Treating male hair loss isn’t quite the same as dealing with unexpected female pattern balding, according to the Mayo Clinic. If your partner or perhaps a close male relative is battling unwanted hair loss, he can’t necessarily use the same products that you might to try to squelch the same problem. Likewise, some hair loss treatments for men aren’t at all safe for women to use. Fortunately, several quality hair loss remedies that can help that special man in your life are readily available throughout North America; some products also don’t require a doctor’s prescription.
Finasteride
Prescription finasteride, commonly marketed as Propecia, is one of the best products to help combat male pattern balding, according to MedlinePlus and the Mayo Clinic. However, under no circumstances can women take such pills; they can cause birth defects and other serious side effects. A man prescribed this treatment will take the medication at least once a day in hopes that it will reduce balding; the medication purportedly blocks the hormones that stall male hair growth. Like most medications, finasteride carries risk of side effects. Possible unwanted symptoms associated with this treatment include decreased sexual ability and desire; any itching, hives, swelling all will require prompt medical attention.
Rogaine
Rogaine, an over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatment with the active ingredient minoxidil, is one of the best potential available remedies, according to the Mayo Clinic. The user must apply the cream to his head twice a day to promote new hair growth and hopefully stop unwanted hair loss. Rogaine is the only FDA-approved treatment that can help male or female pattern balding; the cream is available in 2 percent minoxidil and 5 percent minoxidil strengths. However, it takes at least 12 weeks to see results if results will happen with Rogaine use. Also, scalp irritation is a common Rogaine side effect. If hair grows back, it will likely be thinner than the previous locks, but they can often be used to help hide bald spots.
Anthralin
Anthralin is another FDA-approved, potentially high-quality treatment that men can use to try to regrow hair, according to the Mayo Clinic. The cream, usually marketed as Dritho-Scalp, must be applied to the scalp and then washed off each day. This remedy is available only under a doctor’s prescription. Sometimes anthralin comes as an ointment. The treatment sometimes helps men regrow hair in about 12 weeks and is also a common psoriasis remedy.
Photo Credit
- handsome man image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
