Hairy Situations: Too Much, Too Little & Shaving / Question
Published: July 30, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm worried about losing my hair. My dad is 50 and his is thinning little bit, but my older brother who's only 24 has less hair then my dad and an increasingly receding hairline. I'm 17-are there any medications or preventions I can take to keep my hair and fight heredity!
Signed: Worried About Losing My Hair
Dear Worried About Losing My Hair,
Hereditary balding or thinning is the most common cause of hair loss. The tendency can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side of the family. Women can also inherit this trait but rarely become completely bald. The condition is called androgenetic alopecia and it can start in the teens, twenties, or thirties. There is no cure but, there is a treatment that may help.
Shampooing, combing and brushing too often can also damage hair, causing it to break. Using a cream rinse or conditioner after shampooing will make it easier to comb. When hair is wet it is more fragile, so rough rubbing with a towel should be avoided. Ignore the old rule of 100 brush strokes a night; it damages hair. Use wide toothed combs and brushes with smooth tips.
Many people who are losing their hair are happy with their appearance and do not seek treatment. Those who do seek treatment may be treated with the topical drug Minoxidil (Rogaine). Rogaine is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure. When applied to the skin it can spur hair growth in some individuals. One out of ten people who use Rogaine will grow hair. Rogaine will slow the rate of hair loss in five out of ten people. That means four out of the 10 people will be wasting their money.
If you are really concerned about your hair loss you should consult a Dermatologist. A Dermatologist will examine your hair loss and recommend a course of treatment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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