TYPES OF HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS

Several hair loss treatment products are available in the market. Knowing the cause of hair loss is important before any of these can be considered.

For male pattern baldness, which is a hereditary type of hair loss, two medicines have been approved by the FDA. These are finasteride and minoxidil or more commonly known Propecia and Rogaine.

Finasteride works by preventing the male hormone testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the primary cause of pattern baldness in both men and women. It causes the hair follicles to shrink and eventually they stop producing hair. Blocking DHT thus stops further hair loss. It normally takes around 3 months to half a year of nonstop treatment before any considerable improvement is seen. Once finasteride is discontinued, the balding process usually resumes within six to twelve months. Also, there are adverse side effects pertaining to abnormal sexual functions.

The exact mechanism of action of minoxidil is unknown. The oral form was originally used to treat high blood pressure but patients noted increased hair growth as a side effect. Thus, a solution applied directly on the scalp was formulated, aimed to treat male pattern baldness. It needs to be applied twice or more times a day for at least four months to see results. In order to maintain the hair growth, minoxidil should be used continuously. Side effects can include dryness, contact dermatitis, flaking, and itching.

When using any type of hair loss treatment, there are certain body reactions that can be produced. This is the body’s natural immune response to foreign substances it comes in contact with. As a result, it is possible to lose more hair because of these reactions.

Oftentimes, anti-inflammatory medications are used in combination with hair loss treatments. These reduce any inflammation, irritation, or itching on the scalp that can interfere with topical hair loss treatments.