Number One Hair Growth Products

The number one hair growth products are definitely minoxidil and propecia. These two are the only FDA-approved products that are used for hair growth treatment. An approval from FDA was necessary for these two since they sought a “drug status.” Other over-the-counter products claiming to be FDA-approved have either of the two as their active ingredients.

Propecia is for MEN ONLY. Children and women should not use the drug. If a woman is pregnant, exposure to the ingredients of the drug should be avoided. If such occurs, a consultation with a doctor is highly advised. This is very important since propecia can have adverse effects to the development of a male baby, particularly the sex organ. Handling a coated pill does not necessarily produce harmful effects to a pregnant woman and her baby, except when the coat is broken or the entire pill is crushed.

This drug is best for mild to moderate male pattern hair loss, MPHL for short. Studies show re-growth of hair on the top of the head (vertex), extending to the more anterior region. However, there is no sufficient evidence to confirm its effect on receding hairline at the temple area.

A study about the efficacy of the drug showed 9 out if 10 men had very visible results, either the subjects experienced hair re-growth (48%) or no further loss of hair occurred (42%). Side-effects include decreased interest in sex, difficulty achieving erection, and decreased amount of semen, all of which go away upon discontinuation of the drug.

Minoxidil, on the other hand, was originally used as treatment for high blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels. As one of the number one among fast hair growth products, hair growth comes as a side-effect. Due to its primary effect, the ones being used to treat hair loss are in the form of a topical solution. Originally, only 2% minoxidil was contained in these solutions but recent products now have 5% and even 15% concentration.

Unlike propecia, minoxidil is not exclusive for men. Topical solutions with a 2% concentration are generally available for women. Anything higher than that will cause thickness of the facial hair.

The exact mechanism of action of the drug is unknown. The cutaneous blood flow is generally increased in a balding area of the head. With minoxidil, cutaneous blood flow is increased. This is currently the only explanation most physicians can root out, but not convincing enough since other vasodilators do not cause hair growth.

Candidates for minoxidil use are people with thinning hair, not bald. The solution is applied twice daily: in the morning and before bedtime. Regular applications for four months may be needed before any visible growth. Studies point to the vertex as the optimum point of hair re-growth.

The most common side-effect is itchiness of the scalp. It sometimes even causes an initial increase in hair loss. Hypotension may ensue if too much is applied, so limit application to 1 mL daily. Chest pain, headache, arrhythmia, and blurred vision may sometimes show up.

Even the number one hair growth products have their limits. So before you get completely bald, it’s best to take action as early as possible. And remember that people react to treatment differently. Blaming the drug because you only got this result when someone you know got that result will not change anything.