Hair loss may be a common problem for millions of men and women – especially as they age – but it’s not something you have to live with. Not when there are many hair restoration solutions that can help prevent and, in some cases, reverse hair loss.
When people hear the phrase “hair replacement,” they often think it involves a surgical procedure. However, surgery is not always an appropriate first step for restoring hair – certainly not if you are only in the early stages of hair loss, are in poor health, are experiencing excessive hair loss, or have unrealistic expectations about hair restoration.
Instead, there are numerous non-surgical hair restoration solutions that Dr. Robert Niedbalski of Northwest Hair Restoration may recommend that typically include a combination of treatments (such as Rogaine® or Propecia®), nutritional supplements, laser treatments, scalp injections, and cosmetic cover-ups.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these options.
Medication Treatment for Hair Loss
Certain hair loss medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may slow down hair loss or even stimulate new hair growth for individuals suffering from male pattern hair loss. These include:
Rogaine® (Minoxidil)
Topically applied, minoxidil is available without a prescription in both regular-strength (2 percent) and extra-strength (5 percent) varieties. Daily application of Rogaine prolongs the hair growth cycle, allowing hair to grow thicker and longer, although It may take up to six months to notice any measurable improvements. The primary goal of Rogaine use is to prevent additional hair loss. Regular-strength Rogaine is typically recommended for women, but Dr. Niedbalski often starts his female patients on extra-strength minoxidil, since it is significantly more effective for hair loss.
Propecia®
Finasteride is a prescription medication that is taken orally in pill form once per day. It works by blocking the formation of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – a key factor in the development of male-pattern hair loss – by 60 percent and is considered the most effective prescription treatment for hair loss in men. Studies have shown that up to 66 percent of men demonstrate some hair regrowth after 12 – 18 months of using Propecia.
Non-Medication Treatment Options for Hair Loss
Cosmetic Cover-ups, Camouflage
Some nonprescription products may be used to camouflage thinning hair, giving the appearance of hair fullness when applied to the scalp and/or hair. These products come in a variety of colors to match natural hair colors. For some young men, camouflage agents may be an acceptable short-term solution to improve cosmetic appearance while they await hair transplant surgery.
LaserCap®
This FDA-cleared device serves as a tool for stimulating hair growth by consistently applying laser therapy to the scalp, causing hair strands to grow in thicker and extending the life cycle of the hair before it sheds. The result is an overall reduction in the appearance of thinning and an improvement in the quality of hair growth.
Nutritional Supplements
Loaded with biotin and amino acids, Help Hair Whey Protein shakes are a delicious drink made with all-natural ingredients that are safe for men and women who need help with thinning, lifeless hair. These protein shakes, which can be used as a meal replacement, provide much-needed structural nutrition that makes your hair stronger, longer, and healthier.
Scalp Injections
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy works at the cellular level to repair and remodel damaged tissues, including miniaturized hair follicles. PRP is loaded with growth factors that promote the rapid development of new blood vessels and improve follicular cell function. When injected into the scalp, it helps miniaturized hair follicles to become healthier and larger, producing more robust hair growth.
Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Options in Seattle, WA
As you can see, there are numerous non-surgical treatment options available to hair loss patients. The key to effective hair restoration is to select the treatment that is right for your unique situation. For more information about these services, call Dr. Robert Niedbalski at Northwest Hair Restoration of Tacoma, Seattle, and Spokane, Washington, at (253) 572-2949 to arrange a consultation, or request an appointment online.
