I could, if I wanted to, easily count the number of hairs that semi-circle around the back of my father's scalp. According to family photo albums, his hairline began to recede, at fighter jet speed, his Freshman year in college. Does his hairline, or lack thereof, bother me? No, not really. But in the event I have a son, I'm glad to know he'll have non-surgical options to consider at a young age if "premature shedding" runs high on the list of things he doesn't like about himself as a teenager. Okay, fine, maybe it seems weird that I'm projecting my own vanity on my not-yet-born-yet-alone-conceived-male child. But with all the other quirky genes my offspring are bound to inherit, I figure problem solving the potential small stuff now, will enable me to focus all my energies on the big stuff later. Or, at the very least, allow me the time to find my future son a good therapist.

There are currently only two non-surgical FDA approved treatments for hair loss: Propecia (Finasteride) and Rogaine (Minoxidil). Propecia, an oral medication for men, is sold by prescription only, and costs an average of $200.00 for a ninety-day supply. There is no guarantee, and studies suggest that if there is no change in hair loss or growth after twelve months, chances are there never will be. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1997, less than two percent of men experience side effects. The small percentage that do, complain of erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness, or acne.

Rogaine, the first over-the-counter drug for hair loss, will run you about $50.00 for a three month supply (regular or extra strength), and has been around since the 1980's. Available in a topical liquid or foam solution, the suggested application is twice a day. Warning: you may experience more hair loss than normal during the initial few weeks of use. Within the first four months, however, the active ingredient has been shown to "reinvigorate shrunken hair follicles, which increases their size and helps regrow thicker hair." The most common side effect is itching where the product has been applied. Seems pretty risk free, huh. Well, before you race out to your local pharmacy or grocery, it's important to know that choosing Minoxidil is not unlike buying a puppy or handing the girlfriend a ring: make sure you really think about the purchase before pulling out the ol' wallet, because you're gonna be stuck with it for a very long time. In short, you must use Rogaine for life or any regrown hair will fall out. Less expensive generic brands are also available.