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Author:
Perriann Rodriguez

Losing one’s hair can have a major emotional impact and cause much anguish in the long run. Studies indicate that perceptions of bald or balding men compared to men that have hair is that they are less physically attractive, less assertive, less successful and older. Although hair loss in women is not as common as it is in men, it can also result in the same perceptions of less attractive, less successful and older.

Abnormal hair loss is called alopecia. There are many different types of alopecia, including androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata and postpartum alopecia. Androgenic alopecia is the result of genetics, age and hormonal changes. In men it is known as male pattern baldness which usually progressed to the familiar horseshoe-shaped hair. In women it shows up as a generalized thinning over the entire crown area.

Alopecia areata is characterized by the sudden falling out of hair in round patches or baldness in spots. It can occur on the scalp or anywhere else on the body. It is an autoimmune disease that causes the affected hair follicles to be mistakenly attacked by a person’s own immune system. Alopecia areata usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth bald patches on the scalp and can progress to total hair loss.

Postpartum alopecia is the temporary hair loss that women can experience at the conclusion of a pregnancy. Usually the growth cycle of the hair will return within one year after the baby is born.

There are many different options for people suffering from hair loss today. One is medication. A popular topical medication is Minoxidil, which is sold over the counter. Minoxidil is applied to the scalp twice a day and can be effective for some. There is also prescription medication for men that may be more effective than Minoxidil. But many prescription medications have side effects such as weight gain and loss of sexual function.

The second option is hair transplant surgery. Transplants, also known as hair plugs, are the most common permanent hair replacement technique. In the procedure, a small section of hair is removed from an area where there is a lot of hair. The entire hair follicle, papilla and bulb is removed and transplanted to the new location. Typical costs for this type of surgery ranges from $8,000-$20,000 and up.

The third option is to use wigs, toupees, hair weaving, hair extensions or hair integrations. Wigs and toupees can be custom designed using either human hair or synthetic hair. They have come a long way and can create a very natural looking style. Hair weaving involves sewing pieces of human or synthetic hair into the natural hair to create a fuller, long hair style look. Hair extensions are similar to hair weaving since you are attaching human or synthetic hair to the natural hair. Except hair extensions are attached by one of several different methods using adhesives, locs, links or clips. Hair integrations are custom designed nets with hair attached or even man-made skin with hair attached that are attached, typically using medical grade adhesives directly to the scalp to create a fuller hair style.

There can be complications to hair weaving, hair extensions and hair integrations. If they are not attached properly, by a trained hair stylist, the hair loss situation of the client can become worse, resulting in permanent hair loss with the extension hair pulling the natural hair out. Always consult with a professionally trained hair stylist that has experience with hair loss situations.

In short, hair loss may have a major emotional impact on many people. But as technology advances there are many more options for men and women suffering from hair loss.

Perriann Rodriguez is the founder of Hair Resources, http://www.hairresources.com and http://www.hairresources.net online resources for hair loss, hair extensions, hair styles and more. Rodriguez is the author of the E-books, Hair Extensions-The official consumers guide to getting hair extensions, 2005's Most Popular Hair Extensions and Wedding Hair Styles, all available at the online Hair Resources Bookstore. Visit Hair Resources for better hair days.

| Article Keywords: Hair Loss

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Hair Loss... Hair Loss Prevention-What Should You Do? Hair loss prevention is one of those topics that tend to attract old wives tale-type treatment. While the only proven method to re-grow hair is the use of Propecia, the following tips may help you in your quest to prevent lossing it in the first place. While there isn't any real scientific data to suggest that these tips do indeed help with hair loss prevention, trying them certainly can't hurt. When and if an illness is detected, it is important to take care of your health needs. If the doctor has prescribed medications, take it. Failure to follow the doctors advise will cause your body to work harder just to stay alive, it won't have enough energey to keep the hair follicles growing and will eventually lead to hair loss. This is an excellent form of hair loss prevention. A way to pamper yourself doubles as a hair loss prevention idea. Using satin or silk pillowcases, is thought to prevent hair loss due to the fact that a silk or satin pillowcase will cause less friction while sleeping than a cotton or flannel pillowcase. This is because the head and the hair slide across the pillow instead of needing to be forcefully pushed across. It is important to eat healthy foods and ensure that your body is getting the vitamins and minerals that it needs. Often times the body will show poor health in the hair follicles and finger nails before and actual illness is detected. While it is important to get enough of the right nutrients, it is just as important not to get too much of any one type of vitamin. For example, too much of vitamins A and E, have been linked to hair loss. There is a whole group of old wives's tales that relate to hair loss prevention. These tips definatly won't hurt to try, but really don't do anything to combat...