Hair Regrowth Products for Men

Hair loss treatments are not miraculous cures, but there can be some positive results. These can include a halt to progression of thinning hair and some regrowth. The following are options to be considered when exploring treatments for treating hair loss in men.

Time Frame

• The products utilized in the hair growth industry do not offer immediate change. It is suggested to wait two months before even looking for positive effects. It often takes much longer, and usually the best results will be seen at around the two-year mark. This is because hair follicles need to have a dormancy period in between growth cycles. This period is about three months, and then hair only grows about half an inch per month in non-thinning areas. It is even slower in thinning areas. It then needs quite a few cycles of growing, falling out and dormancy before you can see improvement.

Considerations

• A good approach is to try multiple avenues of treatment at the same time. Many address different underlying issues and/or are complementary to each other. Some people choose to try one treatment to see its efficacy first, but since the treatment time is so long between start and possible benefits, it may be a trial and error process that becomes too long and too frustrating.

Types

• The first option you may want to try is an anti-androgen. This can be oral (finasteride) or topical (spironolactone). These are agents that work to prevent some of the effects of male sex hormones. These hormones have been implicated in some hair loss studies. You could look into adding to the antiandrogen a growth stimulant like minoxidil (Rogaine). Another topical agent that may be used is superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD is an antioxidant enzyme that fights cellular damage. Some other hair regrowth products for men include antimicrobial and/or growth stimulant shampoos. There are also some dietary and lifestyle changes that may help. The key to hair regrowth in men seems to be to try a multifaceted offense. As with any medical treatments, it is important to consult with your medical provider before trying any of the products discussed here.

Warning

• These hair regrowth formulas may have benefits, but as with any medication, there may be side effects. For example, many users of minoxidil report scalp irritation, itching and dandruff. Some more serious effects, though rare, can include a significant drop in blood pressure, chest pain, decreased libido and even weight gain. Some people using hair regrowth treatments have begun to grow hair in unwanted places if they are not careful to limit the application to the hair loss area. It is wise to be informed of any potential side effects before you begin the process.

Potential

• As you continue to try various treatments in an informed way, you may also need emotional support due to the issues that a changing appearance that you cannot control brings up. There are people who understand and have gone through, or are going through, this same thing. You may want to connect with them. Online support groups or educational sites are valuable tools to help you through this. One good website is www.hairlossexpert.co.uk, which has a section on coping with hair loss. You will find that this problem is not unique to you.