Men and women in North America spend several million dollars a year on such options. These treatments are better suited for those in the early stages of hair loss or in combination with a hair transplant.

Propecia

Propecia, the only pill to treat male pattern hair loss, works by prohibiting conversion of the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Some men, while using Propecia over a 2-year period, have noticed a decrease in hair loss. However, it appears to act only in the crown area of the head. Researchers at Merck Laboratories, the developers of Propecia, do not believe that Propecia will treat a receding hairline or hair loss at the sides of your head. And you will likely lose the hair you have gained within one year of stopping treatment.

Rogaine

Rogaine promotes a moderate amount of hair regrowth primarily in the crown area. Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, was originally developed as an oral treatment for severe high blood pressure. Some of the patients taking this drug grew hair as a side effect. Rogaine is applied to the scalp twice daily.

Hair Systems

Hair systems are prosthetic devices that mimic a natural head of hair by bonding human or weaving synthetic hair into a base material that is then attached to the thinning area. The best of these devices have a service component and need to be replaced often. Often men will choose to wear a hair system if they have lost an extreme amount of hair. The price for an excellent quality hair system ranges from $1000 to $5000.

Low Level Laser Therapy

Results vary with each individual, but within the first 6 to 12 weeks most users of low level laser therapy notice early improvements in their scalp condition and may achieve shinier and thicker hair. Eventually the hair becomes fuller and stronger.