While hair restoration surgery is now a proven treatment for restoring hair where it has been lost, Hair loss medication such as Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride), have made real contributions toward stopping and even reversing hair loss.

During the late 70’s and early 80’s it was discovered that minoxidil, used as a heart medication, had hair growing side effects. Minoxidil was tested for use as a topical scalp treatment for hair loss and proved to inhibit hair loss in many test subjects.

It has proven to be effective to some degree in slowing the hair loss process. For a minority of people it can even grow back lost hairs in the crown area (back of the head). However, Rogaine (minoxidil) does not slow or reverse the balding process in the frontal hairline area.

Rogaine is typically applied topically on the scalp twice a day, morning and evening. But once usage is discontinued the hair loss which had been inhibited will resume and the hair that was saved will be lost.

Rogaine originally required a prescription, but in 1995, it became available in 2% strength Rogaine over-the-counter. Today, men and women can buy 5% strength lotion over-the-counter as Rogaine or as generic minoxidil.

To date Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride)are the only hair loss medications with FDA approval. Propecia’s active ingredient, finasteride, was originally used to treat enlarged prostate glands. It was discovered that, like minoxidil, it had the “side effect” of stopping male pattern baldness and for some even regrowing hair.

Propecia is taken as a pill once daily and acts to inhibit the body’s ability to create dyhydrotestosterone or “DHT”. DHT acts as the active ingredient or catalyst in the balding process.

Rogaine and Propecia

The 90’s brought great advances in hair restoration, both surgical and non surgical. Now most people can realistically halt and reverse their hair loss with truly natural results.

In 1988 minoxidil, Rogaine, became the first hair loss medication to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss.

In 1998 the FDA approved Propecia for the treatment of hair loss. Propecia (finasteride) should NOT be taken by woman or children for any reason.

Learn about all your hair loss treatment options.
 

Long ago, a full head of hair was valued as a means of protection, heat retention, and camouflage.

Today we value hair for other reasons. Whether we admit it or not, good hair still is associated with power, virility and youth.

Such associations date back to ancient times. Remember the story of Samson and Delilah? When Delilah cut Samson’s long hair he lost his power.

 "And Delilah made him sleep on her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of Samson’s head. . . and his strength went from him."(Judges 16:19)

As “enlightened” as we are today, stereotypes associated with hair loss persist. The bald or balding are sometimes passed over and teased at work, in the media, and in the social scene. The media idolizes the young and the attractive and often lampoons the bald or balding.Of course, it’s not fair. But at least losing your hair is not health threatening. However, it can result in various psychological and emotional issues. These include insecurity, isolation, panic, a sense of loss, and even depression. But let’s first look at the role of hair (and the lack of it) in our society.How is Hair Loss seen by Society? So why does something as superficial as hair seem so important to so many men and women? Studies have shown that hair is a symbol of social, professional, cultural, and/or religious affiliations. Good hair implies power, virility, strength and youth.

Studies reveal how baldness is perceived.In a study done in 1971, a picture of one person was distributed to 60 people. But each picture had been altered by a commercial artist to reflect a non bald, balding, or bald condition. The results revealed some negative stereotypes.

When the person was shown with a balding head of hair he was rated as weak, dull, and inactive. This same person with a bald head of hair was rated as unkind, bad, and ugly. Yet this same person with a full head of hair was rated as handsome, virile, strong, active, and sharp.

Today, more than 30 years later, it is hard to know if things have really changed. But maybe some of these tired negative stereotypes about being bald are starting to change, at least in the media.

Today, bald NYPD Blue's -Dennis Franz, a multiple Emmy Award-winner, is considered a sex symbol.

As is Tony Soprano of the popular HBO TV show the Sopranos.

And, of course, let’s not forget Telly Savalas of the 70’s TV show Kojak who was once voted by People magazine as the “sexiest man alive.”

Studies about Baldness and Self Esteem

Those who are bald or balding are generally thought of as older, weaker, and more ineffectual, both in the work world and on the social scene.

According to a 1995 article in the “British Journal of Psychology,” balding men have been found to have lower levels of self-esteem than their peers, are less sociable, suffer more from depression,and are less likely to succeed in life.

Hair loss, especially when first occurring, can lead to rash decisions. So it is important to slow down and look at the many viable options that are available for dealing successfully with hair loss.

Our Hair Treatments section offers in-depth information on many viable treatments.

1992, researchers from the Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia surveyed 145 balding men and found that 84% were preoccupied with baldness.

Their responses showed that they were filled with self-consciousness and helplessness. They were also envious of men with full heads of hair.

Additional research indicated that single men and woman who had begun losing hair in their early twenties were more likely to suffer from extremely low self-esteem.

Hair loss often creates emotional distress.

Loosing your hair can be disturbing, especially if you're a young man or woman. This unwanted loss forces those afflicted to face new issues, such as the perceived loss of youth and sexual attractiveness.

It's common for young people who are balding to have feelings of isolation. They may feel uncomfortable among their peers and in public. Young people with hair loss often lose their confidence and may also become less productive at work.

For older people hair loss is often just one more sign that they're reaching middle or old age. It may prompt them to question the direction of their lives or fear that their lives are closer to the end than the beginning. This can result in a sense of loss, insecurity, or even depression.

And as bad as men have it, hair loss can be even worse for women. Balding women must deal not only with the thought of aging, but also that they may not be considered attractive.

Coming to terms with hair loss.

Yes, hair loss can be disturbing. But there are many effective options available to you, ranging from hair loss drugs that often halt thinning to restoring the hair you’ve lost with surgical hair restoration.

However, prior to choosing a hair loss treatment, it is wise to deal with the psychological effects of hair loss.

Hair loss at any age, while not painful or dangerous, can cause emotional damage and distress.

Finding support and advice to cope with hair loss.

You can find support and share ideas and advice privately with other hair loss sufferers by reading and posting on our popular hair loss discussion forum.

By sharing with others you will realize that others share your same concerns and feelings about going bald. You will also learn about what hair loss treatments actually work or not from those who have already tried them.

Find a "Hair Loss Mentor" for - one on one - support and guidance.

In addition to our discussion forum, you can also view Hair Loss Weblogs created by actual hair restoration patients. These blogs contain photos journals documenting the person's hair restoration. Often you can correspond with these blog authors by email.

If you have a hair loss question please post it on our Hair Loss Q & A Blog. This blog can also be searched for dozens of answers on many hair restoration topics.

Empowering yourself with information and sharing your feelings and concerns will also make you feel much more in control of your hair loss. Then, if and when you finally do choose a hair loss treatment option, you will feel much more confident in your decision.

Many who once were preoccupied by their hair loss find a solution and move on in life, sometimes with a "new lease on life". While others choose to remain bald and simply accept it.

The choice is yours to make. This site is dedicated to helping you successfully resolve your hair loss issue on the inside as well as on the outside.

The disturbing truth about hair loss

In 1999, the psychological impact of hair loss, as well as its leading treatments, was the subject of the American Academy of Dermatology's summer scientific meeting in New York. At this meeting it was revealed that there were direct links between androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) and personality disorders in those afflicted.

In one study of 116 subjects with hair loss it was determined that 76.3% of the participants had at least one actual personality disorder. This was an extremely high rate of disorder compared to the much lower rate of 10% of the general public suffering from personality disorders.

Another study showed that twice as many women than men with hair loss rated themselves as “very” or “extremely” upset about their hair loss.