Male Pattern Baldness: Dos and Don’ts of Taking Finasteride

There are many men who have taken the medication finasteride in order to help address their hair loss and baldness. Many men find that they start to lose hair prematurely and can often end up with bald patches before they have even hit middle age. This can affect them in many ways, not just in terms of their appearance but in the way that they feel, their confidence levels, and their overall quality of life.

Finasteride is a drug that is able to help men that are suffering from hair loss and baldness by helping to stop further hair loss from occurring. For men, being able to tackle their hair loss and baldness problems in this way means that they can improve their physical appearance as well as boost their self-esteem and self-confidence levels.

The simplicity of finasteride is one of the things that many men like about this treatment, as it does not involve rubbing odd-smelling ointments onto the scalp. Instead, it is just one simple, small tablet that is taken once a day, enabling men to tackle their hair loss problems conveniently and discreetly.

Of course, it is important that this treatment is taken in the right way and that men who use the medication have realistic expectations with regards to the results.

It is therefore worth bearing in mind some of the dos and don’ts of taking finasteride.

• Do make sure that you take the treatment as directed in order to benefit from the medication. Always read the dosage instructions carefully so that you don’t end up taking more of this medication than you are supposed to

• Do familiarise yourself with the possible side effects, so that you know exactly what to expect when you take finasteride and when you should seek medication advice after taking the treatment

• Do remember that there can be side effects with this medication, which can include loss of libido or erectile dysfunction disorders, although most men are able to take finasteride without any problems

• Don’t take more tablets than directed, as this will not increase the effectiveness of the tablets but will more likely make you ill

• Don’t take it for granted that this medication will work for you. Finasteride provides fantastic results in some men, who have stopped further hair loss from occurring. However, some men will not see any effects from taking finasteride, so you need to be prepared for that since results of hair loss treatments vary from one user to another

Healthy Hair Growth the Natural Way

These days, you can hardly find any person who does not suffer from a hair loss problem. Most of us, mainly men rather than women, suffer from a hair loss problem. Among them, many have tried various remedies to treat or restrict the hair loss problem. But most of those remedies do not do well among them. Therefore, you should start following some natural ways to increase hair growth.

If you want to grow your hair naturally, you need to know that the hair growth is mainly dependent on the scalp. If we can increase the blood flow to the scalp, it will hasten the growth of hair. The hair is made of protein, iron, and other essentials that we obtain through our diets. Thus, regular intake of these essential elements and other food supplements like vitamin B-complex, fatty acids and iron will naturally increase the growth of your hair.

While we are talking about the methods of natural hair growth, we also need to think of some other factors. Mental stress can be termed as the enemy of natural growing hair. Too much of mental stress lessens the growth of hair and it also affects other body parts in a large way. Meditation can be termed as the natural treatment for stress-induced hair loss.

You also need to know that a healthy body is essential for faster natural hair growth. Therefore, you need to maintain a healthy habit of drinking at least 2–3 liters of water daily. That way, your body will be free from harmful toxins that not only damage your hair but also harm your body.

Continuous growth of healthy hair can also be stimulated through scalp massage. Massaging the scalp with herbal oils will increase the blood flow in the scalp and revitalize dormant hair follicles. With the rejuvenation of weakened hair follicles, healthy hair regrowth can be obtained.

Hair Loss Treatments: From Ancient to Modern Methods

Even as far back as 1500 BC, people were concerned with hair loss and tried to persuade their gods to help regrow their hair. Egyptian and Greek literature are full of references to this. Julius Caesar reportedly wore a victory wreath to hide his bald spot. And everyone is familiar with the physical and psychological destruction wrought upon the great Samson after losing his locks.

Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, prescribed a potion of pigeon feces, cumin, horseradish and nettles to cure hair loss. Needless to say, he—as well as his patients—remained absolutely bald. Of course if this foul concoction were marketed online today, I think men would be typing in their credit card numbers right now to get some.

If you are balding, let me save you some time and money here. There are only two FDA-approved medications to treat male pattern hair loss: minoxidil and finasteride.

There are a few other prescription medicines that can be tweaked here and there, but minoxidil and finasteride represent where you should put your money. Don’t spring for that elixir on the pop-up ad or infomercial.

