Hair Loss Treatment

Is Your New Hair Care Regimen Making You Lose Your Hair?

The flat iron has been a dream come true for many women born with curly or frizzy hair. Using a flat iron replaces the need for lengthy blow drying episodes, and the Keratin or straightening treatment du jour, while also saving money spent on blowouts that last two days — tops.

But is this time- and money-saving beauty habit really doing more harm than good? It just may be.

Excessive use of flat irons, along with some trendy hair care accessories and treatments such as extensions, coloring and other harsh processes that change hair's natural texture may lead to hair loss.

This starts with using flat irons sparingly (every other day max) on dry hair on a low or medium heat. Excessive heat can damage your hair.

Avoid braids, cornrows, ponytails and hair extensions that pull on the hair and can cause tension that leads to breakage.

Courtesy of AAFPRS

Hair Loss Treatments

If you already have hair loss, there are treatments available. Hair transplants are much more inconspicuous today than they used to be. The results are permanent, but they don't come cheap, costing anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000.

If transplantation isn't right for you, medications may help. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical solution that reverses the hair shrinking process and stimulates re-growth on the top of the scalp in men and women.

Latisse is FDA-approved to foster eyelash growth, but may have a role in treating hair loss elsewhere. Studies are ongoing.

Finasteride (Propecia), a prescription medication that slows hair loss and stimulates new hair, is for men only.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) may also promote hair growth and help keep hair strong. It can be used with hair transplants and/or as a standalone treatment.

An additional treatment option incorporates laser devices such as brushes, combs and other hand-held devices, the use of which may stimulate hair growth with low-level light. These DIY tools are readily available on the Internet and elsewhere, and can cost a few hundred dollars depending on the model. Follow the directions closely for the best possible results.

Other hair loss surgeries such as scalp reduction can bring the hair-bearing scalp closer to minimize a bald spot. It can be used on its own or in combination with hair transplantation. Scalp expansion stretches hair-bearing areas on the scalp, and scalp flaps involve moving parts of the scalp to where hair is needed.

Speak with Your Doctor

In the end, preventing hair loss is still the best policy. But if you're past that point, it may be time to consider hair loss treatments. Start by discussing any hair loss concerns with your doctor, and make sure to let him or her know about your hair care regimen.