Guys with hair loss take note. There are at least five – count’em – five new technologies or improvements to them in the works for hair loss treatments. Some of them might be available sooner than you think. That’s good news, if you’re among the estimated 85% of guys with male pattern baldness by 50.
That was the sentiment, anyway, shared at the annual March meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in Denver of this year, during which researchers noted that developments into hair loss treatments are at an all-time high. Much of that stems from two breakthroughs in the past two years – one in 2012, and another in January.
In the first of those discoveries, researchers found an abundance of a lipid called prostaglandin D2 in men with male pattern baldness. And the second development? Researchers successfully grew new hair from stem cells in mice earlier this year, and hint this might be one of the best hair loss treatments of the future.
A New Direction
Granted, we’re getting further away from ‘natural’ than we’d typically do here at Natural Health Source But this is exciting stuff. Both studies, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, might influence the direction of future hair loss treatments. Some of them might be available within the next few years.
In the first study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, researchers established that prostaglandin D2 might have a greater role in hair loss among men than they’d realized earlier. That alone was an important development, because it branched off from the usual scapegout in male pattern baldnesss – sensitivity to and high levels of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.
Surprisingly, this was the first study to explore the causes of genetic baldness among men, according to researchers. And this finding has great implications, for hair loss treatments and even wound-healing and regeneration.
Then in January of this year, researchers announced they’d overcome a major stumbling block in new hair growth. Their finding, that cloned hair cells knew what do to when grown upside down, with no genetic modifications, is the first step in growing new hair, rather than simply moving hair around as with current hair transplant technology. That may play a role in hair restoration of the future.
A Breakdown of New Hair Loss Treatments
It’s hard to say when these new developments among hair loss treatments will be available. Some will be more preferable than others too – I’ve spoken about the side effects of Propecia several times. Still, it’s encouraging to see progress here, with research into hair loss treatments including:
Cell-Based Regeneration – In which researchers take cells from around the hair follicles and grow them in a lab and later reinject them into the scalp. This is a variation of the stem cell hair growth research published in January and it shows potential – 60% of men who did this had more hair a year after the treatment.
Latisse – An FDA-approved drug for growth of eyelashes, it might also stimulate new hair on the head. Progress is a little slower with this method because it’s more difficult for it to penetrate the scalp. Research continues.
Combination Therapy – Some are calling this the ‘Holy Grail’ of future hair loss treatments. Combination therapy would combine a drug like Latisse with a medication used to treat allergies and asthma. The latter blocks a hormone-like substance that stops hair from growing.
According to researchers, this would be twice as effective, like taking your foot off the gas and hitting the brakes at the same time. The result, theoretically, might be the best prescription treatment for hair loss. No word though on if the hair growth would be permanent.
FDA-Approved Medications – Many drugs can be used to fight hair loss. Among them are Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia), though Propecia comes with side effects – many of them sexual – that in some cases linger even when guys stop using the drug.
Some hormonal treatments can help with hair loss too, though they might have side effects. A new, potentially safer medication for hair loss would be more than welcome.
At-Home Treatments – Alliteration alert: Low-level laser light combs and helmets appear to work, but researchers say there is not enough evidence to conclude which are more effective. Convenience and ease are important factors. For example, guys are more likely to see results with this method with a helmet they can wear while reading or watching TV.
Hair Transplants – These work best for certain candidates. You’ll need enough donor hair, and they’re generally better suited for men than women. But that’s changing. The technology has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with greater hair density in each graft and performed in procedures done in less time. The result? More hair, with less trauma to the scalp, and greater suitability to more patients with hair loss – including women.
Hair transplants don’t grow new hair. They just take it from a ‘donor’ area not genetically prone to hair loss, like just above the neck, and move it to areas where coverage is sparse. This might change, however, as research continues into growth of new hair with stem cells. Yes, it might be possible in ten years to plant grafts that grow new hair, placing it among the best hair loss treatments for guys who want permanent regrowth.
Natural Hair Loss Treatments
We’re admittedly getting far from natural hair loss treatments with this discussion. Stem cells are pretty out there, at least for now. And hormone medications might not be your cup of tea either because of the side effects to them. Permanent impotence, anyone? I’d take a pass on that.
This leaves you with another option: to fight hair loss naturally. You can do that with hair-friendly vitamins, minerals and foods that make hair grow. These include:
- salmon
- oysters
- spinach
- beans
- nuts
- poultry
- eggs
- whole grains
- carrots
Also, consider using Profollica – a natural two-step system designed to fight hair loss from the inside-out, with a daily herbal supplement and an topical activator gel with Trichogen.
In a clinical study, Trichogen reduced hair loss in 90% of participants, making Profollica a good alternative for men who aren’t keen on exposure to some of the harsher side effects linked to prescription hair loss drugs.
Note too that the daily herbal supplement is formulated to address high levels of DHT – the leading cause of male pattern baldness, and you can add an optional follicle revival shampoo for even better results.
Use Profollica with the hair-growing foods mentioned in this article to fight hair loss without touching medication. And watch for further developments in hair loss treatments in the future, because if progress continues at the current rate, a lasting, effective treatment for hair loss seems likely.
