Losing locks has been linked to a lack of confidence, anxiety and in extreme cases even depression.
A recent study found over half of British Men would prefer to keep a full head of hair than have a supermodel wife or get a promotion at work.
From products to procedures, there are a plethora of anti-balding treatments on the market; the sheer volume of which can be overwhelming.
According to Expert Trichologist Sally-Ann Tarver, a consultant Trichologist a The Cotswold Trichology Centre & Theradome, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to preventing or minimising hair-loss.
So how do you know which treatment plan is best for you, and which ones to avoid?
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Dr Tarver examined the most popular anti-balding treatments on the market to determine the best candidate for each.
Hair Loss Shampoos
Hair loss shampoos cannot stop hair loss. Even if they contain ingredients thought to be beneficial to hair growth, the contact time of shampoo on the scalp is so short any beneficial ingredients would be rinsed away before they had time to penetrate the hair follicle. They can however have a beneficial cosmetic effect and give the hair a thicker appearance. My favourite thickening shampoo and conditioner on the market today is Nanogen Thickening Shampoo.
Best for: People wanting to give their hair fuller appearance, not to replace lost follicles or lessen balding.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to hair loss treatment
Nutritional and Herbal Pills
Supplements can only help slow or stop hair loss if it is a deficiency of a particular nutrient that is causing the increased hair loss. For example, a large proportion of women suffer with iron deficiency thus of the best supplements Œfor hair¹ on the market is Florisene because it contains a large amount of iron, which causes hairloss in women.
Best for: People who know their hair loss is caused by a nutritional deficiency.
Hair Loss Lotions
There are so many of these available, the most well known being Regain (Minoxidil). It is clinically proven to reduce hair loss and is often the first topical treatment purchased by both men and women. It works by vasodilation increasing blood circulation to the hair follicle.
Best for: People in early stages of hair loss or in combination with other hair loss treatments.
Hair Loss Medication
The hair loss medication (Finasteride) is the base line treatment for many men today. It works by blocking DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) receptors at hair follicle level and slowly reducing hair loss. It is a prescription only medication and should not be taken by women. Combining with other treatments enhances its action in early to moderate hair thinning.
Best for: People in early stages of hair loss.
Consult A Trichologist
Seeing a Trichologist (hair loss specialist) can save you a lot of time and money, an experienced Trichologist will have seen many thousands of cases of hair loss, some of which will be just like yours. You will pay a consultation fee for this advice and guidance but in most cases it will cost less than a three month course of the most expensive hair vitamin on the market. You should come out of the appointment with answers, a plan of action or at least where you need to investigate next.
Best for: Anyone who has concerns about hair loss.
Consult your GP for blood tests
People may suffer from relatively simple to treat problems that can be diagnosed with a blood test. There are basic tests that any person suffering from hair loss should have before moving on to look at another cause.
Best for: Anyone who has concerns about hair loss, or have just noticed thinning hair.
Go on a health kick!
Sometimes hair loss is your body¹s way of telling you its time to sort your life out, eat properly, take some exercise, reduce your stress. Sometimes its not always easy but take a long honest look at your lifestyle and diet and see if there are any small changes you can make.
Try and make one small change a week and stick with it.
