rogaine (topical minoxidil) and propecia (finasteride) are the only drugs approved by the fda to treat pattern baldness (hair loss as a result of hereditary causes). rogaine is a topical solution that is applied by directly rubbing it onto the scalp where hair growth is desired. only about 10% to 14% of the people who try this lotion experience hair growth. however rogaine lotion can help to slow hair loss. propecia is the first pill that can treat male pattern hair loss. like all prescription products it should be given under a doctor's care. while effective if treatment is discontinued results may not be maintained. permanent hair loss can also be treated by hair replacement procedures such as hair transplantation methods (like micro-grafting slit grafting punch grafting) and by scalp reduction. the type of hair loss as well as the patient's circumstances and desires determine which hair replacement procedures are most suitable.
what are the treatment options for hair loss?