Minoxidil**

Minoxidil is the first of the drugs approved for hair loss. Introduced in 1988 after the FDA gave its approval, Rogaine has been an effective medication for hair loss in both men and women. The topical formulation is now available in 2% and 5% strengths, and has been over-the-counter since 1996. The treatment is a hair growth stimulator and works by activating potassium channels in follicular cells. Numerous clinical studies have been done and reported for both hair growth and hair maintenance end points. This product is only effective in the case of adrogenetic alopecia, or male/female pattern hair loss. It would not be effective for hair loss due to chemotherapy, stress, malnutrition, or alopecia areata.

Finasteride**

Finasteride, or Propecia™/Proscar™*** is the newest medication to be approved by the FDA for hair loss. Approved in 1997, it is a 5-alpha reductase blocker and lowers DHT levels, which results in hair maintenance and may result in hair growth. Clinical studies show, a remarkable 90% of participants in the experimental group either gain or maintain their hair approximately five years longer than participants in the placebo group. While some people see results in as little as 6 months, study’s show that hair count can increase for up to 18 months. In clinical studies no one had an increase after 18 months.

** This information was taken from The Hair Transplant Forum International, May/June 2003, pg229-331
*** Propecia and Proscar are registered trademarks of the Merck Corporation