UK Hair Loss Solutions

A less common, but sometimes more devastating, condition is TE. In this case all the hair rapidly begins to fall out, leaving the sufferer with a bald head. The reason for this is that the follicles all begin rejuvenating simultaneously, usually as a result of a major stress occurrence (such as dealing with the death of a spouse or close person), or hormonal imbalances. Chemical treatments, such as chemotherapy can also trigger this condition.

Noticeable patterned baldness in women usually starts after menopause when the production of the female hormone estrogen slows down dramatically or stops altogether. This clears the way for testosterone to dominate the hormonal system and it gets broken down into a destructive variant hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) when coming into contact with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (found in the skin). DHT is responsible for inhibiting the follicles' ability to produce new hair strands.

Although hair loss is largely considered a male only condition, there is a significant amount of women who also suffer a slightly different loss, not usually associated with baldness. Only about 15% of women suffer hair loss and it usually occurs later in life, however the psychological effect can be more devastating. Bald patches aren't commonly found in women, but a universal thinning occurs and the remaining hair becomes brittle and lifeless.

A slightly more old-fashioned attempt involves the use of hair pieces to cover bald spots. These too can be quite expensive and unhealthy, usually contributing to hair loss and speeding it up. The bald patch soon outgrows the hair piece and a new one has to be stitched onto your scalp. Synthetic hairpieces have been banned by the FDA for health reasons. Some opt for hair extensions or braids that are attached to existing hair, thought this is only realistic in the early stages of balding.

Hair transplants are expensive option that only the serious or wealthy attempt. It involves transplanting hair from other parts of the head or body into the bald patches. Modern techniques are very sophisticated and safe, but it can become an ongoing process, costing £20,000 or more. Transplanting hair doesn't solve the problem of dysfunctional follicles that fail to rejuvenate lost hair. Another method involves the grafting of small clumps of hair, which, it is hoped, will 'colonise' a new head of hair.

Unfortunately male pattern baldness cannot be cured. It is a heredity condition related to genetic make up in each individual body, relating to the balance of testosterone in your hormonal system.

Telogen effluvium (TE), is a separate condition resulting in the temporary loss of hair, and can be cured by rejuvenating damaged or resting follicles, but it is a far less common condition that is largely unrelated to the ageing process.

Some specialists maintain that the stretching of the thin tendonous membrane, known as the galea, which covers the scalp reduces blood flow to the follicles and exasperates hair loss. Developing a series of five-minute exercise to stretch and exercise this membrane have produced marginal effects for some.

Most people suffering from male patterned baldness find that thickeners and masking creams are the most cost effective and successful way of combating baldness.

Hair thickeners, such as Toppik, are quite effective in adding body to your hair. Toppik adds thousands of tiny microfibres (made from the same keratin as your hair) to the strands and helps thicken areas that are thinning out.

There are many products and hair loss treatments available for combating male pattern baldness, but determining which will actually work for you, and suit your budget is a difficult task. It's important to realize that, so far, no proven cure or remedy exists for male pattern baldness, some people have claimed spectacular results while others have felt the very same product to be a waste of money.

Youth and vigour are two extremely important factors determining one's self image. Lets' face it, our physical appearance plays an important part in our self-confidence, and without a full head of hair its natural too feel aged and unappealing.