Hair Loss Help

What happens?
Hair may start to disappear from the temples and the crown of the head at any time. For a few men this process starts as early as the later teenage years, but for most it happens in their late 20s and early 30s. A little thinning of the hair may be noticeable first, followed by wider hair loss allowing more of the scalp to become visible.

Some men aren't troubled by this process at all. Others, however, suffer great emotional distress associated with a lack of self-confidence and sometimes depression.

Why does it happen?
In male pattern baldness, which tends to be inherited, the hair is usually lost at the temples and the crown. This happens because of an excess of a chemical called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which causes the hair follicles to make thinner and thinner hair until they eventually pack up completely.

Other causes of hair loss include:

iron-deficiency anaemia
under active thyroid
fungal scalp infection
some prescribed medicines
stress

These are usually reversible.

Can I stop it?
If there's a reversible cause, it's normally possible to stop hair loss. For instance, if it's caused by anaemia you can stop hair loss by replenishing the body's iron stores.

A huge number of treatments have been tried to slow down and even reverse the process of male pattern hair loss - some are successful, others aren't. But many men find their hair loss slows down or stops for no apparent reason at a certain age anyway.

Should I see a doctor?
It's a good idea to ensure an illness isn't responsible, particularly if the hair loss is patchy rather than being in the typical male pattern distribution. Moreover, if the hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms (such as tiredness) then blood tests may be necessary.

Treatments
Wigs and hair transplants are, obviously, the most direct form of treatment. Different hairstyles can create the appearance of a fuller head of hair.
Herbal preparations that contain zinc, magnesium, iron, vitamin E and other substances in various combinations can help.
Minoxidil is a lotion available from the pharmacist that you rub on to the scalp. It slows down the process of hair loss and can cause new hair growth but you have to keep on using it or it will stop being effective.
Finasteride (Propecia) is the latest drug treatment. It comes in tablet form and works by slowing down hair loss; it's also reported to cause new hair growth. In the UK it's only available on private prescription from your GP.

The male pattern baldness (MPB) form of androgenetic alopecia (there is also a female pattern baldness) accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men. By age 35, two-thirds of American men will have some degree of appreciable hair loss and by age 50 approximately 85% of men have significantly thinning hair. About 25% of men who suffer from male pattern baldness begin the painful process before they reach 21.

Contrary to societal belief, most men who suffer from male pattern baldness are extremely unhappy with their situation and would do anything to change it. Hair loss affects every aspect of their life. It affects interpersonal relationships as well as their professional life. It is not uncommon for men to change their career paths because of hair loss.

The American Hair Loss Association recognizes how devastating male pattern baldness can be for men of all ages and has created resources for men to get completely objective answers to their hair loss questions.

We strongly advise against researching your options through the Yellow Pages or commercial websites. Hundreds of products and services are sold to the vulnerable hair loss consumer, but currently only two FDA-approved products have been clinically proven to stop or prevent hair loss. Also, there are only a handful of surgeons performing surgical hair restoration to state-of-the-art standards.

People have always been gullible where their hair is concerned. Queen Victoria drank silver birch wine made from sap because she believed it would cure her baldness. And despite icons such as David Beckham shaving off their locks, hair loss is refusing to become fashionable.

Dr Andrew Messenger, a consultant dermatologist at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, told NetDoctor: 'Although the great majority of men learn to live with it, I think everybody would prefer not to be bald. For a very small number of men, it becomes a big issue.'

He says it is more often younger men who visit their doctor to ask what can be done about hair thinning.

Medical attitudes to thinning hair

Most doctors believe men should think deeply before using any remedies for hair loss because the treatment options are so limited.

Baldness isn't a life-threatening condition, and it is easy to spend a lot of money trying to restore a full head of hair.

While it's all very well being told how you ought to feel about the loss of your hair, if it starts to dint your self-esteem, it's probably worth seeking treatment.

But Dr Messenger is clear about the limitations of medicine in this area: 'There are only two ways to deal with baldness currently available in the UK that the evidence shows work to at least some extent.' Neither of the medicines listed below is available on the NHS.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is sold over the counter as a topical solution (liquid) under the brand name Regaine.

How does it work?

We don't know how minoxidil works. It was first used on patients with heart disease who reported an increased growth in their hair.

It may increase blood supply to the hair follicles.

