Preventing and reversing hair loss

It has been suggested that this section be split into a new article entitled Baldness treatments. (Discuss)
Main article: Baldness treatments
Treatments for the various forms of alopecia have limited success. Some hair loss sufferers make use of clinically proven treatments such as finasteride and topically applied minoxidil (in solution) in an attempt to prevent further loss and regrow hair. As a general rule, it is easier to maintain remaining hair than it is to regrow; however, the treatments mentioned will help some of the users suffering from Androgenetic alopecia, and there are new technologies in cosmetic transplant surgery and hair replacement systems that can be completely undetectable.
In the USA, there are only two drug-based treatments that have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and one product that has been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, otherwise known as male or female pattern hair loss. The two FDA approved treatments are finasteride (marketed for hair loss as Propecia) and minoxidil.

Finasteride
Main article: Baldness treatments#Finasteride

Low-level laser therapy
Main article: Baldness treatments#Low-level laser therapy

Surgery
Main article: Baldness treatments#Hair Transplantation

[edit] Hair multiplication
Main article: Baldness treatments#Hair multiplication (under development)

[edit] Ketoconazole
Main article: Baldness treatments#Ketoconazole

[edit] Unsaturated fatty acids
Main article: Baldness treatments#Unsaturated fatty acids

[edit] Exercise

It has been suggested that this section be split into a new article entitled Baldness treatments#Diet and lifestyle. (Discuss)
Regular aerobic exercise can help keep androgen levels (particularly free testosterone levels) naturally lower while maintaining overall health, lowering stress and increasing SHBG. [1] [2]
Weight training without aerobic exercise may increase testosterone. [3]; [4] [5] [6] One study suggests that both heavy exercise and increased fat intake, in combination, are required for increased free testosterone in strength trainers. Increased total or free testosterone would help them build and repair muscle, but may cause susceptible individuals to lose hair. [7]
However, there is at least one study that indicates a decline in free testosterone combined with an increase in strength due to an (unspecified) strength training regimen.[13]

[edit] Stress reduction
Stress reduction can be helpful in slowing hair loss. (see Baldness Folklore)

[edit] Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants applied to the scalp have been shown to temporarily reverse alopecia areata, though the side effects of some of these drugs make such therapy questionable. [8][9]

[edit] Saw palmetto
Main article: Baldness treatments#Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto extract has been demonstrated to inhibit both isoforms of alpha-5-reductase and does not interfere with the cellular capacity to secrete PSA

[edit] Polygonum multiflorum
Polygonum multiflorum is a traditional Chinese cure for hair loss. P. multiflorum contains stilbene glycosides similar to resveratrol. [10]

[edit] Hedgehog agonists
Main article: Baldness treatments#Hedgehog agonists

[edit] WNT gene related
Main article: Baldness treatments#Hair multiplication (under development)

[edit] Coffee Beans
Main article: Baldness treatments#Caffeine