It has been estimated that spending on hair loss treatments in the US runs at somewhere around $1.5 billion every year. Yes, that's right - one and a half BILLION dollars in America alone. Expand that to cover the rest of the globe and you're talking a truly staggering figure.

Why so much money? Well, the obvious answer from a consumer perspective is, "Because everything's so bloody expensive!" Although somewhat facetious, there's a lot of truth in that statement. Products like Minoxidil (brand name Regaine or Rogaine) or Finasteride are expensive - and on top of that you have to keep taking them for the rest of your life if you want to maintain their benefits (assuming, that is, you're one of the few who actually see any significant benefits). In fact, it's even worse than that, not only are you locked in for the long term but there's also a delay before you even find out if they work for you.

The other main solution to hair loss is, of course, the hair transplant, and we all know how prohibitively expensive those can be - especially micro-grafts.

Want a cheaper option? Fine, get a wig. Want a good wig, professionally made and professionally fitted? Sorry, that's expensive too.

Still, if you think the consumer is paying too much for hair loss remedies consider for a moment the medical research companies desperately looking for a cure for baldness. Hair follicle multiplication (commonly referred to as hair cloning) may be the holy grail we're all searching for but if you thought it will come cheap, think again - the companies working in this field are investing astronomical funds. If or when a solution hits the market don't expect to afford a holiday that year.

Baldness is something which affects people from all walks of life. Unfortunately the fight against it is being won primarily by those with the deepest pockets - don't expect that to change any time soon.