How to Choose the Right Hair Loss Option

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A full head of hair just isn't an option for all of us. Sometimes hair starts falling out for no reason. Sometimes it's genetic. Sometimes it's caused by diseases. But if it seems there's less and less hair on your scalp each time you look in the mirror, there are options. But how can you decide which option is the right one for you?

Steps

1. Rule out a medical condition. Sometimes medical problems can cause hair loss as a side effect. Examples include thyroid disease, menopause, or if you've had recent surgery. An autoimmune disease called alopecia areata can cause sudden hair loss. So your best first option is to go to your doctor and get a check-up.
   
2. Check your medications. Some medicines such as birth control pills, can affect hair growth. Don't stop taking the medications if they've been prescribed, but do talk about this with your doctor.
   
3. Check your scalp. Make sure it looks healthy, no infections or problems. If you notice something wrong, get to a doctor.
   
4. Check your hair style. If you wear your hair pulled back tightly, you could impact its growth. So your best option is to stop wearing yor hair in the damaging hairstyle.
   
5. Make sure you're not using harsh chemicals on your hair, over-perming, over-brushing or doing something that could cause hair to get pulled out. Again - common sense - if this could be the problem, make some changes.
   
6. Look at your relatives. if your dad and brothers are losing their hair, chances are you will too. Hair loss can run in families. The medical name for it is androgenetic alopecia - what we call male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. There's not much you can do to change your genes. Your best option now - decide if you can live with thinning or no hair, or if you want to do something about it.
   
7. If you can't live without a full head of hair, think if you'd be happy with a hair piece or wig. Remember that there you can find more realistic looking hairpieces, but they will be the pricier ones.
   
8. If you don't like the idea of a hairpiece, you now have two more drastic options. These are hair loss medications or hair replacement surgery.
   

Tips

• If you decide you want hair replacement surgery, go to a qualified doctor. Check credentials. Check accreditation. Make sure the doctor performs enough of these types of surgeries annually to stay current.
  
• If you decide you want to invest in a wig or hairpiece, go with a good and honest friend. Explore different options for attaching and choose what feels most comfortable and most secure.
  

Warnings

• If you do decide to try hair loss medications, remember that you will have to stay on them for life, else the hair will fall out again.
  
• If you're considering surgery or medications, remember that there are always side effects. And keep in mind that insurance probably won't pay for either type of hair loss treatment.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Treat Male Pattern Hair Loss
  
• How to Avoid Giving a Friend a Head Massage when Dandruff is Present
  
• How to Cope With Female Pattern Hair Loss
  
• How to Maintain a Healthy Hair With Hypothyroidism
  

Sources and Citations

• http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/men/general/081.html
  
• http://www.healthyu-skin.org/hair.htm
  

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