How is it used?

It's applied twice a day, and it can take up to four months for the results to be noticeable.

Is it effective?

About two-thirds of the men who use it have some improvement in their hair growth, ranging from minimal to moderate-to-dense regrowth.

If hair starts to regrow, it will probably be soft, downy and barely visible. With continued use, this new hair may become the same colour and thickness as the rest of your hair.

Regrowth of hair can be as much as 25 per cent of the existing hair, depending on how bad the hair loss has been and how long it has been happening.

It is not possible to tell in advance whether minoxidil will work for you, and there's no evidence it works better in younger men. They may get better results because hair loss is not as severe, but this would apply to a man in middle age too.

It isn't known why minoxidil works for some people and not others.

Regaine Extra Strength is a higher strength version of minoxidil and has a slightly better effect.

The first sign of new hair begins to show after two months and it peaks at around one year.

In trials comparing the two strengths, Regaine Extra produced 43 per cent more regrowth than the regular strength after 12 months' use.

How long do the effects last?

Any benefits to hair growth will carry on for as long as you continue the twice-daily applications.

Once you stop using minoxidil, regrown hair will be lost after three to four months, and the balding process will start again.

'It can become a bit of a bind rubbing it into the scalp twice a day after it has stopped improving and you can't see anything happening,' says Dr Messenger. 'You also have to go on paying for it at the rate of about £25 per month.'

How much does it cost?

The price depends on the strength and quantity of minoxidil being purchased. It is possible to get a triple pack three-month supply for around £59.95.

Is it safe?

Minoxidil is a safe treatment. Known side-effects include irritation of the scalp and the growth of hair on other parts of the body.

In some cases, loss of hair actually increases at first. If hair loss continues after two weeks, you should stop using the product and consult your doctor.

People with heart conditions should not use Regaine without first seeing their GP.

Finasteride

Finasteride is an oral tablet treatment for male baldness. In the UK its brand name is Propecia.

It is not available over the counter in shops or on the NHS: this means you will need to get a private prescription from your GP.

How does it work?

It works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme in the body called type II 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is a hormone that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss in men who are genetically sensitive to it.

How is it used?

You take one tablet every day, with or without food.

Is it effective?

Propecia and Generic Propecia is effective in about 80 per cent of men.

It may take three to six months of treatment before you see any noticeable results.

How long do the effects last?

You will need to continue to use Propecia to maintain any benefits to hair growth.

This can be expensive, because doctors can only prescribe the medicine on a private prescription.

If you stop taking the drug, you are likely to lose any hair you have gained within 9 to 12 months.

How much does it cost?

The cost of treatment is around £35 per month.

Is it safe?

Yes. Potential side-effects include sexual problems such as a decrease in sex drive and temporary impotence.

Women cannot take this treatment, nor should they handle any crushed or broken tablets. This is because the active ingredient can cause feminisation of a male foetus in pregnancy.

What if these treatments don't work?

There are no other clinically proven medicines for baldness.

In cases where medicines aren't effective, some men may be tempted to try a hair graft.

Hair replacement grafts

How does it work?

In a hair graft, surgery is used to take hair from the back of the scalp and transplant it to the bald patch where the hair grows as if it were still on the original site.

It is a minor operation done under local anaesthetic.

It can be done in several stages or in one mega session where thousands of hairs are involved.

The hair is now usually moved in micrografts - small groups of hairs - to get a more natural look. This helps avoid the graft resembling a doll's head.

Is it effective?

'A good result depends entirely on the surgeon's skill,' says Dr Messenger. 'I have seen some fairly good results but I don't think it ever looks completely natural.'

How much does it cost?

Usually between £1500 and £4000.

Is it safe?

The side-effects are the usual surgical risks of infection and scarring.

There is no known way of reversing this procedure, so if you aren't pleased with the results, you're stuck with it. The transplanted hairs will grow on in the same way as the hairs at the back of the head, which most men keep forever.

'I wouldn't recommend surgery hair grafts to anybody. I would let men know it's available, but that's all. I certainly wouldn't have it done myself. It is pretty bloody and traumatic,' says Dr Messenger.

What about claims for other products?

Dr David Fenton, a consultant dermatologist at St Thomas' Hospital in London, says men should be careful about adverts that claim to cure hair loss.

