Embarrassed by that growing bald spot?

What can you do about hair loss? The vast majority of hair loss is caused by genetic factors that can’t be changed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about your thinning hair. Common hair loss, also called “male pattern baldness,” “female pattern baldness,” or simply “common baldness,” typically begins as a receding hairline in men and general thinning of hair in women. The earlier the age of onset, and in some people hair loss can begin in their late teens, the more extensive the baldness.

In addition to the most common type of hair loss, other factors can cause hair to thin. These include underlying diseases, such as diabetes, and some medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, birth control pills, and anticancer drugs. Thyroid problems can lead to hair loss, and other changes in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy, can cause hair thinning.

Perhaps the easiest cause of hair loss to do something about is improper hair care. Wearing tight pigtails or braids or using tight rollers can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss is called “traction alopecia.” If the stress on the scalp is stopped before scarring develops, the hair will grow back.

Doctors can sometimes treat hair loss by changing prescription medications (NEVER stop taking a prescription medication without first talking to your health care provider). Diet modifications can also help. Also, your doctor might recommend medicine to help your hair grow back. One of those drugs is called minoxidil, or Rogaine, and it can be bought without a prescription. Another drug, available only by prescription, is called finasterice or Propecia. You must be patient with these two medications because it may take several months before you notice an improvement in your baldness.

There are alternatives to paying doctors and buying drugs to treat normal hair thinning if it is not caused by an underlying disease and is not occurring as a side effect of drugs taken for some other purpose. Many people claim to have had success using natural herbal remedies to stop hair thinning. Modern hairpieces and wigs are so much better than the “old days,” so be sure to check that out if you’re not comfortable with a natural look. However, if you have “common baldness,” remember that many people these days think baldness is beautiful, so think twice before using expensive drugs to “treat” a condition that isn’t actually a disease.