Lots, medicines, plants, massages … Many products boast of slowing hair loss, but which are effective? Dr. Pascal Reygagne, dermatologist and scalp specialist, answered our questions.
Dr Pascal Reygagne: Two substances have proven their effectiveness: Minoxidil® and the finasteride®, which can be taken together. Minoxidil® is in the form of a lotion. It acts in stimulating the vascularization of the scalpby increasing blood supply to the root of the hair. This active ingredient gives good results. In a third of patients it allows regrowth, in another third party, it stabilizes the fall and in the rest of the cases, it is not very active but can slow down the fall. As for Finasteride®, it is taken in the form of tablets and acts by slowing down the action of male hormones on hair roots. In 80 % of the men who take it, it allows a maintenance of the hair and in 40 % of the cases, a slight regrowth.
The effectiveness of these treatments lasts as long as they are followed, without limitation.
Who are they intended for?
Dr Pascal Reygagne:Minoxidil® can be used by men and women, while finasteride is reserved for men. They are effective on androgenetic hair falls, that is to say with a hereditary tendency, the most common in men as in women. Alopecia must also be discreet to moderate. When the cause of alopecia is different, such as iron deficiency or a thyroid problem in women, for example, treatments will target these causes.
Are these drugs reimbursed?
Dr Pascal Reygagne: Minoxidil® at 5 % and Finasteride® are available on a prescription only, while minoxidil® concentrated at 2 % is over -the -counter. It takes about 15 euros per month for Minoxidil® and 30 euros per month for Finasteride®.
Is it true that Finasteride® makes it helpless?
Dr Pascal Reygagne: The Finasteride®, taken at the dose intended to combat baldness, can, among other things, have a decrease in libido and erection problems. But they only appear in 1 to 2 % of cases and disappear either during treatment or by stopping it. They are therefore not irreversible and rather concern those over 40.
Dr Pascal Reygagne: Certain food supplements based on vitamins and suffered amino acids or taurine have proven their effectiveness on diffuse hair loss in women, thanks to studies carried out in double blind.
Dr Pascal Reygagne: On the other hand, physical methods, alternative and parallel medicines, have absolutely not proven themselves. For example, these are massages, soft laser, mesotherapy, ozonotherapy, electrostimulation, plant shampoos or aromatherapy.
Dr Pascal Reygagne: Hair transplant has experienced great progress with the development of the micro-greeting, which gives a much more aesthetic result. However, it is not a slowing down treatment but rather a restorative treatment. A transplant does not prevent the evolution of baldness. This is why we often prescribe to people grafted for minoxidil or finasteride. These drugs also promote the right taking of hair transplant.