If you’re suffering from hereditary hair loss, it can seem like there’s nothing you can do about it other than subject yourself to an expensive hair transplant or hope that your hair grows back on its own after you let it all grow out.
But that doesn’t have to be the case! There are plenty of treatments out there designed to help with hereditary hair loss, and this article will cover some of the best treatments available today so that you can start to get your natural hair back to the way it was before.
Causes of hereditary hair loss
The first cause of hereditary hair loss is genetics. It’s been established that your genes play a significant role in hair loss. If you have a family record of baldness, your likelihood of going bald increases if you also have genes that predispose you to hair loss.
One gene in particular—the androgen receptor gene—has been pinpointed as one culprit responsible for male-pattern baldness and other forms of hereditary hair loss among men and women.
What are the different types of hereditary hair loss?
There are three main types of hereditary hair loss: androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and trichotillomania. Each class is characterized by a specific pattern of loss or thinning hair. (In men, androgenetic alopecia is also known as male-pattern baldness.)
Androgenetic alopecia occurs more frequently in men than women; it causes diffuse thinning over an extensive scalp area. Telogen effluvium typically begins with massive shedding followed by a gradually increasing degree of thinning over several months to years.
Trichotillomania involves repeated pulling out of hair, sometimes one at a time but usually in clumps; specific sites include the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard.
How can you treat hereditary hair loss?
For many people, hair loss is a frustrating, distressing condition that can significantly impact their day-to-day lives. Luckily, there are different choices when it comes to getting your hair back in shape. Several potential treatments are on offer if you’re experiencing hereditary hair loss. The treatments include:
Scalp Micropigmentation
It is the process of implanting colored pigment into your scalp. Pigment deposits then mimic hair follicles, thus re-creating a full head of hair without actual surgery. Generally, patients opt for 2D (to cover up bald spots or thinning hair) or 3D (to create the appearance of thick hair).
Hair Transplant Surgery
It is a surgical treatment that involves grafting hair follicles from one part of your scalp to another. The doctor will remove strips of skin (typically from your back or pubic area), where hair grows in a thick, coarse pattern.
Once removed, these strips are then dissected into thousands of tiny grafts, each containing between one and four hairs.
Platelet Rich Plasma
PRP is a fast-growing treatment that uses plasma rich in platelets to boost hair growth. The process involves drawing your blood and separating PRP, which contains up to four times more platelets than normal blood plasma.
Use of Minoxidil/Rogaine
It is a topical solution that both men and women can use. You can apply the active ingredient of minoxidil directly to your scalp to stop hair loss and encourage regrowth.
When it was first developed in 1979, minoxidil faced FDA skepticism because it was being marketed as a new treatment without any clinical trials proving its effectiveness.
Use of wigs, weaves, and toupees
Many people opt to use these products to cover their hair loss or bald spots. Today, they come in a variety of styles and colors.
Synthetic fibers used to make these products are often blended with human hair (known as Toupee hair), which helps them blend better with your natural hair. There are plenty of different types on offer if you want to try one out.
Summing Up
Hereditary hair loss has been a common effect on many different people worldwide. It brings a lot of discomfort and insecurities. People research the treatments they can use to end hereditary hair loss. Therefore, if you are looking for such treatments for genetic hair loss, this has made the best article for you. To sum up, the treatments include scalp micropigmentation, hair transplant, use of minoxidil, etc.