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The top 7 hair loss treatments (according to science)

Many treatment options are available which have an excellent prospect of treating hair loss and stimulating hair regrowth.

The hair loss (alopecia) could be due to several factors, e.g., hereditary (androgenetic alopecia-male and female pattern baldness), infections, stresses, autoimmune conditions (alopecia areata), nutritional deficiencies etc. Regardless of the cause, you need to know if it could be reversed or not.

Hair loss is not always reversible. However, the current advancements in medicine and surgery have produced a satisfactory solution for almost all types of hair loss. Here, I have described the top 7 hair loss treatments alongside the studies proving their effectiveness.

1. Drugs

The male and female pattern of hair fall is caused by the inheritance of higher sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes the miniaturisation of hair follicles. Similarly, the reduced supply of nutrients and blood to the scalp can also be detrimental.

Many factors can switch hair follicles from the growing phase (anagen) to the resting stage (telogen). The anti-hair fall drugs stimulate hair growth by covering these causes of hair loss. Two commonly used medications for hair loss treatment are;

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

It is present as a 2% or 5% topical solution and is available over the counter. It is recommended for male baldness and is applied directly to the scalp. It improves the blood flow towards the scalp and shifts the hair follicles towards the anagen phase. It should be used for a long time (4-6 months) for visible results.

A review published in 2020 found that 30-40% of the users experienced a visible improvement in hair growth with a twice-daily application of 5% minoxidil solution and the progress of further hair loss was reduced. To know more about its use, click here.

Finasteride

Finasteride is available as 1 mg oral pills. You have to take it for months to see the effects. It is a DHT blocker and suppresses the miniaturisation of the hair follicles. Research has shown that it reduces serum DHT levels by 70%.

It is a prescription drug, and you need to consult a doctor and get a prescription to use it.

An earlier study published in the European Journal of Dermatology in 2002 found that the five-year regular use of 1 mg finasteride produced visible improvement in hair growth and reduced further progression of the male pattern hair loss. The treatment was well tolerated and had no severe side effects.

These drugs have a short half-life, and their effects disappear as soon as you stop using them.

We at Welzo, provide both of these drugs. You can place your order after consulting our online health consultants (in the case of finasteride). Click here to proceed.

2. Scalp massages

Scalp massage is also very effective in increasing blood flow towards the scalp. The nutrients present in these oils also nourish and moisturise the scalp. It stimulates the hair follicles to produce healthier strands.

You can use various commercial oils, or alternately, a combination of essential oils and career oils can be used.

A 2016 research study published in the Eplasty found that 24 weeks of regular hair massage significantly improved the hair's thickness. The results of DNA analysis were even more astonishing. It was noted that the expression of many genes that stimulate hair growth was accelerated while the expression of many genes linked to hair loss was reduced.

3. Manage your life stresses

Besides exacerbating hair loss due to other causes, stress can become a cause of hair loss in itself. It increases the number of hair follicles in the telogen phase that will be sloughed off easily while combing (telogen effluvium). A 2016 study published in PLOS ONE found that stress decreased hair growth and increased hair thinning by disturbing the immune system.

If you experience a sudden increase in hair shedding, it could be due to some stressful event in the past. This hair loss is reversible if the cause is removed. However, you can reduce the stress by;

• Getting complete and peaceful sleep

• Practising yoga

• Regular exercises

• Listening to the music

• Managing your workload and don't allow yourself to be overloaded.

• Resolve your disputed and social issues.

4. Low-level laser therapy

Laser therapy promises to reduce the inflammation in the hair follicles. This procedure doesn't involve any drugs and has shown effectiveness in various studies and clinical trials. It can stop the ongoing hair loss and even help regain the lost hair.

However, it may be costly and extensive studies are required to see its long-term effects. Various types of laser machines are available in the market. These machines use a diode to send low-level laser beams, which cause the dilation of the blood vessels and improve blood circulation in the scalp.

The results of scientific studies are promising. A 2016 review published in Lasers in Medical Science found that low-level laser therapy was safe and effective for male and female pattern hair loss patients that showed very little or no response to the other treatments.

5. Hair transplant

It is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon will remove the healthy hair threads alongside their follicles (hair grafts) from the area with average hair density (back and side of the head) and implants them on the bald spot. It is an invasive surgery and involves various complications and risks. It would help if you made a choice only after understanding them all.

Various techniques, e.g., FUE (follicular unit extraction) and FUT (follicular unit transplantation) are used. The results are moderately good, as a 2019 study published in Skin Appendage Disorders found that 26 out of 34 patients receiving hair transplants reported positive and satisfactory results. The improvements in surgical procedures are, however, rapidly gaining momentum.

It may be costly, but It is a permanent solution to replace the thinning hair as the grafted hairs are resistant to DHT and are less likely to fall away.

6. Injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

In this technique, the platelet-rich plasma is isolated from the person's blood and injected at various points in the infected area. It improves blood circulation and thus enhances hair health.

A 2015 research published in the Stem Cells Transitional Medicine found that three-month PRP (1 session per month) improved the average hair density in the target area by 45.9 hair per square centimetre.

7. Balanced diet

A balanced diet can help with all the issues—hair loss is no exception. Make sure to include a variety of fruits and vegetables, proteins (preferably lean proteins), nuts, whole grains and unsaturated fats in your diet.

The food containing iron, omega 3 fatty acids, high proteins and drinking plenty of water will also help.

It is also worth noting we haven't covered all aspects of hair loss treatment.  Hairguard's blog has a guide to scalp massage and its benefits to hair loss. 

Bottom line

Hair loss can be a very frustrating concern, particularly at a young age. Although it is not a disease and can in no way harm your life. However, if you are not feeling okay, you can opt for any options to treat hair loss after consulting the dermatologist.

These treatment options have excellent potential to slow hair loss and even regrow hair.

At Welzo, we have a lot of information about hair loss, its causes and treatment options. Our experts are also available to provide you with consultancy services. Click here to explore the Welzo world on hair loss.

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