Hair restoration infomercials are good at selling the dream of having a full head of hair without hair transplant surgery. There are many methods of non surgical hair restoration: oral drugs like Propecia (finasteride), topical drugs like minoxidil, and laser hair treatments are a few medically proven ones. Non-medical hair restoration is basically limited to prosthetic hair, including full wigs, weaves, cap wigs, and integrated hair pieces. These can effectively conceal thinning and balding regardless of the cause of the hair loss.
Hair pieces have come a long way in recent years. They are made from a variety of materials, from human hair to very realistic synthetics. Additionally, there are new methods of attaching hair to the bases of the hair pieces. This allows for a natural looking hair line and pattern that was available with older hair pieces. 
Other alternative hair restoration products include nutritional supplements, shampoos, conditioners, and scalp treatments that aim to produce optimum conditions for hair growth. An over-the-counter shampoo called Nizoral is showing promise as an alternative to minoxidil in promoting new hair growth and thickening. Some people use Nizoral along with minoxidil as a two-pronged over-the-counter approach to hair loss. Others use Nizoral, minoxidil, and Propecia.
Revivogen is an over-the-counter hair loss treatment developed by a dermatologist that is said to reduce the conversion of testosterone to DHT, and high levels of DHT are associated with male pattern hair loss. But because Revivogen acts only on the scalp, it is safe for women to use (while Propecia and other systemic drugs are not) and does not cause the side effects that small numbers of men using Propecia experience (impotence and development of breast tissue being perhaps the two most vexing). However, there have been complaints about ineffectiveness, expense, and smell when it comes to Revivogen.
Dermatologists will often recommend increasing intake of biotin, a B vitamin that can be purchased in drug stores and other retailers. Other "clean living" advice also applies to maximizing growing conditions for hair. Eating a healthy, balanced diet with enough protein and B vitamins is important, as is regular exercise, which promotes good blood circulation throughout the body. Smoking, which constricts blood vessels and introduces a number of toxic chemicals into the body should be avoided.
There are plenty of alternative options to hair transplantation when it comes to treating hair loss. Finding the one that works best may require some trial and error, however.