Hair loss is an issue that haunts most of us as we age – Men more so than women, it seems.
While hair transplant surgery is a rather permanent way to fix the problem, it is also terribly pricey, and results aren’t guaranteed, as with all surgeries. All surgeons can tell you is a projected rate of success, and it’s up to the implant grafts to grow in the transplanted area.
You also potentially run the risk of infection, bleeding scalp, itching, scarring, cysts, etc., not to mention the pain you go through, and the downtime required.
That said, there are successful cases, and if your balding is a very huge area, transplanted hair might be worth considering.
For others, here are a few safer (and cheaper) alternatives to stimulate hair growth:
1. Oral Supplements for Hair
This is probably one of the first things most might consider before jumping to something as extreme as surgery – Supplementation. If your hair loss belongs in the less severe category, renowned hair supplements like Viviscal are wildly popular with both hairstylists and A-list celebrities and models like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, etc.
A quick check on Amazon boasts over 11,000 reviews, and even real-life before and after photos people have posted as proof that the supplement does indeed help with hair growth. Do expect to stick with it for at least 3 to 6 months to see tangible results, as a hair cycle takes about 100 days.
Sick of swallowing pills? No problem. Try some yummy sweet biotin gummies that contain the concoction of vitamins for healthy hair!
2. Hair Growth Shampoos & Serums
If there’s a general hesitancy with supplements though, there are a ton of hair growth shampoos and topical solutions that you can try!
Brands like Keratase and Marc Anthony often produce great products in this area, and you can even find sulfate-free ones if that is your preference.
Besides shampoos, consider adding to your routine an after-shower hair serum. In this department, Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam and Pronexa Topical Hair Loss Serum seem to currently top the rating charts with positive reviews.
Hair experts do recommend showering with cold water as it helps stimulate hair growth as well. You can also buy a scalp massager which is relatively inexpensive. All it requires is a bit of hard work on your end. Massaging the scalp daily helps increase blood flow to the area, as well as loosen dead skin cells which then also helps with product absorption.
3. DIY Hair Growth Masks
Afraid of nasties in products? Create your own!
Castor oil has always been known to help with hair growth the natural way. Look for cold-pressed castor oil. Pop it into the microwave for 10 seconds to heat it – You want it warm, hot. Then gently massage the castor oil into your scalp. Leave it on for 15 mins, rinse well, and shampoo.
If your hair is extremely dry and damaged, try the combination of 1 tablespoon of organic coconut oil, and an equal part of raw honey. Mix the ingredients, apple to wet or dry hair, focusing on the ends. Let it be absorbed for 30 minutes, then rinse and shampoo as per the usual drill.
4. Minoxidil Topical Spray
Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved drug clinically proven to regrowth hair. What minoxidil essentially does is dilate the blood vessel to cause increased blood flow around the hair follicles, which stimulates hair regrowth. As a result, the anagen (‘growth’ phase) of the hair cycle is effectively extended, thereby helping you achieve the results you wish to see.
5. PRP Injection Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Therapy is hailed to be one of the most effective non-surgical hair loss treatments. The treatment involves a simple in-office procedure where the doctor obtains a small sample of your blood. The sample is then spun in a special centrifuge to separate the platelets and other blood components. The concentration of platelets and plasma is then extracted and injected directly into targeted areas of your scalp.
The treatment only takes approximately 10 minutes, and involves zero downtime, which makes it perfect for busy professionals!
6. Light Therapy
Low-light laser therapy (LLLT) is a possible treatment. It works by altering cell metabolism and stimulating hair follicles and strengthening weaker cells in the scalp, thereby encouraging hair growth.
7. LaserCap
This FDA-approved laser technology involves applying a light, flexible cap to the scalp. How these treatment works are the red laser light helps to enhance cellular restoration and prompts hair growth. This is considered a safe and all-natural treatment.
As with every treatment, results vary for each individual. Do be patient with the process, and set realistic timelines to evaluate its efficacy. Three months would be a fairly good gauge for each treatment method.