Androgen Alopecia, diffuse pattern alopecia and female pattern baldness affects 50 million men and 30 million women. If you are one of them, then you know how difficult it can be to see your hair gathering at the shower drain, on the floor or on your brush. The good news is there is something you can do about thinning hair.
Hair Loss Treatment for Men and Women
Male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness account for roughly 80% of all cases of alopecia (baldness) in the United States. There are a number of hair loss treatments for men (and women) available right now. Some treatment slow down the hair loss, like topical and oral medications. While other treatment options replace lost hair.
Medication For Hair Loss Treatment
Rogaine (Minoxidil)
Often the first stop for many men and women with hereditary hair loss is a topical medication like Rogaine. Rogaine works on some men, slowing hair loss and increasing growth, while in others, it may only result in a bit of “peach fuzz” growth. It’s been shown to work especially well on men who are 30 years or younger, and who have been losing their hair for less than 5 years.
Keep in mind that you have to apply the Rogaine daily for it to continue to work. If you stop, your scalp will revert back to its pre-Rogaine state within 6-12 months. One down side to the treatment is it drips onto your pillow and as a result may promote facial hair growth in women.
Propecia (Finasteride)
This medication is typically prescribed for men with hereditary hair loss. It lowers levels of DHT, the hormone responsible for the hair loss. Men must take the pill daily, and like Rogaine, if you stop taking it, your hair will revert back to its original state. It’s been shown to work on up to 85% of men who use it, so it’s a great option if you are committed to taking a daily pill.
Even though it works for many men, Propecia is not recommended for women by the FDA. If you’re a woman experiencing hair loss, you may want to consider hair restoration surgery.
Hair Restoration Treatment
Hair Transplant a.k.a. Hair Grafting: An outpatient procedure, this is typically performed in your doctor’s office. With this procedure a patch of scalp from a donor area is cut into small segments, then transplanted into the balding area. The donor area is then closed with stitches, which usually come out in about 10 days. The end result is very natural looking and virtually undetectable.
Follicle Unit Extraction (FUE): The process begins with a skilled doctor applying a local anesthetic so you won’t experience pain, just minimal discomfort. Using a circular, handheld sharp biopsy punch each follicular unit is harvested and the grafts are then replaced in the balding area. The new, slowly growing hair begins to appear in about 4-6 months.
Restoring Hair for Men and Women
Are you experiencing hereditary hair loss? To learn more about which treatment option is right for you, schedule a Frank & Honest Hair Consultation or contact our team in New York City or Columbus, Ohio.
