Minoxidil

• Minoxidil, the key ingredient in hair-loss treatments such as Rogaine, is a topical solution that slows hair loss. It is available in a 2-percent or 5-percent solution with the latter proving more effective. This FDA-approved hair-loss treatment is often used as a first line of defense against hereditary hair loss and should be used in the early stages of hair loss for both men and women. Users under the age of 30 have the best chance of getting positive results.
  
  Minoxidil must be used twice daily on the affected areas. If daily treatment is stopped the hair loss will resume and continue to progress as it would have without treatment intervention. Studies indicate that 51 percent of men using the 5-percent Minoxidil solution saw a noticeable slowing of their hair loss, with another 19 percent experiencing significant regrowth.
  
  As with any medical treatment, some may experience side effects while using minoxidil. Typically the side effects are skin irritation, itchy scalp and dandruff in men and excessive hair growth on the foreheads and cheeks of some women users.
  
  This hair-loss treatment is available without a prescription.
  
  

Finasteride

• Finasteride is available by prescription only and is taken orally for the prevention and reversal of hair loss. It is approved to be taken only by men suffering from hair loss and it is recommended that women who are or may become pregnant avoid even handling Finasteride tablets.
  
  Also known as Propecia, Finasteride tablets work by blocking a testosterone-like hormone known commonly as DHT. This hormone essentially attacks the hair follicles in affected men and causes them to stop growing hair. Of the men using Finasteride, 42 percent had their hair loss stop and another 48 percent experienced regrowth of hair. As with the topical Minoxidil treatment, Finasteride is only effective against hair loss for as long as it is taken. Once treatment is stopped the user's hair loss will resume within six to 12 months.
  
  While side effects of taking Finasteride generally only affect 1 percent of those taking it, that small number experienced erectile dysfunction. In some cases there was also breast-gland enlargement. Finasteride is available in its original form under the name Propecia or in many generic forms.