Proven Hair Loss Treatments

There is no proven cure for baldness. In 2007, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine were able to regrow hair on mice using stem cells. This research might one day lead to a baldness cure. Until then, there are a number of proven treatments for different types of hair loss, with varying degrees of effectiveness.

Hereditary Hair Loss Treatments

• While there is no fully effective cure for hereditary hair loss, there are two medications currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat it.

  Minoxidil (the ingredient in Rogaine) is an over-the-counter lotion or foam that can be used by both men and women. It is applied to the scalp twice daily. It can either slow the rate of hair loss or stimulate regrowth, within 12 weeks. The new hair may be thinner and shorter than before, and any new hair growth will stop upon ceasing treatment.

  Finasteride (the ingredient in Propecia) is a prescription pill used to treat male pattern baldness. When taken daily, it can slow the rate of hair loss or stimulate regrowth within several months. It must be taken indefinitely for its effect to continue. It is not approved for use by women.

Alopecia Areata

• Alopecia areata is a condition in which hair falls out in small round patches. The hair grows back in most cases, but there are many treatments available to speed up the process.

  Corticosteroids may be injected into the scalp on a monthly basis, causing new hair growth within four weeks. Corticosteroid creams or ointments may be used as well, but are less effective.

  Anthralin creams or ointments may be applied to the scalp daily, causing new hair growth within 12 weeks.

  Minoxidil may also be used in treating alopecia areata.

Stopping chemical treatments

• Where hair loss is caused by chemical treatments such as dyes, bleaches and straighteners, sometimes simply stopping such treatment can allow the hair to grow back.

Tinea Capitis

• Tinea capitis is a disease caused by a fungal infection. Its symptoms include broken hair. It can be treated with anti-fungal oral medications such as Griseofulvin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine, and fuconazole.

Surgery

• A dermatologist may recommend surgery to treat baldness, thinning hair, or hair loss caused by injury.

  In hair transplant surgery, small strips of scalp with hair are removed from the back or sides of the head and grafted onto balding areas. Hair on these strips begins to grow after about two months, and begins to look natural after about six months.

  In scalp reduction surgery, several inches of bald skin are removed entirely, and the two sides are sewn together. This procedure is sometimes performed together with hair transplant surgery. Devices called "scalp extenders" may be inserted under the areas of the scalp with hair for a few weeks.