On average, Americans spend more than 3.5 billion dollars each year on hair loss prevention measures. Hair loss is a very common occurrence amongst adult men and women and it tends to be very demoralizing for many when it occurs. Thankfully, there are effective treatments that prevent hair loss as well as promote new hair growth in some cases.
There are a variety of different reasons for hair loss, including stress, poor nutrition, side effects from certain medications and trauma. Commonly, hereditary androgenetic alopecia affects both males and females.
If the hair loss is due to stress or poor nutrition, simply alleviating these conditions will often result in the prevention of hair loss. Male and female pattern baldness can be a little more complex to treat, but it can be treated in most cases. The sooner treatment is started, the better chances are of preventing hair loss.
Drug based hair loss treatments are the most popular and generally the most effective. Topically applied Rogaine Hair Growth Treatment (also known as Minoxidil) comes in two different strengths, 2% for women and 5% for men. 5% Rogaine typically costs between $25 to $30 for 60 ml. An amount of 1 ml must be applied twice daily in order for it to be effective, thus one bottle should last for one month.
Medically prescribed Propencia, an oral medication, is only suitable for use by men. It inhibits the action of a male hormone, DHT, which is responsible for male pattern baldness. Studies have proven that Propencia is an effective hair loss prevention product with approximately 80% of the males who use it. Propencia pills are to be taken daily, with thirty pills costing anywhere from $45 to $55.
Hair loss prevention shampoo should contain the active ingredient Ketoconazole. You can buy over the counter dandruff shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole although this is not as effective as the prescribed 2% Ketoconazole shampoo. On its own, the shampoo is unlikely to prevent all hair loss but when combined with other treatments it enhances their effect. You can buy a 4 oz. bottle on line for as little as $17.50. One bottle should last at least one month, depending on how frequently you use it to shampoo your hair.
It should be noted that the best prevention of hair loss occurs when two or more treatments are combined. For example, a one month supply of 5% Rogaine and Propencia would typically cost up to $85 a month. If you wanted to add Ketoconazole shampoo, you could be looking at around $100 per month needed for hair loss prevention products for men. The best female hair loss prevention products include using Rogaine Treatment, combined with Ketoconazole shampoo, which would cost an average of $42 to $45 a month. It should be noted that treatment must be kept up with, otherwise hair loss will occur again.
Doctors sometimes prescribe other off-label treatments for baldness, including drugs used to treat an enlarged prostate in men, or certain types of oral contraceptives or hormone treatments for women, however these are not commonly prescribed.
Other hair loss prevention tips include making sure you have a good well balanced diet rich in Vitamin B., magnesium and zinc; reducing stress levels and leading a balanced life that includes time for exercise and relaxation. Be sure to brush your hair vigorously several times a day but be careful not to tug or pull the brush through your hair as that can increase hair loss. Also avoid pulling your hair back too tightly with an elastic and be careful not to use clips that pull at your hair.