Hair loss can affect the self-esteem of even normally self-confident individuals. Both men and women can be affected by thinning hair and baldness. While hiding a balding pate with wigs or hairpieces can temporarily mask the problem, many people want to find a solution that will halt the loss of hair or bring back hair that has already been lost.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil can be purchased over the counter and comes in the form of a topical liquid or foam, according to MayoClinic.com. Typically applied twice a day, the solution should start working by about 12 weeks into treatment, although it may take up to a year to see results. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that the medication must be continued to retain any new growth, since even reducing the application to once a day can cause the hair to revert back to how it was before treatment. Mild side effects have been reported, including scalp irritation, changes in body hair such as excess growth, nausea, vomiting and weight gain, according to Drugs.com. Severe side effects are rare with this medication.
Finasteride
Finasteride is only available by prescription and comes as an oral pill that patients take once a day. As Medline Plus explains, finasteride works by blocking the production of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT, a compound that contributes to hair loss in men. MayoClinic.com warns that women should not use finasteride, however. Pregnant women in particular should be careful not to use, or even touch, finasteride in order to avoid causing birth defects. Some men who use finasteride may notice a decrease in sexual desire or problems with sexual functioning, but these side effects are rare.
Hair Transplants
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, hair transplantation is the most effective method of treating hair loss, with between 90 and 100 percent of properly transplanted hair successfully taking hold and growing in the scalp. In a hair transplantation, small grafts containing between one and 40 hairs are moved from other areas of the body to the head. These new patches then begin producing head hair. For treatment of a full head of hair using hair transplants, multiple sessions will likely be required. Side effects may include temporary pain or swelling. In some people, infection or bleeding may also occur, but these are generally mild.
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