Finasteride is a prescription so you’d want to talk to your dermatologist about potential side effects. Minoxidil is a blood pressure medication that happened to have a side effect of growing hair, so its manufacturer formulated it for OTC topical use. It’s also one of the few accepted treatments for female pattern baldness.

Many people experiencing hair loss are put on a biotin vitamin as well for good measure in addition to prescription medication. Hair transplantation and grafting have come light years from the “doll plug” and “corn row” look of a decade ago. It is expensive but permanent and actually the most natural solution in my opinion.

Donor hair from the back of the scalp is transplanted into the bald areas. The donor hair follicles are hair from the horseshoe like area of the head, where men don’t typically lose their hair. Since these types of follicles biologically respond differently to your hormones, they should not fall out once transplanted.

Alopecia Areata: Small Bald Spots on the Scalp

It comes as a shock when round bald patches appear for no apparent reason on someone’s previously thick head of hair. The condition, whose onset is usually sudden, is called alopecia areata (AA).

Alopecia areata is an inflammatory hair loss condition currently thought to be an autoimmune disorder. Its characteristic appearance makes a diagnosis quite simple. The circular bald spots are generally between two and six centimetres in diameter and have clear borders.

Progression of the condition varies greatly, starting with the number and size of the bald spots. Some people have only one or two small spots, others have many that continue to spread. In rare instances it leads to total hair loss.

Regardless of its extent, AA is neither painful nor — as would be the case in eczema of the scalp — itchy. But the emotional toll that it takes, particularly in women, can be enormous. It’s very hard to cope with the loss of your hair. You feel unattractive and, unfortunately, you also get negative reactions from other people.

A person’s risk of developing AA at some time is about one in 50. Unlike many other hair loss conditions, it’s reversible — the hair can grow back. This is because AA does not destroy the roots of hair follicles, but only causes local inflammation that disrupts the growth of hairs and makes them fall out.

The probable cause is an abnormal immune reaction that often corrects itself. In more than half of the cases, in fact, there is spontaneous healing within a year. Later, too, the hairs can begin to sprout again at any time, be it on their own or through treatment. But in some cases, unfortunately, the hair could fall out again.

What exactly causes the condition is still unknown. Many factors could play a role, sometimes in combination, including heavy stress, allergies and the presence of a thyroid or autoimmune disorder. A genetic predisposition is certain because alopecia areata runs in families. Specific therapies could be devised if the genes responsible are identified.

Until AA’s cause has been pinpointed, only nonspecific therapy is possible. Common treatments involve application of a lotion to the affected areas, injection of a corticosteroid under the skin surface and a phototherapy called PUVA (psoralen + ultraviolet A radiation). The use of corticosteroids is controversial.

Immune therapy with the chemical diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP) has the highest success rate. When applied regularly for an extended period, it triggers an allergic reaction and could cause immune cells to stop their misguided ‘anti-hair defence’.

How to Stop Hair Loss and Excessive Hair Fall

Hair loss is a condition that can disrupt the well-being of anyone who suffers from it. The average person has the natural tendency to lose 50–100 hairs per day; losing over 1,000 hair strands daily is a concern. Hair loss can happen to anyone at any age.

Since the hair is the glory of our personality, hair loss can be very depressing, especially in this era of image-conscious societies. But before seeking treatment, it is always advisable to first understand the root causes of hair loss.

The reasons for hair loss can vary from stress to drugs to genetics and hormones, diet and environment to improper hair care practices.

Causes of Hair Loss

1. Lack of vitamins (especially vitamin B6 and folic acid) in the diet

2. Inadequate nutrition and poor diet

3. Stress, worry, anxiety and dread

4. Heredity

5. Long-term illness (such as typhoid, syphilis, chronic cold, influenza, and anemia)

7. Poor blood flow

Hair Loss Concerns

Hair loss is a big concern. It is the loss of a component of your body and an essential ingredient of your identity. The concern may be exaggerated in special patients groups, such as salespeople and young people looking for partners.

People are generally very eager to do something about hair loss as quickly as possible. But what can be worrisome about the treatment of hair loss is the tendency of the vast majority of people to look for a treatment right away without determining the cause of hair loss.