'Many of these people are offering treatments that have no scientific basis. Men wishing to restore their hair should stay well clear of them and get advice from doctors. Then they will be advised by people who are highly trained in their field, not salesmen with no medical background whatsoever.'

He also feels that men seeking help should be supported, given counselling and not belittled.

Buyer beware

Elizabeth Steel founded the support group Hairline International for both men and women after she lost her own hair.

'We hear of so many unsatisfactory transplants that we no longer recommend them,' she says.

'We advise our members to stay away from private clinics to avoid losing their money as well as their hair. It is just money down the drain.

'Some men have told me they knew the exotic and expensive remedies they were given weren't going to work, but they just wanted to enjoy the temporary light at the end of the tunnel.'

Her organisation has given impartial advice to more than 30,000 men worried about their hair falling out. Elizabeth says thinning hair can leave men very vulnerable: in one case, a successful 40-year-old father of two took his own life after a hair transplant went wrong.

Where can I get help?

Your GP: consult your doctor before you hand over your money to anyone offering a cure for baldness.

For general advice on hair loss, write to Hairline International, Lyons Court, 1668 High Street, Knowle, West Midlands B93 0LY. Enclose an A4-sized self-addressed envelope.

What is male hair loss (male pattern baldness/androgenic alopecia)?

Male hair loss is the most common type of hair loss. It is caused by increased sensitivity to male sex hormones (androgens) in certain parts of the scalp, and is passed on from generation to generation.

In the past, baldness was often seen as something unfortunate or undesirable. However, this attitude has changed over the years and nowadays a clean-shaven head is usually considered both fashionable and attractive.

What causes male hair loss?

Some men have areas on the scalp that are very sensitive to the male sex hormones that circulate in men's blood. The hormones make the hair follicles - from which hair grows - shrink. Eventually, they become so small that they cannot replace lost hairs. The follicles are still alive, but are no longer able to perform their task.

The condition usually starts in men aged 20 to 30 and follows a typical pattern. First, a receding hairline develops, and gradually the hair on top of the head also begins to thin. Eventually, the two balding areas meet to form a typical U-shape around the back and sides of the head. The hair that remains is often finer, and does not grow as quickly as it used to.

Can male hair loss be prevented?

Male hair loss is genetically determined (passed on from parents). Although a doctor can offer medical treatment to improve the condition, this may have side effects.

What can be done at home?

You need to decide how you feel about hair loss. Male hair loss affects a large part of the male population and people react very differently to it.

It is important to try to accept hair loss for what it is - something natural. Rather than trying to camouflage bald spots with remaining hair or a wig, it is probably a better idea to leave your hair as it is, or shave it off completely. If, however, you decide to try to regain your hair, possible medical treatments are discussed below.

How is male hair loss treated?

Baldness is generally regarded as natural, and not a disease. So if a person decides they wish to try to get their hair back, they will probably have to pay for the lengthy, expensive procedure themselves.

Normal Hair Growth
It is completely normal to experience some hair loss. Throughout your lifetime, your hair is in a continuous growth cycle, and all hairs shed sooner or later. At any given time, approximately 85 to 90 percent of your hair is in the anagen phase, constantly growing for anywhere from two to eight years. A small percentage of hair follicles are in the catagen phase, a transitional period that lasts several weeks. The other 10 to 15 percent of your hair is in its resting or telogen phase, which lasts two to three months. Hair is shed at the end of the resting phase, and new hair takes its place to begin the growing phase once again. Hair grows at a rate of one-half inch per month, but this growth slows as we age.

The human scalp sheds about 50 to 100 hairs each day, so normal hair loss should not cause alarm. If your hair appears to be thinning appreciably, however, you may want to consult a hair restoration specialist to discuss hair loss prevention and other treatment options.

Hair Loss Prevention
Hair loss is a circumstance that literally affects millions of men and women in the United States, as well as across the globe. While female hair loss may not be as apparent as male pattern baldness, there are a number of different hair loss causes and corresponding hair restoration remedies available to women. In some cases, the conditions that cause female hair loss can be treated with a doctor-prescribed medication, preventing further hair loss. For males, hair loss treatment options include hair restoration products and medical hair restoration.

