Regrow your confidence
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Once daily tablet
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For Male Pattern Baldness
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Reduces hair loss and can stimulate regrowth for some
What are the main causes of hair loss?
Hair loss can be attributed to various factors, both genetic and environmental. Here are some of the main causes:
1.Genetics (Hereditary Hair Loss)
This is the most common cause of hair loss. It’s often referred to as male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) in men and female-pattern baldness in women. It tends to occur gradually and in predictable patterns — a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair along the crown of the scalp in women.2.Hormonal Changes and Medical Conditions
A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems. Medical conditions include alopecia areata, which is immune system-related and causes patchy hair loss, and other diseases like lupus and diabetes.3.Medications and Supplements
Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, and high blood pressure.4.A Very Stressful Event
Many people experience a general thinning of hair several months after a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair loss is temporary.5.Certain Hairstyles and Treatments
Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot oil hair treatments and permanents can cause inflammation of hair follicles that leads to hair loss.6.Poor Diet and Nutrition
Lack of proper nutrition can lead to hair loss. For example, a deficiency in iron or protein can result in hair shedding.7.Age
As you age, your hair tends to naturally thin. This is a normal part of the aging process.8.Chemical and Environmental Exposure
Overexposure to harsh chemicals, like those in hair dyes and relaxers, as well as pollutants and toxins, can damage hair and lead to loss.9.Scalp Infections
Fungal and bacterial infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in some cases.10.Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)
This is a mental health disorder where a person has an irresistible urge to pull out their hair.11.Excessive Weight Loss
Sudden or excessive weight loss, often associated with crash diets or certain medical conditions, can result in hair shedding.Other causes include autoimmune diseases and radiation therapy to the head. It’s important to note that some of these causes may be temporary or reversible with appropriate treatment, while others may lead to more permanent hair loss.
Is my hair loss treatable?
Here are some common types of hair loss and their potential treatments:
1.Hereditary Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
Treatments may include medications like Minoxidil (Regaine) or Finasteride (Propecia), laser therapy, or in some cases, hair transplant surgery.2.Hormonal Changes and Medical Conditions
Treating the underlying medical condition or addressing hormonal imbalances can often help with hair regrowth. This might involve medications, lifestyle changes, or other medical interventions.3.Nutritional Deficiencies
If hair loss is due to a deficiency in certain vitamins or minerals, improving your diet or taking supplements as recommended by a healthcare provider may help.4.Stress-Induced Hair Loss
Managing stress through techniques like meditation, exercise, and counselling can sometimes help with hair regrowth.5.Traction Alopecia
Avoiding hairstyles that pull tightly on the hair and allowing the hair to rest and recover can lead to regrowth in some cases.6.Infections and Scalp Conditions
Treating the underlying infection or condition can often resolve hair loss associated with these issues.7.Medication-Induced Hair Loss
In some cases, adjusting the medication or trying alternative options with fewer hair loss side effects may be possible.8.Trichotillomania
Therapy and behavioural interventions can be effective in managing this condition.What is the hair cycle?
The hair cycle, also known as the hair growth cycle, refers to the process through which hair grows, rests, sheds, and regrows. It consists of three main phases:
1.Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)
This is the active growth phase of hair. About 85-90% of the hairs on your scalp are typically in this phase at any given time. During anagen, the cells in the hair follicles divide rapidly, leading to the production of new hair strands. The length of the anagen phase can vary depending on genetics and other factors, but it usually lasts anywhere from 2 to 7 years.2.Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)
This is a relatively short phase that marks the end of the active growth of a hair strand. It lasts for about 2-3 weeks. During catagen, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply. The hair strand is then referred to as a “club hair.3.Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)
The telogen phase is a resting period for the hair follicle. It typically lasts for about 3 months. During this time, the hair follicle remains dormant, and the club hair is held in place. Approximately 10-15% of hairs are in the telogen phase at any given time.After the telogen phase, the hair follicle re-enters the anagen phase, and a new hair strand begins to grow, pushing out the old club hair. This process is part of the natural hair cycle, and it ensures that there is a constant turnover of hair on the scalp.
It’s important to note that the hair growth cycle is not synchronised across all hair follicles. This means that at any given time, some hair follicles are actively growing, while others are in the resting phase. This is why you typically don’t notice all of your hair falling out at once.
Various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, and environmental influences, can influence the duration of each phase and the overall hair growth cycle. Understanding this cycle is important for understanding normal hair growth as well as conditions like hair loss (alopecia).
How does Finasteride work?
Finasteride is a medication used to treat male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). It works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called 5a-Reductase.
Here's how Finasteride works:
1. 5α-Reductase Inhibition
In the body, the enzyme 5α-Reductase converts testosterone, a male sex hormone, into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is more potent than testosterone and is implicated in the miniaturisation of hair follicles in individuals with androgenetic alopecia. This miniaturisation leads to the thinning of hair and eventual hair loss.2. Reduction of DHT Levels
By inhibiting 5α-Reductase, Finasteride reduces the conversion of testosterone into DHT. This leads to a decrease in the levels of DHT in the scalp and blood. By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride helps to slow down or stop the miniaturisation of hair follicles.3. Stabilisation and Potential Regrowth
By maintaining a lower level of DHT in the scalp, Finasteride helps to stabilise the hair loss process. In some cases, it may also promote the growth of thicker, healthier hair in areas that have experienced recent hair thinning.
It’s important to note that Finasteride is most effective for individuals experiencing hair loss due to elevated DHT levels (as in androgenetic alopecia). It may not be as effective for hair loss caused by other factors.
What should I keep in mind when taking Finasteride?
When you start using Finasteride, there are several things you should keep in mind:
1. Timeline for Results
It’s important to understand that Finasteride may take some time to show noticeable results. Hair growth is a gradual process, and it may take several months (usually 3 to 6 months or more) before you start to see any significant changes.2. Continued Use
For Finasteride to be effective, it must be taken consistently as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you stop taking the medication, any benefits gained may be lost, and hair loss may resume.3. Potential Side Effects
While most people tolerate Finasteride well, it can have potential side effects, although they are relatively uncommon. The most commonly reported side effects include sexual side effects like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or decreased ejaculate volume.4. Monitoring Progress
Pay attention to any changes in your hair growth pattern. Keep track of any new hair growth, changes in thickness, or a reduction in hair loss.5. Be Patient and Realistic
Remember that Finasteride is not a miracle cure. It can be effective for many individuals, but it may not work for everyone, and results can vary. Additionally, Finasteride may not completely reverse advanced hair loss.6. Other Hair Care Practices
6.While using Finasteride, it’s also a good idea to adopt a healthy hair care routine. This includes gentle washing and conditioning, avoiding excessive heat or styling products, and protecting your hair from harsh environmental factors.Remember, individual responses to Finasteride may vary, and not everyone will experience the same results or side effects.