More treatment options for male pattern baldness
Minoxidil lotion is a rub-on treatment that you can buy at pharmacies without a prescription. It is not clear how it works. The higher strength solution (5%) is more effective than the 2% strength.
There is debate as to how effective it is. Probably about half of men who use minoxidil delay further balding. About 15 in 100 users have good hair re-growth. There is continued hair loss in about a third of users. However, some reports claim much higher success rates. It seems that it is best used to prevent further hair loss, but hair re-growth occurs in some users. Some points about minoxidil include the following.
- It needs to be rubbed on the scalp every day.
- It usually takes 4 months or more for any effect to be noticed.
- Treatment needs to be continued indefinitely. Any new hair that does re-grow falls out two months after treatment is stopped
- It is quite expensive.
- It may work in some women who have male pattern baldness.
- Side-effects are uncommon. For example, skin irritation or a rash sometimes occurs.
Wigs
A wig is the traditional option for baldness.
Scalp surgery
Techniques such as hair transplantation, scalp flaps, and other procedures have been used for a number of years. Success rates vary and a specialist opinion is needed if surgery is considered. It is expensive and not available on the NHS.
© EMIS and PIP 2004 Updated: December 2003 CHIQ Accredited
Average rating:
Ajh, about 1 year
Just had a look and there'e more information on hair loss on Regaine's website: http://www.regaine.co.uk/ - looks pretty interesting, I might give it a go. Thanks for the article!
Report this comment