Preventing and Treating Hair Loss

Hair loss affects millions of people, which is why you see so many hair loss treatments on the market these days. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat hair loss once it has already begun. Before you start hair loss treatment, however, it's important to understand the exact nature of your condition. Know what is causing your hair loss before you choose a treatment plan or hair loss product, and consult with a physician. It will be easier to put an effective plan into place if you know more about your condition.

Don't get too caught up in the hype surrounding hair loss products - there are a couple of proven methods and hair loss treatments on the market that work, and these are what you should stick to if you want to treat your hair loss. A lot of shampoos and conditioners have shown up in the market lately, but usually the claims they make are completely false - they just don't work. It's best to stay with FDA-approved products if you want to deal with hair loss the right way.

The two hair loss products that actually work to stop hair loss and regrow thinning hair are Minoxidil and Finasteride. These drugs can slow down hair loss and in some people, even regrow the hair. The former is more commonly referred to as Rogaine. You've probably already heard about this hair loss product before, and the truth is, it really works. This hair loss treatment has been approved by the FDA, and typically comes in a 2% or 5% solution. 2% is recommended for women, while men require the stronger product. To stop hair loss and thinning hair using Rogaine, an application twice daily is standard. You won't see results for 4-5 months with this hair loss product, so be patient and stick with it.

Rogaine is effective on the crown of the scalp and the front area of the head. When you start to see new hair appearing, it will be thin at first, and perhaps a different color, but over time it will grow in thicker and change to a darker color. You have to keep using Rogaine for hairloss otherwise the hair will start to shed again in 6-12 months. The hairloss will continue without sustained use of the drug.

The side effects of Rogaine are rare, and mild, with such symptoms as an itching scalp.

Finasteride is another hair loss drug usually called Propecia. This can also stop hair loss and regrow new hair. This drug is not a solution - it differs from Rogaine because you take it in the form of a pill. It's required that you take the pill once a day - results tend to manifest within 3 months, however, it takes about 6-12 months for hair to start growing in thicker and fuller. This particular drug has only been approved for men, so women should not use it, especially if pregnant. In fact, pregnant women are warned not to touch the pill, as it can be absorbed by the skin and can cause damage to a male fetus.

Side effects are also low in this drug, and it has proven to be quite effective. Again, if you stop taking the drug after 6-12 months the new hair you've grown will start to shed and baldness will eventually return.