However, there are so many purported solutions! Here is a look at some common options that are available. Some, of course, are more sensible than others.

Currently Available Medical Based Treatments For Baldness

 FDA approved drugs

Of the countless products available to help treat hair loss, only two are FDA approved: Rogaine (Minoxidil) and Propecia (Finasteride).

Rogaine helps stimulate blood flow to the follicles, increasing their supply of oxygen and nutrients. Propecia blocks the action of an enzyme which breaks down testosterone into DHT (dehydrotestosterone). DHT is what causes the follicles to miniaturize. Hair loss then occurs as a result.

Both medications can serve as useful means for controlling the progression of baldness. Although hair will regrow in some people, not everyone will experience this effect.

Hair Restoration Procedures

Hair transplant surgeries involve transferring healthy, growing hair follicles from one area of the body to another. These grafts may come from the head or the body.

The results of these procedures depend on the expertise of the doctor. Well executed surgeries can result in excellent fullness and natural looking outcomes.  On the other extreme, bad hair transplants may culminate in poor growth and misplaced grafts.

What about laser combs?

Many people have probably heard about laser combs which have received FDA approval.  However, they are approved for safety, not effectiveness.

Hair growth has occurred in some people as a result of their laser hair removal procedures. It may be possible that this energy helped stimulate the activity of the hair follicles. Result remain unpredictable on an individual basis, however.

Non-FDA Approved Solutions For Hair Loss

The fight against baldness has been a timeless endeavor. There is even a book written about this subject called, Hair! Mankind’s Historic Quest To End Baldness by Gersh Kuntzman.

The search for hair loss remedies has led to numerous treatment claims. Examples include:

• tinctures
• shampoos
• vitamin and mineral supplements

There are even more outrageous products made from exotic ingredients like hippo fat and urine from young horses.

There is no evidence which supports the effectiveness of these items. However, people will often give them a chance because they are cheaper than hair transplants and FDA approved drugs.

HairPieces

Hairpieces used to be called rugs. Today’s versions are more sophisticated “hair replacement systems.” They are applied at specialty salons.

Celebrities sometimes rely on hair pieces, which can look undetectable at a distance from behind the camera. However, the average person (around 70%, according to The American Hair Loss Association) is usually not satisfied with the experience of wearing one.

Hair Concealers

Hair concealers are cosmetic products made of fibers. These products are sprayed onto the bald scalp, helping to hide the exposed areas of skin.

Will Hair Cloning Be Available Anytime Soon?

Hair cloning (creating new follicles in a cultured environment and injecting them into the scalp) is still in its beginning stages. There are still many details that need to be ironed out, so to speak. For example, researchers have yet to figure out how to create natural growth patterns through the process of hair cloning.  To learn more about this subject area, click here.