A full head of hair is often considered sexy and youthful. At the first signs of hair loss, many people run to the drugstore aisle in search of a remedy. While some hair loss is considered normal and can be treated by lifestyle changes, sometimes the loss is due to a disease or genetic factors. Fortunately, a few products have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hair loss.
History
According to Kozue Takahashi, an author from Minnesota State University, history reveals the eternal search for renewed hair growth. As far back as 1150 B.C., Egyptian men tried to treat hair loss by rubbing the fats from ibex, lions, crocodiles, serpents, geese, cats, goats and hippopotami onto their balding pates. Other methods used were rubbing chopped lettuce, essential oils of fir and rosemary and almond and castor oil into the scalp. They also tried fenugreek seeds, which are still being used today.
Causes of Hair Loss
The majority of hair loss is genetic, passed down from one or both parents. Pattern baldness is a hereditary condition that shows a predictable progression of hair loss starting in a small area and gradually encompassing a larger area of the scalp.
According to hair loss specialist Dr. Peter Panagotacos, hair production cycles slow down and shorten due to their genetically programmed sensitivity to a hormone circulating in the blood called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which is created by the male hormone, testosterone. After a number of cycles, the hair follicle eventually shuts down completely, and hair growth ceases. Some hair loss treatments reduce the amount of DHT in the blood so the follicles are less likely to shut down.
Other known hair loss causes include autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, prescription drugs, pregnancy, chemotherapy, stress, hair styling products and techniques and a number of diseases.
Minoxidil
Originally used to treat hypertension, minoxidil, the main ingredient in the topical hair loss treatment Rogaine, was approved for hair loss in 1988 by the FDA after patients taking the drug reported a side effect of increased hair growth. Some called the topical formula "snake oil," while Rogaine manufacturer Upjohn testified before the FDA's Dermatologic Drugs Advisory Committee that its studies showed that "40 percent of those surveyed believed they had 'moderate or dense' new hair growth since beginning treatment."
The Hair Loss Learning Centers say that minoxidil works by revitalizing shrunken hair follicles, thus increasing their size and extending the growing period, producing longer, thicker hairs.
Rogaine is available by prescription only and is applied to the scalp twice a day. It comes in regular (2 percent) and extra strength (5 percent).
Other Topical Treatments
A study at the University of Hohenheim in Germany showed that volunteers taking a fenugreek seed concentrate supplement had an increase in hair volume and thickness. Fenugreek is often added to shampoos to prevent hair loss and restore hair growth.
Other topical treatments include products that claim to reduce DHT when applied topically, anti-inflammatory solutions and cover-ups that are sprayed on.
Other Hair Loss Treatments
The only other hair loss treatment approved by the FDA is Propecia (finasteride), which is an oral prescription medication that inhibits the production of DHT. DHT contributes to alopecia areata, hair loss from any part of the body, but most commonly from the scalp. Propecia has not been found to be effective on frontal hair loss.
Avodart (dutasteride) is another prescription drug that inhibits the formation of DHT, but Avodart is only approved to treat an enlarged prostate gland, even though a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2006 showed its effectiveness at restoring hair loss.
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