autoimmune disorders, evaluate the patient’s family history, examine hair loss pattern and ultimately, take a scalp biopsy.

Hair restoration treatments

The effectiveness of any hair restoration treatment depends on the cause of hair loss. The treatment must not only address the underlying cause of hair loss but also correct different types of hair loss. It is easier to correct certain types than others. Typically, hair loss caused by stress, lack of sleep or nutrient loss is temporary, and hair growth restarts after the cause is addressed.

In a similar vein, hair loss caused by an autoimmune disorder or thyroid imbalance can be restarted by treating the condition. The same applies to medications or treatments that cause hair loss.

Medications

Drugs are available to recover hair loss due to pattern (hereditary) baldness. Minoxidil is an over-the-counter drug approved for topical use on the scalp and helps stimulate hair growth by activating the hair follicles and extend their growth cycle.

Finasteride (Propecia) is another prescription drug approved for baldness. It works by inhibiting specific hormones and enzymes responsible for male pattern baldness. The drug must be taken continuously to retain its effects.

Hair transplant surgery

In this procedure, the doctor will take hair follicles from areas of the scalp with active hair growth and implant them into the parts prone to hair loss. The treatment can be effective for reducing the appearance of bald patches, but genetic or hereditary hair loss will eventually continue, regardless of surgery. This surgical procedure can be costly and painful.

Laser therapy

Lasers can be used to trigger hair thickening in cases of hereditary hair loss in males and females. Although some studies have shown its effectiveness for increasing hair density, more research is needed to verify the long-term effects of the treatment.

In conclusion

Hair loss is worth your attention due to its impact on appearance. It could also be an indication of a more serious health condition. Hair restoration treatment should start immediately so the underlying causes can be treated before they create further complications.

Request an appointment here: http://dillonhair.com or call Dillon Hair Restoration at (847) 241-2132 for an appointment in our Schaumburg office.

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