Dermatologist Recommended Treatments for Hair Loss in Men

Hair loss in men is a very common problem. Iron deficiency, internal medical problems and certain infections can cause hair loss. However, the most common cause of hair loss in men is Androgenetic Alopecia (male pattern baldness). Almost 1 in 7 men suffer from various degrees of male pattern baldness. In India, this would run into millions of men. People, however, vary in their response to the problem. Some are not bothered by it and take it as a part of life. Many however go through various degrees of psychological trauma associated with hair loss. So, here are a few non-surgical treatment options suitable for younger men suffering from androgenetic alopecia. 

Medications
Studies show that biotin strengthens the hair follicle and promotes hair growth. Biotin is one of the most expensive vitamins and is found in B-complex tablets, it is usually present in very low doses. High dose of biotin 8-10 mg are available in vitamins targeted for hair growth. Naturally, biotin is present in non-vegetarian foods like eggs, organ meat and dairy products. Vegetarian sources include dark green leafy vegetables, lettuce, cabbage, spinach and nuts like almonds and walnuts.

A Minoxidil based lotion can also be used in the initial stages. It increases the blood supply to the scalp and can help reduce hair loss.

Finasteride, a medication which reduces the effect of the male hormone on the hair follicle by preventing it from converting into the active hormone can also be used. This however, may have side effects and should be initiated only after a specialist consultation.

MicroneedlingIn this, a roller blade like instrument called a dermaroller is gently rubbed on the areas of hair loss. This irritation of the skin stimulates the stem cells present in the deeper part of the hair follicle. The stem cells then grow out and have the potential to develop into new hair follicles. This is very effective in the initial stages of alopecia. The effect can be further enhanced by infusion of growth factors or stem cells. The channels created in the scalp with microneedling enables active medications to penetrate into the deeper layers where they are more effective.

Mesotherapy
Tiny injections of stem cells are administered into the skin. The injections are placed where they can have maximum benefit and there is very little wastage. This can be painful but the pain is significantly minimised by using a local numbing cream prior to the procedure. Advancement to this procedure is microneedling with the infusion of stem cells. This gives the benefits of microneedling in addition to the benefits of stem cell injection.

PRP (Platelet rich plasma)
The clients blood is drawn in the morning. The blood sample is then processed and the platelets are seperated. The platelets are then activated. These active platelets are then infused into the areas of hair loss in the scalp with microneedling or direct injections. The activated platelets can help reverse hair loss.

All these need to be carried out in conjunction with lifestyle factors. One needs to use a mild shampoo, restrict the use of chemicals like hair dyes, perming solutions and hair relaxers.

The process of regenerating new hair follicles and reversing the hair loss occurs over a period of months and requires patience and persistence. If the treatment schedule is followed, the results can be very gratifying and can postpone the need for  hair transplant surgery. 

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How to make your hair grow faster

We’ve all been there. You head to the salon confidently, ready to try out a chic new hairstyle, only to realize afterward that the bob or bangs you were so excited about aren’t what you thought they’d be. Whether you’re recovering from a bad cut or hoping for waist-length waves by your wedding day, waiting for your hair to grow can be a rather tedious process.

Fortunately, I have tresses that grow like a weed. (Here’s my hair last summerright after cutting it and just 11 months later.) I’ve been able to donate my hair to organizations like Locks of Love andPantene Beautiful Lengths a total of five times (which requires chopping off 8 to 10 inches at a time). And since I’m often asked what my secret is, today I wanted to share a few tips that I’ve come across.

The average person’s hair grows a quarter of an inch per month. And while there isn’t one miracle cure for faster hair growth, there are several steps you can take to help speed up the process. I can’t say for sure which one of these tricks is responsible for my quick-fire strands, but if you’re looking to add some length to your locks, trying them all can’t hurt…

Try prenatal vitamins.
Most prenatal vitamins contain biotin (along with iron and folic acid), which is said to promote healthy hair growth. Biotin will not only help your hair grow longer faster, but your skin and nails will reap the benefits too. Of course, it is best to consult your doctor before taking a new type of vitamin supplement.

