BACKGROUND: The latest statistics show 80 million adults are affected by hair loss in the United States. Aside from natural hair loss, things that may cause hair loss include cholesterol-lowering drugs, cardiac drugs, birth control pills, fungus, lupus or scleroderma, infections of the scalp, trauma and cancer. Only 3 percent of those experiencing hair loss seek a solution, though there are dozens of products for hair loss.
WHAT WORKS: Matt Leavitt, D.O., chief dermatologist at Medical Hair Restoration, says there are only three medically proven and FDA-approved methods for hair loss.
Hair Transplants: Hair transplanting takes hair that's genetically programmed to never be lost (hair on the back and sides of the head) and sutures it to the top of the head one or two hairs at a time. The procedure can last about six or seven hours and cost from about $3,000 to about $10,000. People who are losing hair as a result of a medical condition may be able to have their insurance company cover the cost.
Finasteride: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes hair follicles to shrink. Finasteride blocks DHT, so not as much DHT gets to the hair follicle. Thus, the process of shrinking and hair loss is greatly improved. Clinical trials show 90 percent of the people that take the brand Propecia have improvement. They either stop losing their hair or actually gain some hair. If you stop taking the pill, the normal mechanism of hair loss will return at some point. The typical cost is between $50 and $75 a month.
Minoxidil: Minoxidil is put on topically twice a day. It causes hair to stay in the growing cycle longer. Human hair typically grows for three years and then sheds for three months. When male or female pattern baldness begins, hair may only grow for six weeks before going into a shedding phase. With minoxidil, it takes the cycle back to the normal level so the hair stays growing longer. Minoxidil can also thicken hair up. It works by activating potassium channels in follicular cells. Rogaine is a popular brain of minoxidil and typically costs $10 or $15 a bottle. Less expensive generic brands are available.
For More Information, Contact:
Tim Harmon,
Director of Public Relations
Leavitt Management Group, Inc.
407-875-2080 x1155
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