Minoxidil
These include branded versions usually in minoxidil
2% and minoxidil 5% forms, as well as generic minoxidil
(which tend to be lower in cost) and usually vary
from 2% to 6%. General medical opinion is that women
should not use Minoxidil stronger than 2% concentration.
Some women do buy generic minoxidil in concentrations
higher than 2%. The thing to remember here is that
there is an increased risk of facial hair growth the
higher the concentration. So, if you are considering
doing this, start at a low concentration and gradually
build up. Also, as always, only do this under the
supervision of your medical practitioner.
Minoxidil was the first ‘main stream’ medication for
hair loss and has proven an enormous help for many.
It was originally developed as an anti-hypertensive
i.e. it lowers blood pressure. It was taken for blood
pressure in tablet form known as Loniten. As a side
effect however, certain patients reported increase
in hair growth. The pharmaceutical company who had
developed minoxidil then conducted clinical trials
using a topical lotion and from those trials minoxidil
2% (known as Regaine) was produced as a treatment
for hair loss.
At the time of writing no-one has as yet been able
to fully explain how Minoxidil has an effect on slowing
hair loss and promoting hair growth.
Minoxidil normally induces new hair growth between
4 and 6 months of use. If it has not worked by 6 months
it is probably not going to. It appears to begin slowing
the hair loss process almost immediately but - there
are no guarantees. You simply have to try it to see.
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Minoxidil with additives
The main additives used by specialists are:
Tretinoin (vitamin A)
Known as Retin-A. This helps to prolong the Anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle.
Nicotinate
This acts as a vaso-dilator, ensuring better absorption of the minoxidil.
Azelaic Acid
Whilst minoxidil promotes hair growth, Azelaic Acid reduces hair
loss.
A very weak acid, (much weaker than vinegar for example), that is found in some whole grains. Recent studies have shown it to be a very potent inhibitor of the enzyme 5- alpha reductase which is responsible for the formation of DHT - the primary substance responsible for hair loss. Many experts believe that azelaic acid will therefore work synergistically with minoxidil - the azelaic acid reducing hair loss whilst the minoxidil promotes hair growth. Note that exposure to direct sunlight needs to be avoided if using this item as it may cause irritation. Some people therefore apply at night and then apply a minoxidil only item during the day.
Progesterone
A female hormone added in very small quantities. Its effect is to
neutralise the local action of the male hormone derivative DHT which
is responsible for hair loss.
Liposomes
In fact, liposomes are not really an additive to minoxidil but are actually the medium in which the minoxidil is delivered. Liposomes are microscopic molecules which are made up of similar material to the cell walls. Minoxidil can be encapsulated within the Liposomes molecules which results in a far greater absorption through the skin tissue. This means that a lower concentration of minoxidil will achieve the same affect as higher concentrations because of the improvement in delivery.
Finasteride
Finasteride inhibits the production of DHT thus slowing or even stopping hair loss. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Studies have shown that significant regrowth of hair in many people also occurs.
Oral finasteride is prescribed in tablet form – the correct dosage for the treatment of hair loss being 1mg per day.
Some specialists suggest that finasteride applied in solution as a topical liquid, either on its own or in conjunction with minoxidil, can have a beneficial effect in reducing DHT levels in the scalp and hence slowing hair loss.
Finasteride , in whatever form, is a treatment for males only, as it can have an effect on the sex organs of unborn male offspring. Finasteride can also cause side effects, such as loss of sexual appetite or difficulty in obtaining an erection in a small number of people. However, studies show that these effects disappear if finasteride is discontinued and, in many cases, disappear even if it is continued.
Dutasteride
Dutasteride, like finasteride, inhibits the action of the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase and hence blocks the production of DHT. However, there are in fact two forms of 5-alpha reductase and whereas finasteride only inhibits one type, dutasteride inhibits both types.
At the time of writing Dutasteride is to be used for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). However, there is much speculation that this substance would be a very effective treatment for hair loss and it is hoped by many that clinical trials specifically related to hair loss will be concluded.
Like finasteride, it would be a male only treatment and, because of the nature of its action, could give rise to side effects such as loss of sexual appetite in certain individuals.
Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto)
An excellent natural DHT blocker. Can be in capsule or lotion form.
Toupees, Wigs and Systems
Some are very good but can be unnecessarily expensive. Many retailers simply buy in from a wholesaler and put on very large mark ups. Bear in mind with any form of toupee system (whatever the retailer calls it) if it is attached by means of anchoring to your existing hair, you will probably need to keep going back for servicing - sometimes even just to wash your hair.
Cosmetic Hair Thickeners
These can give excellent effects on thinning hair. They are not suitable for bald areas as they need some hair to attach to. Some contain minute fibres which cling electrostatically to hair giving it more body as well as colour. Those which are just colours do not work so well. Remember too that these are cosmetics, they have no effect on the hair loss itself. Still, they can be extremely useful in concealing hair loss or for use whilst waiting for treatments/surgery to work.
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Hair Transplant
Depends on suitability.
Common Questions
Q) Can lotions be guaranteed to work?
A) No, but it is possible to give a good indication of how likely they are to work for a particular individual . In general, lotions work best on thinned areas rather than completely bald areas. The most widely used lotion is Minoxidil - either in its generic form or as Regaine/Rogaine. This substance has proven itself over many years to be an effective aid to both hair growth and in slowing hair loss. It is becoming increasingly well documented that certain additives appear to enhance the effectiveness of minoxidil or have a direct beneficial effect in their own right
Q) How long does it take for Minoxidil to work?
A) Whether on its own or with an additive, Minoxidil typically takes between 4 and 6 months to achieve hair regrowth. Therefore, there is no point in trying a 3 month course and then stopping. It is important to continue for 6 months. If nothing happens by then it is probably best to stop or try another product.
Q) Do I need a doctors prescription to obtain a medically assisted product?
A) We do have our own doctors and pharmacists who will prescribe and dispense your chosen product from the information you provide in the online consultation form. However, we do advise you to tell your own doctor what you are doing. We and or the supplier also reserve the right not to supply a particular product if the prescribing doctor feels it would not be in your best interests.
Q) Can hair loss medications have side effects?
A) Any medication can potentially have side effects. In our experience there have been very few side effects from the types of items listed on this site. It must be born in mind however that different people react differently to different medication and so there is always some risk of side effects.
Q) What does Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens) do?
A) Saw Palmetto is a natural substance obtained from the fruit of a particular palm tree. It works by helping to block the production of DHT – the substance most commonly the cause of hair loss. There are many favourable reports about its effectiveness. Women can use it also but we always advise not to if pregnant or breast feeding.
Q) Do hair transplants really work?
A) Yes they do. In fact modern techniques performed by skilled specialists give extremely natural results. However, don’t expect too much. How much hair you gain depends upon how much donor hair you have available. Also, the surgeon should ensure that there is a sufficient reserve of donor hair to keep things looking natural should you lose more hair in the future.
How to Purchase
Please visit our hair products section for more information.
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