What can I do About Thinning Hair?

It happens to many, especially males, as they age. Among the other health and beauty problems that come with getting older, thinning hair is one of the most worrisome, though not necessarily one of the most serious of problems. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with the thinning hair problem; some are costly and some are relatively inexpensive.

Thinning hair is not something many people may look forward to, but for those who do not mind, perhaps the best thing to do is simply embrace the style choices thinning hair may provide. This mentality, tantamount to "if you can't beat it, join it," is becoming more popular. Keeping the hair trimmed close to the scalp will keep many from ever noticing it is thinning.

For those who simply choose not to live with thinning hair, perhaps the most effective technique is surgical restoration. Modern medical hair restoration looks much different and more natural than the plugs that used to be done in years past. Newer techniques focus on taking hair from different parts of the scalp where hair is plentiful and placing it on areas of the scalp where there is thinning hair. This type of micro-surgery will provide hair that looks and acts natural. It will continue to grow and require styling and haircuts to maintain a specific look.

Medical hair restoration is not a cheap way to combat baldness, but is one of the most successful. It usually lasts a lifetime and is a one-time cost. Still, with most hair restoration surgeries costing between $2,500 US Dollars (USD) and $9,000 USD, these up-front costs may prevent many people from even considering the option. For those who may have the ability to pay over time, many hair restoration places have financing available through a third-party lender, with interest rates cheaper than credit cards.

One of the most common non-surgical options for treatment is minoxidil, a drug sold both in generic and name brand versions. Minoxidil was first used internally as an anti-hypertensive medication. One of its noted side effects was hair growth. From that, it became a topical medication that is applied to the scalp usually once or twice a week. Its effect is gradual and is mainly seen as being advantageous for stopping hair loss. Still, there is some regrowth that does occur. Generic versions have made this increasingly affordable for many with thinning hair.

The other option is purely cosmetic, such as using a wig or hairpiece. These may be good in some situations, but can also become costly over time. Hairpieces often do not last any longer than a year under heavy use. Also, some may be easily noticed as fake pieces, further drawing attention to the situation many may be hoping to cover up.