Hair loss solutions have come a long way in the last several years. It is no longer necessary to just accept going bald--now you can actually do something about it. Whether you are male or female and losing your hair due to genetics, illness or medication side effects, you can find a solution for your hair loss.
Medication
Propecia is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved oral hair loss medication that slows the rate of hair loss in men and women. Clinical research has also shown that Propecia may be effective in growing new hair. According to Docshop, Propecia has been shown to slow hair loss or encourage new hair growth in nine out of 19 men and women past menopause. Propecia must be taken indefinitely; if discontinued, new hair growth will fall out. It must not be taken by pre-menopausal women or even handled by preganant women as it can cause severe birth defects.
Avodart is another prescription drug shown to reduce hair loss and encourage the growth of new hair. It works by blocking DHT, the hormone thought to be responsible for hair loss, and is thought to be more effective than Propecia, according to Doc Shop. It is not yet FDA-approved but is under investigation.
Topical Solutions
Topical solutions have been around for some time now, but they continue to be improved and updated. Minoxidil, which is also called Rogaine in non-generic form, is the only topical hair loss solution approved by the FDA to treat male pattern baldness. When applied to the scalp, Minoxidil increases circulation and blood flow to the follicles. It encourages live follicles to grow healthy hair, but it cannot make follicles that are dead re-grow hair. It is often used in combination with prescription medication like Propecia. Women with thinning hair may also find Minoxidil effective.
Retin A, which is used to treat a range of skin conditions, is increasingly being used topically in conjunction with Minoxidil as it is thought to improve the ability of the hair follicles to absorb Minoxidil. It also can be useful in controlling sebum in the scalp, which can block hair follicles.
Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant surgery is the most effective method of treating hair loss at the hairline. It involves taking hair follicles from the back of the head and transplanting them along the hair line. Because follicles at the back of the head are generally resistant to baldness, the replanted follicles will continue to grow new hair for a lifetime. Hair transplant surgery is performed on an out-patient basis with local anesthesia. The transplants look very natural and do not need to be cared for in any special way.
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