If you are an individual who is or has been suffering from hair loss, there are non-invasive hair treatments that can help slow the process and can even promote regrowth. Our hair restoration experts often recommend that patients should be proactive and start with either prescription or over-the-counter medication to treat hair loss early on. There are a variety of oral and topical hair treatments that do work when used consistently.
First Topical Treatment Approved by the FDA
One of the most popular over-the-counter medications that most individuals are familiar with is Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine. Minoxidil was the first topical treatment approved by the FDA and has been used to treat hair loss for over 20 years. Rogaine works by strengthening hair follicles so the individual can grow thicker, fuller hair. It works on thinning hair and dormant hair follicles, but will not regrow hair once the follicle is dead. Rogaine is available in most drug stores for both men and women and comes in different strengths. To benefit from the effects that Rogaine offers, individuals must be committed to long-term use and daily application.
Prescription Medication for Hair Loss Prevention
Propecia, commonly referred to as Finasteride is a prescription medication that is available as a topical or oral medication. The oral form of Finasteride was first used in 1997 to treat men suffering from androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) and was later FDA-approved. A low dose of this mediation is all that is needed to successfully treat hair loss and increase hair growth.
Finasteride works by decreasing the amount of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). When too much testosterone is converted to DHT it causes the hair follicles to miniaturize, which is what causes male pattern baldness. When decreased with Finasteride, it slows hair loss and regrows hair.
After just three to four months of consistent use, individuals have noticeable regrowth and less fall out. However, full effects of the medication can be seen after nine months. Just like any prescription medication, oral Finasteride does have rare side effects that include headache, dizziness, swelling in the hands and feet and decreased sex drive. These negative side effects have made topical Finasteride more appealing to men because the side effects with the topical solution have been significantly less likely.
Topical Finasteride or 82F, “Finoxidil” is a combination that contains 5% Minoxidil, .25% Finasteride, and a topical steroid that reduces irritation and enhances penetration. 82F is a topical solution that is applied to the scalp directly and it has the same powerful DHT-reducing effects.
Both forms of Finasteride are effective and when taken consistently, individuals will not only hang on to the hair that they have, they will also grow more hair and will benefit from long lasting results. Again, in order to maintain results, either form must be used consistently and long-term.
Easiest Way to Stop Hair Loss
Just Noticing Thinning Hair? Nutrafol is a botanical supplement that promotes healthier hair while targeting hair loss triggers. Hair loss triggers include stress, free radicals, poor nutrition and increased DHT levels. Nutrafol is available for both men and women and is taken once a day. Over time when taken consistently, individuals have noticed thicker hair, improvement in their mood and overall improvement in their skin and nails. If you are new to hair loss or just want healthier, thicker hair Nutrafol is a great place to start. If you are entering into moderate to advanced stages UFP Hair Restoration can discuss treatments options with you to determine the best plan of action. Hair loss does not have to be accepted.
For more information about non-surgical hair restoration treatments that work, please contact our Draper or Layton, Utah offices at (801)776-2220.