Recommendations for dealing with hair loss

Humans have always experienced the loss of their hair. Now, for the first time in history, there are a number of effective treatments.

Here are some early actions to take to deal with hair loss:

• A physical exam to rule out any underlying medical or psychological disorder.
• Medications to slow the rate of hair loss and, ideally, to help hair grow back.
• Lifestyle changes to nourish your scalp and help you keep the hair you have left.
• Hair transplants, weaves or wigs to achieve more immediate results.

• Go for the bald and bold look. Perhaps more so now than ever before, a clean-shaven head is fashionable and attractive.
• Consider camouflage. A short haircut or one that’s layered can hide thinning hair. Or invest in a wig or a hairpiece.
• Think about joining a support group. Don't underestimate the psychological impact of losing your hair.
• Get a yearly physical. A number of studies have found that men who started losing their hair early in life are at greater risk for heart disease.
• Shop around for a surgeon if you're considering hair transplants. Ask to see at least a dozen different before-and-after photos. Get a list of names and phone numbers of some patients he’s worked on. And investigate his reputation with other doctors.

The most common cause of thinning hair is male- and female-pattern baldness, medically known as androgenetic alopecia. Following these effective treatment plans will help keep control of the situation.