Sad to say, thinning hair and hair loss is the fate of millions of men. Many unproven treatments are offered as cures for hair loss, claiming to prevent additional loss of hair and regrow hair. Many of these products do not work and are ineffective in preventing hair loss. But several treatments have been shown to promote the growth of hair in clinical studies. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved some treatments for hair loss and male pattern baldness.

The most effective treatments for hair loss that are currently available are those that the FDA has approved to treat thinning hair. These treatments have met stringent scientific standards to prove their safety and effectiveness. Rogaine was the first hair regrowth treatment that received approval. Rogaine may stimulate regrowth of hair in as many as 85 percent of those who use it twice a day for four months, and it is one of the bestselling hair loss treatments for both men and women. Hormones, age and heredity are all factors that influence hair loss. These issues cause the hair follicles to shrink, and as time passes, the growth cycle of the hair becomes shorter. The active growth phase of the hair becomes shorter while the non-growth phase lengthens, and eventually hair does not grow at all. It is thought that Rogaine enlarges the hair follicles, thereby reversing the shrinking process. This may prolong the growth phase, thereby permitting hair to grow thicker and longer than before.

Finasteride is a medication that is marketed under the name Propecia and is approved by the FDA in the treatment of hair loss. Available in a 1mg pill, Propecia is available by prescription. Propecia is a DHT blocker. It works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase to lower DHT levels in the body. It is thought that hair loss in men is frequently the result of elevated levels of DHT. While Rogaine can be used by both women and men, generic Propecia is currently only approved for use in men. Research reveals that after a year of regular treatment, 49 percent of men experience hair regrowth. As much as 66 percent of men experience visible regrowth of hair after two years. Propecia also helps prevent additional hair loss, as practically 85 percent of men lose no more hair while taking Propecia.