Hair loss is something that will affect nearly two-thirds of men during their lifetime. While there are numerous treatment options available, only a few of them have undergone clinical testing for their effectiveness. The two hair loss treatments approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration--finasteride and minoxidil--were thought to only work on the crown area of the scalp, but recent studies have shown both treatments to be effective for combating frontal hair loss.
Finasteride, which is marketed as Propecia for hair loss, is not designed for receding hairlines, but clinical studies have shown its effectiveness for treating hair loss over the entire scalp region. The June 1999 issue of the "Journal of American Academy of Dermatology," contained a study in which half of the participants saw an improvement in hair growth in the frontal region and 70 percent saw no decrease in frontal hairs. Propecia is a 1 mg finasteride tablet taken once a day and the most common side effects are a decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Merck--the manufacturer of Propecia--claims on the product's website that there is not enough evidence to claim Propecia works on receding hairlines at the temple region.
Minoxidil was the first hair-loss treatment to be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. It is a topical solution applied twice daily and the most common side effects are a dry or flaky scalp. Like finasteride, minoxidil was thought to work solely on the crown area for many years, but a 2003 study by Duke University's Dr. Elise Olsen published in "Dermatology Times" showed that 51 percent of men using 5 percent minoxidil showed an improvement in frontal hair, while 42 percent of the men using a 2 percent minoxidil solution showed improvement in the frontal scalp. Only 13 percent of the men using a placebo showed improvement. It is important to note that for purposes of the study, frontal hair did not include the temple region.
Hair transplants are the most effective way of dealing with a receding hairline, as transplanted hair grafts are nearly 100 percent effective. Hair transplants are an FDA-approved treatment.
Scalp flap surgery, in which a portion of the scalp is moved from the side of the head to the front, is an approved FDA treatment. Scalp flap surgery is a complicated procedure, which can leave an unnatural looking hairline, as well as a thin scar.
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