Hair Loss Treatment Products
While there are a multitude of products purporting to be the next "hair loss cure," there are only two FDA-approved, non-surgical hair restoration treatments available: Rogaine® (minoxidil) and Propecia® (finasteride). These two products can be effective in hair loss prevention, and may even help to regrow hair for some men. However, once you start using Rogaine® or Propecia®, you must continue to use these products indefinitely, otherwise any new hair will fall out. Fortunately, there are other, more permanent treatments available to improve the appearance of thinning hair.

Medical Hair Restoration
Medical hair restoration is the name given to a group of surgical hair loss treatments designed to reduce baldness in men. There are several hair replacement procedures used to accomplish this, including hair transplant grafting, flap surgery, scalp reduction, and scalp expansion.

The best start to hair loss prevention is understanding the basics of hair. What it is, how it grows and what causes it to start falling out. With this information you will find that it is possible to prevent your hair loss and even regrow lost hair.

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness, is the condition that over 95% of people with hair loss have, and it is caused by increased levels of DHT. DHT is a direct component of testosterone.

The scientific developments of the past several decades are bringing hope to many trying to prevent this type of hair loss. Treatments like Rogaine and Propecia have been shown to be effective at reducing DHT levels in people. Surgical restoration techniques have also improved greatly and have also helped a number of people who would have previously had to settle for gradual hair loss or poor covering products.

Studying the role of DHT in preventing hair loss has even led to the discovery of several herbal solutions
for hair loss prevention. Products like Provillus and Procerin use herbs such as saw palmetto, nettles, rosemary and horsetail as the basis for effective hair loss products. Even more promising is the fact
that the hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia is found to occur primarily in Western civilizations, meaning that there are likely dietary practices that contribute to hair loss. This lends to the possibility that improving ones diet could help prevent hair loss.

Hair is a living protein, and as with any part of our bodies we must be sure to maintain proper health to
optimize the chances of continuing to grow a healthy head of hair. Proper nutrition is vital to hair loss prevention, since the hair is a living and growing part of the body’s system. A healthy balanced diet,
exercise, vitamins and herbal hair loss supplements will all aid in your hair loss prevention efforts.

Remember, the restoration of hair growth is not an overnight process. The process takes time regardless of
the method chosen. Be patient, even the most effective hair loss products will take at least 3 months to show signs of improvement. Don’t give up, many people have had great success with their hair loss prevention.

Keep in mind that the body is a system, and it is the abuse of this system by improper nutrition and environmental causes that lead to most common hair loss. Through returning the body back to its natural state, hair loss can be prevented and restored.

Take a look through our articles and reviews to further learn how to best aid in the prevention of your hair loss.

If you have inherited the genes responsible for male-pattern or female-pattern baldness, there is not a lot you can do to prevent it happening. The treatment suggestions may slow down the loss, but are not an actual cure.

It is important to remember that hair loss happens to a lot of people as they get older, and there is no need to be embarrassed or depressed about it. If hair loss is making you worried or unhappy, you can see your GP or ask to see a dermatologist. Your local pharmacist may have some useful advice for you as well. Your hairdresser may be able to suggest a flattering haircut for you.

Many conditioners, shampoos, vitamins, and other products claim to help hair grow in some unspecified way. These are harmless but useless. To slow down hair loss, there are two basic options:

Minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine): This topical application is over-the-counter, no prescription is required. It works best on the crown, less on the frontal region. Available as a 2% solution, Rogaine may grow a little hair, but is better at holding onto what's still there. There are few side effects with Rogaine. The main problem with this treatment is the need to keep applying it twice a day, and most men get tired of it after a while. In addition, Minoxidil works less well on the front of the head, which is where baldness bothers most men. This drug also comes in a higher strength, 5%, which may be a bit more effective.

Finasteride (brand name: Propecia): This is a lower-dose version of a drug that shrinks prostates in middle-aged men. Propecia is by prescription and is taken once a day. Propecia does grow and thicken hair to some extent, but its main use is to keep hair that's still there. It's therefore best for men who still have enough hair to retain. One side effect is impotence, but this is no more common than it is in the general population, and is reversible when the drug is stopped. Taking Propecia once a day is easier that applying minoxidil, but the prospect of taking a pill daily for years doesn't sit well with some men. There's also the cost, about $60/month, not reimbursed by most health insurers.
Minoxidil and Propecia are meant to be used indefinitely. Those who change their mind and stop are left where they would have been without them, but no worse.

