Available Hair Loss Medications

Anyone who is struggling with hair loss has a wide variety of medications at his disposal that will rectify the problem. Hair loss medications have the potential to not only reduce the pace at which hair thins but also to make existing hairs larger and stronger. Hair loss medications can even grow new hair on the scalp. Medications typically work the best on the top of the head instead of the forehead / bangs area.

One of the most popular hair loss medications is Rogaine. Rogaine is also commonly referred to as Minoxidil as this is the active ingredient in the treatment. Both men and women use Rogaine. It can be purchased without a prescription and is easily sprayed or rubbed into the scalp. It is best used at least once per day, preferably twice. Rogaine is incredibly effective as it can actually promote the growth of new hairs. At a minimum, it will reinforce the strength of current hairs and stimulate other hairs to grow faster and stronger.

Another hair loss known as Propecia is also available. Yet people suffering from hair loss will need a doctor's prescription in order to obtain Propecia. This medication is taken once each day in the form of a pill.

Sometimes the human body will actually attack its own hair follicles. This is known as alopecia areata. Aside from Minoxidil referenced above, treatments for alopecia areata include corticosteroid ointments and injections directly into the scalp. Injections typically occur once per month and are ideal to treat individuals who are losing patches of hair. Some corticosteroids are taken by mouth but these typically have some unsavory side effects.

Other common hair loss remedies remedies include contact immunotherapy that causes an allergic reaction on the scalp in order to stimulate hair growth. There is also a medicine called Psoralen that is used in combination with ultraviolet A light. This is typically referred to as PUVA therapy. It makes the skin much more sensitive to ultraviolet A light. Once the skin's sensitivity is heightened, it is exposed to ultraviolet A light and hair growth is stimulated.

It is important to note that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved Minoxidil / Rogaine and Propecia for the treatment of hair loss. Most hair loss experts consider Rogaine to be the superior of the two medications because it directly stimulates hair growth. Some experts recommend using both of these medications in conjunction for the ultimate hair growth stimulant.