Expert shares practical tips for treating hair loss
Hair loss is often caused by a combination of heredity and aging, says Dr. Dawn Davis, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist. Treatments that may slow that type of hair loss and help regrow hair, including over-the-counter therapies such as shampoos, are available. And they can be effective.
Hair loss can be a result of heredity and aging, as explained by Dr. Dawn Davis, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist. She mentions that treatments, including over-the-counter therapies, can help slow this type of hair loss and promote regrowth. On average, people lose about 50 to 100 hairs daily, but this usually doesn't cause noticeable thinning due to new hair growth simultaneously.
Several factors can disrupt the hair growth cycle: family history, medical conditions, medication, hormonal changes, and stress. Pattern balding, often caused by heredity, typically results in a receding hairline and bald spots in men, and thinning hair on the crown in women. If hair loss follows these patterns, it is likely hereditary.
Davis recommends over-the-counter remedies as a first step in treating pattern balding. Minoxidil, available in liquid, foam, and shampoo forms, is a common medication that can help maintain existing hair and regrow up to 10% of lost hair. The extra-strength liquid form is particularly recommended for patients with pattern baldness as it's easier to apply directly to the scalp than the foam.
However, the shampoo is less effective due to the difficulty in using it twice daily and the potential for additional hair loss from the force of shampooing.
To retain the benefits of minoxidil, it should be used regularly. Discontinuing its use may lead to the regrown hair falling out and returning to the original rate of hair loss. Gentle hair care techniques, such as using a wide-toothed comb, avoiding tight hairstyles, and minimizing the use of harsh treatments, can also help reduce hair loss.
In some cases, prescription treatments like finasteride for men and hormone therapies for women may be recommended to effectively regrow hair and decrease hair loss. If over-the-counter remedies and self-care steps are insufficient or if hair loss is attributed to an underlying medical condition, medication, hormonal changes, or stress, consulting a healthcare provider or dermatologist is advised. Pattern hair loss is commonly associated with heredity and aging, but other factors can also contribute.
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