The Best Hair-Loss Products for Women

Hair loss is often thought of as a problem exclusively for males, but a number of women also suffer from hair loss. According to a March 2008 report in "Dermatology Online Journal," more than half of women age 65 and older suffer from female pattern hair loss, while roughly 10 percent of women have hair loss before menopause. While women can suffer hair loss during menopause or due to hormonal changes, the primary culprit is simply known as female pattern baldness and is caused by dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, binding itself to the hair follicles and eventually killing it.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is the one hair-loss treatment for women that has the approval of the United States Food and Drug Administration 12. While men have the option of using 5 percent minoxidil, only the 2 percent solution has been approved for women, even though the American Hair Loss Association claims the 5 percent solution works better in women than the 2 percent 12. Minoxidil is applied topically twice per day.

Spironolactone

Difference in Rogaine for Men & Women

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Spironolactone is used to prevent DHT from binding to hair follicles. Spironolactone comes in several different forms, including a pill and a topically applied solution. The topical method is favored by some women who are worried about potential side effects from taking it in pill form. The topical solution is applied to the area where hair is thinning and is rubbed into the scalp.

to CE: Reference 1 mentions spiro; additional info taken from http://www.hairlosstalk.com/hair-loss-treatments/women-spironolactone-topical/

Nizoral

Nizoral shampoo is a product that is frequently used to treat hair loss. It is available in 1 percent ketoconazole or 2 percent ketoconazole forms, though the 2 percent solution is a prescription product. Nizoral works to reduce DHT in a similar method as spironolactone. The shampoo is used two to three times per week.

Provillus

The Best Method to Regrow Hair on the Crown

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Provillus is a popular hair-loss treatment that combines a dietary supplement with 2 percent minoxidil 1. The supplement contains several B vitamins, as well as herbs believed to promote hair growth. The minoxidil is a standard 2 percent and is applied twice daily.