Fighting hair loss

The Sneak’s Editorial Assistant, Amelia Waterson, reveals some options for those suffering with early hair loss

According to research, around four in five men will experience some degree of baldness by the age of 70. The reason hair thins, or disappears all-together, is usually down to genetics or hormones and can be inherited from either parent. This results in high amounts of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), that disrupts normal growth patterns of the hair follicles, which causes the hair folic to die and the hair to disappear.

This statistic led me to research a few of the options available to those losing their hair, and wanting to prevent it. With a cure to baldness expected to be on the shelves within the next few years, the stress of early hair loss could soon to be over. While many men accept losing their hair as inevitable, for some, it can cause a crash in confidence and result in a major lack of self-esteem. If it’s something that is bothering you, here are some ideas to help make the most of your hair, at whatever stage of hair lose you are at.

Fight the fear

Propecia is an advanced drug (for males only) that can be ordered online through www.thehealthcounter.com, after a short online assessment has been completed. This treatment can halt hair loss and, in some cases, can also lead to regrowth. The cost of this varies depending on the length of treatment.

Nioxin shampoo is a hair care range designed specifically for thinning hair. This product intensifies the thickness of each existing strand for a fuller looking head of hair. For more information and prices, visit www.nioxin.com.

Laser light therapy (LLLT) initiates the chemical reaction in the cells that make up the follicle causing growth activity.

Although it is pricey, hair replacement surgery is a very effective option. With stars such as Louis Walsh using this treatment it has become very popular. Here, hair follicles are moved from one part of the body, to the balding spot, resulting in hair growth over time.

If you’re after a treatment that actually prevents balding then Minoxidil could be the product for you. It acts on the scalp and can promote growth on bald and balding areas and at just £23.99 from Kirkland Minoxidil UK, it’s a relatively inexpensive option. Buy from www.kirklandminoxidiluk.co.uk.

For another affordable, and less invasive method, try changing your diet. The right kind of nutrition can help fighting hair loss. Try snacking on walnuts, carrots, eggs and Greek yoghurt to help boost hair growth, the natural way.

These methods will, of course, require further personal investigation into procedures and clinics to find the best option to suit you.

Mark Blake Trichology Clinics

If you’re thinking of going down the hair replacement surgery route, one clinic that offers such treatments is the Mark Blake Trichology Clinic, which specialises in thinning hair for both men and women. Mark Blake explains: “The clinic offers two types of surgery, FUE – Follicular Unit Extraction – which is where the follicles are drilled out, and FUT –Follicular Unit Transplantation – also known as strip surgery.

“Surgery prices range from £5,500-£15,000 and these procedures can take up to a day. After 3-4 months, the new hair starts to grow through and as this hair is taken from another part of your head, there’s no chance of rejection and it will be the same colour and texture as your existing hair. Your newly transplanted hair will then last you a lifetime.”

There are Mark Blake Clinics in London, Cheltenham and Liverpool. To find out more about the Mark Blake Trichology Clinic, visit www.markblake.co.uk