Hair loss treatments are mostly ineffective

Hereditary hair loss and thinning hair are common concerns in women, but many popular treatments don’t do any good. Americans spent an estimated $176 million on hair loss products last year, and chances are some of that money was not well spent.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 30 million women in this country have hereditary hair loss, compared with 50 million men. But many additional women experience thinning hair that results from menopause or health problems.

If your hair is coming out, be advised that of the multitude of treatments on the market for women, few are worth your money, says Dr. Melissa Piliang, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. Don’t let charming salon owners, seductive ads or fancy gimmicks convince you otherwise.