~ What can help?
Contrary to what you may think, you don't necessarily have to accept hair loss as irreversible. Some people, particularly later in life, are happy to accept a receding hairline. If you would prefer to do something about it, here are some of the options available:

Take control of your hair loss ~ Regaine® ~ Regaine® was the first US-approved minoxidil formula, proven effective for hereditary hair loss treatment. Regaine® is the original formula clinically proven to help slow or stop hair loss in 4 out of 5 people, and regrows hair in 60% of users. **

Regaine® is available in 2% gel and solution, and 5% solution. Results may be seen in as early as 8 weeks with Regaine^® 5%; up to 4 months or more with Regaine^® 2%. Apply Regaine^® to the scalp twice a day to maximise effectiveness.

While you can find out more about Regaine^® from your pharmacist or doctor, it is available without prescription on the pharmacy shelf at pharmacies throughout Singapore. Ask for it from a pharmacist.

Hair Care Professionals

If you still have a reasonable amount of hair, a good barber or hairdresser will be able to cut your hair to maximise the effect. Have a chat about what will work and look best for you.

• Some men who are balding prefer just to cut their hair very short, almost shaved, which tends to detract from the receding hairline.
  
• A layered cut can make hair look thicker.
  
• Short hair often appears to give hair more volume than long hair, which can weigh down, exposing the scalp.
  
• A hair colour that is closer to your scalp colour makes the contrast between your hair and scalp less noticeable, but ask your hairdresser to use a mild colourant. Ask your hairdresser for advice on products and treatments.
  
• Choose a gentle shampoo. e.g. Pregaine Clear Gel Shampoo or Pregaine. Frequent Use Shampoo that are specially formulated for thinning hair.
  
• If you use conditioner, make sure it is the right one for your hair type as some can weigh the hair down. Make sure you rinse it out thoroughly.

If you use hair mousse or gel, it is important to choose one that is best for your hair type.

What not to do

Do not blow dry on a high heat often as this can break your hair.

Harsh chemical dyes can damage the scalp so seek advice before attempting to dye your hair yourself.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Hair pieces

Hair pieces - wigs, toupées - are widely available, and probably the most common method of disguising baldness or thinning hair. In the past, hair pieces looked quite obvious because of the way they were produced - with too much hair or an unnatural-looking part, or because the synthetic hair used to fade in the sun. These days hair pieces are a lot more natural looking and attachment techniques are more advanced - but take care to use a reputed company and research the pros and cons of the hair piece before purchasing.

There are several ways of attaching hair pieces, such as with double sided tape, weaving, bonding or integration.

Hair weaves

Hair weaves involve braiding the existing hair along the sides and back of the head and 'sewing' the hairpiece to the braids (although tape is still required to secure the front of the hair piece). Hair weaves are very secure, but they have some clear disadvantages:

• The hair piece has to be a certain bulk in order to cover the braids.
  
• The weaves will need to be reattached every few weeks, as the natural hair grows. This can be expensive.
  
• The hair pieces themselves can discolour.
  
• And after about 6 months, the natural hair which has been braided can weaken and fall out because of the pressure of the hair piece.

Bonding

Bonding involves 'gluing' the hair piece (a small patch or an entire wig) to the scalp with glue, which needs re-applying every few weeks. Although this can look quite natural, it can be uncomfortable, the glue can loosen. The glue may also weaken existing hair, making it fall out.

Hair Integration

Hair integration involves making a cap with hair attached to it. Existing hair is then pulled though holes in the cap and brushed in with the other hair. This is less likely to get in the way of physical activity and works particularly for people whose hair is thinning evenly, without a bald spot.

Surgical Procedures

Surgical methods of dealing with hair loss are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but it is important to thoroughly check the reputation of the place you go to and have a thorough consultation with the doctor.

Hair transplants

Hair transplants, if performed by an experienced professional, appear to be the most effective way of combating hair loss. They involve taking a strip of hair - including the skin, hair and its roots - from an area such as the side or back of the head and transplanting it to the balding area. The result (sometimes after more than one graft) is usually quite natural-looking.

Hair Plugs

Hair plugs are becoming increasingly unpopular as they involve transplanting 'plugs' of hair to a bald site. They can, however, leave a tufty, unnatural look, especially at the hair line.

Scalp Reduction

Scalp reduction is basically where a bald area on the back, or top part of the scalp is surgically reduced. There are many different ways of doing this, but be aware that many scalp reductions do not give satisfactory results.

Scalp Flaps

Scalp flaps involve cutting a piece of skin with hair and rotating it into an area from which bald skin has been removed. There are many different procedures which all involve general anaesthetic and again, are not all entirely reliable.

Reference: Help & Hope for Hair Loss by Gary S. Hitszig M.D. published by Avon Books, 1997

**Data on file