The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery or the ISHRS one of the leading medical authorities on hair loss restoration has recently commissioned a survey that shows that 82% of people on questioning rightly knew that heredity male pattern balding was the most common type of hair loss. The survey aslo noted that only 15% of those asked said that they go to a hair restoration expert if they started to lose hair.

The ISHRS says that getting to the hair loss early and is essential to getting the best treatment and stopping it from continuing and that all types of hair loss even male pattern balding should be seen to by someone who is knowledgable and trained in all aspects of hair loss.

The other findings of the survey were that the majority of adults (58%) thought that stress and other medical issues could trigger hair loss which is correct. Some hair loss myths continue to prevail with many young people aged 18 to 24 still thinking that over brushing (24%) and shampooing hair (20%) could trigger hair loss.

The survey asked people who they would go to see for hair loss advice and 40% said that would go to the doctor, 16% would go to a dermatologist and others would either go to a buddy, family member or a hairstylist for advice.

Other things the survey noted were that 63% of people would be extremely or considerably concerned if they were dating and they were experiencing sudden and unexplained hair loss. Seventy seven percent would be extremely or considerably worried about their career if they were in their 20's just starting out at work and were suffering from hair loss. This was more of a concern for women than for men with 88% of women being concerned compared to 65% of men.

In the United States it is estimated that around 80 million men and women are suffering from male or female pattern hair loss. Hair is looked at as as source of youth and vitality and thus hair loss can give both women and men a feeling of low self esteem that can undermine confidence. Some medical breakthroughs have meant that hair restoration is not just about wearing a wig anymore and that there are real ways of getting proper help.

The best medical hair loss methods are the use of minoxidil and Propecia with Propecia probably being the most effective. Propecia is only for use in men and women are strictly forbidden to use it as the side effects are dangerous for them. Minoxidil can be used by women to help them regrow their hair or at least to stop it falling out.