All of us have seen hair fall off our head. In fact, everybody loses around 100 strands of hair, on an average and that is a small number compared to the total number of hair on your head. But frequently people find out that they are losing far more than that. When your body starts doing that, you find yourself heading on the path to hair loss. The hair follicles are capable of regenerating your hair but when hair is being shed faster than it can be replaced, baldness occurs. Hair loss can be quite a difficult prospect for you both socially and emotionally. Although people are very hesitant to say that they want their hair back. You have to realize that there is nothing wrong in consulting medical help for hair loss.

Losing your youthful glory

Though there is no consensus among medical authorities on the underlying mechanism of the occurrence of hair loss, major causes have been identified and are being thoroughly researched. Of course, heredity can be considered a major factor as a majority of people with baldness has had a history of hair loss in their family. Hair loss can also be a manifestation of some underlying disease like diabetes or an overacting thyroid. Hair loss has also been attributed to stress, medications or medical treatments like chemotherapy and poor nutrition. Women will also experience some hair loss after childbirth and during menopause. Improperly done hair care treatments like straightening, dyeing and bleaching and hair styles which put excessive stress on your hair contributes generously to hair loss.

DHT - The major culprit

Men usually experience a receding hairline or male pattern baldness. In women, a uniform thinning of hair is generally observed. There are also other types of hair loss of varying severity. Hair loss is primarily triggered by two conditions - hormonal imbalance and decreased blood flow to the scalp. Dihydrotestosterone or DHT is a powerful sex hormone that is a facial hair growth promoter but adversely affects the hair on your head. DHT is actually testosterone converted by 5-alpha-reductase enzymes. It is believed that DHT initiates a process known as "follicle miniaturization" in persons who may have hereditary hair loss. In this process, DHT acts on the follicles causing thinning of the hair strands and weakens it till the hair in the affected area looks like baby hair. Hair growth is also hindered when the blood flow to the scalp is reduced.

Propecia - Defending your hair

Hair loss treatments are big business these days as people try everything from drug-based treatments to surgery to bring back their old glory. For all the demand, FDA has so far approved only two drug-based treatments. Propecia from Merck & Co. is the popular brand name of finasteride and is commonly prescribed oral prescription medicine for controlling male pattern baldness. Finasteride has an inhibiting effect on the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase preventing the formation of DHT and thus bring hair loss under control. Propecia is to be taken daily and positive results will be noticeable on long-term use up to 2 years. Due to its androgen suppressing effect, Propecia is not meant for use in women, especially pregnant or nursing women.

Rogaine - Quicker and User friendly

Rogaine from GlaxoSmithKline is an easy to use, solution form (2% & 5%) of minoxidil that can be applied directly to the scalp to rejuvenate it. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that promotes blood flow to the scalp, thus encouraging hair growth. Rogaine is also available as direct use foam. The 2% solution can be used by either gender but the 5% solution is meant for men. Rogaine can have a positive result on your hair within 6 months. Side effects may include dizziness and irritation of the scalp.

Or else ...

You can also opt for Saw palmetto or nettle root extract, which are also DHT inhibitors if you prefer natural hair loss remedies without the possible side effects. If have a deep pocket, you can also opt for a cosmetic surgery known as hair transplantation. But all in all, it is easier to maintain your remaining healthy hair with proper care than hope to grow new hair.