Hair loss is common among men and women and can have a very negative impact on the lives of those who suffer from it. It often makes it difficult for singles to find the partner they are looking for, because it makes them look less attractive and reduces their confidence. As if that weren't bad enough, a survey conducted by the Canadian Hair Research Foundation even found that hair loss can make it more difficult to find work. That's why it is not surprising that the same survey found that people who suffer from hair loss are less happy in life. Because hair loss can be so devastating, there are countless solutions available to treat it, making it difficult for a hair loss sufferer to know what the best treatment options are.

One solution to hair loss is a hair transplant. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure in which sections of skin and hair are removed from one part of the scalp and grafted to the parts of the scalp where hair is absent. This means that a portion of the scalp must have normal hair growth, so those who lack healthy areas of hair growth on the side or back of the head are not candidates for the procedure. Although this procedure can work, it can also cost more than $15,000 and many find this to be prohibitive. The cost is dependent on how many grafts you need and how many procedures are required to complete them. The results also depend on the skill and techniques of the surgeon. As with most surgeries, there is likely to be a certain amount of discomfort following the procedure. Due to the uncertainty of the outcome, people's reluctance to go under the knife, and the large sum of money involved, many prefer to try other solutions.

Another popular way to treat hair loss is the drug Rogaine, or its generic version, Minoxidil. This is an FDA approved drug. Although Rogaine has proven to be effective for many who use it, it requires a very demanding routine involving two daily applications to the scalp. This routine must be rigorously followed for a minimum of 4 months, otherwise it won't work. Many find this routine to be too onerous, and give up before it has a chance to work. The solution can also leave the surrounding hair looking messy, and this is another reason many have trouble enduring this treatment. During the first 2 months, Rogaine can also cause significant hair loss, which can also be very discouraging for users.

Propecia is another FDA approved drug, but it is only for male pattern hair loss. This means that women are unable to use it and it won't work for thinning hair at the temples. The active ingredient in Propecia is Finasteride, which blocks DHT. DHT is one of the main causes of hair loss. While Propecia has worked in growing hair for many who have tried it, it doesn't work if there is actual baldness rather than thinning hair. Propecia may also cause reduced sex drive and even erectile dysfunction. This effect can last long after you stop taking Propecia. Many who have tried Propecia also complain that the quality of hair that results is poor. In addition, while Propecia may stop you from losing more hair, it can't grow back all of the hair that you've lost. Another reason some don't like Propecia is the high cost, which can really add up, because you need to continue taking it indefinitely to prevent losing your hair again.

Another DHT blocker is Provillus which comes in topical and oral forms. One advantage of Provillus is that it doesn't affect the sex drive the way Propecia does and does not have any other known side effects. Similar to Rogaine, the main active ingredient in Provillus is Minoxidil. However, Provillus also includes Vitamin B6, Zinc and something called Azelaic acid. Together, these ingredients act as a secondary DHT inhibitor. Another advantage of Provillus is the relatively low cost when compared to competing products. Many have had success using Provillus to treat hair loss, however there is no such thing as a guaranteed hair loss treatment.

The aforementioned treatments are the most effective options available for treating hair loss, and it is up to the individual to weigh the pros and cons of each and decide which treatment is best suited to them. While there are countless other hair loss treatments on the market, most of which claim to work wonders, the reality is that there is no quick fix, and results are mixed. The other options may also have serious side effects such as weight gain. Just as with any other consumer decision-making, when it comes to hair loss treatments, the old adage of "buyer beware" rings true. That's why you might want to try a product such as Provillus, which offers a 180 day money-back guarantee. The good news is that some of these treatments have worked and while you might have to try more than one solution, there is a good chance you can find one that actually reverses your hair loss. This should give hope to anyone suffering the indignities of hair loss.

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