What Are the Different Treatments for Hair Growth?

The most effective treatments for hair growth are typically approved for use by a government, such as the treatments minoxidil or finasteride. In addition, both men and women have seen excellent results from hair transplants, though these procedures are not inexpensive or quick. The most popular kind of treatments for hair growth are usually referred to as snake oil. Also known as a silver bullet or quackery, snake oil is a term used to describe completely ineffective treatments not backed by scientific research.

Minoxidil is an active ingredient in some of the most well-known treatments for hair growth. It was originally used to treat high blood pressure, but one of its side effects was the production of thicker, darker hair. It is applied directly to the head and is only effective for balding at the top of the head. Both men and women can use minoxidil treatments for hair growth, but the concentrations are different for each gender. The patent on this medication has expired, so generic forms are available in several countries, making it even more affordable.

Finasteride is among the most effective treatments for hair growth. It is similar to minoxidil, but it can be taken in tablet form. Like minoxidil, it is typically recommended for younger people around 18 to 40 years old and is not guaranteed to work for everyone. Overall, it is more effective than minoxidil. Like most treatments for hair growth, the results are eventually reversed when the person stops taking the pills or applying the topical medication.

Hair transplants are relatively expensive compared to medication. The transplanted hair is taken from other areas of the patient’s body and moved to the head. This can cause minor scarring in the donor area, but this scarring is usually not noticeable unless someone knows what he is looking for. Hair transplants are time consuming in addition to being expensive, but the final results are often very pleasing to patients who opt to undergo the procedure.

Thinning hair and baldness are problems that affect millions of people. Some businesses take advantage of the large and sometimes uniform market by selling miracle cures. These treatments for hair growth are usually advertised as the ultimate solution to baldness and thinning hair. Disclaimers such as “Results shown not typical” or “Not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration” are common with these products. By telling customers that their product is not guaranteed to work even when there is no chance it will work at all, manufacturers are protecting themselves from lawsuits.