Stick to healthy hair diet.
As you might remember this from Lauren’s Foods for Heavenly Hair post, whole grains, along with foods rich in calcium and the amino acid cysteine all promote hair growth. Cysteine is found in foods including poultry, eggs, red peppers, garlic, onions, Brussels spouts, yogurt, oatmeal, and broccoli. And if you prefer to stay away from supplements like the ones mentioned above, you can get your biotin from nuts (especially almonds and peanuts) egg yolks, soybeans, and fish.

Indulge in a scalp massage.
According to DailyGlow.com, giving yourself an at-home scalp massage increases blood flow to the scalp, which helps nutrients get to your follicles more quickly. So when you’re shampooing or rinsing your hair, try massaging your head with your fingertips to stimulate hair growth.

Time for a little myth busting…

I’ve always heard that frequent trims make your hair grow faster. But the research I did for this post (along with my own personal experience—I tend to go longer than recommended between trims) revealed that tip to be completely false. Since hair grows out of the scalp, trimming the ends will not affect its growth.

That said, split ends could lead to breakage, which makes maintaining your length difficult. To avoid split ends and breakage, keep heat styling and processing to a minimum, and use only non-damaging hair elastics. As I learned from Lauren’s Beauty book, if you tie your hair in the same place every day you will notice a line of breakage where the hair tie hits.

Are you trying to grow out your hair?

I hope that all of these tips help! Let me know how it’s going in the comments.

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Hair masks for dry and dull hair

Battling dry and dull hair? Here are 10 super rich hair masks completely made out of natural ingredients. Try them at home and flaunt your long, lustrous and enviable tresses…

Traditional henna pack
Soak henna mixed with black tea overnight. In the morning, add two beaten eggs, four teaspoons of curd, juice of half a lemon and one tablespoon of coconut or olive oil. Leave this mask on for at least two hours before washing it off with cold water for best results. Use a mild shampoo. 

Protein-rich hair mask for dry and dull hair 

Mix one egg yolk, one tablespoon of castor oil, one tablespoon of honey and cover your hair from root to tips. Put on a plastic shower cap and wrap your head with a towel. Wash off after half an hour and do a final rinse with apple cider vinegar. Using this mask thrice a week will give you excellent results.

Banana mask
Mash two ripe bananas till smooth. Add two tablespoons of mayonnaise and one tablespoon of olive oil. Apply and leave on hair for an hour. Wash hair with lukewarm water. Since bananas are known for its softening effects on the hair, this mask is excellent for ladies who have dull and rough hair.

Potato hair mask
Remove the skin of one large potato and grate it. Squeeze the juice into a bowl. Mix two tablespoons of aloe vera gel to this. Stir well till the mixture becomes smooth in texture. Massage onto the scalp for 15 minutes and then, leave the mask for two hours before washing off. This mask helps in hair growth and combats hair fall.

Coconut cream mask
Take out all the cream at the bottom of a tender green coconut. Put it in a dish and warm it a little. Slowly massage it into your hair from root to tip. Wrap your hair in a warm towel and leave it for an hour. Wash with a mild shampoo and let your hair dry naturally. If done regularly, this pack helps regain your hair’s lost shine and also makes it bouncy.

Coveted avocado mask
Mash avocado pulp and add mayonnaise in the ratio 1:2. Because of its thick and heavy texture, avocado is one of the best smoothening natural remedies for dry and dull hair. Apply the mixture through your hair. Wash off with tap water after 30 minutes.

Methi anti-dandruff hair mask
Soak methi seeds in water overnight. Grind into a paste the next day and massage into scalp and hair. Leave on for 20 minutes before washing off. You can also use the water as the last rinse after you shampoo. This not only reduces dandruff, but also strengthens the hair.

Protein-rich gram flour pack
Soak three tablespoons of black gram overnight and grind it to paste next day. Mix it with one beaten egg, one tablespoon of lemon juice and one cup of yoghurt. Apply to hair and leave on for half an hour before washing off with cold water.

Mask for hair growth
Grind black pepper and lemon seeds in equal amounts. Boil three tablespoons of dried rosemary in three cups of water till the water reduces to less than half. Cool and strain. Dissolve the ground pepper and lemon seeds powder in this solution to make a fine paste. Add a cup of curd to it and mix well. Apply on your hair and scalp. Wash after 15 minutes with cold water.

Hibiscus hair pack
Take a cupful of red hibiscus petals and soak it overnight. Make a paste of it and add olive oil to it. Apply it on your scalp and wash off after an hour for lustrous tresses. 

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