What other options do I have for hair loss?

Hairpieces, etc.

Among the time-honored ways to add hair temporarily are hairpieces or hair weaving, in which a mesh is attached to your remaining hair and artificial or human hair of similar color and texture is woven with existing hair. Quality varies considerably with price; also, hairpieces and weaves stretch, oxidize, and loosen.

Surgery

Surgical approaches include various versions of hair transplantation (taking hair from the back and putting it near the front) or scalp reduction (cutting away bald areas and stitching the rest together). Transplant procedures have improved greatly in recent years. They can produce much more attractive and natural-looking results than older methods that sometimes left a "checkerboard" look. Many transplant patients now take Propecia to keep what they've transplanted. When considering a hair transplant, check the surgeon's credentials and experience carefully.

A standardized 60-second hair count is a reliable method when assessing hair shedding, according to an article released on June 16, 2008 in the Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

According to the study, assessment of shedding, as opposed to baldness, is not standardized across the medical profession. It is widely believed that it is normal to shed 100 hairs each day, which is based on the assumption that the average scalp has 100,000 hairs, and 10% of these are in the resting phase. However, this popular opinion has not been validated scientifically, and does not account for different rates based on age or gender.

In order to investigate the shedding of hairs, Carina A. Wasko, M.D., of Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, and colleagues investigated 60 healthy men, half aged between 20 and 40 years, and half aged between 41 and 60 years, who showed no evidence of baldness, or alopecia. The participants were given identical combs and the directions to wash their hair with the same brand of shampoo for three consecutive mornings. On the fourth day, they were asked to comb their hair forward for 60 seconds over a cloth of contrasting color before shampooing, then count the number of hairs that were shed. This process was repeated for three consecutive days, then repeated in eligible participants six months later.

From these results, the researchers were able to summarize. Between the ages of 20 and 40 years, between 0 and 78 hairs were shed, with an average loss of 10.2 hairs per 60 second test. Between the ages of 41 and 60, between 0 and 43 hairs were shed, with an average loss of 10.3 hairs per 60 second test. These results were consistent from day to day for all participants. The authors write: "When repeated six months later in both age groups, the hair counts did not change much. The hair counts were repeated and verified by a trained investigator, with results similar to those of subject hair counts."

The authors conclude that this test is a reasonable standardized measure for hair loss. "In summary, the 60-second hair count is a simple, practical and objective tool for monitoring conditions associated with hair shedding," they say. "Low intrapatient variability demonstrates that dependable results over an extended period of time are obtainable. The similarity between investigator and subject hair counts indicates that patients can reliably count hairs." They also indicate the need for further experimentation: "Studies of the 60-second hair count in normal women and in the setting of hair disease still need to be performed."

Hair loss and male-pattern baldness is an affliction suffered by thousands of men, and can be a real source of insecurity and embarrassment for those not ready to lose their hair or shave their head. Even worse, and more devastating are the younger cases where the hair loss process begins long before a man even reaches his thirtieth birthday. So what are your options if you are one of these men, uncontrollably losing your hair before your time?

Well, you can do what many others do – shave your head for the sake of uniformity. Lots of men look great with a shaved head – it just fits their personality and style, and they seem comfortable that way. For those unwilling to give up on their hair, there are hairpieces or plugs, neither of which have been perfected to the point of being undetectable, and both having a societal stigma as being somewhat tacky and undesirable.

The other option, of course, is to try one of the hair loss products that several reputable manufacturers now offer, both in prescription and nonprescription form. While there is still no “magic pill” that can unflinchingly promise every man (and woman) who takes it will re-grow their hair, there are some very promising and effective hair loss products and treatments currently on the market and also in development.

Propecia, Rogaine (Monoxadil), Avacor and Proxiphen are just a few of the top prescription and nonprescription hair loss products on the market today, and they’ve all had varying degrees of success in re-growing their client’s hair. Since the demand for hair loss products is so great, there have been many non-prescription hair loss alternatives recently introduced in an effort to offer men (and women) a more economical and convenient alternative to re-grow hair and prevent further hair loss.

