Which Treatments for Hair Loss Actually Work? Exploring Five Options.

A receding hairline will someday be a painful reality for an estimated 85% of men in the United States. Women aren’t exempt from these statistics, as over 21 million will also deal with thinning hair at some point.

If you’re sick of watching your scalp grow more noticeable by the day, it’s time to consider treatments for hair loss. Let’s explore some top options so you can determine the best hair loss treatment strategy for your situation.

 

What Causes Hair Loss?

While the symptoms tend to look the same, hair loss can have many causes. Male and female patterned hair loss (the most common type) tend to be hereditary and occur due to increased levels or sensitivities to male hormones. This leads once-thick hairs to become short and thin, often to the point that they break off or fall out entirely.

You may also experience hair loss due to an autoimmune disorder like alopecia or lupus, among others. Some people notice that they start losing hair several months after a stressful event like a divorce or car accident and many women experience hair loss once they stop birth control or have a baby.

 

Five Top Treatments for Hair Loss

If you are dealing with moderate to severe hair loss, one of the following five treatments may slow down the process. 

 

1. Male Hormone Management

Unbalanced hormones are a leading cause of hair loss, so medications that decrease the level of a hormone known as dihydrotestosterone is a foundational treatment for hair loss. One popular option is Propecia, a supplement many men find slows down or even reverses their hair loss. Unfortunately, your hair loss will resume if you stop taking it.

Women may have success taking spironolactone as a treatment for hair loss, though the clinical evidence isn’t as strong that it will work.

 

2. Topical Minoxidil

Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine, and it’s a popular topical treatment for both male and female hair loss. Though there’s some confusion about why it works, it seemingly improves the delivery of nutrients to your hair follicles, so they stay healthy and support hair growth.

 

3. Light Therapy

Low-level laser light (also known as red light therapy) seems to stimulate the hair follicles to promote growth and retention for both men and women, making it one of the most popular at-home treatments for hair loss.

You can purchase a laser comb or hat without a prescription and use it for several minutes daily to stimulate your scalp. For best results, pair it with another hair loss treatment.

 

4. Derma-rolling

Also called micro-needling, derma-rolling is considered a promising way to stimulate hair growth. The idea is that tiny needles are used to poke thousands of holes into your scalp where hair loss is most prevalent.

If you commit to monthly treatments, you should start to see regrowth within six months.

 

5. Supplements

While hair vitamins that contain compounds like biotin remain one of the most popular treatments for hair loss, there is limited evidence that they offer any advantage if you already eat lots of healthy, whole foods.

That said, these supplements are safe and might be beneficial if you are following a restrictive diet. 

 

Brentwood Dermatology Offers Treatments for Hair Loss

If these treatments for hair loss feel overwhelming, it’s time to get the expert opinion.

Brentwood Dermatology is here to help you find the right treatment for your situation. We have provided skin care services to patients in Brentwood, TN, for decades and look forward to helping you feel confident about your hair again.

Please contact us today to learn about our most recommended treatments for hair loss. You can call (615) 436-8682 to book your first appointment.