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Hair > Stimulating Hair Growth

Rogaine ® brand of minoxidil is available as an over-the-counter foam or liquid that is applied to the hair in men or women. It is used to treat baldness and has the ability to reverse or slow down the balding process. It is more effective in the front and central parts of the scalp. Its mechanism of action is not really understood. Hair loss will resume if the medication is discontinued.

Propecia ® and Proscar ® are versions of finasteride, a drug called an aza-steroid that is generally used only in men. It blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which acts negatively on certain key receptors on the scalp.

Latisse ® is a newer preparation used to promote the growth of the eyelashes. It is discussed in the Eyes Section that can be accessed above.

Shampoos (either prescription or over-the-counter) containing ketoconazole, which is both an anti-fugal agent but also a hair growth stimulant, may help slow the balding process.

Black cohosh, green tea, caffeine, and copper peptides all seem to possess very mild hair stimulating activity.

Researchers have recently announced a breakthrough that may cure baldness in the future using stem cells. Some predict a product on the market within a few years.