You can't afford hair transplants but need to do something. What can you do? A Dermatologist may be the best first step to hair loss treatment.

Hair grows normally in cycles. There is a phase when the hair is in an active cycle , which can last from six to ten years. The next cycle is one of regression which last two or three months. This cycle is then followed by a period of rest for two or three weeks.

It's important to understand that each and every hair is made of protein growing from individual hair follicles. When a hair strand falls out of a follicle at the end of the resting period, a new hair starts to grow in its place. Most people lose from fifty to one hundred hairs per day.

Androgenetic or better known as male pattern baldness, is by far the most common type of male hair lose. It can start sometimes as early as the teenage years. Males that are genetically predisposed for baldness can find themselves starting to lose their hair with the beginning of puberty. The reason is that puberty brings an increase in the testosterone production, which in turn increases the DiHydroTestosterone (DHT). DiHydroTestosterone changes the production of new hair in the hair follicles. The hair strands become thinner with each cycle. They grow slower and start to fall out at much shorter lengths. Finally the hair follicle stops producing hair altogether. When this takes place the hair follicle is lost.

One solution and treatment for this problem is to increase the hair growth. A product called Minoxidil is one of the best known products for treatment of this problem. There is a 5 percent mixture for men and a 2 percent mixture for women. It was developed as a pill to treat high blood pressure but was found to also increase hair growth. It was then further developed as a topical solution to treat hair loss. Curbing DHT production will cut down on the damage to the hair follicles and thereby help prevent hair loss. A product called Finasteride/Propecia is also a DHT inhibitor and is taken orally. This product works well for hair loss on top and in the front of the head. You'll need a perscription for Finasteride/Propecia and it is not approved for women or children.

Minoxidil and Finasteride are both FDA approved an must be used daily. Usually it takes three or four months before the effects are seen. Discontinuation of use will result in the return of hair loss.

Sometimes inflammation can cause and contribute to itching and hair loss. There are products like Nizoral, which is a shampoo, that can help with inflammation of the scalp. Retinoic acid, which is a product normally used for acne problems, has also been shown to help with hair growth.

A good approach to a hair loss problem would be a visit to a dermatologist. He can evaluate the family history and determine if genetics, other factors or both are involved. If the problem is male pattern baldness he may prescribe medication. Medication is not a cure, but it can help slow down and many times reverse the hair loss process. Medication can help save normal functioning hair follicles and thereby future hair loss.

It's important to start early, to minimize as much hair loss as possible. Hair loss products are generally not inexpensive. Having a prescription plan can usually cover the cost for such products. There is no known cure for hair loss at the present. Treatment will be an ongoing process, but the results are almost always positive.