The Belgravia Centre Blog

Men and women aren’t that different, at least when it comes to the unfair reality of hair loss. There will always be the lucky few who can accept it as a fact of life, but the majority will want hair growth treatments that work – and fast. So you don’t blindly reach for the first product in a pretty box, we’re giving you the low down on some of the most popular options so you can make an informed choice.

CLINICALLY PROVEN TREATMENTS

Propecia is a licensed treatment for hair loss. It is a DHT-inhibiting tablet that stops hair loss in men and generates visible hair regrowth in about 70% of users. 

Suggested use: 1 tablet a day.

Pros: Most doctor’s number one choice for male pattern baldness; Clinically proven to stop hair loss from the root cause and generate renewed hair growth; Doesn’t interfere with testosterone levels; Results may improve when combined with other proven hair loss treatments; Easy to take; May reduce risk of developing prostate cancer.

Cons: Not available to men under 18 or to women; 1.8% chance of side effects (lowered libido, decrease in amount of semen, difficulty in achieving erection) which often diminish with continued use; Can’t be used while trying to conceive; Must be used continuously to maintain efficacy.

Minoxidil is a licensed treatment for hair loss. It is a topical treatment applied directly to the scalp once or twice a day that stabilises hair loss in 65% of users and stimulates and maintains hair growth in 2 out of 3.

Suggested use: Apply prescribed amount to affected areas once or twice a day.

Pros: Clinically proven to stabilise hair loss and promote and maintain growth; Effective hairline regrowth treatment; Available to men and women over the age of 16; Results may improve when combined with other proven hair loss treatments.

Cons: Needs be used continuously if used to treat male or female pattern hair loss; 1% chance of side effects (mild facial hair growth, headaches, rashes and palpitations) which often diminish with continued use; May be inconvenient to apply twice a day.

HAIR GROWTH SUPPLEMENTS

Hair Vitalics is a supplement that contains a number of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to help with the quality of the hair and help reduce hair loss.

Pros: Natural product; contains nutrients essential for healthy hair growth; no recorded side effects.

Cons: Not to be used by people who are lactose intolerant; No significant evidence that Hair Vitalics stabilises or promotes hair growth. No sufficient clinical trial has been carried out.

Viviscal is a supplement that contains ‘AminoMar C Marine Complex’, horsetail extract and vitamin C, and is said to nourish thinning hair and strengthen and promote the growth of existing hair in most users.

Suggested use: 2 tablets a day or 3 if you’re a smoker.

Pros: Natural product; contains essential nutrients for healthy hair growth; No recorded side effects.

Cons: No significant evidence that Viviscal stabilises or promotes hair growth. No sufficient clinical trial has been carried out.

Nourkrin is a supplement that contains shark cartilage, silica and protein, and is said to reduce hair loss and promote existing hair growth.

Suggested use: 2 tablets a day

Pros: Natural product; contains essential nutrients for healthy hair growth; No reported side effects; Easy to take.

Cons: Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers or those allergic to shellfish; No significant evidence that Nourkrin stabilises or promotes hair growth. No sufficient clinical trial has been carried out.

OTHER HAIR GROWTH TREATMENTS

HairMax LaserComb is an FDA-cleared hand-held low level laser treatment device that stimulates cell division within the hair follicle to encourage stronger, healthier hair growth in 93% of users.

Suggested use: 10-20 mins combing, 3 times a week

Pros: Clinically proven to regrow hair, increase thickness and make hair stronger; Drug-free; No reported side effects; The only laser therapy FDA-cleared for the treatment of hair loss; Cost-effective (one-off purchase); Easy to use.

Cons: Should be used alongside other clinically proven hair loss treatments; May not singularly stabilise and regrow hair in advanced stages of hair loss.

Crescina is a topical treatment that contains two amino acids and a vasodilator. It is said to reactivate the physiological growth of hair in areas affected by thinning and stimulate hair bulbs that are still active.

Suggested use: Apply prescribed dose on alternate days, on clean dry scalp, gently massaging lotion so it penetrates.

Pros: May make scalp feel cleaner.

Cons: No clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of Crescina in stabilising hair loss or promoting hair growth; May be hard to apply (liquid can spill onto face); May cause redness and irritation.

MORE HAIR LOSS PRODUCT REVIEWS

More Information:
Hair Growth Basics
Hair Loss Treatment Guide
Hair Loss Success Stories

Interesting Articles:
Hair Loss and How to Regrow Hair
Propecia vs. Procerin vs. Provillus
Funny Hair Loss Remedies

This entry was posted on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 at 8:57 am and is filed under Female Hair Loss, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Product Reviews, Male Hair Loss. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.