Treatments for hair loss

Unfortunately, nearly all hair restoration products that claim to halt and even reverse hair loss are completely unproven. There are several approved products that have been shown to slow the rate of hair loss. Men taking medications for hair loss should not expect to grow new hair, although this happens in some cases. If treatment is stopped, the rate of hair loss will increase to its previous rate. Hair transplants are a surgical treatment for hair loss.

Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride is an oral treatment for male hair loss that works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT (an androgen) in hair follicles and blood. Androgen production in the hair follicles is a requirement for hair loss. Finasteride is a very effective hair loss treatment that slows down the rate of hair loss. It also stimulates the growth of thicker hair. It may take 3 to 9 months before hair growth results are obvious.

Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is an approved product that slows the rate of hair loss in female and male pattern baldness by stimulating the hair follicle growth cycle. Rarely, it can promote new hair growth in some patients. Originally used for patients with high blood pressure, it accidentally was to found to have a side effect of over stimulating hair growth in many users. However, oral minoxidil medication caused unsafe drops in blood pressure and a liquid topical treatment was developed to apply directly on the scalp. Topical minoxidil is available in 2% and 5% solutions and is applied twice a day. Although a 5% minoxidil solution has better results, it can also cause worse side effects of itchiness and scalp irritation.

Hair transplantation
a surgical therapy that involves the transfer of normal hair follicles into areas of hair loss areas. Strips of hair plugs are removed and separated into hundreds of individual hair follicles. The hair follicles are then seeded or transplanted into small holes that are punctured in bald areas.

See also:

Alternative natural treatments for hair loss