Today hair loss sufferers have several legitimate and proven treatments for restoring their hair.

Over the past decade in particular, treatments for hair loss have made huge advances. Hair loss medication like Propecia (finasteride), Avodart (dutasteride), and to a lesser degree topical treatments like Rogaine often can stop or even reverse hair loss in most people.

However, neither Propecia nor Rogaine has been proven to restore hair in the frontal areas. Only hair restoration surgery has been successful in restoring hair in the frontal hairline area once it has been lost.

Done right, hair transplants are so natural that even a hair stylist cannot detect that a person has had a hair transplant. The days of the “corn row” or “Barbie doll” hair transplant are long gone.

Hair replacement systems or “hair systems” have also improved and become more refined. Those who are extensively bald and want to restore a full looking head of hair may find a hair replacement system to be appropriate.

There are also topicals, such as sprays and applications, which can do a surprisingly effective job of giving a person the appearance of having a much fuller head of hair.

Future hair loss treatments also hold the promise of making baldness a disease of the past.

Despite attempts by the FDA to regulate the promotion of hair loss products, balding men and women still need to be wary of the many questionable treatments that are often heavily advertised.

Each hair loss treatment has its advantages and disadvantages. We believe in empowering you with the tools and assistance to explore and evaluate all your treatment options. Ultimately the best hair loss treatment is the one that works best for you.

We encourage you to take your time and explore all your options before committing to any hair loss treatment.

Explore this and other web sites and compare notes with other hair loss sufferers about what does or does not work.

Our hair restoration discussion forum has over 180,000 searchable postings by other hair loss sufferers.

If you post your question or concern, typically several people will reply with helpful advice and suggestions.

To get expert medical advice and review all your hair loss treatment options, consider doing a free consultation with one of our quality member physicians.

To learn about our physicians, or to arrange a consultation, visit our physician finder.

Reviving Thinning Hair

These types of treatments work by stimulating hair growth. However, they can't stop hair loss completely as they don't address the root causes of hair loss. Products that act to stimulate hair growth include Rogaine, Tricomin, Folligen, Proxiphen (along with Prox-N and Nano Shampoo) and Retin-A.

Tricomin

Tricomin, which is used by men and women, is a topical spray that has undergone a wide variety of scientific testing. The spray’s main ingredient is copper, which has been proven to be beneficial for hair.

The FDA has conducted some clinical studies, with the subjects applying the treatment twice per day for 24 weeks. These results were shown to be very positive. However, the product’s parent company, ProCyte Corporation, chose to release Tricomin as a cosmetic. They wanted to avoid the FDA approval process, which tends to be very lengthy.

Tricomin may be an effective option for those who want a treatment that’s undergone scientific testing, yet isn’t drug-based.

The product can be used safely by men, women and children. It’s also non-irritating and has no known side effects. Tricomin can be used for any type of hair loss

The product should be sprayed to damp or dry hair twice each day. But if you’re using another topical treatment, such as Rogaine, you should wait a few hours before applying Tricomin. This is because the scalp may turn a greenish color when mixed with other products. However, this discoloration isn’t permanent and washes out. And like other treatments, Tricomin needs to be used regularly to maintain its results.

Besides the spray, Tricomin is available as a shampoo and conditioner. They should be used as an addition and not as a replacement, though.

For more detailed information of Tricomin Follicle Therapy Spray, Shampoo and Conditioner, click here.

Folligen

The makers of Tricomin make this product, available as a cream, lotion and spray. It was originally designed as a skin repair cream in the Dermatology Department at the University of California at San Francisco.

However, a 41-year-old woman with severe hair loss re-grew lost hair in two and one-half months with the cream. The company, Skin Biology, has since marketed this cream, which also contains copper-peptide as a hair loss treatment. The blue-colored copper-peptide complexes are meant to improve hair vitality and the health of the scalp and hair follicles.

Folligen products are meant for both men and women. They feature a cream for hairline application, spray for overall use, and lotion for bald spots. While Folligen may work on its own, its best results may be seen when it’s used with products like Rogaine.

Essentially, Folligen’s products soothe irritated scalps. They also relieve the itching and burning associated with Rogaine. However, the Folligen spray may cause itching or burning. Also, because the cream and lotion are bright green, it’s better to use them at night, while covering your pillow.

And while you can wash Folligen off easily, it’s not advisable for people with very light blonde hair to use the product. They may develop a greenish tinge to their hair.

Proxiphen, Proxiphen-N, NANO Shampoo

Proxiphen is a prescription formula topical cream that has not yet received FDA approval. It combines the power of minoxidil and other chemicals. The cream should be applied everyday for the first 8 - 12 months, and after that, every other day. Proxiphen is dispensed only when a physician gives a diagnosis of hair loss.

