It's hard to figure out which hair growth treatment is right for you. Actually, it can involve a lot of trial and error (as well as money) to arrive upon a product that shows some positive results. The one facet that you should be aware of when setting out to find the perfect is that the best products are those approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). From there, it's a matter of whether the active ingredient works with your system to improve hair growth.
Dermatologist
The first thing to do is set up an appointment with a dermatologist. If you can find one who specializes in conditions of the hair and scalp, this professional is probably the best option. He'll be able to assess your hair loss and give you an array of treatments that could work for you. Plus, he'll also know of any potential treatments that may be fairly new and not common knowledge to the public.
Minoxidil
One of the most common hair growth treatments around involves the use of minoxidil, which is an FDA-approved topical medication that stimulates hair growth. A person applies the ointment to the affected area of the scalp twice a day. Of course, this treatment isn't necessarily for everyone, as it works to maintain the hair a person already has as well as prompt minimal re-growth (51 percent of users). So someone who has experienced a greater level of hair loss wouldn't see as much of an improvement as would someone who has lost a minimal amount of hair.
Propecia
Propecia, another fairly popular option for hair growth, is also approved by the FDA. This medication is available only by prescription and is taken once a day by mouth. Much like minoxidil, it works to regain hair lost (48 percent of users) and maintain the hair a person already has. A person taking Propecia (or using minoxidil) must continue this course of treatment forever. This pill is not a cure.
Combination Treatment
Some people have shown some fairly positive results by using both minoxidil and Propecia in conjunction with one another. Since they are two different forms of administration (one topical and one oral), there will most likely not be any interactions that could result in adverse effects or lessening of efficacy. This course of treatment is basically like covering all the bases, since it can take a few months for both products to show results.
Shampoos
There are a number of shampoos on the market that claim to "treat" baldness, essentially aiding to grow hair back that a person has lost. These shampoos are not approved by the FDA, so the claims and efficacy of these products remain in question. Many of these hair-growth shampoos contain a substance that makes the product feel as if it is working; however, it isn't anything more than a scalp tingle. Does this mean that the product will not work for someone? Not necessarily. As with any treatment, there is something called the placebo effect that can work. Even studies on both minoxidil and Propecia have shown some hair growth in people not actually using the substance. Plus, there is something to be said for the health of a person's scalp, and some of these shampoos do bring on a marked improvement in this area.
Tags: hair growth, growth treatment, hair growth treatment, both minoxidil, both minoxidil Propecia, course treatment, hair loss