The aging process frequently causes hair loss in both men and women; since most older individuals have more fragile hair, which is prone to breakage and does not grow back as quickly as it used to. About 40% of women report either all-over thinning or patchy bald spots by the time they are menopausal. Hair follicles may shrink, producing thinner hair shafts or occasionally no hair at all. The effects will be more noticeable on natural blondes, who have narrower hair shaft diameters than do brunettes or redheads.
Anyone losing more than about a hundred strands a day should see a dermatologist, because hair loss can be caused by serious medical conditions such as lupus. If a consumer is given a clean bill of health, cosmetic cover-ups might be the easiest and safest type of product to correct the problem.
Couvre Masking Lotion
Couvre is not strictly a dye, but it does add temporary color to areas of scalp over which the hair has become sparse. It works well in cases of mild hair loss, completely covering the exposed scalp with natural-looking color. Couvre is available in eight shades, and is applied directly on the skin with a special applicator.
Once it is completely dry, the masking lotion does not flake off or become runny in the rain. It can be messy during application, though; and takes some time and effort to apply. The oily lotion is non-comedogenic; but since it contains pigment, some consumers may be sensitive to certain shades.
Toppik Hair Building Fibers
Toppik is a hair loss concealer product made of keratin fibers that temporarily bind to remaining hair shafts, making them appear considerably fuller. It can be used in cases of mild to moderately thinning hair and will still look natural. Toppí k is available in eight shades, but all appear somewhat darker on the head than the shade depicted on the top of the packaging would indicate.
This product is applied with a shaker applicator, then patted down and sealed onto the hair with Toppik Fiberhold Spray. Any hairspray or styling spray will generally work just as well. For those consumers who want a spray applicator, the company sells one separately. Toppik is easily washed out with shampoo, but does not come out if wetted with plain water. It can flake off slightly, so it is advisable to shampoo it out before bedtime.
These products are not perfect, but they can be a good option for anyone trying to conceal thinning patches of hair. They can also be used together, if desired. For individuals with completely bald areas or more than 40% thinning, these concealers look too harsh and fake; in such cases only treatment by a physician or the use of Rogaine can restore some of the hair and prevent future hair loss.
Readers of this article may also enjoy "Medications To Reverse Hair Loss" in Suite 101's Health & Wellness section.
Sources
- Berg, Rona, Beauty: The New Basics, New York: Workman Publishing, 2001.
- Chase, Deborah, The New Medically-Based No-Nonsense Beauty Book, New York: Avon Books, 1989.
- Krupp, Charla, How Not To Look Old, New York: Springboard Press, 2008.
- Novick, Dr. Nelson Lee, Saving Face, Los Angeles: The Body Press, 1986.
- “Toppik Hair Building Fibers and Couvre Masking Lotion,” Hair Loss Talk, Hair Loss Treatments.
Amy Sillup - I have a B.S. in Chemistry from Delaware Valley College and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. I have worked as a ...
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