Proxiphen-N, the non-prescription Proxiphen is less expensive and is also not as strong. It’s advisable for patients to use minoxidil with Proxiphen-N.

NANO (nicotinic acid N-Oxide) shampoos and conditioners are an excellent compliment to your existing minoxidil treatment. They contain NANO, which is a minoxidil-like hair growth stimulator. They also have agents that stimulate hair growth. These products are beneficial when used with Proxiphen and Proxiphen-N.

In order to see some results, Proxiphen-N and the NANO products need to be diligently used for at least 8-10 months at the very least.

A one-month supply at prescription strength is about $100. A 2-month supply of Proxiphen - N will cost $59.95. A 90-day supply of NANO Shampoo and Conditioner will cost $39.95 and $29.95, respectively.

Retin-A

Retin-A (also known by its scientific name, tretinoin gel 0.1%), is a topical treatment that’s primarily used as an acne medication. However, research has shown that Retin-A, either by itself or with Rogaine, may grow some hair in those with male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness.

To use Retin-A, you should apply a thin layer with a gauze pad or cotton swab to the affected areas at bedtime. Remember to wash your hands immediately after using the product! You should also take care not to get any Retin-A near the eyes, mouth, or open cuts. The medication may irritate sensitive skin.

It should also be mentioned that if Retin-A is used more often, the results will not improve. Rather, the side effects may increase. These effects include an immediate warming of the skin. Other skin problems may include peeling, itching, scaling, redness and maybe mild stinging. Luckily, once your skin adjusts to the medication, these effects should subside.

Retin-A may also cause increased sensitivity to sunlight as well as wind and cold. For these reasons, you should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. You should also use effective sunscreens, and wear protective clothing.

In regards to pregnant mothers, research hasn’t shown any risk of birth defects, as of yet. Nevertheless, physicians recommend using Retin-A during pregnancy only if necessary. You should also consult your doctor before breast-feeding. One tube of Retin-A Cream can be purchased for about $28.00.

Click to learn more about Superoxide Dismutase (SOD's)

Revivogen hair loss treatment is a "3 in 1" all inclusive product that comes with scalp therapy, one eyedropper, one shampoo and one conditioner.

This topical scalp therapy treatment, equally effective for both men and women, claims to be very successful at inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The makers of Revivogen claim that it is even more effective than Propecia in reducing DHT in the scalp without the unwanted side effects. It's also potentially the most potent topical antiandrogen on the market. Antiandrogen hair loss treatments like Revivogen inhibit the production of the male hormone DHT. The makers of Revivogen claim that it is even more effective than Propecia in reducing DHT in the scalp without the unwanted side effects.  This product however, has not been approved for hair loss by the FDA.

Revivogen all natural medicated shampoo is one of the few shampoos that includes ingredients scientifically supported to help inhibit the production of DHT and its binding to hair follicles. A 12oz bottle should last just under 2 months.

Revivogen shampoo has ingredients that complement the Scalp Therapy solution, increases scalp circulation, opens pores, and produces a cooling and refreshing menthol feeling on the scalp.

Revivogen Thickening Conditioner revives limp and thinning hair in men and women by moisturizing and strengthening the hair shaft. Natural proteins add natural volume, shine and create the appearance of thicker and fuller hair. For best use, we recommend using this conditioner with Revivogen Shampoo. Or, get the discounted Revivogen Shampoo and Conditioner combination instead to save money.

We strongly recommend using Nizoral shampoo every 2 or 3 days in conjunction with these treatments. Its active ingredient ketoconazolehas proven to be a moderate DHT inhibitor and has growth properties approximately as effective as Rogaine 2%.

How It Works:

Revivogen contains scientifically backed ingredients including Azelaic Acid, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Saw Palmetto, GLA and ALA which are fatty acids proven to inhibit the production of DHT. Reducing the amount of DHT in the body and scalp reduces the risk of vulnerable hair follicles dying and falling out.

For proper treatment, Revivogen should be applied at least once a day to the scalp's affected areas as well as the surrounding areas.  Once you've used the medication, you should not wash your hair for at least three hours.  This allows the active ingredients to be absorbed into your scalp  The effects of Revivogen may take some time to work.  Most users claim to experience their desired results after about 6 months of use.

Revivogen contains no reported side effects.

Developing Realistic Expectations:

Men and women sometimes suffer from hair loss for different reasons. Thus, diagnosing its cause is necessary to facilitate and promote proper treatment. Revivogen is not clinically proven or approved by the FDA.

