Hair Growth Products- Myth And Reality

Some hair growth products claim to restore vibrant, healthy hair, considered a sign of potency and virility in our youth-oriented culture. Men whose hair is thinning or men who are bald or partially bald often feel that they need to find a way to prevent hair loss or regrow their hair. Unfortunately, such men often fall prey to unscrupulous makers of hair growth products that just take their money and offer no real solutions. Here are some tips to help you determine what treatment would be best for you.

See your doctor before using hair growth products. Hair loss can be genetic, systemic or temporary. Only a doctor can give you a valid reason for your hair loss. If you sloughing on the minoxidil and your hair loss is due to a medical reason like anemia or underactive thyroid, you're just throwing money away. It's critical to find out whether there is a medical reason, and hence, a medical solution for your hair loss. For example, there's a simple blood test for determining thyroid activity. If the doctor finds that you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), there's an acceptable medical treatment for it. These treatments will cure the problem but also act as hair growth products. The doctor will prescribe a synthetic thyroid hormone and monitor your dosage until the blood test shows a normal level in your blood. Until then, no lotion, potion, serum, shampoo or supplement will be effective. Once your body is back in balance, you may be pleasantly surprised to see your hair returning.

Do your homework on hair growth products. If your doctor has ruled out medical causes, he may determine or suggest that the cause is genetic. You may have inherited a genetic predisposition for hair loss. Some men lose their hair because of a sensitivity to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In the male body, an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase can be overproduced. This enzyme acts on testosterone, converting it to DHT in excessive quantities. DHT is present throughout the body, including in the sebum (oil) in the scalp. When you shed a hair though normal shampooing or brushing, the follicle becomes vulnerable. DHT attacks the follicle, causing the hair produced by the follicle to become thinner and thinner. Eventually the hair becomes transparent, after which the follicle stops producing any hair at all. DHT blockers slow or stop the action of the hormone, preventing the destructive thinning process from gaining a foothold, acting as powerful hair growth products. There are many treatments being touted as DHT blockers, but there are only 2 that are FDA approved: minoxidil and finesteride.

Both of these hair growth products have been clinically proven to halt hair loss and regrow hair. Based on sound scientific principles, DHT blockers are known to be effective. Minoxidil is applied topically, is sold under the brand name RogaineŽ and is widely available over the counter, without a doctor's prescription. RogaineŽ comes in 2 strengths, 2% and 5%. Choose the strength that's right for you. PropeciaŽ is a systemic medication, a pill, that requires a doctor's prescription. PropeciaŽ also blocks the action of DHT. If your hair loss is DHT-related, one of these hair growth products may help you regrow your hair.

A wide variety of hair growth products are on the market. Don't be taken in by outrageous claims and guarantees of success. See your doctor and do your homework. Only then will you be sure that the treatment you choose has a reasonable chance of success.