New Hair Loss Treatments
The American Hair Loss Association estimates that those that suffer from hair loss spend more than $3.5 billion annually to treat the problem. The AHLA also reports that two-thirds of men suffer with hair loss by the age of 35 and 40 percent of hair loss sufferers are women. There are a myriad of products marketed to those that suffer with hair loss and want to regain a full head of hair. But research, so far, shows that the treatments considered the industry standard---and the ones approved by the Food and Drug Administration---are still the best. But cutting-edge research could change that in the near future.
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Drugs
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The AHLA says that Propecia, originally called Proscar and used to treat enlarged prostate glands, is still one of the best products on the market for slowing hair loss and regrowing new hair. Research has shown the drug works in the vast majority of patients that use it. Minoxidil (or Rogaine) is the topical form of a drug first used to treat high blood pressure works for both men and women. Minoxidil 2 percent is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of baldness in women. The AHLA reports that treatment with the drug seems to work better in women than men.
Hair Restoration Surgery
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The AHLA endorses this type of surgery, which involves the transplantation of hair follicles from another part of the body (usually the back of the patient's head) to the bald or balding area. Many of the procedures provide virtually undetectable results. But, the AHLA cautions that many surgeons may not be as competent as their marketing suggests. The AHLA publishes a list of recommended doctors and facts that can educate patients on what questions to ask of a potential doctor.
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Laser Combs
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Researchers are experimenting with low-level laser therapy that is believed to stimulate follicle growth at the cellular level. In a recent trial administered by HairMax---which produced the comb in the study---patients that used the laser comb saw a greater increase in hair density than those using the placebo comb.
Follicle Regeneration
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Medicinenet.com reports that the next big breakthrough in hair loss treatment will come when doctors are able to get follicles that have shut down to regenerate. Some researchers, according to George Cotsarelis, director of the Hair and Scalp Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania, have already done so in a test tube. Aderans, a wig company based in Japan, is one of the research leaders.
Sonic Hedgehog
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It sounds like a video game, but according to Cotsarelis, it's a gene that can convert resting hair into growing hair. Cotsarelis cautions that researchers are still unsure why the gene works and are still researching. It could be five to 10 years before either follicle regeneration or Sonic Hedgehog is a reality.
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