What would you recommend for hair loss? I am a 27 year old male.

The majority of products that are recommended for reversing hair loss border mainly on quackery and junk science. Today, we have nothing that can bring back hair, there are no drugs, potions, lotions, spices – even praying fails to help. The best remedy for hair loss is hair transplantation. While not the first treatment of choice, it today remains the only choice.

Hair transplantation essentially involves transferring (transplanting) hair follicles from the back of the head or behind the ears to the front thinning area.  These newly transplanted hair follicles will grow hair for a lifetime because they are genetically resistant to going bald. In the past 2 decades, hair transplantation has become a technically well refined art. The transplantation of mini grafts has proven to be aesthetically better and longer lasting.


The modern hair transplantation can achieve an aesthetic appearance by mimicking natural hair. Given the improved results and durability of hair transplantation surgery, males with baldness are increasingly seeking this method of treatment as the choice.

Are there any alternatives to hair transplant?

There are a variety of alternatives to hair transplants, including scalp reduction surgery, flap surgery, hairpieces and drug treatments.  All these are essentially useless, painful and exorbitantly expensive treatments.

Pills to grow hair have been around for decades. Each year, numerous medications, herbs, spices and nutritional supplement are being cited as the panacea for hair loss. Annually, North American men spend more than 2-4 billion dollars in the quest for the magic drug to look younger, sexier and hairy.

Unfortunately there is nothing on the horizon for more hair.

Two FDA approved medications for hair growth are available. Minoxidil, which is sold over the counter as Rogaine, for both men and women, and Finasteride, a prescription pill, sold as Propecia, for men only- both these suck and are a total waste of money. You will be lucky if you even grow one strand of hair on your backside after 10 years (personal experience). 


Two other drugs have been recently approved for hair growth and include a high-estrogen oral contraceptive which is for women only and Aldactone (spironolactone) which can be used by either gender. These two pills are generally safe but as far as their hair growth abilities are concerned- “shit” would be the best answer. 

How much does a hair transplant cost?

First the facts. Hair transplant is not a cheap undertaking. It is a booming industry and yet the prices are steep-it costs as much to have hair transplant as it does to have a nice 4-door sedan. You may have hair but you will be walking or taking a bus for a very long while.

The procedure is generally done by plastic surgeons but today cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, head and neck surgeons and even some general surgeons are into it. Everyone is into hair transplant not because they are interested in making you more handsome but because there is money to be made. And only in a few cases are the results good. So talk to people who have had the procedure and do not rush into the surgery. If in doubt, seek a second opinion

On average, hair transplants can cost anywhere from $5-$25,000 for the entire procedure. The entire process may require several visits to the surgeon and can take up to a year for a complete hair transplant.


The end result- mediocre at best and not worth it

Coping with hair loss part 1

Losing hair is a miserable experience and one filled with anxiety, depression and loss of confidence. Hair loss typically occurs to males in their prime and is a very frustrating disorder to deal with. No matter what others say, hair loss is the Achilles heel of most men and coping is difficult. Many suggestions have been made to cope with hair loss and this includes joining a support group, discuss with family and friends and learn more about the disorder. Only time heals the pain of hair loss.

Conclusion

For those intent on having hair, the time to start drug therapy is when there is still some hair left on the head. For completely bald people, the options are limited to wigs and wearing a hat or accept a hairless scalp. Few insurance plans cover drug therapy and one needs to take the drugs forever to get the benefits and maintain them. The drugs are not cheap and there is no guarantee of hair growth. For a years supply, Rogaine may cost $200-$300 and Propecia can cost $700-$1,000. Neither of these medications is covered by any medical insurance.