The sheer number of hair loss products can be mind-boggling; there are hundreds of different treatments on the market, all claiming to be the secret to a luxurious, lion-like mane. Here’s a breakdown of the power trio:
- Finasteride (also known as Propecia) is a once-a-day tablet that blocks the production of DHT, a male hormone that shrinks the hair follicles.
- Minoxidil (you may have heard of it as Rogaine and Regaine) comes as an over-the-counter lotion or foam that you simply rub into your scalp every day.
- Steroids might make you think of super-sized bodybuilders, but they can also beef up your barnet. You can either choose from injections or a cream (we know which sounds more appealing, but we should let you know the latter isn’t as effective or speedy).
Did you know that a head and scalp massage can promote hair growth? A scalp massage increases blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles and it even helps hair to become thicker and less sparse. When blood flow is stimulated to the scalp area, important nutrients carried by your blood are transported to the hair as well. Frequent scalp and head massages (let's say - about once per 2 weeks) reduce the activity of genes that are the instigators of hair loss. A massage reduces stress hormones - and what also causes hair loss? Exactly, stress!
Good to know
- Stick to treatments that have the approval of a body like the NHS or the FDA for finding a reputable, tried-and-tested treatment.
- You can expect to see noticeable results in the first 3-6 months. It all depends on the treatment you try out though, so don’t fret if it’s longer before you start to see progress.
- Losing hair rapidly? This may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. When in doubt, do consult your physician!
The sciencey stuff
So, let’s get to the root of the problem: hair tends to thin with age. In women, it’s often linked to hormonal changes like the menopause, where falling levels of oestrogen and progesterone give the lead to testosterone, resulting in locks to become less than luscious. Thyroid imbalances, low iron levels, weight loss, poor diet and stress are also culprits that cause hair to fall – here, a healthy diet and healing treatments like an Indian head massage can give you a headstart before you resort to more serious solutions.
