With all the numerous choices available today, choosing hair loss treatment products can seem quite daunting and confusing. So how do you choose a product that is right for your hair type? Before we go into the details of how to pick the right hair care product, let’s take a look at the nature and cycle of hair growth.
The natural cycle of hair growth is between 2 to 6 years. Every month during this time, each strand of hair grows about half an inch. This means that at any given time about 90 percent of your hair is in growth phase and the remaining 10 percent is in rest phase. In about 3 months, the hair in rest phase fall out and new hair starts to grow in its place. It is absolutely normal to find some hair fall every day. Hair fall only becomes a problem when it becomes excessive.
There are many reasons for excessive hair fall. Finding out the right reason is of the utmost importance in choosing hair loss treatment products. Hair fall could occur due to stress, change in hormonal levels, especially during and after pregnancy or menopause and an unbalanced diet. An over- or underactive thyroid, diabetes, fungal infection could also cause hair fall. You should visit a dermatologist to pinpoint the exact cause of your hair loss.
Once you’ve determined the cause, it becomes easier choosing hair loss treatment products. If your hair fall is due to medicines that you are taking, then you can ask your doctor for alternative drugs that don’t have hair fall as a side effect. If a bad diet is the cause of excessive hair fall, you need to improve your diet and take vitamin supplements.
There are shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products that contain Minoxidil. Initially Minoxidil was a drug used to reduce high blood pressure. One of its side effects was excessive hair growth. It was later redeveloped and is now one of the best hair loss treatments available.
If you don’t like chemicals and prefer choosing hair loss treatment products that are herbal, then you should get hair care products that have extracts of Saw Palmetto. This herbal extract inhibits DHT, one of the leading causes of hair fall. DHT is produced when testosterone combines with Alpha 5 reductase enzyme.
There are pharmaceutical products available that prevent hair loss. They not only prevent hair fall, but also help in the process of hair re-growth. These products are sold in the form of pills and topical formulas. The only problem is the side effects that accompany these treatments. Milder side effects may continue even after you discontinue the treatment.
As you have seen, in choosing hair loss treatment products, you have many options. Whichever one you choose, do your research carefully. Both medical and herbal products could have associated side effects. So talk to your doctor before using any product for the treatment of hair loss.