Hair Loss Products

The Most Well-Known Hair Loss Product: Monoxidil

Monoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine. It is currently the only FDA approved medication for hair loss. Topical Monoxidil is more effective if you begin treatment as soon as possible and if you use it twice a day. Results for Monoxidil do vary, however. Some people say Rogaine helps prevent more hair from falling out, while others say that Rogaine grows short, thin hair that never progresses beyond ‘peach fuzz’.

Monoxidil for Women

Hair loss for women is different than for men. Men experience patch baldness while women experience all over thinning. Rogaine recently came out with a product for women to help combat all over thinning. Like Rogaine for men, results in Rogaine for women vary, though it’s said that it works well in the forehead area.

Oral Monoxidil

Oral Monoxidil is a relatively new product on the market. Oral Monoxidil may work better than topical Monoxidil for some people. However, there are many side effects associated with oral Monoxidil including lowering of blood pressure, an increase in the heart rate, and weight gain (fluid retention). Consult a physician before choosing this treatment.

Finasteride

Finasteride is a prescription drug. It is an oral medication and you may have heard of it as Propecia. It does not have FDA approval at this time. Results vary, though some experts claim combining Finasteride and Monoxidil is a great way to repair hair loss. Finasteride does not work well on female hair loss. Talk to your care provider about this hair loss product.

False Hairpieces

One option for coping with hair loss is to hide it with a wig, toupee or hair extensions. Wigs and toupees have been growing more and more life-like and no longer carry the reputation they once did. These hair loss products can be made of synthetic (plastic) hair, human hair or both. Some hair extensions attach to real hair, which can be helpful if you’re experiencing hair thinning.

Wigs and Toupees usually cover the scalp or parts of the scalp and may be held in place by skin adhesives.

Wigs, toupees and hair extensions can be expensive and can require expensive maintenance. If you are going through hair replacement surgery, chemotherapy or have alopecia acreata, a wig or a toupee may be a great temporary solution to your hair loss.

Shampoos and Conditioners

There are many shampoos and conditioners on the market that claim to help hair appear thicker and fuller. However, no shampoos will increase actual hair count. Results vary, but if your hair is just beginning to thin, a shampoo may be a great way to hold off needing other hair loss products.

Chemical Cover-Ups

Another hair loss product is a chemical cover-up or make-up like products that look like ‘real’ hair. Results vary and you can not use these products for frontal hair loss, though they may work well for hair thinning. These products are very cheap and are supposed to be fast and easy to use.