Hair loss runs in my family…How can I protect myself from balding?

If you have baldness running in your family, I am sure you have done this many times in family get-togethers - You look around at all the men in your family with their bald pates and wonder am I going to get bald as well in some days? Even the thought terrifies you, right? Unfortunately, the answer to your question is “Most likely Yes”. There are chances of you getting bald, as one of the major causes of pattern baldness is family history of baldness. However, if treated early, you can save yourself from embarrassment of going bald. Know how.

Learn about genetic hair loss

Genetic hair loss is known as androgenetic alopecia. It is one of the major forms of hair loss, with 80 per cent of individuals suffering from hair loss having genetic roots. It affects both men and women. In men, it is known as male pattern baldness (MPB) and affects around 50 per cent of men over the age of 50 years. But 25 per cent men may experience hair loss before the age of 21 years. In MPB, hair is lost in a well-defined pattern, beginning above both temples. Over time, the hairline recedes to form a characteristic "M" shape and may progress to complete baldness.

In women, it is known as female pattern baldness and 50 per cent of women over age of 65 years will experience it. In some women it may start at early age of 30 years or 40 years if there is excess of production of male hormone, in medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Overall diffused thinning of hair is seen though it does not progress to the state of complete baldness.

Conditions that put you at more risk

Other than having family history of baldness, other conditions that can increase risk of hair loss are:

• Seborrhoeic dermatitis (dandruff)
• Underlying diseases like thyroid disorder and PCOS in women
• Nutritional deficiency: Iron, protein, vitamin B12, folic acid and biotin,
• Alcohol, smoking
• Metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and their medications
• Stress.

Recognizing the early symptoms of hair loss – the first step to treatment

You can make note of certain things:

• Family history of hair loss
• You see hair strands on your brush, pillow, in the bathroom, around your house,
• Reduction in thickness and density of hair, hair strands appear thinner than before,
• In males - receding hair line and thinning of hair at crown area,
• In females - the plait, ponytail appears thinner than before, scattered hair, Christmas tree pattern on parting the hair showing significant thinning.

So if you find the above signs then see your doctor as soon as possible. If ignored you might reach a stage of complete baldness. This can affect your confidence, quality of life, relationships and self-esteem.

Can I save my hair?

Yes. With correct treatment at early stage can prevent you from going bald.

If you are opting for conventional treatment then you might end up with possible side effects. The results may be temporary.

You can opt for homeopathic treatment as it is effective in pattern baldness as:

• It inhibits the 5alpareductase the key enzyme in formation of DHT.
• Natural medicines with no side effect.
• The medicines will slow down the rate of thinning, delay baldness, delay deterioration,
• regulate hair loss and hair growth cycle,
• reduce dandruff,
• The medicines regulates the hormonal imbalance, also corrects the underlying disease,
• Enhances vitamin and mineral absorption,
• Is safe and has long lasting results.

You can follow certain tips on daily basis:

• Avoid using brush, instead use wide tooted comb. Don’t comb into wet hair. Don’t share your comb, keep the comb clean to maintain scalp hygiene.
• let your hair dry naturally, avoid blow drying.
• If you color your hair use ammonia-free hair color.
• Avoid chemical treatments on hair like straightening, perming etc…

Growth is not possible in case of androgenetic alopecia. However, if the follicles are still alive some hair can be restored with correct treatment. So, don’t delay, take the treatment immediately. Do not neglect your hair. Your hair too needs to be pampered. It’s better to treat them in the early stages then to repent later.