Rogaine

Rogaine contains a chemical called minoxidil that, possibly through increasing the rate of cell division, causes hair to grow on some balding men. While this may seem like a miracle cure, there are several facts that you should be aware of

• Once you start using Rogaine, you must continue using it or the hair that it causes to grow will fall out. At $30 US per bottle this is $10,800 US over a 30 year period

• Rogaine tends to grow hair only on the top of a man’s head (the crown). Most men want more hair primarily as a hairline enhancement

• Rogaine is an oily liquid that is very slow to dry, it stays wet on your scalp for over an hour and requires two applications per day. This liquid dries into what look like large dandruff flakes before falling off.

In Canada, Rogaine requires a prescription from a medical doctor (an PHL Clinics Physician could prescribe it for you. Ask for details.)

Propecia Compared to Extra Strength Rogaine
	Propecia	Rogaine
What is it ?	A pill containing 1mg of finasteride	A liquid containing 5% minoxidil
How it works	Blocks the male hormone causing baldness	Possibly through increasing the rate of cell division
Percentage of users who have no response	35	20
percentage of users who experience some hair growth within a year	52	59
Monthly cost	$50 US	$30 US

Propecia

Propecia is the trade name of the drug Finasteride that Merck developed in the late 1980’s to treat prostrate enlargement. It is taken orally as a pill. Another effect of the drug is that (in some men) it blocks the hormone that causes hair loss and causes hair to grow.

As with Rogaine, once you stop using Propecia, the hair that you grew will fall out. Therefore, indefinite use is required to retain Propecia’s benefits.
Also, a small portion of users in Propecia studies experienced loss of libido and erectile dysfunction.
Men's Health put the cost of using Propecia for 30 years at $18,000US
Propecia requires a prescription from a medical doctor (an PHL Clinics Physician could prescribe it for you. Ask for details.)

Toupees/wigs/systems/weaves

The modern hair system bears little resemblance to the less real looking toupee of yesteryear. Not only do hair systems look great but they are held firmly in place with glue or tape. They do require maintenance: they must be removed from your head and cleaned on a regular basis. Also, the hair on the system will become worn out and thus must be replaced.

The major drawback to wigs are the high cost of maintenance as they need to be replaced every year to year and a half. In the long run, this makes wigs the most expensive solution to your baldness. A study by Men’s Health magazine (June,1999) put this cost at $72,000 US over 30 years.

However for extremely bald men wanting a full head of hair the hair system can be the only option. Combining a hair system with a hair transplant is an option: the transplant would create a totally natural looking hairline and the hair system would cover the crown.

PHL Clinics does not sell hair systems. However, if you are interested in one, we would be pleased to recommend a reputable hair system shop in your area.