So, you’re realizing that you probably won’t be able to have a thick, full head of hair again. But maybe you’d still like to keep what you’ve got. If you’re not thinking about a hair transplant, are there other options available to stop your hair from thinning?
Yes, there are several treatments that can help slow down or even stop hair thinning, and in some cases, they might even help you regrow some hair that you thought was lost forever.
Let’s take a closer look at what options are available and which ones might work best for you.
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is the only over-the-counter medication approved by the FDA for treating hair loss in both men and women.
It won’t fix a receding hairline, but it can help increase hair growth. However, scientists still aren’t exactly sure how it works exactly.
Minoxidil is sold under brand names like Rogaine or Theroxidil, and it’s also available in generic forms.
It comes in both liquid and foam forms, and it’s available in two concentrations: 2% and 5%. There’s also an oral version of minoxidil, which is typically taken once a day in doses ranging from 2.5 to 5 milligrams to encourage hair growth.
Effectiveness of Minoxidil
Minoxidil can work for about two out of every three men.
It tends to be most effective for younger men who have recently started to experience hair loss.
How To Use Minoxidil
To use minoxidil, you should apply it twice a day to your scalp where the hair is thinning, and it’s best to use it when your hair is dry. Also read Hair Loss Treatment in Singapore for more information.
It’s important to be patient, as you may not see any noticeable results for four months or longer.
What Minoxidil Doesn’t Do
Minoxidil doesn’t actually cure baldness.
If you stop using it, your hair will start thinning again, and it might even fall out more quickly than before.
Side Effects Of Minoxidil
Some people may experience redness, itching, dryness, or flaking on the scalp.
These side effects are generally uncommon, but they might be more likely if you’re using the higher concentration, 5% solution.
What Is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a medication that works by preventing your body from producing dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is the hormone linked to male pattern baldness.
It’s sold under the brand name Propecia. It’s not approved for use by women and is not safe for use during pregnancy.
Effectiveness of Finasteride
Finasteride is known to be very effective.
It can slow or stop hair loss in almost 90% of men who use it, and about two-thirds of those men also see some regrowth of hair.
How To Use Finasteride
Finasteride is taken as a pill, usually once a day.
Your dermatologist might suggest using it in combination with minoxidil for better results.
What Finasteride Doesn’t Do
Like minoxidil, finasteride doesn’t cure hair loss.
If you stop taking it, you will likely start losing hair again.
Side Effects of Finasteride
Finasteride can cause sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction, although this is not common.
If you experience these side effects, they usually go away once you stop taking the medication. However, for some men, it might take three months or more for these effects to disappear.