TREATMENT
Before
discussing any "treatments," its important to
really ask yourself how important hair is to you. We've
put "treatments" in quotes since hair loss in itself is
not a disease, and does no medical harm to your body. So,
are you willing to go through your bank account? Are you
willing to possibly suffer side effects that could harm
your body? Are you willing to undergo the discomfort and
risks of surgery?
Instead
of jumping to getting more hair, maybe we should know how
to protect the hair we have. There are MANY products out
there. Just because they are advertised does not mean they
are good. In fact, more expensive products can sometimes
be less effective than simple measures. Many products do
not do anything at all! Here are some helpful facts about
maintaining your hair:
•
Choose a shampoo that's not too rough or drying, and leaves
your hair manageable, easy to comb, and glossy.
•
Shampoo as often as you need to - contrary to what many
hairstylists say, more shampooing does not mean more hair
loss. In fact, shampooing regularly helps unclogs oily
pores and dead skin cells.
•
High priced and exotic ingredients usually do not mean better
protection for your hair.
•
Always rinse the shampoo thoroughly out of your hair, as
it can leave a residue that can damage and irritate the
scalp
•
Conditioners lubricate your hair. Those that claim to "nourish"
your hair usually don't, since most molecules are too large
to get into the cortex. Conditioners with benzalkonium chloride
and/or cationic quaternary ammonium compounds generally
give some protection. Added polymers, collagen, resins,
silicones, and balsams probably don't damage hair, and may
make it look better. Many "extra-body" shampoos contain
fats and oils to give that effect.
•
Permanents, waved, straightened, or dyed hair are often
damaged by these procedures.
•
Blow dryers, curling irons, and rough towel drying can damage
hair - natural, or soft pat drying is best. If blow drying,
leave hair slightly damp.
•
Brushing gently may increase circulation to the scalp, though
whether this means anything to the hair follicle is unknown.
Likewise, standing on ones head also may increases scalp
blood flow, but there is no evidence this does anything.
•
Avoid tight braiding and teasing (see traction alopecia)
•
Avoid too much exposure to the sun, swimming pool chemicals,
and wind as these may damage hair.
Although
some companies will quote you studies of how people with
more hair are looked upon as more successful, sexier, and
more handsome, you should remember that most of those studies
were done a long time ago, and paid for by the very companies
which now want to sell you these expensive, and often ineffective,
"treatments." You should consider the search for hair replacement
as cosmetic/plastic surgery. That said, may of our surfers
still want to know what is available, so click the treatment
options below (or in the left frame) to learn more about
what is available right now.
