While the forty percent of all men who are likely to experience some hair loss in their lives constitute an enormous potential market for an effective hair loss remedy, and research to supply them with one is ongoing, only minoxidil has proven somewhat effective in cases of male pattern baldness. Another drug, originally created as a treatment for prostate problems, and now marketed as the pill Propecia, also shows some promise as a hair loss remedy.

But there has yet to be discovered a substance which will function as a universal hair loss remedy. No product currently used as a hair loss remedy can be effective in all instances of hair loss, because there are many underlying causes of baldness. Those people who educate themselves both about the way in which healthy hair grows, and the reasons it stops growing, will be much less likely to be hooked by the exaggerated claims of effectiveness which often accompany the latest hair loss remedy.

Research has indicated that the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, may be one of the major factors in male pattern baldness. Enzymes which can inhibit the body's production of DHT from testosterone are credited with preventing hair loss; minoxidil and finasteride, the active ingredients in Rogaine and Propecia, have each been given FDA approval for use as a hair loss remedy.

Even though a hair loss panacea has yet to be discovered, those suffering from hair loss will benefit from determining why they are experiencing it so they can either search for an appropriate hair loss remedy, or choose not to use one at all.

Some of the conditions leading to hair loss are curable; if its underlying cause is eliminated, the hair loss will take care of itself. Both lupus and diabetes, for instance, may contribute to hair loss in their sufferers, and only by talking with your physician will you know if either of them is a contributing factor in yours.

Stress, both physical and emotional, has been linked to hair loss, which was reversed as soon as the stress-inducing situations were eliminated. In cases of stress, time may be the only hair loss remedy necessary.

Hormone imbalances may lead to hair loss, and if the hormonal balance is restored, hair growth may be as well. If someone is not genetically pre-disposed to hair loss and begins experiencing it, however, he or she should not use any kind of hair loss remedy without first seeing a doctor to determine if there is an organic reason for the condition.

The herb Gotu Kola has been used by Chinese herbalists for centuries s one of the most effective natural hair loss treatments; it has been researched and found to restore the hair and thicken the skin of rats suffering from alopecia. Gotu Kola may have the added benefit of thickening skin in humans as well as restoring hair loss, as thinning of the skin is another common sign of aging.

Another one of the natural hair loss treatments which is claimed to thicken the skin, and relieve some of the pressure on the very tiny blood vessels which transport nutrients to the hair follicles is emu oil.