Exploring the Most Commonly Used Hair Loss Treatments and Methods

Hair loss is a major problem in this country. It’s affecting both men and women – even those in their 20s. Fortunately, there is a silver lining. New discoveries and improved technology mean that preventing hair loss – and even re-growing hair – is more practical than ever. The only challenge is cutting through the dozens of ineffective products and techniques to identify the ones that are actually safe and successful.

The Latest in Hair Loss Treatment

As pervasive as hair loss is in today’s world, researchers, scientists, and doctors spend a great deal of resources studying treatments and options. Here’s a look at some of the most effective methods they’ve discovered/developed:

1. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

FUT is the classic hair transplant method. It’s performed by removing skin from the back of the scalp (where there’s abundant hair), carefully stripping the follicles from that skin, and then reinserting the healthy follicles into the area of the scalp where hair loss has occurred.

2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

With FUE, hair follicles are taken directly out of the scalp and transplanted into the part of the scalp where you’ve experienced hair loss. This method has become more popular in recent years, as it doesn’t require any skin to be removed.

While both FUT and FUE procedures can work, it’s important to note that these are surgical procedures. They can be painful and expensive. There are also a number of potential risks to consider. In other words, you’ll want to gather some medical advice from multiple doctors before proceeding.

3. Low-Level Light Therapy Treatments (LLLT)

For those who don’t want to go under the scalpel, there are options like low-level light therapy (LLLT), which can help regrow hair with just 30 minutes of daily treatment.

LLLT technology uses safe laser light to increase energy and blood flow to the scalp and regenerate hair follicles, so they can be transformed back into thick and healthy hair. Companies like Kiierr make it as easy as using an LLLT cap, which is worn much like a standard baseball hat and makes treatment easy, fast, and convenient.

4. Minoxidil Products

Perhaps you’ve heard of products like Rogaine and wondered, do they work? In many cases, the answer is yes.

Products like Rogaine, which typically come in foams and creams, are made from a variety of botanical extracts, alphahydroxy acid, and most importantly, minoxidil. Typically comprising just 5 percent of the product, minoxidil is known to revive and increase the size of hair follicles. It also extends the hair’s natural growth cycle. The result is thicker, fuller hair.

While products with minoxidil are shown to work in many people, they can take three to six months before any results are seen (and at least a year before there’s significant improvement). There can also be negative side effects related to the ingredients. Be sure to do your research.

5. Changes in Diet and Lifestyle

Genetics play a key role in hair growth and hair loss. And while you can’t do anything about your age and genes, there are other lifestyle factors that you have the ability to influence. This includes your diet.

Just as a diet that’s lacking in certain nutrients can accelerate hair loss, a diet that’s rich in the proper vitamins and nutrients can promote hair growth. Some top foods include eggs, berries, spinach, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, avocados, nuts, seeds, sweet peppers, oysters, shrimp, beans, soybeans, and lean meat.

It’s also wise to address other areas of your lifestyle. If you’re a smoker, for example, quitting smoking could improve your circulation and, as a result, help you regain lost hair. You’ll also benefit from reducing stress and exercising more often, both of which help your body function at peak levels.

Overcoming Premature Hair Loss

Some hair loss and thinning is natural when you age. But if you’re experiencing significant balding in your 20s, 30s, or early 40s, you might want to consider exploring some of the different treatments and methods outline in this article. If nothing else, they’ll help you understand which options exist so you have a clear understanding of what modern science has to say about this issue.