Hair loss is a condition that currently affects about 40% of men in New Zealand, and it can be an immense source of stress.
It often manifests as a receding hairline, thinning patches, or significant hair shedding, and can severely damage a guy’s self-esteem, particularly when they hear the likes of Jason Momoa being eulogised over by the fairer sex on account of his lovely flowing locks.
Luckily, science is providing a helping hand in the fight against hair loss, with recent breakthroughs in treatments making waves around the globe, including right here in New Zealand.
If you are conscious about losing your strands and are looking to research what methods of hair restoration are available, this post is for you. Here are the latest breakthroughs in hair loss treatments our Kiwi brothers need to know about.
Why Do Men Lose Their Hair?
Hair loss is better known as androgenetic alopecia, and it is a form of pattern baldness that can affect both men and women. However, it is more common in guys, as statistically, 80% of them will experience the condition before they reach the age of 70, as compared to the (still significant) figure of 55% of women by the age of 80.
The condition can be triggered by various factors, including hereditary conditions, old age, certain medical conditions such as diabetes, poor nutrition, stress and lack of sleep.
They team up against your hair follicles to cause them to shrink and eventually stop producing hair altogether.
The Latest Breakthroughs in Hair Loss Treatment
Over the last decade, several major developments have been made in the way hair loss is treated around the world.
Below is an overview of some of the main ones to be aware of.
1. Personalised Hair Transplants
Hair transplantation techniques have been around for a while, but they continue to advance at a rapid pace.
This means that solutions like a Gro Clinics Hair Transplant can perform successful procedures using techniques and equipment that offer improved ways of extracting and implanting hair follicles with less scarring and recovery time.
These clinics provide patients with personalised treatment plans that analyse scalp health and genetic testing to provide natural-looking results.
2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy is a procedure that involves drawing your own blood, spinning it to extract growth-factor-rich plasma, and injecting it back into your scalp.
It is one of the most talked-about recent advancements in countering hair loss due to its ability to boost hair growth by waking up sleepy follicles and encouraging new strands to grow.
Even though it involves needles, most people do not find it an uncomfortable procedure, and usually, it is completed in under an hour.
3. Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell research is breaking new ground for regenerative medicine, and they have had a promising impact on hair loss treatments, in particular.
This innovative treatment aims to stimulate dormant hair follicles, and it works by extracting stem cells from a patient’s body (usually from their fat tissue) and then injecting it right into their scalp.
While it is still very much in its infancy, early research suggests this method could result in people growing thicker and healthier hair with little to no side effects. For this reason, it is anticipated that this will become a more widely adopted solution to hair loss in the years to come.
4. Laser Hair Growth Devices
Thanks to its simplicity and non-invasive nature, laser hair devices have become an increasingly popular option to counter androgenetic alopecia.
Known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), these gadgets emit gentle lasers directly onto your scalp, which increase your blood flow and, therefore, stimulate your hair follicles to grow thicker and healthier strands.
The great thing about these devices is that they are incredibly convenient and can typically be worn as a cap or headband at home while watching TV, reading a book or scrolling on your phone or tablet.
Although results may vary, studies have shown that the consistent use of these devices can substantially improve the thickness of people’s hair and their overall scalp health.
5. Topical Innovations
You might have heard of Minoxidil (think brands like Regaine), which has been a staple in hair loss treatment for a while.
However, recent innovations go beyond this classic solution because new topical formulations have combined Minoxidil with other hair growth stimulators, such as caffeine, retinol, and even peptides, to produce potentially better results.
These potent mixes are easy to apply and help hair follicles stay active for longer, which serves to slow down hair thinning and boost overall hair density.
6. Nutritional Breakthroughs
Emerging research shows a strong link between diet and hair health, so it is important to understand the role that good nutrition plays in combating hair loss.
Supplements containing biotin, vitamin D, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to support stronger, healthier hair growth from within.
So, while taking them should not be seen as a standalone solution for advanced hair loss, it is a safe, holistic approach worth adding to your routine in conjunction with lifestyle choices like not smoking and getting quality sleep every night.
