Hair Loss Treatments and Products

Hair transplantation is hugely effective is restoring cosmetic hair coverage in areas of thinning and balding scalp. In addition to surgery, Dr. Mwamba often recommends and prescribes proven medical therapies to help patients maintain the hair they still have. Often the best results are seen when hair transplants and preventative hair loss products are used in combination. While there is no miracle hair loss cure, there are medication that can significantly slow down and, in some case, halt the balding process.

Finasteride is an oral medication for men. It blocks the production of 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting free testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the male hormone responsible for hair loss. Studies show that finasteride works best in re-growing and/or maintaining hair in the crown.

Minoxidil is a topical therapy and has been shown to promote and maintain hair growth in both men and women. Typically, the solution is effective in the crown area of the scalp but, in some cases, it can be effective in the frontal area as well. It may take several months to see the benefits but, If effective, patients should continue using the application. Discontinuing minoxidil will result in the eventual loss of the hair grown or maintained while using the treatment.

Ketoconazole is an antifungal and the active ingredient in Nizoral shampoo. Nizoral is commonly used to prevent and treat dandruff. Ketoconazole has anti-androgenic properties, with the potential for slowing hair loss. Nizoral can be used 3 times a week in place of or in conjunction with minoxidil.