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There are many different types of treatment for hair loss in the market. Choices of products depend on the need of the consumers. However there are only two medical drugs that has been approved by the Ministry of Health in Malaysia and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hair loss. Only the FDA-approved products have gone through rigorous clinical trial testing as to their proven claims, whereas others have yet to do so.
Medical Treatment (Prescription Medicine)
• Finasteride 1mg
• Topical Minoxidil
Scalp Surgery
• Hair Transplant
• Scalp Reduction
• Flap Surgery
Finasteride 1mg
Male pattern hair loss is a medical condition and it is the most common form of hair loss in men. Finasteride 1mg is the most recent therapy approved by the US FDA and many countries worldwide (including Malaysia) for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Unlike the cosmetic products, finasteride 1mg is a prescription medicine that has been scientifically proven to prevent male pattern hair loss and restore hair follicles to their normal size.
| Male pattern hair loss is a medical condition and it is the most common form of hair loss in men. Finasteride 1mg is the most recent therapy approved by the US FDA and many countries worldwide (including Malaysia) for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Unlike the cosmetic products, finasteride 1mg is a prescription medicine that has been scientifically proven to prevent male pattern hair loss and restore hair follicles to their normal size. | |
Finasteride 1mg has been proven to :
• Prevent the continued shrinkage of existing hair follicles.
• Enlarge hair follicles to produce visible results.
Clinical studies in more than three thousand men comparing finasteride 1mg and placebo (non-active pill) established that the benefit of hair loss prevention could be observed after three to six months on finasteride 1mg. In the same studies, most men with male pattern hair loss who are not treated continue to lose hair.
Increased hair counts have been demonstrated with continual use of finasteride after 1 year of treatment. Visible benefits continued to improve during the second year of treatment. A response to finasteride may be seen after four months, but men should be encouraged to continue the treatment for at least 24 months before evaluating it. If successful, the treatment should be continued as the balding process continues when treatment is stopped.
| Results of Treatment | Finasteride |
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12 months |
24 months |
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| Hair regrowth | 48% |
66% |
| No progression of hair loss | 51% |
33% |
| Progression of hair loss | 1% |
1% |
| Total | 100% |
100% |
Hair loss prevention and regrowth data therapy with finasteride 1mg.
Finasteride 1mg is a generally well-tolerated therapy and it is to be taken as once daily oral therapy.
Finasteride 1mg is not indicated for use in women and children.
For more information please consult your doctor.
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Minoxidil is another FDA approved treatment for male/female pattern hair loss. It was originally developed as an oral drug to reduce blood pressure. Researchers recognised this drug's potential as a hair loss treatment when individuals taking minoxidil developed hair growth. Now, minoxidil is available in topical liquid form to rub into the scalp. It is a well-tolerated therapy with minimal side effects. The exact mechanism in which minoxidil treats hair loss is still unknown.
Minoxidil is indicated for external use only. Do not apply minoxidil to any other areas of the body.
Minoxidil is not indicated for pregnant or nursing women.
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A total dose of 1ml should be applied twice a day to the affected scalp. The total dose should not exceed 2ml. Apply minoxidil when the hair and scalp are thoroughly dry. The method of application varies according to the disposable applicator used. Pump spray applicator works best for applying to large areas of the scalp. The extended spray-tip applicator and the rub-on applicator work best for applying to small areas of the scalp under the hair. |
When applied topically, minoxidil has been shown to stimulate hair growth in individuals with male/female pattern hair loss. The onset of hair growth stimulation occurs approximately 4 or more months of use and is variable among patients. Upon discontinuation, new hair growth stops and restoration of pretreatment appearance is expected within 3-4 months.
Results of treatment |
Minoxidil at 12 months |
Hair regrowth |
15% |
No progression of hair loss |
50% |
Progression of hair loss |
35% |
Total |
100% |
Hair loss prevention and regrowth data therapy with minoxidil.
Minoxidil is available in 3 strenghts: 2%, 3% and 5%. Minoxidil 5% is only available as prescription medicine. Minoxidil 2% and 3% can be dispensed by a pharmacist.
Men/Women with a history of underlying heart diseases should consult your doctor before starting minoxidil.
For more information please consult your doctor.
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Hair Transplantation involves the removal of strips of skin containing active, healthy follicles from the back of the head, cutting them into small plugs and replanting them into bald areas of the head. Transplants involving two, three or four follicles at a time generally result in a more natural regrowth pattern. The newly transplanted follicles "think" they are still on the back of the head, an area that is naturally resistant to male/female pattern hair loss.
Of course, hair loss in the non-transplanted area may continue to occur. Alternatively, after the transplant, other forms of medical treatment can be used to prevent further hair loss in the non-transplanted area.
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Scalp reduction is a procedure that involves cutting out a piece of the bald scalp, follows by surgically joining the surrounding hair covered scalp over the removed area. The scalp reduction procedure can cover a bald area on the top or the back of the head.
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Flap Surgery involves taking an area of hair bearing skin from the side of the scalp, and then turning it on axis to lie over the top of the head. In general, grafts are taken from the temporal, parietal, and occipital regions.For the treatment of frontal baldness, the flap must be long enough to cover the frontal region.
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See your doctor to help you select the hair loss treatment best for you.