Hair Loss Treatments

Paula Begoun explains how hair grows, why some people lose it and several treatments that are available to stop hair loss. She also lists some of the myths surrounding hair loss as well as a few product… reviews. Begoun backs up her opinions with solid research and cites several medical journals and clinical trials. She claims that many hair loss treatments that are available are unsubstantiated and that even those that do work tend to exaggerate their claims.

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This study, done at Seoul National University College of Medicine, compares the effectiveness of a traditional 5% minoxidil therapy applied twice daily, to that of a combination of 5% minoxidil and 0.01%… tretinoin applied once daily. The study included 31 men, between the ages of 28 and 45, with pattern baldness. Results show that the combination therapy is just as effective as the traditional therapy. One shortcoming in this study is that its length is not clearly stated.

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This study by the Department of Dermopathology at the University of Liege, Belgium, compares the effects of 2% ketoconazole (KCZ) shampoo to that of 2% minoxidil therapy. Results show that the KCZ shampoo… may be just as effective as 2% minoxidil in treating pattern baldness, but further studies are needed. It is unclear from the synopsis of this study how many subjects participated or how long the study was carried out.

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This article provides information about some of the many hair loss treatments available today. The treatments are not ranked but dermatologists' opinions are given as to whether or not they are effective.… Finasteride, minoxidil, dutasteride and follicular transplant surgery are given the most credence. Saw palmetto and pumpkin-seed oil are recommended for those that are reluctant to use drugs, but doctors interviewed warn that they produce a "tremendous placebo effect."

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This dated, but informative, article discusses the causes of baldness in women, including hereditary causes, stress, medical disorders and improper hair care. Various treatment options are discussed and… information is given as to whom each treatment works best for. Treatment options include hair-care products, illusion styling, minoxidil, hair additions, transplants and Propecia. None of the treatments are ranked, rather each is recommended for those suffering from hair loss in varying degrees.

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Hair transplantation techniques are discussed at length in this article. The author mentions other treatments, such as Propecia and Rogaine, but points out that these medications must be taken continuously… in order for results to last. Hair transplants, on the other hand, are a permanent, one-time solution. Due to advancing technology and research, they look more natural than they ever have, but the author warns that surgeons should be researched thoroughly in order to find a good one.

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Consumers can read and post reviews for products sold at Drugstore.com, which include several personal care items. Most of the hair regrowth products listed are only reviewed a few times, if any, but a few… of them are reviewed upwards of 15 times and provide some insight into their efficacy. Rogaine products are reviewed the most often, with mostly favorable comments. There were 15 reviews of the HairMax LaserComb upon publication of this report, but they are split evenly between those saying it works and those saying that it doesn't.

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Consumer Reports discusses the various hair loss treatments and whether or not they are effective. Minoxidil, Propecia and hair transplants provide some degree of benefits to some patients but nothing can… provide perfect results. Consumer Reports recommends that patients be realistic with their expectations or purchase a high-quality hairpiece. However, this article is rather old, and Consumer Reports has not revisited the topic of hair loss since.

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In this press release, Dr. Alan Bauman, medical expert on hair loss and founder of the Bauman Medical Group, suggests that early intervention, with the help of a physician, offers the best protection for a… healthy head of hair. He also suggests that it may be possible to predict hair loss before it ever occurs, so that early prevention can be implemented. The five steps he suggests are using a "folliscope" to get a microscopic view of the scalp, consider health factors, genetic testing, review of family history and see a health doctor to assess hair status and find reliable information.

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