Every year, millions of women begin losing their hair. Women make up about 40 percent of the population that deals with this condition. While it is normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day, if unusual amounts are present in your styling tools, when washing your hair or on your clothing, you may be experiencing excessive hair loss. Many over-the-counter treatments claim to reverse women's hair loss. Always consult your physician before trying any topical or oral treatments.
Washing Away Hair Loss
Numerous companies manufacture "hair growth" shampoos. One well-known over-the-counter hair loss treatment is the Nioxin system, which is sold in professional salons. Nioxin claims to reduce hair loss, protect and strengthen hair, and reduce breakage via a three-step Scalp and Hair Care System. Dandruff shampoos like Nizoral are often thought of as hair loss treatments, but they are effective only when hair loss is related to a fungal infection.
Herbal Hair Loss Reversal
Some over-the-counter hair loss treatments contain herbs such as saw palmetto, hu shou wu (also called fo-ti) and horse chestnut. These herbs are also sold separately and are incorporated into topical treatments, shampoos and multi-ingredient tablets such as Shen Min, which claims to block DHT, a form of testosterone associated with hair loss when present in high levels. However, there is no supporting evidence that herbal treatments are effective.
Diet and Vitamins in Treating Hair Loss
Proper nutrition and vitamins are important over-the-counter treatments for women experiencing hair loss. Hair vitamins often contain higher dosages of silica, zinc, L-cysteine, pantothenic acid, amino acids, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), choline, inositol and biotin. Biotin, a B vitamin found in egg yolks, liver and brewer's yeast, can be taken by itself and is sold in 3,000, 5,000 and 7,500 mcgs. There is no indication of risk when taking biotin, and it may help with hair loss and brittle hair.
"Making Up" Hair Loss
DermMatch and Toppik are two products that women can use to treat hair loss. These products do not halt or reverse hair loss. They are cosmetics that are color-matched to the remaining hair and used as concealers on the scalp to hide thinning areas. Wigs and hair pieces are other options to conceal thinning hair.
Over-The-Counter Solutions for Hair Loss
Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter hair loss treatment. Sold under the brand name Rogaine, it is available in 5 percent and 2 percent solutions. Women's Rogaine contains 2 percent minoxidil. Monoxidil is applied to the dry scalp twice a day as a foam or liquid. It must be used daily and permanently to continue hair regrowth. Initial use may increase hair loss, but this is temporary and indicates new growth coming in.
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