Rogaine for Hair Loss

Rogaine works by revitalizing hair follicles and re-growing hair. Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine, which reactivates hair’s natural growth cycle. Hair follicles shrink due to hereditary hair loss, and overtime using Rogaine can decrease hair loss and increase volume and thickness. It is available as a foam or solution. Foam is massaged into the entire scalp, while the topical solution is applied directly to areas of hair loss.

A patient should use Rogaine twice a day, every day. During the first two weeks or so of use, the patient begins to shed hair. This is a positive effect because it eliminates older, weaker hair to make room for new growth of stronger, thicker hair. Regrowth of new hair starts at approximately four, which may appear as soft and colorless. A patient must continue to use Rogaine daily to maintain results and minimize hair loss. Rogaine is FDA-approved to treat hereditary hair loss in both men and women.

Possible Side Effects

• Dry, itchy scalp
• Irritation of the scalp
• Unwanted facial hair

Propecia for Hair Loss

Propecia is a prescription pill taken once daily to treat hair loss in the anterior mid-scalp and on the vortex (top of head). Finasteride is the active ingredient, which blocks the formation of DHT on the scalp. Decreasing DHT levels are thought to inhibit shrinking of hair follicles, which results in thinner hair and hair loss.

Propecia has more side effects than Rogaine and is not FDA-approved in women. On men, hair regrowth is apparent by six months and sometime three months. If hair growth does not occur in 12 months, it is unlikely it will work on the patient at all. Propecia use needs to be continuous or new hair taken the course of treatment will likely fall out.

Possible Side Effects

• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased libido
• Testicular pain
• Increased breast size
• Itching
• Hives/rash
• Swelling in the face and/or lips
• Depression

Latisse for Hair Loss

Latisse is a prescription treatment used on eyelashes for hypotrichosis. It is a bimatoprost ophthalmic solution to grow longer, fuller and darker eyelashes. Latisse is applied to only the upper lid line and must be used with the included sterile applicator.

A patient applies the solution once a day. Contacts must be removed during application for at least 15 minutes. A patient must continue to use Latisse on a daily basis. Full results occur at 16 weeks. Length may increase at four weeks, fullness and darkness at eight weeks.

Possible Side Effects

• Itching
• Eye redness
• Eyelid skin darkening