Hundreds of products are available that promise to regrow hair for men, but very few actually live up to the hype. From pills, to topical solutions, to special laser combs, it can be a daunting task to find which products actually work. While most of these products do not deliver, some are scientifically proven to work. Please consult your doctor or dermatologist to determine the cause of your hair loss before seeking treatments.
Propecia
Finasteride, sold as Propecia, is an FDA- and doctor-approved pill that is scientifically proven to regrow hair. It is a treatment for male pattern baldness and should not be taken by women or children. Propecia taken daily reduces the body's production of DHT, the hormone that is thought to be responsible for hair thinning. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery reports that in a five-year study, men took Propecia experienced an increase in hair count over men who did not. Before and after photos taken during the study showed that 90 percent of the men taking Propecia showed no further visible hair loss. Propecia is currently available by prescription only.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, sold as Rogaine, is an FDA-approved topical solution scientifically proven to regrow hair. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery reports two studies that confirm the effectiveness of 5 percent minoxidil. An observational study conducted over one year concluded that 62 percent of men experienced regrowth, as thinning areas became smaller. Minoxidil was said to have been ineffective in only 15.7 percent of patients. A separate four-month study showed minoxidil to be ineffective in only 6.2 percent of patients. In both studies, the 5 percent version of minoxidil was well tolerated and showed promise for encouraging regrowth and preventing further hair loss. Minoxidil is available over the counter.
Ketoconazole Shampoo
Ketoconazole shampoo, while not FDA-approved specifically for regrowth, is scientifically proven to regrow hair in men. PubMed details a university study conducted by the Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liège, Belgium, and published in the journal Dermatology in 1998. Ketoconazole was found to produce similar hair regrowth as the 2 percent version of minoxidil. Researchers concluded that ketoconazole shampoo may be promising in the long-term treatment of androgenic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. Ketoconazole shampoo is traditionally used as a dandruff treatment and is available over the counter. Popular brand names are Nizoral and Revita.
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