How Common Is Hair Loss, And What Are Your Options?

Hair loss among men and women is increasingly common. But what exactly are the numbers? And if you are a person experiencing this, what are your options? Let’s find out.
We hear it said again and again that hair loss among men and women is a common occurrence. There is no doubt that a large amount of the population experience some amount of hair loss during their lifetime. This is true for both genders and, while more common in older people, it can happen to younger people as well.
So first, let’s look at the numbers. The numbers are staggering: roughly one in five people experience significant hair loss. The amount of hair lost accelerates with age. By the age of thirty five, roughly forty percent of men are suffering from hair loss, and by the time they hit their late 70’s, that number jumps to about eighty percent. All told, the estimates are thirty five million men and twenty one million women are suffering to some degree of hair loss in the United States alone.
That seems like a daunting amount, and it is. Though we can all expect to lose some hair as we age, the prospect of hair loss earlier in life can take a psychological toll on people. It’s a fact that there is a direct correlation between confidence in ones appearance and the amount of hair on their head.
So, what can be done about this problem? Luckily, if you are experiencing rapid or progressive hair loss you do have options. So, let’s look at the choices available, and see what the pros and cons are.

1.Rogaine / topical minoxidil
a)Pros: these treatments have seen some success and are a very common option that people try out.
b)Cons: These treatments can have various side effects such as unwanted hair growth (on the face for example), headaches, eye problems, and swelling of the hands and feet. They are also not very useful for anybody over 40.

2.Vitamin / herbal / laser treatments
a)Pros: can be cost effective, and do occasionally have good results.
b)Cons: The efficacy of such treatments is up for debate and they are very hit and miss.
3.Surgical hair replacement
a)Pros: because this is a process that involves literally grafting hair onto your head, the degree of success and satisfaction is high among customers.
b)Cons: These grafts can get extremely pricey and range anywhere from four thousand to fifteen thousand dollars depending on how much hair you will be moving around.

4.GEXWIGS Hair Replacement System / toupee
a)Pros: Easy to put on and take off. Can last for a long time if properly taken care of. Cost effective. Virtually undetectable. Non-invasive.
b)Cons: Some people find them uncomfortable and tedious to take care of.