Which is the right treatment for me?

Nutrition and good hair care are important in the prevention of some hair-loss disorders, and most specialists will tell you that the sooner you start preventative treatments, the better.

Shampoos and lotions You probably have a shelf full of disappointments – including horse shampoo (which, sadly, is made for horses). “Use reputable products,” says Trevenen. “Be wary of those that promise instant results, and research what clinical trials were done.”

Minoxidil Clinical studies show that the medication Minoxidil (also known as Rogaine) can stimulate follicles, helping hair thicken and grow. Just check out potential side-effects, and know this is a lifetime commitment to daily application. At Medical Hair Restoration Clinic this is often combined with tablets designed to counteract the effect of DHT.

Hormone therapy Topical treatments may help, but only temporarily if hormonal imbalance is the root cause. See a specialist doctor to bring your levels back into balance, often reversing hair loss.

Non-surgical replacement Laser can be effective in some cases. Explore this option with companies such as Advanced Hair Studio. Just be sure this is what your condition will respond to. Stem cell treatment Recent studies on patients with androgenetic alopecia found that stem cell therapy may help to generate bigger hair follicles, restoring hair growth.

Platelet-rich plasma This relatively new, minimally invasive treatment at Medical Hair Restoration Clinic can help to stimulate scalp health and hair growth, but make sure it’s an appropriate treatment for you.

Hair transplantation If you’re a suitable candidate (consult a specialised surgeon), you could opt for this procedure, which has advanced so rapidly that it’s now difficult to distinguish between transplanted and natural hair.

Other treatments such as oral antiandrogens and oestrogens for FPHL, microneedling and supplements like biotin, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids have been known to stimulate growth. If your loss results from an underlying medical condition, stress or medication, removing the trigger can help reverse it permanently.

1Think cropping your hair is all about a short back and sides? Think again! The hottest cuts include pixies, layered bobs, shaggy fringes, undercuts and even bowl cuts. There are many cuts – not to mention styling ideas and colours – to suit your personality.

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