Study Over-The-Counter Hair Loss Products far more



While you cannot cure hair loss, there are a number of topical remedies, as well as prescription medications and shampoos available for people with thinning hair to use. Some of these effects though, are not proven scientifically and have not undergone thorough research. But despite lack of these, proven results from consumers have become basis of the effectiveness of these hair loss shampoos. Sadly, the effects are in some degree limited to only when the products are used, and lasts for as long as the individual use it as shampoo. Several over-the-counter hair loss products are given as follows, though someone who specializes in hair replacement is best to consult and aid you in choosing the best hair loss products to treat your thinning or hair loss condition.

Minoxidil - Among the two drugs that are FDA approved as a treatment is Minoxidil. Minoxidil is designed primarily to manage high blood pressure. Being a vasodilator, it acts in the circulatory pressure by dilating blood vessels, resulting to decreased blood pressure and management of hypertension. Minoxidil is found in two leading hair loss products namely Rogaine and Loniten that are now available as over-the-counter product in drugstores and malls. Rogaine comes in an ointment form that is recommended to be applied topically on the affected scalp two times a day. Meanwhile, Loniten is a prescription that comes in a pill form. The first function of these pills was for hypertension, but side effects included hair growth, thus the innovation for treating baldness happened. Loniten in regulated and minimal potency were created for people's consumption.

Finasteride is the second among the two prescription drugs that has been approved by the FDA in the treatment of thinning hair. The products which include Finasteride a synthetic anti-androgen that acts by inhibiting type II 5-alpha reductase production, the enzyme that is responsible of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) conversion. According to research, DHT is responsible for hair loss, especially in men. Thus, the FDA approved Finasteride to treat it, especially male pattern baldness (MPB). The products which have Finasteride as their active ingredient are Propecia and Proscar. Propecia is a medication taken orally and was initially branded as Proscar - medication for enlarged male prostates. As time passed, seen side effects were regenerative hair growth and decreased hair thinning among those who were taking Proscar. Eventually, the drug was approved to treat balding for both men and women. However, continuous use is needed for these Finateride-based hair loss products because hair growth depends on usage and hair will start falling out again if one stops using the medication. By slowing the rate of DHT production, hair loss is impeded, resulting to reduction of baldness appearance in patients with thinning hair. However, precautions are required in using this men's hair loss treatment product. It is not advisable for menopausal and pregnant women.

Dutasteride - a drug parallel to finasteride, this medication was also developed as treatment for men with benign enlarged prostate, but then was found to encourage hair growth. The Dutasteride (brand name Avodart), comes in pill form and is mainly prescribed to men for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. Aside from that, has been associated with a decline in the thinning of hair and the growth of new hair in many patients. Dutasteride blocks between 70 and 95 percent of DHT from production.


Julie Carlson is a freelance writer who focuses on health-related topics. Visit TheHealth411.com for additional information about hair loss treatment and a host of other health related topics.




Over-The-Counter Hair Loss Products

Hair Loss