不论男女，有的人，到了年龄就会开始谢顶。这个现实着实叫人很难同意，所以大家大多都想尝试预防秃顶的药物疗法。据了解，世界上的确存在能治愈掉头发的良方，但这类方法真的管不管用？现代科学能否提供更有效的疗法？秃顶对人有哪些好处吗？
For many it means nothing at all, but to others it is the epitome1 of their identity. As humans, our appearance is often important to us and our hair plays a huge role. Whether you have long flowing locks or a swept back do, the way you wear your hair can say something about you. But what if you start to lose it?
Forty per cent of men experience hair loss by the age of 35, according to the Belgravia Centre UK, one of Europes largest hair loss treatment centres. This figure rises to 80% by the age of 80. And women are far from exempt2 from losing clumps3 of hair, with 50% of them suffering some form of hair loss in their life.
It starts with a receding4 hairline, followed by a thinning of hair on the crown of the head and temples and before you know it, your scalp is showing and youre completely bald. Every human naturally loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day, according to the UK National Health Service. Excluding hair loss caused by disease, baldness is genetic5. Its related to the hormone6 testosterone, which causes a shrinking of hair follicles in susceptible7 adults. This results in the loss of so called terminal adult hair and the production of much finer vellus hairs like those on the heads of babies.
It can cause considerable damage to emotional health, including loss of self-esteem and confidence. a spokesman for the British Association of Dermatologists8 told the BBC. But if you cant hide it with a comb-over, or a wig9, what can you do? Well, the ancient Greek medic Hippocrates recommended a mixture of pigeon droppings, mixed with horseradish, cumin and nettles10 liberally applied11 to the pate12. Since then there has been a liberal dose of tonics13, creams, pills and hair replacement14 surgery. All of which have had mixed results.
Now, a potential new cure has been found in a drug that was designed to treat osteoporosis. The research, published in PLOS Biology, states that the drug contains a compound that targets a protein which inhibits15 hair growth and plays a role in balding. In short, it stimulates16 hair to grow. Keep your hair on,though. Clinical trials need to take place to ensure the drug is effective and safe to give people.
And besides, many would say that being bald improves a persons appearance. Researchers at The University of Pennsylvania asked male and female students to rate photographs of men according to their attractiveness, confidence and dominance. In all three categories, the bald men came out ahead - and not just by a hairs breadth.
So, whether you love it or hate it or whether its happening to you right now, you arent alone. A cure may very soon be on its way. Until then, relax and let your hair down.
