Non-surgical Hair Treatments
Hair transplant surgery is the only way to restore hair to balding regions permanently, but it does not stop ongoing thinning in other areas of this progressive condition. Finasteride and minoxidil are the only two FDA-approved male pattern hair loss treatments. Consistent use of these two medications often temporizes and slows hair loss, but they are not a cure. They do not regrow hair, and they do not stop hair loss. They do help people to keep their hair that they have for longer than they would otherwise without the use of the medication.
Several other hair loss treatments are advertised, often with dubious or unsubstantiated claims. These alternate therapies include low-level light therapy (laser therapy), 2% Ketoconazole shampoos, hair loss shampoos, spironolactone, hair loss vitamins, and supplements. In reality, no large clinical trials exist for these alternate treatments that provide meaningful results that can be extrapolated to the larger population, or data is conflicting. Furthermore, there are no established protocols for many of these non-FDA-approved treatments.
Patients can also choose to use camouflaging techniques such as hair systems, scalp micropigmentation, and topical hair fibers.
No matter the age or gender, consulting with a qualified hair loss physician is necessary to begin diagnosing and appropriately treating the problem.