If you are experiencing hair loss, it can be frustrating. There seem to be a million hair loss products on the market. The variety can make it challenging to determine which products work and which are simply a waste of your money.
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Types
There's a dizzying array of hair growth shampoos, conditioners, lotions, creams, potions, vitamins, supplements, herbs, massage and laser treatments available. There are also several products you apply directly to the hair to reduce the appearance of thin hair. These products do not make your hair grow, but they are useful as a hair cosmetic. Fillers and thickeners can be applied by brush or shaken over the hair. Experiment to determine which product works best for you
FDA-Approved Products
The FDA has approved two products for hair loss: topical minoxidil, sold under the brand name Rogaine; and finasteride, sold under the brand name Propecia. Finasteride is a pill form prescription medication taken once per day, while minoxidil is a foam or liquid applied directly to the scalp. Both of these products require from three months to a year for visible results. Unfortunately, if you stop using either minoxidil or finasteride, any hair growth you achieved will be lost, notes MayoClinic.com.
Effectiveness and Side Effects
For both minoxidil and finasteride, the major side effect is the possibility that even if you follow the directions and use the product correctly, they simply may not work for you. Minoxidil works for approximately 80 percent of uses by stopping hair loss. Forty percent of those individuals regrow hair.
Finasteride is not approved for use by women of childbearing age or pregnant women because it can cause birth defects. Women in these groups should not even touch the medicine. If you are a post-menopausal woman, talk with your health care provider to determine its safety for you.
Considerations
The FDA has approved a laser comb for to treat male pattern baldness. The brand name of the only device approved is Laser Comb. The device costs between $300 and $500. To date, there are no independent clinical studies available to support the efficacy of laser combs.
Minoxidil not covered by insurance, while finasteride, while a prescription medication, is only covered by insurance for disease-related hair loss in certain instances. Your insurance company will not reimburse you for the cost of this medication when used for cosmetic purposes.
Warnings
Other than the FDA-approved products, there are no independent clinical studies that support the positive outcomes and claims of the many products available. There are no specific over-the-counter vitamins, topical or oral supplements or treatments that have been proven to cause hair growth. Use of these products may simply enhance the look and feel of your hair.
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