Currently there are only two hair loss drugs that are proven to have any real degree of effectiveness. These two hair loss drugs, Propecia and Rogaine, are also the only two drugs that are approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hair loss. For hair loss caused by illness (such as fever), radiation therapy, or medication use, no treatment is necessary. The hair will usually grow back when the illness has ended or the therapy is finished. A wig, hat, or other covering may be desired until the hair grows back. For hair loss due to heredity, age, and hormones, the topical medication Rogaine can be helpful for both male and female pattern baldness. Expect to wait 6 months before you see results. The oral medication Propecia is effective in some men. When either medication is stopped, the former baldness pattern returns. A hair transplant performed by a physician is a surgical approach to transferring growing hair from one part of the head to another. It is somewhat painful and expensive, but usually permanent. Hair weaves, hair pieces, or changes of hair style may disguise hair loss. This is generally the least expensive and safest approach to hair loss. Hair pieces should not be sutured to the scalp because of the risk of scars and infection.