What are the non-surgical options for hair restoration?

General Hair Loss
Temporary SMP

Treating hair loss has been a creative endeavour throughout the years. There has never been just one way to address this condition. The use of caps and hats were probably among the first methods to hide baldness. It progressed to using hairpieces such as wigs and toupees. This evolved into a stylish method of combing hair over to cover bald spots. These however, did not totally address the condition and other means were devised to treat hair loss.

The hair loss industry is replete with products that can effectively treat androgenetic alopecia. These can come in the form of shampoos, concealers and medication that have been able to provide a remedy to a certain degree depending on how progressive the hair loss is. The consumer has to be wary however, of manufacturers that sell hair loss products that do not actually work. These are only good for a placebo effect, which mostly serves to placate the buyer’s anxiety instead of actually addressing the balding on their scalp.

Temporary SMP

Hair loss, when it is very noticeable might no longer be able to be treated through non-surgical means. Young men and women are mostly the ones that purchase anti hair loss products because the degree of their hair loss has not yet progressed into the advanced stages. Products are effective to a certain extent, in impeding its proliferation as well as camouflaging its onset. Among the most popular and effective means available is through medication. There are two kinds that are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The first is the topically applied minoxidil, sold under the brand name Rogaine. Minoxidil was formerly just an orally ingested treatment for high blood pressure. It was observed however, that women started exhibiting facial as well as chest hair growth. This led to the hypothesis that it could be used to treat hair loss and was found to aid in strengthening and thickening hair strands.

Another drug to combat balding is finasteride. This is a more potent treatment and is sold under the brand name Propecia. It is an orally ingested medication that acts as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is the component that binds with testosterone to produce dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that in turn fuses with the androgen receptors of hair follicles that results in hair loss. The taking of Propecia effectively limits DHT from forming and reduces the amount of hair follicle shrinkage. Spironolactone, sold under the brand name Aldactone is used as a complementary product with Propecia. It is a topically applied remedy that shields the androgen receptors of the hair follicles from binding with DHT. Each of these drugs however, has their respective side effects. Further consultation with a qualified physician is strongly recommended before taking any of these medications.

Lighter treatment in the form of shampoos and concealers are also used to remedy hair loss in its earlier stages. There are shampoos that claim to inhibit DHT production as well as promote blood circulation. While this may be true, it will only do so to a certain extent. Camouflage products on the other hand, simulate hair density by matching with the hair color as well as attaching some fibers to the thinning hair to make it look thicker.

Laser hair comb technology is another non-invasive method to promote blood circulation on the scalp to encourage hair growth. Some clinical studies have proven a certain degree of hair growth from dormant hair follicles. This method however, has not been able to create a significant amount of growth to justify its expensive acquisition cost.

In sum, the non-surgical hair loss treatments available can only treat hair loss to certain extent when it is not in its more advanced stages. They can also be a bit expensive for the benefit that it provides. It may be more advisable to find other more permanent remedies such as scalp micropigmentation for example. SMP is non-surgical and permanent, and offers effective guaranteed results.

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