Male/female pattern baldness is a condition that plagues millions of men and women per year, and has for countless generations. Though the average human naturally loses thousands of hairs per day, these hairs grow back on most. It is in those hormonally predisposed to balding that the hairs, obviously, do not regrow; and thus bald patches appear. A man or woman can start showing signs of baldness as early as the teenage years, and lose their hair slowly or quickly depending on their particular genetic plight.

For years, scientists and problem solvers alike have struggled to find a cure or at least some sort of aid in slowing the process of hair loss in men and women. Below, we take a look at what they have come up with, to see if there is, in fact, some help in store for the millions of people suffering from male and female pattern balding each year.

First, few people even consider that they have some say in how fast their hair disappears. They assume “if my dad or grandfather had it, then so shall I”, and while genetics usually has the upper hand in this scenario, it doesn’t have to have all the cards. Before looking into chemical hair loss treatments, consider natural changes you can make on your own, such as:

• Change shampoos and conditioners best suited to your hair.

• Take vitamins if you are not already to ensure you are getting all the nutrients needed for strong hair follicles.

• If you dye your hair, stop. Chemicals in hair dye will, over time, add to the rapidity with which your hair is lost.

• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise.

• Eliminate any stressors you can from your life. Stress can easily quicken the rate at which you lose your hair-it’s not just a saying.

Though natural measures will help aid in slowing the process of going bald, it will not stop it or stimulate new hair growth. This is typically why most balding men and women seek out chemical help. There are basically two major hair loss treatments on the market today that both chemically slow hair loss and stimulate hair growth. These include:

1. Minoxidil: Minoxidil - known most commonly as the brand Rogaine-is a topical treatment that you apply to your balding scalp. It has been known to slow hair loss and promote hair growth over an extended period of time.

2. Finasteride: Finasteride - known most commonly as brands Propecia and Proscar - is a prescription pill that slows hair loss and promotes hair growth.

Both of these chemical solutions only work while you are taking them. As soon as the treatments are discontinued for use, the hair loss pattern will reemerge at the rate that it did previous to the treatment.

Unfortunately, as of yet, there is no sure fire solution to stopping rapid hair loss in men and women; however, with a combination of simple remedies to promote hair and body health and one of the previous chemical treatments, you can certainly slow the process of hair loss.

What have you done to slow your hair loss?      Did it work?