Worried About Hair Loss

Angela Chalmers, Boots’ pharmacist from the Holloway Road store answers your health queries.

What causes it?

Thinning hair can be a sign of male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, which usually begins in a man’s late twenties and thirties, although this can vary. It is a hereditary condition, which occurs due to an increased sensitivity to the hormone diihydrotesterosterone (DHT), which is produced by the male hormone testosterone.  If there is too much DHT, the hair follicles shrink causing the hair to becomes thinner and grow less than normal. Male pattern baldness tends to follow a set pattern. The first stage is usually a receding hairline, followed by thinning of the hair on the crown and temples. When these two areas meet in the middle, it leaves a horseshoe shape of hair around the back and sides of the head and you may eventually go completely bald.  If your hair loss does not follow the typical pattern, you should see your GP to find out what’s causing the hair loss as it could be linked to an illness such as anemia or a fungal scalp infection.

What can you do?

Thinning hair and hair loss, is a natural part of ageing so there is no need to be embarrassed or depressed about it. There are treatments available which can help slow down the process, but there’s no cure.  Minoxidil is available as a lotion which you rub on your scalp every day. Although its exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is thought to be related to increasing blood supply to the hair follicles, which allows them to produce hairs more efficiently. Thickening shampoos can also help to bulk up the hair and supplements are available to support the hair growth process. If your hair loss is causing you concern, speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Visit www.boots.com

Products you could consider:
Regaine For Men Gel 60ml £29.31 is used to treat common hereditary hair loss in men aged 18-65. Contains Minoxidil. Always read the label. Boots Hair Retention Programme £45 for a four week course involves professional consultation, an effective hair retention medicine and follow-up reviews. Details in Boots stores. Nourkrin Man Hair Nutrition 60 Tablets £48.93 is a drug-free food supplement, which is designed to nourish thinning hair and promote existing hair growth.

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