Do treatments for baldness actually work?

Baldness affects over 60% of men and over 40% of women by the age of 40.  The issue of hair loss is clear, but can it be treated, and if so, how effectively?   The effectiveness of treating hair loss depends on a number of different factors.  We take a look at each of these factors, and establish how effective hair loss treatments can be.

Stage if hair loss

The main factor to consider is what stage of baldness you are suffering with. The best way to know what stage you are suffering with, is to measure yourself against the Norwood Hamilton Scale if you are male, or the Savin Scale if you are female.

Related articles:  The Norwood Scale  ;  The Savin Scale.

If you suffer from early stages of alopecia then you will have a better chance of treating the problem more effectively than if you are suffering with more advanced stages of thinning hair.  The thing to remember is: The earlier you tackle hair fall, the better chance you will have of treating the issue.  The vast majority of treatments on the market clearly state that they are designed for patients who suffer from early stages of balding. 

Type of Hair Loss

The majority of us suffer from androgenic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness), therefore treatments for this hair loss type are pretty easy to come by.  However, there are also other forms of alopecia that are not as easy to treat. Other forms of alopecia include:

Involutional alopecia is a natural condition in which the hair gradually thins with age. More hair follicles go into the resting phase, and the remaining hairs become shorter and fewer in number.

Alopecia areata often starts suddenly and causes patchy hair loss in children and young adults, and can lead to complete baldness.  But fear not, most patients regrow the lost hair within 18 months.

Alopecia universalis causes all body hair to fall out, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair. Treatments for this condition as very few and far between.

Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder in which a person pulls out one's own hair.

Telogen effluvium is temporary hair thinning over the scalp that occurs because of changes in the growth cycle of hair. A large number of hairs enter the resting phase at the same time, causing hair shedding and subsequent thinning.

Scarring alopecias result in permanent loss of hair. Inflammatory skin conditions (cellulitis, folliculitis, acne), and other skin disorders (such as some forms of lupus and lichen planus) often result in scars that destroy the ability of the hair to regenerate. Hot combs and hair too tightly woven and pulled can also result in permanent hair loss.

Genetics

When it comes to treating alopecia, our genetics play a big part - this can either be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how well we react to certain treatments or products. The most popular choice of treatments for hair fall are natural multi-vitamin hair supplements.  The problem is, a particular product or ingredient could work well for one individual but have the complete opposite effect on another person.  Results will vary with each individual.

Related articles:  Supplements For Treating Hair Loss ;  How Much Should You Spend on a Hair Supplement?

The most effective way to solve this problem is to go through a phase of trial and error.  Try a range of supplements, vitamins and ingredients, and keep a record of what works best for your hair.  You'll gain a clearer understanding of exactly what works best for you and what doesn't.

Simple Ways to Counter Hair Loss

Tackling thinning hair doesn't have to be a long and expensive process.  There are simple ways in which you can counter the rate of hair fall, easily and effectively.

Living a healthy lifestyle can play a significant role in the health of your strands.  Eating well and getting lots of exercise can benefit your locks more than you might think.   It's like with anything really - the better you treat your body, the better condition it will be in. The same goes for your hair.

Please read the two articles suggested below for an insight into foods and ingredients that can help prevent balding and promote healthy hair growth... 

Suggested articles:  10 Foods That Prevent Hair Loss  ;  Ingredients That Promote Healthy Hair Growth