Men's Rogaine® Extra Strength Men's Rogaine Extra Strength has been available since 1997. It is a 5% minoxidil topical solution that works on hair follicles to reverse their shrinking process and stimulate new growth on the top of your scalp. Men's Rogaine Regular Strength has been available since 1988. It is a 2% minoxidil solution. Rogaine is applied topically (to your skin) and works in the scalp on the follicles. Its most common side effects are mild itching or scalp irritation. Rogaine is the first topical hair loss product to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for use without a prescription. Available over-the-counter, Men's Rogaine Extra Strength averages $20 per bottle, or less than a dollar a day. See examples of how Rogaine regrows hair. Propecia Propecia*® was approved by the FDA as a prescription drug in 1997. Propecia is a smaller dosage (1 mg) of an existing drug called Proscar® (finasteride 5 mg). Proscar is used to treat an enlarged prostate gland. Finasteride has demonstrated the ability to help stop hair thinning and hair loss, and to promote hair growth in men with mild-to-moderate hair loss. Propecia is taken orally in pill form. It blocks the formation of a male hormone that contributes to hair loss. In clinical studies, 3.8% of men reported one or more sexual side effects, including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. These side effects stopped in all men who discontinued therapy with Propecia, and in 58% of those who continued therapy. Propecia is available only with a prescription. It costs about $60 a mon