It's normal to lose up to 100 hairs each day, and for most people, those hairs grow back without any special treatment. When hair is falling out at a more rapid rate and new hair isn't growing in, it may be time to seek medical help. It's important to first make sure there's no underlying problem such as poor nutrition or disease that's causing the hair loss. If it's determined you're just a victim of age and heredity, there are lotions that may help.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter, topical hair loss medication that is sold as a liquid or foam. The Mayo Clinic says it's available in two percent and five percent solutions and is rubbed into the scalp daily to help prevent further loss of hair and promote growth of new hair. The new hair may be thinner and shorter, and it will stop growing soon after you stop using minoxidil. The American Hair Loss Association recommends the drug finasteride as the first line of attack for men who are experiencing male pattern baldness, but it says minoxidil might be useful for some men who don't respond to finasteride. It says minoxidil's positive effects are "at best temporary" and may be "disappointing" over time.
Corticosteroids
The Mayo Clinic says corticosteroids are another option for treating hair loss. Cortisone may be injected into the scalp on a monthly basis for treatment of severe cases of a form of a hair loss called alopecia areata. Corticosteroid pills also may be prescribed. Corticosteroids are available in ointments and creams, but the Mayo Clinic says this form of treatment may be less effective than the injections.
Anthralin
Anthralin is available as a cream or ointment and may stimulate hair growth for people with alopecia areata. The Mayo Clinic describes anthralin as a synthetic, tarry substance that's applied to the scalp and washed off each day. It's more commonly used as a treatment for psoriasis, but it may promote some new hair growth. You may have to wait up to 12 weeks to see results.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an oral medication, not a lotion, but it's worth noting because it is the American Hair Loss Association's first choice when it comes to treating male pattern baldness. It works on a hormonal level by helping to stop the shrinking of hair follicles that can lead to male baldness. This drug is not approved for use by women. In fact, pregnant women shouldn't handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets because of the risk of birth defects.
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