Revivogen and other antiandrogens (such as Propecia, Crinagen, Nizoral, Revita, etc.) may provide marginal benefit to men and women trying to maintain existing hair due to androgenic alopecia. Propecia by far is the most effective and only proven antiandrogen. For the best chance at regrowing hair non-surgically, adding a hair growth stimulant such as Rogaineor Tricomin is crucial.

Don't expect immediate results. It's recommended to use Revivogen for at least 6 to 12 months before determining its effectiveness. Documenting your progress with bi-monthly photos can help you determine whether or not Revivogen has been successful in helping you maintain existing hair.

To date, only surgical hair restoration is proven to grow hair in completely bald areas. You are invited to have a free virtual consultation with one of our prescreened hair restoration physicians.

Excessive DHT in the hair follicle causes specific immune responses. These responses cause the cells to release a substance known as Superoxide. This substance combats against any viruses, cells, or foreign tissues. SOD's claim to fight hair loss by reducing the presence of Superoxide.

As a result, the body is less prone to reject any offending hair follicles, which helps to ward off hair loss. SOD's actually treat hair loss in more than one way. Besides reducing Superoxide, they also stimulate growth and they have anti-inflammatory properties. SOD’s are topical, as well. They include Tricomin, Proxiphen, Proxiphen-N and Folligen.

Click to learn more about Anti Inflammatories

The Ultimate in fullness and naturalness in one surgery session.

We’ve all seen the “pluggy” hair transplants of the past. But we don’t see today’s state of the art hair transplants because they go unnoticed.

Plugs Mini Micros Follicular Units

Follicular Evolution - from plugs to micro grafts to ultra refined grafts

Surgical hair restoration has dramatically evolved from the big round “plug” grafts of the 1960 ’s and 70’s, to the “mini micrografts” of the 80’s and early 90’s, to modern hair transplant procedures using entirely follicular unit grafts .

Now hair restoration surgery is going through another important evolution that is improving both the naturalness and fullness that can be achieved from any one surgical hair transplant session.

Ultra Refined Grafting - Smaller Blades, Incisions and Grafts

Today ’s micro surgical blades, like the size of hair grafts, have become ever smaller and now enable hair transplant surgeons to safely make more tiny graft incisions in a given area then ever before. Surgeons are then able to “dense pack” select areas with as many as 40 to 60 follicular unit grafts per square centimeter. This graft density is as much as twice that of the standard follicular unit hair transplant procedure.

Such high densities of transplanted hair typically produce the appearance of fullness even after only one surgical session. Patients also experience rapid healing and no visible skin distortions due to the tiny size of these incisions.

Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Grafting - Hard on the clinic but easy on the patient.

Ultra refined follicular unit grafting raises the bar for physicians and their staff. This delicate and demanding hair transplant procedure requires more skill and careful attention to be performed properly. The smaller and more tightly packed incisions require more closely dissected follicular unit grafts that are carefully trimmed under microscopes. These small and densely packed incisions are also more difficult to place the grafts into.

This procedure also requires more careful patient selection, as “dense packing” of grafts is not appropriate for all patients.

Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Transplantation – the new “Gold Standard”

In the hands of a highly skilled physician and staff the Ultra refined follicular unit hair transplant procedure can achieve excellent new hair growth that is so natural that it is undetectable even under close scrutiny.

While the standard micro “follicular unit” hair transplant does produce natural looking results, its ability to achieve high density in only one surgical session is limited. Thus patients may have to do subsequent surgical sessions in a transplanted area to achieve a full look.

The many patient benefits of this new procedure are significant and include:

• The ability to get excellent hair density in only one surgical session.
• Minimal trauma in the graft recipient area with rapid post surgical healing.
• Little or no visible pitting or distortions in the transplanted areas.
• More natural direction and angulation of the transplanted hair.

All members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physiciansare required to perform ultra refined grafting with excellent results. Learn more about the membership standards.

Scalp Med TV infomercials, like many hair loss products, claim to sell FDA approved hair loss products. Pictures, videos, and testimonies on television show hair loss sufferers regrowing hair even when men and women were completely bald. Is this really what balding people can expect from Scalp Med? Below we examine Scalp Med and unlock the mystery ingredients and whether or not any clinical proof exists that this hair loss solution can treat baldness.

Scalp Med includes 3 distinct products including topical Vitadil-5A for men or Vitadil-2A for women, topical NutriSol-RM, and Cortex Enlarger hair thickening spray.

