It’s no secret that Hollywood’s golden boy, Robert Pattinson, has had his fair share of beauty issues. From shaving off his iconic beard (which many consider a masterpiece) to suffering from extreme hair loss (Alopecia), the 27-year-old has definitely had his struggles with hair. Thankfully, he’s learned to accept his body as it is and has been able to use his amazing sense of humor and dry wit to shine through his many tribulations.
Alopecia, also known as ‘hair loss’, is a medical condition affecting men and women alike. In men, it is usually associated with androgenic alopecia, which is caused by a deficiency in the male hormone, testosterone. This is why most cases of male pattern baldness are associated with decreasing hair volume and an overall receding hairline. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to experience the sudden and total loss of their hair, which is often referred to as ‘baldness’. However, this is not always the case and many women have to deal with pattern hair loss that starts at a certain point and gradually progresses. Regardless of the cause, alopecia is distressing and, for some, deeply isolating. It can also be an expensive disease to treat, especially if it’s not caught early on. This is why it’s so important to learn how to prevent and treat alopecia.
How To Prevent Alopecia
The good news is that alopecia is very much preventable and, for those suffering from it, it is curable. The key to avoiding this awful disease is to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to seek medical help when you experience them. The British Journal of Psychiatry has published a study detailing how to identify the different types of baldness and how they can be prevented. One of the best tips is to see a doctor as soon as you notice any kind of hair loss. This will help determine the underlying cause and, if need be, initiate the correct treatment. It can also help alleviate some of the anxiety and stress that comes with losing your hair, which many people with alopecia find themselves struggling with. Once you’re properly diagnosed, you can start taking steps to reverse the effects of this disease. This includes using the right products and nutrition, as well as getting adequate sleep and relaxation.
How To Treat Alopecia
For those already suffering from or at risk of losing their hair, there are various treatments available. These can be both effective and helpful. However, before you rush off to try one of these treatments, it’s important to ask yourself whether or not you should be treating this disease in the first place. For some people, the answer is a resounding no. According to the American Urological Association, “Patients with significant medical complications from alopecia, such as fistulas or infection, should not be treated with hair restoration surgery.” For others, it’s a matter of finding the right treatment for the right person. Trying different things will never do any good if you’re not the right patient for that treatment, but it can certainly complicate your predicament. This is why it’s important to try and identify the root cause of your alopecia and to find a treatment that will suit you. As mentioned by the British Journal of Psychiatry, “In general, treatments for male pattern baldness should be avoided in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders.” With this information in mind, it’s clear that not all hair restoration procedures are made equal and there are definitely better and worse options for those looking to treat their alopecia. Here are some of the best, depending on your situation.
Hair Transplantation
This is, without a doubt, the most common and popular treatment for alopecia. Essentially, hair transplantation is a procedure where hair follicles are taken from one area of the scalp (the ‘donor area’) and transplanted to balding areas (the ‘graft area’). In cases of androgenic alopecia, the donor area is usually hidden under a hat or scarf. Many people confuse this procedure with hair transplants, which are done to treat cancer. While this is partially true, it is mostly used to correct hair loss in those with a history of this disease. In fact, the World Health Organization lists hair transplantation among the “generally recognized methods of hair restoration”. This technique has been around for a long time and, back in the 1950s, there were only a handful of clinics that offered this service. Now, with the development of advanced technology, it is possible to restore full heads of hair in cases of total hair loss. There are various different techniques and approaches to this problem, but most clinics will use a combination of punches, rotations, and scalp microporosis to maximize the outcome of the procedure. The benefits of getting a hair transplant are many and it is an excellent option for those interested in preventing and treating alopecia. The main advantage is that it is a permanent solution and, for those already suffering from alopecia, it can be a life-changing procedure. It also means you don’t have to deal with any potential side effects or complications that come with trying different treatments. The main disadvantage is the high price tag. It can cost up to £8,000 to get this procedure and, since it is considered an elective surgery, you may have to wait until you’re 18 years old to be able to get it. Regardless of the cost, most people with alopecia are willing to pay for this procedure, as it can help them feel better about themselves and how they look. Many insurance companies even cover the cost of this procedure in cases of alopecia. If you’re interested in learning more, here are some great blogs on the subject:
Hair Restoration Surgery
Hair restoration surgery is another treatment option available to those with alopecia. Essentially, this is a procedure where hair follicles are taken from one area of the scalp (the ‘donor area’) and transplanted to balding areas (the ‘graft area’). The goal is to create an ‘artificial hair forest’ on the scalp. The procedure can be done as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as hair transplantation. The main advantage of this procedure is that it is a one-time, cost-effective solution and it has the potential to restore full heads of hair, where applicable. The main disadvantage is that it is a very invasive procedure and, for those already suffering from alopecia, there is a risk of further damaging the scalp. It is also considered a major surgery and, for those who want to be able to wear hats and scarves, the results of this procedure can often be quite unpredictable. According to the American Urological Association, “Patients with significant medical complications from alopecia, such as fistulas or infection, should not be treated with hair restoration surgery.” In fact, the World Health Organization lists hair restoration surgery among the “generally recognized methods of hair restoration”. For those with a history of this disease, the procedure can be quite life-changing. It can help them feel better about themselves and how they look. The fact that it is a one-time procedure and it has the potential to restore full heads of hair, where applicable, makes it an excellent choice for those interested in preventing and treating alopecia. The main disadvantage is the high price tag. This procedure can cost up to £20,000 and, since it is considered a major surgery, you may have to wait until you’re 18 years old to be able to get it. Most insurance companies even cover the cost of this procedure in cases of alopecia. If you want to learn more, here are some great blogs on the subject:
Intraceutical Hair Restoration
This is, in a way, the anti-hair restoration drug. Intraceutical is a nutritional supplement that has been shown to be effective at preventing and treating alopecia, as well as promoting hair growth. The science behind the product is that it prevents the breakdown of proteins in the scalp, which triggers the body’s natural hair growth cycle. Many people have successfully used this product to grow hair and, since it is considered a natural remedy, there are virtually no side effects. The one major disadvantage is that you have to buy the product yourself. It is not available in most pharmacies and it can cost up to £17 for a three-month supply. For those interested in trying this product, here are some great blogs on the subject: