scalp massage each day for 24 weeks had thicker hair by the end of the study!


Alternative/complementary remedies


Oils


Various studies have indicated that peppermint oil can help with hair growth, while rosemary oil has also been traditionally used to increase blood circulation on the scalp, thereby stimulating hair growth.


A 2013 study also found that rosemary leaf extract improved hair regrowth in mice.


While coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil have been widely recommended in the treatment of hair loss, there is little research available with regard to the benefits that they provide.


‘Unfortunately, there is, at present, no ‘cure’ for male hair loss, but there are some treatments that can prevent further hair loss and – in some cases – lead to renewed hair growth’


> anaesthetic, and usually takes between four and eight hours.


At the moment, there are two main types of hair transplant surgery: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction or excision (FUE).


FUT, which is also known as the ‘strip method’, is the older type of hair transplant. The procedure involves the ‘donor’ area on the back of the head being trimmed. A thin strip of skin and hair from the back of the head is then removed and the wound is closed with stitches. The surgeon then divides the strip into tiny sections called ‘hair grafts’, each with one to four hairs.


Each hair graft is then placed into a tiny cut in the scalp, in the pattern agreed with the surgeon beforehand. The man will now have new, healthy hair follicles in areas where the existing follicles had stopped growing hair. If the process is successful, it should result in better coverage in the future.


FUE is a more recent arrival in the hair transplant process. This procedure involves the back of the head being shaved and individual


32 - SCOTTISH PHARMACIST


hairs (with follicle) removed one by one. Following that step, the rest of the process is similar to that of FUT, with the hair grafts inserted into tiny cuts in the scalp.


Both processes involve certain risks, including infections and scarring, and there may be the chance that the man will have to undergo multiple hair transplant treatments to get the desired outcome.


Laser treatment


At present, there is little evidence to support the idea that laser treatment is effective in treating hair loss, although a 2016 study determined that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is safe and effective when it is used to treat male hair loss.


The procedure is thought to work by reducing the inflammation in follicles that keeps them from growing back.


Lifestyle changes


Medication and transplants aside, lifestyle changes can also play a part in reducing male hair loss…


Stopping smoking


Research has determined that there’s a link between smoking and hair loss,


so quitting smoking may help to prevent hair loss.


A balanced diet


Certain vitamins and minerals found in food are associated with healthy hair. To prevent hair loss, the following foods should be included in a balanced diet – in addition to at least two litres of water each day: • iron-rich foods, including lean beef, beans, green leafy vegetables, iron- fortified grains, and eggs


• foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such salmon, mackerel, tuna, flax seeds, egg yolks, hemp seeds, and walnuts


• high-protein foods, like eggs, lean meats, and seafood


Stress reduction


Hair loss can be a result of a stressful lifestyle, so stress can be reduced by strategies, such as regular exercise, listening to music, doing yoga and meditating. Adequate sleep can also play a role.


Scalp massage


Scalp massages can help with hair loss since massaging the scalp stimulates the hair follicles. A Japanese study found that healthy men, who received four minutes of


Conditions which can lead to hair loss include: • diabetes • lupus • sarcoidosis • scalp psoriasis (which is caused by scratching the scalp)


• thyroid conditions • eating disorders (due to poor nutrition)


• iron deficiency (anaemia) • coeliac disease • syphilis


Biotin


Research is available that indicates that taking the vitamin biotin may slow hair loss, although the research has mainly been conducted in women. Biotin is a vitamin which is found naturally in foods such as nuts, sweet potatoes, eggs, onions and oats.


Saw palmetto


Saw palmetto is a plant that’s often used as part of a treatment plan for an enlarged prostate, but research has shown that it may be able to treat hair loss, with one study indicating positive results for men treated with a topical formula.


Seek professional advice While hair loss in males is very common and, in most cases, caused by genetics, there are also several medical conditions that can result in hair loss, so men, who are experiencing hair loss in addition to other symptoms, should be referred to their GP.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48