There are also several vitamins that have been specially formulated both for thinning hair and to promote the speedy growth of healthy, shiny hair. Vitamins for thinning hair and faster hair growth and re-growth are usually a varying combination of several key amino acids, biotin, vitamins B6 and E, and zinc. Many who take vitamins of this nature do report thicker, more lustrous and healthy hair, but if your goal is to actually re-grow hair and not just thicken thinning hair, then you would probably want to consider a more serious hair loss supplement or treatment that specifically targets balding and hair loss.

Here's a little tip to help stimulate hair growth – massage the scalp. This is an age-old hairstylist tip to help stimulate the hair follicles, unclog any blocked oil glands in the scalp, and help promote a healthy scalp and new, healthy hair growth. Plus, it’s relaxing and it feels good, so it’s not such a chore!

Hair loss supplements can range from pricey to reasonable, tested and untested, and clinically proven vs. not clinically proven. You have to use good judgment and do a little homework on the internet, or by reading consumer reviews, testimonials and surveys to see what really should work best for your situation. Some even offer money back guarantees or some sort or money back for unused portions.

Now, let’s talk about being proactive in preventing future hair loss. Many times, the underlying cause for premature hair loss and male pattern balding is hereditary, but it can also be brought on by a hormonal imbalance of the male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens. Correcting a hormonal imbalance many times can stop hair loss. This example can be seen in women who notice hair loss shortly after they’ve had a baby. The cause for this is a drop in hormones that kept much more hair on the head than normal during pregnancy because the levels of this hormone are unusually high at this time.

Some medications can also cause or aggravate hair loss. Typically these medications are blood thinners, gout medication, chemotherapy medications for cancer, too much vitamin A, birth control pills and antidepressants. Avoid tight or “pulling” hairstyles like high or tight ponytails and cornrows, and also stay away from harsh chemical treatments such as perms and other potentially volatile, damaging hair treatments.

Typical hair loss treatments, prescription and nonprescription, usually take about six months before you can tell they are working, so patience is a must. There is no overnight fix to hair loss unfortunately. As long as you are comfortable with your chosen hair loss remedy, and have planned a preventative and maintenance course of action, that’s really all that matters.

What happens?
Hair may start to disappear from the temples and the crown of the head at any time. For a few men this process starts as early as the later teenage years, but for most it happens in their late 20s and early 30s. A little thinning of the hair may be noticeable first, followed by wider hair loss allowing more of the scalp to become visible.

Some men aren't troubled by this process at all. Others, however, suffer great emotional distress associated with a lack of self-confidence and sometimes depression.

Why does it happen?
In male pattern baldness, which tends to be inherited, the hair is usually lost at the temples and the crown. This happens because of an excess of a chemical called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which causes the hair follicles to make thinner and thinner hair until they eventually pack up completely.

Other causes of hair loss include:

iron-deficiency anaemia
under active thyroid
fungal scalp infection
some prescribed medicines
stress


These are usually reversible.

Can I stop it?
If there's a reversible cause, it's normally possible to stop hair loss. For instance, if it's caused by anaemia you can stop hair loss by replenishing the body's iron stores.

A huge number of treatments have been tried to slow down and even reverse the process of male pattern hair loss - some are successful, others aren't. But many men find their hair loss slows down or stops for no apparent reason at a certain age anyway.

Should I see a doctor?
It's a good idea to ensure an illness isn't responsible, particularly if the hair loss is patchy rather than being in the typical male pattern distribution. Moreover, if the hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms (such as tiredness) then blood tests may be necessary.

Treatments
Wigs and hair transplants are, obviously, the most direct form of treatment. Different hairstyles can create the appearance of a fuller head of hair.
Herbal preparations that contain zinc, magnesium, iron, vitamin E and other substances in various combinations can help.
Minoxidil is a lotion available from the pharmacist that you rub on to the scalp. It slows down the process of hair loss and can cause new hair growth but you have to keep on using it or it will stop being effective.
Finasteride (Propecia) is the latest drug treatment. It comes in tablet form and works by slowing down hair loss; it's also reported to cause new hair growth. In the UK it's only available on private prescription from your GP.

Hair loss alone is a natural occurring daily process experienced by all men; however it is only when the growth of hair follicles stops exceeding the shredding of old follicles that it becomes a problem.

An average male will lose between 50 to 150 hairs everyday but nearly all of this hair is regenerated as the hair follicle remains. Statistics show that more than 60% of all men will be affected by hair loss and some point in their lives.