Top 2 Medications to Stop Hair Loss

Hair loss can be caused by heredity, underlying medical conditions, and reactions to certain medications and treatments. Known medically as alopecia, hair loss appears most commonly in the form of androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness. This condition affects close to 1/3 of men, as well as women, and is often permanent. Other forms of hair loss can be temporary, such as alopecia areata, which can cause hair loss on areas of the body besides the scalp. While no cure for hair loss exists, some medications can slow down hair loss or help regenerate hair.

1. Topical Products

Many hair loss medications can be directly applied to the scalp or hair. The most common is minoxidil. Minoxidil can come in either foam or liquid form; users simply rub it into their scalp twice a day for the medication to be effective. After about 12 weeks, users should see results, which can range from a slower rate of hair loss to the growth of new hair. Often, however, hair that develops with minoxidil is shorter and thinner than the former hair, and if use is discontinued, new hair will cease to grow.

Another external option for hair loss is anthralin. It comes as either an ointment or cream and is a tarry, synthetic substance. For anthralin to be effective, users must apply the product to the scalp and rinse it off once a day. It may take up to 12 weeks for the growth of new hair to be seen.

2. Pills

Finasteride is the only hair loss medication in pill form that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Finasteride works by preventing testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a hormone that damages hair follicles. For the drug to be effective, users need to take the pill once a day. Results can take several months but usually include a slowdown in hair loss, and sometimes the growth of new hair. Side effects can include decreased sexual function and drive. Like minoxidil, finasteride ceases to be effective once dosage is stopped. Women (especially pregnant women) should not use finasteride, as it has been known to cause birth defects and other problems.