For over ten years now I have been trying just about everything imaginable in an attempt to keep my gradually disappearing locks without having to make a visit, or two, to my local hair transplant surgeon. And while I have been moderately successful in this endeavor, with the help of both topical and oral natural remedies, I am not closed minded to the idea that maybe modern medicine might have something better for hair re-growth.

And that is how minoxidil topical solutions made their way from the store shelf, onto my bathroom counter, and finally on to that gradually expanding bald spot on the crown of my head.

It is the blind spot for male hair loss that most men fail to fully appreciate until one day they walk into a bathroom with double mirrors positioned just right to expose this depressing site.

At this point drastic action is required with most turning to 5% minoxidil hair re-growth products such as Rogaine, or one of the less expensive store brands, hoping for a miracle. And yes, I have tried both of these products despite reading the many warnings included in the informational booklet that accompanies your $50 purchase of a three month supply. Let me quote you what is included under the heading of "What are the most common side effects with men's Rogaine foam?".

The most common side effects are itching and skin irritation of the treated area of the scalp. If scalp irritation continues, stop use and see a doctor. Rogaine foam contains alcohol, which will cause burning or irritation of the eyes. If Rogaine foam accidentally gets into eyes, rinse with large amounts of cool tap water.

While I didn't get any in my eyes I certainly have experienced the itching and skin irritation along with severe dryness, scaling, and dandruff. What was so frustrating about the whole ordeal is that these symptoms only occurred after 5 months of relatively good results.

As you probably know once a man stops using the product any new growth disappears in record time. For anyone who has been through this scenario it is very frustrating, and presents a less than clear picture of where to go once the soothing youthful music supplied by our 5% minoxidil product stops.

But I am here to tell you that you do have a number of very good natural hair re-growth options that are gentle on the scalp, don't promote dandruff, and (at least in my case) protected the new hair which minoxidil use had produced over the a 5 month period. These alternative to minoxidil will cost you a little more but most men would agree that it is hard to put a price tag on what  keeping a full head of hair is really worth.