Low Level Laser Used for hair loss treatment utilizes devices that emit a light that can penetrate the scalp. Excimer (308 nm), helium-neon (632.8 nm), and fractional erbium-glass (1550 nm) lasers have been used. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) uses devices with diodes that emit red light (wavelength 630-670 nanometers), or infrared radiation, available as:

• In-salon hoods or overhead panels
• Bonnet or head caps
• Hand-held devices

Low level laser therapy is intended for men and women with thinning hair or pattern baldness caused by a hereditary condition.

Propecia (finasteride) is a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that plays an important role in hair loss.

Propecia is a prescription medicine and is only approved for use in men. There are other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors on the market but Propecia is the only one approved for androgenetic alopecia.

Propecia can cause a decrease in sex drive and sexual function.

Minoxidil can be helpful for male and female pattern baldness, or hair loss due to age and hormones. The exact way that minoxidil works is not known. Other brand names of minoxidil may be available.

Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist, and a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat high blood pressure. Spironolactone is approved as a diuretic but has not been approved as treatment for alopecia, by the FDA.

It has an "off label" use in alopecia, more for female pattern baldness. It inhibits the production of androgens and also blocks the action of androgens at the receptor sites.

Spironolactone can cause decreased libido, impotence, and gynecomastia (excessive development of the male breasts) and is therefore used mainly in women. It can also cause accumulation of potassium in the body (hyperkalemia), which could lead to other serious health problems.

Common side effects in women are breast tenderness, irregular menses, and mood swings. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception as there is a possible risk of feminization of the male fetus, should they become pregnant while on spironolactone.

Oral contraceptives reduce the production of ovarian androgens, so can be used to treat female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). However, your doctor needs to access the risks, considering your medical and lifestyle history, and needs to decide whether oral contraceptives are appropriate for you. Only oral contraceptives with low androgen / should be used to treat androgenetic alopecia. High androgen / pills can actually cause hair loss.

Hormone Replacement Therapy may be useful for treating androgenetic alopecia in menopausal women whose estrogen and/or progesterone are lacking.

Sulfasalazine has been used in severe cases of alopecia areata. It acts on the immune system and is used to treat autoimmune diseases. Its use may be limited because of the incidence of side effects