If you’ve noticed an erosion in your hairline, you should try and stay focused on preventing further follicles from disappearing because growing all your hair back is a lot harder. When looking for the best way to prevent hair loss, it’s easy to get confused between the hyperbole of many products and mantras of no-name hair loss gurus. Considering that all men are different, the hair loss solution that works for you may not offer the same benefits to others. But here are a few easy dermatologist approved solutions to help you curb your hair loss issue.
- Exercise and meditation – Hair loss in most men is often the result of high stress levels. Stress generally leads to a high rise in the hormone cortisol aka “stress hormone”, which can accelerate the process of balding. To keep your stress levels in check, you may want to try out light exercises or traditional meditation or active meditation such as yoga or tai chi.
- Ketoconazole shampoo – Although it is marketed as an antidandruff ingredient, research proves that ketoconazole is an excellent anti-androgen. This ingredient prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone—the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles.
- Vitamin D – This is an essential nutrient for several aspects of your health, and apart from helping you keep your bones strong, skin healthy and boost immunity, vitamin D also helps create new hair follicles. Vitamin D deficiency generally occurs due to lack of exposure to the sun, and for those who don’t have the time to rejoice under the rays, vitamin D supplements can help you fill up on this nutrient.
- Hair loss medication – Choosing the best medication for hair loss can be a tricky affair given the myriad options available. Medical experts recommend that you always use drugs approved by the FDA, even if it’s for hair loss. You can buy Propecia—a leading hair loss drug that’s easily available with a prescription or you can always buy Rogaine over the counter without a prescription, but there is a huge difference between the two.
While Rogaine is designed to target the hair follicle itself, Propecia works at a hormonal level to prevent hair loss. Propecia is available as an oral tablet, while Rogaine in a topical form, which makes it a bit daunting to use given that men have to apply it twice daily. In terms of effects, you get what you pay for where the effects of Propecia last as long as you take the tablets, and you will have to apply Rogaine everyday in order for it to be effective and last longer.
- Laser hair loss surgery – This is possibly the best treatment for hair loss, but on the downside could cost you anywhere between $4,000 and $15,000. Furthermore, most if not all health insurance providers do not cover the costs of laser hair transplants as they consider it a cosmetic procedure.
Hair loss can affect young and old and every one in between, but good news is that there are a few solutions that you can try out in the comfort of your home without breaking the bank. Laser hair loss treatment will require several trips to the dermatologist, where you will probably shed a few more bundles of hair once you’re presented with the bill.