No one likes to talk about hair loss. However, with over $1 Billion spent each year on hair loss remedies, it is clear that many of the 40 million bald Americans are taking notice of these effects.
Because hair loss is so common (and profitable), it is no wonder that thousands of products have been introduced in order to help people reverse the effects of hair loss. So, how do you know which products are the best? The team at LabDoor has compiled short reviews of top-selling hair loss products, including important safety and efficacy data.
Rogaine
Rogaine (Minoxidil) is perhaps the best known remedy in the world of hair loss products. It has received Food and Drug Administration approval and mainstream OTC distribution. Additionally, scientific studies show the product is effective with consistent use (Twice a day for a minimum of four months). Johnson & Johnson heavily advertises the fact that their Rogaine product is capable of helping 85% of men grow their hair back and/or to stop further hair loss.
Rogaine is a product specifically for men, and is available without a prescription in both liquid and foam dosages. But while it has clearly proven its efficacy, Rogaine’s major limitation is that it only treats the symptoms and doesn’t cure any underlying conditions causing the hair loss. Rogaine users should expect to see hair loss patterns return soon after ceasing product usage.
Propecia
Propecia (finasteride) is the leading prescription hair loss remedy. A once-a-day oral pill treatment, Propecia is designed to both help regrow hair and stop any existing hair loss.
Five year studies following over 1500 participants assigned to either finasteride treatments or placebos found 90% of patients given the active treatment maintained or grew hair.
The main drawbacks of this hair loss product are the significant male sexual side effects, such as impotence (present in 18.5% of test subjects) and decreased libido (10%), which were recorded during clinical trials.
According to the official drug monograph, “if the treatment does not show results within 12 months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.” Also, like with Rogaine, if the treatment is stopped, any hair that is gained will gradually be lost. Propecia is for men only and should not be taken by women or children.
Advecia
Another pill-based supplement for hair loss, Advecia does not include any active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Instead, it includes herbs and minerals that are claimed to provide a hair rejuvenating and/or regrowth effect. The product is labeled for use by both men and women.
While the company itself produced a positive product review, no independent scientific study has yet shown that the all-natural product has any tangible efficacy value.
Nizoral (Ketoconazole)
Ketoconazole has been prescribed and recommended by health professionals for many years as a treatment for fungal infections, dandruff, and dermatitis, but has also been listed as the top ‘active’ ingredient in many hair care products promising hair regrowth benefits. However, Nizoral has not been FDA approved as a hair loss remedy, and we have not uncovered any long-term independent scientific trials that have conclusively proven the benefits of Nizoral-type products directly for the purposes of hair regrowth.
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not constitute medical, legal, commercial, product, and/or service advice or endorsement of any vendor, supplier and/or brand. LabDoor does not provide a warranty of the quality or efficacy of the products or services furnished by any entity.
- Header Image: Dave Haygarth (Flickr)
- Men Spend $1 Billion Yearly Fighting Baldness – ABC News
- Hair Loss – Mayo Clinic
- Propecia Side Effects – Drugs.com
- Pick Your Hair Loss Treatment Regimen – Hair Loss Talk
- Nizoral Shampoo – DrugLib.com