Losing hair is the bane of our existence, with every bunch that is picked off the floor providing a few mini anxiety attacks, making hair loss treatments all the more important to prevent hair loss. Needles and expensive procedures are unwanted for the most part, however, which means we need some safe drugs that are proven to do the trick.

Officially known as androgenetic alopecia, hair loss is often genetic and can start as early as one’s teens.
It is not just hair loss you should be thinking about, but how to get that hair to grow.

Note: It’s important to begin treatment as soon as hair loss is noticeable, as the longer it’s left, the more damage to the follicles that cannot be undone.

Products that help prevent hair loss:

• Minoxidil 2% Topical Treatment: Stay away from the 5% topical treatment as it has yet to be FDA approved, even though small clinics and some dermatologists will prescribe it. Between the ages of 18 and 45, women should use this for minimal to moderate regrowth, with 40 and 19% success rates, respectively.
• Aldactone / Spironolactone: Normally used to treat hypertension and edema, this treatment reduces the water in the body without touching the potassium levels. It blocks the production of androgens, which lead to loss of hair.
• Tagamet: as a histamine blocker, it is normally used to treat gastrointestinal ulcers. It is anti-androgenic and has been used to treat excessive hair growth on women’s faces.
• Estrogen: As a hormone replacement therapy, estrogen is prescribed as a pill or cream for women in menopause experiencing hair loss.
• Nizoral: Nizoral shampoo contains 2 percent Ketoconazole. It is often prescribed for scalp treatment and can be used to reduce the effect of androgens. The first phase of this can be bought over the counter at any drugstore.
• Propecia/Proscar: This drug was initially used to fight prostate cancer and is also used to fight follicle killing DHT. It is a pill approved by the FDA for male use, and can be used by women only if they are not pregnant or won’t become pregnant during the treatment. There are no side effects known for women otherwise, though men might experience problems in bed.
• Bimatoprost: in 2012, a drug used for treating glaucoma known as bimaprost was found to prevent hair loss and stimulate follicle growth. It lengthens lashes and helps hair grow on scalp.
• HairMax Laser Comb: Hairbrush therapy? YEP! It’s a device which increases circulation in the scalp and helps make hair. It is currently only approved for men, but there are women who use it. Not enough research exists at the moment to back it up, however.

There are many products recommended to prevent hair loss, but one must be careful about side effects, as well. Always consult with a doctor before beginning a treatment.

Sources:
AHLA
Science Daily
WebMD