If you are looking in the mirror and seeing less hair on your head, you may be eager to find something that will stop this trend as fast as possible. Since hair loss is a common problem among men, there are numerous hair loss shampoos and topical treatments on the market today, some of which claim impressive results. Do they really work, and if so, how? If you’re ready to learn more about these products as well as natural treatments you may want to try, here are some facts you’ll want to remember.
Minoxidil
One of the most popular topical treatments in use today for hair loss in men, minoxidil tends to work best with men who are under age 40. As for what it can do for you, minoxidil has been shown to extend the growth period of hair and produce a high number of hair strands. If used successfully over time, this topical treatment can give you longer and fuller hair. However, it can also come with certain side effects, such as:
- Skin irritation and redness
- Itchy scalp
- Excessive hair growth elsewhere on your body
Since minoxidil is a prescription medication, always take your doctor’s advice during treatment to make sure side effects are minimized.
Hair Loss Shampoo
When you first hear of hair loss shampoo, you may think your troubles regarding hair loss will be solved by simply washing your hair a few times. However, like most things that sound too good to be true, this is often the case with almost all types of hair loss shampoos. According to some dermatologists who specialize in hair loss, these types of shampoos are usually most effective with men who have inflammation on their scalps caused by psoriasis or dandruff. If it has been determined that your hair loss is due to an inflamed scalp and you use a shampoo specially formulated with the anti-inflammation ingredient ketoconazole, you may see modest results at best.
Onion Juice
If you’ve been disappointed by the results you’ve been getting with hair loss shampoos and other topical treatments, you may want to go the natural route and try massaging onion juice into your scalp and across your entire head. In a study conducted in 2014, onion juice was found to be a surprisingly effective topical treatment in terms of hair regrowth. Used on men suffering from male pattern baldness, this is a natural treatment option that should not be overlooked.
Scalp Massages
If you are getting good results from a specific hair loss shampoo or other types of topical treatment, combining these with regular scalp massages may help accelerate your rate of hair regrowth. Great at stimulating your hair follicles, a scalp massage will also feel very relaxing, which can help to decrease the stress levels associated with your hair loss. If you’re a bit skeptical about this, consider the results of a 2016 Japanese study on men’s hair loss. In this study, men who received a four-minute scalp massage daily over a six-month period had much thicker hair than the men in the study who did not get a scalp massage.
Lifestyle Changes
Some of the best natural treatments for hair loss involve you simply making some lifestyle changes. This can include changing the foods you choose to eat on a daily basis. To help your hair, you need to eat a balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables and far fewer sugars and carbohydrates. In some studies, participants who changed their diets were able to decrease the level of DHT inside their bodies, which is the hormone responsible for making hair follicles become dormant.
Be Gentle with Your Hair
While you can use hair loss shampoos and topical treatments to keep from losing more of your hair, being gentle with your hair can also make a big difference. On average, you can expect to lose between 50-100 hairs per day from your head, even if you are a young guy who’s in great shape otherwise. According to dermatologists, two of the worst things you can do to your hair is bleach it and wear it in very tight hairstyles like pigtails or buns.
Bottom Line
Whether you put your faith in topical treatments like minoxidil or instead think making various lifestyle changes may ultimately give you a fuller head of hair, always discuss any plans you have with your doctor. In doing so, you may learn about recent advancements or other simple and effective natural treatments you can incorporate into your daily routine.