But haste makes a bad curry. People often end up with remedies or treatments that are not suitable for the particular case of hair loss. This attitude towards hair loss treatment not only leads to disappointment, but also the aggravation of the damage on many occasions.

Home Remedies for Hair Loss

1. Massage aloe gel or coconut milk in your hair and scalp. Leave on for 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Repeat this 3 times a week.

2. Mix honey with egg yolk after massaging the scalp and hair. Leave on for half an hour, then rinse.

3. Drinking water mixed with 1 teaspoon cider vinegar, along with meals for 2–3 weeks.

4. Mixture of sage tea and apple cider vinegar for use as a shampoo to remedy hair loss.

5. Make a paste of honey, warm olive oil and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply the paste on the scalp and wait 15 minutes before rinsing.

6. Scrub the bald areas of the scalp with onion until the skin is red and then apply honey directly on the area.

How to Combat Post-Partum Hair Loss

Childbirth is a huge event in a mother’s life but the post-partum hair loss that women face can dampen the joy of it all.

Dermatologists say, ‘Keep your hair healthy by eating well and taking a prenatal vitamin supplement. Skip blow-dryers, curling and flat irons, put off chemical-based treatments (highlights, perms, straightening) until the shedding stops. Hair loss accompanied by other symptoms could be a sign of post-partum thyroiditis so speak to a specialist’.

‘The most common treatment for hair loss is a two per cent solution of minoxidil. It is successful in 40–60 per cent of women’. The other treatment is hair replacement surgery. Modern surgical techniques have made transplantation for females a viable treatment option providing they are qualified candidates and have realistic expectations.

Hair Help

There are a number of things that you can do to have healthier hair and/or reduce hair loss during pregnancy and after delivery. Doctors advise, ‘Avoid fine-toothed combs. Never rub hair vigorously with a towel to dry it, be gentle and let hair dry naturally. Use shampoos and conditioners that are not harsh’.

The following are additional tips given by experts to women experiencing post-partum hair loss:

- Consult your doctor to ensure a proper balance of hormones.

- Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, which contain flavonoids and antioxidants that may provide protection for hair follicles and encourage hair growth.

- Use shampoos and conditioners that contain biotin and silica.

Supplements Required

While pregnant, make sure to take the supplements advised by your doctor. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds and lean protein during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Stop obsessing about the extra weight. It will come off once you go back to your normal routine. Starvation diets after childbirth only worsen hair loss. Your diet and supplements must contain calcium; folic acid; biotin; vitamins B, C and E; and zinc. Take an iron supplement if you are anaemic.

Supplement your diet with the following nutrients:

- Vitamin B complex

- Biotin

- Vitamin C

- Vitamin E

- Zinc

Love — or the Lack Thereof — Can Make or Break Your Hair

There is a theory that women who change their hair drastically are going through a major change in their work or love life. But maybe it is the other way around.

New science tells us that hair loss in women is precipitated by genetics and love loss through death or divorce. Perhaps some women may say, ‘Crap, being single is the one time you really need great hair’.

Society is not as kind to balding women as you would think. But it is not why some women stay single. These women are also not single because they are too picky, they need to lose 5 pounds, or ‘it’ll happen when one is not looking’. There happen to be deeper reasons. You can read on to know how to deal with intimate relationships, conventional or complicated as they may come. And in the process, you can curb telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss that is usually due to emotional stress.

For those with boyfriends, you have to walk a fine line between helping your guy stay fashionable without being his mom. Fine line indeed.

You can remain friendly with an ex. At least that is what Adele says. This presupposes that men and women can be friends at all.

Living with a lover is tricky. But there are a few things you can do to make it less weird. For instance, your boyfriend could join Fight Club so you can have more free time to watch Friends marathons. And more creative solutions to cohabitation problems

It looks like empowered women, those who are decision-makers in the household, have sex less frequently than laid-back ladies. Hmm, that is kind of crazy.

Crazy facts — or fiction — aside, establishing a healthy intimate relationship by taking the time to do recreational activities together can double the chances of being able to maintain healthy hair and scalp.