Question: I’ve been losing some hair, which is no surprise for
an old lady, but I was wondering if there’s anything I can do to hold onto what
I have.
Answer: Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Androgenetic Alopecia,
or pattern baldness, is the most common type of alopecia; it affects about
one-third of us. I’m in that third with you. Men start to get pattern baldness
at the hairline and crown. This can lead to complete baldness. Women’s hair
loss is usually limited to thinning; they rarely go totally bald.
To preserve your hair:
1. Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair. If the pulling
scars the scalp, it can cause permanent hair loss.
2. Brushing or combing too much can break hair, so keep it to a
minimum.
3. Shampooing too often is bad for your hair. Use a creme rinse or
conditioner after shampooing to make it easier to comb. And don’t dry your hair
by rubbing it with a towel.
4. Don’t use hot-oil hair treatments or chemicals in permanents.
These may cause inflammation of the hair follicles, which can lead to hair
loss.
There are about 100,000 hairs in the average scalp. Each
individual hair survives for an average of 4 1/2 years, growing about a half
inch a month.
Medicines may help slow or prevent the development of common
baldness.
Rogaine is available without a prescription. It is applied to the
scalp.
Both men and women can use it. Propecia is available with a
prescription. It comes in pills and is only for men.
Hair transplants and scalp reduction surgery are available to
treat androgenetic alopecia when more conservative measures have failed.
If you have a question, please write fred@healthygeezer.com
All rights reserved. © 2008 by Fred Cicetti