As men age, one of their most common complaints is hair loss. If you find yourself in this camp, don't worry! You're not alone. Every year thousands of men look in the mirror and consider adopting the Mr. Clean look - a completely shaved head - to combat their thinning tresses. While many men love the shaved look, others struggle with the transition and wish they could reverse the clock to their full hair days. So, is a shaved head really the only option for balding men? The short answer is no.
Understanding Baldness
Unfortunately, hair loss has no easy-to-blame culprit. The cause of hair loss varies. Among the most common causes for balding are genetics, hormone imbalances, and medical treatments, including chemotherapy. The first step in combating baldness is to consult a doctor for help in determining the cause of your unique hair loss. It is important to learn whether or not your hair loss is linked to any other medical conditions before finding a solution.
Although there are many causes of baldness, the vast majority of hair loss can be attributed to genetics. Male pattern baldness, known as Androgentic Alopecia in the medical field, affects two-thirds of American men. This condition is caused by hormones and your hair follicles' response to a specific hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT for short). What this means is that a quick fix, like shaving your head, will never treat male pattern baldness. The idea that shaving your head will promote re-growth of your hair is simply not true.
The Old Wives Tale
For years, men have believed that shaving their head is the only way to disguise the effects of baldness. While the disguise may work, the idea that shaving stimulates hair growth is simply an urban legend. The theory behind this legend is simple: "Look at women. They shave their leg hair and it grows back thicker than before. So shouldn't that work for men's heads too?"
Unfortunately, this is nothing but an old wives tale. Unlike your girlfriend's shaved calves, your head is being subject to a hormonal attack. Whether your hair loss can be attributed to genetics or another cause, baldness is almost always a result of a hormonal or nutritional reaction at the root of your hair. The only way to truly treat hair loss is to determine its cause and craft a solution based on your unique case. A shaved head is more of a disguise, not an effective solution for re-growing hair.
Alternatives to Mr. Clean
Once you've consulted a doctor and determined the origin of your individual hair loss, it's time to make some changes. If you are one of the thousands of men who embrace the shaved look, go for it! However, if the style isn't for you, consider one of the many re-growth options available. At New Image Hair Clinic, we have developed several effective, science-backed treatments to restore the hair you love. And because no two men are alike, we work on custom solutions to restore your individual hair.
Laser therapy is one of the most common and effective strategies on the market. Using state-of-the-art technology, laser therapy works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, encouraging hair growth and a healthier head of hair. This strategy works best for men who are just beginning to experience hair loss.
Laser therapy is just one of many solutions currently available to men experiencing hair loss and balding. Just remember, the earlier hair loss is treated, the more options you have available.
To get started on your unique hair loss solution, contact New Image Hair Clinic today.