Thinning Hair Treatment That Works

Hair loss or thinning hair can be frustrating and confusing. There are literally thousands of so-called solutions that prove to be less than effective. While this can be disheartening, there are several safe and effective hair-thinning treatments that work. Furthermore, even if these treatment do not prove to be as effective as you would like, there is a permanent solution to give you the added hair density and coverage that you desire.

Cause

The Foundation of Hair Restoration surgery notes that although there could be many different causes of hair loss, 95 percent of the time, hair loss is caused by a condition called androgenic alopecia. Androgenic alopecia is a hormonal condition that effects both men and women. Androgenic alopecia exists when the hormone dihydrotestosterone attacks and suffocates follicles and prematurely makes hair fall out. As this process repeats itself, hair gets thinner and thinner.

Effective Treatments

While numerous hair-loss treatments claim to help combat hair thinning, only a small of amount actually deliver.

Minoxidil is a topical solution that is approved by the FDA has been used for more than 20 years in the treatment androgenic alopecia. Hair Site reports that both men and women can use it. Minoxidil works by increasing cutaneous blood flow to the scalp in order to stimulate hair growth.

Finasteride is another FDA-approved treatment for thinning hair. It is only for men and is available by doctor's prescription only. The American Hair Loss Association reports that taking 1 mg finasteride daily can lower your DHT levels by 60 percent. This can allow thinning and fine hair to mature it normal thickness instead of shedding prematurely.

Ketoconazole shampoo can help add density to thinning hair. Both men and women can use it. In a Belgian University Study published in the 1998 "Journal of Dermatology," Belgian researchers found that ketoconazole shampoo improved hair density as much as 2 percent minoxidil in patients. They concluded it could be effective in the long-term treatment of genetic pattern hair loss.

Expert Insight

Dr. Robert Bernstein, recipient of the "Platinum Follicle Award" for his outstanding achievement in scientific and clinical research in hair restoration, believes that minoxidil and finasteride can regrow and add density to thinning hair all over the scalp. The doctor notes that although the FDA reports that minoxidil and finasteride were only proven to be effect on the top of the scalp, the two treatments "definitely can" regrow hair on the entire scalp. He recommends you ignore the package inserts on both medications that suggest on the crown or vertex will benefit from treatment.

Misconceptions

Bill Seemiller, managing publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, notes and dispels several myths about hair loss. Many believe hair loss can not be treated, this is not true. Seemiller recognizes that there is no total "cure" for hair loss but states, "proven nonsurgical solutions such as Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil) are typically pretty good at slowing down, stopping, and even reversing genetic baldness." Seemiller further states that hair loss is not caused by stress, wearing a hat or frequently showering.

Permanent Solution

While the FDA-approved treatments and ketoconazole shampoo will certainly be effective for many, those who have lost hair density permanently can also get their hair restored permanently. The Foundation of Hair Restoration states that a hair restoration procedure permanently moves hairs that are not susceptible to androgenic alopecia or DHT to areas where hair is thin or gone. These hairs will continue to grow and not thin for a lifetime.