Dr. Mark DiStefano has been elected to the Board of Directors for the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery & International Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS/IBHRS).

Hair Loss Regrowth

Two medical hair loss remedies exist to stimulate hair regrowth in areas of the head that have become bald. Both are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). One is administered orally and works systemically, that is by going through the body. The other is a topical solution that is applied to the balding areas on a regular basis.

Finasteride

Finasteride is the generic name for an oral hair regrowth product whose brand name is Propecia. The drug works by blocking a male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp, which is a naturally produced form of testosterone. DHT inhibits hair growth. Therefore, blocking DHT allows hair to grow.

Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss, a condition that is characterized by a receding hairline or lack of hair on the top of the head. Because it is a hormonal approach to treating hair loss, Propecia is not appropriate for hair loss in women.

Finasteride does not cure male pattern hair loss. It merely controls it. Once the consumer stops using the product, the hair will recede again, probably within a year. When taking finasteride for male pattern hair loss, it may take three months before any benefit is noticeable. The consumer should not stop taking the medication without first talking with the doctor.

If you are taking finasteride for hair loss and you have seen no improvement in 12 months, the drug probably is not going to help you. You should speak with your doctor about discontinuing the medication.

Minoxidil

Some of the brand names under which minoxidil is sold are:

  • Rogaine
  • Regaine
  • Spectral.UHP
  • Minitop

Minoxidil is a topical treatment for male pattern hair loss. It should be used as a 1 ml solution or a half a capful of foam, once in the morning and once in the evening. It should be spread evenly over the bald areas of the scalp. Afterwards, the user should thoroughly was their hands with warm water. To see results, a person has to use minoxidil twice daily for at least four months.

The product does not work as well in older patients, in those with large areas of baldness, and in those who have been bald longer. It should be applied to a dry scalp only and left in place for a minimum of four hours. The drug should be continued in order to achieve more hair growth, since once the consumer stops using minoxidil, the effects of the drug stop as well.

Originally minoxidil was used to treat high blood pressure. Then, patients and their doctors noticed a side effect was the growth of hair.

It is used by both men and women to treat hair loss. In men, it helps correct male pattern baldness. In women, it is used to treat hair loss in the front of the scalp. The drug should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers, since it has not been tested in these persons.

Side effects of minoxidil may include:

  • Itching, dryness or flaking of the scalp
  • Irritation of the eyes
  • In cases of accidental eye contact, the user should rinse the eyes with cool water.

To learn more about your options, please contact a Massachusetts hair restoration expert at DiStefano Hair Restoration Center today.