Stress. Gene. Age. What is it that really causes some people to lose their hair? And can they do anything about it?
America Now co-host Bill Rancic recently got the scoop on the most up-to-date hair loss treatments for the "follically challenged." Dr. Robert Leonard is considered one of America's top authorities on hair restoration, and he put to rest some of the myths, old wives' tales and misinformation about permanent hair loss.
Starting with the first one: Stress. Dr. Leonard says that hair loss is not caused by stress.
"We Americans are so stressed, we'd all be bald if stress causes hair loss," he noted.
What about wearing baseball caps or helmets? Guys who play a lot of sports...does that cause hair to thin or fall out?
Again, Dr. Leonard says that assumption is false.
What about guys who blow-dry their hair too much or put a tons of products in there? Will the heat from that hair dryer cause hair loss?
"No, nothing that one typically does to the hair, whether it's blow-drying to shampooing often, it doesn't cause hair loss," says Dr. Leonard. "That is often a myth that's perpetuated by hair stylists!"
Now here's another one that you may have heard growing up: If you want to see what your hair is going to look like when you're old, look at your mother's father or your mother's brother.
"That's partially correct," Dr. Leonard explains. "Genetics is what causes hair loss. So if you look back at the family tree -- both sides of the family tree -- you can get a good idea of whether or not you'll have hair loss."
But if you do notice your hair thinning, you can recognize and treat it early.
"I had it, so I caught it early. It started happening in my early 30's and I took control, and I think that's the name of the game," adds Bill.
Dr. Leonard agrees: Recognizing hair loss as a problem, seeking medical advise, and beginning treatment is really the way to go.
He says there are four treatments that are scientifically and medically proven to slow down the progression of hair loss and re-grow hair. One is Minoxidil. The other is Finasteride. The third is low-level laser therapy, and finally, hair transplant surgery.
"Those are the only medically, scientifically proven treatments to treat male-pattern hair loss, or female pattern hair loss," says Dr. Leonard.
So the real truth about hair loss is that it's genetic. But you can stop it, slow it down or even reverse it when you know the facts, and go to the right professional.
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