Vitadil-5A for men or Vitadil-2A for women is a topical solution that contains the proven hair regrowth solution minoxidil, also found in Rogaine and Xandrox. It's also said to include a unique delivery agent formulated to increase the absorption of 5% minoxidil for men, 2% for women.

Scalp Med is a bit more vague as to the ingredients found in the NutriSol-RM topical and the Cortex Enlarger thickening spray. While NutriSol-RM topical is designed to add essential nutrients to the scalp for healthier hair, the Cortex Enlarger hair thickening spray's primary purpose is to temporarily fatten the hair follicles making hair appear thicker.

Scalp Med is upfront that the ingredients found in the NutriSol-RM shampoo and Cortex Enlarger hair thickener will not stop hair loss or cause hair regrowth.

Scalp Med also offers a detoxifying cleanser kit which includes a detoxifying shampoo called Panthenol-DX Scalp Detoxifier. This shampoo is designed to deeply cleanse the scalp without stripping the hair of its natural oils and nutrients. Unless your thinning hair is due to pollutants or toxins affecting natural hair growth, Panthenol-DX Scalp Detoxifier won't stimulate new hair growth. Scalp Med's Panthenol-DX does nothing to stop the natural progression of genetic female hair loss and male pattern baldness.

To supplement Scalp Med's hair loss treatment program, Scalp Med offers a Mega-Multi Vitamin to increase overall body health.

Scalp Med can legally claim that it's product contains an FDA approved ingredient since Scalp Med does contain minoxidil, which is a FDA approved topical treatment for hair loss. However, Scalp Med its self has not been granted FDA approval. Though Scalp Med's other products may work to promote healthy hair, it's the minoxidil that gives balding men and women any hope of restoring their hair.

Unfortunately, Scalp Med's marketing infomercials makes it appear that completely bald men and women have hope of regrowing a full head of thick and healthy hair. However, the words “Results seen are not typical” can be seen in small fine print at the bottom of your television.  Additionally, Scalp Med's website FAQ makes it clear that no non-surgical hair loss solution is proven to grow hair in completely bald areas.

There are several proven success stories that minoxidil can stimulate hair regrowth in areas of thinning hair. Therefore, Scalp Med's Vitadil-5A should be as effective as 5% minoxidil just as Vitadil-2A should be as effective as the 2% solution.

Scalp Med is about 3 times the cost of minoxidil. A two month supply of Scalp Med is approximately $160.00. Discounts are available if you buy in bulk. However, even in bulk, the net cost ends up around $64 per month as opposed to the $20 per month cost of Rogaine. Generic minoxidil costs even less.

Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) has been called the anti-gray hair vitamin and is considered one of the lesser known members of the vitamin B complex family (despite the fact that it’s not really a vitamin at all).  PABA is a non-protein amino acid and isn’t essential in the human body.  It can be found in foods such as liver, whole grain, yeast, and kidney and is listed as an active ingredient in several popular herbal hair loss treatments such as Provillusfor women and Procerin. 

The potassium salt in PABA called POTABA is available on prescription. POTABA is indicated for Peyronie’s Disease and scleroderma. The dose for Peyronie’s disease and scleroderma is very high (12 grams daily in 4 to 5 distributions) and must only be used under medical supervision. Because of the high doses needed to achieve clinical efficacy, patient compliance is typically poor.

But can PABA actually treat male pattern baldnessor genetic female hair loss?

Some tests conclude that PABA when combined with other elements such as folate, biotin, and pantothenic acid, may restore pre-maturely graying hair to its natural color.  Some anecdotal reports suggest it might also stop hair loss, however; there are at least as many reports that contradict this.  Moreover, we haven’t seen any evidence to suggest it can stimulate new hair growth or hair regrowth.

PABA comes in doses of 100mg, 250mg, and 500mg as a standalone product.  However, since no formal clinical studies have been performed on PABA for hair loss, a suitable dosage is mostly speculation.  Additionally, since no regulations have been placed on herbal medication, one should proceed with extreme caution before taking any herbal supplement.  Consulting with a doctor is advised.

Side Effects and warnings:

Some manufacturers of herbal replacements to medication would have you believe that herbal treatments come without potential side effects.  However, this is a farce. 

The following side effects have been reported from consumers of PABA: Anorexia, vomiting, nausea, hypersensitivity, fever and rash (particularly with larger doses). These symptoms went away when PABA is stopped.

Ironically, Provillusonly includes PABA in the woman’s formula.  However, women should know that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should avoid using PABA.

For those with renal disease, PABA should be used with caution.  PABA should be stopped if hypersensitivity develops. Those taking pharmaceutical doses of PABA must be under medical supervision.