The cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia. Treating hair loss is an ongoing long-term experiment because the average amount of time taken to see a definite improvement is six months. Optimum results can take two years, because the hair is already locked into a growth cycle. Miniaturization means that new growth is shorter, weaker and contains less pigment.
The foibles of treatment are compounded by the side effect of new treatments that mean hair is first shed, and then a new stronger growth with a thicker follicle is encouraged.
Different treatments work on different parts of the scalp. In general baldness is a degenerative process and those that start to treat their hair loss early will have better results.
- Male DHT Blocking Ingredients
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen, an active part of testosterone, formed by men in the prostate gland, the testes and hair follicles.
Treatment
DHT Inhibitors work most effectively when they are used to prevent further hair loss rather than to stimulate hair production in follicles that are dormant. The 5-alpha-reductase inhibitora are groups of drugs used to treat problems arising from DHT.This group includes the generic name, finasteride, (sold under the names Proscar for BPH and Propecia for androgenic alopecia as well as in generic formulation) and dutasteride (sold under the brandname Avodart).
Finasteride
Finasteride as a medicine for hair is a by-product of treatment on an enlarged prostate. It is a five alpha reductase (5AR) inhibitor. This is a key enzyme in the production of DHT, which is implicated in prostatic problems and in hair loss. A weaker version has been developed for hair loss known as Propecia.
Saw Palmetto
Is very effective at blocking the formation of DHT and appears to block the androgen receptors which are found on the hair follicles. It blocks both Type 1 and Type 2 forms of 5 alpha-reductase and has shown to be more potent than Finasteride.
Nettles
Has been shown in clinical studies by Dr. Vogal to inhibit 5-Alpha Reductase. It also possesses stimulating qualities that increase the circulation of the scalp in vitamins A and C, as well as a wide range of minerals, mucilages and amino acids which are required for proper hair growth.
Green Tea
shown to be a potent inhibitor of type 1 alpha-reductase.
- Growth Stimulants
Minoxidil is the generic name of a class of drugs which are known as hair growth stimulants. Historically oral minoxidil, was a prescription drug originally used to treat high blood pressure. A side effect of the treatment of blood pressure was that many patients experienced a stimulation of hair body growth.
This led to the development of topical minoxidil, which is an over the counter treatment sold in a 2 percent form under the brand name Health Guard (Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceuticals), and in its 5 percent form under the brand name Rogaine (Pharmacia & Upjohn).
The extra strength version is not designed to treat women’s hair loss as it also promotes the growth of facial hair.
Regular-strength Rogaine must applied on a dry scalp at least twice daily and left on the scalp for at least four hours. The treatment starts to yield results after four months.
- Superoxide dismutase.
This is an enzyme produced by the body to neutralize the superoxide radical. Superoxide is
is involved in the body's autoimmune response, and tells the hair to stop growing. It coexists with nitric oxide, which appears to be necessary for hair growth.
Superoxide can also interact with nitric oxide to form a highly destructive free radical called peroxynitrite, which causes protein and lipid oxidation. A few hair loss products contain copper peptides, which are SOD imitators, which mean they stimulate hair growth
Copper peptides are applied externally to the scalp, and shorten the resting phase of hairs, which results in more hair follicles being in the growing phase.
- Anti-inflammatory's
Anti-inflammatory products are over the counter non-steroid shampoos. They are marketed under the name of Tricomin, Folligen, Proxiphen and Proxiphen-N, Betadine and T-Gel and Nizoral Shampoos.
They have been designed to reduce itching, and inflammation on the scalp, as well as other side effects of the drug Propecia. As a shampoo they promote good health in the scalp.
- Antiandrogen’s
Antiandrogen or androgen antagonist is a compound capable of inhibiting the androgens, they achieve this by obstructing the receptors the androgens need. Antiandrogens are used as a treatment for benign prostate enlargement, acne, androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), and hirsutism (excessive hairiness).
