Alternative Treatments for Hair Loss
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil may provide moderate hair growth in 15-20% of cases. The benefit lasts
only as long as the topical drug is applied (i.e., hair falls out upon
discontinuation) and the drug has to be applied twice daily. Scalp itching and
irritation are possible side effects of this drug treatment. Minoxidil can
be used in conjunction with hair transplantation by those who wish to
continue this treatment once they begin their hair transplant
surgery.
Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride is the first approved prescription pill to grow hair. It
may produce visible hair growth in half of those who try the drug,
although the cosmetic benefit of this hair growth is quite variable and
is not predictable. It
works best for the earliest stages of hair loss, and growth occurs better
over the crown of the scalp than at the frontal receding hairline and temples. It must
be used daily for 3-6 months before you can properly assess whether it works, and it has
not been approved for use in women. Side effects
for men include decreased sexual desire and partial impotence which are
reversible once the drug is discontinued. Once again,
the hair grown with this treatment will fall out once the drug is
stopped.
Hairpieces and Hair Attachment Systems
These are a satisfactory solution for some, but others find them
unnatural looking and difficult to maintain. There are long term maintenance and
replacement costs which should be considered by prospective users.
Electrical Stimulation for Hair Growth and Microscopic Hair Analysis
Electrical stimulation for hair growth is an unproven technology, and
advertising for it often makes claims that have not been generally
accepted by experts in the field of hair loss. Similarly, hair
analysis attempts to encourage consumers to invest in treatments that
are not based on scientific evidence. Unfortunately, many
consumers are tempted by these "easy fix" remedies and often
part with large sums of money before realizing that the treatments are
ineffective.
Gene Therapy
In the future it may be possible to use gene therapy to treat
hereditary and other causes of hair loss. The principle is to use
genetic material to replace faulty genes in hair follicles.
However, the precise genes that cause common types of hair loss have yet
to be identified. Early
results from ongoing research are somewhat promising.
