Hair loss and balding, also known as alopecia, are conditions that affect both men and women. According to the Hair Loss Learning Center, about 21 million women and 35 million men experience hair loss. That equates to 40 percent of men reporting hair loss by the age of 35, with the number percentage increasing to 65 percent by the age of 60. Rogaine, an over-the-counter topical medication that helps encourage hair growth, is one possible treatment for hair loss and balding. However, there are other alternatives.
Hair Transplant and Restoration
Hair transplant and/or restoration surgery is a procedure in which hair follicles from the back of the head, which are considered to be resistant to balding, are moved to the balding areas. Generally, the results of the procedure last a lifetime; however, surgeries to repair the balding area are sometimes needed when the hair begins to bald beyond the transplanted area.
Medications
For some men and women, medications are the most appropriate way to deal with hair loss. Fenasteride is a medication that will work on both genders. The FDA has approved fenasteride to treat baldness in men; however, it hasn't been FDA approved to treat hair loss in women. Cyproterone acetate with ethinyloestradiol, ketoconazole, hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, cimetidine and spironolactone are used to treat hair loss in women. It is important to note that the drugs used to treat hair loss in women are used in an off-label manner; that is, the drugs have been approved by the FDA for use in other conditions but haven't been approved to specifically treat hair loss.
Hairpiece
A hairpiece is an item such as a toupee, wig or hair system. The purpose of a hairpiece is to temporarily cover hair loss or baldness without using medications or surgical procedures. Some hairpieces are classified as semi-permanent, temporary or clip-on. A semi-permanent hairpiece isn't recommended by the American Hair Loss Association because of sanitary concerns. A professional must apply and remove the semi-permanent hairpiece, which makes it difficult to clean your natural scalp frequently. Temporary hairpieces are attached using double-sided tape. Clip-on hairpieces have sturdy clips on them, much like barrette, that hold the hairpiece in place.
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