Hair loss is a concern for both men and women. The medical term for hair loss is Alopecia. There are three types of Alopecia, each has its' own characteristics and can affect both of the sexes. Certain types of hair
loss do not fall into the alopecia categories, such as hair loss from chemotherapy or from scarring. After chemotherapy hair normally regrows on its' own, hair loss from scarring may need treatment with surgical
transplants.
• Androgenetic Alopecia: This hair loss most often referred to as Male Pattern
Baldness. Even though Male Pattern Baldness is the well known term, males and
females suffer from this type of hair loss.
• Alopecia Totalis: This type of hair loss results in the total loss of hair from the head.
• Alopecia Univeralis: This type of hair loss refers to the loss of all hair on the body.
Over the counter (products available in stores and online) products to treat hair loss are most often targeted for people that suffer from the first two types of Alopecia. Rogaine is a well known name in the hair
restoration field. There are other treatments available, each with their own pros and cons. Side effects from some treatments may even include furthered hair loss. Read the information on offered products and choose
the best one for your needs.
Minoxidil: Originally an oral treatment for blood pressure, minoxidil has a habit of slowing down or reversing hair loss in patients. The most well known product containing minoxidil is the Rogaine line. Both men and
women can use these items. Hair regrown with solutions of minoxidil may fall out if the treatment is stopped.
Finasteride: This pill is marketed under a number of names, with Propecia coming in as the number one recognized by consumers. This is the first FDA approved prescription hair loss pill. Finasteride is also used as a
treatment for enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. This treatment is for men only- women should not use or handle the medication, as it is known to cause birth defects in developing embryos. Some side effects of
finasteride include erectile dysfunction, impotence and pain in the testes.
Laser Treatment: The Food and Drug Administration has approved laser treatments as a viable method to stop and even reverse hair loss for men and women. Long thought to be quackery, red lasers do stimulate the hair
follicles, causing the hair to regrow. The treatment can be expensive and many treatments are needed over the course of months, possibly a year before real results can be seen in some patients. New laser 'combs' are
available for use at home, significantly lowering cost for the casual user.
Massage: Massage with various hair loss shampoos and topical creams are used to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, theoretically causing hair to regrow. Some creams and shampoos claim to 'clean out' blocked hair
follicles, laying the blame of hair loss on the build up traditional shampoos or styling products. While this theory may sound logical, most clarifying shampoos remove any build up from other styling products. Hot
water alone opens follicles and pores, reducing the chance of any blockage. Massage, though, has been shown to increase blood flow and reduce stress- which is a cause of significant hair loss in some individuals.
Laser Treatment: The Food and Drug Administration has approved laser treatments as a viable method to stop and even reverse hair loss for men and women. Long thought to be quackery, red lasers do stimulate the hair
follicles, causing the hair to regrow. The treatment can be expensive and many treatments are needed over the course of months, possibly a year before real results can be seen in some patients. New 
