From pills in health food stores, to topical formulas, to late-night TV infomercials, there are countless products that claim to regrow hair. The American Hair Loss Association states that by the age of 35, two-thirds of American men will experience at least some hair loss. By the age of 50, 85 percent of men will have significantly thinning hair. While many hair loss products are ineffective, there are some that are scientifically proven to regrow hair.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, is an FDA approved hair loss product that is available over the counter. The Interational Society of Hair Restoration Surgery noted that in two studies of 5 percent minoxidil the majority of users found rapid onset of hair growth, a reduction of hair loss and minimal side effects. A four-month surveillance study reported that only 6.2 percent men judged minoxidil as ineffective. Minoxidil should be used every day in one or two applications to areas of thinning hair.
Propecia
Propecia is an another FDA approved product that is scientifically proven to regrow hair. Unlike minoxidil, it is currently available by prescription and only for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Hair-loss.org describes how Propecia functions by reducing the body's production of DHT. DHT is thought to be the hormone most responsible for hair loss. In a five year controlled study, nine out of 10 men who took Propecia daily either maintained their current hair count or experienced regrowth. All the men who did not lost hair. Propecia is taken once a day and is best used in conjunction with minoxidil.
Ketoconazole shampoo
Ketoconazole is a lesser known product that is scientifically proven to regrow hair. Unlike Propecia or minoxidil, it is not FDA approved, but it can be purchased over the counter. Nizoral and Revita shampoo contains ketoconazole. In a study published in 1998 investigating the long-term effect of ketoconazole on androgenic alopecia, researchers found that ketoconazole shampoo produced hair regrowth similar to the 2 percent version of minoxidil. The scientists concluded that ketoconazole was promising treatment to regrow hair by reducing scalp inflammation.
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