It is a common knowledge that nobody feels comfortable with a thinning hair or receding hair line, as such, there are various hair loss treatments being produced all over the world. Research shows that an industry worth $1.5 billion worldwide has sprung up proposing solutions to hair loss problems; the  proposed solutions to hair loss problems varies from shampoos to herbal treatments and some hair supplements. However, it’s quite pathetic that most of these hair loss treatments only give false hopes to their eager clients. According to Spencer Stevenson, “the hair loss industry has a huge and captive audience and is only too willing to take your money'”.

The most common cause of hair loss is androgenic alopecia. This cause of hair loss is hereditary, it is passed down from generations. In men, it occurs in form of a receding hairline, while in women, it happens in form of a thinning hair.

HOW MUCH DOES HAIR LOSS TREATMENT COSTS?

For most people, the cost of hair loss treatments is nothing when compared to positive results; effective result is what people clamour for. For men, oral and topical medications are approved and recommended to help with hair regrowth. While women could use the topical medications.

The average cost of hair loss treatments has been estimated to range between $30 – $70 every month.

HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS IN THE UK

In the UK, the two most efficient hair loss treatments are finasteride and minoxidil. Finasteride is an oral medication which is often prescribed by a doctor to male adults, while minoxidil is a topical lotion; this medication does not need a doctor’s prescription before it could be bought, and it could also be used by both men and women.

The  male pattern hair loss  starts when the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hinders the hair follicles from getting the nutrients needed. Finasteride’s work is to halt the production of the DHT which shields the follicles. After its usage, men might notice new hair growth and experience slowing hair loss.

As stated above, minoxidil is a topical lotion, and it is the only FDA approved over-the-counter medication for hair loss. It can be used by both men and women. It helps with the increment and rejuvenation of the blood flow around shriveled hair follicles, which advertently allows for possible growth in the length and thickness of the hair.

In furtherance, there are also some hair boosting shampoos available- some are based on prescription while majority are over-the-counter. These shampoos however cannot help out on their own when it comes to hair loss problems, except when they are probably combined with the use of medication . According to a trichologist, Annabel Kingsley who works with The Philip Kingsley trichology clinic in London, “Despite some claims, a shampoo or a conditioner won’t be able to stop or slow hair loss, nor help with a receding hairline or thicken hair that is becoming thinner… At best, a thickening shampoo will make hair thicker for a short period of time, but they certainly won’t help with hair loss or thinning.”  This makes anxious men and women look beyond the use of shampoos; people still use it for hair treatments, but not solely.

Hair supplements are also very widely available in stores for hair loss treatments. However, the basic truth is, these supplements could only help your hair look healthier and stronger, but they can not get to the root of hair loss problems, therefore they can not be used solely. Except when used along side medications like finasteride or minoxidil.

Furthermore, the FDA has approved the use of a low level laser device for hair loss treatment in both men and women. The studies carried out shows that it improves hair growth, however, relevant studies to show its long term effects are still missing.

WHEN DOES FINASTERIDE STARTS WORKING?

The effects of finasteride at 1mg dosage daily is immediate. In the first couple of months, the men may experience hair shredding, which is frightening. But this actually indicates that finasteride is working and there should be no cause for alarm.

However, before the effects of finasteride becomes noticeable, it usually takes up to three months; this is because hair growth often takes time.