The hair loss usually occurs in one of several specific patterns and
hence it has been called male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia.
Only about one percent of hair loss is caused by other conditions.
These include various nutritional, metababolic and hormone disorders.
Male pattern baldness involves a genetic susceptibility of some of
the hair follicles to the hormone dihydrotestosterone, (DHT). This
hormone acting over time on these susceptible follicles causes a gradual
shrinking, (miniaturization), and finally death of these follicles.
Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride is available to men by prescription only. Women who
are or may become pregnant should not take or handle tablets because
Finasteride can cause birth defects. Finasteride is in pill form
and is taken once a day. Studies indicate that Finasteride stops
hair loss on the scalp and can regrow hair. Hasson & Wong
Clinic recommends Finasteride for all male hair loss sufferers.
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is available to men or women without a prescription.
It is sprayed or rubbed into the scalp twice a day. Minoxidil
is often recommended for women who suffer hair loss because women
cannot take Finasteride (Propecia). Some people who take Minoxidil
only grow hair that is wispy and thin. Studies indicate that Minoxidil
seems to work best on people younger than 30 years of age who
have been losing their hair for less than 5 years.
Hair transplants, performed by experienced, qualified surgeons, are
the only effective means of reversing hair loss. Hair transplantation
is a proven surgical method that has evolved to become the answer
for those that suffer from hair loss.
The hair loss industry is a billion dollar a year industry that sells
everything from balms to sprays. Many companies make claims about
hair loss products and treatments that are unsubstantiated and not
supported by empirical studies. Many in the medical community agree
that hair transplantation coupled with prescription hair loss medication
is currently the only effective means of reversing hair loss.
No. The transplanted hair is harvested from the permanent donor zone.
This hair is resistant to the effects of DHT. No matter where the
hair is moved to it will maintain its resistance to DHT and survive
indefinitely.