Topical Treatments

Minoxidil ( Rogaine )

Minoxidil was first prescribed by doctors in 1988, then made available over-the-counter in 1996. Since its introduction, it has been considered to be safe with few side-effects. If you have a history of hair loss in your family, this treatment may help you keep your hair. However, it is not effective for frontal baldness or receding hairlines. Studies show that Minoxidil may slow the progression of hair loss in perhaps 50% of users. The benefits are most noticeable in men who begin treatment in the very early stages of hair loss. This treatment does not promise to grow new hair.

Minoxidil is a topical solution applied directly to the scalp twice daily. You need to use it for about 4 to 6 months to see the results. If you discontinue use, your hair will gradually thin again and any benefits will be lost.

Prescription Drugs

Finasteride (Propecia)

Finasteride also know as Propecia was first introduced in 1998 and is the first and only FDA-approved pill for treating hair loss. In clinical studies, 2% on men experienced certain sexual side effects. Other more general side effects may occur. Finasteride is not approved as a treatment for women or children. This is a prescription drugs for men only, consult your doctor to determine if Finasteride is right for you.

Men with male pattern hair loss have increased levels of the hormone dihydrotestosteroneIt (DHT) in the balding area of the scalp. It is believed that DHT shrinks the hair follicle until it no longer produces hair. Finasteride fights this by lowering DHT in the scalp.

About 90% of all hair loss cases are attributed to heredity and hormones. The benefits of Finasteride are focused on the vertex (top of the scalp) and anterior (mid-scalp) area in men. There is no evidence that Finasteride has any improvement for receding hairlines. After 24 months of use, 80% of men using reported a decrease in hair loss.

Finasteride is a once-a-day tablet form medication . You need to use it for about 3 months for any noticeable improvement, 6 months for any increase in the amount of hair, and 24 months for the full benefit. If you discontinue use, any hair you have gained will generally be lost within 12 months.

Hairpieces

Toupees  (Weaves, Wigs)

Throughout history even in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, men used many tactics to cover the affects of baldness. According to the FDA, even the famous wreath worn by Emperor Julius Caesar was an effort to cover a bald head. Unfortunately, not all head covers in the past 50 years are as popular as Caesar's. Toupees, weaves and wigs made just 5 years ago were uncomfortable, bulky and unnatural looking. The styles would often require a great deal of hair products limiting activities. The good news, however, is that not all hairpiece solutions are bad. Some technologies have corrected many of the problems, making them more comfortable, less bulky and better looking. Keeping the hair attached on the front hairline was also improved but needed a more invisible approach. The totally natural looking front hairline was not possible due to the thickness of the base weave materials and cohesion of the adhesive used.

Today, Non Surgical Hair Replacement from Samson uses a transparent, breathable thin base of hair, applied to the scalp with a very thin layer of soft, clear adhesive like a layer of skin. This new breakthrough is virtually undetectable by sight and touch. The hair appears to be growing right out of the scalp right up to the hairline. Wet or dry, the hair can be combed back away from the forehead. No more hiding your hair on a windy day or in a convertible. When you run your fingers through your hair you cannot tell where the system begins or ends. You can even get a suntan through the part in your hair. Regardless of what type of base or method of attachment you use, all of Samson's hair replacement systems are made with real human hair which is matched to the same color, texture, curve and style of your own. Julius would be jealous!