FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO PRESCRIPTIONS FOR HAIR LOSS ACTUALLY WORK?
Although there’s no miracle cure for baldness, you can prevent hair loss from happening in the first place. And there are just two FDA-approved treatments that prevent androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness.
Minoxidil and Finasteride are the most popular hair loss medications available nowadays. Both treatments are considered safe and effective. But there are major differences between the two drugs, especially regarding the form each one is sold and the suitability for female patients.
IS MINOXIDIL EFFECTIVE FOR HAIR LOSS?
Minoxidil or Rogaine is a topical, over-the-counter treatment with great results in hair regrowth along the top of the head and crown.
In order to work, Minoxidil must be consistently applied twice a day and every day. It can take up to 6 months of regular application to see the first results. And if you stop using it your hair loss will start again.
But the results are worth it! Statistics have shown significant increase in hair count and improved hair loss condition in almost all Minoxidil patients. And it is clinically proven to help regrow hair by up to 35%.
IS FINASTERIDE EFFECTIVE FOR HAIR LOSS?
Finasteride is a prescription drug designed to prevent further hair loss across the entirety of your head, including receding hairlines.
Finasteride only comes in pill form and must be taken orally, once a day and everyday. During treatment, it can take from 4 to 6 months of daily use before you notice an actual improvement in your hair loss. And if you suddenly stop taking it, any impact it had on hair loss will be reversed within a year. But it works! Finasteride is clinically proven to help regrow hair and research has shown that it can increase hair growth in up to 90% of patients.
WHAT IS FORMULA 82S SHAMPOO?
Formula 82S is a 3-in-1 (shampoo + conditioner + anti-hair loss) product that is designed to strengthen hair fibers, restore soft, natural texture to damaged hair, and aid in hair loss prevention. It fills a critical gap for patients undergoing hair restoration by containing an industry-leading level of DHT-blocking Saw Palmetto and ensuring that clients are using gentle cleansers and not damaging new hair growth with sulfates, parabens, and sodium chloride, which are found in lower quality shampoos.
WHAT IS THE SCIENCE BEHIND NUTRAFOL?
Nutrafol works to restore hair growth by lowering stress and androgens in the body, which are hormones that contribute to male and female growth and reproduction. Ingredients in the supplements, such as Sensoril ashwagandha, aid in stress resistance by balancing cortisol levels, a hormone that plays a role in the body's stress response. Cortisol can also cause hair follicles to transition prematurely from growth to rest, where hair can no longer grow. This means that chronic stress may be interfering with hair growth. Thankfully, the supplements from Nutrafol can work to neutralize free radicals and inflammatory molecules that inhibit hair growth.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO HAIR LOSS MEDICATIONS?
Although Minoxidil/Rogaine is generally considered a very safe medication, it can cause side effects such as headaches; redness and itching in the site of application and unusual hair growth on the face, arm, and back.
Finasteride/Propecia is intended for men only and should not be taken by women, as it can affect hormone levels and lead to complications with pregnancy. Side effects are rare, but clinical trials have shown that 3.8% of male patients noticed some form of sexual complications, including less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in semen released during sex.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS WITH HAIR LOSS PRODUCTS?
Finasteride works along the natural cycle of hair growth, which means that it takes approximately 3 to 6 months to notice any result. For most patients, the full effect of treatment will only be achieved in around 12 months under the medication.
For the same reason, men and women on Minoxidil can also expect from 3 to 6 months use to start noticing results. A recent study has shown that at 4 months of continuous use, 26% of Minoxidil patients had moderate to dense regrowth and at 6 months 33%.
WHERE CAN I GET TREATMENT FOR HAIR LOSS NEAR MIDTOWN NYC?
At StudioMD we are focused on the diagnosis and treatment of hair disorders, including thinning hair, alopecia and pattern baldness.
Want to learn more about Minoxidil & Finasteride and check if they're the right treatment for your hair loss? Book an appointment today!
No matter how you are affected by hair loss, rest assured that our specialists will work hard to find a solution that best suits your hair goals.