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Medically Approved Products for Thinning Hair

Hair loss(medically known as alopecia) can affect people of all ages in both sexes. Men are more prone than women, and the hormone testosterone plays a big role in how the hair follicles function. Alopecia can result from heredity, illness or certain medicines. Many products claim to remedy the problem of thinning hair but only a handful of products are FDA-approved for this specific purpose and these are the best bet for effecting any noticeable change.

  1. Finasteride (Propecia or Proscar)

    • Finasteride (Propecia or Proscar) is a prescription pill used daily to combat male-pattern baldness. It can slow the progression of baldness and grow new hair. You need to use this product for several months to achieve full benefit. Propecia blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks the hair follicles. Rarely, it can cause lower sex drive and sexual function. Benefits cease once you discontinue the medication. This treatment is not suitable for women.

    Minoxidil (Rogaine or Ioniten)

    • Minoxidil is a topical treatment and the first FDA-approved hair loss treatment. The success of this treatment is dependent on the extent of hair loss, and new hair is usually shorter and thinner than the original. It usually takes about four months of use before new hair appears, and once treatment is discontinued, new growth will cease.

      The American Hair Loss Association does not recommend this treatment as a first line of defense. While it has been proven to regrow hair, it does nothing to address the underlying hormonal issues that cause baldness in the first place. They acknowledge some benefit and suggest it for people who were not successful with Propecia or who want to add another product to their regimen. Women can also use this treatment.

    Corticosteroids

    • Some doctors use cortisone injections to treat hair loss and can produce new hair in about a month. If extensive hair loss is a problem, he might also prescribe steroid pills. Creams and ointments can help as well but offer more mild effects.

    Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp)

    • Anthralin is a topical treatment, usually a cream or ointment, that goes on the scalp and is removed daily. Normally a treatment for psoriasis, it can prompt new hair growth. It usually takes about three months of use before new hair appears.

    Surgical options

    • If treatments like those mentioned above are ineffective, surgical options exist.

      A hair transplant involves removing tiny plugs of skin containing hair from the back or side of the head and moving them to bald spots. This usually involves several transplant sessions.

      Scalp reduction shrinks the area of bald skin. The surgeon removes the bald part of the scalp and closes the gap with hair-covered scalp. People with more advanced hair loss might consider getting both surgeries to give the hairline a more natural appearance.

      If you are considering these procedures, seek out only board-certified surgeons and doctors. Discuss the full range of options for treating thinning hair before resorting to surgery. It can be expensive and possibly cause scarring and infection.

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