When you are searching for a way to combat the effects of balding, there are many different directions you can turn. From the simple solution of wearing a wig to full-blown surgery, people will go to great lengths to have a full head of hair again.

One common option is the use of topical ointments applied to the scalp that are meant to stimulate hair growth. This option is often readily available over the counter and is perhaps the most attractive concept since it can be done at home at a relatively low cost. However, when examining the actual results of topical hair growth ointments, it becomes clear this concept might be too good to be true.

How Do Topical Ointments Work?

The idea of using an at-home treatment that stimulates your own hair to grow sounds like the ideal solution, which of course has been the premise of most marketing campaigns for topical ointments. The way topical ointments work is you apply the cream or foam to balding areas of the scalp on a regular basis. Over time, hair is supposed to start regrowing on its own. Sounds like a great treatment right? The results however, are not so great.

How Effective Are Topical Ointments?

When used correctly, it has been found that topical ointment hair growth treatments only stimulate hair growth in about half of people who use it. Topical ointment treatments have also only been found to stimulate hair growth in people who are in the very early stages of hair loss. If you have been losing hair for five years or more, topical ointments will most likely be completely ineffective.

Topical ointments have also been shown to be ineffective when treating a receding hairline, the only area that may see some improvement is at the crown of the head. Regardless of where the hair grows, what will show up on your scalp if you do see results won’t really be strands of full-blown hair. Most people report that when they see results from a topical ointment treatment, the hair is basically just “peach fuzz.”

What Are the Risks of Using Topical Ointments?

While the risks of using topical ointments don’t compare to the risks of getting surgical hair replacement, it isn’t without its dangers. The most common side effects of topical ointments are itchiness and irritation to the scalp, along with dandruff. While it is a rare occurrence, topical ointment treatments have been known to trigger dizziness, fainting, and a rapid heartbeat. These more severe symptoms are more likely to occur if your scalp is sunburned or injured, which can go unnoticed if you are prone to dandruff or dry skin. Other possible symptoms include swollen hands and feet and weight gain.

In contrast to the meager results and potential unpleasant side effects of topical ointment treatments, Patrick the Groomsmith offers a brilliant non-surgical and side-effect-free method of hair replacement that creates exceptional results. Contact Patrick Hill today to learn more.