Many people suffering from hair loss prefer not to use the strong drugs and medications that currently form the best available treatment options. They may have tried a range of treatments but found they did not work or perhaps suffered unpleasant side effects. What options are left for such people, especially if they do not wish to consider surgery?

There are a number of solutions available but the final decision will be strongly influenced by the amount of thinning that needs to be covered.

1. Creative styling - this is perhaps the easiest option but its success depends on how far your hair loss has progressed. Slight balding can easily be camouflaged by careful grooming but attempts at covering large bald patches can end up looking ridiculous. One option for men with extensive thinning is to shave the head completely but this is not for everyone.

2. Hair cosmetics - this can include anything from hair thickening / volumizing products to dyes and fibers that blend with existing hair. Once again, these solutions really only work if the area of scalp to be covered is minimal.

3. Head coverings - seen by many as a last resort, wigs and hairpieces offer a further option. Once an object of derision, hairpieces have improved beyond recognition in recent years, although the price you are prepared to pay will determine the realism of the final result. Wigs come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from real or synthetic hair, but be warned the best ones are very expensive.