1. Re-grow: Topical Treatments
One of the first places most people turn to get their hair back are topical treatments. The product minoxidil is the only FDA approved product used to treat hair loss. It's available in several over the counter products, and claims to re-grow hair. It's important to read the fine print in any product claiming to undo what nature does. To keep the results of re-grown hair from minoxidil is a lifetime commitment. That's twice a day everyday to keep any re-growth that's occurred. Some users report an itchy scalp when using minoxidil, so it does have some side effects.
2. A New Crop: Hair Transplants
One popular method of hair replacement is hair transplant. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that uses the patient's own hair. Hair from another part of the head is transplanted into small incisions in the scalp. Surgeons plant hair follicles in the small incisions in the balding area. Even though the actual transplanted hair dies, the follicle stays in place and new hair begins to grow. Hair transplants work better in men than in women. This is because men lose their hair in certain locations, while women tend to lose their hair all over.
3. Prescription Drug Options: Propecia
Another popular hair loss treatment drug is Propecia. Originally used to treat men's prostate conditions, Propecia works by inhibiting testosterone from turning into DHT. DHT is what causes baldness in men by making the hair follicles inactive. Neither Propecia nor Rogain (minoxidil) works to re-grow hair in the front of the head.
4. A Little On the Top: Other Topical Treatments
Other topical treatments claim to help re-grow hair from either male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. These products work to block the buildup of DHT on the scalp and stimulate hair follicles. Although no scientific results support these DHT blockers, users do report some success. Other treatments such as Nizoral and T-Gel help to reduce the redness and itching sometimes associated with DHT inhibitors. Normally used by patients to treat dandruff and oily scalp, both of these topical treatments work well along with any other treatment products.
5. Enhance What You've Got: Nioxin
If surgery or DHT products aren't the answer for you, consider topical treatments that enhance existing hair. Products like Nioxin actually work to make hair appear thicker, fuller and healthier. Even though Nioxin doesn't help with DHT buildup, it does strengthen hair follicles and improve the overall health of the scalp.
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